Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game kicks off on the BBC ahead of the Men’s FIFA World Cup

The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance

Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.

Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.

The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.

For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.

Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.

Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.

“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.

“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.

“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.

“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”

Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.

Edinburgh woman to run the London Marathon following treatment for blood cancer 

A woman from Edinburgh, living in London, is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Lymphoma Action following successful treatment for lymphoma.

Catherine Staines was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2023. After receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Catherine is now in remission and will be running the iconic marathon route on Sunday 26 April to support the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma.

Catherine’s fundraising page can be found at:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/catherine-staines-1 

“I had never even heard of Hodgkin lymphoma before my diagnosis,” says Catherine, 26. “It was a Lymphoma Action information pack, handed to me by a nurse in hospital, that helped me understand what was happening and what lay ahead in terms of treatment.

“Lymphoma Action gave my family and I clarity and support at a time of fear and confusion. Their resources made me feel informed, less alone and better prepared for what was to come. Now I am in remission, I want to give back to a Charity that supported me through what was a very challenging time.

“Training for a marathon is a real challenge, but raising funds for this important cause keeps me motivated” she adds. “When I was going through treatment, all I wanted was to be active again. I missed that part of life: moving, training and feeling strong. Now I can look forward to crossing the finish line and celebrate feeling healthy and capable again after everything I’ve been through.”

“We are so grateful to Catherine for her support, and we can’t wait to cheer her on from the sidelines on race day!” says Laura Thompson, Challenge Events Fundraiser at Lymphoma Action.

“Every year, more than 18,000 people in the UK are told they have lymphoma, making it the most common type of blood cancer. With this year marking our 40th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to transform the experience of people affected by lymphoma.

“Thanks to the support of amazing people like Catherine, we can make sure that people can navigate a lymphoma diagnosis with the information, support and community they need so that no one faces lymphoma alone.”

For further information about lymphoma, and the work of Lymphoma Action please visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Animatronic pig shocks Edinburgh by exposing ‘pregnancy cage cruelty’ with installation in city centre

  • ‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
  • ‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass 

Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms. 

Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.

Abdullah from Livingstone, said: “Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”

According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.

The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.

James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said: “It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”

Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.

Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.

Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens. 

Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars. 

“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.” 

ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.

As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.  

humaneworld.org

Dementia-friendly Mamma Mia at North Edinburgh Arts

THURSDAY 23 APRIL at 1.30pm – FREE EVENT

It’s time for another dementia-friendly film club, and this month we’re heading to a Greek island!

Join us for a free screening of Mamma Mia! – the feel-good 2008 musical packed with romance, laughter, and those irresistible ABBA tunes. Singing along? Getting up to dance? Absolutely encouraged 🙂

📅 Thursday 23 April

🕐 Doors open 1.15pm | Screening starts 1.30pm

📍 North Edinburgh Arts

🎟️ Free entry

Our dementia-friendly screenings are open to everyone, with low lighting throughout, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a short interval, and light refreshments.

To book or to let us know about any accessible seating requirements, get in touch:

📞 Call or text: 07493 876130

📧 Email: fiona@northedinburgharts.co.uk

Police: Have you seen Jack?

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace 20-year-old Jack Beedie who has been reported missing in Aberdeen.

Jack was last seen around 1pm on Friday, 27 March, 2026, at Aberdeen Bus Station and was reported missing on Sunday, 12 April. It is believed he may have travelled to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

He is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, of slim build, with short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots.

Sergeant James Dainton said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Jack’s welfare and would urge anyone who may have seen him, or who has any information that could assist, to come forward.

“If you think you can help, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2564 of 12 April.”

TUC: 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in past year

  • New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year 
  • 45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months 
  • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”  

A new survey published by the TUC today (Friday) shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year. The findings, based on a survey of 5,004 workers, show that in the last 12 months: 

  • 1 in 5 (19.4%) have experienced physical assault  
  • 1 in 10 (9.9%) have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence at work 
  • 8 in 10 (79.1%) have experienced verbal abuse such as shouting, insults or threats at work 
  • 4 in 10 (44.9%) have experienced threats of physical harm  

The report is published as the TUC holds its Violence at Work conference today, established following concerns from unions about violence and abuse against public-facing workers. 

More than 8 in 10 (84.1 %) of respondents said their roles are public facing.  

The report finds:  

  • 11.8% work in education 
  • 38.9% work in transport 
  • 9.9% work in prisons or secure facilities 
  • 4.9% work in health and social care 
  • 14.9% work in central or local government  

When asked how regularly they experience violence or abuse at work, more than half of workers (51.4%) said they experience violence or abuse weekly or more, while 17.1% said they experienced violence or abuse on a monthly basis. 

When asked who is responsible for the violence and/or abuse workers have experienced: 

  • 45.9% said customers were the perpetrators 
  • 36.4% said passengers 
  • 15.2% said other members of the public 
  • 10.9% said pupils or students 
  • 9.2% said colleagues 
  • 8.5% said managers  

When asked about the impact of the most severe incidents they have experienced, 48.7%% said they feared for their safety, 13.9% said they experienced physical injury, 8.9% required medical treatment, 26.2% required police involvement, 16.8% had to take time off work, while 32.8% experienced mental trauma. 

More than half (51.9%) of those who did not report it said it was because violence is seen as “part of the job”, while 33.7% said they felt it would not be taken seriously. 

Health and Safety Executive 

The TUC says employers have a legal duty to keep staff safe at work and all employers must assess the health and safety risks in their workplaces. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can prosecute employers who do not manage the risks of violence. 

HSE inspectors play a vital role in keeping workplaces safe. 

But the TUC says the HSE has been left “struggling to operate” due to the “devastating” impact of cuts under the Tory government. 

The HSE – the country’s main workplace health and safety regulator – has seen its funding cut by more than 50% since 2010. 

As a result, inspector numbers, inspections, and employer sanctions are at an all-time low – putting workers at risk.  

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living – violence at work is never ‘part of the job’. 

“Nobody should go to work fearing for their safety, but that is the reality for thousands of our vital frontline workers. 

“The Tories left the HSE in tatters and left the current government cleaning up their mess. But ministers must reinvest in the HSE, so we have more inspectors visiting workplaces and enforcing safety rules. 

“My message to anyone worried about their safety and welfare at work is to join a union. We know that unionised workplaces are safer because union reps work with employers to reduce risks.”

Two men arrested following £98,000 drug recovery in Edinburgh

More than £98,000 worth of illegal drugs have been recovered in Edinburgh.

On Thursday, 16 April, 2026, officers acting on intelligence attempted to stop a vehicle in Murrayburn Drive. The car was found crashed in the Calder Gardens area a short time later and two men were arrested. No serious injuries were reported.

Drugs including cocaine, pink cocaine and heroin worth £98,180 were recovered, as well as a bladed weapon and a four-figure sum of cash. The vehicle was also found to be stolen.

The men, both aged 23, were charged in connection and were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 17 April, 2026.

Sergeant Will Dickson, from Edinburgh West Local Initiative Team, said: “This is a significant recovery which means a large quantity of drugs will remain off our streets.

“Information from the community is absolutely vital and I’d like to thank them for their cooperation and the information they’ve provided.

“This result shows we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to trace those committing crimes in our communities and make our community a safer place for all.”

Anyone with information or concerns should speak to officers or contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

RSV maternal vaccine cuts baby hospital admissions by up to 85%

Largest real-world study in England confirms premature infants protected by vaccination

A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) study  Maternal RSV vaccination and reduced risk of hospitalisation for babies in England 2024/25, clearly shows the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme is providing over 80% protection for newborn infants, including those born prematurely.

The study found vaccination at least 2 weeks before the birth gave 81.3% protection. A narrow range of statistical uncertainty, 78.9% to 83.4%, means there is high confidence in the protective effect of the vaccine.  

The study, which analysed data from the first year of vaccine roll out (24/25), is believed to be the largest study in the world evaluating the effect of maternal RSV vaccination in preventing infants being hospitalised for RSV chest infection.  

RSV causes  bronchiolitis (infection and inflammation of the small airways of the lung) and is a major cause of hospital admission in infants.      

The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns.  

The study followed nearly 300,000 babies born between September 2024 and March 2025, representing around 90% of all births in England during this period. Using routinely collected electronic health records, UKHSA researchers assessed the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing hospital admissions. More than 4,500 hospitalisations occurred in this cohort, the vast majority in infants whose mothers had not been vaccinated.  

Getting the vaccine on time was best (in week 28 or soon after that), as babies born at least 4 weeks after their mother was vaccinated had nearly 85% protection. But importantly, even vaccination later in pregnancy still gives some protection, with vaccination as close as 10 to 13 days before birth reducing hospital admissions by 50%.  

The study, which will be presented today (18 Apri)l at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) global conference, also found that premature babies, who are particularly vulnerable to RSV, can be well protected, provided there is at least 2 weeks between vaccination and birth.  

Matt Wilson, Epidemiologist at UKHSA, presenter and lead author, said:  “Our evaluation of the first season of the programme in England gives important confirmation that maternal RSV vaccination is highly protective for newborn infants, over 80%, and that effectiveness reached nearly 85% when vaccination occurred at least 4 weeks before birth.  

“These findings are also particularly important for preterm infants, who are among the most vulnerable to severe RSV infection.  With sufficient time between vaccination and birth, we saw good levels of protection in these babies.

“Giving the vaccination early in the third trimester, as recommended by the World Health Organization, could protect most preterm infants, so it’s important that midwives and other healthcare workers offer vaccination on time with the schedule – and that pregnant women promptly take it up.”

Maternal RSV vaccine uptake in England continues to climb, reaching 55% during the study period and the latest data showing uptake rising to 64.1% for women who gave birth in November 2025.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, one of the senior authors and national  programme lead for RSV, said:  “RSV can cause life-threatening chest infections for babies. Half of newborns will have caught RSV before they are a year old. As an expectant parent you have no idea if they are going to be severely ill or not.   

“Our analysis of the RSV vaccination programme in England is important confirmation of the results from the clinical trial, but this study is 40 times bigger and clearly shows the hugely beneficial effect on reducing hospital admission.

“Getting vaccinated in week 28 of pregnancy or soon after gives excellent protection to both term and preterm babies when they are tiny and most vulnerable to severe RSV. The RSV vaccine gives a brilliant boost to the pregnant woman’s immune system so it can pass antibodies through the placenta and protect the baby from the day they are born.”

Photography competition celebrates World Heritage Day

Photography enthusiasts are being encouraged to enter a competition running until October celebrating three decades of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 making this World Heritage Day (Saturday, 18 April) so special as the competition is part of the Site’s 30th birthday celebrations.

This makes this weekend the perfect time to explore the Old and New Towns to capture images of one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world.

The winner of the competition, which is run by Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Council, will receive a year’s membership to Historic Scotland.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

This year’s World Heritage Day celebrations also include the following event:

DID JOHN BAYNE TAKE A SECRET TO HIS GRAVE?

TODAY (Saturday 18 April) as part of the Legacies in Stone project, Edinburgh World Heritage, the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Council (funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund) aim to lift the lid on a secret centuries in the making: does a broken gravestone in John Bayne’s mausoleum hide a forgotten burial vault?

By repairing a simple flat grave slab, the aim is to unlock the mystery of this unique tomb in Scotland’s most famous kirkyard.

How to join:

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This year World Heritage Day is so special as there is much to celebrate. The 30th birthday is a significant achievement and milestone to reach as looking after the Site with our partners takes a lot of care and has many challenges. Edinburgh is a living, breathing city and it needs to be well managed to balance the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.

“This World Heritage Day is a great time to enter our photography competition as it’s a lovely time of year to capture the changing light, sunsets and skylines this part of our stunning capital city is so famous for.

“The beautiful spring flowers appearing in the many gardens and open spaces are also there for us all to enjoy. If you’re interested in photography, why not explore the area this weekend to capture what inspires you most about the Old and New Towns.

“You could combine your visit to find out if John Bayne took a secret to his grave by attending the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard – or if history is more your interest – just attend the event instead.”

George Findlater, Head of Community and Economic Development at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “After thirty years of being a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh continues to inspire admiration from visitors and locals alike.

“We are excited to offer a year’s membership to Historic Scotland as a prize in the photography competition, and World Heritage Day is a terrific opportunity to bring out your camera and capture what makes Edinburgh so unique across the competition categories.”

Douglas Brotherston, Chairman of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Thirty years as a World Heritage Site is quite a wonderful achievement and we are delighted at Edinburgh World Heritage, together with our partners at HES and the City of Edinburgh Council to mark the occasion by holding this photography competition.

“The unique appeal of Edinburgh’s streets and landscapes, skylines and special heritage is so varied, it lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We hope that we will get many entries from locals and visitors alike who can capture the glorious views of our spectacular city.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

  1. Medieval Old Town
  2. Neo-classical New Town
  3. Gardens and open spaces
  4. Urban planning/street layout
  5. Topography and skyline
  6. Public and commercial monuments
  7. Conservation
  8. Layering of heritage
  9. Architectural detail
  10. Graveyards
  11. Juxtaposition
  12.  The Living City