New GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub has arrived at Fort Kinnaird
Includes 12 ultra-rapid 400kW-capable EV charging bays
Visitors to Fort Kinnaird can now charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at speed while shopping, thanks to the opening of a new GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub.
Located next to the A1 in Newcraighall, south-east Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird is one of the UK’s largest outdoor retail destinations with over 70 shops, restaurants and leisure options, making it a hugely popular destination for the region.
The new Electric Super Hub features 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, located near Caffè Nero, equipped with the latest 400kW-capable chargers and powered by 100% net-zero carbon energy.
Plug in and the latest electric vehicles will be able to add more than 100-miles of range in less than 10 minutes. To make charging even more convenient, all chargers are available 24/7, accept contactless payment and feature an improved user interface with large screen that displays the vehicle’s real-time charging status.
Electric Super Hubs are a vital part of GRIDSERVE’s nationwide EV charging network, the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, and Fort Kinnaird is one of five retail parks owned by British Land that GRIDSERVE is supporting with the fastest, most reliable and most convenient EV charging provision.
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said:“It’s fantastic to bring ultra-rapid charging to Fort Kinnaird combining speed with convenience.
“This location underlines GRIDSERVE’s commitment to expanding super-fast, reliable EV charging infrastructure across Scotland and the UK, making it easier than ever for EV drivers to charge confidently as part of their everyday journeys.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “Introducing electric vehicle charging at Fort Kinnaird is an important step forward for us.
“More of our shoppers from the local community and beyond are choosing to use EV or hybrid cars, so we need to make it as easy as possible for them to make greener travel choices. It’s about keeping pace with how people want to travel, while doing our bit for the environment.”
£17 million to support workers and communities and create more green jobs
Up to £17 million will be available to help create green jobs, support innovation, diversify energy supply chains, and enable workers to transition into low-carbon roles.
In addition, for the first time, community organisations and social enterprises will be amongst a range of organisations eligible to apply for a guaranteed share from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for the North East and Moray.
The Fund will also include new development grants to help groups strengthen or scale up emerging project ideas and will include:
up to £3 million capital and £1 million resource for community and social enterprise projects – including specific funding to give communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent
up to £10 million for large‑scale commercial projects focused on jobs, skills and economic transition – with a minimum project size of £500,000
up to £3 million to support small and medium enterprises in the oil and gas supply chain diversifying into low‑carbon markets – expanding the provision of the ETZ Supply Chain Challenge Fund
The JTF has invested more than £85 million into 28 projects across the region since 2022 – helping to support hundreds of jobs and companies entering the offshore wind, marine energy and carbon capture sectors.
Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin announced the latest round of JTF funding during a site visit to Verlume LTD, a global leader in subsea batteries and power management systems. The organisation received £2.5 million in the 2025-26 round of the JTF to deliver a fully functional prototype of the world’s first subsea grid-forming battery system.
Ms Martin said: “Since 2022, the Just Transition Fund has supported hundreds of jobs with more than £85 million investment into 28 projects across the North East and Moray. It is just one of the strands of Scottish Government support for the region.
An Expanded Just Transition Fund has reopened with £17 million to boost green jobs, support innovation, and help communities across the North East and Moray to transition to a low‑carbon future.
“This year, we’re making important changes to the funding available based on advice from the Just Transition Commission and the Just Transition Lab. For the first time, community groups and social enterprises will be guaranteed support for larger projects, alongside our continued backing of the Participatory Budgeting Fund which gives communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent in their areas to help address specific local needs.
“We’re also helping communities get ready for future funding by offering development grants. These will support groups who may not otherwise be able to benefit to build the skills and confidence they need to plan and apply for bigger projects in the years ahead.
“We’re also continuing to help the energy sector shift and grow, including funding to support businesses in the supply chain as they adapt. All of this means we can offer wider support to local organisations while creating new jobs and fresh opportunities for people across the North East.
“It’s vital that Scotland’s expertise, innovation, and huge renewable energy potential not only help the planet, but also ensure a fair and inclusive transition for everyone in the North East of Scotland.”
Verlume CEO Richard Knox said: “Support from the Just Transition Fund has been transformational for Verlume, enabling the development of the world’s first grid-forming subsea battery co-located with offshore wind.
“This project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing renewable energy today, grid stability and wind curtailment, while demonstrating how offshore oil and gas expertise can be redeployed directly into the clean energy system.
“Beyond accelerating innovation, the Fund has helped secure and create high-value jobs while allowing us to extensively utilise Scottish suppliers across fabrication, engineering and specialist services, ensuring that the economic value of this project is distributed across the North East Scotland supply chain, not just concentrated within a single company.”
University of Aberdeen Just Transition Lab, Professor Tavis Potts and Professor John Bone said: “The research from the Just Transition Lab has shown that communities need to be at the centre of the transition to the low carbon economy. In ‘Time to Deliver’ and ‘Regional Planning for a Just Transition’ we called for a more transparent approach and a more generous and consistent funding stream, with more emphasis on capacity building.
“The Scottish Government has listened. The ringfenced funding for community and social enterprise projects, including capital and resource costs, is a major improvement and addresses a key shortcoming in previous rounds. The commitment to capacity building ensures that this can support Northeast communities at all stages, fundamental for sharing the benefits of the transition.”
Applications for this bidding round have opened today (2 March).
Applications to the commercial and public sector funding pot will close on 8th May. Applications to the community and social enterprise funding pot will close on 22nd May.
We have an exciting new opportunity for a male volunteer during our boys group!
This is a great chance to gather some youth work experience and to grasp a unique insight on what it is like for young males growing up in todays society!
The christening robe worn by 62 royal babies, including Queen Elizabeth II, will go on show this April as part of the centenary exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace – a rare appearance that is thought to be the first time the robe has ever been on public display.
Made 185 years ago, the christening robe was first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Princess Victoria, for her christening in 1841. It was then carefully passed down and worn by consecutive generations of royal babies, including by Queen Elizabeth at her christening in May 1926 when she was just one month old.
The robe is among approximately 200 items from Queen Elizabeth’s fashion archive that will go on display from 10 April in the largest exhibition of her clothing ever staged, charting her style across ten decades.
Its display at The King’s Gallery is especially poignant as the gallery stands on the site of the private chapel at Buckingham Palace where the future Queen was christened, before the chapel was destroyed in the Blitz.
Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said, ‘The christening robe was the most significant garment worn by Princess Elizabeth in her infancy and is an exceptional example of British craftsmanship – something Queen Elizabeth went on to champion throughout her life.
“As the earliest piece of clothing worn by the Queen, and by so many royal babies before and after her, it holds a special place in her wardrobe. We are delighted to be able to share it with as many people as possible in this centenary year.’
Made of cream Spitalfields silk from East Londonand overlaid with fine Honiton lace made in Devon, the robe was created by Janet Sutherland, Queen Victoria’s Scottish dressmaker and ‘Embroider to the Queen’.
Although the silks used were the finest available at the time – Queen Victoria’s wedding dress had also been made of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace – silk is naturally susceptible to degradation.
The robe became fragile over time, and areas including the central panel, perhaps where little legs may have kicked, had worn thin. Although the robe had been repaired in the 1960s, by 2004, Queen Elizabeth decided it had become too delicate and commissioned an exact replica to be made, which has been worn for every subsequent royal christening.
The original christening robe has undergone 100 hours of careful conservation treatment by Royal Collection Trust’s textile conservator Cecilia Oliver in advance of going on display, with work including meticulous repairs of holes and subtle reinforcements to delicate parts of the fabric.
It was also gently handwashed section by section and was one of the most significant conservation projects of the exhibition.
Visitors will also see a note handwritten by Queen Elizabeth recording some of the babies to have worn the robe – a tradition started by her grandmother Queen Mary, after the robe came into her care from Queen Victoria.
The note reveals the importance of the robe for the Royal Family as an heirloom and symbol of continuity, and will be accompanied in the exhibition by the bonnet, silk satin shawl, sash, bows and ribbons embroidered with national emblems that were also traditionally worn for christenings.
Textile conservator Cecilia Oliver said, ‘The robe has been lovingly cared for over the generations – we even found a note on its box instructing that it be washed in natural spring water after use, which helps explain its remarkable condition despite such frequent use.
“However, after 185 years and 62 christenings, it was in need of conservation. It has been an honour and a privilege to work on such a special historic garment.’
The exhibition opens on 10April with adult price tickets at £22.
As part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Collection, £1 tickets are available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits throughout the exhibition’s run.
Additional concessions are available including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds.
Events
Slow Looking: Conservation of Queen Elizabeth II’s Christening Robe
Tuesday 12 May, 13:00–14:00
Join textile conservator Cecilia Oliver for a free online talk about the conservation of the royal christening robe, accompanied by a guided slow looking exercise.
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “The earlier disturbance in the Calder area of Edinburgh is now contained and there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public.
“The incident is not being treated as terror related.
“Officers were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens around 8.25am.
“Specialist resources, including firearms officers, are in attendance at a property nearby and enquiries are ongoing.
“Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
“I understand this is an alarming incident for the local community. I want to reassure the public, officers will remain in the area as our enquiries continue. Anyone with information or concerns can approach these officers or call us on 101.”
The Edinburgh-based charity will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7th March, to display its range of dementia care services and carer support programmes.
The Eric Liddell Community will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7 March 2026, inviting local residents to discover the charity’s vital dementia care services and carer support programmes at a special Open Day in Morningside.
With around 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia, and an estimated 1.7 million people providing unpaid care, the need for accessible, compassionate support has never been greater. For decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been a cornerstone of care in Edinburgh, offering specialist dementia day services, practical and emotional support for carers, and a welcoming space for connection and community.
Taking place at the charity’s home on Morningside Road, the Open Day will give visitors the opportunity to explore the vibrant community hub, learn more about its sector leading Dementia Day Care Service, and find out how carers can access dedicated support. Guests can also discover the charity’s open community activities, designed to reduce loneliness and foster meaningful connections.
The event will include guided tours of the building, interactive taster sessions that demonstrate how programmes are delivered, and opportunities to meet the experienced and compassionate team who continue Eric Liddell’s legacy of care.
Jo Wright, Building Operations Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, said: “If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind our stained glass windows, we are delighted to invite you in to see for yourself.
“Our Open Day is a celebration of the incredible work of our team and volunteers, and a chance to highlight the importance of the charity, not just as a care provider, but as a lively community hub helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.”
The Open Day will take place this Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Eric Liddell Community, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP. The event is free to attend, and no registration is required.
To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit: ericliddell.org.
To find out more about the Open Day, please visit:
Celebrate International Women’s Day with all women’s surf sessions and film screenings
This International Women’s Day, Scotland’s pioneering inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort, is championing women in and out of the water with all-women surf lessons and sessions as well as two film screenings.
First up on Friday 6th March, Lost Shore is hosting a mini-film premiere and Q&A; ‘In Conversation with Amy Swims’. The evening starts with the premiere of Loch Ness Swim Challenge documentary film, before a Q&A session with the world record ultramarathon swimmer herself, Amy Ennion aka Amy Swims.
Tickets cost £15 with all profits going to Lost Shore’s affiliated charities; The Wave Project and Inclusive Surfing Scotland, that deliver surf therapy sessions for young people and adaptive surf sessions at Lost Shore, improving lives through surfing.
Then on Sunday 8th March, Lost Shore, recently named the world’s best surf park, is running dedicated all-women lessons for beginners and improvers, plus sessions on the Cruiser and Turns settings. Tickets are priced from £65 which also includes a hot buffet dinner at Lost Kitchen and an evening film screening focused on women in surfing.
Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s MD, said:“From the outset, we’ve wanted Lost Shore to feel welcoming to everyone.
“Creating dedicated space for women to surf together is part of that, whether it’s about feeling more relaxed trying something new or progressing without feeling self-conscious. Time and time again we see the experience is a joyful one!”
For more information and to book a visit or stay, head to www.lostshore.com.
The Great Instauration by British artist Gayle Chong Kwan takes over the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland for the duration of the Edinburgh Science Festival (4 – 19 April).
Commissioned by Edinburgh Science Festival, Gayle Chong Kwan has created an art installation that brings together contemporary sculpture and reflections on science’s cultural legacy.
Chong Kwan explored the theme rethinking scientific histories through research into scientific artefacts and archives across eight major collections and through speaking with communities. These included: National Museums Scotland, Wellcome Collection, Wellcome Collection at the Science Museum, Science Museum Collection Centre in Swindon, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, Surgeons Hall Museum Edinburgh, and community gardens in Edinburgh.
Chong Kwan has explored the history of thescientific canon and the Scientific Enlightenment in Scotland,rethinking science’s stories and reframing who and what gets to be remembered.The artworkfocusses in on Scotland’s complex historical connections with slavery, enslaved people, plant and botanical origins of medicine, the University of Edinburgh, medical infirmaries, the advent of geology, and scientific instruments.
Installed in the Grand Gallery, The Great Instauration is an underground, upside-down world filled with forms hanging from railings and columns.
Large-scale sculptures of scientific instruments are transformed into fantastical roots, hanging fabrics of the geological strata of Edinburgh with archival and painted images, and steel plinths inscribed with lesser-known histories fill the space.
Chong Kwan connects exploitative and extractive histories, the scientific gaze, and roots, upturning the stories that shape our understanding of scientific knowledge and discovery.
Chong Kwan’s research highlighted how we tend to think of science, the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding and clarity – light to see things we did not understand.
Dr Gayle Chong Kwan, Artist, said: “I am truly excited to present ‘The Great Instauration’, an installation in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland that explores science as a culturally embedded process shaped by social history, power, and omission.
“I have been inspired by objects and narratives across multiple collections and museums, the history of the scientific canon, and the Scientific Enlightenment.
“My research included scientific instruments, the botanical origins of medicine, and Scotland’s historical connections with slavery.
“I was interested in how we tend to think of the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding. I have explored histories connected with the theodolite, microscope, thermometer, clock, chronometer, and the telescope.
“The resulting three-dimensional, surreal sculptural and printed works act as forms of resistance. Developed through archival collage and painting, I was inspired by forms from microscopic slides and medical illustrations, and working through two-dimensional forms, redolent of flattened and sliced scientific specimens.
“The title ‘The Great Instauration’ refers to Francis Bacon’s 17th-century founding text on the scientific method, but this time as a contemporary call to restore and renew perspectives on the complex histories of science.”
The Great Instauration will form part of the wider exhibition Science Under the Lens, where visitors can experiment with some of the instruments which inspired the installation, make their own versions to take home and play with the science of light. Younger visitors can use art to tell their own science stories, exploring how light works and the power of story in sharing information.
There will be two tie-events linked to the installation: Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration(Sat 4 Apr) allows visitors to view the installation after hours followed by an in-depth discussion of the process with the artist and experts who assisted with research, and Artist Tour: Dr Gayle Chong Kwan(Fri 17 Apr), presented by Edinburgh Art Festival, where visitors join the artist for a guided tour of the artwork, as she speaks through the artist, material and research process that underpin the commission.
World’s first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, Edinburgh Science Festival takes over the city during the Easter break, between 4 and 19 April, with a wide range of workshops, talks, exhibitions and much more, aiming to inspire people of all ages to get hands-on with science.
This year’s theme of Going Global reflects on science as a shared human story: connecting people across countries and continents, joined in scientific breakthroughs and failures, conducting experiments and sharing results.
The Festival goes global while also celebrating the local: universities, laboratories, hospitals, schools and cultural spaces.
The Great Instauration has been commissioned by Edinburgh Science, developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund, additional funding from the Henry Moore Foundation, and guidance and support from Edinburgh Art Festival, National Museums Scotland, Scottish International Storytelling Festival and Wellcome Collection.
Spending cut of £1,700 per pupil from 2014/15 for those identified with additional support needs (ASN) – 30.1 per cent cut over a decade.
The number of pupils identified with ASN has more than doubled (102 per cent increase) over the same period.
A cut of 240 in the number of specialist ASN teachers.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has warned of a potential lost generation of children and young people with ASN, and urged greater resourcing for this group.
ASN includes the likes of autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, and the coalition has urged provision of support for this to be a central issue in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary election campaign.
The call comes as new figures contained in a parliamentary answer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP, reveal that average additional support for learning (ASL) spend per pupil has been slashed by nearly a third (30.1 per cent) over the last decade.[1]This comes against a perfect storm of escalating numbers of pupils with ASN and cuts in support.
The SCSC is urging the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to increase funding to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people, including greater provision of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, behaviour support staff and classroom assistants.
The figures highlight that average spending per pupil on ASL by local authorities in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £5,504 in financial year 2014/15 to £3,804 in 2024/25 (based on 2024/5 prices). This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £1,700 per pupil, representing a 30.1 per cent drop.
This funding fall is against the backdrop of a 102 per cent increase over the same period in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 140,501 to 284,448, amounting to 127,443 individuals. Those with ASNrepresent more than a third of all pupils (36.7 per cent).2
In parallel with this, there has been a cut of 240 in the number of specialists ASN teachers, from 3,077 in 2014 to 2,837 in 2024.3
A report from Audit Scotland has called on the Scottish Government and local authorities to fundamentally rethink how they plan, fund and staff additional support for learning as part of core school education in Scotland.4
In January 2026, the Scottish Government announced a national review into the provision of ASL, led by the former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, Janie McManus. This will look at how to strengthen delivery, including provision in schools, and how policy is translating into effective practice.5
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is deeply concerning to see cuts to spending that support children and young people with ASN. While there is a record amount of spending in support of those with ASN, this is offset by a dramatic increase in the number of pupils affected, meaning that spending per pupil has been slashed.
“We urge all political parties to make provision for this group a central commitment in their election campaigns.
It is vital that the Scottish Government and local authorities increase resources to expand access to the likes of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, and classroom assistants. Without this investment, we risk a lost generation of children with ASN missing out on the care and support they need, when they need.
“Additionally, proper resourcing is essential if we are to achieve genuine classroom inclusion and close the educational attainment gap. We therefore expect that the national review of ASL provision should address the critical issue of sufficient resourcing.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities must work together to ensure properly funded, consistent support across Scotland for children and young people with ASN — some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Equipping people with skills for the industries of the future
As Scottish Apprenticeship Week gets underway, First Minister John Swinney has highlighted the power of apprenticeships to equip the next generation with skills for future jobs and industries – helping grow the economy and tackle child poverty.
The Scottish Government is investing around £198 million this year to support apprenticeships. This investment is supporting around 25,500 new Modern Apprenticeships in 2025-26 and more than 39,000 Modern Apprentices currently in training. The funding also supports 5,000 new Foundation Apprenticeships and more than 1,200 new Graduate Apprenticeships.
The First Minister said: “Young people are our greatest asset and we are firmly focused on equipping them with skills for the industries of the future. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate how apprenticeships are transforming lives across the country.
“Apprenticeships play an important role in securing positive futures for more of our school leavers. With the wide range of good jobs and careers available, most young people will be able to find something that appeals to them.
“The high-quality, rewarding jobs and careers that apprenticeships offer can support young people to reach their potential and offer a route out of poverty. This in turn helps to lay the groundwork to give the next generation a decent start in life and reduce child poverty, which is my government’s highest priority.
“Investing in jobs and training for the future will also help create a workforce that has the skills needed to boost the public sector and businesses alike, benefitting Scotland’s economy now and for the future. That includes nurturing the skills required for the transition to net zero and other emerging industries.
“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with industries and employers across the country to maximise the potential of apprentices, and ensure skills are being developed in the best way to help local and national economies to thrive.”
Further Education Minister @BenMacpherson presented the Apprentice of the Year Award at @SkillsDevScot’s annual awards ceremony last week.
The award was presented to Fraser Bruce, who was recognised for developing lifesaving technology for his employer.
