The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 70 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Millions set to benefit as Government widens access to affordable finance

BOOST FOR CREDIT UNIONS

Shake up of rules on who can join a credit union will support more families, workers, students and retirees to access fairer financial products.
Bigger, stronger credit unions as the Government raises the cap that can limit growth and makes it easier for credit unions to expand and merge.
Move will see more households access cheaper alternatives to high-cost credit, helping people access fair loans and build savings through community lenders.

MORE people will benefit from affordable loans and savings as the Westminster Government changes the rules so more people can join credit unions, helping households with the cost of living.

Delivering on its manifesto pledge to grow the mutuals sector, the Government is today (18 March) setting out reforms to the rules on who can join credit unions in Great Britain.

By making it easier for credit unions to serve more people in their communities, the changes will support families, workers, students and retirees to access fairer financial products and build financial resilience.

Credit unions offer affordable, community based financial services and play an important role in promoting financial inclusion. Enabling credit unions to expand and broaden their membership will help ensure that more people can access fair, lower-cost alternatives to high-cost credit. This will strengthen the provision of responsible financial services and support households with the cost of living.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said: “These reforms will help more people get access to affordable credit and a safe place to save, so families have a real alternative to high-cost credit.

“We’re delivering on our manifesto pledge to grow the mutual sector by backing credit unions to expand and serve more communities. It’s another step in making financial services more accessible and supporting people to build financial resilience.”

The reforms will include:

Bigger credit unions, serving more people: Government will raise the cap on locality-based credit unions from three million to 10 million potential members, making it easier for them to grow and merge.
Students included: Students will be able to join locality-based credit unions, alongside people who live or work in the area.
Modern rules for modern families and working lives: Credit unions will be able to serve more relatives and household members, and members will be able to stay with (or join) their credit union after retirement as full members.

These reforms follow the Call for Evidence on credit unions’ common bond rules launched after the Chancellor’s first Mansion House speech.

This also builds on the Government’s wider work to improve financial inclusion and resilience across the UK. As part of the Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Government is also working closely with the financial services sector and consumer groups to bring forward interventions to make it easier for people to access a bank account, support people to build savings and improve financial education.

Lakshman Chandrasekera, Chief Executive Officer, London Mutual Credit Union said: “I warmly welcome today’s announcement. Raising the common bond cap to 10 million gives credit unions the freedom to grow and keep wealth within the communities we serve.

“In London, we see first-hand the demand for fair, affordable finance. This reform means many more people across the UK will be able to access it — building savings, reducing reliance on high-cost credit, and developing real financial resilience. This is a transformative moment for the sector.”

Frances McCann, CEO, Scotwest Credit Union said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for credit unions and for the communities we serve.

“Raising the locality cap to ten million potential members and modernising the rules around family and retirement membership are exactly the kind of practical, meaningful reforms the sector has been asking for.”

“At Scotwest we see every day the difference a credit union can make to households that need an affordable alternative to high-cost credit. These changes will allow more credit unions to reach more of those people.”

Matt Bland, Chief Executive of ABCUL said: “This announcement marks an important milestone in the Government’s recognition of the vital role credit unions play in strengthening financial resilience and improving financial inclusion across Great Britain.

“Reforms to the common bond will enable credit unions to expand their reach, serve more communities and work together more effectively to deliver sustainable growth.

“As the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy moves into delivery, it is encouraging to see credit unions recognised as a central part of improving access to fair and affordable financial services.”

Credit Union factsheet (1)Download

Improving behaviour in schools

Ensuring safe environments for pupils and staff

Clear progress is being made across all 20 actions set out in out in a national plan aimed at improving relationships and behaviour in schools, according to a newly-published report.

The second annual progress report on the joint action plan details the work undertaken in the last 12 months to address areas including guidance on consequences and on risk assessments for schools.

Updated Scottish Government guidance has also been published on attendance, along with new guidance on substance use, now covering vapes, and on a whole school approach to tackling racism. These were among the recommendations of the 2024-27 blueprint to improve relationships and behaviour in schools.

Work is also ongoing on to provide future guidance in other areas, including the recording and monitoring of violent incidents.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s schools should be safe and consistent learning environments for everyone and clearly the vast majority of children and young people behave well.

“However, we know there has been an impact on behaviour as a result of issues including the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. So I am heartened to see the clear progress being made to implement the measures set out in the action plan to address this.

“The challenges of the post-COVID-19 generation of young people is reflected in the updated guidance on attendance to deal with the use of part-time timetables, long-term, persistent absence, as well as young people who are in school but absent from classes.

“Vaping has also been identified as an emerging trend among some young people at school, so the new guidance on substance use will allow local authorities and Head Teachers to develop or update local policies to deal with this. Taken together this newly-published package of guidance addresses all the all emerging patterns of behaviour identified in our Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research.

“The action we are taking will help ensure that teachers and schools can deal with issues in ways that are appropriate and also respond to the needs of each individual child.”

Second annual progress report on the Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan 2024-27.

Making non-surgical procedures safer

New legislation passed

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, which regulates higher-risk cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers, has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill requires procedures to be performed by, or alongside, certain healthcare professionals in a registered setting, bringing consistent regulation to the industry. The Bill also ensures non-surgical cosmetic procedures cannot be performed on under 18s.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be able to inspect premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being committed.

The Scottish Government will support businesses to adapt to the new requirements. Businesses will have at least until September 2027 to make necessary changes.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular, and when not carried out safely they can cause serious and lasting harm.

“This legislation is designed to ensure that higher-risk procedures take place in appropriate settings with a healthcare professional present, and that under-18s are properly protected. These are meaningful, proportionate changes that put public safety first.

“I also recognise the importance of ensuring businesses are supported to adapt to new requirements and we have listened closely to the sector. The offences in the Bill cannot come into force before September 2027 giving an extended period of time for businesses to respond to these changes. The Bill is designed to be responsive to changes in the industry, and the procedures will be kept under review to ensure the list remains effective and proportionate.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who campaigned so passionately on this issue – their determination has helped shape stronger legislation.

“I am also grateful to colleagues across the Parliament who worked together constructively to pass this Bill.”

NHS Lothian launches Neurodiversity website

Neurodiversity recognises that there’s no single ‘right’ way for a brain to think, learn or experience the world.

Explore support, services and practical guidance available across Lothian and the wider community on our newly launched website:

https://services.nhslothian.scot/neurodiversity/

Creative Movement for Grown Ups at North Edinburgh Arts

Creative movement and dance sessions are back this spring! This is your invitation to shake off the winter and step into joy, expression, and connection.

Led by Curious Seed, and featuring live music from Tinderbox Collective , the first session is this Friday, 20 March from 10am to 1pm. Come and join us!

Open to adults (16+) living in North Edinburgh

No previous dance experience needed

A welcoming space to move with ease, build confidence, and to support your wellbeing

FREE & DROP IN

For more information, call us on 0131 315 2151 or pop by and speak to a member of our team.

Save the dates:

Fridays, 11am – 1pm

Delivered with support from the Edinburgh Communities Health and Wellbeing Fund

Scottish retail workers speak out about high levels of violence, threats and abuse

Usdaw launches new survey

Retail trade union Usdaw has today (18 March) launched shocking statistics from its annual survey of Scottish retail staff, showing that abuse and threats remain at high levels.

With shoplifting having more than doubled since the pandemic, the survey found that abuse, threats and assaults remain higher than pre-Covid levels in 2019.

Usdaw’s survey of 1,062 Scottish retail staff found that in 2025:

· 76% were verbally abused.

· 50% were threatened.

· 11% were assaulted.

Voices from the frontline:

These are some of the comments retail workers from Scotland shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

· “Asked a barred customer to leave: when turned round, got punched in face. Been screamed at multiple times for following policy and doing my job correctly.”

· “Customer spat on me and verbally assaulted me when I refused a refund on an unwanted toilet seat, which had been opened and used.”

· “Homophobic abuse, pushing and physical abuse. I get shouted at frequently and treated like a lesser being. I was punched in the face by a customer.”

· “I have been threatened with stabbing, being assaulted and had many incidents of verbal abuse as the result of thieves and people who have been asked for ID.”

· “Abuse usually happens at self-scan tills. Not enough staff, faults with machines, incorrect reductions, labels not printed correctly. Customers blame the staff.”

· “Sexually touched when working on the shop floor. Customers lashing out when asked for ID. Physical and verbal abuse in and outside of work.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “It is difficult to read these testimonies from Scottish retail workers, but regrettably they are all too common, with nearly four in five retail workers suffering violence, threats or abuse.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work. Retail workers provide an essential service and should be respected and have the protection of the law.

“Violence and abuse are not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers. We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end.

“We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland and employers to make that happen.”

fffsurveyreport2025 Download

Outwith Words: Tinderbox Orchestra scale new heights with launch of spoken word EP

Tinderbox Orchestra are set to release their new spoken word EP Outwith Words on Wednesday 25th March 2026. The live EP, which was launched during a co-production with Edinburgh Hogmanay’s First Footin’ Festival, features distinctive collaborations from some of Scotland’s most exciting spoken word artists.

Outwith Words consists of four tracks created with collaborators including poet Hannah McCooke, writer, theatre-maker and performance poet RJ Hunter, and spoken word poet, actor and rapper Ace V!s!on. The connecting theme throughout the collection is of community, connection, and activism.

The EPis the culmination of the Orchestra’s work over the last few years, touring libraries across the UK and Ireland and championing the ‘We Make Music’ Instrument Libraries initiative – an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland.

A partnership between Tinderbox Collective, Music Partnership Education Group, and Edinburgh Libraries, the project now operates in ten local authorities and 30 community libraries across the country – resulting in thousands of people having borrowed instruments.

The project collects donated instruments, restores them, and makes them available to anyone – free of charge – so you can borrow them just like a book.

Bringing together rappers and singers with soaring strings, heavy brass, woodwind and thundering bass and drums, Tinderbox transforms preconceptions of what an orchestra can be.

Over the last few years they have performed at major festivals, events and venues including; Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall (Celtic Connections), Latitude Festival (BBC Introducing Stage), Fuse Festival (London), Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe by the Sea.

They have also produced multiple sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and have toured across the UK and Ireland.

Claire Docherty, Orchestra Manager, said: “Outwith Words” is the culmination of Tinderbox Orchestra’s work over the last few years, touring libraries across the UK and Ireland and championing the ‘We Make Music’ Instrument Libraries initiative, which now operates in nearly 30 libraries across Scotland.

“This EP features distinctive collaborations with Hannah McCooke, RJ Hunter and Ace V!s!on, with Hannah’s piece telling the story of the Instrument Libraries project.

“Made up of live recordings from our Edinburgh Fringe shows at Edinburgh Central Library — where the project began through a joint effort between Tinderbox Collective and Edinburgh Library Service — this EP celebrates how far the initiative has grown since starting in Edinburgh.”

RJ Hunter, collaborator, said: “It’s a true honour to work with Tinderbox Orchestra every single time and to have this piece immortalised is beyond exciting.

“War Cry is an original track made in collaboration with the orchestra during the Outwith Words project, a piece about using your voice for your community and for others that need it most, written from a trans perspective.”

Ace V!s!on, collaborator, said: “Only Lovers, Guilt Survives is what I call a piece of uplifting melancholy. The title of the piece came from two poems written prior, contextually in a moment of grief at the loss of a loved one.

“To me, the ‘Only Lovers’ section stands out for its actually quite simple but necessary repeated statement, an almost gruelling reminder of the importance of love not just in a romantic sense but as a fundamental human component for relationality, for care and understanding and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“This sets up the transition into ‘Guilt Survives’ a piece that reflects on the loss of said love and the vulnerability required to hold such tenderness especially when it hurts, touching on themes of mental health & loneliness.”

Outwith Words will be released on streaming platforms on Wednesday 25th March.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals raise over £46k for local charities

L-R: Tommy McCormick (Age Scotland), Judith King (When You Wish Upon a Star), Alan Thomson (Unique Assembly), Paul Wilson (OneCity Trust) and Fiona Williamson (Simon Community). Photo credit: Ian Georgeson

Encompassing Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Year festival, Edinburgh’s Winter Festival events are created and designed by Unique Assembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council.

Over the seven weeks of world-class events and attractions, the Festivals bring festive cheer to residents and visitors alike, putting Edinburgh on the world map as the key winter destination. They are the perfect combination of a global spectacle with community spirit at heart.

Both events have substantial and proven positive impact on both the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole, and just one of the examples of the benefits they bring is their work with local charities, fundraising and promoting the incredible work of organisations who are helping those who need it most:

OneCity Trust which fights against inequality and exclusion in Edinburgh
Age Scotland which provides connection, friendship and advice to older people.
Simon Community Scotland which provides safe places and support for people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Scotland.

When You Wish Upon A Star which grants wishes for children living with life-threatening illnesses.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2025 raised a total of £46,243.09 in donations, which means that the four official charity partners each receive a £11,560 donation from Unique Assembly.  

Alan Thomson, Co-Director, Unique Assembly said: “We are immensely proud to present our local charity partners with cheques of £11,560 each, and would like to thank those who made donations through purchasing tickets and at our fundraising events.

“It is a testament to the remarkable generosity of everyone who visited Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals. As an Edinburgh-based company, we’re continually inspired by the warmth, kindness, and festive spirit shown by people across this city.

“We are honoured to play a part in celebrating and strengthening the community we call home.”

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I am delighted that these events not only bring economic benefits to the city, but also create opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors to come together and make a real difference for charities across Edinburgh.

“These diverse charities do valuable work every day to help individuals and families across the city, and these fundraising efforts help ensure they can continue providing that vital support.”

Additional £26 million for CashBack for Communities projects

Seized criminal assets support 1.4 million young people to date

Thousands more young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and crime will be supported by an additional £26 million of CashBack for Communities funding.

CashBack uses money recovered from seized criminal assets and reinvests it into communities. The funding supports young people by providing safe spaces, training and free activities that build confidence and skills, while also addressing issues that could lead to harm before they develop.

In this latest round of funding a record 51 projects will share up to £26 million – bringing the total amount paid out to CashBack to £156 million since it began in 2008, with more than 1.4 million young people supported so far.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2016813569946636698

New projects include North Edinburgh’s Scran Academy, an acclaimed catering social enterprise that works with local schools, youth workers, social workers and the police. SCRAN will soon be opening a new cafe in West Pilton Park, and the project has been awarded funding to help young people aged 11–25 learn catering and customer service skills and gain work experience in a busy community space.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “CashBack for Communities turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.

“Seeing the fantastic work of Scran Academy first hand and meeting the young people benefitting from projects like this, is exactly why investment in the CashBack programme matters.

“Since 2008, CashBack has had a transformational impact on young people’s lives. This unique initiative underlines our commitment to support Scotland’s young people to live full, healthy lives and to help address some of the underlying causes of crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”

Will Bain, CEO of Scran, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the CashBack for Communities fund. Too often we talk about young people as a problem, but at Scran Academy what we see every day is pure potential, just waiting for the right chance.

“This fund will help unlock that potential, creating the relationships, experiences and opportunities that allow young people to shape their own futures.

“Every young person, no matter their background or barrier, deserves that chance, and we need a Scotland that offers it. Because the truth is, young people are never the problem; they are the solution.”

Phase 7 of the CashBack for Communities programme will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 with an increased overall programme budget of up to £26 million.

Missing man: Have you seen Ellis?

*** UPDATE ***

ELLIS HAS BEEN FOUND

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace 20-year-old Ellis Peak, who has been reported missing.

Ellis was last seen in the Carrick Knowe Drive area, around 11.30pm on Thursday, 12 March, 2026, and there are significant concerns for his welfare.

He is described as around 5ft 10 and medium build, with very short red hair.

Inspector Alastair Paisley said: “We are appealing for anyone with information on Ellis’s whereabouts to come forward.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries to trace him, please call police on 101, quoting incident 0970 of 16 March, 2026.”