Stronger Communities Week is taking place during the week of 9th March 2026 to celebrate and showcase work that is happening in Scotland in support of community cohesion.
The programme of events aims to bring communities and stakeholders together to collaborate and share best practice.
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, commented: “Strong and cohesive communities are a priority for Scottish local authorities.
“We often speak of community cohesion when issues and tensions arise but this week we want to celebrate work that local authorities and our partners are doing to make Scotland a place of dignity, fairness and respect for all.”
Following the launch of Race Across the World: The Experience in 2025, CityDays are delighted to announce that tickets are on-sale for Race Across the World: The Experience Edinburgh, ahead of the launch later this spring.
Those who sign up to the waitlist will be able to access discounted presale tickets from Tuesday 10th March giving them 20% off and 48 hrs of exclusive booking ahead of general release on Thursday 12th March.
This high-stakes experience, which has previously launched in London and Manchester, offers players the chance to live out their Race Across the World dreams by navigating the streets of Edinburgh, working as a team, outwitting their competitors, and unlocking the hidden secrets of the city in an unforgettable race to the finish line!
Just like in the show, the experience requires strategy, teamwork, and quick-thinking, as players will be given a budget to manage as they race through the city. This budget can be spent on valuable clues to help navigate the next leg of the journey, giving players the freedom to decide how daring they want to be.
It’s a high-stakes race against the clock, where every decision counts, and influences the race, but could also come at a cost. Players will be scored based on their time and how much budget they have left, with their final score ranked on a live leaderboard throughout the day and week.
The team that completes the challenge in the fastest time with the most budget remaining will earn a shot at being crowned the daily or weekly champions.
Split into three distinct legs that weave through the heart of Edinburgh, the race takes participants on a 4-5 km mission through this iconic city, typically spanning 2-3 hours. Like Studio Lambert’s format, Race Across The World, this experience highlights the treasures people miss while speeding through the streets on buses.
Along the way, the experience will visit key partner venues, including renowned pubs, cultural hotspots, or famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Circus Lane and the Scott Monument, each serving as a ‘checkpoint’ where teams must solve clever, escape room-style puzzles.
These puzzles will guide them toward the next leg of the race, offering clues that unveil new parts of the city, all while providing a true taste of Manchester’s hidden gems.
Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following huge success in London and Manchester, last year we are delighted to be bringing the Race Across The World Experience to three brand new cities across the UK, including Edinburgh.
“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Edinburgh, are you ready for your race?”
Jane Sharp, VP Formats and Licensing (Operations) at All3Media International commented: “Race Across the World celebrates new discoveries and new destinations – so we are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with City Days’ as three new cities – Bristol, York and Edinburgh – open routes for Race Across The World: The Experience this spring!
“With six routes launching across five cities in under a year, it’s fantastic to see how adaptable the experience is—and just how strong fans’ appetite for adventure has become.”
Perfect for groups of friends, family, or colleagues, CityDays’ Race Across the World: The Experience in Edinburgh promises a fun, fast-paced, and surprising day out. Whether you’re an avid fan of the show or simply looking for a unique way to explore the city, this experience is set to deliver a thrilling new way to discover Edinburgh on foot. Tickets will be priced from £20 per person.
Race Across The World: The Experience Edinburgh is created by CityDays under license from All3Media International on behalf of the creators and producers of the show Studio Lambert.
All3Media International handle format and licensing rights for Race Across The World throughout the rest of the world.
Television adaptations of the format have already aired in Denmark, Netherlands, Finland and Sweden, with German and Norwegian series due to go on air later this year.
For further information on CityDays Race Across the World Experience, please visit:
The government has launched a ‘rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom’
PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS
Millions of families, friends and neighbours will feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride thanks to renewed efforts to stamp out extremism, hate and division announced yesterday.
Today the government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom – a place where neighbour continues to look out for neighbour and people come together with a shared sense of values, pride, and belonging.
The action plan follows decades of rapid change – technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services. This has caused a strain on social cohesion. Bad actors, including from abroad, have sought to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed told the House of Commons: ”Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom.
“This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us.”
This publication – Protecting What Matters – puts the emphasis on healing divided communities, setting out clear expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society, tackling those trying to subvert our shared values and ultimately promoting pride, unity and tolerance.
This comes as the latest statistics show that hate crime is rising, with Jewish people disproportionately more targeted by hate crime than any other group.
To tackle antisemitism head on, the government is investing at record levels to scale up security at synagogues and schools, clamping down on antisemitic extremism, and rolling out training on antisemitism in the workplace.
Religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims are also at record levels, with almost half of these crimes targeted towards the Muslim community and many living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from. This government has a duty to act but cannot tackle something that has not been defined.
The UK government is taking the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.
Crucially, this definition protects the fundamental right to freedom of speech while protecting people from unacceptable abuse and violence. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.
This sits alongside a new suite of measures to bring communities across the country together:
Tough action on extremism with stronger powers to shut down charities promoting extremism and transformed capability to disrupt extremists, including stopping hate preachers entering the UK, and an annual State of Extremism report.
Clear expectations will be set around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.
A £500,000 investment in community-led school linking projects will bring children from different backgrounds together, helping them forge friendships and understand what they have in common. And tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school – will ensure no child misses out on the shared values and experiences that bind communities together.
This all builds on the £5.8 billion committed to hundreds of areas through the Pride in Place programme, with power put in the hands of local people.
More than half (53%) of Scottish employers say changes to statutory sick pay will have a significant impact on their business, according to a new survey.
Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask which changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will have the biggest impact on bosses in Scotland
New rights on sick pay topped the polls, with Scottish employers ranking new rules around unfair dismissal and flexible working second.
The valuable insights gained from the results will help Acas target its support for workers and bosses where they need it the most.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers in Scotland.
“It’s crucial that both employer and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.
“Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”
The survey results revealed that:
More than half of Scottish employers (53%) said that workers getting sick pay for the first day of illness rather than the fourth day would have the biggest impact on them.
Employers also said flexible working rules (19%) and new protections around unfair dismissal (39%) would likely have an impact.
New rules, brought in by the Employment Rights Act, regarding paternity leave and sick pay will come into force on 6th April 2026.
From 6 April, employees will be eligible for paternity leave from the first day of employment. Currently employees must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks before they are eligible.
From 1 January 2027, employees will be protected from unfair dismissal if they have worked for their employer for at least six months. Currently an employee must have two years continuous service to be able to claim unfair dismissal.
A dismissal may be considered unfair by law if there was no fair reason for the dismissal; the reason was not enough to justify dismissing them; or the employer did not follow a fair procedure.
In 2027 new measures will come into force intended to improve access to flexible working.
Flexible working can involve a change to when, where or how someone works. Employers and employees should follow the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working when handling a request.
Acas has an online roadmap of when all the new expected law changes in the Employment Rights Act are likely to come into effect, which includes webinars and training: Employment Rights Act 2025 – Acas
£5.8 million to charities and partners to bolster whole family support across 2026-27
Seven projects delivering in communities will share £5.8 million of funding to drive transformation in whole family support.
First Minister John Swinney announced the funding during a speech on eradicating child poverty at Centrestage in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. He highlighted the need for charities and government to streamline collaborative efforts to eradicate child poverty, making it easier for people to access support.
The seven recipients of the grant will provide support for families, scale up efforts to tackle child poverty, and improve early child development.
This support is part of the £50 million Whole Family Wellbeing Funding allocation for 2026-27, building on the Scottish Government’s significant investment of £148 million in that Fund since 2022.
The Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will set out further actions to reduce child poverty, will be published on Thursday.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and as a result of our bold action, child poverty rates are lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
“No child should have to worry about essentials such as food or a warm home because of circumstances beyond their control. While child poverty has reduced, even one young person growing up in poverty is one too many.
“My government is focused on building a support system that is seamless and tailored, that responds flexibly and quickly to people’s needs – and offers the right support at the right time.
“A total of £5.8 million in Whole Family Wellbeing funding will be directed to seven projects that exemplify the type of transformational support required for families across Scotland.
“I am proud that the experiences of children and families are at the heart of our forthcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will be set out in Parliament this Thursday. We are charting a path to work in harmony with charities and the third sector so that systems come together as one, providing a brighter future for children across the country.”
Dundee City Councillor and Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure committee Steven Rome spoke about the Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership, which is among the recipients of this latest funding.
He said: “The Dundee Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to support families experiencing poverty. By drawing on local expertise, the Pathfinder has brought more than £2.4 million into households since October 2022.
“This is helping many people move into employment and training, improving the lives of entire families.”
After extraordinary demand saw thousands of tickets sold in the pre-sale, tickets are now on general sale at an early bird rate for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup round taking place in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday 13 December 2026.
As announced last week, international cyclo-cross will return to Great Britain with a round of the 2026-27 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, to be hosted at Kelvingrove Park.
This major sporting spectacle will see the very best cyclo-cross stars arrive in Glasgow for a world-class event.
The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – run by the UCI and Flanders Classics – is the premier series of the UCI Cyclo-cross international calendar, bringing the world’s best riders to a spectacular festival of cycling each winter, attracting thousands of spectators to experience the thrill of fast and furious racing in challenging terrain and across varied obstacles.
Darren Henry, Managing Director of British Cycling Ventures, said:“It is incredible to see the strong early demand for tickets for this event. Selling thousands of tickets in the pre-sale is phenomenal, and has given the event an early boost, and we expect demand to continue to rise as tickets go on general sale today.
“This event will be a spectacle not to be missed, and we look forward to seeing people from across the UK and internationally descend on Glasgow this winter for this world-class event.”
Four-time British champion Cameron Mason, said:“Having a Cyclo-cross World Cup in my home country is career-defining stuff. I am so excited to race against the world’s best riders on home turf and show them what UK cyclo-cross is all about.
“Seeing tickets are going fast is incredible, and I know Glasgow will deliver an incredible atmosphere, so I’d encourage people to get their tickets as they will not want to miss out.
“It’ll be a real honour to be the current British champion lining up on the start. I know there’s so much more to gain from an event like the Glasgow World Cup than just performance. I see the support that the cyclo-cross has every weekend, and just how special the sport is.
“It’s going to be so cool that the people of Scotland get to see it for themselves. It will add another layer to what will hopefully be a really good season next winter.”
Tickets are now on general sale, with strong demand expected. Fans are encouraged to secure their places early! Get tickets now at an early bird rate!
The capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for this year opening today (Monday 9 March).
Now in its 20th year, the Edinburgh Award continues to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have not only brought distinction to the city but have helped shape Edinburgh’s future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation and compassion.
Since its inception in 2007, the Award has honoured individuals whose work has left a lasting legacy. From acclaimed artists and pioneering scientists to sporting heroes and social changemakers, each recipient has helped put Edinburgh on the national and international map. Their handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, a lasting tribute at the heart of the capital.
In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature who, whilst in her role, created a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance our literary city and played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.
Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate for the 2026 award, before a recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate: “The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individuals whose work and achievements continue to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love.
“I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.
“As we mark the 20th Edinburgh Award this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the outstanding individuals who have shaped our past but also to recognise those whose work is influencing our future.
“I encourage everyone to consider who inspires them, who goes above and beyond to make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, more innovative and has made a difference to our city and please submit a nomination.”
Nominations open today Monday 9 March and close at 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026.
Police Scotland has released images of two males who they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing inquiries into an incident that occurred between 9.40pm and 10.05pm on Friday, 16 January 2026, at a building in the Potterrow area.
The first man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He was wearing a white tracksuit with the hood over his head, dark sunglasses, a grey and blue striped scarf and black and red Nike basketball-style trainers.
The second man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He had short dark-coloured hair and was wearing black framed glasses, a dark coloured baseball cap with a white motif on the front, a light-blue denim jacket with a grey t-shirt underneath, light coloured trousers and light brown ‘Ugg’-style boots.
Police Constable Neil Mackay said: “As part of our investigation we are eager to trace the two men pictured. They are believed to have left the Potterrow area in the direction of West Nicholson Street. I’d ask anyone who can help to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 1217 of Saturday, 17 January 2026. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Over £2.5 billion of new finance can be available to businesses across Scotland in 2026, helping them grow, invest and create new jobs.
This forms part of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026.
Businesses look to invest and grow in 2026
New research from Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer reveals Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as introducing new technology such as AI, automation or digitalisation (51%), investing in their team such as training (35%) and entering new markets (32%) in the next six months.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland Director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“Bank of Scotland is proud to make £2.5 billion of new finance available to local firms in Scotland, helping them grow their businesses, invest in innovation and create new jobs.
“Whether it’s supporting a small company taking its first step into exporting, or a larger firm scaling up to meet growing demand, we’re committed to helping businesses turn their potential into growth.”
This comes as Lloyds and CBI convene business leaders, policymakers and experts from across the financial services sector in Scotland to explore how to drive sustainable growth under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
Backing ambitious businesses across Scotland
Organisations across Scotland are already benefiting from Bank of Scotland’s support. Albyn Housing Society, one of the largest housing associations in the Highlands, has received a £10 million funding package.
The business has begun work on the first 125 homes as part of its mission to build 600 affordable homes over the next five years.
The development responds directly to Highland Council’s 2024 Housing Challenge, which calls for 24,000 new homes to be built across the region by the end of the decade.
Andrew Martin, Executive Director at Albyn Housing Society, said: “Albyn was established over 50 years ago to provide housing for workers at the Invergordon smelter.
“While the challenges have changed, our purpose hasn’t. We’re here to make sure people across the Highlands have access to good, affordable homes in the communities they live in.
“Our five-year plan is ambitious, and it reflects what local people have told us they need. Support from Bank of Scotland means we can start right away – putting plans into action and delivering the kinds of places people want to live.”
Members of three Scottish Parliament committees have urged that a joint approach to the scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s work to reduce drug deaths and tackle drug harm must continue following May’s election.
In the report, one MSP explains that the approach emphasised the importance of the shift from seeing drug problems in Scotland as a crime and justice issue to seeing them as a health and social issue.
The committees worked together during this parliamentary session to look at the impact of the measures recommended by the Scottish Drugs Deaths Taskforce.
As part of their work, the committees commissioned, and worked with, a people’s panel, which called for “brave and bold action” to reduce the harms created by drug use in Scotland.
The Members’ report praises the benefits that this approach had on communication between committees, collaboration on tackling this important issue, and the breadth of scrutiny.
"There's still much work to be done to tackle this issue of urgent national importance."
— Social Justice and Social Security Committee (@SP_SJSS) March 6, 2026
Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “Taking a cross-committee approach to the issue of how to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms has brought everyone’s expertise to the table.
“It has been encouraging to see so many members working together to tackle this issue of urgent national importance.
“However, this issue is not resolved. As our legacy report makes clear, our committees’ work must continue next session.”
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Sport and Social Care Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped inform our scrutiny of these vital issues, including the members of the people’s panel, who collaborated so well to help recommend what further steps can be taken to prevent drug deaths and harms.
“Cross-party and cross-remit working in the next session will be essential if we are to effectively tackle these issues, and ultimately end the pain caused by drug harms and drug deaths in Scotland.
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “I am pleased with the impact that our committees’ work has had this session, and it was good to see the recommendations of the people’s panel that we commissioned be agreed to and acted upon by the Scottish Government.
“Drug deaths are not abstract statistics. My heart goes out to every single family that is affected. MSPs must continue to work together next session and do everything possible to tackle this issue.”
