The Spartans manager Douglas Samuel has been named the Scottish League Two Glen’s Manager of the Month for January, capping a remarkable milestone of 5,000 days in charge of the Edinburgh club.
Samuel’s side delivered an impressive run of results during the month to position themselves firmly in the title race, underlining the consistency and progress achieved under his long-term leadership.
The month kicked off with a solid 2-0 victory over Dumbarton, before a commanding 6-0 win over East Kilbride. The club rounded off January with a 3-3 draw against Elgin City, securing seven points from three matches.
This strong run has seen The Spartans position themselves as promotion contenders, as they continue their push for the top spot.
Colin Matthews, CEO of Glen’s owner the Loch Lomond Group, said:““Reaching 5,000 days in charge of one club is an extraordinary achievement, and Douglas Samuel has marked it in fitting style with an outstanding month on the pitch.
“The Spartans’ performances in January demonstrated quality, consistency and attacking intent. His leadership and long-term commitment to the club have played a huge role in his success and he is a very worthy recipient of Glen’s Manager of the Month award. Congratulations to Douglas and everyone at Ainslie Park.”
The Spartans FC manager, Douglas Samuel, said: “I’m thrilled that our players’ excellent efforts in January have been recognised.
“This award is recognition for some high-quality performances, and for everyone’s – staff and players – hard work up to this point in the season.”
Community Councils! Its always great to hear what others are doing, right?
Join us next month for another free webinar. This time we are delighted to be joined by Lossiemouth Community Council (LCC) to hear about their activities like an award winning sand dune restoration project, a historic seafront mural and weekly soup & sweet social gatherings.
The webinar provides an excellent opportunity for community councils to not only hear about the work of LCC but to also talk about their own best practice, ideas and activities.
Local anti-poverty and cost of living initiatives set for cash boost
A total of 21 projects that pilot approaches to help to eradicate child poverty and boost incomes will be backed by almost £1.9 million across Scotland.
Through the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund, 19 regions will benefit from new projects designed to support communities with the cost of living.
This includes:
placing a debt and welfare adviser in 11 primary schools in Perth and Kinross
providing energy bill vouchers and further energy cost advice to eligible parents in Argyll and Bute
opening a new hub to upskill workers and increase incomes through work in Stornoway
a mobile ‘Dad’s Barber’ which will offer free haircare in South Ayrshire, also opening the door to wellbeing support
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty, supporting families and giving children the best start in life are the guiding principles of this government. That’s why we are investing in local anti-poverty measures across the country, helping to improve services that are in the heart of communities.
“Our efforts are already having a good impact on household finances, be that through free prescriptions, free bus travel for under-22s or the removal of peak rail fares. The Scottish Child Payment is also playing a key role in ensuring Scotland is the only part of the UK to see relative child poverty rates fall last year.
“Our draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 goes a step further, making landmark interventions in our attempts to tackle the root causes of child poverty, while supporting the newest Mums and Dads with a premium payment for those eligible with children under one during 2027-2028, and guaranteeing the strongest package of financial support in the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
This is the third year the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund has supported local projects. It is used to invest in local authorities and health boards to innovate and improve community-based anti-poverty initiatives, and to test their efficacy.
Through Round Three, running between 2025 and 2028, £1, 885,879 will support 21 projects across 19 local authorities:
Aberdeen City Council
Angus Council
Argyll & Bute Council
City of Edinburgh Council
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Falkirk Council
Fife Council
Highland Council (2 projects)
Midlothian Council
Moray Council
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
North Lanarkshire Council
Perth & Kinross (2 projects)
Renfrewshire Council
Shetland Islands Council
South Ayrshire Council & Health and Social Care Partnership & NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Dobbies has unveiled a vibrant new cottage kitchen garden style foodhall at its Edinburgh store.
Edinburgh is one of Dobbies’ first stores to transform its foodhall with a further 47 stores planned in the coming weeks, offering customers the opportunity to discover and celebrate great food.
The new foodhall reflects Dobbies’ commitment to investing in the Edinburgh store and responding to what local customers want. By listening to feedback from the Edinburgh community, new ways were identified to improve both the food range and the overall shopping experience.
The new foodhall at Edinburgh has opened with a host of introductory offers including 30% off Farmhouse biscuits and Belgid’Or chocolates and 20% off Coolmore cakes, and favourite brands like Fever Tree and Savoursmiths, available to 31 March.
To mark the first weekend of opening from Thursday 19 February, sampling of some of the new products will be available at various times, and one lucky customer through the doors will win a hamper filled with selected products.
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “The foodhall is one of the most popular areas in the store and an important part of our garden centre experience.
“We’ve been working hard on the new format that’s inspired by a cottage kitchen garden and brings together essentials, treats and seasonal variety through a range of both popular and new brands. We’re excited to welcome customers in to see the new ranges and try them for themselves.”
With more than 2,000 products, Edinburgh customers will be spoilt for choice, with Dobbies’ famous scones and tray bakes available, as well as a host of new brands like Botham’s of Whitby and Patteson’s.
Sweet treats will be prominent with well-known brands like Bonbons, Lindt and Tony’s Chocolonely.
The new food hall will have its own greengrocer and deli counter, with everything to make the perfect cheeseboard or party platter, with a new range of chilled products including cheese, deli meats, olives and dips. To accompany this, there will also be a wide selection of biscuits for cheese, sharing bags of crisps and snacks, nuts and dried fruits. The pantry section will also host foods from around the world.
There will also be premium frozen food ranges, with brands including Cook, FieldGoods and award-winning Supper Club, and ice cream from Jude’s.
The ranges of gift foods will increase with a broader selection of alcohol and premium soft drinks. Everything from gin gift packs to all-natural handmade beverages from Hullabaloo.
The new foodhall at Dobbies Edinburgh is open from Thursday 19 February. For more information visit dobbies.com.
Budget to provide a record £144m for optometry services
People with visual impairments will receive care closer to home through a new Community Low Vision Service (CLVS).
Development work has begun on the new national service which will allow patients with visual impairment, that cannot be managed through glasses, lenses or surgery, to be supported by community optometrists instead of in a hospital setting.
Optometrists will provide care to these vulnerable patients to help them maintain their independence – including low vision aids such as magnifiers and lights, regular specialist assessments and signposting of additional help including mental health support and social services. This service will build on the success of community eyecare services already in place, the Community Glaucoma Service (CGS) and Anterior Eye Service.
The CGS supports patients with lower risk glaucoma and ocular hypertension to be discharged from hospital and receive direct care from an accredited optometrist in the community. The Anterior Eye Service allows community optometrists to treat ten complex eye conditions which normally require a hospital visit.
When fully operational it is estimated these services combined will support 40,000 patients to be fully treated in the community.
The roll-out of the national CLVS will be supported by record investment of £144 million across all community eyecare in this year’s Draft Budget.
On a visit to Munro Optometrists in NHS Lanarkshire, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The introduction of our new low vision service is a significant step forward in our efforts to have more people treated in the community and close to home instead of a hospital setting.
“This new service will complement the programmes we already have in place – our Anterior Eye Service and Community Glaucoma Service – which together we anticipate will allow an estimated 40,000 patients to be treated closer to home.
“We know this delivers better outcomes and we want community optometrists to be the first port of call for all eye-related conditions – the national roll-out out of these services, backed by £144 million for the sector, will help free up substantial capacity in our hospitals.
“It has been nearly 20 years since free universal NHS-funded eye examinations were introduced in Scotland and we remain the only country in the UK to provide this vital service. We will maintain this crucial policy and I would remind people of the importance of having regular examinations which can help with early detection of a range of sight and non-sight threatening conditions.”
Fair Work Convention unveils Renewed Vision for a fairer, more inclusive Scotland
The Fair Work Convention has shared its renewed vision for building a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.
This refreshed direction champions workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with fairness and respect at the heart of Scotland’s economy.
Discover what this means for workers, employers, and Scotland’s future:
The Fair Work Convention has today announced a renewed vision for Scotland’s workplaces, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every worker in Scotland benefits from the five dimensions of fair work; opportunity, security, respect, fulfilment, and effective voice.
Scotland stands at a defining moment in its fair work journey. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made, like reducing gender economic inactivity gaps, reducing workplace injuries and tackling low pay. Yet the work is far from complete. More needs to be done to enhance fair work across Scotland’s economy.
Building on its longstanding role as an independent advisory body, the Fair Work Convention aims to position Scotland as a global leader in fair work, with a particular focus on driving measurable improvements for workers, employers, and wider society.
Security: Ensuring stable employment with predictable hours and clear opportunities for career progression.
Respect: Promoting safe, healthy, and supportive working environments that foster wellbeing and ensure flexibility that works for everyone.
Fulfilment: Encouraging investment in skills for both the present and the future, and supporting work that offers autonomy, purpose, and opportunities to shape decisions.
Opportunity: Championing inclusive employment practices that ensure all of Scotland’s people can access fair work.
Effective Voice: Securing genuine channels for workers to be heard at every level, with a particular emphasis on strong collective bargaining structures and workplace access for trade unions.
As part of this renewed direction, the Convention will strengthen its role in providing independent scrutiny, guidance, and monitoring, supporting partners across Scotland to translate fair work principles into tangible, real‑world progress.
Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Professor Patricia Findlay said:“We know that Scotland faces ongoing economic challenges that demand resilience, adaptability and innovation. Fair work is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity.
“We want Scotland to be recognised internationally as a nation where fair work is at the heart of our economic success,”
Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Chris Westcott added:“This renewed vision reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all workers, regardless of sector, background or job role experience fair and meaningful work.
“Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to fair work and its crucial role in delivering the type of Scotland we want and need.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:“The Scottish Government remains committed to fair work and has awarded £6 billion in public sector grants to organisations which follow Fair Work First criteria.
“It’s paying off. Scotland is the best performing of all four UK countries with the highest proportion of employees aged 18 or over – 88.7% – being paid the real Living Wage or more.
“This renewed direction from the Fair Work Convention helps strengthen our shared ambition to ensure workplaces across Scotland deliver security, opportunity, respect and a meaningful voice for every worker. This is central to building a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient economy for the future.”
The Fair Work Convention will continue to engage closely with workers, employers, trade unions, and policymakers as it delivers on the vision and supports Scotland’s journey towards becoming a world-leading Fair Work Nation.
Bikes account for nearly 10% of journeys on Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link
New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed the continuing success of new protected cycle routes in Edinburgh.
Over a 48-hour period in September 2025, traffic surveys recorded 4,744 bikes on Leith Walk. This was out of a total of 48,832 travel methods recorded, meaning that 9.7% of people cycled their journey – the highest cycling modal share yet seen on the route.
On the western-most portion of the City Centre West East Link (CCWEL), at West Coates in Roseburn, 2,798 bikes were recorded over the same 48-hour survey period. This was out of a total of 30,175 travel methods recorded on the street, equating to 9.3% of journeys being made by bike – a new record cycling modal share for this section of the CCWEL.
At York Place, where the CCWEL’s protected cycle route connects to Leith Walk via Picardy Place, 1,921 cycle journeys were recorded over the two-day period. This is the largest number of bikes yet recorded at this location by a Cycling Scotland traffic survey and evidence of the growth in cycling being supported as routes join together.
At Great Junction Street, 2,023 cycle journeys were recorded, with a cycling modal share of 4% – both new records for this location, where new safe, protected cycle lanes are currently being installed as part of the Leith Connections project.
At all survey locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that people are predominantly travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.
The data also shows that where safe, protected cycle lanes are provided, the vast majority of people cycling choose to use them rather than cycling on-road. 97% of cycle journeys along West Coates were recorded as being on the cycle lane, rather than the road, and 96% of cycle journeys on Leith Walk.
Cycling Scotland organises traffic surveys across Scotland to monitor changes in travel behaviour, working in partnership with all 32 local authorities at over 100 locations, with funding from Transport Scotland. Conducted biannually in May and September each year, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes such as this are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.
Additional analysis of data from the fixed cycle counter network in the capital, further reveals the long-term impact of investment in safer cycling infrastructure.
In the south of Edinburgh where Quiet Route 61 meets on-street cycle lanes on Gilmerton Road, 4,676 cycle journeys were recorded through September 2025, compared with 1,561 journeys in September 2021 – a 200% increase. This follows improvements for people walking and cycling at the crossing, including and physical protection for the cycle lanes.
38,611 cycle journeys were recorded by a fixed cycle counter on North Meadow Walk through September 2025 – a 20% increase on September 2021. On nearby Bruntsfield Place, a 20% increase in cycle journeys was also recorded over the same period.
Michael Owen, an 89-year-old Edinburgh resident who uses his bike most days to stay fit, said: “I’m very supportive of improvements for cycling in the city. I’m approaching 90, and I use my bike to get local shopping most days. If it’s a decent day I might add a mile or two onto my journey.
“I’ve always used my bike to keep fit, particularly to build fitness for skiing trips and sports – now it’s my main way of looking after myself. It keeps me more mobile than otherwise.
“Convenience, practical reasons… it’s my best form of transport. If I have any appointments, medical check-ups in the city centre for example, I’ll get there by bike. I realise just how much easier it is to get around and to deal with everyday things by using my bike. The physical fitness is a big thing for me, it keeps me more mobile than otherwise.”
City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The data here speaks for itself. We’ve consistently seen that where we commit to creating and improving cycling infrastructure, new users will follow.
“From supporting more liveable local neighbourhoods, to getting physical exercise and choosing to get around more sustainably, I’d encourage anyone thinking of getting on a bike this year to give it a try.
“Under our City Mobility Plan, we’re committed to making Edinburgh as easy for people to move around as possible, and cycling is one of the key sustainable transport modes that supports this.”
Nick Montgomery, Monitoring and Development Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see from the data is that where local authorities are investing in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, there are big increases in people travelling by bike.
“Future improvements would support even more people to benefit from cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way of getting around and help Edinburgh continue to grow and thrive as a city.”
Local voices and leading Edinburgh ambassadors invite visitors to experience the city beyond the guidebook
Forever Edinburgh has launched Stay Like a Local, a new campaign designed to encourage visitors to experience the city through the eyes of the people who know it best.
Centred on a partnership with social enterprise Invisible Cities, the campaign showcases Edinburgh’s hidden gems, neighbourhood culture and the wide variety of stays available across the city beyond the expected.
At the heart of Stay Like a Local is a new Invisible Cities guided walking tour of the same name, created by local guides with lived experience of Edinburgh. Hear about the city from people who really know their history and the magic hidden behind the main streets and familiar tourist locations.
The tour highlights off-the-beaten-path locations, lesser-known stories and everyday places loved by locals, offering visitors a deeper and more meaningful connection with the city.
Guides share stories such as Whitefoord House on the Canongate, an 18th-century mansion that later became a print foundry before evolving into the city’s first residence for veterans, alongside hidden spaces like Dunbar’s Close Garden, a secluded pocket garden inspired by 17th-century design and Patrick Geddes’ vision for green spaces in the Old Town.
The itinerary will be available as a dedicated Stay Like a Local tour, delivered by the Invisible Cities guides, sharing their key secrets of the city with tourists.
Founded in Edinburgh, Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their own city. Through storytelling, guiding and meaningful employment, Invisible Cities creates opportunities for guides while offering visitors an honest and personal perspective on place.
As a social enterprise, Invisible Cities prioritises offering ethical and sustainable tours. The partnership aligns with Forever Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting responsible tourism and community-led experiences.
The campaign is further brought to life through recommendations from a collective of Edinburgh ambassadors spanning hospitality, culture, food and drink and visitor experiences. Each ambassador shares their personal take on the perfect Edinburgh break, demonstrating how the city can be enjoyed in many different ways, from literary escapes and culinary journeys to art-led adventures and maritime explorations.
Ambassadors include founders and team members of Golden Hare Books, The Balmoral, Jupiter Artland, Mercat Tours, The Royal Yacht Britannia and Maid of the Forth. Michelin Guide chef Roberta Hall-McCarron, founder of The Little Chartroom, Ardfern and Eleanore has also shared her recommendations, alongside players from Edinburgh Rugby’s men’s and women’s teams.
Together, their recommendations illustrate the diversity of holidays available in Edinburgh, whether visitors are seeking a luxury city break, a culture-rich long weekend, a food-focused escape or an experience-led stay shaped by local knowledge.
Zakia Moulaoui Guery, founder of Invisible Cities, said: “This partnership is about showing Edinburgh as it really is, through the places and stories that matter to the people who live here. Our guides bring a perspective you won’t find in a guidebook, shaped by lived experience and a deep connection to the city.
“Being part of the Stay Like a Local campaign allows us to champion more responsible tourism, create meaningful work and invite visitors to explore Edinburgh in a way that benefits local communities.”
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Edinburgh is a city of neighbourhoods, stories and communities, and Stay Like a Local encourages visitors to experience this in a way that is both authentic and responsible.
“Working with Invisible Cities and their ambassadors helps visitors to discover parts of the city that they might otherwise miss – from independent bookshops and galleries to historic closes and local dining – ensuring that tourism benefits our residents and businesses, as well as our visitors.”
Stay Like a Local is part of Stay Different a three-year behaviour change campaign led by Forever Edinburgh and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Scottish Gas has officially unveiled their brand-new “Hot Seats” activation at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, giving lucky customers a truly unique way to experience the Guinness Six Nations.
The Hot Seats, which debuted during Saturday’s highly anticipated Calcutta Cup, offers lucky customers the chance to enjoy the biggest fixtures in Scottish rugby from the cosiest seats in the stadium.
With temperatures during last week’s monumental victory against England dropping to around 3 °C the Hot Seats were an instant success with fans.
They are designed to resemble the living room of Scottish Gas’ brand characters, The Things, with blue, fluffy chairs and themed visuals on the surrounding walls, creating a playful, cosy space that feels like stepping straight into the home of ‘The Things’. The Hot Seats experience includes complimentary tickets, food and drinks throughout the game, and Scottish Gas hot water bottles to help keep them warm during the match.
Located in both the North and South stands inside the stadium, the Hot Seats place fans right at the centre of the action, delivering a new and unmatched matchday experience while reinforcing Scottish Gas’ commitment to supporting fans on and off the pitch.
James Corcoran, Partnerships Director at Scottish Gas, said: “The Guinness Six Nations is one of the biggest sporting moments in Scotland, and we’re always looking at how we can create memorable experiences for fans at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
“The Hot Seats bring the comfort and warmth of home into the heart of the stadium, allowing our customers to enjoy the electric atmosphere of matchday while we take care of the things that matter most.”
Rex Hugill, Head of Partnership at Scottish Rugby, added: “The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is always a special occasion at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, and it’s fantastic to see partners like Scottish Gas enhancing the matchday experience in such a creative and fan-focused way.
“The Hot Seats add something unique to the stadium while staying true to what makes rugby here so special, the atmosphere, passion and community.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher sets out the many benefits the visitor levy will bring to Edinburgh, its residents and visitors:
We’re rightly proud that so many people want to visit and enjoy our historic and beautiful city – and of the significant benefit that tourism brings to our economy.
But with that popularity comes a cost: the pressure it places on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round.
We’ve long been aware of our responsibility to manage this pressure but, as the lowest funded local authority in Scotland, we had to find other ways of funding this.
I was delighted then that, having secured the powers to introduce a visitor levy for Edinburgh, we’ve now agreed the first round of spending programmes. This investment of nearly £100 million over the next three years will allow us to sustain and enhance our reputation as one of the most popular and enjoyable destinations in the world.
As the first local authority in the UK to push ahead with a city-wide scheme, I know that other councils across the UK – together with the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments – are watching closely as they seek to develop similar schemes of their own. They should be encouraged by what they’re seeing.
Thanks to the funds generated from the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, as we now know it, we can transform our city into a cleaner, greener and more welcoming environment. We can invest more in our award-winning parks and greenspaces, doubling the number of park rangers and funding extra planting across the city.
We can help to put more police on our streets while new public toilets, upgraded bins and extra patrols will help to maintain Edinburgh’s streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to the high standard our residents and visitors expect.
We can also renew and restore attractions across Edinburgh, including bringing much-loved cultural venues like the Royal High School and Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in decades.
We’ve listened to and taken account of the views of residents, the tourism industry and other stakeholders at every stage of the process – and I’m grateful to the many Council officers, Visitor Levy Advisory Forum members, businesses and residents for their valuable contributions and support.
This is just the beginning. As the scheme develops, we’ll continue to involve communities in spending decisions in their local areas – and the Forum will continue to help ensure the views of the city are taken into account over the next three years and beyond.
I’m sure, like me, they’re looking forward to seeing the many benefits the levy will bring to our city, our residents and our visitors.
Jane Meagher’s article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News
