Communities to benefit from renewable energy

New proposals for onshore renewable energy developments

Communities across Scotland could see more money invested in their area as a result of onshore renewable energy developments – under new proposals published yesterday.

The proposed updates to existing community benefit guidance for onshore energy developments would recommend that local groups should receive yearly payments of £6,000 per Megawatt (MW) of onshore wind capacity – up from £5,000 per MW – for the lifetime of a project. 

‘Community benefits’ are voluntary contributions provided by energy developers to local communities. Around £30 million in benefits was provided to groups across Scotland last year, supporting projects that matter most to local communities.

The proposals also include:

  • a new specific recommended range of £700-£1000 per MW per year for solar projects;
  • a new recommended level of at least £150 per MW per year for battery energy storage projects;
  • the pilot of a Community Benefit Peer Forum, run by Local Energy Scotland, so communities can work together, share learning and build expertise;
  • and improved guidance to support communities to maximise the long-term value of community benefit funds.

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “For more than 10 years, Scotland has led the way in establishing the provision of community benefits as a common and expected practice across our renewables sector.

“This has led to communities and energy developers working together to deliver tangible and long-lasting legacy benefits for local areas – along with the wider benefits of local jobs, supply chain businesses and growing local economies.

“The updated proposals outlined today seek to strike a balanced approach to future fund levels which continue to serve communities well while reflecting the market challenges for developers over recent years.

“We will continue to engage with communities and the energy sector to help refine these proposals ahead of developing our final updated Good Practice Principles later this year.”

Stephen McCarron, Chief Operating Officer at the 9 Community Councils Group, said: “The 9CC Group warmly welcome the significant updates to the Good Practice Principles and are delighted that it adopts our key asks for communities to be at the heart of the decision making regarding the funding and delivery support for local and strategic priorities.

“It’s an excellent document; comprehensive and clear on best practice while striking fair balance on the interests of developers and communities.

“A partnership approach is critical to creating a lasting legacy for our communities and whilst we will continue to promote a collaborative and wider approach in terms of communities working together, we are pleased that there is a clear distinction between those who make local decisions on funding and those who administer the fund, that avoids the risk of self interest undermining the greater good for the wider community.”

The Good Practice Principles are national guidance that sets clear expectations for developers and communities on how community benefits should be designed and delivered.  Read the Working Paper on Refreshing the Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy. 

Have your say on the proposals.

Third Sector Reference Group: New Members Needed

Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions. The Group is looking for new members to shape decisions and help make positive change:

Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference group is looking for new members to shape decisions, amplify community voices and create positive change.

The Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights from our sector to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions.

The group aims to harness the power, knowledge and impact of our sector and to take that directly to the heart of decision-making to help influence policy, strategy and service design that affects communities across the city.

TSRG Terms of Reference 2026 (pdf) 

Can you help us do that?

As a Reference Group member, you will:

  • Share your experience and help shape better policy and services
  • Work collaboratively with peers, public sector partners and decision-makers
  • Influence decisions that impact communities and the third sector
  • Strengthen the collective voice of the third sector in the city’s decision-making

You will:

  • Act as an advocate for the third sector and the communities we serve
  • Contribute to meetings, workshops and consultations
  • Share insight, lived experience, challenge and constructively support advocacy and influencing activity that benefits the sector
  • Work collaboratively, in partnership and uphold high standards of integrity and accountability

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people who:

  • Are involved in the third sector and understand organisational sustainability
  • Bring lived or professional experience of working with communities
  • Are effective communicators and collaborative team players
  • Care deeply about equality, inclusion and social justice
  • Can commit time to attend meetings and contribute to written feedback on public policy, reports and design of future provision and support for the third sector

Time Commitment

  • Monthly Reference Group meetings, typically 60- 90 minutes.
  • Occasional events
  • Contribute to consultations/policies/reports

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

How to Apply

Please submit a short expression of interest (no more than one side of A4) outlining:

  • Your background and connection to the third sector
  • What you feel you would bring to the Reference Group
  • Why you are interested in the role

Please email it to: tsrg@evoc.org.uk

Deadline: Mon 16 Mar 2026

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/ywkbd4kk

Supporting social care

Up to 30,000 extra care hours projected

Up to 30,000 extra hours of adult social care work are expected to be secured every month through the Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme.

The scheme, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, is helping employers recruit international workers who are already in the UK and find themselves without sponsored employment at no fault of their own.

Up to 250 workers are projected to be re-employed once checks are complete this spring and visa rules mean each must earn at least £25,000 a year.

Social Care Minister Tom Arthur said: “The UK Government’s hostile approach to migration and decision to close the adult social care visa route to new overseas applicants means this important sector faces serious recruitment challenges during a time of enormous need.  

“Our displaced workers scheme supports a sustainable social care service and workforce for Scotland. This mitigates the loss of international recruitment caused by changes to the UK immigration system and helps meet the care needs of our older population, by allowing providers to deliver thousands of extra hours of valuable support.

“It also indicates the type of society we are working to support – one with kindness and fairness to the most vulnerable at its heart.”

The Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme covers additional costs which employers face when hiring a displaced worker already in the UK who has lost an employer’s sponsorship and where there are unfilled vacancies.

These costs will often prevent an employer from employing them. The scheme opened on 3 December and closed on 31 January.

Getting Along with Gran

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre: 2nd March 11am

A free performed reading of a play based on memories from Royston Wardieburn Social History Group performed by professional actors with the participation of Granton Primary School pupils.

More Info and to reserve Free places contact – lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk

Round-the-clock mental health support

Expansion of NHS 24 Mental Health Hub

People in Scotland will have access to expanded 24/7 mental health support, backed by an estimated £1.5 billion of investment on mental health and wellbeing support from the Scottish Government.

This funding includes £3.5 million of new investment announced today which will make it easier for people to get the help they need, reducing pressure on A&E and other emergency services like Police Scotland.

The funding will enable the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub to expand, offering psychological support for people who will benefit from early access to treatment. The Hub provides round-the-clock help to anyone in Scotland requiring urgent mental health support or who is experiencing distress, connecting callers to trained professionals for assessment, advice and directing them to the most appropriate support.

A new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People, backed by an initial £1 million, will also improve emergency mental health responses across six NHS Board areas.

This complements the success of the Distress Brief Intervention programme, which has already supported over 100,000 people since its establishment with rapid support and follow-up care.

Visiting The Lighthouse for Perth, which offers mental health crisis support for children and young people, First Minister John Swinney said: “We are working hard to ensure everyone in Scotland, wherever they live, has 24/7 access to the right mental health and wellbeing support.

“Our 24/7 NHS 24 Mental Health Hub has been set up so that calls from anyone in distress are redirected to specially trained practitioners. The service is supporting thousands of people each month and is easing pressure on other frontline services like A&E and the police, and strengthens the range of emergency mental health support available across Scotland.

“We are also launching a new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People today, to improve how young people and their families can access urgent mental health support. I am grateful to organisations like The Lighthouse who have helped shape our approach and who are delivering essential services in our communities.

“Over the last two years almost 80,000 children, young people and family members accessed Scottish Government-funded community services, and our new Crisis Intervention Fund will enable local areas to go further in offering the right crisis response.”

Sharon Thomas Operations Manager The Lighthouse for Perth said: “The new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People will be an excellent resource for everyone working in crisis support.

“The Lighthouse have been working hard over the past 6 years delivering this type of person centred service across Perth and Kinross and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to the new framework to ensure this will now be available across the whole of Scotland.

“It is a pleasure to have the First Minister visit today and the announcement of additional funding is very welcome. Young people are the future of this country and we need to ensure they have the support they need, when they need it to shape the future of our communities.”  

Lauriston Castle launches 2026 centenary programme

To celebrate 100 years since the Castle was gifted to the nation by the Reids, this year’s programme has a strong 1920s theme.

The centenary programme was officially launched with a visit from Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, who joined colleagues and volunteers at the castle to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration.

Featuring an exciting and varied selection of events, the programme will include talks, creative workshops, film screenings, and family fun activities. Highlights include:

  • Immersive heritage experiences inspired by different periods of the castle’s past
  • Interactive outdoor activities and themed trails for families
  • Seasonal festivals celebrating culture, craft and community
  • Costumed interpretation and live performances
  • Creative workshops, talks and special tours

A highlight of the year will be the original murder mystery plays, composed and performed by Edinburgh Living History, where guests can use their sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit.

In August, the 1920s-inspired scavenger hunt, reflecting popular leisure activities of the era, will have guests following the clues to meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the return of much-loved Japan Sakura, offering another weekend of fun, with the opportunity to take part in traditional crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.

To mark the centenary, guests can also watch a series of film screenings of titles both made and set in the 1920s starting with ‘The General’ (1926).

Many events will be free to attend, with some ticketed experiences available through advance booking. Details of all events are listed on the Culture Edinburgh website.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Lauriston Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sites, and the centenary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both its past and its future.

“This programme brings together heritage, creativity and community in a way that reflects the spirit of Mr and Mrs Reid’s generous gift.

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to discover everything that Lauriston has to offer in 2026.”

Supporting stronger communities

£300,000 fund distributed in partnership with STV Children’s Appeal

32 community projects across Scotland have been awarded a share of £300,000 of funding to help build strong and connected communities.

The Scottish Government has partnered with the STV Children’s Appeal to identify grassroots organisations and charities that are helping to break cycles of poverty, strengthening social cohesion and promoting inclusion and dignity at a community level.

Funded organisations include Y Sort It in Clydebank – to help fund upgrades to a communal cookery programme; Govan Help – to support their Parent Wellbeing Programme, which aims to empower parents to improve their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing; and CentreStage Kilmarnock – to expand community activities currently at capacity for people experiencing social isolation.

One of the charities to benefit is Dundee-based community centre Boomerang, which offers a range of services to the local community including a Stay and Play Toddler Group, Cosy Café, Food Larder and Latin Dance Class. Boomerang has received an award of almost £6,000 to help extend funding for a Cosy Café Support Worker through the winter months.

Visiting Boomerang to announce the awards, Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities said: “Inclusive and connected communities are a ‘must-have’ for a resilient, safe, and thriving Scotland.

“I’m very pleased that we have been able to partner with the STV Children’s Appeal to make these awards, which will support vital grassroots projects that are uniting people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. 

“Our commitment to looking out for one another is one of the things that we should be very proud of as Scots, and I have seen some fantastic examples of this here today at Boomerang. We are also proud of Scotland’s diverse society which is why the Scottish Government will continue to invest in building the strong, connected communities that all of us want to see.”

Carrie Reid, Centre Manager at Boomerang said: “Thousands of people have benefited from our Cosy Cafe over many years. It has improved people’s mental health and wellbeing, fostered deeper social connections and has encouraged creativity. 

“We’ve also seen increased confidence and self-esteem with our loyal volunteers who run the Cafe as they have learned new tasks and socialised with the people who attend, building up their self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

“Thank you from all the staff, volunteers and service users for your support.”

Natalie Wright, Head of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Government to disburse this fund, which will enhance the work that grassroots organisations are doing up and down the country to strengthen their communities.

“We work with a wide range of charities who are doing fantastic work, bringing people together and responding quickly to people’s needs, and we know that this additional support will make a difference where it really matters.”

The full list of awards can be found at www.stvappeal.tv

“Vote for what Scotland wants” call by European Movement in Scotland for Scottish general election campaign

Scots European Movement general election social media campaign

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) has launched its Scottish Parliament election campaign with a call for voters to ask party leaders and candidates where they stand on Scotland and the EU.

EMiS urges voters “to do what Scotland wants.” A recent opinion survey that found 73% of Scottish voters want to reverse Brexit.

“Reversing Brexit is what the Scottish people want,” says David Clarke, chair of EMiS. “So do what Scotland wants and vote for pro-EU parties on 7th May.

“Voters and the media should check where the parties stand on Brexit. The economic damage is undeniable and is delivering a country in the doldrums, with young people in particular losing out.”

EMIS’ campaign will run mainly on social media. It focuses on a poll by Survation for the business consultancy True North Advisors, published in January. It found that 73% of voters in Scotland want to go back into the EU.

EMiS says the SNP, Scottish Greens, Scottish LibDems and Scottish Labour all favour closer ties with the EU. While favouring the UK reestablishing ties with the EU, the SNP and Scottish Greens want to see an independent Scotland inside the EU.

The poll found that 73% of Labour voters, 88% of SNP voters, 70% of Lib Dem voters and 89% of Scottish Greens voters want to rejoin. Eighty percent of under 35-year-olds want to return to the EU.  

EMiS points out that it is only the minority parties of Reform and the Conservatives that favour Brexit. The Survation survey found that 34% of Reform voters want to reverse Brexit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo awards RAF charity £244,493 grant

The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to announce that The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has generously awarded a grant of £244,493 following another outstanding Tattoo season in August 2025.

This support follows a year in which the Tattoo delivered its largest-ever combined charitable donations, reinforcing its role as a significant contributor to military welfare and wider cultural causes across the UK.

The Fund is deeply grateful for the substantial grant, which will be dedicated to enhancing its welfare delivery throughout Scotland. As with previous funding from the Tattoo, this contribution will play a vital role in supporting members of the RAF Family facing challenges such as financial hardship or ill health.

The grant will enable the Fund to provide life-changing assistance, including immediate hardship relief and independent living support, helping beneficiaries – many of whom are elderly veterans – remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.

Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are incredibly thankful to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for its ongoing support and generosity.

“This significant grant will make a real difference to the lives of RAF veterans, service personnel and their families across Scotland. It ensures we can continue to stand alongside those who need us most, providing both immediate help and longer-term stability.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund has a long and valued relationship with the Tattoo, which has supported the Fund through multiple grants over many years. Previous donations have enabled vital welfare interventions, from essential home adaptations to financial assistance during illness, bereavement or unemployment.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:
“2025 was a monumental year for the Tattoo, and we’re incredibly proud to see its success translated into tangible support for charitable causes, including the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“Our mission has always been to use the platform of the Tattoo to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. We’re delighted that this year’s grant will support vital welfare work across Scotland for members of the RAF Family.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo continues to celebrate its landmark achievements, having announced in January its largest-ever charitable donation programme, totalling £1.5 million to military and arts organisations following the record-breaking success of its 2025 show, The Heroes Who Made Us.

The Tattoo is a huge immersive event held annually during August and will take place between 7-29 August 2026 with a show entitled A Call to Gather. Tickets can be purchased here.

As well as the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Tattoo also supports the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, and arts charities within the UK. 

Over 10,000 people said ‘I do’ at this unique Edinburgh destination

One of Scotland’s oldest visitor attractions has turned Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into the ultimate aisle. From sightseeing to ‘I do’, last year the iconic location saw more than 10,000 people put a ring on it at its unique marriage machine.

This Valentine’s Day, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is once again setting the scene for love, laughter, and unforgettable memories with its famous AutoWed Machine.

The fully automated ceremony is one of only two of its kind in the world, with the other located in the USA. Created by the innovative Cornwall-based company ConceptShed, AutoWed first captured the public’s imagination after appearing on the BBC TV show Dragons’ Den. The novelty wedding vending machine delivers a fun, tongue-in-cheek ceremony at the push of a button, with couples receiving rings and a personalised keepsake wedding certificate.

The entire AutoWed ceremony lasts around 60 seconds / minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to celebrate love in the capital city. Last year, Olympic diver Tom Daley was amongst the many visitors to take the plunge and get ‘AutoWed’ with his husband, Oscar-winning Hollywood screenwriter Dustin Lance Black.

Andrew Johson, General Manager at Camera Obscura said; “The AutoWed Machine has become one of our most-loved experiences, and it’s incredible to see just how many people choose to tie the knot here.

“This Valentine’s Day, we’re inviting even more couples to come and celebrate their love in a fun and memorable way, and we can’t wait to welcome more visitors this February.”

In addition to the AutoWed, couples can explore over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits that challenge the senses and dazzle the mind. From bewildering optical illusions to breathtaking views of Edinburgh from the Rooftop Terrace.