Queen Elizabeth Trust launched to strengthen communities across the United Kingdom

A new UK-wide independent charity, the Queen Elizabeth Trust, has been established on the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth to honour her lifelong commitment to public service

  • The King will serve as Royal Patron of the newly established independent charity.
  • The Trust will focus on regenerating shared spaces that bring people together.
  • The charity will provide a lasting legacy for the late Queen, who devoted so much of her life to recognising the importance of service to others.

A new UK-wide independent charity, the Queen Elizabeth Trust, has been established on the occasion of the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth to honour her lifelong commitment to public service. 

His Majesty The King has accepted the Royal Patronage of the Trust, which will bring the late Queen’s values to life for present and future generations. 

The Trust is one of three related memorial projects—alongside a national memorial in St James’s Park and a digital memorial—to honour her legacy at local, national, and global levels. These plans are being formally unveiled on Tuesday to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s hundredth birthday.

Inspired by the late Queen’s stated belief that “everyone is our neighbour”, the Trust will work hand in hand with communities, providing funding and targeted support to restore and sustain shared spaces at the heart of local life. 

To ensure the Trust can have the widest positive impact, the Government is providing a one-off £40 million endowment. This provides the initial funding needed to support local projects of public value and will act as a catalyst for future fundraising. 

Local projects could include the development and transformation of underused buildings and green spaces as well as neighbourhood hubs in communities across the UK. Funding will also help communities ensure they have access to the skills and training they require to deliver local events. 

This contribution continues a long-standing tradition of honouring the monarch through living memorials that make a real difference in people’s lives. Including the King George V Playing Fields, established nearly a century ago, which protect public open spaces and recreational grounds across the UK.

The Queen Elizabeth Trust will ensure Her late Majesty is remembered for her unique ability to bring people together across generations and from all walks of life. 

Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust, said: “I’m honoured and excited to have been chosen as the founding Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust to help guide its direction from the start.

“This is a real chance to support communities across the United Kingdom and bring shared spaces back to life: places where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, connect, and belong. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference these spaces can make, creating opportunities, sparking connections, and giving people a sense of pride in where they live. At a time when so many feel disconnected, this work feels more important than ever. 

“As an organisation, we’re ambitious about what we can achieve, and our goal is to significantly increase our impact by attracting support from others. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves, listening and learning from communities, and seeing what we can make happen.”

Lord Janvrin, Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: “I hope this new charity will encourage people to remember the life and service of the late Queen by recognising the importance she attached to strengthening that sense of engagement and belonging amongst local communities.

The Trust is the result of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee’s recommendation, following over two years of engagement with diverse groups across the UK. 

The focus of the Trust was shaped through extensive conversations with community groups, charities, and leaders across the four nations. These discussions brought together a diverse range of perspectives from policymakers, government experts, and major legacy programmes.  

Further information on the funding criteria will be shared in the coming months.

Sir Olly Robbins to give evidence on Mandelson’s vetting on Tuesday

The Foreign Affairs Committee has written to Sir Olly Robbins, former Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, to request he give evidence next Tuesday (21 April) on the vetting of Lord Mandelson.

Sir Olly and Sir Chris Wormald, then-Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, previously appeared in front of the Committee to give evidence on the vetting and clearance of Lord Mandelson.

Following recent reporting by The Guardian exposing Lord Mandelson’s failure to pass developed vetting and the decision of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to overrule this, Sir Olly resigned as Permanent-Under Secretary at the FCDO.

Correspondence: Foreign Affairs Committee Chair to Sir Olly Robbins

Read the letter to Sir Olly Robbins

Edinburgh urged to get behind Scotland Loves Local Week 2026

The critical difference we can all make by choosing local will be celebrated between 13 – 20 June

The date has been set for the fourth Scotland Loves Local Week – with people across Edinburgh being urged to champion choosing local. The people, businesses and initiatives that make communities thrive will be celebrated from June 13 to 20.

And, as with the activity taking place as the country rallies behind Scotland in the World Cup, this year’s theme is Flying the Flag for Local Businesses.

Scotland Loves Local Week will see social media campaigning, political visits and other events highlight the transformational difference of choosing local – supporting friends, family and neighbours by getting behind the businesses which are the fabric of communities.

Businesses and community groups across Edinburgh are being encouraged to take part – as they have done in previous years – celebrating what makes their communities unique.

Ideas for how they can do so are available via www.lovelocal.scot.

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies.

It is organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a stronger, fairer, wealthier Scotland.

Massive May Day Parties at The Pitt

We’ve gone massive for May – not one, not two, but FOUR epic day parties.

House, electronica, techno, fusion… even a bit of Dolly Parton… whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered!

The Pitt & Box Energy Present:

Auntie Flo LIVE

Sun 3 May, 4pm-10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: 18+

Get ready for an electrifying night as we bring you the genre-defying sound of Auntie Flo’s full live band! Known for fusing global rhythms with experimental electronica, Auntie Flo will be bringing his captivating live set to our inclusive and welcoming space.

Northern Rodeo Country Festival

Sat 16 May, 4pm – 10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: all welcome until 8pm, then 16+

Northern Rodeo is riding back into The Pitt for another boot-stompin’, line-dancin’, bronco-buckin’ night of country fun! So round-up your crew and come join the fun at Northern Rodeo – where the North meets Nashville.

Musika presents Skyline feat.
Hernan Cattaneo 5hr set

Sun 24 May, 2pm-midnight

From £45.00

Suitability: 18+

A huge Bank Holiday All-Dayer as Musika presents Skyline’s last ever Scottish show celebrating 4 years of the crème de la crème of progressive artists. Joining Hernan, Kamilo Sanclemente makes his long-awaited Edinburgh debut. Support comes from both families — Alan Dobson, Jamie McKenzie and Twilo — carrying the Musika x Skyline sound from day into night.

DAYS

Sat 30 May, 1pm-10:30pm  

From £55.00

Suitability: 18+

DAYS returns to the Granton waterfront taking over the warehouse and yard for our best party to date.

With Daniel Avery, DJ Seinfeld, and Helena Hauff, while Sweely brings his signature live energy. Rounding things out are Papa Nugs and MarcelDune, two selectors currently at the top of their game.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game kicks off on the BBC ahead of the Men’s FIFA World Cup

The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance

Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.

Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.

The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.

For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.

Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.

Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.

“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.

“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.

“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.

“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”

Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.

Edinburgh woman to run the London Marathon following treatment for blood cancer 

A woman from Edinburgh, living in London, is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Lymphoma Action following successful treatment for lymphoma.

Catherine Staines was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2023. After receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Catherine is now in remission and will be running the iconic marathon route on Sunday 26 April to support the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma.

Catherine’s fundraising page can be found at:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/catherine-staines-1 

“I had never even heard of Hodgkin lymphoma before my diagnosis,” says Catherine, 26. “It was a Lymphoma Action information pack, handed to me by a nurse in hospital, that helped me understand what was happening and what lay ahead in terms of treatment.

“Lymphoma Action gave my family and I clarity and support at a time of fear and confusion. Their resources made me feel informed, less alone and better prepared for what was to come. Now I am in remission, I want to give back to a Charity that supported me through what was a very challenging time.

“Training for a marathon is a real challenge, but raising funds for this important cause keeps me motivated” she adds. “When I was going through treatment, all I wanted was to be active again. I missed that part of life: moving, training and feeling strong. Now I can look forward to crossing the finish line and celebrate feeling healthy and capable again after everything I’ve been through.”

“We are so grateful to Catherine for her support, and we can’t wait to cheer her on from the sidelines on race day!” says Laura Thompson, Challenge Events Fundraiser at Lymphoma Action.

“Every year, more than 18,000 people in the UK are told they have lymphoma, making it the most common type of blood cancer. With this year marking our 40th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to transform the experience of people affected by lymphoma.

“Thanks to the support of amazing people like Catherine, we can make sure that people can navigate a lymphoma diagnosis with the information, support and community they need so that no one faces lymphoma alone.”

For further information about lymphoma, and the work of Lymphoma Action please visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Animatronic pig shocks Edinburgh by exposing ‘pregnancy cage cruelty’ with installation in city centre

  • ‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
  • ‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass 

Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms. 

Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.

Abdullah from Livingstone, said: “Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”

According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.

The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.

James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said: “It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”

Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.

Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.

Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens. 

Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars. 

“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.” 

ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.

As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.  

humaneworld.org

Dementia-friendly Mamma Mia at North Edinburgh Arts

THURSDAY 23 APRIL at 1.30pm – FREE EVENT

It’s time for another dementia-friendly film club, and this month we’re heading to a Greek island!

Join us for a free screening of Mamma Mia! – the feel-good 2008 musical packed with romance, laughter, and those irresistible ABBA tunes. Singing along? Getting up to dance? Absolutely encouraged 🙂

📅 Thursday 23 April

🕐 Doors open 1.15pm | Screening starts 1.30pm

📍 North Edinburgh Arts

🎟️ Free entry

Our dementia-friendly screenings are open to everyone, with low lighting throughout, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a short interval, and light refreshments.

To book or to let us know about any accessible seating requirements, get in touch:

📞 Call or text: 07493 876130

📧 Email: fiona@northedinburgharts.co.uk

Police: Have you seen Jack?

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace 20-year-old Jack Beedie who has been reported missing in Aberdeen.

Jack was last seen around 1pm on Friday, 27 March, 2026, at Aberdeen Bus Station and was reported missing on Sunday, 12 April. It is believed he may have travelled to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

He is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, of slim build, with short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots.

Sergeant James Dainton said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Jack’s welfare and would urge anyone who may have seen him, or who has any information that could assist, to come forward.

“If you think you can help, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2564 of 12 April.”