European Movement in Scotland: ‘US now least reliable partner in NATO’

  • “US now least reliable partner in NATO”, says MP Stephen Gethins
  • “The democracies of the world must work together”

SNP MP, and former professor of international relations at St Andrews University, Stephen Gethins says the USA is now the least reliable partner in the NATO alliance. 

Speaking on Bylines Scotland Radio on 17 February, the MP said that the United States has dramatically changed the European security and defence environment.  

He said there is a danger that Ukraine is hung out to dry by the US and Russia. 

“The US is now the least reliable partner in NATO.” 

Mr. Gethins compared current events in Ukraine with the appeasement of Germany in the run up to WW2, when the Nazis were allowed to take over large parts of what is now the Czech Republic. 

Speaking about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s forthcoming visit to President Trump, Gethins urged him to impress on Mr. Trump that the democracies of the world must work together. 

“He should tell Donald Trump that if you believe you are a democrat you must work with your democratic partners. Not the Russians and the Chinese, who are bullies and aggressors. They don’t share our democratic values.“

Asked about Keir Starmer saying he was prepared to send UK troops to take part in peacekeeping in Ukraine, Gethins said: “You cannot possibly conceive it as the UK going it alone.”

Gethins believed it could not be a conventional peacekeeping force and argued it would have to act as a deterrent and be a multinational force. It could not be a NATO exercise. He suggested that putting together such an armed presence would have to overcome numerous political hurdles.

The MP argued that it is now imperative that the democracies of Europe, including the UK, Norway, and Ukraine who are not in the EU, unite to defend the continent from aggressors. 

“No one individual state in Europe has the capacity to respond on its own to the threat from Russia. We must pull together as European democracies. That includes the UK getting over Brexit.”

He said Europe has the economic and manufacturing capacity to far outweigh that of Russia, but benefiting from those advantages means united action and the political and economic structures to enable that to happen. 

The SNP politician argued that the UK can’t continue to be isolated from Europe, particularly given the unreliability of the US. 

“The world of 2016, when the Brexit referendum took place, is not the world of today.” 

He said security and defence are about much more than weapons and soldiers. There are vital issues like energy security and food supply. 

“Because of EU cooperation, EU member states are now far more energy self-reliant.” 

Gethins said that rising to the new defence challenges will be hard, but the UK rejoining the European Single Market and the Customs Union is the right thing to do.

“I’d rejoin the EU.” said the MP. 

Towards the end of the interview, Gethins said we are now in a global political time when it is necessary that friends stick together. 

“Ukraine is our friend. It is in desperate need of friends. We must stick with Ukraine.”

Stephen Gethins is a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland and a Vice President of the European Movement UK.

Listen to the full interview on Bylines Scotland Radio.

“US now least reliable partner in NATO”, says MP Stephen Gethins

Scottish Charity Regulator urges advisors and trustees of dormant accounts in Edinburgh: ‘ACT NOW!’

The Revitalising Trusts project has so far released over £5 million for public good

The Revitalising Trusts project, a collaboration between The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and major funder, Foundation Scotland, has been working with legal teams the length and breadth of the country to release dormant charitable funds for public benefit.  

Over 300 inactive charitable trusts of varying sizes and purposes have been identified to date with funds often lying dormant in accounts for several decades and in some cases well over a century. The project team notes that there’s significantly more to come. 

Since its set up in 2005, OSCR has kept a record of the thousands of charitable trusts which exist across the country, with each charity required to submit an annual return. It is through these regulatory checks that inactive trusts are identified, where they have either had no income or expenditure or donated less than 30% of their total income over the last five years. 

The Revitalising Trusts project team then makes contact to offer support and assistance to help reopen, repurpose or wind up the trust, all with the overarching aim to release the funds for public good. Foundation Scotland takes the time to work alongside trustees and legal teams to ensure that any inactive charitable funds are spent and make a difference in keeping with “the spirit” of the original intentions.  

Foundation Scotland has over 25 years’ experience distributing funds which provide long-term benefit for communities.  

As part of this national project, they are using their specialist expertise to support advisors and trustees to release inactive funds so that they can be redistributed to good causes across Scotland.

Alternatively, Foundation Scotland will provide the support needed to breathe new life into the charity, for example by changing charitable purpose to help address new needs in local communities.

The success of the Revitalising Trusts project relies on the cooperation of legal firms managing the hundreds of historic charitable trusts which exist across Scotland.  The firm does not need to have a charity specialist as the project team undertakes the work required including the preparation of the reorganisation scheme and the application to OSCR, free of charge.  

Locally the team have worked to help release funds from the Ronnie Williamson Trust, set up in 2005 in memory of the long-standing elder and member of Palmerston Place Church and The Edinburgh & Lothian Trust Fund (ELTF).

Steve Kent, Policy Manager at OSCR said: “Of the many things we have to do as a regulator, none is more rewarding than working with Foundation Scotland to track down historic underused charitable funds and find new ways of putting them to good use.

“The donors and philanthropists of the past may not always have been able to envision the challenges that would face future generations, but one thing we can be sure of is that they would have wished their money to make real differences to people’s lives.  We are proudly and diligently helping to ensure this happens. 

“The Revitalising Trusts Project works across the country and is often dependent on the support of local legal firms who manage a network of historic trusts set up years ago by clients with specific charitable wishes.  

“We are confident that there is plenty more still to be found and would encourage legal firms across Edinburgh to get in touch, as we would be delighted to help support the revitalisation of any dormant Trusts they manage.  Don’t wait for us to find you!”

Interested firms can contact Steve Kent, Policy Manager OSCR, directly at steve.kent@oscr.org.uk for free advice and to discuss next steps.    

Further information can be accessed here:

 https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/revitalise-trust.  

Festival City Stories launches at Meadowbank

Street advertising specialists JACK ARTS Scotland have teamed up with the Edinburgh Festivals to share some of the many hidden community stories that sit behind the more well-known festival events – all displayed as an accessible street exhibition surrounding Meadowbank Sports Centre.

Festival City Stories highlights people involved in year-round partnerships between some of Edinburgh’s leading festivals and local community groups, schools and organisations – all captured by Edinburgh-based photographer Ellie Morag. 

The resulting artwork of imagery and words celebrates a diverse range of projects – from children exploring what their rights mean to them, to music programmes sparking joyful connections for people living with dementia.

Amongst the Festival City Stories highlighted are:

  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society work with Oaklands additional needs school, on the creation of an interactive multi-sensory show drawing on the importance and exploration of objects
  • Edinburgh International Children’s Festival work with Forthview Primary School, in piloting their new Creative Encounters programme which takes a child’s rights-based approach to programming work
  • Edinburgh International Festival work with Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, on development of The Beacon Club which uses music to spark joyful connections with people living with dementia and facing social isolation
  • Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival work with Passion4Fusion and St Augustine’s RC High School, on HAIR, which centres on Black Hair stories, exploring key historical and political moments up until the present, and how these are diverse representations of ‘Blackness’/Black Culture. 
  • Scottish International Storytelling Festival work on Sensing Stories, an inclusive series of storytelling sessions for groups interested in using storytelling as a wellbeing tool and for developing performance skills
  • Edinburgh Art Festival work with Rhubaba, on a co-created programme of free workshops and events to connect marginalised artists with creativity through film, theatre, photography, ceramics, writing, and more

Jim Cowan, Partnerships and Marketing Manager, JACK ARTS Scotland shares: ‘It’s a pleasure to use our shared street space to champion these vital community voices from year-round partnerships between some of Edinburgh’s leading festivals and local groups, schools and organisations.

“From inclusive storytelling sessions to workshops using the power of objects to unlock creativity – Festival City Stories helps share and celebrate their incredible work with a wider audience by showcasing these artworks on our city streets.’

The public gallery of artworks will be displayed on JACK ARTS Scotland’s poster sites surrounding the Meadowbank Sports Centre, on London Road and Wishaw Terrace, from 17 February to 2 March 2025.

Edinburgh Student’s Sweet Fundraising Push for London Marathon Challenge

Edinburgh University student and lifeguard Alexandra Ogilvie is heating up her marathon fundraising efforts with a community bake sale at Leith Victoria Swim Centre on February 22nd, 2025.

The event marks a key milestone in her journey to raise £2,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme ahead of her London Marathon debut.

Alexandra, who balances her mathematics studies with lifeguarding duties, will be showcasing her baking talents with an array of homemade treats, including her signature cheesecakes and cupcakes. Local businesses have also stepped up to support the cause, contributing to what promises to be an impressive spread of baked goods.

“This will be my very first marathon, and I couldn’t be more excited to take on one of the world’s most iconic running events,” says Alexandra, who won Edinburgh Leisure’s coveted 2025 TCS London Marathon slot.

“Running a marathon has always been a dream of mine to accomplish before turning 20, and now I have the incredible honour of representing Edinburgh Leisure on this global stage.”

The funds raised will support Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which helps over 12,500 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty access physical activity and sport each year. As both a student and lifeguard, Alexandra has witnessed firsthand the programme’s impact on the community.

“Each year, Edinburgh Leisure relies on fundraising to support its work,” Alexandra explains.

“With rising costs and increasing demand, your support has never been more important. Every penny raised will go towards helping the most vulnerable in our community live healthier and happier lives.”

The bake sale will take place during regular operating hours at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to indulge in some sweet treats and perhaps work them off with a swim or workout afterward.

To support Alexandra’s marathon journey and donate to her fundraising total, visit: Fundraising Link

Find out more about Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme – www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/active-communities.

Event Details:

Date: February 22nd, 2025

Location: Leith Victoria Swim Centre

Time: From 10am

Neil Gray: “Our plan is delivering”

Pledge on waiting times exceeded

The pledge to carry out 64,000 surgeries and procedures with additional funding by the end of March 2025 has been exceeded, new figures released to the Scottish Parliament have revealed.

More than 75,500 NHS surgeries and procedures were delivered between April 2024 the end of January 2025, around 11,500 more than pledged.

Funded through £30 million investment, the targeted activity has resulted in significant reductions in inpatient/daycase waiting lists across a number of health board areas and specialities. Between April 2024 and September 2024 there has been:

  • a 44% decrease in Imaging waits at NHS Fife
  • a 22% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Forth Valley.
  • a 19% decrease in Ear, Nose and Throat waits at NHS Highland
  • an almost 15% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lanarkshire
  • an almost 10% decrease in General Surgery waits at NHS Lothian.

The targeted funding has also helped reduce the total national waiting list size between April 2024 and September 2024 for imaging by 7.5% and for scopes by 7.3%.

In April 2024 the Scottish Government funded NHS boards to deliver 64,000 procedures (40,000 diagnostic procedures, 12,000 surgeries and 12,000 new outpatient appointments) by March 2025. By January 2025, 56,500 diagnostic procedures, almost 9,200 surgeries, and over 9,800 outpatient appointments took place.

The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the impact of the funding until the end of March 2025 with boards reporting they expect to see further progress.

Latest published data also shows a rise in planned care activity between April 2024 and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 – with an 8.3% increase in inpatient/daycase procedures and a 2.5% increase for new outpatient appointments.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am pleased to see health boards are now reporting the tangible impacts of our investment to clear the longest waits. Our plan is delivering and we are seeing progress across a number of speciality areas. I thank staff for their outstanding effort in carrying out this additional activity which is having a positive impact on people’s lives.

“This is a good start, however, we know many people are still waiting too long. We are determined do more and our 2025-26 Budget, with cross-party support now agreed, will provide a record £21.7 billion for health – including £200 million to help clear waiting list backlogs, improve capacity and reduce delayed discharge.

“This record funding will help us ensure no one waits more than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment or inpatient/daycase treatment by March 2026. We will also deliver over 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in the coming year which will ensure people receive the care they need as quickly as possible.”

£150,000 grant awarded to Eric Liddell Community to support Dementia Care & Community Service

The Eric Liddell Community has received crucial funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to help sustain its vital work in combating loneliness and isolation in Edinburgh.  

The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, is delighted to announce that it has received a generous £150,000 grant from The Garfield Weston Foundation. This three-year funding award will support the charity’s core operating costs, helping to continue its crucial work in dementia care and community support services. 

For over four decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been at the heart of Edinburgh, providing a range of essential services, including its flagship Dementia Day Care service, a wellbeing programme for unpaid carers, and a Community Hub programme.  

The Garfield Weston Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of The Eric Liddell Community since 2008, including providing multi-year grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, foundation representatives visited the Community Hub, where they engaged with members of staff from the Dementia Day Care Service and spoke with members of the local community.

Their visit reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s mission, leading to this significant funding award. 

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John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, expressed his gratitude for the support: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Weston family and entire Garfield Weston Foundation team.

“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted us all – we are more grateful than ever to partners like Garfield Weston for giving us the support and flexibility we need to thrive despite these challenges.

“Unlike project-specific funding, this grant gives us the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging needs. It is a powerful endorsement of our work.” 

Securing funding for core operational costs is one of the greatest challenges which charities face. The Garfield Weston Foundation is among a select group of charitable partners that recognise the importance of unrestricted funding, allowing organisations to allocate resources where they are most critically needed. 

Through this generous grant, The Eric Liddell Community will continue to expand its essential services, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need. 

For further information about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit:

ericliddell.org. 

New Hope for Liver Cancer Patients

Study reveals drug combination can effectively tackle tumours

A discovery by Cancer Research UK-funded scientists in Scotland could finally offer hope to patients with a particularly hard to treat cancer.

Researchers found a new combination of drugs was able to almost completely eradicate hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

Led by Professor Tom Bird of the University of Edinburgh and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, the laboratory research focused on specific areas where genetic alterations can cause liver cancer to begin.

Cancer is often caused by a breakdown in DNA, our genetic blueprint, causing cells to grow in the wrong place or out of control.

This new study, published in Nature yesterday (Wednesday 19 February), was able to take these specific areas, where genetic instructions go wrong in people, and replicate them in mice creating genetic avatars which could be targeted with a range of treatments.

An existing cancer drug, commonly used to treat leukaemia and multiple sclerosis, was found by the team to be effective at targeting difficult to treat hepatocellular carcinoma tumours.

The drug, called cladribine, is from a group of drugs called antimetabolites. These interfere with DNA synthesis and stop the cancer cells in their tracks.

Funded by Cancer Research UK and Wellcome, the study found cladribine notably reduced the number of tumours but was most effective when combined with another drug called lenvatinib when almost all the tumours were completely eradicated.

Next steps would be to run a clinical trial over a period of years to confirm the results in liver patients over a long-term period.

Lead author on the study, Professor Tom Bird of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and the Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This exciting discovery provides new hope for the thousands of people living every day with a liver cancer diagnosis.

“Finding new and effective ways to combine and use treatments already approved for other cancers may be a faster way to achieve successful outcomes for future patients.

“Taking a precision approach to treatment by tailoring therapies to the particular types of tumours based upon their genetic alterations, has the potential to transform how we understand, and treat, cancer.”

There are around 6,600 new liver cancer cases in the UK every year, with around 630 in Scotland, and the number diagnosed is increasing.* Liver cancer incidence rates are also significantly higher in Scotland than the UK average.**

Less than half of those diagnosed with liver cancer in Scotland survive their disease for a year or more making finding new ways to tackle this disease vital.***

Survival across the UK varies, but in all cases, fewer than half of those diagnosed with liver cancer survive their disease for a year or more.****

Diagnosis of liver cancer is often late with many patients diagnosed only when already receiving treatment for existing diseases such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease. Late diagnosis makes liver cancers hard to treat as, due to the function of the liver, the disease often responds poorly to chemotherapy drugs.

Cladribine helps to stimulate the body’s own immune system to clear tumours but had never been used for liver cancer before.

Cancer Research UK’s Science Engagement Lead, Dr Sam Godfrey, said: “We are delighted to have funded this exciting research which could lead to new treatments and improved outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

“Liver cancer is a difficult cancer problem – it’s the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK and it can be hard to diagnose it at an early stage when treatment can be more effective.

“That’s why research like this is so important – it lays the foundations for improved cancer treatment, driving us towards a time when no one fears cancer.”

This new research offers potential for broader and more complex treatment regimes, known as precision medicine, to treat patients for their individual liver cancers, improving their chances of successfully treating tumours.

This personalised medicine approach which aims to tailor treatments to specific patients is a growing area of cancer research.

John O’Donnell from Glasgow welcomed the new research. The 75-year-old was just about to leave for a three-month break in Spain when he was diagnosed with liver cancer two and a half years ago.

The retired health and safety manager was only referred for an ultrasound after a routine blood test for his type 2 diabetes showed an abnormality in his liver function.

John said: “They told me the GP had no real reason for referring me – I’m lucky she was so diligent as otherwise I would never have known.”

John was told he had an 8.5cm tumour on his liver and his hopes for his holiday, and his future, were put on hold.

He said: “The only advice my GP could give me was to get a power of attorney. I was told chemotherapy only has a 30 per cent chance of reducing liver cancer tumours and surgery wasn’t an option as the tumour was considered too big to operate.”

Fortunately, John who lives in Muirhead, was accepted onto a clinical trial for people with advanced liver cancer through the Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicines Unit led by Professor Jeff Evans.

After just a few months on a new immunotherapy drug combination, John’s tumour had reduced by 35 per cent and it’s now less than half the size with no change in a year.

John said: “I’m living with liver cancer and I feel perfectly well now treatment has finished.

“It was hard at times but I’m absolutely delighted with the result and I’m proud that I was able to contribute in a small way to helping find new ways to tackle liver cancer.

“There lots of exciting things happening in cancer research and I hear about it every time I am in for a check-up.

“I’ve been told that if the treatment I’m on stops working there are other options so I’m delighted to hear of new developments like this.”

John and his wife Jeanette, 73, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year are now hoping to go on that holiday with a trip to France also planned soon.

He said: “I feel good, my wife has been a great support throughout, and the hospital said I can perhaps miss one check-up appointment so we can take that long holiday at last.”

Libraries launch new recycling programme to promote sustainability and digital reuse

Edinburgh Libraries have held the official launch of a new recycling programme aimed at promoting sustainability and digital reuse across the city.

The service secured £23,000 in funding from the Public Library Improvement Fund, awarded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), which supports innovative initiatives in areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability, and inclusivity.

This funding will allow Edinburgh Libraries to collaborate with Edinburgh Remakery to introduce Tech Donation Boxes to 15 libraries, these boxes will provide Edinburgh residents with an easy, welcoming, and accessible way to donate their old devices. Donated tech devices will be repaired and reused when possible or responsibly recycled when necessary, contributing to a circular economy and reducing electronic waste.

The programme was officially launched at Craigmillar Library this week (Tuesday 18 February), where attendees were introduced to the project and had the chance to participate in various activities, including a Making Jewellery with Recycled Materials workshop (featuring old computer parts, circuit boards, and more), a Climate Fresk Quiz, and an exhibition showcasing children’s crafts made from recycled materials.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “In 2023 Edinburgh Remakery tech boxes were hosted within two libraries – Central Library and Wester Hailes Library. The response from the public was fantastic, and the library service was successful in securing an award from Edinburgh Remakery for the high volume of donations received.

“Thanks to this new funding, we’re able to extend our partnership with the Edinburgh Remakery, working across 15 public libraries to host Tech Donation Boxes and expand the role of our libraries in promoting sustainability throughout the city.”

Elaine Brown, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Remakery, said: “At Edinburgh Remakery, we are passionate about giving old tech a second life, and this partnership with Edinburgh Libraries is a fantastic step towards a more sustainable and digitally inclusive city.

“By making tech donation easy and accessible, we are not only reducing electronic waste but also ensuring that more people can benefit from refurbished devices. Together, we are creating a future where waste is minimised, and resources are maximised for the benefit of our community.”

From January to October 2025, the boxes will be installed in batches of four:

January to March: Central, Craigmillar, South Queensferry and Oxgangs

April to June: Morningside, Portobello, Wester Hailes, Corstorphine

June to August: Muirhouse, Piershill, Fountainbridge, Newington

August to October: Stockbridge, Moredun, Ratho.

Campaign launched to highlight tenants’ rights

Raising awareness of how to access support

A campaign to increase awareness of tenants’ rights has been launched by Housing Minister Paul McLennan. This includes information about where renters can to go to access help and advice.

Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights in the UK which include:

  • the right to ask for a review of a rent increase and for landlords to give the correct notice period before increasing rent
  • protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice
  • the right to a rented home that is maintained to an acceptable standard.

Speaking on his visit to Citizens Advice Scotland in Pennywell yesterday, Mr McLennan said: “People who rent their homes in Scotland already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions. This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights. 

“We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on 31 March. This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.

“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.

“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Aoife Derry said: “A safe, secure home is foundational to people’s lives. We see thousands of people coming to our local bureaux seeking advice because they are struggling to afford their rent, as well as landlords who need support.

“The Scottish CAB network is here to help with free confidential advice for anyone who needs it. We need to see a rented sector that works for everyone, where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, and clear information and access to redress when things go wrong.

“Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone, so that more people can stay in their homes.”

Information is available to support tenants who are concerned about paying their rent:

If you cannot pay your rent – mygov.scot

UNISON protest against catastrophic cuts to Lothian third sector

Largest health union protest against £4.5m cuts to Lothian’s third sector services

Activists from Scotland biggest health union, UNISON will gather outside Edinburgh City Chambers this morning to lobby against proposed £4.5m cuts to 64 third sector organisations in the city.

These cuts, including a £1 million reduction in welfare rights services, will strip vital support from low-income families, disabled people, carers and contradicting the Edinburgh Council’s anti-poverty strategy, says UNISON

Unions and community organisations are warning that the consequences could be catastrophic for service users and staff.

The removal of these preventative services will also increase pressure on NHS services, A&E, and crisis care, shifting costs rather than delivering real savings, says the union

UNISON is calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to allocate £4.5 million in next year’s budget to keep these essential services running.

UNISON Lothian health branch secretary Tracy-Anne Miller said: “Slashing funding to third sector organisations will devastate communities and cost more in the long run.

“These cuts will push more people into NHS services at a time when hospitals and GPs are already overstretched. We need investment in care, not a crisis. We are calling on the council to step up, protect these services, and prevent these cuts.”

UNISON activists will gather outside Edinburgh City Chambers from 8.30 am this morning (Thursday 20th February) to lobby the City of Edinburgh Council to protect funding for 64 third sector organisations facing cuts following the announcement by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (which directs the health and social care partnership) to cut its £4.5million third sector grants programme from June 2025. 

UNITE City of Edinburgh Branch will also be making their voices heard in the quadrangle today. A demo will take place outside the City Chambers on the High Street from 8.30am to 9.30am,

The unions will send deputations to the meeting to speak on behalf of their members. In all, ELEVEN deputations will be heard today. Among them are Oaklands School Parents Council and LIFT Muirhouse Millennium Centre from North Edinburgh.

Labour nominally runs Edinburgh, propped up by Lib Dem and Tory support. Last year, under the leadership of now-suspended Cammy Day, the administration controversially adopted a Lib-Dem budget.

Labour, and the City of Edinburgh Council, is now under new leadership, but the perennial challenge of meeting an increasing demand for services with never quite enough financial resources remains as tough as ever.

As councils try to balance the books a painful Council Tax increase is inevitable.

Earlier this week COSLA’s Resource Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, warned: “Councils are working hard to deliver every day for our communities. However, budget cuts, inflation, higher costs such as the increase to employers’ national insurance contributions, and the previous freezes on council tax mean councils have unfortunately had to make difficult decisions to avoid reducing or cutting essential services.

“Council tax is one of the few options councils have to raise money to invest in local improvements such as roads; community halls and leisure centres; and public transport. These are services that benefit us all, but especially the people in our communities who might need extra support – such as children and young people, parents with young children, elderly people, or those with disabilities. With this in mind, councils are carefully considering what increase is necessary and appropriate for them locally.

“Reform of council tax is overdue and COSLA wishes to see a Council Tax that is fair and proportionate for all householders.

“Councils have advice and support services in place to help people who are struggling to pay their council tax or having financial difficulties. We recommend speaking to the council tax and benefits department in your council to find out more.”

Today, National Leadership Day incidentally, we’ll hear the respective political parties put forward their vision for Scotland’s capital city. Just what kind of city does Edinburgh want to be?

Tough choices? Of course, but it’s also an opportunity to begin to restore Edinburgh’s battered reputation.

It’s time for real leadership.

Supplement Deputations 20022025 1000 City of Edinburgh CouncilDownload

The council budget debate starts at 10am and is also broadcast live on the City of Edinburgh Council webcast site

PAPERS for this morning’s budget meeting can be found on the council website.