£8.2m taxpayer bill for Edinburgh mould crisis revealed in FOI as complaints soar

A recent survey has revealed that one-third of Scottish social housing tenants lack confidence that their landlord will fix damp and mould, with thousands of complaints being made in recent years. 

Between 2021 and 2022, there were at least 14,451 complaints made to local authorities in Scotland, a 19 per cent increase on the year before.

Now, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data sourced by the home experts at Hillarys has revealed that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent more than £8.2 million tackling damp and mould in homes since 2024. The findings reveal that mould and damp complaints in the capital soared by +52% between 2022 (1,215) and 2024 (1,849), as residents report nearly five cases a day.

And while new regulation is set to be introduced from October, enforcing fixed timeframes for social landlords to investigate and start prevention works to address damp and mould, the experts at Hillarys have shared advice on how households can tackle the problem at home while many tenants are still waiting for repairs to be carried out.

Edinburgh Council’s spending on damp and mould in homes

Month20242025Grand Total
January148,000314,000462,000
February244,000352,000596,000
March252,000353,000605,000
April360,000254,000614,000
May291,000436,000727,000
June343,000423,000766,000
July343,000274,000617,000
August313,000367,000680,000
September514,000410,000924,000
October310,000395,000705,000
November589,000301,000890,000
December393,000264,000657,000
Total4,100,0004,143,000£8,243,000

Hillarys Freedom of Information (FOI) request has uncovered that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent £8,243,000 tackling mould and damp across homes in the capital between 2024 and 2025, or £4.1m per year on average.

Edinburgh residents make 143 complaints a month about mould and damp in the capital’s housing stock

In 2022, the council responded to 1,215 reports of damp and mould, soaring by +52% to 1,849 in 2024 and 1,591 in 2025.3 Overall, the council recorded 3,440 cases between 2024 and 2025, equivalent to 143 reports per month or nearly 5 complaints each day.

Edinburgh Council currently reports an average resolution time of 42 calendar days, or six weeks, from the date damp or mould is reported to the completion of treatment work. This is significantly higher than the framework that will be enforced in the autumn, where significant damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days and made safe within five.

Why are Scottish homes more prone to damp and mould?

Nearly one in ten homes has some incidence of damp or mould in Scotland (9-10%),  compared to 4-5% of homes in England, indicating that while England has a higher total number of homes with damp, the percentage of households affected in Scotland is higher.5,6

One in ten Scottish households is impacted by damp or mould

Households in Scotland are particularly affected due to a combination of cold, wet weather, older buildings and the high cost of heating, which limits proper ventilation. In fact, a recent analysis of EPC data by Hillarys found that the ten most expensive regions to heat nationwide are all in Scotland.

Households in the Highland region pay £1,902 per year on average for heating, with the region found to have the fourth-highest proportion of homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower (63.42).

Victoria Robinson, product expert at Hillarys, has shared how households can tackle the problem at home and when to seek professional advice: “Proper household maintenance is incredibly important for preventing and treating mould.

“With good ventilation from opening windows and using extractor fans where possible, you can reduce the risk of mould and dampness. If you spot mould in your home, the first step is to carefully clean the affected areas by using detergents, white vinegar or mould removers and eliminating dampness at the source.

“Cleaning your own home is important and cost-effective, but sometimes it is not enough to fix mould problems. If mould is present in large areas, normally more than 1m2,  or you find recurring mould patches, musty odours or structural damage, it is time to call in a professional or escalate with your landlord before further damage to your health and home occurs.”

 https://www.hillarys.co.uk/blinds-range/. 

UK Government promises major skills boost from ‘fast-track’ apprenticeship reforms

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process  

  • Faster approval process to update apprenticeships and develop short courses to address urgent skills needs in major projects
  • Reforms come ahead of National Apprenticeship Week to help young people move into high-quality jobs faster while turbocharging growth 
  • Bureaucracy tackled to cut apprenticeship approval times from 18 months to as little as three months as government continues drive to help more young people onto apprenticeships   

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.  

As industries evolve, so must the training that prepares people to work in them. Whether it’s new safety standards on building sites or the skills needed to construct and operate the latest offshore wind turbines, apprenticeships need to keep pace.

A new accelerated approach will mean updates to training or development of new short courses can be completed in as little as three months, ensuring the workforce is ready to deliver the major projects that will drive growth.

This forms as part of the Growth and Skills Levy reforms, delivering 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people backed by £725 million funding. These measures will play an integral role towards the Government’s ambition to get two-thirds of young people into higher-level learning or apprenticeships.

The offer will help companies meet their business needs more quickly, while reflecting the Government’s consultation on ensuring companies bidding for major infrastructure contracts contributes to high-quality jobs, skills and apprenticeships. It reinforces the Government’s expectation that investment in workforce development should go hand in hand with delivering major projects and driving growth.

To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden visited Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, to see first-hand how apprenticeships are delivering skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Britain’s future depends on getting more young people into good jobs with real prospects. These reforms will slash bureaucracy so we can train people faster in the industries where they’re needed most.

“At Cammell Laird, I’ve seen how apprenticeships are delivering the skilled workforce our country needs — from shipbuilding to advanced manufacturing. We’re building on that success with our additional £725 million Growth and Skills Levy investment to create 50,000 new apprenticeships. 

 ”We need to give more young people a faster route into secure, well-paid work by ensuring British businesses have the talent they need to grow.” 

The latest reforms come as the government ramps up support for young people to take up apprenticeships, including through a recent major £725 million investment to pivot the system towards the workforce of the future. 

They will make the process more agile and responsive to employers’ needs and allow training to be delivered more quickly where employers need skills most. 

As part of the new Major Investment and Infrastructure Service, this will support the delivery of major infrastructure and private investment projects from Northern Powerhouse Rail to new energetic materials factories for UK defence and ensure local people have pathways into new jobs. 

The system will use occupational experts to meet specific needs and will focus on making quick revisions to existing standards, for example updating construction standards in the light of regulatory changes following Grenfell. 

During the visit, the Secretary of State met apprentices working on one of the largest apprenticeship programmes in the UK maritime industry, and visited the local Engineering College, which trains over 100 apprentices a year in partnership with Cammel Laird.  

Cammell Laird is a major UK shipbuilder employing hundreds of apprentices across Merseyside, working closely with local education providers to train the next generation of engineers, welders and project managers. 

David McGinley, Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group said: “APCL Cammell Laird was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden to its facility ahead of National Apprenticeship Week.

“The Secretary of State’s visit provided APCL with the platform to demonstrate the importance of our award-winning apprenticeship programme to the UK’s industrial capability.

“Our Group is currently supporting over 270 young people in their training across the UK.  APCL Cammell Laird and the wider APCL Group’s shipbuilding and ship repair capability is underpinned by our apprenticeship programme which continues to deliver the next generations of shipbuilders and engineers.

“The ongoing success of our apprenticeship programme is vital if we are to ensure that the UK retains its shipbuilding strength. APCL remains deeply committed to this scheme.”

The new accelerated approach will allow government to move faster where demand is highest, delivering priority updates to apprenticeships more quickly,  while maintaining quality standards — supporting sectors critical to growth, productivity and national infrastructure. 

The announcement comes ahead of the 19th annual National Apprenticeship Week, which focuses on Skills for life. 

Recent reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy will deliver more apprenticeships for young people and help match skills training with local job opportunities. 

The reforms will support 50,000 new apprenticeships, helping more young people move quickly into secure, well-paid work while supporting employers to grow.  

Employers and training providers are encouraged to engage with Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions to help shape accelerated apprenticeships, and to make use of the Growth and Skills Levy to invest in their future workforce. 

First Minister pays tribute to Jeane Freeman

Tribute to former Health Secretary

Following the announcement of the death of former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, First Minister John Swinney said: “Jeane devoted her life to serving the public, and I am shocked and saddened at her death. 

“In her long and varied career, Jeane always had people at her heart and had an unrelenting aim to improve people’s lives. Working alongside her as a Minister, I was always struck by her strong belief in the power of compassion and a desire for people to be treated always with dignity fairness, and respect – values she put at the heart of Scotland’s first social security system.  

“As Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic, she faced up to the biggest public health crisis Scotland has ever seen and steered a course through an immensely difficult time for our country and our health service, working tirelessly and acting throughout with honesty and selflessness.     

“I will miss her greatly, and my thoughts and deep condolences are with her partner Susan and wider family, and her many friends.” 

Jeane Freeman OBE was born in September 1953.

In 1987 Jeane established Apex Scotland, a social enterprise which worked with employers and ex-offenders, and she was awarded an OBE for this work. Jeane also held a variety of board roles.

In 1999 with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive Jeane was appointed as a Senior Civil Servant and in 2001 she became a Special Adviser to the Labour First Minister Jack MacConnell.

Jeane was elected as SNP MSP for Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley from 2016 to 2021. She served as the Scottish Government Minister for Social Security from 2016 to 2018, when she became Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport where she led on Scotland’s health response to the Covid pandemic until her retirement in 2021.

In the last few years, Jeane took up part time positions at both Queen Margaret University and the University of Glasgow.

Corstorphine Window Wanderland

28th FEBRUARY – 2nd MARCH

⭐️⭐️ Corstorphine Window Wanderland is back for 2026 ⭐️⭐️

Once again it will brighten up the last weekend of February by transforming the streets of Corstorphine into a magical outdoor illuminated gallery for all to enjoy.

This is a FREE event and everyone is invited to take part – residents, schools, community groups and businesses. We hope you will alll get involved with decorating windows or wandering, or both!

Windows will be lit up between 6pm and 9pm on the evenings of Saturday 28 February, Sunday 1 & Monday 2 March 2026.

To take part in the event and add your window display to the map, please sign up on the website https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/corstorphine-2026/

Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation unveils new orchard to celebrate Jewish New Year for Trees

Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation unveils new orchard, growing its Biblical Garden to celebrate Tu B’Shevat

On Sunday 1st February 2026, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation (EHC) unveiled its new orchard with an outdoor ceremony taking place in the synagogue’s garden and coinciding with the Jewish New Year for Trees, Tu B’Shevat.

Over 50 people from the Jewish and wider Edinburgh community gathered to hear from EHC member and leader of the EHC Green Team, Lesley Danzig, who spoke about the importance of trees from an ecological perspective and their significance in the Jewish tradition.

Lesley said: “In our garden we already have an olive and fig tree but today we are celebrating the planting of a new fruit tree orchard beginning with the planting of dessert apple trees, a cooking apple tree and a pear tree. 

“We hope to make good use of the fruit in the EHC kitchen, also distributing to members and the wider community.”

Lesley announced plaques beneath three of the trees, which were sponsored by members and friends of the congregation and dedicated in memory of loved ones.

A pear tree was sponsored by Raymond Taylor to remember his wife Jackie, who served as Honorary Secretary of EHC for over 20 years.

A discovery apple tree was dedicated by Professor Jonathan Seckl to his parents, Zehava and Josef Seckl.

Finally, a Bramley apple tree was sponsored by Molly Seckl in recognition of Dorothe Kaufmann, a friend of EHC and avid volunteer in the synagogue’s Biblical Garden. EHC’s Biblical Garden has been cultivated to include species that are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and attracts visitors of all different faiths.

Lesley spoke in tribute to Dorothe: “In December last year our dear friend, Dorothe Kaufmann, passed away.  She was a member of Friends of Israel attending most of the weekly hostage vigils. 

“Dorothe was also a staunch supporter of EHC for many years,  attending various events, selling her own propagated plants at the coffee mornings and working in the garden. In fact many of the plants in the EHC garden were brought in as seeds and cuttings from her own patch at home and planted here by Dorothe.”

Dorothe’s plaque read: “Donated in support of Friends of Israel in memory of Dorothe Kaufmann. 1st February 2026”.

Lesley thanked her team of volunteer gardeners – Yonatan Eisenberg, Rachel Salzano, Ethel Mendius, Jonathan Danzig, John Danzig, and Howie Carson – who prepared the ground and planted the trees over the past month.

Following the ceremony, the attendees retired inside for tea, coffee, and a wide array of fruits.

Tours are available for the EHC Biblical Garden and can be booked via the EHC website.

Stepping Stones to deliver third Circle of Security parenting programme

STEPPING Stones North Edinburgh are pleased to share that we are partnering with PAIRS (Perinatal and Infant Relationship Service) NHS to deliver our third run of the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) programme, starting in February after building on positive feedback and outcomes from previous groups.

Our Family Wellbeing Practitioner, Anna, will be teaming up with clinicians from PAIRS NHS to co-facilitate the group. This partnership brings together Stepping Stones’ relationship-based, community-focused approach with PAIRS’ specialist expertise in perinatal and infant mental health.

Circle of Security Parenting is an evidence-based programme that helps parents and carers understand their child’s emotional needs and behaviours. It focuses on learning about attachment in a way that is supportive and respectful, without blame or judgment.

The group offers a safe and welcoming space where parents can reflect on their experiences, learn alongside others, and develop confidence in building strong, secure relationships with their children.

We are now accepting referrals for parents and carers who may benefit from this kind of support.

Referrals are welcome from professionals, and parents can also get in touch directly to find out more.

Creating opportunities for care experienced young people

First Minister announces funding on anniversary of ‘The Promise’

Projects that support the education and wellbeing of care experienced children and young people will receive a share of £9.5 million this year, First Minister John Swinney has announced on the sixth anniversary of The Promise.

The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund, which is part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge Programme, was introduced in 2018-19, in recognition that care experienced children and young people require additional support for their attainment.

Mentoring and extra-curricular activities are among the range of ways that local authorities are investing the funding to support children and young people across Scotland.

The First Minister visited the City of Edinburgh Council’s Corporate Parenting Hub to meet young people supported by charity MCR Pathways and other services and assistance offered at the Hub – including through the We Matter Team and the Edinburgh Champions Boards.

Mr Swinney said: “Ensuring that all children grow up feeling loved, safe and respected is a top priority for my government and we want to continue to reduce the number of children and young people who are living away from their families.

“The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping The Promise by 2030, and we are seeing good progress across Scotland from education to justice – including a 18% reduction since 2020 in the number of children identified as ‘looked after’.  

“The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund is improving outcomes for young people across Scotland in a range of different ways – driving not only education improvements, but building broader confidence, resilience and well-being.

“The funding we are announcing today, on the sixth anniversary of The Promise, takes the Scottish Government’s total investment in the programme to just over £80 million since 2018 – showcasing how we are delivering for Scotland’s care experienced young people and helping them get the best start in life.”

Chief Executive Officer and Mentor at MCR Pathways Sharon McIntyre said: ““MCR Pathways commends today’s announcement about the continued investment in The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.

“It is critically important that care experienced children and young people feel the direct benefits from this significant commitment. Everyday, together, with partners, we see the real benefits of the power of personalised relationship based mentoring across Scotland.

“We work side by side with dynamic communities, Schools and Local Authorities like Edinburgh City Council, to bridge the opportunity gap for care experienced young people through consistent, encouraging trusted adult relationships. 

“No two trusted adult relationships are the same, they are bespoke to each and every young persons’ needs.  These relationships empower young people to believe in themselves, value their own unique talents, build ambitions for their future careers – shaping their future fulfilling lives.  That way, confidence is built, self belief instilled, skills are developed and engagement in learning achieved.

“On this poignant 6th anniversary of The Promise, collectively we are deeply committed to working towards Scotland becoming the first to commit to a life changing Trusted Adult Guarantee for every care experienced young person in Scotland.”

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “I warmly welcome additional funding for projects that support care experienced children and young people.

“We are committed to doing all we can to support children and young people who are care experienced in Edinburgh, acknowledging their experiences and providing the appropriate support to ensure they grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential.

“We were pleased to welcome the First Minister John Swinney to our Corporate Parenting Hub in the heart of Edinburgh, showing how care experienced children and young people in the city have helped to create a welcoming space where they can meet, make friends and have fun.”

EIGHT sextortion offences reported in Lothians this week

Since the beginning of February 2026, Police have received eight reported incidents of sextortion from across East Lothian and Midlothian.

The victims are both men and women and range in age between 14 to 58-years-old. Five of the victims are teenagers.

In all the cases, the suspects have financially blackmailed the victims online. One of the victims has paid the demanded money.

Officers are investigating these crimes and are urging the public to be cautious of what is shared online.

Detective Inspector James Welsh said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.

“Criminals use the internet, social media and dating apps, to befriend people online and then threaten to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.

“People shouldn’t panic. There is support available from policing and from third party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.

“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”

More information can be found at: Sextortion – Police Scotland

World’s only Piano Orchestra announces Edinburgh concert tour

Performances at Greyfriars Kirk (17 Feb 2026) and New Church (18 Feb 2026)

The world’s first and only Piano Orchestra — an extraordinary ensemble made entirely of pianos performing full orchestral scores — is set to bring its groundbreaking sound to Edinburgh this February.

Led by directors Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Senior Piano Orchestra (ages 11–17) will perform two special concerts as part of their 2026 tour:

• Greyfriars Kirk — Tuesday 17 February 2026
• Edinburgh New Town Church, Edinburgh — Wednesday 18 February 2026

Formed in 2023, the Piano Orchestra has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to ensemble playing, showcasing the versatility and power of the piano in a way audiences have never experienced before.

Each performance features multiple pianos working together to recreate the full colour, texture, and dynamism of a traditional orchestra — from sweeping string passages to bold brass fanfares — all produced through the artistry of young pianists.

The ensemble has already enjoyed significant success, including a 2024 tour to Paris with a major performance at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, as well as appearances at venues across South Wales. Their Edinburgh tour marks the next exciting step in their musical journey.

Audiences can expect a rich and varied programme spanning classical favourites, cinematic scores, and contemporary pieces — all brought to life through the unique sound world of the Piano Orchestra.

Tickets and further information will be available through venue box offices and the Piano Orchestra’s official channels.

PIANO ORCHSTRA SOUTH WALES

Piano Orchestra Biography

Formed in 2023 under the direction of Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Piano Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the world: an orchestra made entirely of pianos, performing full orchestral scores with breathtaking richness and power.

The orchestra is home to two ensembles — a Senior Orchestra (ages 11–17) and a Junior Orchestra (ages 8–11) — who rehearse weekly and perform a wide range of repertoire including classical masterpieces, film scores, and popular music.

In 2024, the Piano Orchestra toured Paris, performing at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, and has since appeared at numerous venues across South Wales. They are now delighted to bring their unique sound and energy to Edinburgh as part of their latest performance tour.

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