Views are being sought on measures to speed up the delivery of new homes as part of the Scottish Government’s response to the housing emergency.
The measures would help accelerate building on sites allocated for development or which have planning permission. They include fiscal incentives to discourage delays and initiatives to fine tune the system to work better for SME housebuilders.
The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes record funding of £926 million for the affordable housing supply programme and anational housing agency, More Homes Scotland, is being set up to help meet the housing need.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes, including 101,000 for social rent.
“But we know that Scotland urgently needs more homes and planning permission is already in place for a significant amount of housing land. We need to encourage construction to start or re-commence on those sites.
“This consultation seeks views on how incentives, clearer expectations and – where appropriate – stronger interventions could help local authorities, developers, landowners and communities undertake and complete more housing developments, more quickly. It builds on existing work to tackle stalled housing sites, support public sector led development, and strengthen planning capacity across Scotland.”
The Eric Liddell Community’s manifesto sets out five crucial priorities to support the estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland
Edinburgh based care and specialist dementia charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has launched its 2026 Manifesto, ‘Priorities and evidence-based recommendations for the next Scottish Parliament’, setting out five urgent priorities to better support people living with dementia, unpaid carers, volunteers, and the communities that rely on them.
With an estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, The Eric Liddell Community says the gap between the vision and commitments made in policy are very different from reality. There are rising costs, reduced statutory funding and an increase in demand for these services due to an ageing population, putting immense pressure on charities.
Founded over 45 years ago, The Eric Liddell Community has long supported people living with dementia and their carers, and is now calling on political parties, candidates and policymakers to recognise voluntary organisations as essential partners in addressing societal challenges and delivering services that communities rely on.
“We ask to be recognised, not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a lifeline for many.”
Irene Adams OBE, Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, comments:“Every day we see the difference that care, compassion, and community make to people living with dementia and also to the unpaid carers volunteering their time.
“This means we also see the consequences when we are underfunded and under supported. We urge all Scottish parties to listen to their communities and work with the third sector by turning policy into reality for people who most need the support.”
While Scotland is recognised for its progression with dementia policy, The Eric Liddell Community states that not enough people are able to access these dementia services and support. In addition, 37% of the Scottish adult population (1.7 million people) have provided unpaid care at some point in their lives. The value of this support totals £15.9 billion each year.
The manifesto is built upon 5 urgent priorities for the next Scottish Government, turn policy dementia into reality, take immediate action to address the third sector funding crisis, deliver unpaid carers a legal right to breaks in practice, ensure social care reform improves real experiences and value the importance of volunteers.
To read the full Eric Liddell Community Manifesto for 2026, please visit:Manifesto.
John MacMillan MBE, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added:“Our work shows the powerful impact that care and strong community support can make on the growing dementia challenge in Scotland.
“We see the real struggle caused by underfunding and lack of support and hope the Scottish parties will work with the third sector to deliver support where it is most needed.”
The Eric Liddell Community supports thousands of people each year with befriending services, carer’s programmes and a community filled with volunteer-led activities. Their mission is to bring people together in their local communities and have a positive impact on their lives.
To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community please visit: ericliddell.org
All our Youth Clubs are still running in February Break with the exception of The Pitt on Tuesday 17th BUT we made some extra plans so you (and us, honestly) can get rid of those Winter Blues!
Sign-up for these in any of our youth clubs between now and 12th February or by email to Ryan@grantonyouth.com if you can’t make it til then!
As always our trips are free, and transport to and from is provided! Confirmation of spaces will be sent on Friday 13th February!
Please be aware though newcomers are welcome, priority is given to those who do regularly attend our youth clubs!
Early Bird tickets on sale from 10am, 6 February – save with code EASTER15
Conifox Adventure Park is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a magical spring adventure as its much-loved Easter Festival returns for 2026, running on selected dates from 28–29 March and 3–5 April.
Packed with seasonal activities and unforgettable experiences, the Easter Festival promises fun for all ages and the perfect way for families to enjoy the Easter holidays together.
Visitors can step into the enchanting Hoppity Hollow to meet Bertie the Easter Bunny and capture a special Easter moment. The ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt will see children and grown-ups alike exploring the Maze in search of hidden eggs, which can be exchanged for a scrummy Easter treat, with dairy-free options available. Guests are also encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for the mischievous Big Bad Wolf, who may be lurking around the park ready to cause playful mayhem.
New for 2026, children can enjoy a creative activity by colouring their very own Easter mug to take home as a keepsake. The Easter-lympics will return with feel-good tunes from Conifox’s resident DJs, encouraging friendly competition and plenty of laughter. Entry to the Easter Festival also includes full access to Conifox Adventure Park, offering even more opportunities to climb, bounce, race, and explore.
Families can enhance their visit with optional Easter extras available on the day, including Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides, face painting, and a selection of food and drink to refuel between adventures.
Early Bird tickets go on sale at 10am on 6 February, with families encouraged to book early and save using the discount code EASTER15.
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, said: “Our Easter Festival has become a real highlight in the calendar for so many families, and 2026 is set to be our most magical Easter yet.
“From meeting Bertie the Easter Bunny to the excitement of the Egg Hunt and Easter-lympics, it’s all about creating joyful moments and lasting memories together, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this spring.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.conifox.co.uk/events/easter-festival/.
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) needs to be more transparent about its progress updating thousands of people about their pension entitlement.
In 2018 it was judged that reforms to UK public sector pensions had involved age discrimination. This meant the SPPA had a legal obligation to recalculate pension options for the Police, Fire, NHS, and Teachers schemes it administers in Scotland, and issue ‘remedy’ statements.
But it did not meet the 1 April 2025 statutory deadline. The delay means more than 50,000 retired scheme members are waiting to hear if they are due higher pension payments.
Overly ambitious revised targets created an impression of progress to scheme members that did not fully account for the scale and complexity of the work involved.
As of November 2025, the SPPA had issued statements to 55 per cent of scheme members – 108,506 of 196,316 eligible members. This includes active and deferred members, as well as retirees. Of those retirees, 51,802 out of 68,239 members had not received a remedy pension statement.
The SPPA is now working towards a revised deadline of 31 July 2028. However, progress remains slow and it remains unclear if the SPPA will meet its revised timescales.
Auditors also reported wider concerns about the governance and transparency of the agency.
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency must be more transparent following delays issuing remedy pension statements.
Around 50,000 retired scheme members don't know if they’re due higher pension payments.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘I’m concerned about the SPPA’s capacity to deliver outstanding remedy statements by the extended timescales.
‘The impact of ongoing delays is of significant concern to many scheme members, particularly current pensioners and those close to retirement.
‘The SPPA needs to provide greater transparency on its progress and take action to address other issues regarding governance and transparency raised by the auditor.’
Monday 15 June 2026 has officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup finals.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney to allow people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the team’s opening game against Haiti.
His Majesty King Charles has approved the Royal Proclamation, confirming the bank holiday which will allow Scotland to celebrate the first time the men’s national team has participated in the tournament since 1998.
The First Minister said: “Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment. Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men’s national team played at the World Cup finals tournament. The joyous reaction when Steve Clarke and his players secured qualification demonstrated what it meant to end that long absence.
“We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match. That is why I proposed making the Monday following our opening game in Boston a national bank holiday.
“I am very grateful to His Majesty King Charles for approving the proposal and I encourage employers around the country to work with staff to put in place suitable arrangements that will allow as many of them as possible to join in the celebrations.”
As is the case with other bank holidays in Scotland, there is no law requiring banks or any other businesses to close. Employer policy regarding bank holidays will be set out in contracts of employment.
We are delighted to announce that we have now opened the nominations for this year’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2026
These awards celebrate the amazing people and groups who volunteer in Edinburgh.
Do you know someone or a team who deserves an award? You can nominate them! We want to celebrate as many volunteers as possible.
Every volunteer who is nominated gets a certificate. Some lucky nominees will be invited to collect theirs at a special ceremony with Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and others will get theirs by post.
The ceremony will take place on Tuesday 2 June during Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June) at Edinburgh City Chambers.
Who can be nominated?
Volunteers must live or volunteer in Edinburgh
They must be at least 11 years old
They must have volunteered for at least six months
Previous winners cannot be nominated again
You can nominate individuals, teams, or for special awards. Fill in the online form here: voled.in/nominations.
Special Recognition Awards
Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer – helps with arts, museums, theatre, or heritage projects
Charity Shop Volunteer – works in charity shops with customers, tills, or donations
Digital Volunteer – helps with social media, websites, IT, or marketing
Environment/Conservation Volunteer – works outdoors, gardens, or teaches about nature
Fundraising Volunteer – helps raise money for a charity or organisation
Health & Social Care Volunteer – supports people in the community to improve health and wellbeing
Long-Standing Contribution Award – someone who has volunteered 10 years or more
Sports Volunteer – supports sports and active lifestyles in the community
Team of the Year – a group of volunteers who have worked together to make a big difference
Trustee Volunteer – someone who helps lead a charity or community group
Young Volunteer – for volunteers aged 11–25 showing great dedication
Lord Provost Awards
Paul Bennett Volunteer Manager Award – for volunteer managers who go above and beyond to support volunteers
Ian McInnes Award for Inclusion and Diversity – for individuals or organisations that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in volunteering
Inspiring Volunteer of the Year All individual nominations are considered for this top award. Judges look at commitment, impact, and dedication. The winner will be chosen by the Lord Provost. Past winners are added to the Honour Board at City Chambers.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible volunteers in Edinburgh!
For more information, contact Jason McCann at Volunteer Edinburgh:
Almost 30,000 jobs have been created or supported since 2018 thanks to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, according to a new report.
The Deal, which launched in 2018, is at the halfway point in its 15-year delivery timeline and has already contributed £3.6 billion in economic growth.
The £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is supported with £300 million each from the Scottish and UK governments.
Over 5000 businesses have engaged directly with the Deal through partnerships or collaborations on training and skills development, innovation, and jobs, and more than £1 billion in additional funding has been secured for Deal-related projects.
From Fife to the Scottish Borders, the Deal is delivering investment across housing, transport, innovation, culture, and skills and employment.
Highlights include seven new innovation hubs to increase links between university research and industry, housing developments that have so far delivered almost 8,500 new homes, and two industrial innovation zones.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Chair, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee, said: “The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is delivering real results.
“Now worth £1.7 billion, it generates the greatest additional investment of any Scottish city region or growth deal. The programme is driving economic growth, improving the services and functions the city relies on and creating sustainable communities, while ensuring benefits reach all of the region.
“To date, it has created over 29,000 jobs and built more than 8,000 homes and supported over £3.6 billion in Gross Value Added. The jobs created and skills improvements ensure that local people can access high-quality, better-paid work and benefit from the prosperity created by the City Region Deal.”
Garry Clark, Chair of the Deal’s Regional Enterprise Council, said: “Businesses across Edinburgh and South East Scotland will rightly judge the City Region Deal by the difference they can see on the ground. The Deal set ambitious targets from the outset, and it has consistently delivered measurable results.
“In Fife, for example, small firms are benefiting from new industrial units that fill a vital gap in the local property market, and East Lothian’s new Innovation Hub is already home to a diverse group of businesses.
“Across the region, employers now have access to a stronger talent pipeline thanks to the award winning Integrated Regional Employability and Skills programme. The Deal is helping strengthen partnerships between industry, the third sector, and academia—collaboration that would be far harder to achieve in isolation.
“It has also helped build a resilient local supply chain, ensuring that local businesses and local skills have been central to the delivery of each project.
“Together, these achievements show an impressive track record and signal even greater transformation ahead as the Deal continues to support the regional economy and the people who drive it.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Working together with local partners we have provided £300 million towards this Deal to drive economic opportunities and help communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders to thrive.
“From new jobs and skills training to investment in innovation and thousands of new homes this funding is delivering tangible benefits that people across the region can see and feel in their daily lives.
“Whether it’s a new concert hall for Edinburgh, delivering a national centre for robotics and AI at Herit-Watt University or supporting Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project at Granton Waterfront, these investments will shape this region for generations to come.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “We are backing Edinburgh and South East Scotland with £300 million UK Government funding.
“It’s great news that half has already been spent on transformational projects in areas such as innovation, skills and employment, helping to create or support tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions of pounds of economic growth.
“We look forward to working with partners over the rest of the deal to maximise the benefits from the remaining funding to deliver economic and community renewal across Scotland.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced, through its parent NatWest Group, that it has provided more than £25 billion* in commercial loans and capital market support to the UK social housing sector between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2025.
Bank has delivered on its social housing lending ambition of £7.5 billion from 2024 to 2026 a year early, which includes lending to Kingdom Housing Association in Fife last year.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has today announced an updated package of £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector before the end of 2028, which when deployed will bring the total funding to social housing in the UK to over £35 billion* since 2018.
Through this new ambition, the bank is aiming to support the delivery and maintenance of social housing in the UK, which is vital to the people and families who rely on affordable housing, as well as the wider economy. The Royal Bank of Scotland has worked with not-for-profit housing associations across Scotland to support their growth and development plans building homes and communities for many years.
The bank also confirmed it has now provided more than £25 billion* of funding into the social housing sector since 2018, helping to create and sustain affordable homes nationwide.
The Royal Bank of Scotland aims to support the delivery and upkeep of social housing across the UK, helping housing associations build new homes, upgrade existing properties, and improve living conditions. Some of this lending can help fund energy efficiency and environmental improvements, including retrofit projects. Other funding can help the housing associations sector to deliver a pipeline of new homes and improve living conditions in existing properties.
Paul Thwaite, CEO NatWest Group comments: “We are incredibly proud to announce the early achievement of our £7.5 billion UK social housing lending ambition.
“Delivering this milestone a full year ahead of scheduled demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives by investing in the homes and communities that need it most, and shows the demand in the market.
“Reaching this lending ambition early has enabled us to set a new target of £10 billion to year-end 2028, so we can continue to provide social housing lending and play our part in supporting the development and availability of affordable and social rent homes across the UK.”
The announcement forms part of the bank’s new five point Growing Together plan, setting out how the bank will help build the conditions for UK wide growth: backing powerful regions, championing mid-market companies, strengthening the country’s infrastructure and housing foundations, boosting financial confidence amongst families and young people, and supporting the innovators shaping the future economy.
Drawing on its regional footprint, expertise and convening power, the bank aims to bring businesses, communities, and policymakers together to tackle structural barriers, unlock productivity and spread opportunity across the UK.
In addition to these commitments, last year the Royal Bank of Scotland announced several other initiatives and partnerships that have complemented and contributed to our social housing lending ambition being achieved. These include a financial guarantee of up to £400 million from the National Wealth Fund to cover a series of new loans from Royal Bank of Scotland to registered providers of social housing stock in the UK.
The bank also launched a new social rent loan product to support housing associations, which are already Royal Bank of Scotland customers, to support the construction of social rent houses across the UK. In December 2025, this fund was doubled to £1 billion in response to strong demand and to help continue the delivery of homes for social rent across the country.
These initiatives complement Royal Bank of Scotland’s ongoing dedication to supporting communities and helping to address the housing crisis.
In December, the Royal Bank of Scotland announced £20 million in additional lending to Kingdom Housing Association (KHA) headquartered in Fife.
KHA are one of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords and manage over 7,000 homes, providing a wide range of housing, care and support services. The funding will help deliver 170 new energy efficient homes in Fife and Perth and Kinross and builds on existing lending to KHA from the bank which now totals £61 million.
