Tag: Children and Families

Sale of nicotine products to under-18s banned

Changes to protect young people from nicotine addiction

Under-18s will no longer be able to buy nicotine or herbal smoking products in Scotland, under new legislation which comes into force today (29 October).

The ban to protect children and young people from the harms of nicotine addiction, extends the protections in age-of-sale rules to all nicotine products, including pouches, strips and pearls, as well as herbal smoking products.

The new rules for Scotland also require anyone selling vaping, tobacco, nicotine and herbal smoking products to hold a valid registration by 29 April 2027. Once in force, it will mean Scotland will become the only nation in the UK to know exactly where these items are being sold.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to protect future generations from nicotine addiction and we know that nicotine products, particularly pouches, are starting to gain popularity among young people.

“By banning the sale of these products to under-18s, the Scottish Government is taking a crucial step in protecting people’s health. This in turn is helping people across Scotland to live longer, healthier lives.

“Requiring tobacco and vape retailers to register their business to sell nicotine and herbal smoking products, will also provide a strong foundation for effective regulation and enforcement of the sale of these products in Scotland. I want to thank all of the retailers who have already registered and remind others they must to do so before the deadline next April.”

Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: ”Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms including depression, difficulty concentrating and insomnia.

“Whilst vapes may have a role to play in assisting addicted people to stop smoking, it is very clear to me that those who do not smoke should never start using nicotine products and this especially applies to children and young people.

“I welcome these new age of sale restrictions on nicotine and herbal smoking products which and will help reduce the health harms associated with nicotine addiction and address health inequalities in Scotland.”  

The ban forms part of Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Local authorities will be responsible for enforcing the regulations. 

Legislation restricting the sale of nicotine products, non-nicotine vaping products and herbal smoking products  to under-18s in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has also come into force today. All vaping products are already age restricted products in Scotland.

Key changes in Scotland include:

  • Age of sale for nicotine products and herbal smoking products. Only people aged 18 and over will be able to purchase these products
  • Proxy purchase  extended to cover adults aged 18 or over from buying or attempting to buy nicotine products and herbal smoking products on behalf of someone under 18
  • Retail register will be expanded to include nicotine products and herbal smoking products. Retailers have from 29 October 2026 to 29 April 2027 to register before enforcement starts
  • Free distribution. It will be an offence to give away any vaping or nicotine product, or coupon, to a member of the public
  • Substantial discount (sometimes known as nominal pricing). It will be an offence to sell vaping or nicotine products or coupons for these products at a substantial discount
  • Vending machines will no longer be able to sell nicotine products and herbal smoking products

Tomorrow: Bitesize parenting support session at Drumbrae Library Hub

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 10.30 – 11.30am

Drumbrae Library Hub are delighted to be hosting Bitesize Learning Sessions for Parents and Carers!

Parenting can be challenging at times. Bitesize Parenting Support are here to help! Sometimes we all need a bit of help and advice.

Come along this Friday for the ‘Supporting Healthy Digital Habits’ parent and carer workshop

30th October 2026 at 10:30am

All events are free with no need to book

#GoAllIn

Babies and young children in care system being failed by delays in decisions about their forever home

  • Experts will meet in Glasgow tomorrow at a National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children that’s been organised by NSPCC Scotland and Parent-Infant Foundation
  • The event is being held due to serious concerns about the length of time babies and young children in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home
  • Participants will discuss why delays in decision making about a permanent home can happen with the aim of assisting a Scottish Government review into the impact of this, with a specific spotlight on babies and young children’s unique developmental needs

Experts in the care system will come together this week in a bid to kick-start a Scottish Government review into the impact of delays in deciding on permanent homes for children.

NSPCC Scotland and the Parent-Infant Foundation have organised the National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children amid serious concerns about the length of time those in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home.

Evidence shows that babies and children in Scotland’s care system wait more than two years on average for decisions or recommendations about their permanent home, with many then waiting months or even years longer before moving there.

Practitioners, policy makers and people with experience of the care system will gather for the National Summit atGlasgow University Union Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday (October 28), to discuss the challenges the country faces in securing permanent homes for children at the earliest opportunity.

The Scottish Government is legally required under the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, to conduct a review of this issue by September 2028.

The two charities want to ensure this review shines a light on the true impact of delay on babies and young children and looks to the evidence for practical and legislative changes to prevent them from facing prolonged uncertainty in the care system.

A key focus of the event will be the impact of uncertainty, instability and broken primary carer relationships on babies and children who enter the care system.

Within the current system children can experience multiple home moves and numerous primary caregivers due to drift and delays in decision making within the care system about their permanent home.

This can be harmful for all children, but it’s particularly damaging for babies who are uniquely vulnerable during this critical stage in their development. It can also lead to a greater risk of being exposed to abuse and neglect, disrupted relationships, and increased likelihood of the need for ongoing support as they transition to adulthood and throughout their lives.

The National Summit will set out why infancy is a crucial stage of development and a unique opportunity to improve a child’s future and needs a distinct response from all the adults and services supporting them.

Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy manager, said: “Delays in securing a permanent home for a baby or child should not be seen as simply administrative issues. They have a profound impact on their development, relationships, wellbeing and future.

“Babies and children cannot wait. Their needs do not pause while systems deliberate. Scotland now has an opportunity to build a system that delivers timely decisions, protects the rights of infants, supports families effectively and provides children with the safety, stability and loving relationships they need to thrive.

“This summit aims to build consensus around the need for reform and identify practical and legislative changes that will ensure babies and children experience a more stable and timely journey through the care system.”

Lucy Morton, Scotland Development Lead for Parent-Infant Foundation said: “Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily.

“Early relationships between babies and their caregivers are incredibly important. If babies are within an uncertain system, with instability and broken relationships with their caregivers,  this can be particularly damaging. We want to help change this and our work with infant mental health teams in Scotland helps us envisage a more responsive and therapeutic system.

“We are delighted to be working with NSPCC Scotland to help bring together experts at the Summit to build understanding and collectively help speak up for all babies in Scotland.”

Findings from the BeST? services trial, led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the NSPCC and other universities[1], showed that achieving a permanent home for children in Scotland takes nearly four and a half times longer in Scotland than in England.

The research also showed that only 27% of children got a permanent home within five years and among those who did, the average time taken to achieve this was 488 days.

And Scotland’s care system for under-fives costs around twice as much as England’s.

The research also showed that in England, where a family court Judge oversees cases and sets clear timescales, all the adults involved are more likely to put the baby or child’s developmental needs at the centre of decision making throughout.

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act introduces a range of changes intended to improve support for children in care and people with care experience, including new rights and support around advocacy, aftercare and kinship care.

Before it was passed, NSPCC Scotland proposed an amendment to introduce legal time limits for decisions about a child’s permanent home, but this was rejected.

However, the charity then worked with cross party MSPs including Martin Whitfield and Fulton McGregor, to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to review permanence legislation in the next parliamentary term.

Childcare crisis as North Edinburgh Childcare to close on Friday

North Edinburgh Childcare will close THIS FRIDAY, making staff and sessional workers redundant and causing a huge problem for scores of local parents.

The sudden closure is dreadful news for the North Edinburgh community. NEC was seen as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Pilton Partnership activities in the 1990s, when local activists saw their dream of an affordable local childcare facility become a reality at last. Today, it seems that dream is over.

NEC staff member Astrid Hederson wrote on Facebook:

Dear Families of North Edinburgh

‘As many of you will now be aware, North Edinburgh Childcare will be closed suddenly this Friday . As a member of staff, it saddens me deeply that our journey has ended this way.

‘We were kept in the dark — under the pretence that surveys were being taken to improve the company, while behind closed doors decisions were being made that affected all of us. They didn’t reach out to parents, carers, or the community — and they didn’t reach out to the staff who are here from 7am till 6pm, Monday to Friday.

‘Our General Manager has been off sick and effectively disappeared — and while we respect that people need time away, what we needed most was a leader.

‘We needed someone to stand with us, someone to fight for us, someone to help us navigate what was happening. Instead, we were left without guidance, without answers, and completely unprepared for what was coming.

‘It feels like we were abandoned — and we believe there was so much more that could have been done to save our service.

‘We have stuck by this community through the tragedies, the hard times, through COVID, and through some really wonderful, good times too. We want to stay. We want to fight. But we can’t do it alone. We need our parents, our carers, and our community to back us up — just as we have always backed you.

‘This workplace isn’t just a job to me — the people there are my world. I’ve been through so much with some of them. This is the family I don’t want to lose.

‘As staff, we weren’t given the opportunity to fight — not just for our jobs, but to fight to stay and serve the children we love, the families we care about, and the community we are part of.

‘We weren’t given the chance to say goodbye to the children we love, serve, and protect. We don’t get to say goodbye to the parents and carers we’ve grown so close to — the ones we’ve walked alongside, watched their children grow, shared joys and worries and dreams with.

This post is not to ask for money. It’s simply to speak the truth — because the truth deserves to be heard. I don’t know how far this will reach, but our children still need us. The parents still need us. We deserved better than to be left in the dark.

‘If this matters to you — please reach out. Speak to your MP, your councillors, anyone who will listen. Stand with us, just as we’ve always stood with you.

North Edinburgh Childcare’s website states:

North Edinburgh Childcare first opened its doors to children in the spring of 1997.

The organisation developed in response to an identified need for high quality, childcare in North Edinburgh that would enable local parents and carers to access opportunities for work, training or education. ​

​A group of local residents campaigned over a 6 year period for the creation of a custom built (state of the art) childcare facility. In the Spring of 1997, the dream became a reality.​

​Since opening the organisation has gone from strength to strength and grown into the multi stranded operation that it is today. Our early learning and childcare services currently consist of a nursery service which takes place within the organisation’s purpose built centre and an out of school care service which is delivered from various locations across North Edinburgh.​

​Continuous feedback from the Care Inspectorate ensures that we never stop adapting and striving to always reach the highest of standards and our unwavering focus is with the ongoing development of our child-centred approach.​

​North Edinburgh Childcare strives to be the provider of choice through the delivery of services that are of the highest quality. As a forward looking organisation we actively embrace equal opportunities and social inclusion in the creation of learning environments that enable people to confidently reach out for the future.

In a statement released this afternoon, North Edinburgh Childcare said: “It is with enormous sadness that North Edinburgh Childcare announces that the organisation is facing insolvency and is closing on Friday 30 October 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, we will be open as normal on Friday 30th but will be closed thereafter.

“The Board of Trustees has explored every possible option and scenario to keep the organisation open and financially viable. Sadly, despite our best efforts, a sustainable way forward cannot be identified and, having taken legal advice, the decision has been made to close forthwith.

“This is a devastating outcome for an organisation that has supported children, families and the local community for many years. Our thoughts are very much with the children and families who rely on our services, and with our dedicated staff who have worked so hard to support them.

“We continue to liaise with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that all available support is identified for families affected by the closure and for our staff during this very difficult time.”

SNP Education spokesperson Cllr Euan Hislop said: “North Edinburgh families deserve better than this.

“The closure of North Edinburgh Childcare’s nursery and out-of-school clubs from Monday 2 November will leave families across Davidson’s Mains, Ferryhill, Forthview, Pirniehall/St David’s, Trinity (FortELC) and Juniper Green facing huge disruption, with no alternative provision in place.

“This crisis was foreseeable. As SNP Education Spokesperson, I repeatedly warned that withdrawing funding from established childcare providers put services at risk. SNP colleagues called for the cuts to be halted and alternatives found, but our warnings were ignored.

“Labour and the Liberal Democrats must answer for the decisions that brought us here.

“I will be tabling an emergency motion at Thursday’s council meeting demanding answers and calling for emergency assistance for families who have no alternative childcare.

“If your family is affected, please get in touch. We need urgent action, not excuses after the damage has been done.”

When should you call 111?

Don’t know when you should call 111? Read on to learn more … 💡

NHS 24’s 111 service is free and provides urgent care and advice.

Circumstances where you should consider using 111 include:

✅ Need urgent health advice and cannot wait until your GP, pharmacy or dentist reopen

✅ Have a mental health concern and are in distress

✅ Think you need to attend A&E but it’s not life or limb-threatening (In an emergency always call 999!)

Remember – #NHSinform is always available and can save you time getting the information and advice you are looking for without the need to call 111

For more info on when to call 111 check out https://www.nhs24.scot/111/

Royal Hospital for Children and Young People’s Memorial Service

SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER at 2.30pm

Join us for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People’s Memorial Service.

Families, friends and all who wish to remember and celebrate the lives of children who have died are warmly invited to attend our annual Memorial Service.

🗓 Sunday 29 November 2026

🚪 Doors open: 2.00pm

🕝 Service begins: 2.30pm

☕ Refreshments available

📍 Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR

This special service provides an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection and support.

All are welcome. 💜

#ChildrensMemorialService

#RememberingTogether

#Edinburgh

ASH Scotland and dental experts welcome new law preventing sales of nicotine pouches to children

ASH Scotland and Scottish dental experts are welcoming a measure under the Tobacco and Vapes Act coming into force on Friday (29 October 2026) making it an offence to sell nicotine pouches to people under the age of 18.

The restriction, which aims to reduce sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to young people, is being welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, the British Dental Association Scotland and an Edinburgh-based paediatric dentist, following growing concerns about impacts on oral health.

A health risk assessment by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that a main risk of using nicotine pouches is the high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system and presents high risks for children.

Dentists in Scotland are also warning that the use of nicotine pouches can cause chronic inflammation and other negative impacts on gum tissue.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said: “ASH Scotland welcomes this long overdue legislation to prevent sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to children.

“Nicotine addiction can have a devastating impact on young people through affecting their cardiovascular system, brain development and mental health. 

“This restriction is an essential step in closing legal loopholes and preventing the tobacco and nicotine industry from continuing to generate massive profits at a cost to children’s health.”

Charlotte Waite, Director of the British Dental Association Scotland. said: “Dentists have already seen the impact these pouches can have on the gums of patients barely in their teens.

“It’s absolutely right to take them off the menu for young people.”

Francesca Capaldi, a paediatric dentist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, said: “Emerging evidence is raising concerns about the impact of nicotine pouches on oral health, including burning, pain and changes to the gums.

“We must take steps to protect children and young people from these potential harms and safeguard their oral health and wellbeing.”

In addition to the age of sale restrictions for nicotine pouches, the new law is also making it a criminal offence to provide free samples, discounts or coupons to promote all recreational nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches.

For information about nicotine pouches, visit ASH Scotland’s briefing and factsheet at  www.ashscotland.org.uk/nicotine-pouches/.

Starbank Park: Halloween Pumpkin Trail and Facepainting

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER from `10 – 12 NOON

Face painting and much more!

Spooky Halloween with Pumpkin Trail and Costume competition.

A perfect trick or treat for little ones!

🍁
🍂
🎃

Safer Scotland: Firework sales

While many enjoy Bonfire Night, fireworks can be harmful if used incorrectly. To help keep everyone safe firework restrictions are in place.

Remember, it’s illegal to provide a firework to someone under the age of 18, with the exception of F1 fireworks like sparklers.

Find more safety advice here ➡️https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/fire…/firework-safety/

#FireworkSafety

Aldi calls on Edinburgh residents to revive Halloween guising

More than one third of local shoppers fear children are missing out on the once beloved tradition 

Aldi is calling on Scots to bring the magic of traditional Halloween guising back to their neighbourhoods, after new research revealed that 60 per cent of people from Edinburgh believe fewer people take part in the tradition now than when they were children. 

The research, carried out by ScotPulse, Scotland’s largest research panel, and commissioned by Aldi Scotland, also found that more than one third of people from Edinburgh (38%) believe children are missing out on the traditional Halloween experience.  

Less than half of people from Edinburgh (39%) will be opening their door to entertain guisers this spooky season, and less than one-third (29%) of adults from Edinburgh with children or grandchildren aged 11 and under plan to take them trick or treating.  

A third of people surveyed from Edinburgh (33%) say they are less likely to answer the door to guisers than they were five years ago.  

In response, Aldi Scotland is encouraging families to keep the much-loved tradition alive by dressing up and going guising this Halloween. To add a treat to the trick, the supermarket will give a £10 voucher to ten lucky children who visit an Aldi store in costume and are selected as ‘best-dressed’ winners on Aldi Scotland social channels.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Halloween is such a special time for children, and guising is a big part of what makes it memorable. It’s about more than just collecting sweets; it’s an opportunity for children to get dressed up, have fun and feel part of their local community. 

“With our research suggesting that fewer people are taking part in guising, we’re encouraging communities to rally together this year to help keep the tradition alive. Whether that’s getting the costumes ready, stocking up on treats for little visitors or heading out guising with the family, everyone can play a part in making Halloween special for children.” 

For those heading out, the research has revealed that a good joke remains the way to win over the neighbours. More than half of Scots (56%) would expect a child to tell a joke when guising, making it by far the most popular performance, ahead of singing a song (11%) or reciting a poem (2%). 

Aldi is also encouraging households to prepare for Halloween by stocking up on treats for visiting guisers. While pumpkins have become a familiar fixture of the season, families can also embrace Scotland’s Halloween heritage by carving a neep (a swede), as generations did before pumpkins became commonplace. 

  • Carving pumpkins from £1.69  
  • Swede from £0.62 
  • Sweets from £0.45 

Aldi Scotland is giving ten of its best-dressed guisers a £10 voucher to treat themselves this Halloween.  

To be in with a chance of winning, parents and guardians should share a photo of their little guiser in spooktacular fancy dress inside or outside one of Aldi’s Scottish stores between 26 and 31 October, tagging @AldiScotland on Instagram or Facebook.  

You can find your nearest Aldi store here. 

Terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/scotland/terms-and-conditions/competitions