THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER 5.15pm – 8.30pmat GRANTON STATION
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ONLINE from WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST
Come and talk to us about our proposals to build a new Primary School and Nursery at Granton Waterfront.
The new proposed building will be able to accommodate a Nursery for 128 pupils between the ages of two and five, and a new two stream (15 classes) primary school with the potential for an Enhanced Support Base (ESB) with four additional classes. The facility will have the ability to expand to up to a three stream (22 classes) primary school in future.
You’ll be able to view the proposals and take part in our public consultation online from Wednesday, 26 August 2026 until Thursday 15 October 2026 at 5.00pm.
A 35-year-old woman from Glenrothes has been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction and jailed for a minimum of six years for the attempted murder of a child.
Laura Docherty repeatedly administered medication to a child, none of which had been prescribed for them and were not suitable for children. As a result, the child suffered bouts of sickness and was hospitalised on a number of occasions.
These offences occurred over a period of a year from 2022 to 2023.
Concerns were raised by medical staff in February 2023 and an investigation was launched. In May 2023, officers arrested and charged Laura Docherty in connection with attempted murder.
She was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in December, 2025, and sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction with a minimum of six years in prison at the same court today – Monday, 17 August, 2026.
Detective Constable Gemma Warriner said: “This was prolonged and abhorrent abuse of a young child which resulted in numerous stays in hospital. Throughout the investigation, Docherty took no responsibility for her actions and repeatedly blamed others.
“Cases where children are subjected to harm can often be difficult to deal with, however, we are committed to investigating such incidents fully and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the family.”
If anyone has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or partner agencies. Reporting concerns can help us protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
A wee reminder that this interesting workshop is taking place today at 6pm.
We are delighted to host Hannah from Lauriston Farm for a Grow a Row workshop, focusing on how to harvest and save seeds!
Grow a Row, encourages the local community to dedicate a row, a pot, or a garden bed to growing seeds for the Drumbrae Library Seed Library.
You do not need to have attended the previous session so all are welcome!
This session is suitable for adults, and you do not need a large garden to take part. Whether you have a small garden bed, a few pots, or even a balcony, there are plenty of ways to grow for seed saving in small spaces.
Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds starting further education or approved training courses must extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments will stop automatically.
Scottish pupils received their exam results on 4 August and many will now be confirming their education or training plans for the autumn.
Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK.
Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds have just 2 weeks left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) whether their child will continue in non-advanced approved education or training, or they risk missing out on Child Benefit payments.
Following the release of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results on 4 August, many teenagers across Scotland will now be making decisions about their next steps in education or training.
For families whose teenager is staying in non-advanced approved education or training, Child Benefit can continue, but only if parents act before 31 August.
Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service. Payments will stop automatically for anyone who hasn’t responded by the deadline.
More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payment digitally ahead of the deadline.
Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for the eldest or only child, and up to £930.80 a year for each additional child.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:“Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us.
“Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don’t want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you’re entitled to.”
Parents whose child’s plans change, for example if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship, must tell HMRC straight away to avoid being overpaid.
If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income of more than £60,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK to find out how much HICBC to pay. Eligible parents can pay through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.
Want to be part of something that makes a real difference?
We’re on the lookout for passionate volunteers who want to make a positive impact in their community and work with amazing young people.
As a Scran volunteer, you’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive family that’s committed to creating opportunities, empowering young people, and making a difference together.
Ensuring support is available where and when families need it
TEN charities will receive a share of a £20 million fund in 2026-27 to deliver wide ranging support to improve wellbeing, boost incomes, and help parents towards employment as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to eradicate child poverty.
The charities involved estimate that up to 35,000 families could benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of whole family support, spanning almost all of Scotland.
The beneficiaries include:
Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), which will expand its support into new areas of Scotland, such as Dundee, to pair parents of neurodivergent children with a Family Adviser to help boost incomes and improve children’s outcomes
Home Start Caithness which will bring together nine organisations to provide one-step gateway to financial and wellbeing support in the region
Borders Community Action who will work with 30 local charities under a new partnership to embed support in rural communities, where poverty can be harder to identify and the right support more difficult to access
Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector which will coordinate a new partnership between more than 30 local organisations to deliver help specific to the needs of communities across the city
In Dundee, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met with families of neurodivergent children to hear about the difference that effective support at point of need can make. Mindroom will use this funding to expand into new areas of Scotland.
Ms Somerville said: “We have made great strides in our ambitious mission to eradicate child poverty. Within the powers we have, we have boosted incomes while delivering a transformational cost of living support package.
“But we know that more needs to be done, which is why we are driving whole family support. This is about making sure that people can access the help they need easily, as simply as possible, and as quickly as possible.
“To remove barriers, we need to empower local charities and local people and bring them together with other services so that there are clear and easy ways to access the right support, in the right place and at the right time.
“I am proud that this ambitious programme, which we will deliver in partnership with charities across Scotland, does just that.”
CEO of Mindroom Alan Thornburrow said: “We see the benefits that whole family support brings to parents and children on a daily basis, so we are pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government to expand our services, including into Dundee.
“Neurodivergent children and their parents have historically found it challenging to access the right support, in the right place – but we are determined to be there for them, tailoring services to meet their individual circumstances, and giving children the best start in life in the process.
“This funding will help us do so on a larger scale, enabling us to reach more people in varied communities. We look forward to pressing ahead with this work.”
The funding comes from the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund, announced as part of the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,Building Futures, and, subject to confirmation during the annual Scottish budget process, it is expected to continue on an annual basis while the programme is in operation.
The 10 organisations that secured funding following a competitive application process are:
Looking for something to keep the little ones entertained? We’ve got plenty planned for a fun-filled afternoon at our Harvest Festival on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm.
Here’s just some of what you can look forward to:
Bouncy castle
Spartans football games
Face painting
Temporary tattoos
Musical statues with Bev
And that’s just the beginning! There’ll also be apple picking and pressing, garden activities, craft stalls, delicious food, a bake sale, tombola and much more to enjoy.
Best of all, it’s completely free to attend, so bring the whole family along and enjoy a fantastic day out with your local community!
Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, Blackhall Playgroup had to close its doors for good on the 25th June 2026.
Blackhall Playgroup has made a significant contribution to the children and families of Blackhall & surrounding areas for over 40 years and the committee would like to thank all the employees, volunteers and committee members past and present for their commitment and dedication over the years.
As a result of this closure, we are holding a closing down sale. There will be a wide range of high quality equipment, toys, puzzles, games and books for early years and beyond.
CLOSING DOWN SALE
Blackhall St. Columba’s Church, Upstairs hall
Friday 14th August 12-4pm
AND
Saturday 15th August 10am-2pm
Cash only
If bringing a car then free parking available on the surrounding side streets (not on Queensferry Road) but please be considerate of our neighbours’ driveways
We’re looking for Academy support volunteers! 
Bouncy castle
Spartans football games
Face painting
Musical statues with Bev
CLOSING DOWN SALE 
Blackhall St. Columba’s Church, Upstairs hall
Friday 14th August 12-4pm
Cash only
If bringing a car then free parking available on the surrounding side streets (not on Queensferry Road) but please be considerate of our neighbours’ driveways 
