Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.
The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.
This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations.
Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes.
By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit.
Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible.
Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland.
“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches.
“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.
“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.”
The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has delivered products worth £2,500 to Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The Scot Baby Box Appeal supports families with newborns in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes filled with essential items, alongside supplies for relief efforts and other critical necessities, helping to ensure that every newborn has a safe and nurturing start.
A group of 92 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline packed and delivered the sorted pallets to the charity’s hub in Coatbridge. The donation included essential items such as toiletries, clothing and drinks.
Alongside the delivery of pallets, seven employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline volunteered at the charity’s warehouse to support with the team’s sortation and space management support to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The charity has been supported by Amazon since 2022, with the fulfilment centre team in Dunfermline making donations and volunteering for almost three years.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Scot Baby Box Appeal provides excellent support to families across Scotland and Ukraine.
“Amazon in Dunfermline has a longstanding relationship with the team at Scot Baby Box Appeal and we’re pleased to contribute once again to the efforts of the staff and volunteers with this donation.”
Christina Watson, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “I’m pleased that I can take part in supporting the charity for a second time this year and I can’t wait to see the relationship between Amazon Dunfermline and Scot Baby Box grow even further.”
Gail Maguire, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their continued support with this donation. Their help is always greatly appreciated, especially on the run up to Christmas.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing up for Play & Try coached activities. As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.
Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 17th February – 21st February where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session.
Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.
Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Jump & Dive Skills, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters.
Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Kirkliston Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Warrender Swim Centre and are suitable for babies and toddlers.
For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the February fee waived.*
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.
It’s officially time to put down the screens and jump into a world of excitement at Gravity Active Edinburgh.
From February 15th to 23rd, Gravity Active are offering a jam-packed lineup of activities that promise non-stop fun for all ages, perfect for letting kids blow off steam after completing the first term of the year.
Whether you’re bouncing through the air, tackling climbing walls, or dancing under neon lights, there’s truly something for everyone.
Action-packed adventures for all ages
Get ready for thrilling Open Jump sessions, high-energy Daytime Discos, inflatable obstacle courses, and challenging climbing walls. Better yet, with so many activities on offer, parents will never hear “I’m bored” again! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep children fit and active over the break.
The Open Jump sessions give you full access to all activity areas—perfect for showing off your moves or just jumping for fun. For a high-energy twist, the Daytime Discos mix trampolining with a dance party atmosphere. Music, lights, and plenty of bouncing make for a perfect family outing.
Climbing, inflatables and more!
Scale new heights on the Gravity Rocks climbing walls, or race through the inflatable adventure zones for guaranteed laughs and thrills. When the sun sets, the fun continues with After Dark sessions—glow sticks, neon lights, and even more jumping and dancing.
Refuel and relax
To fuel all that energy, the Gravity Active Café offers a selection of delicious snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, giving you the perfect place to refuel and relax during your adventure, while keeping you close to all the fun.
Book your half-term adventure today!
Don’t miss out on the action – book your spot today and get ready to jump, climb, and dance your way through an unforgettable half term.
For more information or to book your session, visit:
A shocking freedom of information request from Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh. There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters. Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh.
There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters.
4,935 individuals were in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the start of the New Year according to a freedom of information request submitted by Capital Letters.
Temporary accommodation is often a last resort for society’s most vulnerable people who lack a place to call home.
They may be fleeing domestic violence, leaving care or being victims of a no-fault eviction, unable to locate suitable housing in time.
There has been a 219.36% increase in people being placed in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh between 2019 and 2024 according to a freedom of information request by Capital Letters.
Temporary accommodation in Edinburgh includes local authority housing as well as hostels and B&Bs.
There has been a 291% increase in individuals being placed in B&Bs from 2019 to 2024.
Heartbreakingly, many residents of temporary accommodation are children.
There were 397 couples with children in temporary accommodation in December 2024, a 118.1% increase from January 2019.
Families with four children saw the largest increase in temporary accommodation occupancy since 2019, rising by 350%.
Couples with three children came second with a 123.81% increase.
Couples with five children came third with 80%.
In fourth place came couples with two children who had a 56.10% increase.
Families with one child experienced a 59.9% increase since 2019.
Finally, families with 5 children stayed consistent between both periods.
Steven Strachan from Capital Letters who submitted the freedom of information request revealing the shocking data commented: “Facing eviction can be a stressful and overwhelming experience especially when there are children involved.
“There are steps you can take to manage the situation and protect your rights. Here are some tips if you find yourself facing eviction.”:
Understand the Eviction Notice
“There are different types of eviction notices (e.g., section 21, section 8, or notice to quit). Make sure you understand what the notice is for and whether it is valid. Ensure it follows legal procedures, including the proper notice period.”
Seek professional advice
“If you are unsure about the notice, seek legal advice from organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor who specialises in housing law who can clarify your rights and options.”
Communicate with Your Landlord
“If you’re able, speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Sometimes, an agreement can be reached, such as extending your tenancy, negotiating payment plans, or allowing you to stay while you find alternative housing.”
Document everything
“Keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This could be helpful if there are any disputes later.”
Know Your Rights
“In the United Kingdom, tenants have protection from eviction in most cases, especially if they have lived in the property for more than six months. In certain circumstances, eviction may not be possible unless the landlord has obtained a court order. Legal aid may be available for those who are eligible.”
Check for Illegal Eviction
“Landlords cannot evict tenants without following proper legal procedures. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order or changes the locks without notice, this is considered an illegal eviction. If this happens, you can contact the authorities for help.”
Start Looking for new Accommodation
“It’s wise to start looking for a new place to live as soon as possible. Start searching online or contact local housing associations and letting agents.”
£1.5 million to support delivery of compassionate, high-quality care
Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding.
The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space. It will introduce a graded model of miscarriage care across the country. This means all women can receive tailored support and services, and won’t have to wait until a third miscarriage. This will include access to progesterone prescriptions – where clinically appropriate – both for threatened and recurrent miscarriage.
These changes will be supported by £1.5 million Scottish Government funding and aim to ensure that early pregnancy care is equitable so that no women are disadvantaged, regardless of where they access and receive care.
The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: “The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, has a profound and lasting impact on women and their families.
“To all who have experienced such a tragedy, I offer my deepest sympathy. The Scottish Government recognises this impact and is clear that women and families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss must be provided with the right information, care and support, tailored to their individual circumstances.
“I am very grateful to everyone in Scotland’s NHS who works to provide miscarriage care and support.
“I know there is already a lot of good work underway within NHS Boards to improve miscarriage care services. The 2025-26 Budget, if approved by Parliament, will provide £1.5 million to support NHS Boards to improve delivery of sensitive and compassionate miscarriage care.”
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of pregnancy charity Tommy’s commented: “We are delighted to see the Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland launching today.
“The Framework is a real milestone on the path to excellent care for women and families in Scotland and Tommy’s has been pleased to work closely with our colleagues in Scottish Government as they have developed the Framework, which aims to ensure the right support and care for parents after every tragic loss.
“With compassionate care at its heart, we are looking forward to continuing to support our Scottish colleagues as they oversee the rollout.”
The Miscarriage Association’s Chief Executive Vicki Robinson said: “We are extremely pleased to see the publication of this important Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, which represents a significant step forward in ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve during such a heart-breaking time.
“This framework is a vital step in providing evidence-based care and offering women additional support in early pregnancy. We are proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to seeing it bring positive change. This is a crucial milestone in ensuring that miscarriage care is accessible, equitable, and compassionate across Scotland.”
A record breaking (and heart-breaking – Ed.) 10,360 children are trapped in often unsuitable temporary accommodation, latest figures from the Scottish Government has revealed.
The number of children in temporary homes has risen for the 10th year* as figures detail the stark reality for thousands of families across Scotland. The statistics cover from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 – during which time the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency.
It is a national scandal that 7,545 households have been stripped of their rights in only six months, as councils failed to offer a place to those requiring temporary accommodation, also known as gatekeeping.
While Shelter Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government reversing the cuts for housing, it must be clear that funding has returned to the same level as it was in 2022.
The latest figures show:
– 10,360 children living in temporary accommodation on 30 September 2024, an increase of 250 children compared to the previous six months. That’s an increase of 149% since 2014. – 7,545 instances of failure to offer a place to a household requiring temporary accommodation, also known as gatekeeping, between 1 April to 30 September 2024. This an increase of 277% in just 6 months or 3.8 x higher. In the 12-month period to September 2024 gatekeeping was at 13,500 recorded cases, a 541% increase compared to the year prior. – 4,085 breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order between 1 April and 30 September 2024 – a 11% increase compared to the previous six months. – 16,634 households in temporary accommodation as of 30 September 2024 an increase from 16,330 – 32,272 live homeless cases as of 30 September 2024 an increase from 31,794.
Shelter Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government’s renewed housing budget to focus on reducing the number of children trapped in temporary accommodation, and to ensure local services are fully funded to ensure lifeline housing rights are upheld.
This comes at a time when wider cuts in the public services may push more people closer to the brink of homelessness.
Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “This is the harrowing reality of decades of under-investment in social housing. No child should have to experience homelessness, yet the numbers keep rising to a record-breaking amount and are now staying in temporary accommodation for longer.
“These figures show the direct consequence of the Scottish Government and local authorities failing to prioritise housing and the desperate need for more social homes.
“Everyone deserves the right to be in a safe and secure permanent home where children can thrive. We know children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation can have their mental and physical health detrimentally impacted.
“Children are paying the highest price for the politicians’ failures and the devastating reality of the housing emergency in Scotland. If the Scottish Government is serious about ending child poverty with their new budget, social homes need to be urgently delivered.
“The Scottish Government reversed the brutal cuts to housing, but it needs to acknowledge it brings us to the same amount of funding that we had in 2022. Since then, the number of people living in temporary homes has risen, people are trapped in the system for longer, the number of people rough sleeping has increased dramatically, and the cost of living has skyrocketed.
“The reversal alone will not be enough to end homelessness and there desperately needs to be a long-term plan from politicians, targeting money to the areas where it is most needed.
She added: “The way people are experiencing homelessness is changing with more people becoming homeless and faster than councils can close cases. The Scottish Government need to invest in the areas where applications are the highest. Services to support families at risk of homelessness also desperately need funding from local authorities.
“Children in Scotland forced to live in temporary homes don’t need excuses, they need action if the Scottish Government want to end child poverty in their next budget.”
