Volunteer Scotland and SCVO have published practical resources to help charities and voluntary organisations respond to difficult or challenging situations.
The guidance covers topics including safety planning, managing conflict, team wellbeing, communications and trauma-informed support.
OSCR was pleased to review the resources during their development and provide feedback from a charity regulator perspective.
Volunteer Scotland and SCVO have published a new collection of practical resources to help voluntary organisations and community groups navigate hostility and intolerance.
The resources are designed to help organisations think about how they can support the safety and wellbeing of volunteers, staff and the people they work with when facing difficult or challenging situations.
The collection covers six areas:
dialogue and conflict with service users
expert-led safety advice
internal conversations and team wellbeing
risk assessment and safety planning
specialist communications guidance
trauma-informed support.
OSCR was pleased to have the opportunity to review the resources during their development and provide feedback from a charity regulator perspective.
The guidance also signposts to external sources of information and support. These links have been selected by Volunteer Scotland, and their inclusion does not indicate endorsement by OSCR.
The need for school uniform support doesn’t just happen at the start of the term—growth spurts, changes in circumstances, or unexpected hardships can happen at any time of the year.
We want every family in Edinburgh to know that support is available, whether you need emergency help or a discreet option right inside your school.
Head to the following link to find out more about how our referral system works or how your school can partner with us: https://edinburghuniform.org/packs/
On 21 October, we’ll be opening a call for cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland to submit Expressions of Interest in Multi-Year Funding, with a deadline of 18 November
This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding –
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.
DETAILS
We would like to provide advance notice to cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland, of our intention to seek Expressions of Interest for Multi-Year Funding from April 2028.
Timeline
The call for Expressions of Interest will open at 11am on Wednesday 21 October 2026, and close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026, and will be accessible through the Creative Scotland website.
The full application process for new applicants will open in early 2027, with the next cohort of Multi-Year Funded Organisations in place from April 2028.
Purpose
This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding, in terms of both the number of organisations seeking this type of funding support, and the likely financial ask.
While providing invaluable information on the future potential for the Multi-Year Funding Programme to support culture and creativity in Scotland, this will also help us shape the detail of the formal application process.
Expressions of Interest will not be assessed, and no decisions will be made regarding individual organisations at this stage. Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.
Information required
Expressions of Interest will be invited from organisations currently in receipt of Multi-Year Funding along with those interested in joining the programme from 2028.
A short form will be available via our website where organisations will be asked to provide summary information on their area of practice and an indication of the level of annual funding they anticipate requiring, on an annual basis, from April 2028.
Find out more
Any questions on the Expression of Interest, the Multi-Year Funding Programme, or any other aspect of Creative Scotland’s funding, should be directed to our Enquiries Service.
Background
Information and guidance on the Expression of Interest in Multi-Year Funding from April 2028 will be made available on our website from 11am on 21 October.
Feedback gathered during the original development of Multi-Year Funding (MYF) called for a move away from a single, large-scale application round towards a rolling, continuous programme that reduces the administrative burden on applicants and the wider sector.
This would include the potential for organisations already in receipt of MYF, subject to review, to be offered continued funding through this programme beyond the original three-year agreement.
Alongside this, organisations not currently in receipt of MYF would have the opportunity to join the programme.
Creative Scotland is currently developing the details of this next stage of the programme, and the Expression of Interest response will help with that development.
Annual electricity network winter safety leaflet dropping through millions of doors
SP Energy Networks is reminding its millions of customers how to prepare for potential power cuts as winter approaches.
With shorter days and stormier weather on the horizon as the seasons change, the electricity network operator is sending out winter advice leaflets to more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across central & southern Scotland, Cheshire, Merseyside, North & Mid Wales and North Shropshire.
The leaflet is designed to put key information and advice directly into the hands of customers so they are prepared in case the lights go out. It contains top tips for all customers as well as specialist information for those who may rely on medical equipment or be eligible to join the Priority Service Register and get extra support.
Kendal Morris, Customer Services Director at SP Energy Networks, said:“While power cuts don’t happen often, we know that winter brings in windier weather and seasonal storms that can affect our network and impact power supplies, so it’s vital we ensure our customers are prepared for what may come.
A few simple steps – as set out in our leaflet – really can make all the difference to help our customers stay safe and know where to get the support they need if the power goes out. Look out for your leaflet dropping through your door.
“It’s also vital customers ensure we have their correct and up-to-date contact details so we can keep in touch as needed and also have the right information if compensation becomes due under our Guaranteed Standards of Service, with payments then processed automatically, so make sure you let us know if you move house or change your phone number.”
The winter advice leaflets are being delivered in phases throughout October, with all customers set to receive theirs by the end of the month.
SP Energy Networks top tips for preparing for potential power cuts are:
Save the 105 power cut number in your phone or somewhere easy to find.
Keep a torch and new batteries nearby.
Charge your phone and any power packs.
Have warm clothes or extra blankets ready.
Fill a flask with hot water.
Use a battery-powered radio for updates
The electricity network operator is also encouraging eligible customers who may need additional support in the event of a power cut to sign up for its free Priority Services Register.
The service is available to anyone who would benefit from additional assistance including people who rely on medical equipment at home, customers aged 60 and over, households with children under five, people with long-term health needs, or anyone who feels they may need extra help.
Registered customers receive tailored support and proactive updates if there is a power cut in their area, as well as access to a dedicated 24/7 helpline. Further information on how to register is detailed in the customer leaflet or on the SP Energy Networks website.
For more information and guidance on how to prepare for a power cut, visit:
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today (Friday 4 September 2026) raised concerns over a lack of consistent guidance for midwives across Scotland caring for surrogate mothers and babies.
Through Freedom of Information requests the Edinburgh North and Leith MP has uncovered serious gaps in vital guidance for midwives and wider clinical teams when supporting births where a surrogacy arrangement is in place.
Tracy Gilbert’s FOI requests to all of Scotland’s NHS Boards found that only NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NHS Fife have active guidance in place for midwives and clinical teams on the care and treatment of surrogate mothers and babies.
Of the remaining NHS Boards:
Five have no policy at all
Four have a policy where the review is overdue
One has a policy currently in draft form
One referred to Department of Health and Social Care guidance
The Edinburgh North and Leith MP raised the issue during a debate on the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill in the House of Commons, warning that midwives and maternity teams should not be left to navigate these legal, clinical and safeguarding issues without clear and up-to-date guidance.
Tracy warned that the lack of consistent guidance could leave maternity staff without the information they need to ensure surrogate mothers and babies receive the best possible care.
Speaking after raising the issue in Parliament, Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Every mother and baby deserves the very best care with their needs put first in all decisions. However, I have exposed worrying gaps in the guidance available in some areas of the country for staff caring for families involved in surrogacy.
In many cases midwives will come across no or very few surrogacy cases in their careers; up-to-date guidance is therefore even more essential so that those midwives have access to the support and signposting that they need.
“The Scottish Government should now make sure that health boards across Scotland have this important guidance in place.”
An overview of the findings of the FOIs across health boards is as follows:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Policy in place Dec 2025, due for review in Dec 2028
NHS Borders
Policy in place March 2022, Review overdue (March 2025)
NHS Dumfries and Galloway
Refer to Department for Health and Social Care guidance
NHS Fife
First policy effective from May 2026, to be reviewed May 2029
NHs Forth Valley – First guidance
April 2015, reviewed October 2021, review overdue (October 2024)
NHS Grampian
No guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
No guidance
NHS Highlands
Guidance in draft
NHS Lothian
Guidance in place Feb 2022, review overdue (Jan 2023)
NHS Orkney
No guidance
NHS Shetland
No policy
NHS Tayside
Policy put in place Jan 2019, review overdue (Aug 2025)
Anyone affected by dementia is welcome to attend a community dementia day on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026 at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.
There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information, see our website for more info:
People with dementia and their family or carers are welcome to attend the community dementia day event on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026.
Those with the condition, worried about their memory or waiting for a formal diagnosis, are welcome to attend at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.
There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, Podiatrists and Music Therapists.
There will also be stalls from organisations, such as Alzheimer Scotland, VOCAL, Meeting Centres and Edinburgh Leisure.
The event will be held in the large hall in the Craighall Centre, at the opposite end of the building to the Memory Assessment and Treatment Service. It has a separate entrance which will be signposted.
There is limited parking at the centre, but free on-street parking is available nearby.
The number 14 and 21 buses stop outside the centre
Refreshments will be available
For more information phone Morna Russell on 0131 286 9620
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.
The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.
While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.
Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.
“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students.
“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.
“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.”
During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.
In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.
It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates.
“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.”
Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.
They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages.
Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university.
Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses.
As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment to exempt state pensioners with no additional income from income tax, Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “Recommitting to exempting the State Pension from income tax is a welcome signal that the new Prime Minister is listening to the concerns of older people on low incomes.
“However, questions remain about how the policy will be implemented across a complex pensions system where one solution does not fit all.
“Different versions of the State Pension mean some older people receiving a lower State Pension and a small private pension would be dragged into the tax system, while others receiving only the State Pension will be exempt, despite the amount they receive being largely the same.
“Clearly, this is a situation that needs to be addressed so no older person on a low income loses out.
“Every day we hear from older people with chronic money worries who are making difficult decisions to make ends meet, from rationing their energy and water use to skipping meals.
“We look forward to receiving clarity from the UK Government on how the State Pension tax exemption will work to protect all pensioners on low incomes.”
GRANTON WATERFRONT PHASE 1 – COMMUNITY DROP-IN EVENT
Local residents are invited to meet the Council’s Granton Waterfront project team and find out more about the construction works.
Developer Cruden will be available to answer questions, provide updates on the programme of works and discuss what the community can expect during the different stages of the development.
On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.
The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.
Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.
The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:
Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!
Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.
Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
