NHS Lothian is recruiting two Non-Executive Members to its Board.
Not sure what the role involves? Join an information session on 25 August 2026 to learn more before applying:
Hear from current Board Members
Ask questions about the role
Find out how you can make a difference
£16,224 per annum
Closing date: 31 August 2026, 12 noon
Apply here: https://ow.ly/y2bv50Zyaqy
We would like to say a massive thank you and farewell to Richie Adams, who has been our CEO for the last 5 and a half years! He has made a huge impact on FetLor through his leadership and ingenuity.
Richie joined FetLor at the height of the pandemic when we couldn’t even meet in person at the time due to the restrictions, but this didn’t stop him leaving a lasting impact at FetLor.
Please take a moment to read some kind words he would like to pass on:
SIGHTHILL CAMPUS: THURSDAY 6th AUGUST 10am – 1.30pm
Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.
The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.
The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business.
Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.
If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.
When John Aiken and Gary Burnett first crossed paths at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre, they had more in common than either might have expected.
Both had arrived at Amazon via unconventional routes. Both had quietly wondered whether they were capable of completing a degree-level qualification while holding down demanding full-time roles. And both, it turned out, were more than capable.
Having recently completed the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) – John through Glasgow Caledonian University and Gary through the University of Exeter – the pair are now among a growing number of Amazon employees demonstrating that higher education doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the workplace to achieve it.
John’s route to Amazon was a significant career change. Before joining the company in August 2021, he had spent years working in entertainment on cruise ships – a world away from the logistics industry.
“Coming to Amazon was very much a career change,” he says. “Obviously 2020 came around, COVID hit, and it was time to find a new career trajectory.”
The shift proved more natural than it might have seemed on paper. John draws parallels between his former life and his current role – particularly around managing people across diverse cultures and backgrounds, something he encountered daily at sea and now navigates as General Manager’s Assistant in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and stakeholder management space.
When the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship was launched in Scotland, John was part of the very first cohort.
He completed his dissertation in August 2025, choosing to evaluate Amazon’s community and social impact in Scotland – a topic he knew inside out. The paper was subsequently shared internally with Amazon’s Community Impact team for use with their own apprentices.
“What I really liked about it was the broad topics you were studying and being able to put them into practice literally the next day when you’re back on site,” he says. “It catapulted the visibility we have as CMDAs beyond the levels we’re currently sitting at.”
His advice to anyone considering the programme? “Jump in with both feet. It’s not something you just dip your toe into. You don’t know what you can do unless you try.”
Gary’s Amazon story began considerably earlier. He joined the company in 2012 as a temporary agency associate, fresh out of four years in the RAF, simply looking for work.
“When I joined Amazon, that’s exactly what I joined it for,” he admits. “It was supposed to be a stop-gap. I just needed a job.”
Twelve months later he was made permanent. Two years after that, he was a team lead. By 2020, he had stepped up into an area manager role – and for the first time, he started thinking seriously about his career trajectory. The problem was that a degree was a requirement for permanent promotion to level four area manager, and Gary had left school with only standard grades before joining the military.
Amazon’s solution was to offer him a pathway: first a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship through the University of Exeter, and then a two-year fast-track CMDA programme at the same institution. The CMI accreditation was woven throughout both courses – a smoother, more integrated experience than John’s, though arriving at the same destination.
“I think 82% of people in management positions across all industries are accidental managers,” Gary says, referencing a CMI statistic that clearly resonated. “That’s exactly what I would have been. Now I’m fully trained and professionally accredited – and that gives me a level of confidence in my role.”
Balancing the programme with a full-time job and two young children at home – aged eight and four – was not without its challenges. But Gary credits a shared workplace mentor, who also happened to be his direct line manager for much of the programme, with helping him stay on track. He also leaned heavily on his cohort, forming a small group who would meet on weekends to work through assignments and support one another.
“Lean on your peers,” he urges. “Whether there was much academic value in those calls or not, pushing each other onward definitely helped. It was a problem we were all sharing together.”
Now 35, Gary is a living example that the CMDA is open to anyone willing to commit. “If I can do it – at my age, with a young family, in a full-time job – I think absolutely anybody could.”
Between them, John and Gary represent something broader than two personal success stories. They are the leading edge of a growing community at Amazon in Scotland – with around 30 others now following in their footsteps across first and third year cohorts – proving that professional development and operational excellence are not mutually exclusive.
Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.
Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme.
For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk
Every child, regardless of where they grow up or which school they attend, will benefit from enriching activities that build the skills, confidence and relationships they need for life and work thanks to government action announced today.
Greater access to opportunities in sport, creative activities, nature and the arts will be made available to children both in and out of school in order to halve the participation gap and reclaim childhood for all young people.
The drive to make sure all children are supported to develop new skills and explore their talents includes new benchmarks for schools and colleges published today. These will ensure schools and colleges have the practical tools and guidance to offer a wide range of opportunities across five categories: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including STEM, sport and physical activities.
Leading figures within these categories will soon be announced as ambassadors using their influence and expertise to inspire participation, raise awareness and help drive support for enriching opportunities for young people.
Activities could include music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies, football clubs and much more. These clear benchmarks will work in partnership with civil society and help schools and colleges develop inclusive, engaging enrichment offers that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities.
Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of how it assesses personal development, and parents will be able to see their local school’s offer through new ‘school profiles’ – a one stop shop with key information on a school’s offering.
This complements the government’s wider reforms to bring the national curriculum into the modern day, break down barriers to opportunity and better prepare young people for life and work in today’s world and beyond.
‘Every Child Can’, funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, will deliver £132.5 million for new activities programmes delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision.
It is structured around the same five categories as the Enrichment Framework, ensuring a consistent approach to building skills and confidence wherever young people engage and removing the postcode lottery that has held children in underserved parts of the country back.
It responds directly to the State of the Nation survey of more than 14,000 young people, which found that despite being the most digitally connected generation, young people today face some of the highest levels of isolation globally.
They want safe spaces, trusted adults, better mental health support and greater access to enriching activities. However, access to these opportunities remains unequal, with too many children locked out because of where they live and what school or college they go to.
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said: “Every child should be able to enjoy sport and the creative arts, not just the lucky few.
“Whether it’s performing on stage, playing sport, exploring nature or getting involved in their community, these experiences build confidence, spark ambition and help young people discover what they are capable of.
“As the world around our children continues to move fast, investment is about making sure the childhood experiences we truly value can once again be for every young person, wherever they live.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Every child deserves the chance to find their spark through great art, sport, music, dance or drama, because arts and culture belong to all of us – not just a privileged few. A child who loves the arts shouldn’t have to be born into the right postcode to pursue it.
“That is why we are rebuilding opportunity in the classroom and in communities and ensuring every young person has something to do, somewhere to go, and someone who cares through our National Youth Strategy: Youth Matters.
“For too long we have underinvested in generation with appalling consequences. Every child should have the chance to live a richer, larger life and we will ensure they do.”
This package forms part of the UK government’s commitment to restore lost childhood freedoms – investing in playgrounds, in music hubs, sports partnerships, youth services and youth spaces and support for families through measures including VAT relief on children’s activities this summer.
With children growing up in an increasingly fast-changing world the package is designed to protect and nurture childhood, ensuring young people are equipped with skills and confidence to achieve and thrive.
Participating in enrichment activities has been associated with higher attainment and a stronger sense of school belonging and wellbeing among children and young people.
According to EPI research, children who attended sport clubs during secondary school were more likely to be in education or employment as young adults, while those who participated in hobbies, arts and music clubs were significantly more likely to progress to higher education.
Today’s announcement builds on the UK government’s work to ensure young people have access to enriching and cultural activities including:
The government is working with The National Lottery Community Fund to develop Every Child Can. Further details on the remaining funding, how each programme will work and how to apply to take part will be published in due course.
The Department for Education will work closely with schools, colleges and sector partners, including the Enrichment for All Coalition, to support implementation of the framework and understand its impact on children and young people.
This will help build a shared approach to ensuring high-quality enrichment opportunities can support attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement for all pupils.
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:
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
More Information: festivalofeuropescotland.org/connecting-europe-fair
Spring has arrived at the NEA Community Garden, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! We’ve received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our Garden and Shed projects over the next two years.
This funding will help us grow more than just plants. It will create opportunities for our local community to get involved in activities that respond to the climate emergency, focusing on outdoor learning, sustainability, and the circular economy.
It also means we can continue to strengthen North Edinburgh Arts’ commitment to sustainability, improving how we manage our carbon impact.
Watch this space for more updates!
In the meantime, come and visit our NEA Community Garden within our opening hours (Monday-Wednesday: 9am-5pm, Thursday & Friday: 9am-8pm & Saturday: 10am-2pm)
If you live locally in the areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Telford, come and join our free drop-in sessions at the Garden (Tuesday & Thursday, 1.30pm – 4pm) or the Shed (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm).
Get in touch for more information!
Following extensive engagement with artists, the guide sections and content were developed to provide information and tips to help navigate a new industry and home environment.
This also encourages networking, engagement with local communities and better understanding of the opportunities Edinburgh offers for creative collaborations and artistic ambitions.
Developed in partnership with Creative Edinburgh in response to growing diversity in the city, the online guide can be read in more than 130 languages. It comes after the recent addition of a translation and audio transcription functionality to the Council’s website.
Artists and creatives who have recently settled in the city can also benefit from subsidised premium membership and mentorship opportunities through Creative Edinburgh.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Thanks to our world-renowned festivals, heritage sites, and community art spaces, Edinburgh has attracted a culturally diverse community of artists over the centuries.
“There really is inspiration to discover all over the city so it’s no surprise that so many choose Edinburgh as the place to develop their careers.
“I’m delighted that we’re now able to give creatives and artists the opportunity to learn more about Edinburgh’s cultural life and the support available to them to ensure they have the best possible start in the city.”
Ola Wojtkiewicz, Executive Director at Creative Edinburgh, said: “Artists, makers, and creative practitioners are at the heart of what makes Edinburgh unlike any other city. For the past fourteen years, Creative Edinburgh has proudly supported thousands of creatives across the city—that’s why we exist as a charitable organisation.
“We’re especially proud to collaborate with the City of Edinburgh Council on the Multilingual Cultural Guide. As a multicultural and multilingual team ourselves, we deeply value the importance of welcoming artists from around the world and helping them thrive in Edinburgh. This spirit of inclusion is part of what makes the city so vibrant.
“As part of our ongoing partnership, we’re delighted to offer 25 fully funded Premium memberships and a series of tailored mentorship opportunities for artists from diverse heritage backgrounds.
“These initiatives are designed to help creatives navigate their careers in a new environment and make the most of the rich support available to them in Edinburgh.”
Marcin Krupa, visual artist and gallery curator, said: “I arrived in Edinburgh 12 years ago with a couple of hundred euros in my wallet. Right now, I work for an art school, and I am a gallery curator. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but I believe that in Edinburgh there is a great creative potential and a plenty of opportunities.
“I was able to achieve my dreams and financial independence thanks to generous people living here and thanks to various organisations that supported me.
“When I came to Edinburgh, I felt I was surrounded by people who are willing to help me. I felt accepted and became part of the local creative community.”
Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with The King’s Trust, is offering an exciting opportunity for young people aged 16-30 years to launch a career in lifeguarding through a comprehensive free training programme starting next month (August 2025).
To be eligible to apply, candidates must NOT be currently in full-time work or education (including school) and they must be aged between 16 and 30 years old.
Programme Highlights
The innovative ‘Get into Lifeguarding’ initiative provides a structured pathway to employment, featuring:
Programme Timeline
Week 1: King’s Trust Team Building & Employability Skills Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 2: NPLQ course week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 3: King’s Trust CV and Interview Preparation Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 4: Work Placement Week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 5: Guaranteed Interviews & Celebration Event with Edinburgh Leisure & King’s Trust
Franek Karwacki, 18, from Trinity, is one of a previous cohort’s success stories. He left Trinity High School in summer 2024 with outstanding A-grade Highers and had been working part-time in a fish and chip shop.
Unlike many of his peers who pursued immediate university education, Franek chose an alternative path. Encouraged by his father, he applied to the ‘Get Into Lifeguarding Course’ offered by the King’s Trust in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, viewing it as an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
Unlike his university-bound friends who were burning through their savings, it was an opportunity for him to earn a steady income in his ‘gap year’. The shift work didn’t bother him either with him enthusing: “I quite enjoy the earlies, starting at 5:30am and ending at 2pm, as it gives me time to pursue my passion for basketball,” he says.
The programme opened a door he hadn’t even considered before. “I hadn’t necessarily thought about lifeguarding as a career path,” Franek admitted, “but now I’ve gained skills that were completely paid for and got a job. The support from both Edinburgh Leisure and the King’s Trust transformed what could have been an uncertain period into a real opportunity.”
A year on, having worked as a lifeguard at Leith Victoria, the qualifications have springboarded him into his next chapter. He has recently left Edinburgh Leisure to finally join his peers by heading to university in Sweden to study Economics and Society.
“I’m going to be looking into lifeguarding opportunities while I’m in Sweden to support my studies, so the qualifications have definitely come in handy.”
Karen West, Manger at Portobello Swim Centre emphasised the programme’s broader mission: “This initiative is a win-win. We’re providing young people with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially launch a career in the leisure industry.
“For many young people, like Franek, this could be life-changing for them.”
How to Apply
For Programme related enquiries and to apply, email by 7 August:
CentralSouthEastScotlandOperations@kingstrust.org.uk
Spaces are limited to 12 participants. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity!
New jobs will be created and derelict sites regenerated in Glasgow’s former industrial heartland with the help of funding announced by First Minister John Swinney.
Urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway is to receive £3.5 million to support the continued redevelopment of the former Shawfield Chemical Works site into a hub for high value manufacturing businesses.
It is part of the company’s ongoing plan to develop homes, hotels and business premises on land equivalent in size to 130 football pitches in Rutherglen and the East End of Glasgow.
The First Minister made the announcement ahead of a visit to the Innovation Shawfield, another Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme, where he will see Scotland’s first renewable district heating system of its kind. The site is expected to become one of the largest office parks in the UK and the heating system, which is also capable of cooling buildings, will provide occupants with low-cost energy.
The project has been supported by £660,000 from the Scottish Government and sees power generated from sources including solar and heat pumps.
The First Minister said: “Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th century is an integral part of transforming Scotland’s economy in the 21st and Clyde Gateway is a shining example of what can achieved. Its ambition is creating jobs, improving communities and tackling poverty.
“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to help it continue that work and also to see first-hand this innovative project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses. This part of Glasgow has a proud industrial past and the Scottish Government is determined that it will have a strong economic future.
“I want to see these benefits continue to spread across Scotland and this financial year we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration projects that will revitalise town centres, derelict sites and green spaces.”
Martin Joyce, Executive Director for Regeneration at Clyde Gateway, said: “This £3.5 million investment will accelerate our efforts to transform the East End of Glasgow and Rutherglen.
“Working alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land, supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivered 4,000 much needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities where people can live, work and play.”
The Scottish Government has supported Clyde Gateway’s regeneration programme with more than £200 million since 2007.
