The nation’s leading Armed Forces charity has announced that its ground-breaking interactive mobile museum, ‘Bud’, has officially retired from the road.
The 18-tonne custom-built truck, which features an onboard poppy making machine, has travelled to all 32 local authority areas across Scotland sharing the story of the Scottish Poppy since its launch back in 2019.
With initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and LIBOR funds, over the last seven years Bud successfully welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. It has attended more than 630 schools, delivered over 1,500 sessions, and reached more than 56,000 pupils.
It has also travelled to over 115 community events with almost 18,000 visitors – engaging nearly 75,000 people overall, challenging assumptions, whilst also teaching people about conflict, peace, and importantly keeping remembrance relevant all year round.
Kerry Crichton, Deputy Head of Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “As Bud reaches the end of its operational lifespan, across the summer we will be finalising an exciting new learning and outreach programme with people who work within education across Scotland.
“This will include an extensive digital archive paired with virtual learning resources and we are excited to be taking this into classrooms in the new term. We are also looking at an assembly offering for schools, and outreach sessions with youth and community groups.”
While the mobile unit will stop touring, the educational resources, historic story of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, and interactive tools remain free and accessible online via the Poppyscotland Learning Hub at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning
For more information about our new programme, please email:
Pupils gain rare insight into life as a professional artist through year-long residency
Pupils at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh have spent the past year working alongside acclaimed Scottish artist Robbie Bushe RSA through a unique artist-in-residence programme, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into how a professional artist works.
The year-long residency culminated in the unveiling of a major new artwork inspired by the school community at a special exhibition attended by pupils, parents, alumni and leading arts patron Richard Demarco, founder of the Richard Demarco Gallery.
Throughout the year, Robbie worked from a studio space within the school’s Faculty of Technologies & Creative Arts, giving pupils the opportunity to see a large-scale work of art evolve from initial sketch to finished piece, and to experience first-hand how ideas are brought to life.
At a time when creative subjects face increasing pressure in schools, the residency reflects Merchiston’s belief that the arts help young people build confidence, think independently and see the world differently. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workplace, skills such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability are becoming increasingly important.
Robbie joined the school in October 2025 and invited pupils and members of the wider school community to contribute drawings, stories, memories and imagined futures for the school, many of which helped shape the final work.
Polly Prosser, Lead Teacher of Art & Design at Merchiston Castle School, said:“The art and design curriculum encourages pupils to engage directly with artists and artworks, but nothing compares to seeing that process unfold in front of you every day.
“The boys have seen every stage of the journey with Robbie and our small class sizes have meant every pupil has had the chance to speak with him, ask questions and share ideas. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve taken from the experience.”
Among them was Chester, a pupil originally from Hong Kong, who incorporated elements of Robbie’s approach into his own coursework, drawing inspiration from his use of storytelling, architecture and memory.
He said:“Through my conversations with Robbie Bushe, I became interested in how different moments in time can exist simultaneously within one image.
“His detailed cityscapes and narrative approach inspired me to layer architectural forms, personal memories and imagined spaces in my final piece, reflecting my experience of migration between Hong Kong and Edinburgh.”
The artwork forms part of a wider series exploring memory, community and the hidden structures that shape everyday life. Drawing on Robbie’s own school experiences alongside stories and ideas contributed by the Merchiston community, the painting features familiar landmarks, imagined spaces and visual references inspired by conversations with pupils throughout the year.
Among them are imagined underground train systems beneath the school, hidden worlds within buildings and a gecko peering from a stack of library books – ideas that emerged through discussions with pupils during the residency.
Robbie Bushe RSA said:“One of the most rewarding aspects of the residency was the curiosity of the pupils. Their ideas, questions and observations constantly challenged me to look at things differently.
“Artists can sometimes work in isolation. Spending a year immersed in a school community brought a completely different energy to the work and many of the details within the painting grew directly from conversations with pupils.
“Being given the opportunity to work alongside the boys and become part of the daily life of the school has had a real impact on my own practice. The finished piece is as much a reflection of the community as it is of my own experiences and ideas.”
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Schools urged to ban phones during teaching time ‘as a minimum’
Schools are being encouraged to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national guidance, published today ahead of planned legislation to create phone-free learning environments.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said schools should introduce restrictions during teaching and learning time “as a minimum”, while also considering implementing whole school restrictions.
Publication of the updated guidance meets a commitment for the first 100 days of the Scottish Government. The guidance sets out how schools should work with the whole community to develop phone-free learning policies informed by children, young people, parents, carers and school staff. It also suggests possible exemptions for pupils with caring responsibilities, medical conditions or additional support needs that require them to use their phones.
A consultation will be launched early in the new academic term on legislation to restrict the use of phones in all of Scotland’s schools.
The Education Secretary said: “We know that mobile phones are causing distraction in the classroom and we must end this so our children and young people can reach their full educational potential.
“Beyond distraction, we know there is a spectrum of other harms associated with the online world from issues with sleep, mental health and loss of concentration through to exposure to harmful, violent or misogynistic content and, in extreme cases, incitement to self-harm, severe bullying and grooming.
“The Scottish Government intends to introduce new laws to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools. As we develop the legislation, I am encouraging Scotland’s education authorities, headteachers and schools to act now, following our refreshed guidance.
“As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban. Any steps taken by schools should be informed by consultation with the whole school community, including with pupils and staff.”
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Supporting our Children and Young People to use new technologies is essential and COSLA supports an evidence-based approach to mobile phones in schools. Councils continue to take steps to ensure that learning environments are safe and healthy spaces for all learners.
“We look forward to working with children and young people and colleagues across Scotland to respond to the full consultation and will work with Scottish Government to carefully consider any proposed changes to ensure our schools continue to be and are positive spaces of learning.
“We must work with our communities, partners and governments and ensure this is not the sole responsibility of schools, rather a whole society discussion on how best to support our children and young people.”
Biggest update to curriculum in over a decade under way
The most significant reform of Scotland’s curriculum in more than ten years is underway, as the first early samples of new curriculum materials have been shared with councils across the country.
Planned updates to the curriculum, prepared by Education Scotland and co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers, nursery practitioners, and partners through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), will clarify knowledge and progression, making it clearer what children should know, understand and be able to do at every stage of school.
Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for two additional in-service days to be offered during the 2026-27 academic year, to help schools prepare for change.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is driving the single largest update to the curriculum in over a decade.
“The new curriculum will make the place of knowledge and skills clearer. It will drive excellence. It will be taught in schools from August 2028 and it will be benchmarked against international standards.
“The materials shared by Education Scotland this week are a preview ahead of the full draft curriculum framework later this year, as we work with the profession on implementation from August 2028.
“We are proposing additional in-service days to provide teachers the time and support needed to prepare for these changes which will support Scotland’s young people to reach their full potential in our education system.
“These will form part of wider support up to 2028 to ensure teachers can fully engage with the updates and how they can use them in the classroom.”
South Morningside Primary School was recognised in the annual TES Schools Awards 2026 at a ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The national awards acknowledge the schools and teachers whose work is transforming outcomes for pupils and setting new standards across education in the UK.
South Morningside Primary School, which has over 500 pupils, was recognised for its innovative work to encourage greater community engagement and inclusivity. The school’s child-led and creative approach to learning was also celebrated, with the school offering outdoor learning to every pupil, a range of sports programmes, interventions and extra-curricular activities for all.
This year, the awards saw a record number of nominations – the highest number since the awards began in 2009.
Winners were selected by a panel of experienced school leaders and education experts across 23 categories spanning leadership, teaching, wellbeing, pupil outcomes and innovation.
South Morningside Primary School Headteacher, Grant Gillies, said: “We are so proud of this achievement which represents the collective drive and hard work of our children, staff, parents and the wider community.
“This award represents all the amazing community partners we have – I would like to thank staff and families for their unending support and commitment to our school.”
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “It is fantastic to see South Morningside Primary School recognised at a national level as primary school of the year.
“It is an incredible achievement which acknowledges the hard work of Mr Gillies and his team. Across all our schools, we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get the most of school through an engaging and varied school day – it is brilliant to see South Morningside celebrated as a great example of this.”
The Scottish Government has committed £214,000 to fund anti-racism education in schools for 2026/27.
The investment will allow Education Scotland to continue both the Building Racial Literacy Programme (BRL) and Anti-Racist Mentors Project. These initiatives teach educators how to address everyday racism.
The Building Racial Literacy Programme (BRL) promotes anti-racism as a professional skill and teaches how to identify and implement anti-racist behaviours in everyday work. It is available for education workers at all levels of work.
The Anti-Racist Mentors Project supports up to 30 BRL graduates to act as local and regional mentors to conduct anti-racist professional learning. Project participants will also contribute to developing anti-racist training within local authorities.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I am delighted to announce continued funding for these two projects which provide essential perspectives to help directly address race inequalities in a professional setting.
“Alongside this, feedback on the courses delivered through these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their real impact in supporting educators and fostering inclusive learning environments.
“The work these projects do is more important than ever following recent high-profile examples of racist behaviour in society. This investment in both the BRL programme and anti-racist mentors addresses this and will help deliver systemic, sustainable change – improving community cohesion as a result.
“The Scottish Government is consistently clear in our message that there is no place for racism in society. By supporting initiatives such as this in Scotland’s schools we can help ensure teachers are properly equipped to deliver vital anti-racist messaging to our children and young people.”
This latest tranche of funding is a continuation of the Anti-Racism in Education Programme. The programme identifies measures to address race inequality and suggests changes that promote racial literacy among pupils and staff.
To date more than 900 educators have completed the BRL programme.
ELREC are working on a school volunteering scheme together with the City of Edinburgh to increase diversity in the Education workforce. Volunteers will join a placement school and will receive guidance and support from their mentor in order to get the most out of the experience.
So, if you want become a parent helper, see how schools work and build out your CV to apply for education jobs, apply for this opportunity here:
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh is set to welcome more than 550 senior school pupils from across Scotland to its popular Healthfest event, designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and support informed career choices.
Taking place TOMORROW Wednesday 17 June 2026, the festival-style event is aimed at pupils in S4 to S6. Now in its fourth year, Healthfest will see young people – many from schools in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities – take part in a programme of interactive workshops and campus experiences, providing valuable insight into a wide range of healthcare courses and careers.
With a strong focus on hands-on learning, pupils will have the opportunity to explore both well-known and lesser-known career roles within the health sector. These include occupational therapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy, alongside careers in radiography, paramedic science and nursing.
Suzanne Ewing, from Queen Margaret University’s Widening Participation and Outreach team, who has helped organise the event, said: “Healthfest has a real science festival feel, with lots of engaging, practical workshops for young people to get involved in.
“Activities range from using ultrasound technology to observe tongue movement during speech production, to CPR demonstrations delivered by paramedics, as well as sessions demonstrating foot injections to improve foot health and discussions around the psychology of food and eating.
“Pupils can also take part in bespoke campus tours, giving them a first-hand look at our specialist labs and clinical learning environments. This helps them understand what studying a healthcare degree at QMU is really like.”
Suzanne concluded: “Healthfest continues to grow in popularity because it opens pupils’ eyes to the wide variety of opportunities available within the health sector.
“Importantly, it supports them to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways as they gain an insight into different professions and learn about the facilities and equipment that they would use as students on healthcare degree courses.
“In addition, it creates more equality of opportunity for Scotland’s young people – opening up the healthcare sector to a wider pool of young talent.”
Alongside the workshops, pupils can also enjoy creative activities including a themed photobooth, with props such as prosthetics, lab coats and masks, offering a fun and memorable element to the day.
QMU will host two sessions for schools to choose from: 10.00am–12.00pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm.
Schools interested in attending this widening participation healthcare festival can contact Suzanne Ewing E:Healthfestteam@qmu.ac.uk for further information.
The winners of the fourth annual Saroj Lal Awards were announced at an awards ceremony last week (Thursday 11 June) at the Edinburgh International Festival Hub.
Primary and secondary school pupils from across Edinburgh were acknowledged in three award categories: Proud to be me, How prejudice makes me feel and Artivism. This year over 250 pupils got involved in submitting a creative entry.
The awards invite nominations from schools highlighting work in any art form, from the written word to film or animation, inspired by the themes of equality, inclusion and diversity. Head teachers were also encouraged to nominate a staff team from their school for their creative and collaborative work around equalities.
The winners are:
Proud to be me – primary schools’ category: Nika Roi – P5 Bruntsfield Primary School
Proud to be me – secondary schools’ category: “This is Me!” and Choir – Pilrig Park School – a whole school project
How prejudice makes me feel – primary schools’ category: Lexi Armstrong – P7 Star of the Sea RC Primary School
How Prejudice makes me feel – secondary schools’ category: “Nothing About Us Without Us” – Kaimes School – Kaimes Media Class.
Artivism – primary schools’ category: “Roots to Rhythm” – Prestonfield Primary School – a whole school project
Artivism : secondary schools’ category: Salma Hassan – S2 Boroughmuir High School
Staff Awards
Currie Primary School – Emma Boag McGlynn and Frances Jack
Prestonfield Primary School – The Equalities Leadership Team
Bruntsfield Primary School – Donna English and Gillian Knust
Boroughmuir Secondary School – Erin Cowan
Saroj Lal was one of the first Asian women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970.
Her many successes included being at the forefront of race relations during a period of immense political and social change, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh. Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work are being formally recognised.
Entries were judged by a panel of esteemed judges including: Saroj Lal’s son, Vineet Lal; Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB); Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work); and former Saroj Lal Award winner and student judge Jesudarasimi Omaoya, an S4 pupil at Castlebrae Community Campus.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, hosted the awards and said: “Saroj Lal was a true inspiration, both in her trailblazing role at South Morningside Primary School and as a renowned campaigner for race relations and equality, and I’m delighted that her legacy lives on.
“Entries to this year’s awards demonstrate real creativity and feeling around the themes of equality, inclusion and diversity, and the calibre was extremely high. Well done to the winners and all those who submitted an entry.”
Vineet Lal said:“Once again, the calibre and creativity of entries has been incredible, with so much thought and consideration put into submissions. My thanks to all those who have got involved this year in creating artwork that challenges inequality.
“Saroj would be proud to see that the awards are now in their fourth year with even more children and young people getting involved. She was a pioneer in so many ways and we can all learn from how she stood up for what is right and championed inclusion, equality and anti-racism.”
More than 150 pupils from schools across Edinburgh came together yesterday (Thursday 11 June) for a violence prevention event, where they shared their views on safety, weapon carrying and what safer communities should look like.
Hosted by Fearless, the youth service of the charity Crimestoppers, in partnership with Police Scotland, the event took place at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.
It gave young people the chance to speak openly about the pressures they face, hear from expert partners, and help design messages and strategies they believe will resonate with their peers.
The event built on a previous Fearless and Police Scotland schools event on firework safety held in September 2025.
Feedback from the young people who took part helped shape the focus of this year’s programme, with pupils leading discussions on how to prevent violence and reduce weapon carrying.
Pupils will now take what they learned back into their schools and communities, helping to continue conversations about safety, choice and the impact of weapon carrying. Videos captured by young people during the day will also feature on Fearless Scotland’s social media channels, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people over the summer holidays.
Sessions on the day included:
* A session on the realities and impact of violence, followed by a creative workshop led by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and Police Scotland
* A social media workshop with Fearless, where young people created violence prevention messages and interviewed guests and peers
* Practical street first aid training with the Scottish Ambulance Service
* A session on the impact of antisocial behaviour with Lothian Buses
* Violence prevention input from Medics Against Violence, delivered in partnership with young people they work with
* Interactive sessions from Big Hearts Community Trust and Stellar Elevate exploring positive masculinity, online influence and knife crime
* A music workshop with Turn The Tables, giving young people the chance to create anti-violence music
Community Sport Hub and 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café were also there to signpost young people to support, activities and positive opportunities they can get involved in over the summer.
Lisa Petrie, mum of John McNab, was also attended the event to speak to young people about John, the huge hole his death has left and the work she is doing in his memory.
Emily, a pupil from Craigroyston Community High School, attending the event said:“Today has been great, going around the different stations, learning more and also being listened to by all the organisations here.
“For me, hearing from John’s mum was really important. It wasn’t just someone talking to us who doesn’t understand – she’s actually been through the worst and has that real insight.
“It makes you realise that it doesn’t just affect the victim – it affects everyone around them too, people just like our own families.
“As young people, we all have a responsibility to work together and make good choices for our communities.
“You’ve got a choice – use your voice.”
Hannah, a fellow pupil added:“Often adults tell us about the consequences of crimes like this, but don’t always tell us what support is there. I think that’s been the best part of this event – seeing that there are organisations and adults who are actually here to help.
“For example, Fearless is a really important support for young people, giving them a way to report information about crime anonymously.
“You can see that the staff at Fearless don’t expect us to be perfect – they’re there to help, not judge, and to make sure we don’t end up in a bad situation. That really matters.”
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, said:“Violence prevention has to involve young people in a meaningful way. They understand what is happening in their schools, streets, group chats and communities better than anyone, and they often have the clearest ideas about what needs to change.
“Young people’s voices matter at every stage. If we want to prevent violence and respond to harm, we have to ask them what they think and genuinely listen to what they tell us. That is what today was all about.
“What matters now is that these conversations do not end when young people leave the room. The pupils who took part will go back to their schools and communities and help spread messages about safety and the impact of weapon carrying.
“We also want every young person to know that if they are worried about someone carrying a weapon or involved in violence, they can speak up to our charity 100% anonymously. No one will know who they are, but the information they share could help keep someone safe.
“We are incredibly grateful to Police Scotland and all of the partners who came together to make this event possible. Days like this show what can happen when young people are placed at the heart of prevention.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said:“Violence has a serious impact on individuals, families and communities, particularly our young people.
“Last year, Police Scotland launched Operation Stardrop to coordinate diversionary activity with partners, including Fearless, to address the root causes of violence and help safeguard children and young people from becoming involved in violent crime, either as victims or perpetrators.
“A key part of that work is creating opportunities like today’s event, where young people can share their views and help shape the way we respond.
“It is important to remember that most children and young people are not involved in violence, but we also know that carrying weapons can have devastating consequences. That is why meaningful partnership working and early engagement with young people are so important to keeping communities safe.”
City of Edinburgh, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“There is no place for anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh, and that is why initiatives like the youth summit are so important.
“Following the success of last year’s event, I’m glad to see partners once again coming together with young people to have open and constructive conversations about community safety, the risks associated with weapon carrying, and what more can be done to create better neighbourhoods.
“The willingness of young people to engage with these important conversations is evident, and their voices are central to shaping solutions and helping us build a safer Edinburgh for everyone.”
