Nominations for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards are open until August 14th
Television presenter Sean Batty is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to celebrate their high street heroes.
The STV weatherman launched Scotland Loves Local Week in North Berwick earlier this summer, joining traders at East Lothian Food and Drink’s harbour market.
And now he is calling on residents to nominate their high street heroes as part of the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – before they close on Friday August 14th.
Sean, an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Awards are about celebrating the people and businesses in your community who go above and beyond – as well as the innovation, ambition and determination which is forging a better future for the places we call home.
“Not all heroes wear capes, but the way in which so many people give so much time and energy into making life better in our communities is truly heroic. What better way to celebrate that than nominating them as a High Street Hero?”
A High Street Hero will be named in each Scottish Parliament region, including Edinburgh and Lothians East, as well as Central Scotland and Lothians West.
Nationally, awards will be presented for:
Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).
Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).
The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.
Now in their sixth year, they recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals making a difference.
They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.
Deputy First Minister visits site and meets council leader
Up to £5 million will be made available to help support recovery from the fire on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth met with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher yesterday following a tour of the site of the blaze at the former Debenhams store which broke out on 9 July.
The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.
It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.
The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.
Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.
“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.
“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“This is a significant step in our city’s recovery from the Princes Street fire, and I wholeheartedly welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement today.
“Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.
“We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”
The fund will be administered by the Council and divided into the following sections –
Building Works:
The Council is incurring substantial daily costs to progress work on the site, including making the building safe and the retention of heritage features, alongside associated security costs. This support will go towards covering these in the short to medium term.
Ultimately, the Council will still attempt to recover appropriate costs from the owners under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Business Recovery: The Council recognises the impact that this has had on businesses across Edinburgh, particularly in Leith and the north of the city due to tram disruption. This funding will be used to encourage people to visit local businesses through a communications campaign, creating a local events fund and further incentivising patronage.
Festivals Support: The fire has resulted in some events by festival partners in the immediate vicinity being relocated at short notice. Bookings have also been impacted. Requests for funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Public Transport Support: Edinburgh Trams has experienced increased costs and a loss of income due to disruption on the network. As a large section of the tram network has been offline since the fire, this fund would be used specifically to help mitigate this ongoing impact on both Edinburgh Trams and the Council.
Princes Street City Dressing: Funding will support the installation of dressing at any vacant units or construction sites, including the former Debenham’s building, while works are ongoing, to maintain a positive image for Princes Street.
‘Getting Around Town’ Communications Campaign: Work has already commenced on a campaign to help residents and visitors get around the city.
Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the support package which will be made available to the council.
Due to serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building a substantial exclusion zone was established and remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street.
SCOTLAND’s adult social care workforce will be boosted to deliver up to 45,000 extra hours of care every month through ongoing investment.
The Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme has reopened to new applications to help expand the number of care workers, increasing the sector’s resilience and capacity to deliver additional care each month.
The initiative, which helps social care employers to recruit international workers who are already in the UK but are without sponsored employment through no fault of their own, has already helped 37 employers recruit 120 workers.
First Minister John Swinney said “meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it” as he pressed the UK Government to ensure that international recruitment into the sector can resume.
Ahead of a visit to The Bughties care home in Dundee, where he will meet workers recruited through the scheme, Mr Swinney added: “We are all too familiar with the challenges facing our adult social care sector, especially given our ageing population, and it’s why we must ensure services meet our growing demand for care.
“I committed to provide an extra 45,000 hours of care each month and we have begun to deliver that increase within the first 100 days of the new government.
“UK Government decisions on immigration have inflicted pain on our social care sector at a time when demand for care is increasing and its choices on tax have heaped an £84 million bill on the sector by increasing Employers’ National Insurance contributions.
“The Prime Minister has spoken about reforming social care services, but meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it. I urge him to reconsider and to reverse the harm done by the UK Government over the past two years.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to hear first-hand the positive impact our scheme has had and how we can – and must – explore every option available to ensure we continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to a service which we all may one day need.”
Hundreds of young carers from across Scotland will come together this week for the annual Scottish Young Carers Festival, a unique event providing young people with caring responsibilities the opportunity to take a break, connect with others and enjoy new experiences.
Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member, friend or loved one who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, addiction or additional support needs.
Organised by Carers Trust Scotland and receives funding by the Scottish Government, the three-day festival brings together young carers from across the country for a programme of activities, entertainment and opportunities to spend time with others who understand the realities of being a young carer.
The festival offers young carers a chance to step away from their day-to-day caring responsibilities and focus on friendship, fun and wellbeing. It also provides an opportunity for young people to share their experiences and ensure their voices are heard on issues that affect their lives.
The event will also welcome a number of decision-makers and stakeholders, giving young carers the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives directly with people involved in shaping policy and support services across Scotland.
Through activities, discussions and informal conversations, young carers will have the chance to highlight the issues that matter most to them, including breaks from caring, education, wellbeing and recognition.
Why a Break Matters
There are at least 30,000 young carers under the age of 18 in Scotland, many of whom provide vital unpaid care for family members. Carers Trust Scotland’s work highlights that time away from caring duties is not just a treat – it’s essential for young carers’ wellbeing, development and happiness.
Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland, said:“The Scottish Young Carers Festival gives young carers the chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities, spend time with friends and enjoy opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to.
“We know from listening to young carers how important breaks, friendships and support are to their wellbeing. The festival brings young carers together from across Scotland, creating a space where they can connect with others who understand their experiences and simply enjoy being young people.
“It is also an opportunity to highlight the important contribution young carers make every day and ensure their voices continue to be heard by decision makers.”
Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, said: “Young carers make an invaluable contribution to their families, communities and to society as a whole The care and support they provide every day is remarkable, but I also recognise that caring responsibilities can bring challenges and make it harder to access the same opportunities as their peers.
“We remain committed to supporting young carers through initiatives such as the Young Carer Grant, the Young Scot Young Carer Package and our work to deliver a Right to Breaks for carers.
“I am delighted to attend this year’s Scottish Young Carers Festival and hear directly from young carers about the issues that matter most to them. I hope everyone attending the festival has a fantastic time and creates memories and friendships that will last long after the event has ended.”
The festival is supported by local carer organisations from across Scotland, who work throughout the year to provide advice, information and opportunities for young carers in their communities.
Throughout the event, young people will take part in a wide range of activities while building confidence, making new friends and creating lasting memories.
“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system“
POVERTY-RELATED ATTAINMENT GAP CLOSES FURTHER
Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson
A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.
Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.
Congratulating everyone receiving their results today, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap compared with both last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Results Day data, published by Qualifications Scotland for the first time, shows:
a record 269,115 National 5 passes and an increase in Grade A percentages
a second annual increase in the pass rate for all three graded national qualifications – National 5 (pass rate 79.2%, up by 0.8 percentage points), Highers (76.7%, up 0.8 points) and Advanced Highers (77.6%, up 0.9 points)
an increase in the pass rate compared with 2019 for National 5 (up 1 point) and Highers (up 1.9 points)
a narrowing in the poverty related attainment gap for A-C passes across the graded national qualifications, with attainment having gone up for both the most deprived and least deprived areas
increases in pass rates and the percentage of A grades for learners with additional support needs across National 5 and Highers compared with last year and 2024
more than 120,000 vocational and technical qualification awards, a record high and a 9.1% increase on last year.
The Education Secretary said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.
“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.
“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.
“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas.This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.
“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.
“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.
Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.
“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is now taking calls for anyone that is unsure on the next steps, whether that is in work, training or further study.
More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their results today – enabling them to progress onto their next stage in education, training or employment.
In its first year of delivering results for National Qualifications and Awards, Qualifications Scotland confirmed that the 2025-26 session resulted in:
Overall attainment rates at A-C increasing at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
The poverty-related attainment gap narrowed at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
Total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – continuing to increase to more than 120,000
Learners are achieving more National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications – but not to the detriment of one over the other
All learners will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate. More than 67,000 of them have already received their results via email or text from 8am today, having signed up for the My Qualifications Scotland digital service.
Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: ‘Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.
‘These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.
‘The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.
‘The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.
‘I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.
‘Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.’
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.
A new £15 million fund has been launched to improve the resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from flooding.
Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local authorities to help them improve their flood resilience and preparedness.
The funding will support sustainable drainage, including natural features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure. Coastal communities will benefit, with support available for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns like Montrose.
Additional support will be available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups most at risk in the future.
A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.
“This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.
“From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland.”
Lasting impact and legacy of inclusivity and innovation
First Minister John Swinney has praised the success of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and said its legacy will be long-lasting and far reaching.
The First Minister paid tribute to people in Glasgow and across Scotland for embracing the Games, welcoming visiting nations and celebrating inclusivity.
He said the 2026 Games had ‘set a new standard’ for the future through innovative approaches and thanked everyone involved in delivering an outstanding event.
Speaking ahead of attending the Closing Ceremony at the Ovo Hydro, the First Minister commented: “The success of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has shown Scotland at its very best. We have welcomed athletes and supporters from the 74 nations and come together in an outstanding celebration of sport and diversity.
“We have enjoyed watching athletes competing at the highest level, breaking records and inspiring many of us to take part in sporting activities ourselves. The 2026 Games will leave a positive legacy of vital infrastructure upgrades to sporting facilities which will benefit individuals, communities and clubs in Glasgow, particularly at the grassroots level.
“People who have travelled to Scotland for the Games have experienced our world-class hospitality, which has been an excellent boost for our tourism sector and wider economy.
“It was only possible with Glasgow stepping in at short notice that we’ve been able to protect this special event. The reimagined model of these Games will help them continue into the future, creating hosting opportunities for other Commonwealth countries – with a focus on inclusivity and innovative approaches to reduce the environmental impact.
“Scotland continues to demonstrate its strength as a host of major international sporting events, with the Tour de France Grand Depart in Edinburgh in 2027, and UEFA EURO 2028, which we will co-host.”
Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the “major difficulties” being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenham’s store on July 9th.
Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.
The Deputy First Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.
“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.
“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.
“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”
Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.
Expanding access to “national front door” to family support
A charity support line providing a one-step gateway to cost of living and whole family support will be expanded by Scottish Government funding to help up to 7,500 families.
Children First’s service offers practical, emotional and financial help and advice to families across Scotland 365 days a year by phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face. Scottish Government investment will allow the charity to more than double the support it provides, including:
immediate cash grants and practical tips on budgeting and debt management
emotional support to help families manage stress and anxiety
practical advice to navigate public services, helping to access things like childcare and housing
connections for families to specialised support to help people get into and stay in work.
A total of £2 million from the Scottish Government in 2026-27 will equip the charity to bolster its offer across the country as a key part of work under the child poverty delivery plan “Bringing Hope, Building Futures”.
Visiting the charity in Glasgow, First Minister John Swinney said: “During the cost of living crisis, there are families struggling to make ends meet and accessing help can often be overwhelming.
“We want to provide a better future for every parent and every child, and to do that we need to make support as simple, accessible and effective as possible.
“That’s why we are pleased to be supporting Children First to develop a national front door for support, so that help is in the right place, at the right time. Organisations like Children First play such an important role and I am pleased that we are supporting them to double the support they provide to families across Scotland.”
In 2025-26, the Children First support line has supported over 5,000 families nationally. This investment will enable the charity to expand staffing, enhance specialist expertise and increase Money Advice capacity, including helping people with their energy bills, ensuring more families can easily access support which is sustained for as long as they need it.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services, Children First said: “This funding is fantastic news for Scotland’s children and families, who often tell us that they don’t know where to turn for support.
“Parents and carers, who are often stressed and exhausted trying to find the right help when they need it, will welcome this with open arms.
“By connecting families to joined-up practical, emotional and financial help through our support line, we will reduce the impact of poverty, strengthen families and make sure thousands more of Scotland’s children enjoy the safe and secure childhood, which is every child’s right.
“Children First’s support line is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your family is in need of help, our friendly and understanding support line team are here to help. Call us on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.”
Jasmine, a young Mum who has been supported by Children First said: “Things are so expensive nowadays and with my baby I was feeling the pressure before I met Children First. I also felt quite lonely and alienated because I didn’t know other young people who had babies. It wasn’t good for my mental health.
“The help from Children First has been outstanding. The emotional and financial help they’ve given has had a positive impact on us – I can get fresh fruit and vegetables for the baby and I feel less isolated because I’ve met other young mums. Without the support from Children First, I don’t think our lives would be anywhere near as good.”
New figures show that more than 7,000 consultations were held at Scotland’s first GP walk-in services.
The number of consultations at the centres increased to a high of 2,299 in June as services were established, Public Health Scotland data shows.
The services are part of an innovative pilot, testing a new way of accessing same-day care from GPs or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at a wider range of times. They have been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.
Between February and June GP walk-in pilot services were opened in six locations.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “We have promised to end the frustrating 8am rush for GP appointments and this new data shows that more people are benefiting from appointment-free care, at a time that works best for them.
“Some 7,082 walk-in consultations have already been carried out – giving patients access to urgent, same-day care – and we will roll this out to many more communities over the weeks and months ahead.
“Our focus is not simply on counting every patient, but on making every patient count. The pilot is just getting started and as it grows we will know more about how it is working.
“But behind every attendance is a person who has received timely assessment, reassurance, treatment or advice that may have improved their experience, supported earlier intervention, or prevented a more serious outcome.
“We have opened ten of the originally planned 16 GP walk-in services in five months and will soon be announcing even more locations as the pilot expands.”
‘Scheme more about politics rather than practicality’
Dr Iain Morrison, chairman of the BMA’s Scottish GPs committee, told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme that doctors had expressed reservations about the walk-in clinics when they were first announced – and it now looked like a case of ‘I told you so’.
He said: “In terms of any pilot it’s important to learn to fail fast. My concern is that we’re not going to learn to close this down when all the evidence suggests that it’s not working. “It’s going to continue to be worked upon, potentially expanded, despite evidence crying out that it’s not having the impact that’s desired.
“The way you improve capacity, to provide as many appointments as are required, is to invest into core services. It’s not to put in additional money into separate services that fail to alleviate the core problem”
