North Berwick Milsey Bay
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Eight beaches in East Lothian have been recognised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful with a Scotland’s Beach Award.
The award, now in its 34th year, is the only national benchmark for local environmental quality and celebrates clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.
A total of 52 beaches across the country have received the accolade this year.
The beaches honoured in East Lothian are Gullane Bents, Belhaven Bay, Longniddry Bents, Longniddry Gosford, Dunbar East Beach, North Berwick Milsey Bay, North Berwick West Beach and Yellowcraig.
A range of criteria must be met to achieve a Scotland’s Beach Award, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: “I’m thrilled that eight beaches across the county have received this award. The fantastic efforts of council staff and volunteers throughout the year helps to ensure these stunning locations remain hugely popular and beloved attractions for residents and visitors alike.”
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches. Our award-winning beaches are all beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are being looked after for people and nature.
“It is amazing to see the consistency of standards and continuation of award status matters to those who apply year after year, and I’d like to thank all those, in councils and communities, who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy.”
A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found at: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/scotlands-beach-awards/beach-map/
Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Fourteen Firework Control Zones (FCZs) in total will be in place across Edinburgh this autumn as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.
Following a successful introduction in 2024, Firework Control Zones will return to several areas of the city between 30 October and 8 November 2026 following a decision by Councillors at today’s (Monday 8 June) meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee.
Councillors agreed to consult on Firework Control Zones in Corstorphine, Longstone, Sighthill/Broomhouse and The Murrays, alongside new zones in Liberton Grange, Lochend, Stenhouse/Gaskell Street, West Pilton, Wester Hailes, and Moredun.
FCZs prohibit the use of fireworks within designated areas for a limited period of time, forming part of a wider package of measures aimed at improving public safety and reducing anti-social behaviour.
Earlier this year, communities were invited to apply for Firework Control Zone status in their local area, with community groups highlighting concerns including the misuse of fireworks, anti-social behaviour, and the need to protect animals, older people, and other vulnerable residents.
The decision builds on the positive impact of previous years’ measures, with Edinburgh experiencing significantly lower levels of firework-related anti-social behaviour compared with earlier years.
Work between the Council and Police Scotland also led to a substantial reduction in the number of retailers selling fireworks within the city. In 2024, 33 traders sold fireworks in Edinburgh and by 2025, that number had fallen to just two.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:
“We know that fireworks can have a significant impact on vulnerable people and pets, which is why it’s important that we use every tool available to support safer celebrations.
“Firework Control Zones are an important part of our wider approach to keeping communities safe during Bonfire Night and reduce the disruption that fireworks can cause.
“Feedback from residents, community groups and partner organisations shows that the zones have been effective in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the experience of local communities during firework season.
“We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and local communities to ensure Bonfire Night is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone.”
Bank machine at Tesco Eskbank
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Communities, businesses and organisations have been invited to share their views on accessing face-to-face banking services, as the independent review launches a Call for Evidence today.
The Review, commissioned by the Treasury last month, is examining the impact of changes in access to in person banking services and identifying whether this is causing detriment to consumers, communities and businesses.
The Call for Evidence sets out the key themes the Review is examining and is open to anyone with relevant views or experiences – including individuals who rely on in-person banking, community groups, businesses, and organisations working in financial services and inclusion.
Rachel Blake, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“Banking services matter to communities and businesses across the UK – and that includes face-to-face services.
“Whether you are responding as an individual or a business, your experience could shape the recommendations this review makes to Government.
“Where evidence shows people are being left behind, we will act – including through legislation if necessary.”
Richard Lloyd OBE, Chair of Access to Banking review, added:
“Banking is an essential service needed by every consumer, community and business in the UK. The Access to Banking Review wants to gather the best possible up-to-date evidence of the challenges faced by those who need in-person banking services. This evidence will help to establish the impact of changing services, identify who is most affected, and underpin our assessment of what further action may be required.”
The Call for Evidence will remain open for six weeks, closing on 20 July 2026.
Responses should be submitted no later than 20 July via the online Smart Survey.
The Review will use the evidence to assess customer needs, the scale of any detriment, and the future trajectory of in-person banking services, before making recommendations to Government in October 2026.
The Call for Evidence is available on the Review’s GOV.UK page.
The Review follows the announcement of the Financial Services and Markets Bill in the King’s Speech, in which the Government has committed to act where necessary, including taking legislative action where the evidence supports intervention to protect access to banking services.
The Bill will also take forward some of the credit union common bond reforms announced in March, making it easier for credit unions in Great Britain to expand and broaden their membership.
The changes will see more people access affordable credit and a safe place to save. The move will strengthen community-based financial services, delivering on the manifesto pledge to grow the mutuals sector.
As part of the Bill, the Government is also introducing Commercial Credit Data Sharing (CCDS) to help small businesses access finance more easily. It works by requiring certain banks to share SMEs’ credit information (with their consent) with credit reference agencies, who then make this available to other lenders – helping them make better decisions and boosting competition.
