Author: Sarah Groom

A campaign has been launched to introduce Scotland’s first council by-law banning the feeding of gulls.

A growing number of attacks on adults and children in Eyemouth, and neighbouring villages along the Borders coast, is behind the drive for tougher controls on bird numbers.

Following meetings with the country’s nature agency, NatureScot, community leaders are forging ahead with proposals for the legislation.

Berwickshire councillor James Anderson said: “This is a proportionate, lawful, and evidence-based step and the public will have full opportunity to comment through a formal consultation.”

Changes to coastal habitats and a reduction in natural sources of food have been blamed for more and more gulls moving into built-up areas.

Safer nesting and discarded human food are also considered to be factors in more birds settling in towns and villages.

Although official counts have found that herring gull numbers across Scotland have declined by more than 40% over the past two decades, the number of attacks has continued to rise.

Anderson added: “Residents and businesses along the coast know how serious the gull problem has become, and NatureScot has been clear that the most effective action we can take is to remove food at source.

“But, at present, the council has no enforcement powers to stop deliberate feeding.

“A targeted by-law would give the council the tools it needs to address a long-standing problem, and help move gulls back to their natural cliff habitats.”

By-laws to criminalise the feeding of gulls have been introduced in parts of East Devon, North Yorkshire and Suffolk.

Although no legislation has yet been passed north of the border, communities are taking action.

For example, St Andrew’s Community Council in Fife manage an action plan to prevent food being available for the birds.

A nationwide People and Gulls forum is also being proposed to help in developing best practice.

Following a NatureScot summit in Inverness last year, a meeting with the agency and groups, including the RSPB, took place in Eyemouth earlier this month.

A bid to introduce a similar by-law in Dumfries was rejected by Dumfries and Galloway Council more than 15 years ago due to concerns over the cost and the difficulty of enforcement.

NatureScot is about to launch a public awareness campaign in a bid to discourage feeding gulls, and said it was supportive of local efforts to address the problem.

A spokesperson said: “We welcome the wide-ranging suggestions to help improve waste management – with food and fishery waste likely attracting foraging and breeding gulls to the area.

“Feeding gulls is a significant issue in Eyemouth and anything that can be done to tackle that is helpful.

“By-laws are one of a range of tools the local council could consider.”

Scottish Borders Council used the oiling of eggs as a pest-control measure on nesting gulls in Eyemouth, but the practice was stopped before the Covid pandemic.

Reintroducing the licensed scheme was considered – and later dismissed – by the local authority last year.

The council will now look at the proposals being brought forward for a by-law along with other measures suggested by NatureScot.

A spokesperson said: “We welcome the input of NatureScot and the local community on this issue.

“Any proposal to introduce a by-law would require significant consideration and consultation, including with relevant partners and the community.”

The Chilled Food Association has published updated guidance covering ready to eat (RTE) foods to help Food Business Operators (FBOs), Competent Authorities (CAs) and enforcement officers manage the risk posed by L. monocytogenes in those products.

The guidance (https://bit.ly/4rtqmLI), which was developed by the Chilled food Association (CFA) in consultation with regulators and industry, reiterates that food safety must be assured through HACCP, supported by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Hygienic Practice (GHP) and Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs).

The guidance references the Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs Regulation 2073/2005 (as amended) and the amendment introduced by EU Regulation 2024/2895 (criterion 1.2b), which applies in the EU and in jurisdictions applying EU law from 1 July 2026.

The guidance is timed to help prepare businesses for a change to the EU Regulation, applicable from 1 July 2026 in the EU and other jurisdictions applying EU law including Northern Ireland. It explains how to assure food safety with respect to L. monocytogenes including setting and evidencing shelf life and compliance with the amendment to criterion 1.2b brought in by Regulation 2024/2895. The 1 July change will apply where shelf life evidence for RTE foods supporting the growth of L. monocytogenes is deemed insufficient by CAs.

The document is a significant update of shelf life guidance issued by CFA in conjunction with a range of other food trade associations and FSA in 2010. It will be welcomed by all who have been seeking clarification on the potential impacts of the changes to the Regulation. Clarification is offered on key points including:

• HACCP is mandatory as the foundation for food safety; HACCP plans must be demonstrably supported by robust GHP, GMP and PRPs.
• Listeria monocytogenes is the only Listeria species regulated because of its ability to cause serious human disease and to survive and grow under chilled conditions.
• There are no changes to fundamental legislated food safety assurance requirements including shelf life determination.
• There is no standard method to estimate or set the shelf-life of a food product because there are many different factors that can affect the product safety and quality. Detail is given on approaches to be followed together with limitations and special considerations, data usage, and the application of the legislation in the context of HACCP.
• Shelf life decisions must be evidence-based and take into account physicochemical parameters, the behaviour of all relevant microorganisms, intended consumers (including vulnerable groups), historical HACCP and Food Safety Management System data including food sampling and other shelf life study data where appropriate.
• Environmental monitoring and ingredient controls are essential components of a preventive strategy for Listeria monocytogenes; detections in the environment or ingredients must trigger defined corrective actions.
• Support for enforcement by clarifying expectations for sampling, interpretation of results, and actions when L. monocytogenes is detected at different levels in ingredients or finished products.

The guidance has been specifically developed for: manufacturers and retailers of RTE foods that may support growth of L. monocytogenes, with the exception of foods intended for infants or for special medical purposes; Competent Authorities and enforcement officers seeking a practical reference for inspection and enforcement and supply chain partners and trade associations advising members on compliance with microbiological criteria and evolving regulatory requirements.

Developed in direct response to questions and concerns the guidance is designed to be easy to apply, comprising a range of practical resources and case studies:

• Decision tree to determine applicability of the guidance.
• Tables summarising microbiological criteria and the amended criterion 1.2b.
• Checklists for purchasing RTE ingredients.
• Environmental monitoring programme design and usage.
• Detailed approaches to establishing and justifying shelf life (physicochemical data, scientific and historical data, experimental studies).
• Worked shelf life examples (e.g., cheese and sandwich scenarios).
• Usage and limitations of predictive modelling, durability and challenge testing.
• Example types of historical data to be collated by FBOs in support of food safety assurance and shelf life.
• Q&A addressing common operational questions and enforcement scenarios.

In the UK context, references to EU legislation should be read as applying to Northern Ireland as EU law and to England, Wales and Scotland as assimilated law where relevant.

As with previous versions the guidance will be updated in light of practical experience and regulatory developments; feedback from industry and enforcement bodies is welcomed.

Karin Goodburn MBE, Chair, Industry Listeria Group, Chilled Food Association
“This vital guidance brings practical clarity to the steps manufacturers and other FBOs must take to assure the safety of RTE foods with respect to L. monocytogenes including how to establish and evidence shelf life. It places prevention at the centre of operations with strong HACCP, backed by good hygiene and robust prerequisite programs and gives clear direction on how to set shelf life, how to respond to detections of L. monocytogenes and how to use environmental monitoring program data to support food safety.

“We believe the guidance gives FBOs the necessary tools to enable them to review and, where necessary, update HACCP plans and PRPs to reflect the guidance as well as ensure shelf life justifications are documented and supported by appropriate data. It will also allow them to strengthen environmental monitoring and supplier controls and seek technical expertise if internal capability is insufficient.

“We are grateful for the input and support of member organisations of the Industry Listeria Group, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland.”

James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy, Food Standards Agency and Garry Mournian, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Food Standards Scotland

“We welcome this updated industry-led guidance, which provides practical advice to help food businesses manage the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. Assuring food safety through robust HACCP systems, good hygiene practices, and evidence-based shelf-life determination is essential to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable groups. This guidance will support manufacturers, retailers, and enforcement officers in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of food safety.”

Bronwen Percival, Technical Committee Chair, Specialist Cheesemakers Association:

“We welcomed the chance to work with the FSA to bring clarity to the process of setting shelf life. For cheesemakers producing soft cheeses where Listeria can grow, the rules can feel daunting. Clear guidance on best practice is a win for everyone. For cheesemakers, establishing shelf life on certain products can be complex. Working with the FSA to clarify expectations supports producers and protects consumers: exactly what we’re here for.”

Devina Sankhla, Food Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium (BRC):

The BRC is pleased to support and endorse this revised guidance. It is a valuable resource for food businesses and enforcement, providing clear and practical advice to support compliance with food hygiene and food standards in relation to the management of Listeria monocytogenes in chilled food production of ready to eat products.

Download this industry-led good practice guidance HERE.

The REHIS Mental Health First aid course was launched in October 2025. The aim of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required for the responsibility of the role of a mental health first aider. 

The course objectives are: 

• To provide participants with underpinning knowledge about the principles of mental health first aid and mental health conditions 
• To start to develop the skills and increase confidence in approaching and/or being approached with a mental health problem or illness 
• To recognise how to promote a culture for good mental health within a workplace setting 
• To describe the role and responsibility of the Mental Health First aider 
• The importance for mental health first aiders to maintain self-care and ensure resilience 

In December 2025 we facilitated, in conjunction with Gwen Robertson, Mental Health Training Scotland, another 1-day Train the Trainer for Mental Health First Aid course. 

Anyone wishing to attend this course must hold the Public Health Scotland (PHS) Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) certificate – 2-day course or equivalent standard of course. 

This now allows those who hold both certificates, to apply to become a centre to deliver the REHIs Mental Health First Aid course. 

If you are interested in attending the Mental Health First Aid course or wish to explore becoming a centre to deliver the course, please contact me directly sandra.williamson@rehis.com or training@rehis.com 

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is the qualifications framework in Scotland. It is used to compare and understand the wide range of qualifications available in Scotland; it also allows employers and businesses to compare the level of the qualifications against regulated qualifications across the UK. 

Many REHIS courses are credit rated on the SCQF and recent additions are: 

• REHIS First Aid at Work, SCQF level 6 and awarded 3 credits 
• REHIS Elementary Nutrition Course, SCQF level 5 and awarded 1 credit 

REHIS Qualifications are officially approved by The Society of Chief Officers for Environmental health in Scotland 

The full list of qualifications/courses that REHIS approved centres can offer are listed on the REHIS website under Training Courses. Courses Archive – REHIS 

Further information about credit rating of courses and how this compares with English regulated courses i.e. Level 2/3 courses etc can be obtained on: Qualifications can Cross Boundaries or by contacting Sandra Williamson, Director of Training. 

Following an updated Food Alert For Action issued by the Food Standards Agency(opens in a new window), Food Standards Scotland is advising consumers not to buy or consume additional ‘Jolly Rancher’ products as they are potentially unsafe and do not meet UK market legal requirements.

The additional products are Jolly Rancher Filled Pops and Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy, and follow a previous warning about other products issued in June 2025(opens in a new window).

The affected products contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), which isn’t allowed in food in the UK. 

While there is no immediate cause for concern for consumers that have eaten these products, as the food safety risk is low, MOAH is a known genotoxic carcinogen and may pose a safety risk – particularly if consumed regularly, over a sustained period.

If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify your Local Authority for the area in which you purchased the products. 

Full list of affected products (all flavours, batches and date codes) –

• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy 
• Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies 
• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1
• Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
• Jolly Rancher Filled Pops 
• Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy

Glasgow City Council has been fined £80,000 after a military veteran sustained life-changing injuries when he was struck by a falling lamppost in the city’s west end in June 2023.

A 50-year-old man was standing at the roadside in conversation with a work colleague when the lamppost collapsed, striking him from behind and pinning him to the ground. Overhead cables attached to the lamppost were then snagged by a passing motor vehicle, which dragged the collapsed lamppost over the man.

The incident occurred just after 4pm, on 20 June 2023, on Bellshaugh Road at its junction with Kirklee Gardens and Cleveden Drive, close to Kelvinside Academy. The area was busy with both adult and child pedestrians, with it being a school day.

The man sustained severe, life-threatening and life-changing including multiple spinal, pelvic and rib fractures, an open leg fracture, and a fractured left ankle . He spent seven weeks in hospital and has since undergone multiple surgeries, and continues to receive medical treatment. He now has reduced mobility and significant ongoing pain.

Prior to the incident, the injured person retained a high level of fitness and had a very active lifestyle, including regular hill walking and leading a section of army cadets.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established that the lamppost had structurally failed due to severe corrosion at its base. Loss of steel thickness of at least 60 per cent due to corrosion was measured, with many areas showing significantly greater loss. The lamppost, manufactured in the 1950s or 1960s, was well over twice its expected service life of 20-25 years.

During the last Council inspection in March 2022, the column was identified as being in poor condition and scheduled it for replacement in April 2024. However, HSE’s investigation found that the Council’s inspection regime failed to identify the extent of corrosion and the immediate risk of collapse. The visual inspections undertaken were inadequate in correctly identifying the condition of the column, the risk of failure and the action required.

The Council did not follow established industry guidance, issued by the Institution of Lighting Professionals, by not prioritising the removal of lighting columns assessed as being in poor condition relative to the consequence of their failure.

Following the incident, the Council removed other similar lamppost with base embellishments from around Glasgow and has since updated its lighting maintenance procedures.

Glasgow City Council, of City Chambers, George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DU, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Council was fined £80,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 8 January 2026.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Hazel Dobb said: “This incident in which a man sustained devastating, life-changing injuries should never have happened.

“The lamppost that struck him had been identified as being in poor condition, yet inadequate inspections failed to recognise that it was severely corroded and at immediate risk of collapse.

“This case is a stark reminder that local authorities and other duty holders must have effective systems in place to properly assess and manage the risks posed by ageing street infrastructure.”

Three of the UK’s largest supermarkets are investigating allegations of excessive food waste at their stores after an social media campaigner drew attention to the issue.

Waitrose, Lidl, and M&S have all confirmed they are following up on issues raised by the self-styled “Food Waste Inspector”, who began posting videos online in September 2025.

The anonymous campaigner has uploaded several videos showing piles of in-date food deposited in waste bins outside of supermarkets, which he argues should be donated to food banks instead. Some videos also show goods such as crockery or other household decorations in waste piles.

One video of a Lidl waste bin taken at 2pm showed items like sausages, potatoes, and strawberries, all within date, had been discarded, seemingly without being reduced in price first. Another sees cans of tuna, not set to expire until 2030, taken from a bin.

Footage from an M&S store taken on 14 January shows products like sliced meat, whole chicken, and bakery items wasted, despite some not expiring until 17 January.

The uploaded footage is often taken late at night from usually out of bound areas at supermarkets, such as delivery yards and warehouses.

The so-called “inspector”, who now has more than 70,000 followers on Instagram, also alleged several locations had started making efforts to conceal their levels of food waste after he began drawing attention to the issue.

The three stores against which allegations have been made have all said that the footage shared does not reflect the company-wide procedures which are in place.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We have strict procedures to ensure edible surplus food reaches those who need it. We have established that the fresh produce shown in one of the two films was not fit for human consumption and therefore was to be collected to be converted into either animal feed or energy for use in the agriculture sector using anaerobic digestion. We continue to investigate the other film.”

The store added that it has donated 31 million meals to help redistribute surplus food waste through its partnership with FareShare.

A Lidl spokesperson said: “Lidl is investigating videos showing potential compliance issues with our food waste procedures at several of our stores as a matter of high priority. We are grateful to the Food Waste Inspector for drawing attention to this issue and are working closely with regional management teams and Neighbourly to ensure all colleagues are briefed and aware of the steps they need to take to donate surplus items.”

They added that the videos shared are “not representative” of Lidl’s broader food redistribution work, through which 18.5 million meals have been donated to support more than 4 million people.

M&S confirmed it is looking into the claims against specific stores. A spokesperson said: “We have a clear process to manage food waste in store. It starts with the right stock in the right place at the right time. Our stores check products regularly, and where there’s a surplus, they should be reducing the price in good time to help sell it before the date is up.

“Food that’s still unsold and edible, we donate to local community groups through our partner Neighbourly. We can also give it to colleagues or surprise our customers with a treat. It’s clear that in a small number of stores, something has gone wrong, and we’re looking into that right now.”

They added that more than 100 million meals have been donated through the partnership, and that unusable food does not go to a landfill but is sent for anaerobic digestion for renewable energy.

While supermarkets are encouraged to partner with schemes like Neighbourly and FareShare to donate unsold food, there is currently no legislation requiring them to do so.

The Scottish Air Quality Database Annual Report for 2024 was published on 16 December 2025.

It provides a summary of ratified air quality monitoring results for Scotland in 2024 – together with an update on project progress including QA/QC, Pollution trend analysis, Air pollution mapping, and pollution emissions data.

Read the report here

The UK Government has launched a nationwide consultation on domestic wood and solid fuel burning, setting out proposals to reduce air pollution from stoves and fuels used in homes.

The consultation, which opened on 22nd January and will run until 19th March 2026, is being led by DEFRA in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Any future policy changes will be developed jointly with the devolved administrations.

At the centre of the consultation are proposals to reduce emissions through:

• Stricter emission limits for new stoves – introducing tougher smoke emission standards for new appliances placed on the market. 
• Mandatory labelling for stoves and fuels – providing clear information on emissions, permitted fuels, and health impacts to help consumers make informed choices. 
• Increased enforcement penalties – raising penalties for suppliers who breach fuel standards to ensure compliance

One proposal would significantly tighten smoke emission limits for new solid fuel stoves coming onto the market. Current regulations allow appliances to emit up to 5 grams of smoke per hour, but the government is proposing to lower this to 1 gram per hour, plus a small allowance linked to heat output.

The proposed standard would not apply to existing stoves already installed in homes. To allow manufacturers time to adapt, the government suggests the new limits would come into force three to five years after legislation is passed. Regular retesting of stoves already on the market is also being considered to ensure ongoing compliance.

Alongside tighter limits, the government is proposing mandatory emissions labelling for new solid fuel appliances. The label would sit alongside existing energy efficiency ratings and include an A–C pollution scale, showing which fuels can be used, and a statement outlining the health impacts of domestic burning.

Suggestions include working such as ‘Please be aware that this appliance emits air pollution which can harm your health’ Suppliers in Great Britain would be required to display the label at the point of sale, while use in Northern Ireland would be voluntary.

The consultation also proposes mandatory health impact labelling on solid fuel packaging, such as wood and coal, in the hope that frequent exposure to health warnings at the point of purchase could reinforce awareness of the risks burning poses to households and neighbouring communities.

The government is also consulting on increasing penalties for suppliers who breach fuel regulations, such as selling wet wood or banned fuels. The current fixed penalty of £300 could rise to up to £2,000, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. This change would apply only in England, reflecting differences in devolved enforcement systems.

Pollution from burning in homes is one of the UK’s biggest sources of air pollution, contributing 20% of fine particles, about the same as all road transport. The fine particles are the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, the government said. Wood-burning stoves and fires in homes are linked to 2,500 early deaths a year in the UK, according to a recent study, as well as 3,700 cases of diabetes and 1,500 cases of asthma.

Scotland’s biggest mass litter picking event returns later this year and everyone can play their part in cleaning up Scotland. 

Over the years Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers to take part in #SpringCleanScotland but now they are looking for more than ever to get involved in 2026. 

This year’s Spring Clean takes place from 13 March – 24 April and the charity is calling for people from the Highlands to the Borders and everywhere in between to get involved. 

The Scottish Litter Survey, published in October 2025, revealed that 83% of people wanted more to be done to clean up and prevent litter. With KSB LEQ report highlighting seven in 10 sites having a litter presence across the country, Spring Clean is the perfect opportunity for people who want to see a difference to make a difference. 

Barry Fisher, KSB Chief Executive, said: “#SpringCleanScotland is the largest mass litter picking event in the country. If you are one of the 67% who agree litter makes you feel embarrassed about your own neighbourhood why not get involved? Choose a location and register your event. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved and take action. We want every community in Scotland to get involved, get active and make a difference to an issue that affects everyone.  

“Why not invite current or prospective MSPs along to join your clean-up and show them first-hand how much we need action to tackle this problem. 

“At the end of 2025 we published our latest Scottish Litter Survey which shows people’s attitudes towards litter. We know people are worried about the danger it causes to children and animals. We know it creates a bad impression of our country for tourists. 

“#SpringCleanScotland is your chance to take action. Join other like-minded people who care about keeping Scotland beautiful and let’s tackle our litter problem together.” 

Last year businesses, big and small across the country took part in Spring Clean and are once again being encouraged to get involved and organise litter picks, sponsor the event and support their communities and employees who are passionate about keeping Scotland beautiful. 

If you are inspired to take positive action, learn more, access tools and resources and sign up your event visit our #SpringCleanScotland page.

New regulations to protect tenants from damp and mould will be laid in the Scottish Parliament.

The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will introduce new duties on landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and start any repairs needed within a set timescale if approved by Parliament.

This is the first set of regulations for the implementation of Awaab’s Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family’s housing association flat in England.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said:

“Everyone deserves to live in a home free from damp and mould. These regulations will help to ensure that’s the case by requiring any instances to be swiftly investigated by landlords and prompt action taken.

“In Scotland, while 90% of homes are free from damp and mould, we want to make sure everyone is protected. That’s why we are leading the way in rolling out these protections to both social and private tenants. We have worked closely with tenant groups, landlords and other stakeholders to develop regulations that protect tenants while being practical for landlords to implement.

“We will also be raising awareness of the importance of identifying and addressing damp and mould issues as quickly as possible.”

The Public Health Scotland Environmental Public Health Team have published a page on NHS Inform on drought: How to stay safe during a drought | NHS inform

The Public Health Scotland Environmental Public Health Team has been working on national communications to deliver on the PHS Adverse Weather and Health Plan and one of the channels used to do this is NHS Inform.

The links for the three other pages can be found below:  

• Cold – How to stay safe in cold weather | NHS inform
• Flooding – How to protect your health when flooding occurs | NHS inform
• Heat – How to stay safe in hot weather | NHS inform