Improving and protecting health and wellbeing in Scotland through education, training and qualifications in Environmental Health
REHIS launches Manifesto highlighting challenges facing Environmental Health
The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) has launched its Manifesto, setting out four key challenges to be addressed to protect and improve Environmental Health and the communities it serves across Scotland.
REHIS stands ready to work with politicians from all parties and key stakeholders to strengthen public health now and for the future.
Defra, Greater London Authority, and the Devolved Governments have launched a new interactive dashboard designed to make local air quality information more accessible to the public. For the first time, data managed and collected by local authorities, including diffusion tube data published in annual reports, is being brought together in one central location on UK-AIR.
This dashboard tool allows users to search by postcode and view air quality information relevant to their area, including local monitoring data. The dashboard will also showcase the actions local authorities are taking to improve air quality, as set out in annual reports. Other new key information includes the locations of Smoke Control Areas and Air Quality Management Areas. By integrating these diverse data sources, the dashboard offers a single location for local air quality information. This not only makes the information more accessible to the public but also increases the value of the considerable effort local authorities invest in assessing air quality and reporting their actions.
The dashboard has been populated using the information provided through the 2025 annual report submissions. Once reports are accepted, the data is released to UK-AIR. Top three air quality actions for local authorities in England excl. London, Wales and Scotland will continue to be added as they are processed, so we encourage you to check the link again over the next few weeks to see the latest updates. If it is necessary to change the information on the dashboard before the next reporting period or you have questions about your local authority’s dashboard, please contact the LAQM Helpdesk.
Visit the dashboard here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/local-authorities-dashboard/
Public Health Scotland launched their new 10-year strategy, Together we can. The strategy sets a clear and ambitious direction for improving health and wellbeing across Scotland, driven by evidence, collaboration, and the voices of people and communities across the country.
Welcome from our new President, Lindsey-Anne McNeil
Dear REHIS members,
Thank you to everyone for welcoming me as your new President, it is a tremendous honour, and I am truly grateful for your ongoing support of our professional Institute. Rest assured, I will continue to work diligently to benefit our Institute and all of our members.
Read more here: REHIS President – January 2026 newsletter address
Diary Dates – Professional Update Courses and Forum
The Institute professional update courses will take place, online, on the following dates:
The Institute’s Annual Forum will be held in person, on Friday 21 August 2026 in Glasgow.
Continuing Professional Development
CPD submissions for calendar year 2025 require to be with the Institute by 31 January 2026.
The Institute’s Scheme of CPD provides a way for Members of the Institute to evidence their ongoing professional development in an independently assessed way. For EHOs this also offers a means to achieve Chartered EHO status. We encourage all members to submit their CPD through the REHIS website, members only section. For information about the updated CPD scheme please see CPD – REHIS
REHIS Staff Vacancy – Director of Training
Many of you may already know that our Director of Training, Sandra Williamson, will be retiring from the Institute at the end of February. Sandra has been a valued member of the REHIS team for many years and has played a vital role in developing our training activities and supporting training centres across Scotland. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication have been greatly appreciated by colleagues, members, and training providers alike. On behalf of everyone at REHIS, we thank Sandra for her outstanding contribution and wish her every happiness in the future.
As a result of Sandra’s forthcoming departure, the Institute is now seeking to recruit a new Director of Training. For details about the job and how to apply – Vacancies – REHIS.
Training Update – Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
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:
Read more here.
REHIS Mental Health First Aid Course
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.
Read more here.
REHIS Members response to SAFER questionnaire
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) launched details of the SAFER programme last year. The programme aims to reform the delivery of food law in Scotland and is funded through the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform and Invest to Save initiative.
We would like to thank members who responded to the REHIS questionnaire issued in December. The response was overwhelming with 95% of responders strongly dissatisfied with the current governance arrangements. A summary is available via the members section of the website. In response, REHIS has written to the Scottish Government and FSS, and are currently in discussions with both regarding the feedback received and will continue to keep members informed of any developments.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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 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) –
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
