Scotland’s alcohol consumption continues to exceed safe levels
- 23 July 2025
New data published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) reveals people in Scotland are drinking 50% above safe limits, with more deprived communities hit hardest. Despite recent improvements, Scotland continues to face a significant alcohol problem, with adults who drink alcohol consuming an average of 21.6 units per week. This is more than 50% above the […]
Update on the REHIS Tartan
- 23 July 2025
As part of the 150-year celebrations, the Institute has designed a colourful tartan that cleverly uses the Institute’s history as inspiration. Created by Tartan Caledonia, the design incorporates the colours of the official REHIS crest and boasts thread counts that mark the year of our inception, 1875: 18 for green, 7 for black and 5 for […]
Bringing more empty homes back into use
- 22 July 2025
Additional empty homes officers are being recruited to bring more privately owned houses back into use. The new posts are being supported as part of a £2 million investment through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26 which will see staff take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues. Funding will […]
Review of Scotland’s shellfish water protected area designations
- 22 July 2025
The Scottish Government are consulting on the proposed designations and de-designations of Shellfish Water Protected Area’s (SWPAs), as part of work to meet a statutory obligation. SWPAs are designated zones aimed at safeguarding shellfish waters from pollution, ensuring the sustainable development of economically significant shellfish production. The purpose of the review is to identify areas […]
Improving the safety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- 22 July 2025
New proposals to improve safety and standards in the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector have been set out as the Scottish Government publishes its response to a consultation on the issue. The proposals, informed by over 2,200 responses and broad stakeholder engagement, intends to introduce a minimum age of 18 for all procedures and classify treatments […]
REHIS News – June 2025
- 23 June 2025
Celebrate 150 Years of Environmental Health – Forum and Dinner, 25 September 2025 Be part of a landmark occasion as we celebrate 150 years of Environmental Health in Scotland. This special Forum on Thursday 25 September, will bring together professionals to reflect on the past, address today’s challenges, and discuss the future of Environmental Health. […]
Environmental Standard Scotland strategy consultation
- 23 June 2025
Environmental Standard Scotland (ESS) are consulting on their draft Strategy for 2026-2031. The Strategy sets out how ESS will work to scrutinise, investigate and secure improvements in public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of environmental law, and the way it is being implemented and applied in Scotland. ESS is an independent public body, […]
BBC Panorama programme on funfair safety
- 23 June 2025
A BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of the UK’s funfair ride safety regime, following a string of incidents involving injuries and inspection failures. There were 3,188 injuries in England, Scotland and Wales between April 2014 and March 2024, including slips, trips and falls, with 350 in 2023/24, according to a […]
Scottish Government to restrict promotions of food and drink High in Fat, Sugar & Salt
- 23 June 2025
Following its consultation in 2024 on Restricting Promotions of Food and Drink High in Fat, Sugar or Salt (HFSS), the Scottish Government will bring forward regulations in Autumn to help create a food environment which better supports healthier choices. The Scottish Government’s intention that restrictions in Scotland will align with policy in England and Wales. […]
Trustees fined over near-drowning in leisure pool
- 23 June 2025
Five councillors and a business owner have been fined a total of £11,825 after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches that saw a disabled swimmer almost drown in a leisure centre pool in East Ayrshire. The local authority investigation revealed inadequate risk assessment and “deficiencies in procedures to ensure, whilst in the Galleon pool, […]
FSS investigation leads to conviction of Scottish tea fraudster
- 22 June 2025
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has welcomed the conviction of Thomas Robinson, 52, who was found guilty on two counts of fraud totalling nearly £600,000 following an extensive investigation by the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit. Robinson defrauded luxury hotels and retailers by falsely claiming to supply premium tea grown in Scotland. He also misled […]
Every UK local authority has been scored on climate action
- 22 June 2025
Climate Emergency UK has published the latest Climate Action Scorecards for all UK councils on the actions they’ve taken towards net zero. The average score for a Scottish Local Authority was 38%, 6 points higher than the last assessment in 2023. The 2025 Action Scorecard assessment consists of 93 questions or less, depending on council […]
