10/08/2026
ISLES FM NEWS & INFORMATION MONDAY 10 AUGUST 2026
ACCLAIMED METRO BIG JAZZ BAND JAZZ IN LEWIS SOON!
Island audiences are set to enjoy an exceptional two days of live jazz music soon as the Metro Big Band, a touring jazz band from the United States, plays twos dates in Lewis.
The band is directed by renowned musician Camp Kirkland and is known for its energetic performances of jazz and swing standards alongside imaginative jazz reinterpretations of both popular and sacred music.
The tour will take the band from Glasgow to the Isle of Lewis, bringing outstanding live big band music to churches and community venues throughout Scotland.
The Metro Big Band features a line-up of professional musicians whose performances combine musical excellence with warmth, accessibility and an infectious enthusiasm that appeals to audiences of all ages. Whether listeners are lifelong jazz enthusiasts or simply enjoy outstanding live music, the concerts promise entertaining and memorable evenings.
The programme includes classic swing favourites together with inventive arrangements that demonstrate the versatility and expressive power of the modern big band.
See the band on Thursday 20 August – 7:30pm at Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway and Friday 21 August – 7:00pm at Ness Historical Society, North Dell. The band are also going to be giving a free concert to the kids at Lionel School on Friday afternoon.
Admission is free, with voluntary donations helping to support the work of Global Missions Project and Origin Scotland.
(Photo: The Metro Big Band)
CHILDREN FIRST CHARITY - SUPPORTING FAMILIES
A national support line run by the charity Children First will be expanded to help up to 7,500 families through new Scottish Government funding.
The service provides practical, emotional and financial advice every day of the year through phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face support. The extra funding will allow the charity to more than double the help it offers, including immediate cash grants, budgeting and debt advice, emotional support, guidance on accessing public services such as childcare and housing, and links to specialist employment support.
The Scottish Government is providing £2 million in 2026–27 as part of its child poverty delivery plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures.
First Minister John Swinney said many families were struggling during the cost of living crisis and that accessing help could feel overwhelming. He said the aim was to make support “simple, accessible and effective” and welcomed Children First’s role in offering a single point of contact for families.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services at Children First, encouraged anyone needing help to contact the support line.
She said:
‘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.
(Photo: Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services at Children First)
FREE PVG APPLICATIONS LAUNCHED FOR SOCIAL CARE WORKERS
Social care workers in Scotland will no longer have to pay for Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) applications from August 2026, under a new Scottish Government initiative running until July 2027.
The waiver applies to eligible staff starting a new job or moving into a new role within private, voluntary or independent sector social care services.
The policy is funded through the Scottish Government’s 2026/27 Budget and is intended to recognise the contribution of the social care workforce and support fairer working conditions.
PVG applications will also continue to be free for volunteers working with qualifying organisations.
Full details of which roles qualify for the waiver are available on the Scottish Government website. Disclosure Scotland, the agency that manages the PVG scheme, helps employers make safe recruitment decisions.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 made PVG membership a legal requirement from 1 April 2025 for anyone carrying out regulated work with children or protected adults.
(Image: Disclosure Scotland)
