A 28-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years following a number of offences, including theft, housebreaking, possession of weapons, misuse of drugs and dangerous driving.
John Callaghan pleaded guilty to 29 offences at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 23 September, 2026. He was sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 5 November.
The offences included the theft of around £329,000 worth of vehicles across Edinburgh, Lothians and Forth Valley areas, between December 2024 and April 2025.
Callaghan was arrested and charged after he was stopped by officers in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 7 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “Callaghan carried out a significant number of crimes over a period of months and will now face the consequences of his actions.
“This sentence is another example of the incredible hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country to bring those responsible to justice.
“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”
Libraries are vital spaces for supporting literacy and learning for all ages, providing access to stories and spreading the joy of reading.
Over the first few episodes of The Joy of Books podcast, we’ve heard a lot of love for libraries from our guests. Three out of four of our guests so far have shared the role that their local library has played in their reading journey – either in childhood or as an adult bonding with their children.
Find out how libraries have shaped their lives:
You can go back and listen to the first four episodes of The Joy of Books now and stay tuned every Thursday for a new episode: www.literacytrust.org.uk/joyofbooks
A heart-warming tale of a cat reunited with its owner after going missing for nearly 500 days highlights the importance of getting pets microchipped.
Cats Protection has launched a petition calling for microchipping to be made compulsory for owned cats in Scotland, as it already is for dogs.
Ginger tomcat Frank was adopted as a kitten eight years ago after being found straying and surviving on scraps in Fort William. He would often take himself off on short adventures but when he failed to return in June 2025, his owner Joan, a vet, contacted Cats Protection Glasgow Branch for help.
Joan said: “When I adopted him, I had him microchipped so that he could always be traced back to us. I knew in my heart that he was out there somewhere, but none of the ginger cats that were being found turned out to be Frank.”
But then came the call Joan had been hoping for. “A lady contacted Cats Protection to say her friend had been feeding a cat that matched Frank’s description. It had been coming to her garden for around six months but was quite skittish so she couldn’t get close. She noticed it was quite skinny so began to feed it and provided an outdoor house.”
Cats Protection Glasgow provided a trap in the hope the cat would go inside and they could see if it was microchipped.
Kirsty Ayres, Cats Protection Glasgow Welfare Team Leader, said: “When we managed to get Frank inside the trap and scanned his microchip, we were delighted when we realised we had found him and could reunite him with Joan.
“As a supporting vet, Joan has gone above and beyond for the charity over the years so it felt like karma that we’d got him back for her. We wanted to make it a surprise and when I turned up at the surgery with a covered cage, she had no idea it was Frank inside.”
Joan added: “I lifted the cover, saw him and said his name in disbelief! As soon as he realised it was me, he cried and miaowed. I hugged the Cats Protection volunteer who had managed to trap him and scan the microchip that led him back to me.
“We’d missed him so much and so had our other cat, Frank’s brother. Now Frank’s enjoying all the cuddles and scratches he’s missed whilst away on his adventure.”
The UK’s largest cat charity says that microchipping gives lost or injured cats the best chance of being reunited with their owner. Without a registered microchip, it is extremely difficult to trace an owner, a problem the charity’s staff and volunteers see on an almost daily basis.
Microchipping is a safe and permanent method of identification. Unlike collars, microchips do not come off or put cats at risk of collar-related injuries.
Cats Protection is calling on the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping in Scotland, following on from its successful campaign to make it a legal requirement in England, where it became law in 2024.
Alice Palombo, Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, said: “Cats are independent and curious creatures, prone to wandering, and they can become lost. Microchipping is the best way of ensuring these lost cats can be returned home.
“A microchip is also a valuable tool when cats are sadly run over and injured or killed on the roads as their families can be quickly informed.
“We are hopeful that, with public support, the Scottish Government will see the long-term benefits of compulsory microchipping for cats, people and animal welfare organisations and push forward with passing it into law.
Could you knit or crochet a little hope this festive season for people affected by bowel cancer?
Bowel Cancer UK is inviting stitchers to get sponsored to knit or crochet a star a day or do your own thing, every day in November. You can attempt our star, knit a Christmas jumper, crochet tea cosies, sew a special Star of Hope symbol or anything in between! If you can’t stitch every day, then you can choose a challenge that suits you.
Your donations could help save lives through earlier diagnosis, improve the quality of life of those affected by the disease and bring us one step closer to a future where nobody dies from bowel cancer.
Sign up today and receive your free online welcome pack including your knitting and crochet patterns: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/knitting
Former Scottish Government Minister and MSP Sarah Boyack has become the new Patron of Planning Aid Scotland, a charity helping people across Scotland understand the planning system and have a say in decisions affecting their communities.
Sarah was formally welcomed as Patron at the charity’s Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on 28 October 2026.
Sarah Boyack said: “I am delighted to become a Patron of Planning Aid Scotland and look forward to supporting the excellent work delivered in our communities.”
With a background spanning town planning, public service and the third sector, Sarah brings considerable experience to the role. She previously worked as a professional town planner before entering politics, serving as an MSP and holding ministerial responsibilities. Sarah was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, at its inception, and went on to serve as Minister with responsibility for planning, transport and environment during its formative years.
She also worked as Head of Public Affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and served as Convener of the Scottish Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Sarah has supported Planning Aid Scotland for a number of years, including helping the charity celebrate its 30th anniversary and sponsoring an event at the Scottish Parliament in 2024.
Welcoming Sarah’s appointment, Cherie Morgan, Chief Executive of Planning Aid Scotland, said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and keen vision of the purpose of planning in Scotland.
“We are looking forward to working with her to extend our reach and to ensure that communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.”
Her appointment comes as Planning Aid Scotland continues its work to make planning more accessible and support communities in influencing how their neighbourhoods, towns and local areas develop.
The charity provides free, impartial and confidential advice to people navigating the planning system, from understanding planning applications to exploring opportunities to influence local development.
It also works directly with communities across Scotland, supporting them to develop Local Place Plans, engage with planning decisions and identify priorities for the future of their areas.
Planning Aid Scotland has been helping people across Scotland for more than 30 years, supported by volunteers, most of whom are Chartered Planners, who contribute their knowledge and experience to make the planning system more understandable and accessible.
To find out more about Planning Aid Scotland or access its free planning Advice Service, visit www.pas.org.uk.
Children’s Parliament furthers mission for children’s rights with new office
A MAJOR Scottish charity is advancing its fight for children’s rights as they move into Edinburgh’s ‘home of charities’.
Children’s Parliament is dedicated to the realisation of children’s human rights. Founded 30 years ago, the organisation has played a pivotal role in promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scotland, working to understand the issues that matter to children and bring these discussions to policy makers.
Now, the charity is entering a new stage of growth, moving into the Norton Park offices in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of Leith, the former a primary and secondary school catered to generations of Edinburgh youngsters since 1903. It now provides the perfect setting for Children’s Parliament to expand its operations.
Currently housing over 25 charities and social enterprises, Norton Park itself has a rich history as a former school, serving generations of Edinburgh students since 1903. It transitioned to its current role hosting non-profit organisations in 1998 and has since become an independent registered charity.
The new headquarters also provides a valuable base for building closer relationships with the surrounding Leith community, with the organisation already reaching out to local schools.
Louise Hill, Director of Children’s Parliament, said: “Making the move to Norton Park is about more than simply finding a new office. To be surrounded by other organisations who share our values and are passionate about driving social change creates lots of opportunities for us to learn from one another and work together.
“With Norton Park also being a charity, they understand what third-sector organisations need. The facilities and staff are fantastic, and everyone has been so welcoming since we arrived. It’s lovely to be part of a wider community of social enterprises.”
Working with children to demonstrate human rights in action and influence decision makers, Children’s Parliament ensures children understand their rights and ensures their views are heard by local and national decision makers.
The charity is also working to tackle child poverty through its Child Power project, encouraging children to become advocates for change and giving them a greater say in the decisions affecting their lives.
The move marks an important milestone for the charity, with Norton Park providing workspaces for third-sector organisations significantly below market rates, allowing the organisation to put more funding into its mission.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “We’re proud to welcome Children’s Parliament to Norton Park. Given the building’s history as a school, it’s a fitting home for a charity dedicated to giving children a voice.
“The environment we’ve created is specially designed to encourage collaboration and cooperation between charities. Children’s Parliament is already showing the value of this approach, building relationships with fellow organisations and exploring opportunities to work together to drive positive change across Scotland.”
A wave of generosity swept across Scotland this weekend as thousands of volunteers completed the final, crucial push for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known as “Poppy Saturday,” the country’s streets, train stations, shopping centres, and supermarkets were painted red by an army of dedicated collectors.
Veterans, young cadets, and members of the public joined forces to ensure the annual campaign ended on a high, raising vital funds for Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
The extraordinary weekend efforts lead directly into Remembrance Sunday (November 8th), where at 11am, the nation will fall silent for two minutes in a moment of reflection for all those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, expressed immense gratitude for the public’s response: “The energy and support we have witnessed – not just during Poppy Saturday, but over the last three weeks across every corner of the country – has been nothing short of spectacular.
“Every single digital donation, coin or note dropped into a tin enables us to continue our support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
“Quite simply, we exist to ensure they are supported every step of the way, and that is only possible because of the incredible generosity of the public.”
As Scotland’s largest annual fundraising campaign, the Scottish Poppy Appeal distributes millions of iconic poppies throughout October and November.
This year’s campaign shone a dedicated spotlight on the vital, yet often unsung, support network behind every uniform, reminding the public that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline and ensuring that military families receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve.
Every donation to the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes toward providing life-changing financial aid, housing support, employment advice, and mental health services to our Armed Forces community here in Scotland.
To discover how your donation changes lives, or to find support, visit:
Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
10,000 veterans will pay tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s March Past the Cenotaph
His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph this morning.
The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War.
There will be a huge range of participants, with the youngest person marching being aged only seven years old through to veterans aged over 100 years old. Veterans will also have travelled from far and wide to join the March Past, with some coming from as far as Canada and Australia to participate.
Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I’m incredibly proud to be honouring those whose sacrifice continues to protect our way of life to this day.
“Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity, not only to mark that sacrifice and offer our gratitude, but also to reflect on its significance. To reflect on the selflessness and courage it takes to commit your life to protecting others.
I” want to offer my personal thanks to those who served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces communities to this day.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we come together to reflect and honour the sacrifices that our Armed Forces made all those years ago in the First and Second World Wars and continue to make today.
“It is our duty to ensure that the immense courage of those who have served our country is never forgotten. They went to war to give us 80 years of peace.
“We are about to raise the first generation for whom fighting a war really is part of history. Our future generations must know the significance of those who served in our national story, that they forged a path for friendship and cooperation that meant no one in our country has had to fight a war since.
“Today, we remember them, in grief and in gratitude, mindful that their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.”
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: “I grew up with my grandfather and great-grandfather’s war medals proudly on display in our living room. Defence runs in my blood and I feel intently the importance of Remembrance to those who have served and their families.
“This weekend is a moment to pause and reflect on the enormous debt we owe to our Armed Forces, to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms, and to thank the personnel keeping us safe tonight.
“We have a moral duty to stand by our veterans and the military families who sacrifice so much. They are the best of us, and we owe them our support as well as our gratitude and admiration.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: “Today we honour the courage of all those who have served and died in conflict.
“For the Armed Forces community, remembrance is a deeply personal time during which we reflect on the service of our predecessors and remember the colleagues we have lost.
“That same spirit of service continues to drive the men and women who serve today.”
Mark Atkinson, Director General, Royal British Legion: “As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed, from generations past to those still serving today.
“This year we have paid tribute to those who served in more recent conflicts, including the challenging operations in Bosnia, the Iraq War and the first Gulf War, and recognised the families who continue to live with the impact of that service.
“From risking their lives in war zones, providing support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, and spending time away from loved ones, we owe those who serve in the Armed Forces, and the families who stand alongside them, our gratitude. We encourage the nation to pause, reflect and remember their service and sacrifice.”
As the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War was marked earlier this year, many veterans will be reflecting on their experiences and the lasting impact of conflict.
RAF veteran Steve Hooper, 43, served as a Mechanical Transport Driver during the Iraq War. He will be marching with the Invictus Games Alumni group. He said: “I saw a lot of trauma in Iraq as an ambulance driver, and when I came back, I was struggling with sleep and having flashbacks. If it wasn’t for the support I received from the Royal British Legion through the Invictus Games, I don’t know where I’d be today.
“I am proud to be marching alongside my fellow team members as we reflect on our recovery journeys and remember all those who weren’t as lucky. I’ll also be thinking about the families who still live with the impact of service and conflict. For me, it’s a time to pause, acknowledge and remember.”
While the country gathers for Remembrance Sunday, 6,500 UK Armed Forces personnel will remain deployed on operations and at overseas bases.
Personnel are currently supporting NATO allies in Eastern Europe, maintaining the continuous at-sea deterrent, and operating across the globe to deter aggression and defend our national interests. This year-round presence ensures the UK is ready to respond to emerging threats.
For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, ITV and Sky News.
FIRST Minister John Swinney will lead Scotland’s tributes at The Stone of Remembrance at Edinburgh’s City Chambers this morning.
