British Sign Language (BSL) users can now get immediate help communicating with pharmacists anywhere in Scotland through a new UK-first video interpreting service.
The pilot lets BSL users connect with an interpreter via their own smartphone. They can then speak face-to-face with pharmacy staff about minor illnesses such as a sore throat or cough, with no need to book in advance.
Deaf people who rely on BSL have previously faced communication barriers when engaging with community pharmacies and this represents a new way of independently obtaining support. The Contact Scotland BSL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) pilot was introduced by the Scottish Government following engagement with Scotland’s deaf community and will run for six months.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Pharmacy First is a vital service that gives quick and easy access to advice and treatment for everyday health concerns, often without needing an appointment.
“Now deaf BSL users can also walk into any pharmacy and receive the same fast, independent healthcare advice as everyone else.
“This is removing barriers and ensuring BSL users are not left waiting or without support when they need it. I want to help people access more services at their fingertips, in their communities and closer to home.
“Scotland is the first part of the UK to have a fully funded free-to-use service which has been shaped by the views of BSL users themselves and this pilot is the next step in expanding access. I thank everyone who helped the Scottish Government bring this forward.”
A spokesperson for Community Pharmacy Scotland said: “We are pleased to see that this initiative seeks to enhance the experience of people who use British Sign Language.
“We expect that pharmacy teams will have even greater confidence that they are understanding and meeting the needs of the people in their surrounding areas.”
Contact Scotland BSL interpreters are supplied by Sign Solutions and Managing Director Clare Vale said: ‘We are delighted to see the VRI pilot now live, marking a significant milestone for the Contact Scotland BSL service.
“This is an important step towards improving access to pharmacy services for deaf and deafblind BSL users across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on accessibility.”
The Readers-in-Residence campaign is a public literacy initiative launched by the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. Trained volunteer “Readers-in-Residence” are placed in public and community spaces around Edinburgh—such as galleries, cinemas, parks, and local businesses—to sit and read books openly for 1–2 hours.
The campaign aims to make reading a visible daily habit and encourage people to put down their phones. Volunteers are equipped to chat with visitors, customers, and commuters about books, reading culture, and literature.
Last week we were delighted to have Kirsty read at the Museum of Edinburgh in our cosy Sensory Room.
Watch out for readers in The Writers’ Museum, Museum of Edinburgh and at the City Art Centre.
POLICE are appealing for the help of the public in tracing Murray Poole, 38, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
Murray was last heard from around 8.15am this morning (Tuesday, 3 November, 2026), and is understood to have been in the West Colonsay View area of Edinburgh.
He is described as around 6ft 2ins tall, of heavy build, has a bald head and has dark brown facial hair. It is not known what Murray is wearing.
From enquiries carried out so far, Murray is believed to be travelling west towards the Bannockburn area and potentially further. He has access to his grey Volvo V40, VRM, SY19 FTT.
Sergeant Michael Blyth said: “Concerns are growing for Murray’s welfare, and we are keen to trace him as soon as possible to make sure he is safe.
“I am appealing to anyone who has seen someone matching Murray’s description, or a grey Volvo V40, to contact officers.
“We understand Murray may be travelling towards Forth Valley and potentially further into Argyll and Bute or the Highlands and would ask people in those areas to also be vigilant and come forward with any information.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0707 of 3 November, 2026.
Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide, as the number of deaths by suicide reach their lowest level in the past eight years.
National Records of Scotland figures show that, whilst rates of probable deaths by suicide in the most deprived areas of Scotland have fallen by over 40% since 2001, the rates of probable deaths by suicide were still 2.7 times higher in the most deprived areas in 2025 than in the least deprived.
In January, the Scottish Government and COSLA published a national action plan, setting out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years. Backed by least £3 million funding in 2026-27, the plan includes actions to reduce inequalities to prevent suicide deaths, including supporting people living in poverty.
Visiting Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust in Rutherglen, Ms Todd said: “Behind every one of these statistics is a person who leaves behind family and friends and a wider community. The effect is devastating and lasting, and our thoughts today are with everyone who have lost a loved one to suicide.
“Whilst the reduction shown in last year’s figures has been sustained, we are not complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.
“We know that poverty is closely linked to poor mental health and suicide, and these figures show that people in our most deprived communities are still far more likely to die by suicide. That is why we are working with partners to invest in communities across Scotland, including Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust here in Rutherglen, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
“Our suicide prevention strategy with COSLA prioritises people at higher risk including those living in poverty. We will keep listening and learning, guided by evidence and by people with lived and living experience.”
COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Cllr Paul Kelly, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy that has a profound impact on families, friends, and communities. Today, our thoughts are with everyone affected by suicide.
“We know that suicide is complex and that the wider circumstances in people’s lives, including poverty and inequality, can increase the risk of suicide. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and local government is determined to do all that we can to address these wider factors.
“Across Scotland, local suicide prevention partnerships, people with lived and living experience, and community organisations such as Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust are doing crucial work to strengthen support and create hope in our communities.
“Through our national strategy, Creating Hope Together, COSLA and the Scottish Government are committed to working with partners across Scotland to prevent suicide, tackle inequalities, and ensure that people can access the support they need, when they need it.”
Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust Executive Director Mark Soanes said: “We work across communities, providing a wide range of activities – including a community radio station, which is mostly run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
“Our Healthy n Happy ‘Creating Hope in our Community’ campaign aims to support mental health and suicide prevention. We believe that everybody across the community, residents, public health, businesses or charities should share the responsibility, as this potentially affects everybody.
“This campaign is not just about raising awareness, it is about giving practical support right across the community to give people the tools to face and have conversations around mental health and suicide.”
The latest data published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS) shows almost no change to the number of deaths by probable suicide in Scotland last year, says Suicide Prevention Scotland .
In 2025, 703 suicides were registered in Scotland. This represents a 0.14% reduction from 2024 (704 deaths, a 11% decrease from 2023).
Every one of those people who lost their lives are in our hearts and minds today, and that weighs heavily upon us.
The rate of probable suicide deaths in Scotland per 100,000 people (aged 10+ years) was 14.2 in 2025, which is the same as 2024. Last year there was a drop in the suicide rate of 16.1 from 2023, and this drop has been maintained.
Every number represents an individual, and the loss of any life to suicide is a profound tragedy that impacts families, friends, and entire communities.
Changes over time
Suicide statistics fluctuate from year to year, and examining patterns over-time allows for a better understanding.
Over the past five years, Scotland has seen a variation in suicide rates, with this year’s figure of 703 representing a decrease compared with the five-year average of 742 deaths (2021–2025).
Looking further back, the past decade shows an overall downward trend despite year-on-year changes, with 2024 and 2025 marking the lowest rates of probable suicide deaths per 100,000 since 2017 (14.0 per 100,000).
Gender and age
Men’s suicide rates remain three times higher than those of women, and this has been the case since 1994 when recording of suicide rates began, with men rates between 2.6 to 3.7 times as higher than females.
However, it does appear this decrease in suicide rates over the last two years is driven by a decrease in male suicides, with 67 less men dying by suicide than in 2023, compared to 19 fewer women.
The average age of death for probable suicides has increased over time, from 42 years in 2000 to 48.2 years in 2025. This year the average age of death by suicide has increased from 2024 (47.6 years).
In 2025, age-specific rates of probable suicide deaths were highest for those aged 45-64 years (19.9 per 100,000) followed by those aged 25-44 years (16.8). The lowest suicide rates are for those aged 10-24 years (6.1 per 100,000).
Lisa Marshalllost her husband to suicide in 2023. She reflected on today’s data and said: “703 lives lost to suicide is 703 too many. One fewer death than last year offers little comfort to the families whose lives have been changed forever.
“Behind every number is someone loved, missed and desperately wanted here.
“These figures cannot become something we simply accept.
“We need sustained funding for mental health services and the charities working on the frontline, alongside compassionate support for those bereaved.
“The stark link with deprivation must also drive action. Every life matters, and preventing these deaths must remain a priority.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland national delivery lead Haylis Smith said: “Today our thoughts are with everyone who lost someone to suicide in 2025.
“When you analyse the data in this work, you’re never looking at numbers, because behind every point on a graph is a human being who is now gone.
“In 2025 there was one fewer suicide than 2026, and although the five year average has declined for a second successive year, there’s little comfort, when you know the heartbreak that suicide leaves behind.
“We continue to work relentlessly to prevent suicide, in what is now the fourth year of the Creating Hope Together strategy.
“Importantly, people with lived and living experience are always at the heart of how we work together, alongside those with practice experience and academic expertise.
“Our work with marginalised communities, in at risk settings, how we respond to people in a suicide crisis, and supporting those who are bereaved are key parts of our programme.
“Co-produced public awareness campaigns, including our first TV advert in five years, have helped heighten people’s understanding that talking about suicide won’t put the idea in someone’s head.
“This work is far from complete, so we need to keep encouraging people to have open conversations, because no suicide ever need be inevitable.
“And as we well know from our documentary, What I want you to know, awareness is only the start. It has to become action.”
Analysis of the data is provided by Dr Karen Wetherall, a research fellow with the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory (SBRL) at the University of Glasgow.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
We are hosting FREE story telling sessions for little ones
Sat 21st Nov at 10.45-11.45 Winter Coorie In storytelling (details below)
Sat 28th Nov 12.00-13.15 St.Andrews Story Ripple (details below)
No booking required, just come along! Guardians must accompany children.
LifeCare, 2 Cheyne St, EH4 1JB
Winter Coorie-In Story Session:
Come along and coorie-in to enjoy tales of the winter season with storyteller Fergus McNicol… when the wind blows outside and the frost bites, these stories will warm your heart and and bring a smile to your lips. We will create a wintery story-scene to display for the folks at Life Care to enjoy! Cosy Family storytelling at LifeCare courtesy of the Scottish Storytelling Festival ‘Story Ripple’ initiative.
St Andrew’s Story Ripple:
Storyteller Fergus McNicol shares some of his favourite fun-filled Scottish themed stories, songs and rhymes for all the family… and you’ll have the chance to tell a tale or sing a song yourself!
A star-studded lineup of celebrities has teamed up once again to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, which is set to return for the fifteenth year on Thursday 10th December 2026.
Musician, singer, broadcaster and writer Myleene Klass, actor and comedian Chris McCausland, broadcaster and journalist Kate Garraway, broadcaster and campaigner Ashley James, TV presenter and jumper enthusiast Gyles Brandreth and TV presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky, have joined forces with YouTuber and vlogger Jim Chapman, TikToker and disability advocate Amy Pohl and comedy content creator Luke Hamnett to encourage the nation to put on their favourite pre-loved pullovers and join in the festivities.
They join actress Suranne Jones, singer and presenter Claire Richards, TV stars and presenters Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson, comedian and presenter Josh Widdicombe, TV medic Dr Raj Arora, award winning actor, director and broadcaster Angela Griffin and chart-topping singer Leona Lewis in donning their daftest festive knits and raising vital funds for those children who need it most. Christmas Jumper Day sees schools, workplaces and groups of friends and families adorn themselves in their wackiest woolies for the day, whilst raising money for Save the Children. Since launching in 2012, the festive fundraiser has raised over £42 million to help transform the lives of children both in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning.
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This year will also see Mattel bring Thomas & Friends on board to become the first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support the charity’s festive fundraiser. Appointed as Save the Children’s Chief Delivery Officer, Thomas the Tank Engine will keep Christmas Jumper Day on track by helping to raise money and awareness so Save the Children can continue to deliver the essentials that children need to have a safe, healthy and happy childhood.
Ahead of the big day, the host of famous faces shared their tree-mendous traditions and tips on how to get involved with their jolly jerseys in a sustainable way this Christmas Jumper Day:
Myleene Klass said:“Our Christmas traditions include unique ones like my youngest covering the doorway in wrapping paper so we all have to burst through to get to our presents, and more traditional moments like leaving out mince pies and carrots the night before for Santa and his reindeer.
“Every year we each buy a new bauble to add to the tree, and I always make Viennese biscuits because I remember my Oma leaving them out on the table for us. Mine are never quite as good. They’re usually far too dry and not nearly as tasty, but I feel obligated to give it a go every year for the sake of my ancestors.
“Many of us feel helpless in the face of unimaginable and unprecedented suffering across the world today. We all wish we could do something to help. Well, this is it. I’ve been on the ground with Save the Children around the globe and I’ve seen first-hand the enormous difference donations make.
“Your support could help to provide life-saving nutrition to a child so they can regain their strength and look towards a brighter future. Or you could help to give a mother invaluable peace of mind while she watches her children play in safe, child-friendly spaces, if only for an hour. When you don your Christmas jumper, you really are making the world a better place for children”.
Chris McCausland said:“What I love about Christmas is Christmas telly; I love Christmas specials and TV shows. I love the football over the Christmas period – and I love the fact that I don’t have to work while footballers do!
“I also love my daughter opening presents. And I love mince pies, but I don’t allow myself to eat them until I’ve finished work for Christmas, otherwise my life spirals out of control. I like a variety of mince pies because then I can pretend I’m comparing them – like some kind of research project, when it’s not at all.
“Christmas is all about kids, which is exactly why Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is so important. There are way too many children out there that aren’t lucky enough to have the kind of Christmas that others are fortunate enough to give to their own. So, think bigger, do your bit and make this time of year about supporting those kids who really need it.”
Kate Garraway said:“For me, Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. I love the build-up as well. How bit by bit, sparkle and lights start to appear, then the Christmas songs – it feels like the perfect antidote to the darkest days of the year.
“Of course, a lot of my love for it comes from my own childhood. Now, as the mum trying to make the magic happen for my kids, it can be very frenzied – but it’s fun too. Especially if it’s for people you love. Also, there’s that beautiful moment when, after the frenzy of the planning and cooking, you finally get to pause and spend some proper time with your family and friends. In our case playing silly board games. It’s very special.
“We can get so focused at Christmas on the gifts we want to get the kids in our lives that it’s easy to forget there are children in the world who simply need access to medicine, clean water and food. By pulling on a Christmas jumper and taking part in Christmas Jumper Day, we’re all doing something to support those children who need it most, while having a good giggle and spreading a little joy too.”
Ashley James said:“I love the magic of Christmas, especially since having children. They’re both still really young, and I love recreating all the excitement and wonder I remember from my own childhood.
“Every year I transform our front door with decorations, and seeing it bring a smile to people passing by is one of my favourite things. For me, Christmas is about coming together and creating moments of joy that brighten the cold winter months.
“But Christmas isn’t an easy or magical time for every family. Around the world, far too many children are growing up in poverty, conflict and crisis, without access to the essentials every child needs to feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a joyful and accessible way for us all to come together while raising vital funds to help give more children the care and opportunities they deserve.”
Gyles Brandreth, who is well-known for his love of unique knitwear, dons a different jumper for each day of the year and is an avid supporter of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. He says: “I’ve worn many memorable outfits over the years, but I must admit this knitted Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas jumper is up there with the best of them.It’s splendid.
“I have more than 365 jumpers in my collection and Christmas Jumper Day is simply one of my favourite days of the year as everyone is encouraged to embrace wonderful woollies.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Thomas the Tank Engine. He’s cheerful, dependable and never afraid to help a friend in need, qualities we could all embrace a little more at Christmas. Supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is the perfect way to do your bit. Whether your jumper is smart, silly or gloriously over-the-top, pull it on with pride and help make a real difference for children this Christmas. Full steam ahead for a great cause!”
Natasha Kaplinsky said: “I love Christmas more than anyone in our house – but what I love most of all is what we do in the run up to Christmas Day.
“We count down to Christmas with a family curated Kindness Calendar. At the beginning of advent, we all compile 25 acts of kindness, put them in a bowl and pull one out each day and ensure we fulfill it. It’s a good way of helping us focus on the privilege we enjoy – nothing to do with merit and everything to do with the luck of where we’re born.
“We are all just a few steps away from suffering and hardship and that is why being involved in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper day is so important.”
Amy Pohl said:“I have so many Christmas jumpers! I used to be a primary school teacher, so throughout December I tried to wear a Christmas jumper every day, and I still own all of them now. I also have my iconic reindeer slippers, and one of the benefits of being a wheelchair user is that they still look brand new despite me wearing them for years!
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a simple idea that brings people together for an incredible cause. While many of us are having a magical time at Christmas, it’s important to remember that not every child gets to experience this magic.
“Every child deserves to have a safe and happy childhood, and by putting on a Christmas jumper and donating whatever you can, you can help Save the Children make a real difference to children who need it most.”
Save the Children’s celebrity supporters are encouraging schools, workplaces and groups of family and friends across the country to don their daftest jumpers for a great cause.
SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER 7.30pm at THE USHER HALL at 7.30pm
Scotland is officially counting down to its first-ever national ‘Festival of Remembrance’.
This weekend, Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall will transform into a stage of powerful tribute, honouring all those who have lost their lives through Service with a poignant, moving concert.
Organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland in association with Poppyscotland, and proudly supported by the Scottish Government, this historic event takes place on Saturday, 7th November just one day before Remembrance Sunday.
Guiding the audience through the night is popular broadcaster Mark McKenzie from the British Forces Broadcasting Service. The line-up promises to be unforgettable, blending traditional military grandeur with fresh, contemporary Scottish talent and includes stirring performances from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter and vocal coach Amy Hawthorn will perform followed by indie-rock headliner, Scottish Young Artist of the Year Ben Walker bringing his unique energy to the Usher Hall stage.
Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, promised a night that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain. She said: “This will be a deeply poignant evening, dedicated to honouring and telling the incredible stories of our service personnel through the powerful mediums of music, film, and song.
“It is an opportunity for us to come together in reflection, celebrating their resilience and sacrifice, before culminating in the solemn tradition of The Act of Remembrance.
“We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an unforgettable night of shared gratitude and community.”
Tickets are priced from £24.20 and include a 10% per ticket booking fee. Under-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of making sure young people can access the information, understanding and support they need.
Our Increase Mental Health Training and Education campaign calls for mandatory mental health training for adults working in education and healthcare, better signposting to support, and mental health education in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.
Mental health support should be accessible to all young people, and we need to keep pushing for change.
Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film, TV, and games in education, has released new research that found that school trips to the cinema provide a powerful cultural enrichment opportunity that supports young people’s educational, personal and social development.
Into Film runs a renowned culturally valuable annual initiative, the Into Film Festival, which provides primary, secondary and SEND schools and colleges across the whole of the UK the chance to book free class visits to their local cinema.
The Into Film Festival runs in cinemas in every corner of the UK, from the Orkney Islands to Truro and everywhere in between. Events are often paired with additional live events and discussions alongside the film, with producers, directors and other professionals who work in the screen industry.
Every year, over half a million 5-19-year-olds and their educators share the joy of cinema through the Into Film Festival, which is taking place this year between 6-27 November. Over 100 different films will be shown in over 600 cinemas and community spaces. It is the UK’s largest free film festival for children and young people and is highly valued by schools wishing to provide quality cultural opportunities for pupils.
The study, funded by Cinema First, gathered insights on their cinema experiences from 3,044 children and young people aged 7–18 across the November 2025 Into Film Festival and the 2026 Spring Cinema Programme. The research which was conducted as a pilot in 2025/26 will continue in 2026/27 to further understand the impact of school cinema trips for young people, including their cinema habits, motivations and barriers, and to identify practical opportunities for the cinema sector for the future.
The findings emphasise the critical role cinemas play in providing equitable access to cultural enrichment:
Cultural Access: For 10% of attendees, the festival was their first ever cinema trip. Furthermore, 19% of respondents identified school as their primary decision-maker for film outings, making educators a key provider of theatrical exposure for nearly 1 in 5 children and young people. At present, one in five primary and secondary pupils receive no enrichment activities in an average week, rising to one in four for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.[1] School trips to the cinema offer individual and collective cultural experiences that extend far beyond a standard school outing.
Building Community, Belonging and Wellbeing: Amid growing concerns around youth isolation, cinema offers a powerful space for connection. 70% of respondents reported that being at the cinema made them feel part of something bigger, citing that the communal setting fostered feelings of safety, community, and belonging. Cinemas can offer a unique space for social connection and shared experiences amongst their peers.
Positive, Responsible Screen Time: Contrasting mainstream concerns about screen use, the research highlights that screen use—when time-limited, overseen by trusted adults, and embedded in an in-person social setting—supports critical reflection, literacy, and academic confidence.
Drivers of Attendance: Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family proved to be the single strongest influence on film choice. While 74% described cinema visits as exciting special events, cost and winter seasonal factors heavily dictated personal leisure choices, with 11% choosing cinema as their top holiday activity.
Educational Impact & Focus:
67% reported enhanced imagination after watching a film in the cinema.
66% felt better equipped to communicate their thoughts.
64% engaged in follow-up film discussions with peers or teachers.
63% reported improved story comprehension and predictive skills.
36% noted improved classroom focus and concentration.
Over 50% reported an increased capacity to understand others’ feelings and experiences.
Designing cinema experiences that combine the appeal of the big-screen experience with community and educational partnerships, can strengthen local relationships and help nurture the next generation of cinemagoers.
Fiona Evans, CEO, Into Film and former teacher, said: “The Into Film Festival is unique in delivering access to culture for UK schools on such an incredible scale. Going to the cinema is a magical experience, full of opportunities for learning, empathy and inspiration.”
The annual Into Film Festival educator bookings and programme are now live:
