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COMMUNITY CLOTHING EVENT at THE PLEASANCE SPORTS COMPLEX
Are you a community group or service that could use some outdoor/sports clothing and footwear?
Join us for our Community Clothing Event! 
The details:
* Friday 23 October
* Midday-3pm
* ‘Hall of Fame’, Pleasance Sports Complex, 46 Pleasance (What3Words: ///coins.vanish.tiger)
* Please register to help us manage the day at https://edin.ac/4zjFDBN
We’ll have good quality, pre-used items collected from our students when they moved out of our halls.
If you can’t make it but could use some items, please email Sarah.morton@ed.ac.uk
Shout out to colleagues from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Accommodation and Events Services and University of Edinburgh Sport for making this happen.
Hope to see you there!
‘WE’LL TRANSFORM THIS FORMAL INDUSTRIAL SITE INTO A NEW COASTAL TOWN AND COMMUNITY’ – COUNCIL LEADER JANE MEAGHER
First Minister John Swinney has marked the start of construction on one of Scotland’s largest net zero housing developments as part of the latest chapter of Granton Waterfront regeneration,
The development will provide 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, 14 commercial units and a new primary school on former industrial land.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion transformation of Edinburgh’s waterfront that will create 3,500 homes, new leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The First Minister joined local school pupils at the site, including young people who have benefited from construction courses supported through Scottish Government investment in Granton’s regeneration.
John Swinney said: “This is one of the largest regeneration projects Scotland has seen in decades and a major vote of confidence in Edinburgh’s future.
“For years, people have looked across this waterfront and seen disused industrial land. Today, we are laying the foundations for a new community that will be home to thousands of people.
“Through our investment, hundreds of families will have affordable, energy-efficient homes as we transform Edinburgh’s waterfront into a thriving neighbourhood with new homes, schools and businesses.
“We are putting the people of Granton at the heart of this transformation, with better transport links, new green spaces, apprenticeships, skills training and investment in local organisations.”
Jane Meagher, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a big step forward for Granton and the whole city, as construction begins on the first phase of one of the largest public sector led regeneration projects of its time.
“Through our joint efforts we’ll transform this former industrial site into a new coastal town and community. It’s important that those living in neighbouring communities benefit from the investment we’re making in the area.
“Our Place Accelerator approach will ensure residents see the benefits, including more green spaces to enjoy and opportunities for local young people to gain hands on construction skills and qualifications through work on site.”
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, which works with Cruden Homes to deliver Granton Waterfront Construction Pathway courses for school and college pupils, said: “Edinburgh College has been at the heart of the Granton community for many years and we’re delighted to be involved in the next stage of its regeneration.
“Not only will this project provide hundreds of new homes in the area, this is already providing hundreds of opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the construction industry.
“These opportunities could be transformative for our learners – allowing them to gain vital skills and develop a career in the sector.”
A Queen Margaret University (QMU) student has won a national entrepreneurship award and £5,000 in funding for a business designed to help artists and theatre producers make better decisions using data.
Aisha Josiah, who is studying MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at QMU, received the Converge Performing & Production Arts Challenge Creative Fusion Prize 2026, sponsored by Mark Logan, for her business, ‘Stage Analytics’. The platform brings together information such as ticket sales, audience trends and reviews to give performing arts organisations real-time insights that can help with decisions on marketing, pricing and scheduling.
The idea was partly inspired by Aisha’s experience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where thousands of shows compete for audiences each year. Stage Analytics aims to address the lack of accessible data available to independent artists and producers, while supporting the sustainability of Scotland’s creative economy.
The £5,000 prize will help Aisha take the next steps in developing Stage Analytics and exploring its potential as a business supporting artists and producers across the sector.
Carolyn Low, Knowledge Exchange Manager at QMU whose role involves providing startup support to students, staff and graduates through QMU’s Startup Studio, said: “Aisha has taken an idea rooted in her own experience of the performing arts and developed it into a business with the potential to address a real challenge facing the sector.
“Being able to support students as they develop ideas like this is an important part of what we do at QMU. Converge gives them the opportunity to take those ideas further, gain valuable business experience and connect with people who can help make them a reality.”
Aisha was one of four QMU innovators to reach this year’s Converge final, with QMU originally having 11 entrepreneurs selected to take part in the 2026 programme. The four finalists represented the breadth of entrepreneurial activity at the University, spanning data and technology, theatre, cultural inclusion, sport and community development.
QMU also had a particularly strong showing in the Performing & Production Arts Challenge, with three of the six finalists coming from the University. Alongside Aisha, the finalists were QMU graduates Mirren McIver, founder of Four Door Theatre, and Lok Pui Lo, founder of ESEA Creatives.
This year, 123 participants entered the competition, with 34 finalists representing 15 Scottish universities. The 34 finalists were selected from across 15 of the 18 universities taking part in the programme, the widest pool of institutions represented in Converge’s 15-year history.
Converge Executive Director Adam Kosterka said: “This year’s finalists represent one of the strongest and most diverse cohorts in our history, spanning industries from healthcare to climate tech.
“Being selected among such a competitive field is a testament to the skill, creativity and commercial potential of all our winners.”
The Converge programme is supported by the Scottish Funding Council, universities and corporate partners. Since launching in 2011, it has trained more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and supported the creation of more than 500 companies.
Aisha’s success builds on a strong year for QMU in the Converge programme, highlighting the range of entrepreneurial ideas emerging from the University’s creative and cultural community.
Her achievement was announced at the Converge Awards ceremony at Barony Hall in Glasgow, which celebrates promising university entrepreneurs and business ideas from across Scotland.
To find out more about the programme and the projects it supports visit Converge.
Eleven members of the public and six emergency service workers have been presented with Brave@Heart awards by First Minister John Swinney.
Among those commended for acts of courage and bravery are two Police Constables who rescued a man from a burning property despite heavy smoke and risk of the suspect being armed, a Police Constable who faced an armed and aggressive male who pursued officers with a chainsaw, and a member of the public who demonstrated notable courage preventing further risk to the public.
Another winner included a man who helped a mother rescue her two young children from a burning car, saving both their lives, and a four year old child who was able to call 999 after his mother suffered an asthma attack.
Mr Swinney also presented Police Constable Stephen Barr, Donald McNeil, Robert Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha Javid and Usman Javid with St Andrew’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional bravery.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Brave@Heart Awards recognise some of the very best of Scotland, celebrating people who have shown exceptional courage, selflessness and determination in the face of challenging circumstances.
“The recipients we honour today include dedicated emergency service workers and members of the public. They are united by the extraordinary actions they took when others needed help most. Their bravery has saved lives, protected others from harm and made a lasting difference.
“It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and to thank them for their service to others. Their stories are an inspiration and a powerful reminder that courage can be found in every community.”
Chair of the Validation Panel David Garbutt CBE QPM said: “As Chair of the Brave@Heart Validation Panel it has been an honour and a privilege to hear of so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens and members of the emergency services in Scotland.
“This year has been no exception and we have been impressed by the actions of all the recipients of awards in the service of others. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the senior members of the Emergency Services who were members of the Validation Panel.”
The Centre, Livingston has teamed up with its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, to give one lucky shopper the chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 HEV Summit in time for Christmas – marking the culmination of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year.
For the last four years the shopping centre has raised almost £20k for the charity, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
Generous shoppers have been digging deep at everything from Elf Walks and fashion events to a film night and seasonal kids’ workshops.
To help raise even more awareness of the incredible work the charity does and raise vital funds, one lucky shopper will get the chance to win a brand-new car, which is located next to New Look – and just in time for Christmas!
Entry into the competition to win the car, which has been supplied by Western Chery, is £1, with all proceeds going to CHAS. The prize also includes 12 months road tax.
Entries close on the 10th December, with the winner being announced on the 11th December. Please see all Terms & Conditions at www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Gary Anderson, Operations Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to be supporting CHAS this year, which is also a very special milestone for us as we mark the 50th anniversary of the shopping centre – and what better way to culminate our celebrations than to give away a car in time for Christmas.
“All proceeds raised in the competition will allow the charity to continue to provide specialist care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “The team at The Centre, Livingston and their wonderful shoppers have shown CHAS so much kindness over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
“This generous giveaway will help us be there for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, providing specialist care, comfort and opportunities to make precious memories together.
“Thank you to everyone making it possible and everyone who takes part. You’ll be helping families across Scotland when they need it most, with the chance of a very special Christmas surprise of your own!”
FAIR WORK
Queens Manor Care Home in Barnton will be opening their doors to the local community on Saturday 24th October 2026.
Taking place between 10am – 4pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cream cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home and gardens.
Margaret-Ann, General Manager at Queens Manor Care Home says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Queens Manor will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Responding to Scottish Emergency Department performance figures for August 2026, Dr Fiona Hunter, Scotland Vice President at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “These figures show that Scottish EDs continue to operate under sustained and unacceptable pressure, having experienced the worst August on record in terms of four-hour performance.”
Performance figures showed that:
Dr Hunter said: “There has been no let up at all during the summer, and we worry about what lies ahead in winter – although it is very clear that seasonal pressures are a thing of the past and we are now in a state of year-round permacrisis.
“Overcrowding is rife – putting lives at risk – and too many patients remain in hospital despite being medically fit for discharge, which reduces bed availability and creates exit block in Emergency Departments.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition that improving patient flow through hospitals is vital, but recognition must be backed by urgent action.
“We need to see increased social care capacity, consistent seven-day discharge processes – as well as wider hospital services working extended hours – and shared responsibility for patient flow across the health system.”
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the need for greater specialist expertise in education and more proactive, preventative healthcare for people with cerebral palsy.
Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, visited Cerebral Palsy Scotland’s specialist therapy centre in Glasgow on Wednesday 23 September, meeting children, young people and families with lived experience of cerebral palsy, alongside the charity’s multidisciplinary team of specialist therapists.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the experiences of children and young people with cerebral palsy in education, as well as the importance of ensuring people with the condition can access appropriate specialist support throughout their lives.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Every child and young person should be supported to participate fully in education, to be included in their school community and to achieve their potential.
“Cerebral palsy can affect learning, participation and wellbeing and it has been valuable to see the specialist expertise available through Cerebral Palsy Scotland and discuss the importance of ensuring support is responsive to individual needs.
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with partners to drive improvement in additional support for learning. That’s why we invest more than £11 million annually to directly fund services to children and families, including support for pupils with complex needs.”
During conversations with the Education Secretary, the charity raised concerns about the support available to children and young people with cerebral palsy within education.
Cerebral palsy can affect learning and participation in ways that extend beyond physical access to a classroom. Pain, fatigue, communication needs, processing speed, concentration, fine motor skills, energy levels, toileting and self-care can all affect a child or young person’s educational experience and wellbeing.
Yet these needs are not consistently being met, with many children and young people with cerebral palsy lacking access to the specialist support and adjustments they need to fully participate in education and reach their potential.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland is calling for greater access to specialist knowledge, expertise and advice across all educational settings, including early years, primary and secondary schools, schools supporting children and young people with additional support needs, and further education settings.
The charity also wants to see improved support for pupils who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and assessment based on individual need.
While discussions with the Education Secretary focused on education, Cerebral Palsy Scotland also highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to health and wellbeing across the lifespan of people with cerebral palsy.
The Scottish Government currently provides £2 million each year to NHS Boards to deliver annual health checks for people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities. The programme aims to address health inequalities and identify unmet health needs, with the Scottish Government describing annual health checks as an important part of preventing premature deaths and improving health outcomes.
There has also been investment of £3 million by the Scottish Government into heart and lung MOTs, to be delivered by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. Cerebral Palsy Scotland believes there is an opportunity to build on this approach and develop a specialist annual health and wellbeing review for people with cerebral palsy.
Stephanie Fraser, Chief Executive of Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Education Secretary and to share directly with her the experiences of children and young people with cerebral palsy and their families.
“We want to see greater access to specialist knowledge and support within education, so that people with cerebral palsy are able to successfully engage in learning and teachers, early years professionals and support staff better understand the diverse ways cerebral palsy can affect understanding, communication, physical health and wellbeing.
“This is particularly important for children and young people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and we want to see assessment and support arrangements that properly reflect individual need.
“We are calling for a more proactive approach to supporting people with cerebral palsy. The Scottish Government has recognised the value of annual health checks for people with learning disabilities and heart and lung checks for those more likely to experience poorer health outcomes. This approach helps to identify needs earlier and connect people with the right treatment and support.
“We believe people with cerebral palsy deserve the same opportunity to benefit from a proactive approach to preventative and specialist care. Cerebral Palsy Scotland has the specialist expertise to work alongside NHS, education and statutory services to help make this possible, and we are keen to work constructively with the Scottish Government to improve outcomes for people with cerebral palsy throughout their lives.”
Cerebral Palsy Scotland will continue to work with the Scottish Government to identify opportunities to improve outcomes for people with cerebral palsy across Scotland, from early years through to late adulthood.
