Amber weather warning

SGORR meets to prepare for stormy conditions

Ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for strong, windy conditions from Storm Boelo, which are predicted to impact the whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles this weekend.

SGORR convened yesterday after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind from 9pm tonight (Saturday 24 October) lasting 24 hours.

It also follows heavy rain from Storm Austen, which has caused an increased risk of flooding in some areas.

The meeting was chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and was attended by a number of agencies involved in the response, including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office.

Ms Somerville said: “Much of Scotland will experience very high winds this weekend, and people should be aware of the potential impacts of the Met Office’s amber alert, which includes transport and power disruption.

“The wind, coupled with the rain brought by Storm Austen, means that travel conditions could be dangerous and I would urge anyone planning travel to check their journey and follow all relevant advice before setting off.

“Our resilience and emergency system, SGORR, has now been activated to co-ordinate our response, and I am grateful for the work of partners across the country to keep everyone safe.

“SGORR will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public.”

Police travel advice has been issued following an amber weather warning for high winds across the majority of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued the weather warning for all of the Scottish mainland and islands off the west coast. This warning is in place from 9pm on Saturday 24 October, 2026, until 9pm on Sunday, 25 October.

A yellow wind warning is also in place covering the same area, also including Orkney, from 12pm on Saturday, 24 October.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.

“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police. 

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.

“Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”

Further information about the weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.

SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and you can find more information about flood updates on their website.

Safer Scotland: Firework sales

While many enjoy Bonfire Night, fireworks can be harmful if used incorrectly. To help keep everyone safe firework restrictions are in place.

Remember, it’s illegal to provide a firework to someone under the age of 18, with the exception of F1 fireworks like sparklers.

Find more safety advice here ➡️https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/fire…/firework-safety/

#FireworkSafety

Free Halloween costume exchange comes to Fort Kinnaird

Families in Edinburgh will be able to pick up a free Halloween costume this October, as Fort Kinnaird has partnered with The Leith Collective to launches a spooky costume exchange from today – Friday 23rd October.

Shoppers are invited to donate outfits their children have grown out of or no longer need, from witches and wizards to superheroes, skeletons, pumpkins and vampires, ready for another child to enjoy.

Donations can be dropped off in store and should be clean, in good, wearable condition and free from significant damage or missing pieces.

Families will then be able to browse the collection of pre-loved costumes and take home an outfit completely free of charge, whether or not they have donated a costume themselves.

Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, said: “Halloween costumes are often only worn once or twice before children grow out of them, and many end up sitting at the back of a wardrobe when they could be enjoyed by another family.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to our school uniform and winter coat exchanges, and we wanted to do something similar for Halloween. Buying new costumes every year is another expense for families, so we’d encourage anyone with outfits they no longer need to bring them along and help others enjoy Halloween without the extra cost.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Halloween is always an exciting time for families, but we know the cost of costumes can quickly add up, particularly when children have outgrown last year’s outfit.

“Our partnership with The Leith Collective has brought some brilliant initiatives to the centre, and this is another simple way for our local community to support one another. We’d love to see as many families as possible getting involved, whether that’s donating costumes they no longer need or picking up something new to them in time for Halloween.”

The Leith Collective showcases the work of more than 300 artists and makers from across Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle and reclaim.

It resells items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill, and all of its stores host a range of creative workshops focused on sustainability.

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Green Councillors demand action on Kinauld Tan Works Footbridge

Edinburgh Green councillors have tabled an emergency motion to Full Council following the sudden closure of the Kinauld Tan Works Footbridge on the Water of Leith.

Earlier this week, local councillors and stakeholders were informed that the bridge would be closed for a “substantial period” until “substantial repairs or bridge replacement is undertaken”. The update was shared by Currie Community Council on their facebook page.

Edinburgh Greens Transport Spokesperson, Cllr Chas Booth, said: “Kinauld Tan Works Footbridge facilitates the only safe and accessible active travel route between Currie and Balerno and is an integral part of Cycle Network 75.

“The signed diversion sends people along an extremely dangerous and congested section of Lanark Road. It’s outrageous that issues with such a vital link haven’t been picked up until this point. I

“’ve tabled an emergency motion to Edinburgh Council to ask for urgent action to repair or replace the bridge, with a temporary structure put in place if required. I’ve also asked to see copies of previous structure inspection reports to find out why this was not picked up earlier.”

Cllr Booth continued: “Following the unexpected closure of St Mark’s Park bridge earlier in the year, this incident raises serious questions about whether this council administration is doing enough to ensure our vital network of pedestrian and cycle bridges is being given the maintenance and inspection is deserves.

“Green councillors will continue to press this administration on this issue.”

The bridge was closed temporarily in June 2026 after a hole appeared in the summer but was deemed safe to reopen last month. The recommendation to close the bridge comes after investigatory works that included roped access to assess the underside of the bridge.

World-first taskforce to protect communities from climate change

Communities across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change and nature loss

  • UK Government holds a world-first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce meeting to better prepare for the impacts of climate change and nature loss
  • Leading experts from across security, military, academia and industry join forces to assess risks and find solutions to the climate and nature threats to national security   
  • Following the UK’s hottest summer on record, and the world bracing for the impacts of a super El Niño, government takes action to protect communities and families

COMMUNITIES across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change, as the world’s first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce met for the first time this week.

The taskforce will make independent recommendations to help shape government’s approach to tackling national and international climate security challenges, and to help ensure Britain can best prepare itself for the climate crisis.

The Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, will chair the inaugural meeting, alongside Baroness Fiona Twycross. The taskforce brings together experts from across the fields of climate, nature and security to assess the UK’s readiness for security challenges created by climate change and nature loss – including General Richard Nugee, Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group and Rosie Hails, Director of Science for the National Trust.  

The taskforce will establish the most significant climate and nature security risks facing the UK and define a clear vision for a more climate- and nature-secure UK.  This comes as the UK has experienced a series of extreme weather events over the past year, including record-breaking heatwaves, severe drought conditions, wildfires and rising flood risks.

Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said: “This summer, we saw homes destroyed, families evacuated and huge stretches of our British countryside scorched by wildfires. Climate change isn’t some distant problem to worry about tomorrow, it’s happening right now. 

“National security starts at home, protecting the people and places we love. That’s why our new taskforce brings together some of Britain’s best minds, from military leaders to climate scientists and security experts, to get ahead of these threats, take greater control of our future and make Britain stronger, safer and ready for whatever comes next.”

General Richard Nugee said: “The ministerial taskforce is a significant step forward.

“It offers the opportunity for real change to be proposed and delivered to ensure that this country is more resilient to the shocks from nature loss and climate change that are likely to occur in the future.”

Erin Sikorsky, Director at the Centre for Climate Risks and Security, said: “This summer’s heatwaves and wildfires made clear that climate change is already a security problem.

“The question now is how to prepare, prevent, and adapt going forward. I commend the UK government for taking that question seriously, and I’m honoured to join the taskforce to identify recommendations for the climate resilience and security investments the UK and its partners need.”

The impacts of climate change stretch to almost every corner of Britain’s way of life – from migration to energy systems, supply chains and financial stability – and this taskforce will boost the UK’s preparedness for these security challenges. 

The taskforce – formally titled the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce – has a clear set of objectives: 

  • identify key gaps and help prioritise the most significant climate- and nature-related risks to UK national and international security and resilience, ensuring existing evidence is translated into clear, actionable policy priorities
  • review and challenge work on security and resilience in response to global climate change impacts and nature loss and make recommendations to improve the UK’s preparedness and response to these threats
  • identify and recommend opportunities and areas of focus in addressing climate and nature-related security risks, including where the UK can strengthen resilience, secure advantage and shape outcomes internationally
  • support the development of an actionable UK approach to climate and nature security by clearly defining gaps and opportunities and providing recommendations to enhance preparedness, resilience and international influence.

Tour de France route revealed as Edinburgh prepares for historic Grand Départ

Edinburgh will host the start of the 2027 Tour de France on Friday 2 July next year, with the route for the historic opening stage from the Scottish capital to Carlisle officially unveiled in Paris.

The 184km opening stage of the Grand Départ will take riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, before continuing through Dumfries and Galloway to Carlisle. It will mark the first time the Tour de France has visited Scotland, bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the country.

The Edinburgh leg of the route will begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then: Royal Mile – North Bridge – Princes Street – The Mound – Lawnmarket – Castle esplanade – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lady Lawson Street – Grassmarket – Victoria Street – George IV Bridge – Chambers Street – South Bridge – Newington Road – Cameron Toll – Liberton Road – Gilmerton Road – then on to Midlothian.

Council Leader Jane Meagher attended today’s official route reveal in Paris, alongside students from Portobello High School who have been taking part in the Girls Cycling Programme.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Hosting the Grand Départ is a huge moment for Edinburgh and for Scotland. Our city has built a strong reputation for delivering major international events, and the Tour de France gives us another incredible opportunity to show the world what makes Edinburgh such a special place.

“But this is about more than the race itself. We want people across our communities to feel part of the occasion and to benefit from the opportunities it brings. From celebrating our city on the international stage to inspiring more people to get on their bikes, I’m confident the legacy of the Tour will go well beyond the opening day.

“We’ll be working with national active travel partners and local community organisations to create opportunities for people to get involved and discover how cycling  can play a bigger part in their everyday lives. The Girls Cycling Programme is a great example of how we can help more young people, particularly girls, build confidence and enjoy the benefits of cycling.

“As we look ahead to next July, our priority is to make this a moment that Edinburgh’s people can share in and feel proud of, while striking the right balance between welcoming visitors and meeting the needs of those who live and work here all year round.”

Further details on community activities and preparations for the Grand Départ will be announced in the coming months.

Find out more on the Forever Edinburgh website.

Edinburgh-based library service showcases power to transform communities on SLIC Awards shortlist

The National Library of Scotland has been shortlisted for the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards, celebrating the teams and projects transforming communities across the country.

From tackling social isolation and widening access to learning to bringing people together through creativity, this year’s nominations span a diverse range of initiatives across the Team of the Year and Project Excellence categories.

This year’s awards also mark the launch of the Jacqueline Geekie Award for Excellence in Digital Innovation, recognising individuals or teams who embody the creativity, collaboration and encouragement of the late Jacqueline Geekie, a valued colleague and digital pioneer within Scotland’s library community.

Selected by an independent judging panel led by SLIC Chair Alan Clarke, alongside guest judges Garrett Baylor Stell, a journalist with The Herald’s specialist education team, and Susan Calcluth, Scotland Lead for the National Year of Reading 2026, the shortlist recognises six teams and projects that together demonstrate the breadth of ambition and impact across Scotland’s library sector.

The National Library of Scotland has been shortlisted for the Project Excellence Award 2026 with their project Experiences of Rain. This intercultural project explored rain as a shared element of natural and cultural heritage, bringing together seven co-creators with lived experience of migration to share memories, stories and cultural perspectives.

Through creative workshops at the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, participants explored Library collections and worked with poet and storyteller Dr Tawona Sitholé and sound artist Ros Fraser to create a sound installation for the library’s 2026 Rain exhibition.

The project supported intercultural learning, creativity and connection, with the installation forming a central part of the exhibition, which attracted a record 28,531 visitors in its first two months.

The three services shortlisted for ‘Team of the Year 2026’ are–

  • Glasgow Life – Libraries Development Team: Delivered Wee Write Book Festival 2026, which reached 2,681 pupils through its education programme and welcomed more than 1,000 attendees to Family Day.
  • Midlothian Library Service: Expanded the role of libraries as community hubs through literacy initiatives, cost-of-living support, digital inclusion and accessible services shaped around local needs.
  • University of Glasgow – Library and Information Studies MSc Team: Established a new CILIP-accredited postgraduate qualification, creating a flexible route into the profession and developing the skills needed by future library and information specialists.

The other services shortlisted for ‘Project Excellence 2026’ are –

  • Glasgow Life – EDI Change Making: Leadership Insights & Practice Development: Built national expertise in inclusive library services through a leadership programme completed by 81 participants from 13 local authorities, delivering more than 1,500 hours of learning.
  • Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow – Maximising Audubon’s The Birds of America: Combined conservation and digitisation with public engagement, increasing visitors to the collection from 351 to 1,478 in just four months.

The winners will be announced at the SLIC Showcase and AGM on Friday 6 November 2026 at The Barracks in Stirling, alongside the winner of the inaugural Jacqueline Geekie Award, established as a lasting tribute to Jacqueline’s contribution to the profession and the encouragement she gave colleagues to explore new possibilities.

SLIC Chair Alan Clarke said: “Across Scotland, teams are developing services that respond to changing community needs, opening up new opportunities for learning and creativity, and making collections and expertise accessible to more people.

“This year’s shortlist reflects that ambition, with projects and teams demonstrating both measurable results and meaningful change for the people they serve. The introduction of the Jacqueline Geekie Award is also an important opportunity to recognise the role of digital innovation in shaping the future of libraries, while celebrating a colleague who inspired so many across our sector.

“Congratulations to all those shortlisted. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at our Showcase and AGM in November.”

The SLIC Awards are open to all SLIC member libraries, which includes public library services, further and higher education libraries, and specialist libraries across Scotland.

This year’s awards recognise work undertaken between June 2025 and June 2026.

Applications for South Queensferry ‘Community Chest’ funding for local groups now open

The Community Chest initiative, which is being run by Queensferry & District Community Council (QDDC) and supported by homebuilder Cala Homes, opened to applications on Monday 19 October 2026

A significant financial boost for groups around South Queensferry has been made available through a funding initiative for the third consecutive year.

The Community Chest will see an overall total of £5,000 distributed to local organisations.

The project aims to support the diverse range of voluntary groups that exist within the town, as well as cultural, environmental and sports clubs, with applicants able to apply for up to £1,000 of funding each.

The initiative is being coordinated by QDDC and financially backed by award-winning local housebuilder Cala Homes (East), which has committed the donation through its Community Pledge programme of support for the area.

Applications opened on Monday 19 October 2026, with groups now able to apply to the grant before the deadline on Monday 16 November 2026.

A panel comprising QDCC and Cala representatives will formally review all applications by Monday 7 December, and will announce successful recipients of the funding by Monday 14 December.

Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry & District Community Council, said: “QDCC is delighted to once again support the Cala Community Chest on behalf of the community for the third consecutive year.

“The initiative provides valuable sponsorship to a wide range of local interest groups, with 18 groups benefiting from Cala’s support over the past two years.”

Last year, the Community Chest made donations to groups including Edinburgh Water Sports, Longcraig Scout Centre, Ferry Fair Festival, and Friends of Dalmeny Primary School.

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re thrilled to continue supporting local groups in South Queensferry through the Community Chest initiative.

“This project forms a key part of our Community Pledge for the area, which is designed to bring measurable and meaningful benefit to the town and the people living in it.

“Collaborating with communities on initiatives that really make a difference help us forge even stronger connections with the areas in which we build, and we are excited to be continuing our close work with QDDC on this project.

“We are looking forward to learning about the groups which will benefit from this additional funding and watch them make a real difference to the lives of the people living in the town.”

To apply for a funding grant, visit:

https://www.queensferrycommunitycouncil.co.uk/uncategorized/qdcc-cala-community-chest/.

Cala’s Rosebery Wynd development in South Queensferry is a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes plus one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

To learn more about the range of support initiatives announced for South Queensferry as part of Cala’s Community Pledge initiative, visit:

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/rosebery-wynd-south-queensferry/community-pledge/.

Aldi calls on Edinburgh residents to revive Halloween guising

More than one third of local shoppers fear children are missing out on the once beloved tradition 

Aldi is calling on Scots to bring the magic of traditional Halloween guising back to their neighbourhoods, after new research revealed that 60 per cent of people from Edinburgh believe fewer people take part in the tradition now than when they were children. 

The research, carried out by ScotPulse, Scotland’s largest research panel, and commissioned by Aldi Scotland, also found that more than one third of people from Edinburgh (38%) believe children are missing out on the traditional Halloween experience.  

Less than half of people from Edinburgh (39%) will be opening their door to entertain guisers this spooky season, and less than one-third (29%) of adults from Edinburgh with children or grandchildren aged 11 and under plan to take them trick or treating.  

A third of people surveyed from Edinburgh (33%) say they are less likely to answer the door to guisers than they were five years ago.  

In response, Aldi Scotland is encouraging families to keep the much-loved tradition alive by dressing up and going guising this Halloween. To add a treat to the trick, the supermarket will give a £10 voucher to ten lucky children who visit an Aldi store in costume and are selected as ‘best-dressed’ winners on Aldi Scotland social channels.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Halloween is such a special time for children, and guising is a big part of what makes it memorable. It’s about more than just collecting sweets; it’s an opportunity for children to get dressed up, have fun and feel part of their local community. 

“With our research suggesting that fewer people are taking part in guising, we’re encouraging communities to rally together this year to help keep the tradition alive. Whether that’s getting the costumes ready, stocking up on treats for little visitors or heading out guising with the family, everyone can play a part in making Halloween special for children.” 

For those heading out, the research has revealed that a good joke remains the way to win over the neighbours. More than half of Scots (56%) would expect a child to tell a joke when guising, making it by far the most popular performance, ahead of singing a song (11%) or reciting a poem (2%). 

Aldi is also encouraging households to prepare for Halloween by stocking up on treats for visiting guisers. While pumpkins have become a familiar fixture of the season, families can also embrace Scotland’s Halloween heritage by carving a neep (a swede), as generations did before pumpkins became commonplace. 

  • Carving pumpkins from £1.69  
  • Swede from £0.62 
  • Sweets from £0.45 

Aldi Scotland is giving ten of its best-dressed guisers a £10 voucher to treat themselves this Halloween.  

To be in with a chance of winning, parents and guardians should share a photo of their little guiser in spooktacular fancy dress inside or outside one of Aldi’s Scottish stores between 26 and 31 October, tagging @AldiScotland on Instagram or Facebook.  

You can find your nearest Aldi store here. 

Terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/scotland/terms-and-conditions/competitions  

To Be Seen: Granton Youth take over Edinburgh’s billboards 

Nine young people from Granton Youth took over Edinburgh’s billboards this week, seeing their bold self-portraits displayed on a giant scale for the first time. Following creative workshops inspired by the National Galleries of Scotland’s Catherine Opie: To Be Seen exhibition, exploring identity and self-expression, the group gathered to see their very own photographs displayed across the city.

This marked a proud moment for the young people whose voices and stories are now impossible to miss. Working with the National Galleries of Scotland and in partnership with BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland, their larger-than-life self-portraits have transformed public spaces across the city into a powerful celebration of youth, identity and visibility.

One of the world’s greatest living photographers, Opie’s exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building in Edinburgh celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, telling stories of identity, family, love, belonging and community.

Featuring 80 striking portraits the exhibition places Opie’s powerful photographs alongside historic works from the national art collection, creating new narratives and challenging audiences to consider who is seen, celebrated and overlooked in art. With only one week left to see this inspiring exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen is open now until 1 November.

Taking inspiration from their own experience in the exhibition, the group from Granton Youth worked with artist Matthew Arthur Williams and supporting artist MV Brown, over six sessions to create their own photographs.

The workshops invited the young people to explore portraiture and identity through both analogue and digital photography. Working in a pop-up photography studio at the National Galleries Scotland: National, participants selected their own props and backdrops, made creative decisions about how they wanted to be represented, and considered how photography can communicate personal and collective stories.

The resulting artworks, brought together under the theme of what it means ‘to be seen’ offer a powerful and authentic reflection of the group’s experiences, personalities and perspectives.

The large-scale installations featuring their portraits are now displayed on BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland poster and billboard sites across the city, sharing their stories and photos.

You’ll find these inspiring self-portraits on billboards at sites including Wishaw Terrace, Dundee Street, London Road (Meadowbank), as well as posters featuring artworks across Edinburgh.

Beda Rose, a participant from Granton Youth, said: ‘It’s amazing seeing the billboards! I think the photos are really artistic and it’s not just photos of people doing nothing.

“It shows photos of people in a way that deserves to be shown.’

Holly Yeoman, Community Development Officer at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘It’s really important for young people’s voices to be heard and for them to be seen.

“We’re living in complex times, and to be able to use the Catherine Opie exhibition as an opportunity to bring young people of different ages and backgrounds together to discuss topics of identity, self-expression, friendship and family through creativity is meaningful.

“Now, these works are in the public, and will catch the attention of people who might not know anything about Catherine Opie, Granton Youth and the National Galleries of Scotland, these intriguing portraits invite people into the worlds of young people and what it truly means ‘to be seen.

“Catherine Opie has been really supportive of a project like this happening, as she knows how important it is to create space for sharing stories, creating connection, and the power of exploring this in through photography.”