“What’s On” w/b 19th October at Blackhall library
On Monday we still have 2 Dinosoaur’s activities for children:
– 2pm Dino Paper Puppets craft workshop for kids 4-10 years old
– 3.30pm Lego Club – building Dinos and their habitats for kids 5+
Events are free, booking not needed, but children under the age 8 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.
NEXT BLOCK OF CLASSES BEGINS ON TUESDAY EVENING
Relaxing, untutored life drawing classes at Granton Hub.
What better way to spend your autumn evenings than developing your skills of observation and drawing in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere?
Four week block of classes begins next week on Tuesday 20 October 6.30-8.30pm.
See you there!
A new digital platform for recording, transcribing and translating spoken Gaelic has been awarded £600,000 through the CivTech innovation programme.
AITEAL – which means “ray of light” – will help in developing advanced technologies, including AI, for Gaelic speakers.
The project will initially create four jobs including three fieldworker posts in rural and island communities and a dedicated Project Manager. Over 18 months, the team will record up to 500 hours of high-quality spoken Gaelic in the Western Isles and Skye.
This data can then be used to improve existing technologies like speech-to-text software or develop new ones such as Gaelic AI chatbots. It could also be used to make educational resources or automated transcription and subtitling services.
AITEAL has been created by the Gaelic arts organisation Fèisean nan Gàidheal alongside the charity Community Enterprise and digital technology partner Northcode Digital.
It is one of the successful projects to benefits from Round 11 of the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme, which provides critical support to some of Scotland’s most promising and growing tech start-ups, harnessing their creative talent and innovation to improve public services.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “The lack of data on Scottish Gaelic presents a significant barrier in developing technologies for Gaelic speakers. AITEAL aims to overcome this, ensuring Gaelic language and culture thrive.
“This exciting project will enrich communities, safeguard cultural heritage and unlock economic opportunities, providing lasting benefits for Gaelic speakers.
“AITEAL has the potential to be of international significance as it can provide a model which other languages can follow to overcome digital inequality.”
CEO of Fèisean nan Gàidheal and Director of AITEAL Limited Calum Alex Macmillan said: “We look forward to working directly with Gaelic speakers in their communities, recording the language as it is naturally spoken and capturing the richness of its dialects and idioms in everyday use.
“AITEAL presents exciting opportunities to make Gaelic more accessible and usable across all aspects of community life, from education and healthcare to public services, workplaces and everyday interactions in our communities.
“The company’s ambition extends beyond the initial 18-month development and data collection phase. Established to provide long-term stewardship of both the project’s linguistic resources and supporting technology, AITEAL will oversee the management, governance and future development of the data. It also creates potential opportunities for future specialist roles as the initiative grows and evolves.”
Refugee and asylum-seeker stories are being preserved for future generations as the Trojan Women Project expands its living oral archive into Scotland, following a series of sold-out performances in Stirling.
Founded in 2013 by award-winning foreign correspondent and filmmaker Charlotte Eagar and award-winning filmmaker William Stirling, the project combines oral history, theatre and storytelling to give people who have fled war, persecution and political oppression the opportunity to tell their own stories.
The project’s latest expansion has seen refugees and asylum seekers from Ukrainian, Afghan, Sudanese, Syrian and other backgrounds come together with local people in Stirling. Weekly workshops combining drama, storytelling and oral history culminated in sold-out performances at Macrobert Arts Centre on 24 and 25 September.
Alongside the performances, participants are creating a permanent oral-history archive intended to be housed at the University of Stirling, preserving first-hand accounts of displacement as part of Scotland’s historical record.
Its podcast, ‘Why Am I In Your Country?’, forms the public-facing part of the growing archive. Hosted by Eagar, Stirling and Luna Laurenti, it takes listeners beyond the statistics and headlines to hear directly from refugees and asylum seekers about the lives they left behind, the events that forced them to flee and what happened when they arrived in Britain.
The stories collected through the project illustrate the personal histories behind migration, from Iranian photographer Mina – who describes surveillance and restrictions on women in Iran, the aftermath of the death of Mahsa Amini in state custody in 2022, and the experiences that eventually led her to flee the country – to Afghan artist and former Afghan Businesswoman of the Year Samira Kitman, who describes escaping Afghanistan after receiving death threats and her efforts to preserve the work of Afghan artists.
Charlotte Eagar, co-founder of the Trojan Women Project, said: “Refugees are often talked about in terms of numbers, crises and headlines, but behind every statistic is a human life, a family, a history and a story that deserves to be heard.
“We created the Trojan Women Project because we believe those stories should not disappear when the news moves on.
“By recording people’s experiences in their own words and preserving them as an oral archive, we are creating a lasting record of what displacement actually means, not just for those living through it today, but for generations to come.”
William Stirling, co-founder of the Trojan Women Project, continued: “Drama is an ‘archive of human emotion’, capturing not only what happened to people, but their memories, voices and lived experiences.
“Theatre gives people a different way to tell their stories. When someone stands on stage and speaks about what they have lived through, it becomes something shared between the person telling the story, the people listening and the community around them. That is why we see the archive and the theatre as inseparable: one preserves the voice, while the other allows that voice to be heard”
With 16 episodes currently available, ‘Why Am I In Your Country?’ continues to grow alongside the archive, which brings together recorded testimony, podcast interviews, performance and the memories generated through the project’s workshops.
For Eagar and Stirling, the archive is about preserving more than facts and dates. Drawing on Euripides’ 2,400-year-old tragedy ‘The Trojan Women’, which centres on civilians displaced by war, the project uses theatre as a way for contemporary refugees to explore and share their own experiences.
The Scottish project builds on more than a decade of work by the Trojan Women Project. In Hounslow, approximately 120 refugees and asylum seekers took part in 40 workshops over 11 months, culminating in a 2025 production featuring participants from communities including Syria, Palestine, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran.
The oral-history material is intended to be housed at Gunnersbury Park Museum.
For more information about Trojan Women Project, please visit the official website.
To listen to the podcast, please visit: Why Am I In Your Country? on Apple Podcasts
Interested in Scottish History? Our group has 2 spaces available!
Our Scottish History group meets every Wednesday from 10am–12pm, exploring Scotland’s fascinating past with group leader Derek.
The group runs in 8-week blocks, with each class costing just £4. There are also some fabulous trips out with Derek to enjoy along the way!
Fancy joining us? Get in touch to book your space:
0131 315 4989
Or send us a message on Facebook
COSLA: The European Charter of Local Self-Government can shape the future of Scotland’s public services:
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From finding his feet in a new country to pursuing his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer, 14-year-old Dmytro Miskov is looking to the future with support from Scottish charity Mission of Innocents.
When Dmytro Miskov arrived in Scotland with his mum in 2023, he faced the challenge of adjusting to a new country, a new language and an unfamiliar life.
Now living in North Lanarkshire, he has made new friends, grown in confidence and is pursuing his childhood dream of becoming an aircraft engineer, with help from Mission of Innocents.
The charity, which supports children and families affected by war, conflict and displacement, has been part of Dmytro’s journey since his early days in Scotland, helping him build confidence, develop his interests and look positively towards his future.
Dmytro’s fascination with engineering began when he was just five years old. He loved building things so much that he asked his mum to enrol him in a Lego course, and that childhood interest has since developed into an ambition to work with aircraft.
After meeting Dmytro at the opening of Mission of Innocents’ arts centre in Edinburgh, an STV News reporter worked with the charity to arrange a special visit to Loganair at Glasgow Airport, bringing him one step closer to his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer.
During the visit, Dmytro explored the airline’s hangar, met engineers and learned about the qualifications and training needed to enter the profession. He also got hands-on experience, including removing a tyre from an aircraft wheel.
Dmytro said: “I really enjoyed the visit to the Loganair hangar and main office. I had the opportunity to ask the engineers lots of questions that will help me in the future, such as what qualifications they needed for the job and where they studied after school.
“Throughout the whole trip I was so happy and excited to see what was next. I felt like I was in the place where I want to work in the future, and after the trip I decided that I will definitely become an aircraft engineer and do my best to get this job.”
Lyn MacDonald, director of marketing, communications and product at Loganair, said: “Dmytro has come a long way since arriving in Scotland in 2023, and his enthusiasm stood out to our engineers from the moment he walked into our Glasgow hangar.
“Our colleagues showed him the work that keeps our fleet flying to communities across Scotland, and he got hands-on from the very first minute.
“Aviation needs young talent with Dmytro’s drive, and we hope this visit is the first step towards a career that one day brings him back to a hangar like ours.”
Dmytro’s journey reflects the wider work of Mission of Innocents, which has supported children and families affected by war and displacement since 2023.
Through creative programmes including art, music, dance and storytelling, the charity helps young people rebuild their confidence, form friendships and maintain their cultural identity, while creating opportunities for them to explore their interests and look positively towards the future.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said: “Dmytro stood out from the very beginning. I remember him, aged eight, walking onto a makeshift stage on the vessel and reciting Ukrainian poetry from memory with a poise beyond his years.
“To see how much his confidence has grown since then, now speaking English and pursuing his passion for aviation, is incredibly special. His journey from those first uncertain days in Scotland to where he is today is exactly what Mission of Innocents is about – helping young people rebuild their confidence, discover what they’re passionate about and look forward to their future.”
For Dmytro, the experience has strengthened his determination to become an aircraft engineer, and he is now focused on his studies and the steps needed to turn his ambition into a career.
Innovation Minister Alyn Smith has confirmed £10 million investment to develop two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) for Scotland.
Plans are underway to allocate sites in the east and west of the country to support the development of skills for well-paid careers in areas such as defence engineering, advanced manufacturing and maritime technology.
Along with Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn, Mr Smith has today written to Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard and Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander, to confirm the Scottish Government will match UK Government funding needed to underpin future industrial growth and competitiveness.
Mr Smith said: “Scotland is well placed to seize the opportunities arising out of the defence industry – with a highly skilled workforce, world-class colleges and universities and internationally recognised manufacturing.
“DTECs will allow workers to upskill and connect the next generation to opportunities in sectors where demand for a highly-skilled workforce is rising rapidly.
“I am pleased to confirm we will partner with the UK Government to develop plans for DTECs in Scotland and build on the £3.7 billion to Scotland’s economy provided by the defence sector.
“Our Programme for Government committed to establishing a responsible defence industrial growth programme to maximise the economic opportunities arising from increased defence spending. We will work with partners to ensure our workers are equipped with the right skills for emerging jobs in this vital sector.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “In March we announced a £10 million commitment to develop two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Scotland.
“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has now agreed to match fund these colleges to give our young people the skills they need to secure high-skilled, well-paid careers in Scotland’s defence sector in the years to come.
“Scotland is a defence industrial powerhouse and is already benefiting from increased UK Government investment as we deliver a defence dividend for Scotland, creating new skilled jobs, new training places and new opportunities for communities while keeping us and our allies secure.
“It is crucial that we continue to develop the skilled workforce needed to support this growing sector.”
CWP Energy is proud to have supported the Scotland Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) event through a £1,500 grant towards event T-shirts, helping bring together women volunteers and professionals from across Scotland’s lifesaving community.
Forty-seven women attended the event, representing 25 different lifeboat stations across Scotland, including both RNLI and independent lifeboat stations, as well as RNLI Lifeguards.
The two-day event provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, develop skills, build networks and celebrate the growing role of women within the search and rescue sector. The event was hosted by the lifeboat stations at Dunbar, Eyemouth and St Abbs and featured both practical activities afloat and learning opportunities ashore.
The Scotland Women in SAR initiative was created to bring women from across the search and rescue community together, offering opportunities for skills development, collaboration and discussions that help shape the future of women in lifesaving services.
Supporting Communities Beyond Energy
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, CWP Energy was delighted to contribute funding towards branded event T-shirts, helping create a sense of unity and recognition amongst participants attending from across the country.
Diane Wood, Director of ESG at CWP Energy, said: “At CWP Energy, we are committed to supporting organisations that make a real difference within our communities.
“The Scotland Women in SAR event provided an incredible opportunity for women from across Scotland’s search and rescue network to come together, share knowledge and build lasting connections.
“We are proud to have supported the event and to recognise the dedication of the volunteers and professionals who give their time to help keep people safe.”
The event brought together a diverse group of women involved in maritime and coastal rescue operations, creating a platform for learning, mentorship and collaboration across multiple organisations.
Ian Wilson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Dunbar Lifeboat Station, said: “The Scotland Women in SAR event was a fantastic success and demonstrated the strength, expertise and commitment of women serving in search and rescue roles across Scotland.
“Bringing together representatives from 25 stations created valuable opportunities to learn from one another, share experiences and strengthen the networks that support lifesaving operations.
“We are extremely grateful to CWP Energy for their funding towards the event T-shirts, which helped create a strong sense of team spirit and identity throughout the weekend.”
The event highlighted the vital contribution women make within search and rescue services and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration and development across the sector.
An initiative supporting women and children to escape abusive relationships will see its funding doubled from £2 million to £4 million for the current year.
The Fund to Leave scheme has supported 1,519 women and 2,094 children to leave unsafe situations since its launch in February 2026 – an additional £2 million will be made available in 2026-27, taking total investment up to £4 million, to ensure that there is no cap on support and to help more women and children leave abusive relationships safely and rebuild their lives.
The initiative provides immediate financial support for essentials for women leaving an abusive partner – removing the financial barriers that can trap women in harmful relationships by giving them the means to act quickly and safely.
The Scottish Government has also pledged further support for survivors of domestic abuse to ensure they are not unfairly burdened by Council Tax debt resulting from an abusive relationship. The Scottish Government will consult on creating a statutory exception to joint and several liability rules to protect victims of domestic abuse. Further details will be announced in Parliament next month with a public consultation expected in 2027.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “There is absolutely no place for domestic abuse in modern Scotland – it is one of the most harmful and pervasive forms of violence against women and girls.
“We are determined to break down financial barriers that will often stand in the way of leaving an abusive partner. Our Fund to Leave scheme provides immediate financial help for women so they can begin to safely rebuild their lives and protect their children from harm.
“Since its formation last year, the initiative has already helped more than 1,500 women rebuild their lives – I am pleased to provide further support for this initiative to remove the cap and help more women benefit from its significant impact.
“Nobody should have to face additional harm as a result of domestic abuse. We recognise that joint and several liability for council tax can create very difficult circumstances for those experiencing or who have experienced abuse.
“We will take forward work with local councils to ensure solutions are in place to protect victims of abuse from unfair council tax debt – I will provide further detail to Parliament on these measures next month.”
