As the clocks go back this weekend and Scotland prepares for darker evenings, Edinburgh Zoo is getting ready to brighten the winter months with spectacular out-of-this-world illuminations.
Visitors can look forward to a dazzling after dark trail featuring glowing galaxies, giant cosmic creatures and spectacular illuminated displays, bringing a little extra magic to the darker months.
Running throughout the winter across 60 nights, from Friday 13 November until Sunday 21 February 2027, tickets are selling fast as excitement builds for this year’s spectacular trail.
Button batteries, naked flames and unsafe products can all cause serious injuries. Halloween decorations, costumes and accessories may look fun, but it’s important to use them safely.
Before celebrating Halloween, take a few minutes to:
• Check products carefully before buying and use reputable retailers
• Keep button batteries out of children’s reach
• Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles and heat sources
Senior Armed Forces personnel joined Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh to pay tribute at the opening of the city’s Garden of Remembrance today (Saturday, 24th October).
They honoured the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present at the Garden of Remembrance at Princes Street Gardens, highlighting the continued importance of remembrance and wearing a poppy.
The official opening marks the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal this week, by Poppyscotland’s youngest volunteer Ava Mitchell (11) and beneficiaries of the charity, with volunteer collectors hitting the streets and supermarkets across the country over the coming weeks.
Photo caption:- National Colours are dropped during the 2 minute silence
Photo caption:- Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock laid the Royal British Legion wreath.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is an important event in our calendar of Remembrance activities.
“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the Garden of Remembrance over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”
Photo caption:- Royal British Legion Parade Marshall Tony Hooman along with Area Standard Bearer Billy Morrison (R) and National Standard Bearer Paul Cooper (L) pay their respects at the grave of the Unknown soldier.
Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of Royal British Legion Scotland, led a short Service of Remembrance, with readings by the Lord Provost and Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, with music by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC RM, Royal Navy, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Scottish Government, General Officer Scotland, Major General Nick Thomas CBE, British Army, Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, Sqn Ldr Scottie Rankin, Officer Commanding 603 (City of Edinburgh RAuxAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force, representatives of veterans’ organisations, and members of the emergency services.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies being distributed around the country.
CALLING THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS AND SMALLER COMMUNITY GROUPS WORKING ON POVERTY PREVENTION & MITIGATION
The City of Edinburgh Council is developing a new £2.5million per annum grants programme for third sector organisations who are working to prevent and mitigate poverty in Edinburgh.
If you’d like to have a say in shaping the grants programme, you can participate in one of the planned co-design workshops:
Imagine a neighbourhood where fruit trees grow just around the corner, blossom brightens the streets in spring, and you can pick an apple on your way home.
We think everyone should have the chance to enjoy the simple things trees bring to our everyday lives – fresh air, birdsong, and a little more greenery right outside our doors.
Through our Canopy Communities project, we’re working with local communities to bring more trees to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.
Do you live in Granton, Muirhouse, The Calders, Gracemount or Broomhouse?
You can suggest a spot for a new tree or get involved in caring for trees in your area – just get in touch with us at thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk
POLICE are appealing for information following a report of a firearm discharge in Edinburgh.
Around 9.15pm last night (Friday, 23 October, 2026), a report was received a firearm had been discharged towards a window at a bar on Gilmerton Road.
One person suffered an injury, which was treated at the scene.
Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, but no one was traced and an investigation into the circumstances are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “I understand that this will be concerning for the community, but I would like to reassure them that extensive enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“At this stage we are treating the incident as targeted but any actions like this are extremely reckless and put the safety of the public at risk.
“I am appealing to anyone who has any information, or saw something suspicious in the area, to come forward and speak with officers.
“We would also be keen to speak with anyone who has dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area which captures anything of note.
“A police presence will be in the area as our enquiries progress and anyone with concerns or information is encouraged to approach our officers.
“You can also call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3277 of 23 October, 2026 or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Following the Met Office warning for high winds and rain, we’ll be closing Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds, and Saughton Winter Gardens on the evening of Saturday (24 October) and Sunday (25 October).
We’ll re-open on Monday(26 October) as soon as it is safe.
The biggest Halloween dangers aren’t monsters …
CALLING THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS AND SMALLER COMMUNITY GROUPS WORKING ON POVERTY PREVENTION & MITIGATION
Learn more about the project: 
