Digital Veteran Card passes 23,000 downloads as veterans encouraged to discover its benefits

More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards have been downloaded since launch in October 2025, helping veterans access discounts and prove their service using their phone

  • Veterans encouraged to find out how the digital Veteran Card can help them access discounts and support
  • More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards downloaded since launch in October 2025
  • Veterans can apply for the digital version through the GOV.UK One Login app once their physical card has been fully processed and dispatched

As the nation prepares to remember and honour those who have served on Remembrance Sunday, veterans are being encouraged to discover the benefits of the digital Veteran Card.

More than 23,000 digital cards have been downloaded since the service launched last October, giving veterans a convenient way to keep proof of their service on their phone.

The digital card can help veterans access discounts at participating shops, restaurants and attractions. It can also help them demonstrate their veteran status when accessing services such as GP registration and relevant health support.

Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Digital Government, said: “Remembrance Sunday is when our whole country comes together to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. We must never forget those who have served our country, or the debt of gratitude we owe them.

“Our veterans deserve recognition not just on Remembrance Sunday, but throughout the year. The digital Veteran Card is a practical way to do that, making it easier for veterans to prove their service, keep their card close at hand and access discounts at participating shops, restaurants and attractions.

“More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards have now been downloaded. I want more veterans to know about the benefits their card can offer and have the choice to carry proof of their service wherever they go.”

Veterans Minister Calvin Bailey MP, who served in the Royal Air Force and has a digital Veteran Card, said: We’re determined to make it easier for veterans to access the support and entitlements they deserve. The digital Veteran Card makes it easy to get specialised health services or claim discounts on everyday shopping.

“I’d encourage all my fellow veterans to sign up for their Veteran Card – either physical or digital – this remembrance time.”

How to get a digital Veteran Card

Veterans must first apply for a physical Veteran Card. Once their application has been fully processed and their physical card dispatched, they can apply for and download the digital version through the GOV.UK One Login app.

The digital version is optional, and veterans can continue to use their physical card if they prefer. Offers and acceptance vary by organisation, so veterans should check before visiting.

Julie Kotecha, a British Army veteran said: “I always ask when I’m out shopping or using services whether there’s a discount for veterans. I’ve found my Veteran Card useful, and people are often impressed by it – it can be a good conversation starter, too.

“I’m looking forward to using the digital version because it’ll be much easier to have it on my phone than carry extra cards around. I encourage other veterans to get their card, ask about discounts wherever you go, and make the most of what’s available to you. The team at the Veterans UK office are so helpful and are always happy to help.”

Funding boost for Tap Into IT

Edinburgh based charity Tap Into IT have secured an unrestricted grant totalling £40,000 over 2 years from Bank of Scotland Foundation’s funding programme, Energise. 

Started in 2012, Tap into IT exists to enable within Edinburgh older people and those with disabilities to stay socially connected and involved by providing patient, person-centred and accessible digital support that reduces anxiety and builds confidence in using modern technology.

We target the estimated 21,000 adults over 75 in Edinburgh who remain offline and the high proportion of those online who have limited digital skills and confidence. We support those who are, or at risk of becoming isolated due to limited mobility, cognitive impairments such as dementia and the risk of exclusion as essential services move exclusively online.

We deliver our services ‘where people are’, familiar community locations or their own homes, removing barriers to access and of anxiety. 

Through a blend of small-group sessions and one-to-one home visits, we build the skills and confidence and provide the support necessary to navigate the modern world. As part of our support, we help individuals customise their technology—such as utilising voice-activated services—to bypass physical or cognitive barriers. The impact is transformative. 

Mike Ellis, the Executive Director at Tap Into IT said “This generous grant from the Bank of Scotland will enable us to better pursue our existing growth strategy and help bridge the ‘digital divide’ which can exclude older people from online services.

“The need for this is growing and increasingly access to the digital domain is a necessity, not just a convenience. We are encouraged that the Bank of Scotland has recognised the value of our work, and the potential we have.” 

Donald MacKechnie, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees said, “We are delighted to award Tap Into IT with £40,000 of funding.

“The cost-of-living crisis means many charities are struggling with increasing expenditure, at a time when the demand for their services is as great as ever. Our grant awards will help charities through the challenging months ahead.” 

Since 2010, the Bank of Scotland Foundation through their Grant Programmes and Matched Giving Programme for Lloyds Banking Group colleagues in Scotland, have provided over £50 million to more than 2,900 charities, supporting a wide ecosystem of charities delivering vital local services, advice and personal support.

Together, these charities provide help at significant scale – supporting people at different points in their lives, often through more than one service. 

Over time, this collective and sustained support has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of impact made possible through their funding

For more information about Bank of Scotland Foundation and its grant programmes, please visit www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org

Minister visits Heriot-Watt as University opens new routes into town planning

A ministerial visit to Heriot-Watt University has highlighted the importance of developing Scotland’s future planners, as the University creates new routes into town planning to help tackle skills shortages and build the workforce needed to shape the country’s communities and places.

Together with Scottish Government, employers and professional partners, the University is widening access to the profession and helping to meet growing demand for planners across the country. Its work includes a new Graduate Apprenticeship pathway, specialist pathways in areas such as Digital Twin and Infrastructure Planning, and student placements with the Planning Improvement Service.

This work was showcased on Thursday 5 November, ahead of World Town Planning Day (Sunday 8 November 2026), when Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, visited the university’s Edinburgh campus to meet planning students and staff, including Dr Sacha Hasan, Head of Discipline for Planning and Real Estate.

Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, Minister for Public Finance, said: “It has been fantastic meeting future planners and staff at Heriot-Watt University. I truly believe that planning is a frontline service. There is nothing more important than the places we call home and the places and spaces that we spend most of our time in.

“Our planners have a hugely important role in shaping and creating how Scotland looks and how our places and homes feel and it’s vital that we engage with future planners to understand how exactly we can give support and visibility to the planning profession across Scotland going forward.”

The Minister also heard from recent recipients of scholarships funded by the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Bursary, which aims to attract and support the next generation of planning professionals, with awards available to eligible students at Heriot-Watt and other Scottish universities.

The discussions focused on the growing demand for planners and the importance of creating new routes into the profession. The visit also highlighted Heriot-Watt’s recently launched Graduate Apprenticeship pathway in planning, which offers a flexible learning approach for individuals seeking to enter or progress within the sector while continuing to work.

In addition, students and recent scholarship recipients had the opportunity to share their experiences of studying planning and pursuing careers which will shape the future of Scotland’s communities and places.

Dr Sacha Hasan, Head of Discipline for Planning and Real Estate at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Planning plays a critical role in Scotland’s future, from supporting sustainable development and economic growth to helping communities adapt to changing social and environmental needs.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP to Heriot-Watt and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the profession. By working closely with government and industry, we can help develop the skilled planning workforce Scotland needs and create accessible pathways for people from a wide range of backgrounds to enter the profession.

These efforts are closely aligned with Heriot-Watt Strategy 2035, which builds on our long-standing commitment to widening access to higher education while continuing to deliver excellence and innovation in planning education.”

Alex MacLaren, Associate Professor of Architecture at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Universities have a vital role to play in developing the talent, knowledge and innovation needed to support Scotland’s future workforce.

“We are proud to work alongside the Scottish Government and industry partners to help address skills challenges in the planning profession. Through initiatives such as our new Graduate Apprenticeship pathway, we are creating new opportunities for learners while helping to meet the needs of employers and communities across Scotland.”

The visit comes ahead of World Town Planning Day on 8 November, an annual opportunity to recognise the vital role planners play in creating sustainable, inclusive and prosperous places.

Heriot-Watt currently offers postgraduate planning education and, through its close collaboration with industry, local authorities, professional partners and communities, continues to innovate in both the content and delivery of its planning programmes to meet the evolving needs of the profession.

Recent developments include specialist pathways in areas such as Digital Twin and Infrastructure Planning, as well as working alongside the Planning Improvement Service to provide placement opportunities for students as part of their programme.

Find out more about planning courses and careers.

Council Leader reflects on Bonfire Night

The Council Leader has thanked residents and partners for their efforts in keeping communities safe during Bonfire Night celebrations:

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “While it’s encouraging to see that Bonfire Night was broadly a peaceful evening across the city, I was angry and disappointed to see isolated incidents of disorder, with a small minority seemingly intent on causing fear and alarm in our communities.

“We cannot and must not accept this type of mindless behaviour, in particular the targeting of our emergency services, and I hope those responsible are caught and brought to justice as soon as possible.

“For all that, I’m pleased that the majority of our residents were able to enjoy the celebrations in the way we would expect – with friends and loved ones at community-led displays – and that bus services were able to run as normal.

 “Months of planning and close partnership working have gone into preparing for this period, and I’d like to thank our council teams, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, community organisations and our other partners for all their efforts.

“Our approach has focused on prevention as well as enforcement, from Firework Control Zones to engaging with young people and providing positive alternative activities. The organised events across the city also went well, offering families and communities the opportunity to come together. I’m grateful to everyone who has played their part in making these efforts count.

“I’d like to reiterate my thanks to residents for acting responsibly, looking out for one another and helping to keep their neighbourhoods safe – and hope that they will remember Bonfire Night for all the right reasons.”

Students go behind the scenes at Royal High School restoration

The University has agreed a new partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust 

Engineering students from Edinburgh Napier University went behind the scenes at the £70 million project to restore Edinburgh’s former Royal High School, as part of a new partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT).

Twenty students visited the historic Calton Hill building to see first-hand the scale and complexity of the restoration project to preserve and restore Thomas Hamilton’s neo-classical masterpiece and transform it into Scotland’s new National Centre for Music.

On the day, the students were able to see first-hand some of the unique challenges facing engineers and construction teams as they work to restore and adapt the building, including the need to work with and around the ancient bedrock of Calton Hill into which Hamilton’s original design was built.

The new partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and RHSPT is also supported by a legacy gift made through the Edinburgh Napier University Development Trust. 

The gift comes from the legacy of the late philanthropist Dr Ian Tomlin, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University in 1995 and was known for his love of music and his support for musicians in the early stages of their careers.

Kate Smith, Chief Executive and Development Director of the Royal High School Preservation Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome students from Edinburgh Napier to the site to see the progress being made and hear about the innovative approaches being taken to preserve and restore this extraordinary building.

“The students were able to learn about challenges involved in a project of this scale and complexity and how this building will be transformed into a new National Centre for Music.

“We are also delighted to receive this legacy gift through our new partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, a university known for its strong, industry-focused music programme, breadth of specialisms and strong links to Scotland’s professional music scene.”

Thanking the RHSPT and Robertson Group for the visit, Professor Zack Moir, Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This is a really exciting project for us because it allows us to work with the Royal High School Preservation Trust and the National Centre of Music, and be part of such an exciting venture for the city. 

“We have been able to do this through the bequest of Dr Ian Tomlin, to support performance and ongoing music education for students at Edinburgh Napier – in addition to the support he offered throughout his life. 

“It really gives our students the opportunity to be part of the cultural fabric of Edinburgh.”

The group of Civil Engineering students also found the opportunity ‘priceless’, as they gained insight into a unique project which poses a range of unique challenges.

Riona Sorianosos (20) said: “When I heard we were doing a site visit I thought we would be viewing things from afar, but to actually get down amongst the works and see what they are doing up close was really valuable.

“So was hearing about the way they have had to adapt to the building and the landscape, bringing in mini-excavators and equipment that can fit through the doors and how all of this equipment runs electrically on site.”

Kyle Forgan (20) continued: “I have never been to a site this big before and to see it in-depth was really quite breathtaking.

“It was really interesting to talk through the challenges of working on a listed, protected building of this size and scale and hear the roadblocks that have appeared on the way and how efficiently they have been handled.”

Julia Krzeszewska (21) added: “Hearing about how they have adapted during the course of the build was very valuable, as was seeing the excavations up close.

“It is one thing hearing about something in a lecture or learning about it in a book but actually seeing it, especially in a unique design like this, one that they have had to work around, has been really special.”

Edinburgh Library Service recognised at National Awards

EXPERIENCES OF RAIN INTERCULTURAL PROJECT WINS AWARD

SLIC awards , Stirling 2026 – Pics by Alan Peebles

The National Library of Scotland has been recognised at the 2026 Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards for demonstrating the innovation and impact of library services through its intercultural project exploring shared heritage through creativity.

The Edinburgh based service was presented with the Project Excellence Award for Experiences of Rain at the SLIC showcase and AGM at The Barracks in Stirling yesterday (Friday 6 November).

The annual awards, judged by an independent 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, celebrate library teams and projects that have enhanced learning, wellbeing and community engagement through pioneering staff-driven initiatives.

The National Library of Scotland’s project brought together seven people with lived experience of migration to explore personal memories and cultural connections to rain, drawing on the Library’s collections and creating a sound installation for its 2026 exhibition.

Through creative workshops led by poet and storyteller Dr Tawona Sitholé and sound artist Ros Fraser, participants shared stories, music and perspectives from different cultures, building connections with one another and the Library. The installation became a central part of the Rain exhibition, which attracted a record 28,531 visitors in its first two months.

Judge Susan Calcluth praised the project, saying: “A distinctive and moving example of co-creation, Experiences of Rain explores both the connections we share and the different meanings rain holds across cultures.

“It demonstrates the power of creativity and shared experience to bring people together.”

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow was highly commended in the category for Maximising Audubon’s The Birds of America, a project combining conservation, digitisation and public engagement to bring one of Scotland’s rare library treasures to wider audiences.

The work contributed to a threefold increase in enquiries and a rise in visitors from 351 to 1,478 within four months.

Midlothian Library Service was named Team of the Year for its whole-service approach to developing libraries as community hubs, while South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Libraries won the inaugural Jacqueline Geekie Award for Excellence in Digital Innovation for an imaginative digital resource bringing the library experience into classrooms, while

For more information, visit scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-slic-awards/

More support for families at risk of homelessness

£2 million funding boost for housing payment scheme

A scheme helping low-income households avoid homelessness will receive an additional £2 million this year.

The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme provides direct financial support to low-income households struggling with housing costs and helps people to retain their tenancy in the rented sector.

The additional funding takes this year’s investment in the scheme to a record £117 million. This will help an estimated 100,000 households in Scotland sustain their tenancies. The scheme is the main way the Scottish Government mitigates the impacts of the UK Government’s ‘bedroom tax’ and benefit cap.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Our Discretionary Housing Payments are a vital lifeline to families at risk of losing their home and help protect people from the UK Government’s damaging bedroom tax and benefit cap policies.

“Our scheme is delivering and providing direct support to low-income households – helping to reduce poverty, safeguard tenancies and prevent homelessness. In Scotland, we offer a level of support not available elsewhere in the UK, and our different approach is working.

“However, the UK Government’s decision to freeze the support given to private renters at 2024 levels means people are struggling to pay their housing costs – this is driving homelessness and putting families at serious risk.

“I am extremely disappointed the Chancellor chose not to use his Budget to end the freeze and give households the breathing space they desperately need.”

Edinburgh Diwali to bring cornucopia of colour and light to Edinburgh’s Winter Festival celebration

Edinburgh Diwali 2026: Sunday 15 November 2026

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals will erupt with a fusion of colour, light, music and dance when Edinburgh Diwali returns for its 11th annual celebration on Sunday 15 November.

Open to all and free to attend, over 200 performers and thousands of spectators are expected to take part in the vibrant celebration of Scottish and Indian culture when it comes to Edinburgh city centre.

Looking forward to this year’s celebrations, Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh said: “On Sunday, a vibrant parade from St Andrew Square – led by the Scottish Regiment Band, pipe bands and colourful groups of dancers – will make its way to the Ross Bandstand for live music and dance, building to a spectacular fireworks finale.

“This year’s programme is a rich tapestry of the familiar and the new:  long-standing groups bring their warmth and tradition, and for the very first time we welcome a performance drawing on the story of Diwali from South India, a beautiful addition that speaks to the breadth and depth of this festival across cultures.

“More than 200 performers and over 30 volunteers will give their very best on the day. On behalf of every member of our committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to our performers, our long-standing supporters, and all who have stood by Edinburgh Diwali across the years.

“Come and join us. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours. Edinburgh Diwali belongs to all of us.”

Further highlights of the programme include the return of the Edinburgh Noise Committee, who will provide party percussion for the parade alongside the Glencorse Pipe Band for the procession from St Andrew Square to Castle Street. Other parade participants include Bihari Ladies Group, Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon,  and the Edinburgh-Colombian dance group El Encanto. Plus a celebration of South Indian languages with dance displays of traditional Yatra and Malayali, and an Edinburgh Diwali debut for the Lasya Dance Crew, a collective of artists from across Scotland, united by their passion for Indian performing arts and a shared vision of celebrating cultural heritage through performance.

Celebrations continue into the early evening at the Ross Bandstand where Edinburgh-based Ahalya Dance Academy will present Narakasuravadham, a captivating dance drama that brings the mythological story behind Diwali and the triumph of good over evil to life. BollyFeat, Dance Ihayami, and Dance@Studio21 will celebrate the rich multicultural diversity of Scotland’s capital. And back by popular demand, the UK’s premier Bollywood rock band Shoonya will provide an electrifying headline set alongside Edinburgh Diwali’s fireworks finale.  

Commenting ahead of this year’s event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of Edinburgh’s Diwali. A fantastic celebration of culture, music and community.

“Free and open to all, this year’s Diwali celebrations promise to be extra special with a fantastic parade, performances at the Ross Bandstand and fireworks.  

“Diwali is a celebration of light, hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, we are proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Edinburgh.”

Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Siddharth Malik added: “I extend my warm greetings to everyone on Edinburgh Diwali’s 11th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

“Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance and hope triumphing over despair resonates across cultures. It is an occasion to celebrate togetherness and share the joy of India’s cultural traditions.

“For more than a decade, Edinburgh Diwali has brought Indian culture into the heart of Scotland’s capital, welcoming Scottish audiences to experience Indian music, dance and festive traditions. Through this shared celebration, it has encouraged understanding and strengthened the bonds between our communities.

“The blending of Scottish bands and ceilidh performances with Indian music and dance gives Edinburgh Diwali a distinctive character. It reflects the friendship between India and Scotland, showing how our traditions can enrich one another and create new experiences that everyone can enjoy.

“From the colourful city-centre parade to the performances and fireworks at Ross Bandstand, this year’s programme promises a joyful celebration for everyone.

“I congratulate the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, performers and volunteers for their dedication toward the event. I warmly encourage everyone to join the festivities and celebrate the light, friendship and community spirit that Diwali represents.

“Shubh Deepavali!”

Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh concluded: “Eleven years ago, Edinburgh Diwali began as a small, determined idea — that Scotland’s capital deserved a free, open, public celebration of Diwali that belonged to everyone.

“This Sunday 15 November, we mark our 11th anniversary, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come. Through some of the most challenging years any community organisation could face, not least the funding pressures that followed Covid — our team of volunteers has built Edinburgh Diwali into one of the most popular and beloved community-led events in the city. That is a testament to their dedication, their belief, and their refusal to give up on something truly worth doing.

“Our ethos, Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity, has guided every step of that journey, and it is at the heart of everything you will see and feel this Sunday. As part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, we are proud to bring this free celebration to the heart of our city and open it to all.

“The festive spirit is already building. From 6 November, two magnificent idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi stand next to the Ross Bandstand, bringing an authentic Diwali atmosphere to West Princes Street Gardens. Our sincere thanks go to Unique Assembly, a key partner who has made this possible.”

Edinburgh Diwali’s 2026 celebrations will take place on Sunday 15 November across Edinburgh’s New Town. Assembly for the parade will begin at St Andrew Square at 12:30, with live music and performance at the Ross Bandstand from 15:00, finished with a colourful fireworks display around 18:30.

For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.

Three charged following Palestine protest in Regent Terrace

Three people have been charged following a planned protest in Edinburgh.

Officers attended the event at Regent Terrace on the afternoon of Saturday, 31 October, 2026.

On Friday, 6 November, 2026, two women and man were charged in connection with terrorism offences relating to supporting a proscribed organisation.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to identify people seen wearing t-shirts and holding banners showing support for a proscribed organisation.

Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate.