Boost for empty homes fund

Additional £700,000 to bring empty homes back into use

Additional funding will help return a number of empty homes into use as affordable housing or temporary accommodation, supporting more families into settled homes of their own.

A further £700,000 is being allocated to help homeowners fund the necessary repairs and refurbishments needed to bring empty homes back into use. The funding, which will be split across 10 local authorities, can be used to establish or extend grant schemes for empty homeowners.

This means that the Scottish Government is now investing £2 million this year to transform empty homes into productive use.

A report published today by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership shows that a record number of empty homes were returned to active use during 2025-26.

Announcing the fund at the Partnership’s conference in Glasgow yesterday, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want everyone in Scotland to be able to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.

“While house building remains the cornerstone of our approach to increase supply, we’re using every lever available to make sure existing homes support the needs of our communities too. That’s why this funding matters.

“Temporary accommodation can act as an important safety net, but we also recognise the impact that long-term stays can have particularly on children’s wellbeing and stability. This funding may help councils to move households from temporary into settled permanent accommodation.

“Our investment of £5.7 million in the Partnership approach has delivered real results with more than 15,000 empty homes brought back into use since 2010, including a record 2,285 in the last year alone. This latest investment will help local authorities turn more empty homes into affordable housing for people that need them the most.”

Tahmina Nizam, National Manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “This additional Scottish Government funding to support efforts to tackle empty homes across Scotland’s local authorities will be welcomed throughout the sector.

“We know that sustained, targeted investment in empty homes can deliver real and measurable outcomes, with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership annual survey showing a record 2,285 formerly empty properties brought back into use. Rather than lying vacant, these are now providing homes for thousands of individuals and families across Scotland.

“This has only been possible through a step-change in empty homes work. Additional investment has enabled not only the expansion and growth of empty homes services across councils, but also the sort of targeted grant support for individual projects that this new funding will help to deliver.

“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and others in the sector to ensure that this additional resource can deliver the best possible outcomes, bringing an increasing number of empty homes in Scotland back into use as affordable housing.”

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership Annual Report 2025-26

final-SEHP-26-Report-DigitalDownload

Leithers share their stories, hopes and big ideas for town’s UK Town of Culture bid

From taking charge as Mayor of Leith to airing local frustrations at the Complaint Department, the Leith Imaginarium invited people to help shape what Leith could become in 2028 and beyond

Supporter of the bid for Leith to become inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028, Chitra Ramaswamy, hosts Leith local to discuss their stories and memories during Sunday’s Imaginarium. Image credit: James Duncan

Leithers shared their stories, hopes, ideas for the future and frustrations on Sunday (25 October), as the Leith Imaginarium brought the town’s UK Town of Culture 2028 consultation to the Wee Museum of Memory at Ocean Terminal.

The free drop-in event formed part of the work to make sure Leith’s bid is shaped by the people who know the town best. Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, in the same year it will mark 900 years since its first written record. 

A mother and son, visitors to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, putting their thoughts on the interactive map. Image credit: James Duncan

Rather than a traditional consultation, the Imaginarium used a series of playful activities to explore what people love about Leith, what needs to change and what they want the town to become.

Visitors were invited to sit in a giant Mayor of Leith chair, don a ceremonial chain and answer the question: “If you were Mayor for one day, what would you do?”

Elsewhere, a colourful Leith Washing Line grew throughout the event as people pegged up comment cards sharing “a story I love”, “something Leith needs”, “a big idea”, “my hope for 2028” and nominations for “Leith heroes”. 

A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan

At the Complaint Department, people were encouraged to get their gripes off their chest by recording frustrations, obstacles and things they would like to see change, before being asked to imagine what a better alternative could look like. 

A giant illustrated map became a collective portrait of the town, with visitors marking places they love, hidden gems, places with potential, and areas they feel need attention.

The Complaints Department hosted by Jed Milroy of Tinderbox Collective as part of Sunday’s Imaginarium event. Image credit: James Duncan

There were also Sofa Stories, capturing people’s memories and hopes for Leith; a poster-making activity exploring what makes people proud of the town; and a roaming exercise collecting words and lines towards a collaborative song or poem. Visitors were given a Leith Passport on arrival, collecting stamps as they shared stories, hopes, ideas, what they felt was missing and their local heroes.

A group of visitors interact with the giant map of Leith at the Imaginarium event as part of the Leith Town of Culture 2028 bid. Image credit: James Duncan

What Leith had to say

While the team will now work through the material gathered during the day, some strong themes are already emerging. Early feedback from conversations at the Imaginarium highlighted Leith’s heritage, the impact of change, and the importance people place on Leith maintaining its own identity distinct from Edinburgh. 

The wider consultation has deliberately been structured around four questions: what makes Leith, Leith; what is missing or needs more care; what should happen in 2028; and what people want Leith to be like afterwards. 

The ideas and stories gathered at the Imaginarium will now feed into the development of Leith’s final UK Town of Culture bid and its plans for 2028. The bid is being developed by the Leith Culture Partnership with the backing of more than 80 local and national organisations and public figures. 

A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan

Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, co-ordinators of Leith’s UK Town of Culture bid, said: “The Imaginarium was about giving people of all ages lots of different ways to tell us what matters to them about Leith. We wanted to hear the good things, the big ideas, the things people want to protect and the things they want to change.

“There was so much warmth and pride in the room, but also really thoughtful conversations about Leith’s heritage, how the town is changing and what its future should look like. We’ve now got a huge amount to take away and work through, and that will directly help us shape the plans for 2028 and Leith’s 900th anniversary.

“Our developing plans are very much centred on celebrating Leith’s rich cultures and heritage and the brilliant work that already happens here, and making sure that Leithers have a real say in what comes next.”

The Imaginarium follows other public conversations around Leith as the bid develops. The final bid is due to be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 30 November, with the winner expected to be announced by 31 March 2027. 

Concern for the future is Scottish teenagers’ most common worry, Childline reveals

CHILDLINE SERVICE MARKS 40 YEARS

  • New NSPCC polling shows a third (33%) of young people in Scotland worry about ‘what the future will bring’.
  • And almost one in three teenagers (31%) said mental health was a top concern, while around one in five cited the state of the world (21%).
  • As Childline marks its 40th anniversary on October 30th, the service is reminding children and young people its counsellors are ready to support them with any worries.

One in three teenagers in Scotland (33%) say they are worried about what the future will bring, making it the most common concern among young people in the country today according to new NSPCC polling released to mark Childline’s 40th anniversary.

The survey of 262 teenagers in Scotland, conducted by Savanta, also found that around one in five young people (21%) are troubled by the state of the world and around one in three (31%) said mental health was a top concern. Only 15% cited social media and being online as a major worry.

In a parallel poll, 256 adults in Scotland – who were teenagers when Childline launched in 1986 – said social media and being online (76%), body image and appearance (50%) and mental health issues (49%) were the main reasons why it was harder being a teenager now than when they were growing up.

The new polling comes as Childline marks 40 years of supporting children and young people across the UK and just weeks after Childline Founder and President, Dame Esther Rantzen, sadly died.

On Thursday 30th October 1986, Childline opened its telephone lines and received 50,000 attempted calls from young people seeking help and support.

Since the launch of Childline, the service has delivered over 6 million counselling sessions to children on a range of topics, including abuse, online harms and bullying.

During its early years, physical and sexual abuse were the most common reasons young people contacted Childline for help. Today, and for the past decade, mental health has consistently been the number one concern.

The way children access support has also changed significantly over the last forty years. In Childline’s first decade, more than half of contacts came via telephone boxes, with the remainder made through landline phones.

Today, almost three quarters of Childline contacts take place online, with trained counsellors providing support through one-to-one chats alongside the service’s telephone helpline.

Rebecca Wilcox, Deputy President of Childline, said: “I’m not sure even my ever-prescient mother could have predicted just what a huge impact Childline would make on young people’s lives when she launched the service in 1986.

“Since then, millions of children have benefitted from this unique service, and from having somewhere safe to go. Childline is confidential, open 24 hours a day, and there for young people whenever they needed help and felt they had nowhere else to turn.

“40 years on, Mum leaves behind an incredible legacy, and it is now up to all of us who support Childline to carry on this vital work and continue to listen to children and provide a space for them that they can trust. We must always ensure we are here for children and young people now, next year and long into the future.

“I am so proud and thankful to be part of Childline and its ongoing journey. Thank you to all those Childline volunteers, staff and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure that no child ever feels alone. Thank you from both mum and me. “

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Childline, actor, producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, Natalie Dormer, has released a podcast celebrating the service.

Natalie Dormer, Actor, Producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said: “These last months after interviewing a cohort of the incredible Childline Volunteer Counsellors across the country for my documentary podcast CHILD ON THE LINE, and talking to Childline staff and brave past contacts, I am in deep gratitude more than ever for the helpline and the courage that children and young people find to reach out.

“It is striking to explore what is so very different from previous decades for the contacts, yet what fundamentally remains constant: Our responsibility to listen to our children.”

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “Young people are growing up in a world that often feels fast paced and constantly changing. Our findings reveal how many are grappling with concerns about the future, the world around them and their mental health, which reinforces why Childline remains as important as ever.

“Forty years after Childline was founded by the remarkable Dame Esther Rantzen, our counsellors around the UK continue to provide a safe, confidential space where children and young people can talk openly about anything that is troubling them. Whatever their concern, Childline will be there to listen and help them find a way forward.”

Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 1-2-1 chat service on the Childline website.

New Poppyscotland bus launched on Edinburgh Poppy Day

A brand new Poppyscotland bus was unveiled yesterday (Thursday 29 October) on Edinburgh Poppy Day, marking the launch of the charity’s annual campaign.

Designed in partnership with Poppyscotland, the Lothian Buses’ double deck bus features a striking poppy-themed design and will help to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work supporting veterans and their families.

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “As one of the largest employers in the region, we’re incredibly proud to have many former servicemen and women among our colleagues at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. That gives our longstanding support for Poppyscotland and the Scottish Poppy Appeal a very special significance for us.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Poppyscotland and play our part in raising awareness of the invaluable support it provides to veterans and their families.

“Our buses are seen across Edinburgh and the Lothians every day, so they provide a fantastic platform to share this important message.

“We hope the new design will encourage people to pause, reflect and show their support for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “With the unveiling of this year’s wonderful Lothian Buses poppy bus, we are reminded that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline, reaching deep into our local communities.

“We are incredibly grateful to Lothian Buses for their steadfast, continued support in bringing this message to the streets of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Partnerships like this ensure that military families receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve. Every donation to the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes toward providing life-changing financial aid, housing support, employment advice, and mental health services to our veteran and service community here in Scotland.”

Veterans and active servicemen and women of the armed forces will also be invited to travel for free on board Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (11 November) this year.

Both operators employ many former service personnel, and this year they are welcoming those in uniform or with an appropriate form of identification to travel for free across the network on these two days of national remembrance.

Two minutes’ silence will also be observed on both days by the operators, with bus and tram services pausing where safe to do so as a mark of remembrance.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie responds to Daily Express article

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern, has made a statement in response to an article published in the Daily Express, SNP Government fund group which wants police and councils to not cooperate with immigration raids in Scotland which can be found HERE:

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see the rhetoric of Reform UK and their attack on Project Esperanza, which does immeasurable work for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Project Esperanza provides support for migrant, refugee, and racially minoritised women, children, and families across Edinburgh and Scotland who are navigating poverty, insecure immigration status, racialised policing, gender-based violence, housing precarity, and barriers to healthcare, employment, and education. Without them, people in my constituency and beyond would lack life-changing support.

“A vital service such as this does not deserve to have its work demonised, nor should charities and community organisations representing the needs of the communities they serve have their legitimacy challenged simply because of the people they support.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in the place they call home, and organisations like Project Esperanza help make that safety a reality for women, children and families in Edinburgh.

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats firmly stand in solidarity with targeted communities and rejects racism across the city.”

You can read the Reform UK article HERE

Crimestoppers: Illegal firework use

Did you know it’s illegal to set off or throw fireworks in a public space, like your street or the local park?

If you know someone putting themselves or others at risk by letting off fireworks or deliberately starting fires, you can speak to Crimestoppers.

Anything you share with them stays 100% anonymous. Always.

Click to learn more: https://orlo.uk/LZ6L6

#TomorrowWeStillLiveHere

Scottish folk stars’ musical friendship sparkles for Christmas Songbook

The much-loved Scottish Christmas Songbook will be putting musical friendships and collaboration centre stage in Edinburgh this December as a cast of Scottish folk stars unite to spread a hearty dose of festive cheer.

The high-spirited Christmas show brings together some of the finest voices and performers in Scottish folk and contemporary traditional music, as they take their special brand of seasonal spirit to Queen’s Hall on Saturday 19, Sunday 20th and Tuesday 22 December 2026.

Originally fronted by Phil Cunningham, the Christmas Songbook has grown into one of Scotland’s best-loved festive musical gatherings.

The 2026 edition will see the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that has long been the defining feature of the annual tradition, warmly embraced in this next chapter as the Scottish Christmas Songbook.

Treasured singers Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson, renowned fiddle and whistle player John McCusker, beloved Orcadian roots star Kris Drever, Irish accordionist Alan Kelly, guitar virtuoso Ian Carr, and sought-after double bassist Kevin McGuire, will once again join forces, accompanied by the Scottish Christmas Songbook Brass Ensemble, for an on-stage Christmas party to remember.

Harmony, joy, warmth and some intangible Christmas sparkle will be dished out as the seven performers – all world-class musicians in their own right – fill Concert Halls up and down the country with a mix of uplifting festive pop songs, moving carols and unique takes on some Christmas classics.

The performance, which perfectly blends an upbeat, feel-good atmosphere with nostalgic, heartwarming moments, will showcase soaring vocals, rich melodies, playful storytelling and exquisite musicianship.

Karen Matheson said: “The Christmas Songbook is truly one of my favourite parts of the year – getting to tour with this group of close friends and collaborators, making space for joy and reflection, and then getting to share all of that with audiences, is such an honour.

“2026 has been a particularly tough year for many so it’s really important to us that we’re able to share some seasonal spirit in musical form, extend a hand of friendship and lift others up this December. Come away in, leave the world outside for a wee while and let us bring some Christmas magic your way.”

John McCusker said: “Christmas Songbook has always been an incredible collaborative effort and this year we are celebrating the good pals, great tunes and generosity of spirit that bind us together.

“Everyone brings something different to the party, which is a big part of the fun, and there’s an unmistakable warmth at the heart of it which will be palpable this year.

“The run of the Scottish Christmas Songbook nights in Edinburgh are sure to be merry and bright, and a bit like Santa and his sleigh, we can’t wait to hit the road this December!”

The Scottish Christmas Songbook will stop off at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Tuesday 22 December. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.thescottishchristmassongbook.co.uk.

Celebrate Halloween at Historic Scotland sites across Edinburgh!

A range of frighteningly fun activities are happening across the city this Halloween

Halloween shenanigans will descend on Historic Scotland sites across Edinburgh this October with a range of spooktacular and family friendly events taking place across the country’s spookiest city. 

Edinburgh Castle will become Edin-boo! Castle on Saturday 31 October with historic characters haunting the nooks and crannies of the castle. Look out for Mary Queen of Scots and James IV waiting to tell their grisly stories and secrets to any visitor brave enough to face them. 

Step into a truly enchanting Halloween experience at Craigmillar Castle as it becomes  Craig-thriller Castle on Saturday 31 October, giving Edinburgh residents and visitors the chance to meet the Master of Owls, who will introduce a captivating collection of owls set against the castle’s wonderfully eerie backdrop.

Along the way, encounter Ravina, ready to share chilling tales that will spark your imagination. Discover the story behind the legendary jack o’ lantern, and join in with Halloween riddles and songs that are sure to delight all ages. Keep your eyes open… there might even be a touch of magic in the air! 

MANDITORY CREDIT: ROB MCDOUGALL

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and haunting tales, so what better way to spend Halloween than by getting stuck in at one of our iconic historic sites, which provide the perfect setting for a frightfully fun day out for all the family. 

“Why not dive into the darker stories behind some of Edinburgh’s beloved historical places by meeting historical characters who will be stepping out of the shadows this weekend to share secrets of the past with anyone brave enough to meet them. 

“We’re very excited to welcome visitors of all ages this Halloween to our sites where they can enjoy a ghoulishly good time!” 

Halloween Shenanigans at Edin-boo! Castle is taking place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 31 October at Edinburgh Castle. 

Halloween Shenanigans at Craig-thriller Castle is taking place from 11:30am to 3pm on Saturday 31 October at Craigmillar Castle. 

For further information and to plan your visit, head to

historicenvironment.scot/halloween.

Entry to daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members.  

The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass also allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over 14 days. Entry to Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, as well as other sites across Scotland, is free for Explorer Pass holders.

Advance booking is required.   

St Columba’s Christmas Pop-Up Shop

6 – 8 NOVEMBER from 10am – 4pm

As the evenings get darker, and the temperature continues to drop, attention here at the Hospice is turning to all things Christmas!

The Pop-Up Shop is traditionally our first Christmas event of the year, and this year it’s back for another bumper year!

From 10am- 4pm on the 6,7 & 8 November, Fidra will be a veritable Santa’s Grotto, stocked with Christmas cards, gifts, stocking fillers, and other seasonal essentials.

We can’t wait to see you all!

Sale of nicotine products to under-18s banned

Changes to protect young people from nicotine addiction

Under-18s will no longer be able to buy nicotine or herbal smoking products in Scotland, under new legislation which comes into force today (29 October).

The ban to protect children and young people from the harms of nicotine addiction, extends the protections in age-of-sale rules to all nicotine products, including pouches, strips and pearls, as well as herbal smoking products.

The new rules for Scotland also require anyone selling vaping, tobacco, nicotine and herbal smoking products to hold a valid registration by 29 April 2027. Once in force, it will mean Scotland will become the only nation in the UK to know exactly where these items are being sold.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to protect future generations from nicotine addiction and we know that nicotine products, particularly pouches, are starting to gain popularity among young people.

“By banning the sale of these products to under-18s, the Scottish Government is taking a crucial step in protecting people’s health. This in turn is helping people across Scotland to live longer, healthier lives.

“Requiring tobacco and vape retailers to register their business to sell nicotine and herbal smoking products, will also provide a strong foundation for effective regulation and enforcement of the sale of these products in Scotland. I want to thank all of the retailers who have already registered and remind others they must to do so before the deadline next April.”

Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: ”Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms including depression, difficulty concentrating and insomnia.

“Whilst vapes may have a role to play in assisting addicted people to stop smoking, it is very clear to me that those who do not smoke should never start using nicotine products and this especially applies to children and young people.

“I welcome these new age of sale restrictions on nicotine and herbal smoking products which and will help reduce the health harms associated with nicotine addiction and address health inequalities in Scotland.”  

The ban forms part of Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Local authorities will be responsible for enforcing the regulations. 

Legislation restricting the sale of nicotine products, non-nicotine vaping products and herbal smoking products  to under-18s in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has also come into force today. All vaping products are already age restricted products in Scotland.

Key changes in Scotland include:

  • Age of sale for nicotine products and herbal smoking products. Only people aged 18 and over will be able to purchase these products
  • Proxy purchase  extended to cover adults aged 18 or over from buying or attempting to buy nicotine products and herbal smoking products on behalf of someone under 18
  • Retail register will be expanded to include nicotine products and herbal smoking products. Retailers have from 29 October 2026 to 29 April 2027 to register before enforcement starts
  • Free distribution. It will be an offence to give away any vaping or nicotine product, or coupon, to a member of the public
  • Substantial discount (sometimes known as nominal pricing). It will be an offence to sell vaping or nicotine products or coupons for these products at a substantial discount
  • Vending machines will no longer be able to sell nicotine products and herbal smoking products