WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER from 2.30 – 4.30pm
LifeCare are hosting a FREE information event next week
Come along to learn everything you need to know about Power of Attorney and Wills with Lindsays Solicitors
Power of Attorney – Wed 11th Nov
https://events.humanitix.com/power-of-attorney…
Drop-ins welcome but you can register through the link above.
Tea and coffee will be served at the event 
Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade.
The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) – which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions – has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.
Additionally, a short-term working group involving councils, unions and the Scottish Government will assess what additional support schools and teachers require to implement the refreshed curriculum, with a routemap to be published early next year.
Draft curriculum materials have now been made available to teachers by Education Scotland, which will be tested and refined through engagement with the profession. These have been co-designed by Education Scotland with input from over 1,500 primary and secondary teachers, early learning practitioners, and a range of other experts including from the Gaelic Medium Education sector.
The materials are being deliberately shared by Education Scotland in draft, as part of a process of engagement and testing with a sample of teachers ahead of wider engagement around more advanced drafts in early 2027. More than 3,800 teachers, practitioners, council education leads, and experts have so far registered an interest in reviewing the drafts and providing independent feedback to inform future drafts.
Education Scotland and Qualifications Scotland are working closely to develop qualifications for learners on the basis of the updated curriculum and aligned with it for the senior phase, for learners aged 16-18.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering the most substantial curriculum reform in a decade.
“The draft materials build on the strengths of Curriculum for Excellence and respond to the OECD’s call for greater clarity, stronger progression and a clearer focus on knowledge. By aligning curriculum, qualifications and assessment reform, we can deliver changes that work in the classroom and improve outcomes for young people.
“Teachers must have appropriate time and support to prepare properly – investing in dedicated time now will ensure high-quality learning and teaching for young people once the updated curriculum is implemented in August 2028.
“I have encouraged local councils to align additional days with existing school holidays to minimise disruption and look forward to taking forward a new curriculum designed to deliver excellence in our education system.”
Association of Headteachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS) General Secretary Greg Dempster said: “AHDS is very pleased that we now have an agreement in place for two additional in-service days during the remainder of this school session, and that is work underway to ensure that further development days are swiftly agreed for subsequent years.
“This time investment is absolutely essential to enable school leaders and their teams to undertake the planning and preparation necessary for implementation of changes to our curriculum to be successful.”
School Leaders Scotland (SLS) General Secretary David Barnett said: “We are pleased that an agreement on additional in-service days has now been reached.
“This will allow schools to plan with confidence on giving staff time to engage with the draft curriculum materials and begin the process of what will be major curriculum reform.”
Councils will decide the exact dates for the additional in-service days, which are intended to be aligned to the existing holidays, based on local holiday timetables. Dispensation for the in-service days will be granted under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
7 NOVEMBER 2026 – 11 APRIL 2027
A major exhibition bringing together 15 years of work by Aberdeen-based artist Ade Adesina will open on Saturday (7 November 2026).
City Art Centre will present the biggest exhibition of work to date by acclaimed printmaker Ade Adesina, bringing together an expansive collection of his monumental linocuts, etchings and woodcuts.
Born in Nigeria in 1980 and now based in Aberdeen, Adesina explores urgent global themes, including climate change and colonial histories, drawing on the past and present to imagine possible futures. His work carefully balances beauty with a darker undercurrent, revealing the impact of human intervention on the natural world.
Informed by his African roots, his experiences of British culture and his extensive global travels, Adesina’s practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of Fine Art printmaking. At first glance, his works may appear to be classical landscapes or still lifes. However, closer inspection reveals complex narratives and richly layered iconography, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface and discover the stories within.
The exhibition, titled Bard, includes new works created especially for the show. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the breadth and ambition of an artist whose distinctive approach to printmaking explores the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Running until Sunday 11 April 2027, the exhibition is presented as part of RSA200: Celebrating Together, marking the occasion through a showcase of contemporary artistic practice and the work of one of Scotland’s leading printmakers.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are delighted to welcome this major exhibition by Ade Adesina to the City Art Centre. As one of the most significant showcases of his work to date, Bard offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary scale and detail of his printmaking.
“Ade’s work addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to colonial history. It is an ambitious and thought-provoking exhibition which celebrates the diversity of artistic talent in Scotland – well worth a visit!”
Ade Adesina said: “I’m delighted to present ‘Bard’ at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre, a place that holds special significance for me.
“It was one of the first galleries I visited as an art student, and I remember being so overwhelmed by the quality of the work on display that I questioned whether I could ever make it as an artist. To return now with my own exhibition feels particularly meaningful.
“On a personal level, this body of work brings back memories of different times in my life and the ups and downs of trying to build a career as an artist. Each piece holds something of the circumstances in which it was made: the doubts, setbacks, discoveries and moments of joy. Seeing these works together allows me to reflect on that journey and the experiences that have shaped both my life and my practice.
“Printmaking is the medium I have chosen to tell stories through landscapes and still life, bringing together places, events, memories and imagined worlds. My work reflects on our relationship with nature and the histories that shape us, preserving memories and recording experiences while drawing connections between different cultures and environments. Presenting these stories in Edinburgh, a city with such a rich storytelling tradition, feels especially fitting.
“I hope visitors will find their own connections within these images and discover something new each time they look. Above all, I hope someone beginning their own creative journey visits this exhibition and leaves feeling encouraged to keep going, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. It’s hard, but it’s possible.”
Curator Stuart Fallon said: “Ade Adesina is one of the most important printmakers working in Scotland today.
“The exhibition showcases Ade’s incredible skill, and dedication to the medium – including epic landscapes and intricate still lifes in linocut, woodcut and etching. We’re very pleased to bring together the largest survey of Ade’s remarkable work to date, including over 60 works, spanning 15 years of his career.”
The Scottish Household Survey: Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report, published yesterday, contains key findings for the survey question on trust in public institutions in Scotland.
In 2025, adults in Scotland were most likely to trust the Health System and the Police (both 74%). Trust was lowest for the Scottish Government (46%) and Local Government (50%).
The Scottish Government (45%) and Local Government (41%) attracted the highest levels of distrust in 2025, while distrust was lowest for the Police (19%), the Education System (20%) and the Civil Service (22%). Compared with 2023, distrust increased most for Local Government (from 35% to 41%) and the Health System (from 18% to 24%).
‘Net trust’ is the difference between the percentage of people who expressed trust in an institution, and those who expressed distrust. More adults expressed trust than distrust in six of the seven institutions.
The Police had the highest net trust (+54 percentage points), with 74% of adults expressing trust and 19% expressing distrust.
Net trust in the Scottish Government was neutral, with equal proportions of adults expressing trust and distrust.
Trust varied across population groups. Adults aged 16 to 34 generally reported higher levels of trust than adults in the older age groups, while disabled adults reported lower trust and higher distrust than non-disabled adults across all institutions.
Trust was also generally higher among minority ethnic groups and lower among adults living in the most deprived areas. Differences by sex and urban-rural classification were less pronounced.
Trust in all seven institutions was lower in 2025 than in 2022, with the largest declines for the Scottish Government and Local Government (both down nine percentage points).
Changes in trust since 2023 were generally smaller than those seen earlier in the period, with trust levels increasing slightly for the Justice system and remaining stable for four of the seven institutions (the Police, Scottish Government, Civil Service and Education system) – suggesting that the decline in trust may be stabilising.
Over the 2023 to 2025 time period, however, distrust increased for most institutions and fewer adults selected “don’t know”, indicating that views may have become more defined over time.
The Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report provides key findings relating to Trust in Public Institutions in Scotland from the Scottish Household Survey.
Dear Editor,
Things may only just be cooling down after what has certainly been a long hot summer, but at the North Pole, things are hotting up with the elves and Father Christmas already gearing up for another jam-packed festive season.
Once more, the residents of the North Pole are teaming up with their friends at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People) to make sure that every child experiences the magic that Christmas time brings by helping Santa reply to their letters in a format that’s accessible to them.
In the lead up to Christmas Day, children with a vision impairment can receive their very own Letter from Santa from RNIB in braille, large print, audio or email format, completely free of charge.
Last year, more than 1,600 children across the UK were brought the joy of Christmas magic by receiving a letter from Santa in an accessible format thanks to RNIB and Father Christmas’s elves.
If you know a child with a vision impairment who would love to receive an accessible Letter from Santa, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/santa.
The last date to request a physical letter in braille, large print or audio is Monday 30 November.
For a Letter from Santa in email format, you have until Tuesday 15 December to submit your request.
Remember to include the child’s name, age, address, the format they’d like their letter in, and whether they’d like to receive their letter in English or Welsh, and then leave it to Santa’s elves to sort out the magic.
From everyone at RNIB and at the North Pole, we wish you a magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Lara Marshall
Library Engagement Manager at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People)
Police have seized more than a quarter of a ton of fireworks in what’s believed to be one of the largest recoveries in Scotland.
On Tuesday, 3 November, officers executed a warrant at an address in Penilee, Glasgow following intelligence received from the local community.
As a result, 350kg of fireworks, with a total retail value of £12,000 were recovered within. Some of the fireworks seized has the capacity to fire 600 individual rockets.
These fireworks were due to be sold online leading up to Bonfire Night.
Local Area Commander Chief Inspector William Campbell said: “This significant seizure is as a result of effective community policing and local intelligence.
“There was potential for these to be used to commit disorder in the coming days and taking them off the streets has potentially stopped the public and emergency service personnel being targeted by them.
“Prevention is a huge part of the work we do to help maintain public safety, protecting property and minimise antisocial behaviour ahead of Bonfire Night.”
A report will be submitted to the Procurators Fiscal.
Two male youths have been charged after fireworks were thrown at High Street in Bonnyrigg, around 7.50pm on Saturday, 31 October, 2026.
The teenagers were traced and charged with culpable and reckless conduct. Enquiries continue to trace others involved.
Chief Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Young people are entitled to enjoy themselves, however any dangerous and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We are continuing to engage with young people ahead of Bonfire Night about the consequences of this type of behaviour. We urge parents and guardians to support our efforts and ensure they are aware of their children’s activities and movements.
“Patrols continue in the area and we would encourage members of the public to continue to report any incidents to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
“Your assistance remains vital in helping us protect our local communities.”
Our first Friday Community Lunch was an absolute success!
We served 33 meals of a delicious coconut and chickpea curry with rice and vegetable pakoras on the side. Of course, we forgot to take a photo!
However, we’re back again this Friday with a lovely Sudanese dish, taught by one of our talented cooking group members.
You can come and join in with cooking the meal from 10am-12pm or just come along for lunch, served from 12pm-1pm.
We are here to serve the community, so everyone is welcome.
It is always free, and you are welcome to leave a donation if you would like.
Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland is calling on businesses, landmarks and venues across the country to ‘Light Up Red’ to raise awareness for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
From castles and council buildings to schools and statues, the charity is urging Scotland’s most iconic structures to show their support in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday on 8th November.
Last year, almost 200 locations took part across the country including The Kelpies, The City Chambers in Edinburgh, Hamilton Town Hall, Ness Bridge, Rosslyn Chapel and the University of Glasgow. The charity hopes to surpass this total in 2026.
Any building with external lighting can participate simply by adding red gel filters to its lights, joining a striking visual display of remembrance.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million annually for the charity’s vital welfare work with veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Each year our Light Up Red campaign raises awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal up and down the country, and we know from our Armed Forces community that it means a lot to them to see such a visible show of support and togetherness.
“In 2025, we had had great success across the length and breadth of Scotland, and we hope to build on that again this year. That’s where your community, your business or your organisation can join in.”
For more information about how to get involved, visit:
Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Scottish Government brings together industry leaders to discuss how to turn its potential into growth.
Estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, with the right investment and leadership from government and businesses across the economy.
Innovation Minister Alyn Smith met techUK Chief Executive Julian David and a roundtable of industry representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday 3 November).
The Scottish Government convened the discussion to hear directly from businesses about what is helping and what is holding back AI adoption.
Mr Smith said: “AI is one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s economy in a generation. The potential is there, with an additional £23 billion a year within reach by 2035. But it will only be realised if businesses take action.
“Whether you are an established firm or a growing start-up, and whether you are curious, cautious or sceptical about AI, now is the time to explore what it can do for you. We want Scottish businesses to harness AI to meet that ambition, and to exceed it.
“Scotland has a real advantage in the world-class talent our universities and colleges produce, and in the research and computing power behind them. That strength, working hand in hand with business, is what will turn this potential into jobs, investment and growth.
“Government can set the direction and help clear the way, but we need industry to tell us what works, what doesn’t and what would make the difference. That is why we have brought this group together today.”
Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK, said: “The opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but it will only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same direction.
“Today’s roundtable is a chance for industry to share what is working on the ground and for government to listen and act. By collaborating, we can help more businesses of every size make the most of AI.”
Scotland’s AI Strategy is the Scottish Government’s five-year plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth. Support is already available for smaller businesses. The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and launched in August, helps small and medium-sized businesses get started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and effectively. Its predecessor reached more than 1,000 businesses.
The roundtable will also discuss the role of Scotland’s universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills the economy needs.
A decade after arriving in the city without a penny, an Edinburgh Napier University student who escaped civil war in Syria has celebrated his graduation as an engineer.
Mohamad Nour Alhoulani and his family were forced to flee the sudden outbreak of armed conflict in 2011 – travelling over mountainous routes to neighbouring Lebanon as their homeland was destroyed.
Following years in a refugee camp, they were offered the chance to move to Scotland through a UN programme in 2016. They made their home in Edinburgh, where Mohamad began taking English classes – which led to college and later university.
Now, the 31-year-old has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with a BEngElectrical & Electronic Engineeringdegree, which he celebrated alongside is parents, wife and three children at the Usher Hall.
Mohamad said: “The revolution began when I was 16 years old. Like many other people, my family and I were forced to leave our home. It was destroyed piece by piece, and we had to keep moving to avoid the bombing.
“We went to Lebanon, where we lived in a refugee camp. Life there was extremely difficult, and I had to work in very hard jobs to earn money and support my family.
“When I was 21 years old, I was given the opportunity to come to Scotland through the United Nations resettlement programme. It was a new beginning for me, but it was also a huge challenge.
“I arrived with zero money. I had three dollars in Lebanese lira, which I used to buy a bottle of water in a Turkish airport on the way.
“When we got here I didn’t understand people when they spoke, or the culture. But I wanted to learn quickly. A local organisation called The Welcoming helped me to take language classes at the local community centre. I started volunteering with them soon afterwards.
“I would never have imagined I would go from that situation to be graduating today.”
Once Mohamed got used to life in Scotland, he decided on a new career path – engineering.
He completed several courses at Edinburgh College, while also working and raising his young children, before being accepted to study at Edinburgh Napier University.
Mohamad added: “I decided to study electrical engineering because I wanted to develop a professional career, find stable employment and create better opportunities for my children.
“We had the opportunity to come to Scotland, so I also want to be able to do something to make a positive difference for people here.
“I took to it pretty quickly. I remember one project where we made a little robot car – and I was so happy when it worked! I found I enjoyed solving problems.
“Today, I look back at it all with satisfaction and gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunities I have received in Scotland, for the people who supported me, and most importantly, for the chance to continue learning.”
Mohamad graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.
