Edinburgh landmarks shine a light of hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

 On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline will join landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.

Buildings and landmarks across Scotland will unite by shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on the 10th of September. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura, and the Balmoral Hotel will be some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.

Joining the venues will be Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen. 

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts. 

It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.

For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life.

“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”

After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.

“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.

“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’

“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”

A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.

A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.

But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection. More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.

It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:

  • Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
  • If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
  • Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
  • Let them know they are not alone.
  • Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
  • Ask them what things they care about and what they like. 

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.

“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.”

“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Find advice on how to start a conversation, listen and support someone at www.samaritans.org/interrupt.

Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.

Education convenor welcomes Knife Angel to Leith

Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish welcomes an anti-knife crime initiative to the city:

“This week sees an unusual – but vitally important – visitor to Leith.

“Knife Angel has been installed at Kirkgate, a huge 27ft statue constructed with 100,000 knives and bladed weapons that have been confiscated by police forces from all over the UK. Raising the important topic of knife violence within young people, the statue was brought to the town with the help of Leith mum Lisa Petrie.

“Lisa lost her 22-year-old son John to knife violence last year and since has tirelessly campaigned to make young people aware of the dangers of carrying a knife. Through her grief she is bravely doing all she can to make young people aware of the dangers of knife crime.

“Knife Angel will be in Leith for one month and I hope it creates thought provoking conversations and encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a blade and what the repercussions can be.

“The installation is part of a month-long anti-knife crime campaign aimed at children, young people and the wider community.

“The Council funded 500 high school pupils to attend Code at the Fringe, a gritty physical theatre piece centred on knife crime and country lines and the realities of getting involved with gangs. Using rap, parkour and BMX stunts, the show received rave reviews and pupils tell me it raised important discussions with peers and teachers.

“Theatre production company Strange Town have been funded, with support from Forth Ports, to take Balinsong to high schools across Edinburgh.

“The theatre performance centres on knife crime and how a split-second decision can have devastating impact on a young person’s life.  Thousands of pupils will see the show which is hard-hitting and previous audiences have agreed the messaging lives on long after the curtain falls.

“For younger pupils, 92 pupils submitted artwork centred on the theme of safety with the art being turned into a mosaic that covers an entire Lothian Buses bus. Pupils were asked how young people can help make Edinburgh safer and I was blown away with some of the suggestions and the creativity of the young people.

“The bus was launched last week and I have already spied it travelling down Princes Street – it is certainly eye catching and was a good way to involve younger children in the anti-violence campaign in an age-appropriate way.

“Working with partner agencies, I was shocked to learn that carrying a knife makes you over 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of knife crime. While knife carrying and violence is decreasing in our society it is clear that we need to continue to do all we can to continue this downward trend.

“Every life lost to knife crime is a tragedy and I would urge young people, teachers and parents to use this initiative as a talking point and make sure they know the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.”

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‘What I Want You To Know’: New film tells one dad’s story of losing his son

“He didn’t want to die. He just didn’t want the pain anymore.”

  • Suicide Prevention Scotland launches a new documentary, What I Want You To Know
  • The film follows Phil Wanless, whose son Fraser died by suicide in 2021
  • It confronts the reality of trauma, relationships, substance use, isolation and suicide
  • Released for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, it’s available to watch on SuicidePrevention.scot/Fraser and YouTube 

A groundbreaking new documentary has been launched today (Thursday 10 September) to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.

What I want you to know is a powerful film from Suicide Prevention Scotland following bereaved father Phil Wanless as he seeks to understand his son Fraser’s death. 

Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations delivering the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together. 

Running to 30 minutes, it gives one family’s story the space to explore some of the most difficult themes. 

Ultimately, the film asks what might have been different if the people around Fraser, and Phil, had been met with time, space and compassion sooner.

Fraser was just eleven years old when he found his mum, Lisa, dead after she experienced a fatal epileptic seizure. 

Phil’s journey has helped him understand that his son struggled to grieve her death. Later he turned to substance use and experienced difficult relationships. 

Ultimately, the documentary challenges people to consider the principles of time, space and compassion, in every part of our lives – not just suicide prevention; that every one of us can help save lives. 

Phil is joined by his partner Debbie Rowan, Fraser’s friend Darren Gallagher, Iain Corbett, a community development practitioner who has extensive experience working with young men, and John Gibson, founder of The Canmore Trust. 

John and his wife Isobel lost their son Cameron to suicide in 2019. 

A facilitation pack has also been launched so that a range of different groups and communities across Scotland can watch the film and talk about it together. It is designed for anyone, regardless of their experience. 

In the documentary, Phil Wanless says of his son’s suicide: “Fraser and I spoke every day, whether it was a voice call or a text. I hadn’t heard from him for a day, and that was very unusual.

“I don’t believe he wanted to die. I just don’t think he wanted to live. He just didn’t want the pain any more.

“The boy that I brought up, bought his first football boots, and put his first Hearts top on, everything was gone in the blink of an eye. Part of my heart is missing. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s not a cliché. Part of my heart is missing. 

“It broke us. It took a family that was pretty close, and broke us. I wish I had the chance to tell Fraser right now how much I loved him.

“It is Fraser’s story, but it could be anybody’s story.”

The impact of Fraser’s death was profound, and was felt from as soon as Phil learned his son was gone. Eventually, he also planned to take his own life. 

“There were no instructions on how to grieve. The only time anybody talked to me about my mind health was at the point of crisis. That has to be the wrong way round.

“Suicide is the end product, and it’s the permanent product. But the truth is, we want to reach anybody who’s feeling like that long before we get to crisis.

“We need to stop the idea that the first time you get to talk to anybody is when you’re thinking about taking your life. We have to treat mind health as every bit as important as physical health.”

Phil wants the principles of time, space and compassion to be taught from an early age. Only as a bereaved father has he learned about the impact of trauma. 

“In my whole life nobody ever taught me about compassion, and yet it’s one of the most important things in life. I think we should be teaching it at school.”

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, said: “I want to thank Phil Wanless and his family and friends for their courage in sharing their experiences in this powerful film. 

“Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy beyond measure and this documentary brings home the devastating impact. It also reminds us that opening up conversations about suicide and encouraging people to seek help can save lives.

“Our work on suicide prevention is informed and guided by those with lived and living experience. I am determined that we learn from Fraser’s tragic death as we continue that work to ensure that anyone with thoughts of suicide or impacted by suicide in any way gets the help they need and feels a sense of hope.

“Our Suicide Prevention Action Plan – joint with COSLA – aims to reduce deaths by suicide whilst also tackling the inequalities that can increase the risk of suicide, and is backed by a budget of £3 million in 2026–27.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Phil Wanless’ story of his son Fraser’s tragic death, and of his own experiences of bereavement and suicide, is incredibly moving.

“Thank you, Phil, for sharing so openly. The documentary powerfully shows how deeply suicide is felt by friends, families, and wider communities, and is a clear call to action for all of us. 

“The film is also striking in how it tells us about the complexities of Fraser’s life, with trauma, substance use, and relationships all having a significant impact. It reminds us of the importance of ensuring our work on suicide prevention in Scotland continues to address the wider factors in our lives. 

“The COSLA and Scottish Government Suicide Prevention strategy and action plan sets out our vision and I am committed to ensuring that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or is bereaved by suicide can access the support they need, when they need, and that local government does all it can to both provide support and address the wider social factors that can impact on suicide risk. 

“Phil has told us what he wants us to know, and now we must all act.”

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s national delivery lead Haylis Smith says: “The film shines a light on the reality of suicide in a way that hasn’t happened before. I know Phil doesn’t think he’s extraordinary, that he’s simply a grieving father angry after the loss of his son.

“But Fraser’s death will not be in vain, because Phil, Debbie and their families have opened up their home and lives in a way that will help so many people think about how to support people who experience trauma. He is extraordinary, because Phil’s intervention will save lives. We might never know who, but it will.

“We can see in the film where there were missed opportunities for time, space, compassion. It shows what their absence feels like, how much there still is to learn about reaching people long before a crisis and how we can all play a part in supporting people at risk of, or impacted by suicide.”

suicide-prevention-what-i-want-you-to-know-facilitation-packDownload

Three people charged following fatal crash near Newbridge

CRASH VICTIM NAMED AS LINDA PATTERSON

A 32-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 23, have been charged following a fatal crash on the A8 near Newbridge.

Around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, 2026, officers were called to the crash involving four cars.

A 58-year-old woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Linda Patterson and the following statement has been released on behalf of her family:

“Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.

“She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.

“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.

“She will be greatly missed.

“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”

Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with Linda’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.

“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

The two women and the man were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Read more – https://orlo.uk/8pQKJ

Letters: Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis

Dear Editor,

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect 1.7 million people in Scotland – around one in three of us.

Yet despite the enormous impact these conditions have on people’s health, independence and ability to work, Scotland has no dedicated national strategy for MSK health. That needs to change.

Arthritis UK is calling on First Minister John Swinney to deliver Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan, providing the national leadership needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and support.

Behind the statistics are people living every day with pain, fatigue and disability – some waiting years for a diagnosis or treatment that could transform their lives.

Our “Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis” campaign gives those people, their families, and supporters the opportunity to make their voices heard.

We are urging people across Scotland to send a simple message to the First Minister: arthritis affects too many people to remain an afterthought.

It is time to face arthritis head-on and give MSK health the priority it deserves.

Yours faithfully

Lauren Bennie

Head of Scotland

Arthritis UK
Edward House, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EX

Qualifications Scotland: Share Your Views

If you’re the parent or carer of a learner currently in S4-S6, we’d love to hear from you!

Join Your Voice and share your experiences with Qualifications Scotland through quick online surveys or the occasional conversation. There’s no obligation to take part every time, and you can opt out whenever you choose.

Your views help us create fairer assessments for every learner.

👉 Sign up here https://bit.ly/3SqXGWQ

Local Care Home hosts REMAP talk

TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2 – 4pm

Staff at Queens Manor Care Home in Barnton, Edinburgh are hosting a talk from Paul Whitman on the amazing charitable work they do at REMAP. 

REMAP work on adapting equipment needed to meet the unique needs of individuals at no cost to them. The equipment, produced by our team of dedicated volunteers, can help with day-to-day tasks such as mobility, personal care or eating. Or it can enable the client to pursue a hobby or ambition, such as participating in a sport or art activity.

General Manager of the home, Margaret said: “We are very pleased to be welcoming Paul in to do a talk and answer and questions.  They do such amazing work for the community” 

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Queens Manor provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays. The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents, relatives and surrounding neighbours.

Kids Operating Room co-founders name gorilla at Rwanda’s Kwita Izina ceremony

EDINBURGH-based Kids Operating Room co-founders Garreth and Nicola Wood MBE have taken part in Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, naming a baby mountain gorilla Ngabonzima – meaning ‘The Protector’.

Kwita Izina – meaning “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda – is one of Rwanda’s most significant national honours, inspired by a centuries-old tradition of families and communities gathering to name their newborns.

Each year, a small number of people are invited to name a baby mountain gorilla in recognition of their contribution to conservation or to the country; past namers have included King Charles III, Idris Elba and Kevin Hart. This year, Garreth and Nicola were recognised for their work through both The Wood Foundation and Kids Operating Room.

Garreth and Nicola’s work in the country has had enormous impact – from The Wood Foundation’s support of over 35,000 smallholder tea farmers, to Kids Operating Room’s own work, which has been transforming children’s surgery across Rwanda since 2018, starting with one of its first theatres, installed in the capital, Kigali.

Since then, Kids Operating Room has installed four dedicated children’s operating theatres across the country, and trained 14 paediatric surgical scholars. By investing in both infrastructure and workforce, the work has created capacity for more than 30,000 life-changing operations for children – the economic benefit of which to the country is just under $1 billion – and will continue to benefit children in the country for decades to come.

“Garreth and Nicola Wood’s work in Rwanda has had an enormous impact on children living in Rwanda” said Dr. Edmond Ntaganda, consultant paediatric surgeon, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).

“Through their passion for paediatric surgery, they’ve helped to transform our country’s entire health system for children.

“Their investment in both infrastructure and workforce has supported the development of a sustainable, locally-led system that guarantees better access to surgical care for Rwandan children for generations to come.”

Garreth Wood MBE, co-founder, Kids Operating Room, said: “To be invited to name a gorilla, alongside people who have dedicated their lives to conservation, is a genuine privilege.

“Kids Operating Room started because we believed every child deserves access to safe surgery, wherever they are born, and seeing what has been built in Rwanda since then is something I will always be proud of.

“This name echoes our belief that every child deserves access to safe, timely surgery, and how the availability of that care protects children from needless pain and suffering.”

Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt supports Scottish charity’s campaign to help feed hungry children

Join Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt: Swap your £4 meal deal to help feed hungry children

Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt is encouraging people across Edinburgh to swap their £4 supermarket meal deal to help feed hungry children.

Matt, who is one of Britain’s most recognisable chefs, having also hosted Food Unwrapped and Drop Down Menu and been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, has teamed up with school feeding charity Mary’s Meals to promote its Meals Deals campaign.

Mary’s Meals, which started in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides a nutritious meal to more than three million children every school day. Working in some of the world’s poorest communities in 16 countries, including Haiti, Lebanon and Zimbabwe, the charity’s school meals bring hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and look to a brighter future.

Thanks to Mary’s Meals’ low-cost approach, it costs only £19.15 to provide a child with meals in a place of education for a whole school year, just 10p a meal.

Matt is backing their Meals Deals campaign, which calls on people to swap out their £4 meal deal for a donation that will be transformed into nutritious food for 40 children at school.

The TV chef says: “We all have busy lives and it’s so easy to quickly grab a meal deal when we’re on the go – I’ll often seek out my favourite sandwich, crisps and a drink in between cooking and filming.

“But it’s incredible to think that by skipping just one meal deal and instead donating £4, you could help to transform the lives of 40 hungry children by providing them with food, education and hope.

“It’s easy to feel a bit helpless when we watch the news and see everything going on in the world. There’s so much sadness out there and you don’t know how to respond. But when I heard about the Meals Deals campaign and the simplicity of it, I loved it and had to get involved. They have a lovely line of ‘school + food = hope’, and I think that’s something we can all get behind.”

By swapping out a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals, you can help children like Samar.

The primary 8 student lives in South Sudan, where more than one third of all children under five years old suffer chronic malnutrition, and over 70% of primary school-age children are out of school – the highest figure anywhere in the world. Economic hardship is such that many families have to make the heartbreaking decision to send their children out to work rather than attending school.

Samar’s mother, Medina, is bringing up her daughter alone. To make money, she buys small quantities of flour to make cakes to sell; this is the family’s main source of income.

Samar explains: “When my mother has some money, we can have two meals a day. However, when there is not enough money, we may only have tea in the morning and then wait until evening to have a meal. When there is not enough food at home, I simply endure the situation.” 

But thanks to Mary’s Meals, Samar can now rely on a nutritious daily meal at school. She says: “I feel happy to come to school every day because I know that I will receive a meal. Even when I do not have anything to eat at home, I know there will be food at school.”

Anna Houghton, Regional Development Officer for Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re all big Saturday Kitchen fans here at Mary’s Meals and so excited Matt has chosen to put our Meals Deals campaign in the spotlight.

“With one simple act, by saying no to a meal deal and donating just £4, you can help shape a brighter future for 40 children like Samar who face a daily battle for survival. Your spare pennies can make a tangible on-the-ground difference and be turned into happiness and hope through Mary’s Meals.”

Matt is encouraging the Scottish public to support the Meals Deals campaign today and says: “I love my trips to Scotland. It has incredible food, amazing produce, but most importantly, the most welcoming people.

“It’s no surprise that Mary’s Meals has achieved so much since its humble beginnings, fuelled by the renowned Scottish generosity and spirit.

“For me, food is always about bringing people together. And Mary’s Meals is doing that by showing that even the smallest of donations can connect people here in Scotland and hungry children across the world, by providing them with a nutritious meal and hope for a better tomorrow.”

A regular supermarket meal deal gives you a sandwich, snack and drink. But Meals Deals offers so much more. Could you help to transform a child’s life by swapping a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals?

Help support children like Samar today: www.marysmeals.org.uk/meal-deal

Edinburgh children go free at Camera Obscura this September

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is offering free entry for Edinburgh children throughout September, helping local families enjoy a day out in the capital for less.

The offer is available as part of Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards programme, which gives EH postcode holders access to exclusive offers across the city.

From Sunday to Friday, EH postcode holders can receive one free child ticket with each full-paying adult ticket booked online using the code EHREWARD26.

Edinburgh residents visiting without children can also benefit from its ongoing 20% off off-peak tickets from Sunday to Friday. The discount is available online using the code RESIDENTRATE20.

The offers follow Camera Obscura’s participation in the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative, which saw the attraction pass on the full VAT reduction across advance and walk-up tickets during the peak summer season.

Located at the top of the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura features more than 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, from optical illusions and mind-bending installations to panoramic views of Edinburgh from its rooftop.

The attraction also welcomes families of all needs. Visitors with sensory needs can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activity sheet and sensory toys. A sensory map of the building is also available to help families plan their visit.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “September is a brilliant time for Edinburgh residents to rediscover what is on their doorstep, once the busiest weeks of the summer have passed.

“We know the cost of a family day out can quickly add up, so we hope our child-goes-free offer will make it easier for local families to visit. We also wanted to ensure residents visiting without children could benefit, with 20% off off-peak tickets available throughout the month.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Our Resident Rewards programme, delivered by Forever Edinburgh, is all about giving the people who live in Edinburgh more opportunities to discover, enjoy and experience their own city for less.

“Camera Obscura is one of the capital’s most loved attractions, and I hope that residents will be able to make the most of this offer.”

Both offers are available to EH postcode holders from Sunday to Friday throughout September and must be booked online. Only one discount can be used per booking.

To book tickets, please visit: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/