Experts Reveal You’re Sharing Your Home with Over 100 Spiders
If it feels like your home is crawling with more spiders than usual this season, you’re not imagining things. Peter Murray, a Home & Garden expert from Murray Steel Buildings, warns that the average UK home could be playing host to over 100 spiders – and they’re not where you’d expect.
As autumn settles in and temperatures drop, spiders are seeking out warm, sheltered spots in your home. “They’re drawn to dark, quiet spaces where they won’t be disturbed,” says Murray. “You’re most likely to find them in attics, under furniture, behind curtains, and surprisingly, even in your bed covers.”
Giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) on a tiled kitchen floor in a UK house
This year has seen a particular rise in household spider numbers, with species such as the common house spider and false widow becoming regular visitors indoors. The top places spiders are likely hiding include:
In the corners of ceilings – High-up and undisturbed, these areas are prime real estate for webs.
Under furniture – Sofas, beds, and armchairs provide perfect dark, cosy spots.
In garages and sheds – Wide, untouched spaces are favourites for building webs.
Behind curtains and in bed covers – Anywhere warm and undisturbed is attractive to spiders, including the folds of your bedding.
Around sinks and drains – Bathrooms and kitchens attract spiders due to moisture.
Murray advises, “Though they may seem creepy, spiders help control pests like flies and other insects. However, if you want to keep their numbers down, regular cleaning, reducing clutter, and sealing up cracks around windows and doors will help.”
£7m funding available to kick start local initiatives
Businesses will be able to bid for a share of up to £7 million of Scottish Government funding to help kick start green hydrogen projects across Scotland.
The funding will help cover the development stage costs of green hydrogen production projects with production capacity of between 5 – 400 megawatts – the equivalent to the production of enough hydrogen to heat at least 200 to over 16,000 homes.
Support will also be available for work supporting the hydrogen supply chain and storage solutions, and will play an important role in helping the industry scale up as it responds to market demand.
Organisations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of £2 million of match-funding from the scheme which has been co-developed with Scottish Enterprise, who will facilitate and manage the fund.
It complements a total of almost £7 million from the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which has supported 31 projects across the country since 2023.
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.
“This is due to our capability to generate so much renewable energy which is crucial to the process of making green hydrogen.
“This funding – which will help support the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen hubs across the country, will, in time, help unlock opportunities in hydrogen for use and export and to power the clean energy intensive industries of the future.
“It demonstrates that Scotland is well positioned to lead the way in developing renewable energy in a way that delivers economic benefits and it also shows our commitment to help grow the hydrogen sector, one of the five priority areas set out in our new Green Industrial Strategy.”
Scottish Enterprise Director of Energy Transition, Suzanne Sosna, said: “This new fund will help new green hydrogen projects get off the ground, something that is critical if we are to build the hydrogen economy as we aim to in Scotland.
“Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, has the potential to transform Scotland’s economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to helping hydrogen production, storage and offtake businesses as part of that.”
Organisations have until 27th September to submit expressions of interest in the fund.
The Binks Hub and the Ripple Project are delighted to invite you to an exhibition of co-created art that challenges the status quo and offers an alternative view of what communities need to flourish.
Exhibiting in partnership with Dovecot Studios, the world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh, “Alternative Futures – Who Decides” is the result of a collaboration between The Binks Hub, University of Edinburgh and The Ripple Project, a grassroots, community led charity using creativity and the arts to co-create community-driven research that makes a difference to people’s lives.
The exhibition will be open:
Thursday 3rd October
Friday 4th October
Saturday 5th October
And is free to attend, to check out times and secure your place please register through the Eventbrite link.
You can also drop in on any day where there will be workshops and opportunities to chat to those involved in the project.
We hope you can join us to begin conversations about how we change the way we view our communities and what we can do together to make a lasting difference.
Edinburgh is well represented at this year’s Scottish Muslim Awards. Among the capital’s shortlisted nominees are:
Mick Napier from Edinburgh
He is nominated for non-Muslim supporting Muslims
Mick Napier In 2000, at the start of the Palestinian Intifada, Mick co-founded the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), driven by outrage over the Israeli army’s admission of firing one million bullets at unarmed Palestinian demonstrators during the uprising.
Since then, SPSC has been tirelessly campaigning to support the Palestinian call for boycotts and isolation of the Israeli regime and its international supporters. Currently, Mick and SPSC are focused on pressuring the Scottish Government to recognize the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Palestine.
They organize across Scotland and work with international partners to oppose the regime’s genocidal plans to erase Palestinian presence, including the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque.
Over the past two decades, during every major Israeli offensive, Mick has faced and successfully defeated criminal charges ranging from racism and terrorism to violent assault. Despite a conviction for organizing protests without paperwork, Mick remains undeterred. Mick has three children and two granddaughters, who are both keen to make Mick a great-grandparent.
Amir Hussain, Napier University, Edinburgh
Nominated for innovation
Amir Hussain is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive experience in the fields of AI and robotics. He earned his B.Eng. (Highest 1st Class Honours with Distinction) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 and 1997, respectively. Following postdoctoral and academic roles at various institutions, including the University of West of Scotland, University of Dundee, and University of Stirling, he joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2018 as a Chair Professor in the School of Computing.
Hussain is the founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) and leads the Trustworthy Data Science and Cyber Analytics Research Group. He holds several Visiting Professorships, including at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. He also serves as Turing Academic Lead for the University Network of the Alan Turing Institute and advises on AI strategy internationally, including for Kuwait’s National AI Strategy.
Amana Food, Edinburgh
Nominated for the business award.
Amana Food Products Company, founded in Scotland in 2019, is a pioneering example of Palestinian entrepreneurship abroad.
The company aims to support the Palestinian economy by purchasing directly from small farmers, ensuring fair income and sustainability. By importing high-quality products like dates, olive oil, and thyme, Amana has introduced Palestinian goods to British markets, making them strong competitors globally.
More than a business, Amana’s strategy focuses on uplifting Palestinian families and farmers, providing access to international markets that would otherwise be unreachable. This commitment to social responsibility, combined with business success, showcases how companies can blend profit with purpose.
Amana serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that values-driven entrepreneurship can foster sustainable development and positively impact Palestinian society, while promoting Palestinian products on the global stage.
The Scottish Muslim Awards winners will be announced at an event in the Glasgow Hilton on 29 September.
First of all, a little boasting. We are proud to let you know that we have achieved an “Advancing” report from It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of Keeping Scotland Beautiful, for our achievements over the year (that’s level three out of five).
Our efforts were scored at the beginning of August and we were praised for community participation and environmental responsibility.
In particular, the work done by the Men’s Shed, on various planters and raised beds, the planting of particular ingredients for dyeing and wood treatment by our partners and the creation of free Little Libraries, one with a green roof, came in for special mention, all providing opportunities for a wide variety of activities for local residents.
The report also included a few suggestions for going forward, which we will certainly work hard to bring to fruition.
Hear About …
September means that our Hear About talks are starting soon, on Friday 20th to be precise. We’ll be kicking off with a return visit from Kenneth Williamson who this time will be telling us about Old Edinburgh Trams that served Edinburgh from 1876 until 1956.
Talks will take place at 3pm and will be followed by the chance for a cup of tea and an informal chat. Talks are currently free but we would appreciate a donation towards the refreshments.
See our website, notice boards and social media for details of the other autumn talks which will be on most Fridays until 6th December.
Join us for a celebration of the Heart of Newhaven’s garden and to eat a lot of potatoes.
Expect – Food – from the garden, the Scran Van and groups who are based at The Heart of Newhaven; Herbal tea from the garden (and tea and coffee from the supermarket if that’s not your thing); Creative activities – potato printing, screen printing, potato crocheting and knitting; Garden tours and a chance to meet other people from our community
There will also be Tattie Contests, including a beauty contest – if you’ve been growing your own in your garden or on your balcony, and have some unusual looking potatoes, bring them along to be entered!
And as we drift into autumn, the gardening drop-in days have changed and are now weekly on Thursdays from 10.30 till 12.30 and monthly on the first Saturday of the month, 10.30 till 12.30.
Reminiscence
Remember, remember that our regular volunteer-led Reminiscence sessions are taking place on the last Thursday of every month (except December). Everyone is welcome to come along and share memories in the Anchor building. September’s gathering will take place on Thursday 26th.
Doors Open
The last weekend of the month will see the Heart open for Doors Open Days, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th.
We’ll be open from 10am till 4pm both days and there will be a chance to take a tour round the thriving building, talking to some of our artistic and creative partners including Ink on Mesh and Robert Furze, violin maker, or take part in a short Victorian lesson in the Schoolroom. The latter will only be on twice each day, (11.30 and 1.30) so sign up on arrival to be sure of the experience.
There will be not one, but two art exhibitions on display to enjoy: The Joy of Painting and Art in Healthcare and the day will also see the unveiling of the Oyster Mural on the outside of the Anchor building, at 11am. Come along and see the result of co-operation and consultation between Restoration Forth and the local community.
That will be followed by a performance by the Newhaven Community Choir while there will also be music from the Men’s Shed Splinter Band. The Shed will be open to visitors both Saturday and Sunday from 10am, with a “Repair Shed” and a “Guitar Clinic” from 10am-1pm on Saturday.
In addition, our Ukranian Spiders will be providing some wonderful refreshments between 10 and 3 on both days.
The Tallest Christmas Tree
September also means that there are barely three months to go before our Tallest Tree goes on display. The knitters are busy getting everything ready by fireproofing the squares and decorations, continuing to sew squares and trim pom-poms for garlands. Everyone is welcome to come along and help at the various sessions.
Sewing will continue fortnightly at the Heart in September but with a revised time of 1-3 pm which means that everyone will be travelling home in daylight and those who are interested in our Friday afternoon talks will also be able to attend.
The trunk and branches are in the capable hands of Derek from Men’s Shed and Eain is building a stable for our knitted nativity scene while the Heart knitters are busy with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all things nativity. The Heart of Newhaven Fishwife has not arrived yet but we are certain she will look lovely on top of the Tree. We are running a competition to guess her name and we shall have forms available for you to make your guess at the Tattie Fest on 21st September and Doors Open Days on 28th and 29th September or call in and make your guess. Only 50p a name!
We would appreciate anyone who could donate a raffle prize, as we are raising funds to make the Heart as accessible as possible for everyone and for Home-Start our chosen partner. This is an organisation which supports parents to give children the best start in life. We are also looking for sponsors in our Sponsor a Branch appeal. We shall, of course, acknowledge everyone who helps in this way in the Heart and also on our our social media channels.
We need any remaining squares or decorations to be brought in to the Heart for fireproofing and will also be delighted to receive more decorations as any extras left over will be sold at the craft fair on opening day, November 30th to help raise funds for our good causes.
Leith Folk Club
Leith Folk Club is presenting an evening with the extraordinary Scottish-Canadian artist, Evangeline Gentle, on Tuesday, 24 September, 7.45 for 8pm start. With a sound that seamlessly blends folk, pop, and Americana, Evangeline’s music is a heartfelt celebration of queerness, identity, and the shared human experience.
Their songs are marked by lush melodies, powerful storytelling, and a voice that resonates with warmth and authenticity, while their performances are known for their emotional intensity and inclusivity, so whether you’re a dedicated folk fan or simply looking for a night of beautiful, thought-provoking music, this is an opportunity to witness a truly gifted artist up-close and personal.
– Tickets: £12 (cash only, at the door) Remember, the venue is not licenced but you are welcome to bring along whatever you’d like to drink.
Calling all seamstresses
Finally, an appeal from our History of Education Centre partners who run the Victorian Schoolroom on the first floor of the Heart.
The schoolroom is in dire need of some new children’s costumes for visiting school pupils, in particular boys’ shirts.
Our top floor tailor partner Poppy has very kindly made some shirt patterns but if anyone feels able to donate some suitably Victorian-looking materials, or feels able to sew up a few shirts from the patterns once we have the material, then please get in touch either with histedcentre@gmail.com or with christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.
Please have a look at our regular sessions – we are have amazing new workshops and classes.
One of Lammermuir Festival’s most enduringly popular artists, Royal Northern Sinfonia, will celebrate the fifteenth festival coming to a triumphant close tonight (Monday).
They play the two most influential of early Romantic composers, Mendelssohn and Schumann, making for a great pairing for the final concert. Schumann’s Violin Concerto – composed at the end of his life and still very much a rarity in concert – is a gloriously lyrical, heroic work perfectly suited to Maria Wloszczowska’s sweet-toned virtuosity.
This is the last chance to catch Maria Wloszczowska who has had astonishing success in her concerts throughout the 2024 festival.
The sparkling beauty of Mendelssohn’s enthralling Shakespearian score brings the 2024 Lammermuir Festival to a magical conclusion.
Arsa Farahbakhsh, who was reported missing in Edinburgh, has been traced safe and well.
POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public to help trace Arsa Farahbakhsh, 17, who has been missing from Edinburgh since Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Arsa, who is originally from Iran and only recently came to Scotland, is 5ft in height and has long red/auburn hair. It is not known what she is wearing.
Inspector Paul Thomson, Police Scotland, Edinburgh, said: “Arsa was last seen in the Calder Gardens area of Edinburgh around 3.45pm on Wednesday, 11 September. It is thought she intended to travel to Glasgow where we believe she has associates in the Partick and Maryhill areas.
“Arsa was spoken to at 2pm on Thursday but since then there have been no sightings of her nor further contact.
“Officers have been checking CCTV in the area since she was reported missing and are liaising with colleagues in Glasgow in an effort to trace her.
“We all just want to make sure she is safe and well and so would ask anyone who knows where she is to contact police.
“We’d also appeal to Arsa herself to get come back as soon as possible.”
Information can be passed to officers via 101. Please quote incident number 0134 of Thursday, 12 September 2024 when calling.
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced that Scottish music icons TEXAS will headline the Concert in the Gardens on Tuesday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2025 at the world-famous New Year festival.
The homegrown heroes announced their Hogmanay headline slot live on stage during their sold-out show at the Glasgow Hydro tonight (Sunday 15th September) and will be joined by special guest Callum Beattie this December, with Concert in the Gardens hosted by award-winning comedian Susie McCabe.
Following a recent run of sell-out arena shows and rave reviews across the UK; including two triumphant sold-out nights at the Glasgow Hydro, Texas’ appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024, makes them the first band to ever headline the festival three times, and marks their first appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for almost 20 years, having last performed back in 2005.
Fronted by multi award-winning singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will play beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays, performing the last show of 2024 and first of 2025, bringing in the bells with a hit filled set of career spanning anthems including I Don’t Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile.
35 years since ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’ exploded into the charts back in 1989, Texas have gone on to produce ten studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide, becoming one of the UK’s most enduring and loved bands.
Their headline appearance at the Concert in the Gardens will once again make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet with a Scottish show like no other at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’.
Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri said: “We can’t wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and let’s party for the New Year.”
Joining Texas at the Concert in the Gardens is very special guest Callum Beattie. Edinburgh-born Callum has progressed from busking outside the city’s Usher Hall, to recently selling-out two nights at the iconic venue. A special guest slot at the country’s biggest Hogmanay party closes a triumphant year for the singer-songwriter, who’s punchy, rousing, emotive and gloriously catchy debut album scored a No.1 in The Official Scottish Albums Chart.
Callum Beattie said: “In just a few years I’ve gone from selling 30 tickets, to sold out shows including three sold out Barrowlands and two sold out Usher Halls, but being asked to play the Concert in the Gardens at Hogmanay is without a doubt the greatest highlight of my career so far, and to be doing it with Sharleen and the guys just makes it even sweeter. I can’t believe it!”
Plus, award-winning comedian Susie McCabe will return to host Concert in the Gardens, leading the country in a countdown to midnight. The winner of 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Susie McCabe is one of the country’s most beloved comedians and a fitting host for the night.
Also on the 31st December, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party will this year welcome 45,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2025 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle.
Revellers will once again enjoy a feast of live music, DJs, international street theatre, thrilling funfair rides, along with delicious food and drink, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre for one massive outdoor party. Tickets are on-sale now, with full programme details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “The capital’s Hogmanay celebration is not only an Edinburgh tradition – it’s world renowned.
“It will be wonderful to welcome back the iconic Texas performing a career-spanning set. With Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie joining them as a special guest, I’m delighted that this year’s Concert in the Gardens has such a strong Scottish line up. It promises to be a fantastic party to welcome 2025, where gig-goers will have unequalled views of midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
“Edinburgh will continue to be THE place to welcome in the new year and I look forward to the full Hogmanay programme being unveiled.”
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council said:“We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival.
“Plus, with the addition of Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie, it’s fantastic to have a stellar Scottish line-up for the very last show of 2024 and the first of 2025.
“With a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.”
Concert in the Gardens with Texas and special guest Callum Beattie,takes place on Tuesday 31 December 2024 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am.
Tickets go on general release Friday 20 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from £72.50 plus booking fees, ticket price includes £1.00 charity donation to CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).
A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Wednesday 18 September at 10am.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Partytickets are on-sale now priced £30.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation. Discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets £24.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation.
The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the 4-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 festival include the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Year’s Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footin’ culture trail, which welcomes artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.
