As Bonfire Night is getting closer, a reminder that firework misuse can have a harmful impact on communities in Scotland.
Report misuse anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 555 111.
Visit crimestoppers-uk.org for more information.
nms.ac.uk
perthmuseum.co.uk/watersrising
A placard created by an eight-year-old climate activist during the School Strike for Climate in 2019, will go on display for the first time in a major new exhibition at Perth Museum.
Bridget, now 14, from Edinburgh has been reunited with her artwork at the National Museums Collection Centre before it goes on loan to Perth Museum for Waters Rising, opening 8 November 2024.
The placard depicts the Earth as a melting ice cream cone, drawn in felt tip pen on a used cardboard box with a tree branch from Bridget’s garden as a handle. It was created for the School Strike for Climate, or Fridays for Future, demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on 15 February 2019.
This youth-led protest movement was started by Greta Thunberg in 2018 and has since involved millions of young people around the world who skip Friday classes to demand action against climate change.
Bridget said: “My design was inspired by School Strike for Climate protests around the world, thinking about the climate emergency I could imagine the Earth melting like an ice cream.
“When I took part in the protest I was 8 –years old and I felt involved in a really big thing, but I never imagined my artwork would end up in a museum collection or part of an exhibition. It’s a really lovely thought that future generations might see this movement and hopefully know that we made a difference.”
Waters Rising is an exploration of the impact of flooding and climate breakdown on local Scottish communities and around the world. Bridget’s placard is one of a collection of objects going on loan from National Museums Scotland to the exhibition with the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Highlights include a medallion and passport for citizens of the ‘Govan Free State’ produced by GalGael Trust to coincide with COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow in 2021.
Ashleigh Hibbins, Head of Audiences and Learning at Culture Perth and Kinross said: “We are so excited to be able to include this important piece of modern Scottish history in the Waters Rising exhibition at Perth Museum.
“Young people are the least responsible yet most impacted by the climate crisis, so it is critical that their voices and perspectives are heard. We hope visitors to the exhibition will be inspired by Bridget’s piece and others to take action against environmental breakdown.”
National Museums Scotland is committed to positively engaging audiences with themes of climate change and biodiversity loss through public programmes, research, and by collecting contemporary material associated with these themes.
Mhairi Maxwell, Curator of Modern & Contemporary History at National Museums Scotland said: “I am delighted that Bridget’s protest artwork is going on display for the first time. The placard perfectly captures a young Scot’s perspective on the climate crisis.
“I am so pleased we can work with Perth Museum to share our contemporary collections and highlight the experiences of Scottish people in the face of this global emergency. Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support of our national partnership programme.”
This loan is part of National Museums Scotland’s National Strategy, which sees collections and expertise shared through loans, participation in national projects, community engagement, funding for acquisitions and free knowledge and skills development opportunities for museums across Scotland.
Over 2500 objects are currently on loan to Scottish organisations, bringing the National Collection to audiences across the country.
The Edinburgh Dungeon, renowned for bringing scare-seeking guests the most terrifying tales from the past, has revealed how the attraction prepares for its busiest time of the year.
Lyndsay Hebert, Performance Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, has been perfecting the art of fear for over two decades. With 23 years of experience at the attraction, Halloween is her favourite time of year.
For her, it’s not just about costumes and decorations—it’s about blending history, creativity, and horror to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Lyndsay reveals that preparations for Halloween begin as early as January. Edinburgh, known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, provides the perfect backdrop, with its ghost stories and local legends offering endless inspiration. Lyndsay takes pride in the city’s dark history, saying, “There’s always a new chilling tale to tell.
“The concept might evolve, but starting early ensures we deliver the best experience,” she explains. With over 50 performances on peak days and more than 1,000 over the Halloween season, the entire team works tirelessly to create a terrifying experience every time.
The actors are key to The Dungeon’s success, with quick costume and makeup changes happening throughout the day. Each performer begins with a base of scars, cuts, and bruises, adding more layers as they switch roles.
“The messier the hair, the better,” Lyndsay says. Hair and makeup touch-ups are ongoing to maintain authenticity, and it’s the actors’ relentless energy that brings The Dungeon to life.
“There’s nothing a Dungeon actor loves more than hearing the screams of the audience—you know you’ve done your job well!” Lyndsay enthuses.
Behind the scenes, the work is just as intense as what happens onstage. “There’s never a dull day in The Dungeon!” she exclaims. “The actors move quickly, switching costumes, makeup, and characters every hour.”
This year’s Halloween event, Halloween: The Monster of Glamis, runs from 12th October to 3rd November. Guests will explore the eerie passageways of Glamis Castle, where a monstrous presence awaits.
What starts as an innocent birthday celebration for the Laird’s youngest family member quickly turns into a nightmare as guests confront the terrifying Monster of Glamis and the chilling Room of Skulls, filled with ominous whispers from the past.
For those brave enough to enter, The Edinburgh Dungeon promises a Halloween experience like no other. With fresh stories, immersive settings, and a dedicated team ready to create the ultimate fright, visitors are in for a hauntingly good time!
Will you survive the Monster of Glamis and escape the Room of Skulls?
Pre-book now, or for more information, visit the Edinburgh Dungeon’s website:
https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/monster-of-glamis/.
The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States yesterday in Berlin.
The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets – as decided at the G7 Summit, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, for the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians.
The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.
I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron.
We focused on two issues.
Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.
Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.
On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.
Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.
And also the blood of the Palestinian people.
Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.
We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.
Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime.
Allies will keep working together.
To de-escalate across the region.
Because we know there is no military-only solution here.
The answer is diplomacy.
And now we must make the most of this moment.
What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.
The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Immediate access for humanitarian aid.
And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.
As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security.
The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue.
And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance.
Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.
The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.
UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.
The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.
That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Strengthens UNIFIL.
And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.
Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.
Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.
Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week.
We remain united in our support for Ukraine.
We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.
So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace.
We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.
And we’ll work together to make it happen.
And while the situation is incredibly tough.
It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.
This war is soaking up 40% of their budget.
Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.
So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.
And the UK is delivering.
95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.
And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.
Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.
We’re with you.
We’re absolutely united in our resolve.
And we’ll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Somewhere by Nico welcomes guests to step into the thrilling world of ‘Murder on the Midnight Express,’ the brand’s latest theme offering a truly unique and unforgettable cocktail experience inspired by the classic game of suspense.
Now open for bookings until 24th November, this gripping new theme invites guests in Edinburgh and Glasgow to test their detective skills and unravel the mystery aboard the Midnight Express.
The adventure kicks off with the shocking murder of Gustave Laroche, the esteemed chef of the train’s restaurant. Gustave, who had been enjoying a drink before his service, was tragically shot in his own kitchen. The culprit was careless, leaving behind a trail of clues for guests to discover and piece together in their quest to solve the crime.
Guests can expect each cocktail course to be served with Somewhere by Nico’s creativity and theatrical flair alongside an intriguing clue to help them solve the case. A diverse and intriguing cast of characters – each with ties to Gustave – and their own potential motives will be introduced to guests throughout the experience, with every cocktail taking them a step closer to unravelling the murder mystery.
For £45 per person, guests can enjoy a captivating storytelling evening featuring five cocktail courses. An optional bonus cocktail is available alongside an extra clue, enhancing the mystery-solving experience.
This immersive menu has been created with Scottish game designer, Rosalyn Meney, curating a bespoke murderous tale solved through cocktails. It is designed to get mind’s racing and truly delight the senses, offering a unique and memorable night out.
Rooted in the same ethos that made Six by Nico a beloved culinary destination, Somewhere by Nico has been created from a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences with a commitment to creativity & a goal to deliver an unmatched, unique experience every six weeks.
Much like the foundation, Somewhere by Nico will continue to surprise and delight guests with new themes every six weeks, featuring an inventive cocktail menu that invites guests to step into an immersive experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail tasting journey or turning a night out into an adventure, Somewhere offers something for everyone.
After the success of capturing the imagination of guests with its otherworldly cocktail experiences, Somewhere by Nico is now also welcoming walk-ins and bar reservations to explore their new cocktails and drinks, offering the discovery of the venue for all.
Bookings for Edinburgh are now available here.
Bookings for Glasgow are now available here.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six Company said: “As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re thrilled to introduce our latest cocktail experience at Somewhere by Nico featuring the captivating theme, ‘Murder on the Midnight Express’. We understand that today’s guests crave more than just a drink – they want an adventure & experience.
“We are dedicated to curating and delivering the best cocktail bar experience and as part of our offering, we’ll now also be welcoming walk-ins and bar reservations, allowing guests to discover the venue in new ways.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to bring this vision to life than with our next theme – ‘Murder on the Midnight Express’.”
Holyrood’s Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband today signed a collaborative agreement on partnership between GB Energy and Scottish public bodies.
This aims to ensure that GB Energy maximises investment in Scotland:
The Scottish Government and DESNZ have a shared objective in ensuring that Great British Energy (GBE) is set up to deliver effectively and maximise the benefits of its activities in Scotland.
Our joint objective is to secure investment in domestic priority supply chains and infrastructure to increase the pace of delivery of clean energy technologies, and maximise the economic benefits arising from this, including through creating jobs. GBE’s mission is to drive clean energy deployment, to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy, as set out in its Founding Statement.
Developing partnerships with existing Scottish public bodies active within the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – is a way in which GBE can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects. Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development.
DESNZ and the Scottish Government will therefore explore opportunities for GBE to partner with these Scottish public bodies, as well as the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). These partnerships will seek to deliver increased investment in the clean energy supply chain in Scotland and related areas of value, to support community and local energy, and to support parity between GBE’s activities in Scotland and those in the rest of the UK, recognising Scotland’s institutional landscape. The Scottish Government and DESNZ will continue to engage on areas of mutual interest as GBE’s activities and commercial models evolve to promote equivalent opportunities for Scottish public bodies, where organisations can work together to deliver joint objectives.
DESNZ and the Scottish Government will also explore how GBE’s activities support the delivery of priority supply chain and infrastructure development work already being undertaken in Scotland, and activity to support community and local energy in Scotland.
Our work will help ensure that GBE’s supply chain work aligns with and enhances these activities, thereby supporting accelerated deployment of the existing Scottish offshore wind pipeline and other clean energy projects.
This agreement makes no changes to the devolved or reserved competences of either party, and this agreement will operate consistently with the devolution settlement.
The following are potential investment activities which could be supported through a partnership between GBE and the Scottish public bodies:
The clean energy supply chain includes ports and harbours, wider clean energy infrastructure, manufacturing, fabrication and construction activities.
GBE will be operationally independent, with the ability to make decisions on its own activities, within the legal framework set out in the GBE Bill, and respecting the Scottish Ministers’ devolved competences.
Where there is any formal collaboration between the Scottish Government and DESNZ on supply chain and infrastructure investment activity, this will be developed and agreed on a case-by-case basis bringing in other delivery partners as required.
Nothing in this agreement should be construed as conflicting with the Scottish Ministers’ devolved powers and functions which take precedence over this statement. This agreement does not create legal obligations between the parties.
The City of Edinburgh Council is asking tenants to give their feedback on how it invests in Council homes, neighbourhoods, and services.
With just six weeks to go until this year’s consultation closes on Friday 29 November, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share their views on how they’d like their rent to be spent.
In February this year, councillors agreed to increase rent by 7% every year, for five years, starting in April 2024. The longer-term strategy gives tenants more certainty about the rent they pay and helps the Council better plan spending to improve homes and services.
The Council also introduced the Tenant Hardship Fund which offers financial assistance for tenants struggling to make rent payments. This year, the fund was increased to a maximum award of two fortnightly rent charges per tenant per year.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We’re determined to provide a better service to our tenants, improve their homes, and build more places for people to live because everyone deserves a suitable and affordable place to call home.
“That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share their views on how we spend and invest in their homes, neighbourhoods, and services. I’d urge every tenant to visit our website and share their priorities for how they’d like their rent to be spent.
“I also want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”
Find out more and share your views here at the consultation hub.
Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.
We are back for stories and crafting!
Share a tale and listen while you stitch or knit this Sunday 20th October from 19:30 – 21:00.
For information and to book your space, email wildflowers@grantonhub.org.
A community-led food growing charity, based on Wardieburn Road in North Edinburgh, has been featured on the latest podcast episode from climate charity Carbon Copy.
Granton Community Gardeners, which was founded by a group of neighbours in 2010, is now a flourishing and vital community organisation, with weekly gardening and cooking sessions, a chicken co-op, cycle repair pop-ups and a beautiful permanent garden space used by diverse groups from around the area.
Speaking to podcast host Isabelle Sparrow, Mary, one of the co-founders of the charity, explained why a project like this is so important: “We have over fifteen different nationalities that come here.
[People come from] Germany, France, Kenya, India, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria…I wish each community could have something like this. When you come here, you eat fresh food, you engage yourself, your mind is relaxed, your wellbeing [improves]. You are not bored. When you come here, sometimes you work, even if you don’t work, you come and sit and eat!”
Granton Community Gardeners has recently been recognised for its important work by being selected as part of the Nature Neighbourhoods programme.
Led by the RSPB, WWF-UK and National Trust and funded by National Lottery Communities Fund and the Co-op, Nature Neighbourhoods is a UK-wide programme supporting projects in towns and cities that are helping to connect people with nature and wildlife.
Speaking on the podcast, Rory Crawford who is managing the programme for the National Trust said: “Community organisations are doing brilliant work at the community level in many of our towns and cities, and nature organisations are doing some excellent work at the national level, and you know in some places doing some really great work in towns and cities too.
“But there can often be a disconnect between those two parts of the sector. One bit which is perhaps higher capacity and works on big national policy issues, and another bit which is very much focused on the local: what matters to an individual place.
“We need to be able to work more meaningfully in towns and cities. We need more nature in towns and cities. We just need to have it. That’s where people will get that first spark if we’re going to have any hope of solving the nature crisis … it’s all about hearing what a community needs and wants from nature in their place.
“And that’s our starting point for it. So that’s why we’re working with anchor organisations in Nature Neighbourhoods like Granton Community Gardeners.”
To learn more about Granton Community Gardeners and how the Nature Neighbourhoods programme is supporting this and other local projects around the UK, listen to All Nature: Nourishing Connections, on the Carbon Copy website or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for wind across parts of western and northern Scotland. The warning is in place between 9am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.
The following areas are expected to be affected by the Amber warning:
A Yellow warning for wind affecting much of Scotland is also in place between 3am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.
The following areas are expected to be affected by the Yellow warning:
Further information about the weather warnings and flood information is available on the Met Office and SEPA websites.
Those in amber alert areas may experience power outtages. For advice, visit Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks – https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2024/SSEN-Weather-Warning-ahead-of-strong-winds-forecast-for-the-north-of-Scotland/
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.
“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.
“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”
General advice for road users:
Wind
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
