Join the national demonstration in Glasgow this Saturday 23 Novemberagainst Israel’s escalating war in the Middle East!
The UK Labour Government continues to support Israel despite condemnation at the United Nations and the massive anti-war movement on the streets around the world.
We need to make this protest as big as possible to say Not in Our Name and put pressure on the Scottish government to implement a policy of divestment and end financial support to companies in Scotland which supply the Israeli war machine. We demand that our leaders do everything they can to stop the ongoing escalation of this war.
The demonstration, scheduled for 23rd of November in Glasgow, has been called jointly by Stop the War Scotland, Scottish CND and the Scottish Trade Union Congress.
It will bring together communities, trade unions, faith groups, and peace activists from across Scotland to stand united against the genocide in the Middle East under the following slogans:
– Stop All Arms Sales to Israel – Hands off Gaza and Lebanon – No war with Iran – Welfare not Warfare
The demonstration will be assembling from 11.30am at the Mclennan Arch at Glasgow Green following a route through the city centre and returning to Glasgow Green for the main rally where we will be hearing from a range of speakers from across the movement.
Speakers include:
Jeremy Corbyn – Independent MP and Deputy President of Stop the War Coalition Lynn Jamieson – Chair of Scottish CND Aamer Anwar – Human Rights Lawyer Dave Moxham – STUC Deputy General Secretary Richard Leonard – Scottish Labour MSP Chris Nineham – Vice Chair Stop the War Coalition
Gas distribution network SGN has been encouraging students to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) through an innovative augmented reality campaign in a university coffee shop.
Students moving into rented accommodation, attending festivals and having BBQs are at an increased risk of CO poisoning. Lack of awareness of the risks of the colourless and odourless gas and how to prevent CO harm are major contributing factors to the number of CO-related deaths and injuries.
We’ve partnered with technical consultancy Egnida to create the campaign with a unique incentive scheme, creatively designed to engage and educate this hard-to-reach demographic.
Bespoke drinks coasters with QR codes have been placed in the main coffee shop at the University of Edinburgh campus.
After scanning the QR code with their smartphone, the student is taken to our campaign webpage to take part in a three-minute training course. The course uses augmented reality animations to explain the dangers of CO, how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning and what students can do to keep safe.
Students use their phone’s camera to scan a symbol printed on to the coaster, which transforms into a series of 3D models that appear as if they are on the table in front of them.
As a reward for completing the course, students receive a discount voucher to put towards a drink in the coffee shop where the coaster is located.
We’ve purposefully chosen this small, instant incentive to engage students with our campaign, rather than an opportunity to win a larger incentive, to engage time-poor students with our campaign at the point they see our coasters.
Dan Edwards, Social Impact Programme Lead at SGN, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to teach people about the dangers of CO.
“By making use of exciting technologies such as augmented reality, we’re hoping to break through to students and reach up to 5,000 young adults in Edinburgh to engage and educate them with potentially lifesaving information.”
The campaign is also available at the University of Birmingham, Sunderland University and Cardiff University campuses, run by gas distribution networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities respectively.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh sparkles like never before as Christmas at the Botanics kicks off the festive season in style. Visitors are invited to witness the Garden transformed by new installations and enchanting illuminations, bringing the beauty of plants to life.
Running for 35 nights on selected evenings from 21 November to 30 December, the trail has been designed and assembled to complement the Botanics’ existing landscape, with nearly 95% of the lights on the trail being LED.
With the return of Christmas classics, visitors can look forward to a stroll through the mesmerising Christmas Cathedral, the backdrop for many happy memories, and look out for Santa along the way.
With 80% of the trail revised for a fresh perspective of the Garden, new installations for 2024 include:
Sea of Light (Root Network): A large-scale installation covering the ground with thousands of individually controlled LED lights, reminiscent of the roots of trees and plants that twist and turn under the ground.
Robins: A sparkling flock of red, gold, bronze and orange robins evoke festive cheer as their sequined feathers shimmer in the breeze.
Pealit Tree: Thousands of tiny bright LED lights illuminate the Turner oak, Quercus turneri Pseudoturneri, one of the Garden’s mightiest trees and a country champion in Scotland for its remarkable girth.
Firework Trees: Vibrant bursts of light shoot through the tree branches, bringing the air to colourful life and all set to an atmospheric winter soundtrack.
The magical after-dark trail is not only an unmissable winter activity for families and friends but also allows visitors to support the Garden’s wider work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.
Ticket sales help fund the Botanics’ international plant research, conservation work and education programmes, strengthening its commitment to building a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “It’s my first Christmas at the Botanics as Director of Learning and Engagement, and I’m excited to share the experience with the public to bring to light the amazing stories about the Garden’s diverse collection of plants.
“The trail offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the important conservation work we do year-round. Each installation depicts a story about the inspiration taken from the natural world, encouraging visitors of all ages to think more deeply about protecting our planet.”
As many prepare for rising festive costs, the event offers an off-peak ticket as well as reduced-priced family tickets, making this the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet.
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now with visitors encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
‘As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world!’
British presenting duo, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are calling on people across Scotland to give children the gift of hope this Christmas by donating to Mary’s Meals’ appeal, Double The Love.
For a limited time, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of £1.1 million. Funds raised from the appeal will help the charity, which was founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, keep their promise of a daily nutritious meal to children living in the world’s poorest countries including Lebanon, Haiti and South Sudan as well as striving to reach the next hungry children, who are waiting for Mary’s Meals.
Dynamic duo Alison and Dermot are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of the campaign and are urging people to make a lasting impact to the lives of even more children this festive period.
The Double The Love appeal will support Mary’s Meals in its mission to serve daily meals to more than 2.4 million vulnerable children at school. These daily school meals not only satisfy hungry children but fuel their potential by removing a barrier to education, giving them the opportunity for a brighter future.
Alison, who presents British daytime show, This Morning, says: “As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world! By supporting the charity, you’re giving the little ones more than a meal, you’re fuelling their dreams and empowering their futures.
“During Double The Love, your donation will go further than ever before – just £19.15 feeds a child for an entire school year with Mary’s Meals but this festive season, you can feed two children for the same cost. There’s never been a better time to support this life-changing cause.”
Co-host Dermot adds: “Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive, and for many, that starts with a simple nutritious meal at school. This Christmas, a small act of generosity can make a big difference to those who need it most.
“Please support Double The Love and donate to Mary’s Meals, allowing your kindness to go twice as far. Together, we can transform the lives of many more desperately hungry children waiting for Mary’s Meals.”
Marie Doyle, Interim Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, is delighted that the presenters are backing the charity: “Who better to launch our Double The Love appeal than Britain’s much-loved presenting duo, Alison and Dermot! We are beyond grateful to have their support.
“Our school meals programme is needed now more than ever, as rising food prices, the impact of climate change, and ongoing conflicts make it even harder for children in the world’s most vulnerable communities to access a basic education.
“We know that 67 million children are out of school because hunger keeps them working or begging for food. Your donation this Christmas will help us ensure that children continue to receive life-changing meals and to grow our work so we can reach those children who are still waiting.”
Donate today to help Mary’s Meals unlock all the available funds. The gift matching will end once the charity reaches the £1.1 million total.
Sonia, a bright-eyed 10-year-old, and her 14-year-old sister, Babita, come from a humble family. Sadly a few years ago, their world was turned upside down when their father tragically passed away from Covid, followed closely by the loss of their grandmother.
Within a short span of time, the family faced a series of hardships.
Babita recalls: “Before, it was good. Father used to earn money, and I remember him encouraging me to learn and study.”
Sonia continues: “When he died, there was no rice, no food at home. For days, we did not eat. I felt sad, and the whole family went hungry.”
Recognising the family’s struggles, nuns at St Theresa School stepped in to offer support. The girls found some relief in the form of Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programme, serving a daily meal to every pupil attending the school. To provide Sonia with a more stable environment, their mother made the decision to send her to live at the convent school, while Babita travels home to help care for her other siblings.
For Babita, the school meals have become a crucial lifeline, helping to ease the burden food insecurity. At home, she often has only leftovers to eat so the nutritious school meal is vital, especially since she needs the energy to participate in the sports and games she loves.
While Sonia and Babita’s lives have taken different paths since the death of their father and grandmother – one living at the convent, the other at home – their connection remains strong. The meals they share at school bring them together each day, offering a moment to find comfort in each other’s presence.
By donating to Mary’s Meals during Double The Love, people can ensure that more young learners, like Sonia and Babita, are given the opportunity to grow up well-nourished and well-educated, equipped with the skills to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.
For a limited time only, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million.
In an online event, two former Members of the European Parliament (MEP) will debate whether Scottish independence or remaining in the UK is the best route to seeing Scotland regain its EU membership.
Entitled “Common Ground” the discussion, between former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, who was an SNP MEP, will see the politicians analyse how best to achieve Scotland’s return to the EU. They will also talk about the importance of cross-party working and why each believes their own preferred constitutional route is best for the country.
In the 2016 referendum that resulted in the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted 62% Remain. Every local authority district in Scotland recorded a Remain majority. Polls since then have shown that Scotland continues to be strongly pro-EU membership.
The Common Ground online debate is on Tuesday 5th December at 7pm.
Tickets for the event, which is free, can be booked at Eventbrite:
Common Ground is being hosted by the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the leading all-party group campaigning for a return to European Union membership. David Martin is president of EMiS and Alyn Smith a vice-president.
David Clarke, chair of EMiS says: “Alyn and David are passionate Europeans who share similar views about building an unstoppable momentum that sees us eventually rejoin the EU.
“They will discuss how that momentum is built and the competing claims of independence or union as the most likely route back to Europe.”
The European Movement is Scotland says the debate is “must see” event for everyone interested in Scotland’s European future and how pro-EU politicians from across the party divide can work together to achieve ever-stronger ties of trade, education, culture and friendship with our EU friends.
Right There, a charity dedicated to preventing homelessness, is pledging to Light the Way Home this year for the thousands of people it supports, and those it will support in the future. The Light the Way Home campaign is visiting Edinburgh this week where staff and volunteers are spreading festive cheer in the Gyle Shopping Centre.
The campaign was launched earlier this month by Scottish children’s writer Angela Proctor, who joined children for a Christmas party at the charity’s Glasgow headquarters to kick off the festive campaign.
Angela Proctor has recently spoken out about her distress over the number of children and young people faced with or experiencing homelessness in Scotland.
Angela Proctor said: “As an author, I have visited hundreds of schools across Scotland, and I can see how austerity is affecting children.
“The worst affected are our most vulnerable children, those without a permanent home having to deal with the uncertainty, worry and anxiety that constantly moving ‘home’ causes.
“I have seen first-hand the impact this has on children who are trapped in the housing crisis cycle, moving from one temporary abode to another. It impacts on their development and mental health, potentially reducing their future prospects which is why we need to put an end to homelessness in all its forms.”
Figures for the last year show that 3,261 households are considered homeless or at threat of homelessness in Edinburgh, this is the second highest in Scotland, behind Glasgow.
Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haughsaid: “For many, the essence of Christmas is found at home, where families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories.
“In Edinburgh there are thousands of individuals for whom this joy is unattainable. Many lack a place to call home, or if they do, it is fraught with challenges such as family breakdowns, financial hardships, substance use, or mental health issues.
“What millions take for granted is a distant dream for tens of thousands, and this Christmas, countless adults, young people, and children will face the day with a heavy heart.”
The Light the Way Home campaign represents something different for each person affected by homelessness, for some it will be physical bricks and mortar, and others it will be a sense of stability and peace in their current environment.
Janet Haughadded: “By raising awareness of Right There’s programmes in Edinburgh, we hope to provide a sense of security and stability not only for those we support now, but for many more in the future, while at the same time spreading some joyful Christmas spirit ahead of the festive season.”
The campaign will be on the road throughout November and December to spread festive cheer and awareness of Right There’s work.
None of us want our loved ones to be left with confusion or financial problems after we die – but that’s the stark reality many face. New figures show the majority of UK adults—67%, according to a recent poll by Will Aid—still do not have a Will in place. The consequences of not having this vital legal document extend far beyond financial difficulties and can lead to significant emotional stress for those left behind.
This year’s campaign highlights two areas where a lack of planning could lead to unexpected hardships for families.
First, a recent Will Aid survey uncovered that 68% of cohabiting couples are unaware that they have no automatic right to inherit from each other without a Will, regardless of how long they’ve been together or if they have children. This knowledge gap puts thousands of families at risk of unforeseen financial challenges if a loved one passes without their intentions clearly documented.
Equally urgent is the issue of digital legacy. With 42% of UK adults neglecting to address digital assets in their estate plans, many families may be left without access to important memories and vital information. Digital banking, social media accounts, and online photo storage have become an integral part of our lives, yet they are often overlooked when preparing a Will.
Fortunately, Will Aid offers a straightforward way for people to secure their legacy and protect those they care about. Each November, participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to prepare basic Wills, waiving their usual fees in exchange for a donation to Will Aid’s seven partner charities. These donations support much-needed work by Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF and Trócaire.
Solicitors are also providing virtual appointments, making it easier than ever for people to address these essential steps in securing their wishes. To find a solicitor and schedule an appointment, visit www.willaid.org.uk.
Through this simple step, people can help protect their families from unnecessary hardship while supporting some of the UK’s most loved charities.
The North Edinburgh Community Festival is thrilled to announce that it has won the Creative Edinburgh Festival Award. This is a new category for 2024, which celebrates a festival’s outstanding contribution to Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural scene and its innovative approach to community engagement.
Festival Chair, Willie Black, and Festival Director, Adele Conn were joined on stage to accept the award by Jed Milroy from the Tinderbox Collective and Ryan McGlone from Granton Youth along with 6 young people who have volunteered at the festival since it started in 2022.
Jed and Ryan, play an integral part in the festival by encouraging participation through music, running both music stages and encouraging over 600 young people to participate in the festival.
Lennon Hutchison, youth volunteer, said “As someone who has volunteered at the festival for the last 3 years, I feel incredibly proud to be part of something so special.
“It was amazing to win this award and myself and my friends can’t wait for next years festival.”
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award,” said Festival Director Adele Conn. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are grateful to the community for their unwavering support.
“This recognition motivates us to continue creating a meaningful and inclusive festival that bring people together and acts as a year round catalyst for collaboration and change in North Edinburgh.”
The North Edinburgh Community Festival, held annually in May in West Pilton Park and the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, aims to benefit North Edinburgh communities by promoting pathways into employment, training, and recreation opportunities, addressing endemic challenges in the areas such as worklessness, low education attainment, and social isolation by providing a fun, free, family day out for new and existing residents to enjoy – promoting opportunities, creativity, enhancing community cohesion, reducing social isolation and celebrating the diversity of the area.
This year the festival had over 10,000 local people attend, 150 charities, organisations and groups; over 600 young people participating in music activities, and we provided over 3000 free hot meals on the day.
The award was presented at the Creative Edinburgh Awards ceremony last week, which honours the best in Edinburgh’s creative community, highlighting the projects, people and places that flourish across Edinburgh and continually ensuring its place on the cultural map, nationally and internationally.
Winning this award highlights the festival’s role in its commitment to North Edinburgh and helping this community to thrive. The festival has imbedded itself within the community and has a vital role to play.
The strength of the Festival lies in its collaborative working model – with involvement from residents, artists, the local third sector and public sector bodies.
The diverse population of North Edinburgh includes families, individuals, young people, and children, all of whom stand to benefit from the festival’s offerings. By hosting a range of recreational, cultural, educational, leisure, and social activities, the festival aims to create opportunities for community engagement and personal development.
The festival also proudly celebrates cultural diversity and serves as a vibrant tapestry of the many ethnic minorities residing in North Edinburgh. Recognising the unique challenges faced by these communities, it is even more important to provide resources and support services tailored to the needs of these communities.
Willie Black, says: “As the Chair of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, I am thrilled and honoured that we have won the award for Best Festival in Edinburgh.
“This recognition is a testament to the vibrant spirit and hard work of our community. It highlights the incredible talent and dedication within North Edinburgh and showcases our ability to bring people together through cultural celebration.
“Winning this award means a great deal to our city and particularly to the community of North Edinburgh. It underscores the importance of cultural festivals in fostering community pride, cultural exchange, and economic development.
“However, it also reminds us of the crucial need for financial support to sustain these valuable events. Continued funding is essential to ensure that festivals like ours can thrive, grow, and continue to enrich the lives of everyone involved.”
Regarding the Festival’s future, our vision for the next five years is both ambitious and transformative. We aim to expand the reach and impact of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, making it an annual highlight that continues to bring joy, education, and support to our community.
We plan to increase our engagement with local schools and youth groups, offering more workshops and programmes tailored to the needs and interests of young people.
In addition, we aspire to create more year-round initiatives that address socio-economic challenges, such as community art projects, and job training sessions. We’re committed to fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange, ensuring that all residents, feel valued and supported.
We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and volunteers, to drive home positive change. Our goal is to make North Edinburgh a thriving, vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.
As a community festival, we rely heavily on funding. However, we remain optimistic that this award will help to raise awareness of the festival’s importance and the community’s desire for it.
We are hopeful that it will attract the financial support needed to sustain and grow the event.
Next year’s festival will be held on Saturday 17th May from 12 noon – 530pm.
Public services will come under further threat if the Scottish Government does not set out and deliver a clear and costed vision for public service reform, says Scotland’s spendingwatchdog Audit Scotland.
Spending pressures have become more acute in recent years and are forecast to grow. But ministers have continued to rely on short-term decisions to balance the books, rather than making fundamental changes to how services are delivered.
Public service reform is a key component of the Scottish Government’s approach to fiscal sustainability. But there is no evidence of large-scale change on the ground, while the Scottish Government:
has not yet fully established effective governance arrangements for a reform programme
does not know what additional funding is required to support reform
and has not provided enough leadership to help public sector bodies deliver change.
The Scottish Government has not been transparent enough with the Scottish Parliament or the public about the medium-term risks it is facing.
The medium-term financial strategy and financial plans for the NHS and infrastructure investment have all been delayed. The absence of these documents makes scrutiny of the current uncertain financial situation more difficult.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ““People do not fully understand the medium-term risks public services are facing because of a lack of transparency from the Scottish Government.
“The reality is that we need a fundamental change to how public money is spent to ensure services can meet demand and remain affordable beyond the short-term.
“To turn that into action on the ground, the Scottish Government must set out a clearer vision of what its plans for reform will achieve, including delivery milestones and the likely impact of reform on services and people.”
Late on Wednesday night, Luna and Plusza, two four-year-old lionesses rescued from conflict zones in Ukraine, safely arrived at their new home at Five Sisters Zoo.
For nearly a decade, Five Sisters Zoo has led lion rescue efforts in Scotland, providing sanctuary and care for lions who have endured immense hardship. The arrival of Luna and Plusza marks a significant new chapter in the zoo’s proud history of animal welfare and rehabilitation.
The lionesses were initially evacuated from an area affected by heavy shelling in Eastern Ukraine in 2022, moving through Kyiv, Poland, and Belgium before reaching the safety of Five Sisters Zoo. Their new purpose-built habitat offers the space and peace they need to recover and thrive after their challenging journey.
Gary Curran, Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said: “The safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underscores our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life.
“Our team is ready to provide the care and support they need to live out their lives in peace, just as we have done for others before them.“
This rescue continues the legacy started in October 2015, when the zoo welcomed four lions from a life of suffering in a traveling circus. Of the original pride, only Skinny remains today, as the zoo honours the memory of Boss, Twin 1, and Twin 2, while forging ahead with new rescue efforts.
Five Sisters Zoo remains committed to animal welfare, collaborating with international rescue organisations to offer sanctuary to animals in need. The public is invited to visit the zoo and learn more about its conservation initiatives.
For updates on Luna and Plusza and information on how to support Five Sisters Zoo’s rescue efforts, visit www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk.
