DONALD Trump is within touching distance of becoming President of the United States for the second time.
At 7.15am BST the controversial figure has amassed 266 electoral college votes, just four votes short of a remarkable victory.
Wee Janey Godley will be birlin’ in her grave …
POLICE have released images of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing inquiry into an assault in Edinburgh that took place around 12.25am in Lothian Road on Sunday, 13 October, 2024.
Officers believe the man in the images could have vital information which could assist their investigation.
He is described as being in his twenties, around 5ft 9ins tall, and of slim build. He had a Scottish accent and short, dark hair. At the time, he was wearing a grey tracksuit and black Canada Goose jacket with a fur collar.
If anyone recognises the man in the photos or has any information which could assist police, please call 101, quoting incident number 0087 of 13 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.”
Tickets are on sale now! – https://magicfest.co.uk/whats-on/
Join us as MagicFest celebrates Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary by delving into the city’s enchanting past! This year, we’re uncovering Edinburgh’s magical heritage with a spellbinding array of shows, talks, and mysterious events.
From recreations of historic illusions and tales of conjurers past to captivating modern performances that bring the magic of bygone centuries to life, this year’s programme offers something for all ages.
Step back in time with us, discover Edinburgh’s magical history, and experience moments that will thrill, inspire, and leave you wondering about the secrets hidden in our city’s storied streets! And Let magic blow you away!
Westminster’s Treasury Committee is asking for evidence as it examines whether rules are needed to govern the acceptance of physical cash in the UK, ahead of public sessions which could begin in December.
Though the use of cash has declined over recent years, it remains a vital resource to many, with around 3.1 million people in the UK relying almost entirely on cash as a form of payment. Research indicates that the use of cash can provide a vital lifeline to groups such as those with long term poor health or people at risk of economic abuse.
The Bank of England has noted that the decline in cash usage is increasing the infrastructure costs of retaining physical cash as a viable payment method, which could lead to disruption for businesses and consumers.
Others have highlighted the dangers of an overreliance on digital payments, suggesting cash acceptance should be viewed as a form of civil preparedness. There are currently no regulations which require businesses to accept cash.
Submissions can be made via the Treasury Committee website evidence portal.
Call for evidence
Evidence submitted to the Committee should seek to answer one or more of the following questions:
What is the current state of, and recent trends in, physical cash acceptance in the UK? Any forecasts on physical cash acceptance would be welcome.
Following intelligence relating to planned disorder and firework related crime in Moredun, Niddrie and Gracemount tonight, Police will be utilising Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Please report any concerns about firework related criminality to the police.
Westminster’s Justice and Home Affairs Committee today publishes a letter to the Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson MP, after conducting an inquiry into shop theft.
The Justice and Home Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into shop theft. The Committee finds that shop theft is an underreported crime that is not being effectively tackled, leading to a devastating impact on the retail sector and the wider economy.
The Committee heard that there are almost 17 million incidents of shop theft annually, with few leading to an arrest and costing the retail sector almost £2 billion last year.
The nature of the offence has evolved from individualised offending to relentless, large-scale, organised operations accompanied by unprecedented levels of violence. Shop theft is now seen as a lucrative profit-making opportunity which is being exploited by organised criminal networks.
There is a widespread perception that shop theft is not treated seriously by the police. The Committee recognises the need for quicker reporting systems, better data collection and intelligence sharing between police forces across the UK.
The Committee welcomes the work of Pegasus, the new national scheme to tackle organised crime in the retail sector and recommends that existing schemes such as Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (linking police and local businesses) should all be part of a National Standards Accreditation Scheme.
The Committee concludes:
Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee said: “In March 2024, 443,9953 incidents of shop theft were recorded by police – a 30% increase on the previous year and the highest-ever level since comparable records began over twenty years ago.
“But the figures are “a drop in the ocean” when compared with likely real figures estimated at 17 million with devastating consequences for businesses and families.
“The scale of the shop theft problem within England and Wales is totally unacceptable and action, like that underway in the Pegasus scheme, is vital and urgent.
“There’s no silver bullet. But, if adopted, the recommendations in our report should help tackle the problem and help keep the public and our economy safer.”
A LEADING Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country’s first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.
The Scottish Institute (The SI), is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2025, making it the only higher education provider in Scotland to offer a course that is led by professional dance artists specifically tailored to contemporary dance.
Spearheading this pioneering degree is Scotland’s preeminent contemporary dance artists, Errol White and Davina Givan, who will serve as artists-in-residence and course leaders.
With over 25 years of experience collaborating as performance artists, White & Givan have built an acclaimed body of work that engages audiences on a physical and emotional level.
The pair said: “Embedding White & Givan as artists in residence within the Institute is a rare opportunity within the educational world for practicing artists and students to evolve together.
“Passion in sharing knowledge lies at the heart of White & Givan, and we are extremely proud to play an integral role in developing a new generation of dance artists.”
White & Givan will host a series of Elite Intensive workshops across the UK to give aspiring dancers an opportunity to learn from and meet the professional dancers. The intimate sessions will give participants valuable insight into the unique contemporary dance training that awaits the programme’s first cohort in 2025.
The first workshop will take place on Sunday 10th November at The SI campus in Livingston, with seven additional dates to be announced across the country.
The duos appointment as artists-in-residence at The SI creates a unique bridge between professional practice and education, offering a unique opportunity to share their expertise and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.
Students will benefit from The SI’s state-of-the-art technologies and professional-grade studios, as well as access to the renowned Howden Park Theatre.
“The inclusion of sport science and the role it plays in the training of young dance artists at the Scottish Institute is vital, preparing them for a long and fulfilling future career as successful dance practitioners.” White and Givan added.
The degree will couple sport science and dance training and is poised to produce well-rounded, successful dance practitioners prepared for long and fulfilling careers.
Mark Langley, Principal of The SI, said: “Having White & Givan as artists in residence creates an extraordinary environment where practicing artists and students evolve together.
“Our students won’t just learn about the profession – they’ll be immersed in it, working alongside industry specialists, performing in professional venues, and developing their craft through a carefully structured progression from core techniques to professional practice.
“The Scottish Institute was created by professionals to educate the next generation of professionals, and this new BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance program exemplifies that mission.”
The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).
To book a slot at the Elite Intensive day or have additional questions on the course, contact: admissions@thesi.co.uk
FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER from 6.45 – 9pm at BANGHOLM SPORTS CENTRE
The Wreath Making Fundraiser is back on Friday 6th December.
Spaces are limited, so book today to create your beautiful Christmas wreath.
All proceeds go to the school.
Currently, benefit claimants on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are being transferred over to Universal Credit. According to law the vast majority of disabled ESA claimants keep their ‘not fit for work status’ while being transferred over, and continue to receive disability-related payments.
High Riggs Jobcentre in Edinburgh was illegally forcing transferred disabled claimants to obtain a fit note from their GP and go through unnecessary ‘work capability assessments’. A local anti-poverty group found out about this, through voluntarily accompanying benefit claimants to their appointments, and providing moral support.
Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty is a community group which helps local people access benefits, register complaints, and voice their concerns over government response to the cost of living crisis.
ECAP held a demonstration outside High Riggs jobcentre on 30th September.
Four local claimants went in, delivering a letter for and requesting a meeting with the local manager. Jobcentre staff told ECAP that they were “unavailable”, and refused to give any contact details.
Local benefit claimants were told that staff would pass on the letter, and that the manager would contact ECAP the next day.
However despite this promise ECAP received no further contact contact from High Riggs Jobcentre, or the DWP.
A second protest was organised to occur at High Riggs jobcentre at 3PM on 30 October, a day before Halloween.
Members of the local community held placards proclaiming “Cutting Disability Benefits Kills”, and a protestor dressed as the “DWP Grim Reaper” brandished their scythe menacingly. Meanwhile an ECAP delegation swerved past security guards into the Jobcentre where they met the manager of High Riggs Jobcentre.
The manager admitted that the jobcentre had been wrongly telling migrating ESA claimants they needed to get a Fit Note. They told us that all High Riggs work coaches had now received instructions that ESA claimants migrating to Universal Credit kept their existing “not fit for work” status and did not need to go through another Work Capability Assessment.
The Manager assured ECAP that if there were any future problems a meeting could be arranged to sort matters.
If you are in this position and have problems contact ecapmail@gmail.com.
An ECAP spokesperson said: “This victory was only achieved by numbers of people mobilising and taking action”.
More information available at edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk
and in particular at https://edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk/?p=3463
Contact ecapmail@gmail.com
The UK government has unveiled a significant package of measures to support students and stabilise the university sector.
Students facing cost of living pressures will be supported with an inflation-linked increase to maintenance loans, alongside new steps to boost access for disadvantaged learners.
The increase in cash-in-hand support of 3.1% will provide as much as £414 extra per year, to help students from the lowest income families.
Higher education providers’ financial sustainability will also be bolstered, after seven years of no increases to domestic tuition fee caps – meaning fees have not kept pace with inflation.
These changes will take effect at the start of the 2025 to 2026 academic year, with maximum fees rising by 3.1% to £9,535. After leaving study, student loan borrowers will not see their monthly student loan repayments increase as a result of these changes.
If a borrower’s income is below the repayment threshold, they aren’t required to make any repayments. And after 40 years any outstanding loan debt, including interest accrued, will be written off.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “This government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity, which is why we are doing more to support students struggling with the cost of living despite the fiscal challenges our country faces.
“The situation we have inherited means this government must take the tough decisions needed to put universities on a firmer financial footing so they can deliver more opportunity for students and growth for our economy.
“Universities must deliver better value for money for students and taxpayers: that is why this investment must come with a major package of reforms so they can drive growth around the country and serve the communities they are rooted in.”
TUITION FEES – LABOUR LIES?
In exchange for this additional investment students are being asked to make, the government is calling on universities to significantly step up work to boost access for disadvantaged students and break down barriers to opportunity.
Providers will be expected to play a stronger role in expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students, and the department for Education will announce a package of reforms in the coming months.
Recent data shows that the gap between disadvantaged students and their peers in progression to university by age 19 is the highest on record, and the Education Secretary has called on universities to do more to address this.
Graduates earn an average of £100,000 more over their lifetime than non-graduates, underlining the continued value of a university degree to employers and learners alike. But these statistics have shown that that too often background and personal circumstances are barriers to people getting on in life.
The increase in fees will mean providers can start to address systemic problems, with 40% forecasted to be in budget deficits, and help ease pressure on their finances. It also means providers can continue to deliver high quality education that boosts the life chances of those who choose this path, as well as protecting their status as engines of economic growth.
The move follows the Education Secretary’s immediate action this summer to refocus the Office for Students’ role, and ensure it more closely monitors financial sustainability to safeguard the future of higher education.
The Education Secretary also announced yesterday that maximum tuition fees for classroom-based foundation years courses will be reduced to £5,760 from the start of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. This will ensure that courses are delivered more efficiently and at lower costs to students.
The announcement follows last week’s update to plans for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), a transformation of the student finance system which will expand access to high-quality, flexible education and training for adults throughout their working lives.
After careful consideration the LLE will now launch in academic year 2026 to 2027, to ensure it meets the government’s ambitions to fill skill gaps and kickstart economic growth.
This will enable plans to be refined, help collaboration with Skills England to support the government’s industrial strategy, and give education providers the necessary time to prepare for this new system.
REACTION:
University tuition is currently free in Scotland.
