Have you ever fancied abseiling off the UK’s tallest whisky distillery? Now is your chance to take on a sky-high challenge for a great cause – raising vital funds to protect Scotland’s children.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First has limited spaces available to descend 100ft down Scotland’s first ever vertical distillery, Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh on Sunday 11th May.
The unique experience gives participants fantastic views across Edinburgh’s skyline and the historic Royal Yacht Britannia.
Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting Children First’s work to protect children from harm and to support them to recover from trauma and abuse. The charity helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Michelle Supple, director or fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First, said: “We’re very excited to offer Children First supporters the chance to take part in this brand-new fundraising event.
“It provides a unique opportunity to see Edinburgh’s landscape from a different angle while abseiling down the Port of Leith Distillery.
“All children should have hopes, dreams and opportunities. But, for many they don’t exist. At Children First we work with families, funders, supporters, partners and volunteers to protect all Scotland’s children. Every penny raised from this fantastic event will help to transform children’s lives and give them a brighter future.
“Our fundraising team are on hand to support you every step of the way to make a difference for Scotland’s children and young people.”
Event details:
Date: Sunday 11th May 2025
Location: Port of Leith Distillery, 11 Whisky Quay, EH6 6FH
Registration Fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £200
Age requirement: Participants must be aged 11 years and older
Break-ins to garden sheds and thefts from gardens are common throughout the country. In fact, many criminals consider this type of crime to be low risk, as they don’t have to force entry to your home. Many people store bikes, power tools and expensive gardening equipment in their sheds making it very attractive to criminals.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to outsmart garden thieves. A few simple solutions can make all the difference to the security of your garden:
• Make sure the lock is in good working order.
• If there are any windows in the garage/shed, fit a grill, adhesive frosting or put a curtain over the window, so that people cannot see in.
• Secure all the equipment that you can by padlock and chain, make sure it is attached to the building – a ground anchor is preferable.
• Surrounding hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves.
• Consider installing a garage defender, which secures the door to the ground.
• If there is a door accessing the garage, make sure the locks are good quality and preferably tested to a British Standard.
• Use a good quality closed shackle padlock on your shed door. The hasp should be attached using coach bolts or anti tamper screws rather than basic screws.
• Loop a bike lock through the handles of garden forks, spades, etc. Remember, these can be used as tools to force entry to your house.
• Securitymark your bicycles, lawnmowers, toolboxes and garden furniture, by engraving, painting or using a security marker pen.
• Install security lighting to illuminate your garden.
• Fit a shed alarm. These can be bought from online for around £10.
• Consider topping your fence or wall with a trellis, which will provide an additional barrier and provide support for climbing plants.
• Aggressive plants and shrubs, such as Berberis and Hawthorn can help deter intruders.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your premises please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved. Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police.
Prices in November up only 0.8% on an annual basis
Fewer authorities report price rises
Average Scottish house price now – £223,094, 0.6% down on October, up 0.8% annually
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:“Scotland’s housing market has seen a gradual recovery in 2024. While house prices have reached record highs in some areas, overall growth has been modest.November saw a slight dip in average prices, down £1,400 (-0.6%) from October, leaving the average price at £223,000—up just 1% year-on-year.
“Only 11 local authorities recorded rising prices in November, with Angus achieving a new record average price of nearly £199,000. This marks the highest average house price ever recorded in the area. Overall, 19 authorities reported higher prices compared to a year ago, though growth has slowed recently.
“Sales activity remained strong, with an estimated 8,800 transactions in November, 10% higher than the previous year. With the Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasting price growth through 2028/29, the market is expected to strengthen in 2025, though tax policy changes and broader economic trends may influence activity.”
Detailed Housing market commentary
Table 1. Average prices in Scotland year to November 2024
Month
Yearear
Property Price
Index
Monthly % change
Annual % change
Nov
2023
£221,272
289.8
-0.1
0.0
Dec
2023
£220,389
288.6
-0.4
-0.5
Jan
2024
£220,377
288.6
0.0
0.0
Feb
2024
£220,333
288.6
0.0
0.6
Mar
2024
£222,345
291.2
0.9
2.0
Apr
2024
£224,828
294.5
1.1
2.8
May
2024
£225,503
295.3
0.3
2.4
Jun
2024
£224,715
294.3
-0.3
1.7
Jul
2024
£224,536
294.1
-0.1
1.6
Aug
2024
£225,450
295.3
0.4
2.0
Sep
2024
£225,599
295.5
0.1
1.8
Oct
2024
£224,450
294.0
-0.5
1.4
Nov
2024
£223,094
292.2
-0.6
0.8
Scotland’s housing market has experienced a somewhat unusual recovery in 2024. While house prices nationally have hit fresh record highs on several occasions, the overall pace of recovery of house prices in this country has been modest, impacted by earlier cost-of-living pressures and higher mortgages rates on household budgets.
Figure 1. Year-on-year price gains drift lower
Despite a continuing recovery in sales activity, prices in November fell back by nearly £1,400 (0.6%) compared with October. Following a similar fall in October, average prices now stand a little over £223,000 and are barely 1% higher than a year ago (see Figure 1).
Note: Lines shaded in darker blue reflect cases where Local Authority or Scotland prices reached record highs this month.
Market conditions across Scotland appear to have softened recently. In November only 11 local authorities recorded rising prices in the month while 21 reported price falls.
Angus was the only local authority to set a new market high – nearly £199,000 – in November (see Table 2). Numerous authorities have hit fresh peaks over 2024 and remain within touching distance of them now, whilst Perth and Kinross, where average prices are more than £254,000, is close to topping its previous high set in 2022.
Figure 2. How prices have changed year to November 2004, by local authority
As can be seen from the heat map, a majority of local authorities (19) continue to report stronger prices than a year ago. That said, the net balance of those doing so is noticeably less compelling than we have seen over the past six months or so.
Among the “risers”, six reported price increases of at least 5% over the year. Among these, Inverclyde merits a mention for continuing the strong performance that it began at the start of 2024. At the other end of the spectrum, Na h-Eileanan Siar (formerly Western Isles) which has shown year-on-year weakness since mid-year shared the mantle of significant “faller” with several other authorities in November, e.g., Shetland down -7.3% while in contrast Orkney was up 8.5%.
Transactions analysis
Although we do not yet have the final numbers for October and November, with property sales for the two months not yet fully logged by Registers of Scotland, it is clear that November was another strong month for sales.
Figure 3. Monthly sales over the most recent 12 months compared with a year earlier Note: Figures for latest two months are Acadata estimates
We estimate that there were about 8,800 sales in the month, about 10% higher than a year ago (see Figure 3). Sales activity has in fact outpaced that of a year earlier in eight of the 11 months of 2024 for which we have data, with cumulative sales for the January-November period tracking 6% above the same period of 2023.
Meanwhile, as Figure 4 shows, sales in the capital and sales of properties worth more than £750,000 (that is, subject to the highest rates of LBTT) continue to be significantly ahead of their corresponding 2023 numbers. Even with incomplete figures for October and November, reported sales of such properties already exceed the full-year 2023 outturns.
Figure 4. Monthly sales in 2023 and 2024, Edinburgh and homes over £750,000
Note: Vertical bars show 2023 sales and horizontal markers show 2024 sales. Figures for October and November 2024 have been greyed out because they are likely to be revised upwards when final Registers of Scotland figures are available.
Despite the somewhat lacklustre year for the housing market it was much better than had been expected by the Scottish Fiscal Commission who had forecast a fall in prices, somewhat akin to many analysts’ views of what might happen south of the border. The RICS housing market survey for Scotland in November was altogether quite positive with agreed sales higher and price and sales expectations up. The general positivity no doubt helped influence the Commission which revised its price forecasts up for future years, with year-on-year growth expected through to 2028/29, the end of their forecast.
Their expectations are not dissimilar to those of other analysts, suggesting the market in Scotland will move ahead in 2025 rather more strongly than it has in 2024, even though we still have one month to report on in 2024.
Having said that the government will be reviewing its Lands and Building Transfer Tax policy during 2025 and that may have implications for activity levels. We must await the outcome first although of course the impact of the higher Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) introduced in early December will already be working its way through the market.
Meet us at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre to litterpick in the local neighbourhood with other likeminded locals.
This is the first litterpick of the year and will be repeated every first Monday of the month from 10 -12. We also serve a hot lunch back at the Centre between 12-12.30.
All welcome, free. Drop-in for any amount of time, no need to book.
Chancellor visiting Beijing for the first UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue since 2019 – seeking stability in relationship with world’s second largest economy to achieve secure and resilient growth.
Visit delivers on commitment to explore deeper economic cooperation made by Prime Minister and President Xi at G20 in November.
Reeves will also raise difficult issues, including China’s support for Russia illegal war in Ukraine and concerns over constraints on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.
Making working people across Britain secure and better off is ‘at the forefront of the Chancellor’s mind’ while in Beijing this weekend for a UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD).
Rachel Reeves will meet with her counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, in the Chinese capital today for a series of conversations around the financial services relationship between the two countries, support for safe trade and investment and the importance of cooperation on global issues like climate change.
She will be joined by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority Nikhil Rathi, and senior representatives from some of Britain’s biggest financial services firms as she seeks outcomes that benefit our businesses, support secure and resilient growth in the UK, and finance tackling shared global challenges.
The Chancellor’s visit follows a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit last autumn, where they discussed deepening the economic and trade relationship shared by the UK and China, in order to yield mutual benefits, support growth, and have candid discussion on issues where our views differ. As part of this, the Chancellor is expected to raise constraints on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and to urge China to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine.
This is part of the consistent, long term and strategic approach that the government is taking in managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. The government will co-operate where it can, compete where it needs to, and challenge where it must, including to protect our values and national security as the first duty of government.
Ahead of her visit, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:“Growing the economy and raising living standards is front and centre of this government’s Plan for Change. That growth must be secure, resilient, and built on stable foundations, including through careful pragmatic cooperation with international partners.
“By finding common ground on trade and investment while being candid about our differences and upholding national security as the first duty of this government, we can build a long-term economic relationship with China that works in the national interest.”
While in Beijing, the Chancellor will also visit Brompton’s flagship store. The enduring British bike brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary year, and its flourishing community in the Chinese capital as its foremost market is a major success story for UK exports to China.
In addition to building on the financial services relationship, the EFD will also seek to bring down barriers that British businesses face when looking to export or expand to China, supporting them to seize growth opportunities and follow in the footsteps of brands like Brompton, and other cornerstones of British culture and industry like Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever and Diageo – three companies whom Reeves will also meet with during her visit.
Reeves is also to visit Shanghai on Sunday to engage with representatives across British and Chinese business. Alongside London, the city is a leading global financial centre which has long been important for UK-China economic and financial links, including in financial services with the landmark financial market connectivity initiative between the London Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange entering its sixth year.
China is the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s fourth largest single trading partner, with a trade relationship worth almost £113 billion, and with exports to China supporting over 455,000 jobs in the UK in 2020.
UK stagflation crisis threat demands action
The UK economy is staring down the barrel of the stagflation gun, with stagnant growth and persistent inflation combining to create one of the most challenging financial environments in over a decade.
This is the stark warning from Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, as this week the 30-year gilt yield hit a staggering 5.25%—its highest point since the 2008 financial crisis—underscoring the scale of the issue.
He says: “Stagflation’s grip on the UK has been exacerbated by weak domestic growth, which under normal circumstances would prompt the Bank of England to lower interest rates.
“However, with inflation still uncomfortably high, policymakers find themselves in a precarious position, hesitating to make moves that could further weaken the pound and worsen price pressures.
Nigel Green continues: “For Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the situation is particularly dire. Her key fiscal rule—eliminating all non-investment borrowing by 2029—now hangs in the balance, as rising interest payments on debt eat into the Treasury’s capacity to act.
“Achieving this goal will demand either politically challenging tax increases or deep public spending cuts. Both measures will hurt economic growth, amplifying the stagflationary spiral.
“The rise in gilt yields signals growing investor caution about the UK’s economic outlook.
“Higher borrowing costs are creating ripple effects across sectors, from property to retail, as businesses and consumers alike face higher for longer interest rates. At the same time, the weakening pound, spurred by fears of stagnation, makes UK assets more attractive to international investors.
“For global investors, the UK’s predicament is not just a warning—it’s a call to action. Stagflation may erode domestic purchasing power, but it also opens the door to undervalued opportunities in key sectors, particularly for those with a long-term strategy.
“Fixed-income securities are more appealing given their higher yields, especially for those seeking safe havens in a turbulent global economy.”
While stagflation is a daunting challenge, it also forces innovation and adaptation.
“For investors with ties to Britain, this is the time to reassess portfolios, hedge against inflation, and identify sectors that can thrive in a stagflationary environment. History teaches us that industries such as energy, healthcare, and tech have shown resilience, even in periods of economic stagnation.
“The gilt market itself is worth watching closely. The recent yield spike suggests a shift in sentiment, but for those who act decisively, these higher yields could lock in significant returns over the medium term.
“Similarly, the weakening pound, while a burden for imports, is a boon for exporters and foreign investors looking to acquire UK assets at a relative discount.”
Nigel Green concludes: “The looming spectre of stagflation may sound like a warning bell, but it’s also a call for decisive action. The UK’s challenges are real, but so are the prospects for those who think globally and act strategically.”
A MESSAGE FROM POPULAR YOUTH WORKER PAUL ‘CRAW’ CRAWFORD:
With a heavy heart I have decided to hang my Orange Fetlor Jumper up after 27 years in youth work.
I have had the most amazing journey ever. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many young people who have helped me become Craw and I have helped them become who they are on their journey.
Through this I have created a lifetime of memories, treasured experiences and relationships with everyone. FetLor is my second family, even more my second house, a place where we support each other, grow together and most importantly laugh together.
You know I love a cuppa and chinwag, please save the date 1st February 2025 2pm – 5pm, to join me for my Celebrational High Tea, more details will follow.
POLICE are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was found seriously injured on Bath Street, Portobello at 6.40pm last night (Friday 10 January).
Emergency services attended and he was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where his injuries are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace three men believed to be involved in the incident.
Two are described as tall, of slim build, wearing dark clothing, black balaclavas and riding dark coloured e-bikes.
The third is described as being of stocky build with blonde hair.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “We are continuing our enquiries to establish the full circumstances and a police presence will remain in the area.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have information which could assist to contact us.
“I would also appeal to anyone with dash-cam or private CCTV footage to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2687 of Friday, 10 January 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
The biggest exhibition of primate behaviour ever staged is returning to the National Museum of Scotland. From huge gorillas to tiny mouse lemurs, Monkeys: Our Primate Family (28 Jun – 30 Nov 2025) will explore the remarkable lives of our closest relatives.
The exhibition will bring together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with our primate relatives. Atmospheric lighting and naturalistic displays will create a jungle experience as visitors enter the exhibition and discover some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on earth.
Monkeys: Our Primate Family is the first exhibition of its kind, capturing primates acting as they would in the wild. Taxidermy specimens created for the exhibition reveal behaviours rarely seen by humans and demonstrate how primate species have adapted to survive in diverse environments.
The exhibition will also explore continuing conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary animals and their fragile habitats.
The exhibition first opened at the National Museum of Scotland in 2016 before embarking on an international tour. It returns to Edinburgh for a final time having been seen by over 500,000 visitors in six countries around the world.
Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology, said: ““We are all primates, but how much do we really know about our extended family?
“Following a successful global tour, this will be the last chance to experience this remarkable exhibition. Monkeys: Our Primate Family provides a unique opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close. Visitors will also learn about the threats facing primates and what we can do to protect them.”
Visitors to Monkeys will discover how primates have evolved and adapted, their unique methods of locomotion, and the tools they have developed to obtain food. A gibbon will swing through the trees while a chimpanzee fishes for termites.
The exhibition will also reveal the fascinating ways they communicate and their complex social systems.
A tarsier will be shown using ultrasonic communication and a vervet monkey will reveal how its different calls warn about each different predator.
The final section of the exhibition looks at conservation as well as some of the threats humans pose to primates today, including the climate emergency, conflict, and the bush meat trade.
Visitors will see endangered primates, including the Sumatran orangutan and the black-and-white ruffed lemur and learn about how we can make a difference to their survival.
The exhibition will be supported by a programme of public events.
I AM VERY SAD TO PASS ON THE NEWS THAT CELEBRATED NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNER BETTY McVAY PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY (10.1.25)
Betty’s family broke the news in a Facebook post last night:
It’s with a heavy heart that the McVay family share that our much loved Mum, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Betty, passed away peacefully this morning after a short illness. We will all miss her very much.
‘LEGEND’ is an over-used word, but I can’t think of a better one to sum up the remarkable wee wifey from West Pilton.
I will add further comment later, but for the moment I pass on my heartfelt condolences to Betty’s family and friends.
Storytime – enjoy a selection of 
Lego Club – unleash your creativity and make fabulous Lego creations!
Burns Treasure Hunt – celebrate Burns Night with this special treasure hunt in the Children’s Library.
Artists’ books workshop with Susie Wilson – create your own tunnel book in this Miniature Theatres session
Scottish traditional singing workshop with Joss Cameron – learn a selection of songs with the award-winning singer
Knit & Natter – bring along your project and join this extra Saturday session
Information, advice and support stalls
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available from 12pm
