KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE DURING FIREWORK SEASON
Scottish SPCA: Remember, Remember, 5 in November
Month: October 2025
Poppy seller raises thousands on two-day rail marathon to Edinburgh marking ten years of fundraising
Poppy seller Denis Scaife, a well-known face on the East Coast Main Line, has completed his biggest fundraising challenge to date as he celebrates ten years of the ‘Poppy Express’ with the open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains.
74-year-old Denis, alongside his wife Barbara, took on a poppy selling marathon which saw them fundraising onboard Hull Trains and Lumo services from Retford to London King’s Cross, followed by Newcastle and Edinburgh and then all the way back again in the space of just two days.
Lumo and Hull Trains organised a special treat for Denis and his wife upon their arrival in Scotland, with an exclusive invitation for them to attend a Scottish Poppy Appeal reception at Holyrood. There they heard about Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces, as well as meeting fellow fundraisers.
Denis started the ‘Poppy Express’ ten years ago with just him and his wife. It has now grown into an institution with 15 volunteers travelling along the East Coast Main Line to raise money every year. 2024’s efforts raised more than £15,000, with hopes 2025 will exceed that amount as £11,000 has already been achieved.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “It was lovely to welcome Denis and Barbara firstly at Edinburgh Waverley Station as the arrived off their train and later at our Edinburgh reception event and to get the chance to thank them both personally for their volunteer fundraising over the years.
“They have gone above and beyond for the Armed Forces community, covering thousands of miles and raising thousands of pounds. Already they look to be on course to smash their target this year, which is absolutely amazing.
“On behalf of Poppyscotland, a huge thank you again to Denis and Barbara.”
Denis is a former Non-Commissioned Officer (sapper) with the Corps of Royal Engineers and his passion for the cause is clear. Reflecting on the challenge, he said: “Hull Trains have stood by me and the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal right from the start and it’s always a privilege to sell poppies to the friendly and generous customers onboard.
“Our poppy marathon, this time teaming up with Lumo as well, has been a really special way to mark ten years of fundraising.
“Having the chance to attend the Scottish Poppy Appeal reception was a unique opportunity and a special moment for myself and Barbara.
“I’d like to thank both Lumo and Hull Trains for their amazing support and here’s to many more years to come!”
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “As open access operators, we’re proud to be deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
“Denis’s dedication to the Poppy Appeal embodies the very best of community spirit and we are honoured to support him in such a meaningful cause.
“I’d like to wish Denis a huge congratulations for completing ten years of fundraising and, in particular, this impressive challenge!”
At 531 miles from Retford to Edinburgh via London King’s Cross, Denis’s total journey covers more than 1,000 miles and was fuelled by unlimited refreshments and snacks onboard the Lumo and Hull Trains services operating as the Poppy Express. It also coincides with London Poppy Day 2025 on the 30th October.
Holyrood’s Finance Committee ‘in the dark’ over Scottish Government plans
Holyrood’s Finance Committee has urged the Scottish Government to begin long-term fiscal planning now to address Scotland’s future financial challenges.
The committee’s report on Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures is published today, in advance of the government’s Budget being announced in January 2026.
The committee says it is “in the dark” over the detail of government’s plans and is urging the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Spending Review, also in January, to bring clarity to its priorities and how substantial savings will be made.
Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “We agree with the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) that the spending review provides an opportunity for the Scottish Government to set out how it will address Scotland’s long-term fiscal sustainability challenges.
“We seek further details of how the government is directing spending toward its priorities and what areas are being deprioritised.
“We’d also like to know how Ministers plan to meet their ambitions for public sector workforce reductions and efficiencies worth £1billion over the next five years. Evidence and trends suggest these targets will be incredibly challenging to meet.”
Mr Gibson added: “We asked the Scottish Government to provide a full response to the SFC’s Fiscal Sustainability Report on demographics in March 2023, but are still waiting. We, therefore, remain in the dark on the Scottish Government’s longer-term financial plans.”
While the committee welcomed recent improvements in the level of information provided in the Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy on the ‘challenges ahead’, it questioned why a separate document was needed by the government to explain how it is responding to medium-term pressures.
Mr Gibson said: “We do not share the Government’s view that the two documents ‘set out a credible plan’ to deliver its priorities.
“Ministers must put greater emphasis on longer-term financial planning now, in order to mitigate the potentially significant impact of future trends within Scotland’s economy and population.”
The report asked the government to maximise opportunities for better aligning skills with the needs of Scotland’s economy, including supporting fit-for-future funding models for colleges and universities, and careers advice. And, how it is supporting organisations to retain and attract older workers and those with disabilities to increase labour market participation and grow the tax base.
The committee requested further details of how the Scottish Government is creating the right conditions for businesses in Scotland to grow, take a long-term view, invest in capital and leadership, and change attitudes to risk – all of which the committee heard are key barriers to productivity growth.
The committee also wants more information on how high-value businesses, such as in the FinTech sector, are being supported to ‘scale up’ including into unicorns.
Lastly, on social security spending Mr Gibson said: ““Our committee is not convinced that the Scottish Government has set out sufficient evidence to support its argument that the future social security budget is sustainable.
“We are disappointed the government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy did not include the information we requested on the fiscal sustainability of social security spending.
“Nor did the government say how it is assessing the effectiveness of, and outcomes from, its approach to benefits delivery in Scotland – or how this impacts upon other parts of the Budget.
“We’ve therefore asked the government again to carry out this work and report back without further delay.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: Here to keep you safe
Strengthening Scotland’s relationships with Wales
Rhun ap lorwerth MS welcomed to Bute House
First Minister John Swinney met Rhun ap lorwerth MS, the leader of Plaid Cymru, at Bute House to discuss how relations with Wales can be strengthened.
Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister described Wales as one of Scotland’s ‘closest partners’ and said the two nations can be a uniting force in creating a fairer, more progressive society which seeks to tackle inequality and advance economic opportunities.
The First Minister said: “I am committed to forging a constructive relationship with nations across the UK and collaborating on issues of mutual interest.
“Wales is one of Scotland’s closest partners and I was pleased to welcome Rhun ap lorwerth to Scotland to discuss how we can work together to build a better future.
“Wales and Scotland have an enduring bond, with both countries having faced similar issues at different periods in our history. In a rapidly changing society, we must stand ready to work together again to overcome the challenges we both face – such as tackling child poverty.
“I have pledged my government’s commitment to working with the people of Wales to ensure our two nations can be a uniting force in building a fairer, more progressive society – a society that prioritises tackling inequality by creating the economic conditions to help communities thrive.”
Health Information Integrity Strategy
Focus on using trusted and accurate sources
People should use trustworthy sources of information to make the best possible decisions about health, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.
In response to the growing volume of false information, and a recommendation from the pandemic advisory group, the Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness, the Scottish Government has launched a Scottish Health Information Integrity Strategy.
Mr Gray said it would help the NHS counter false and misleading health information by giving healthcare professionals the tools to enable people to make the best possible choices about their own health.
He said: “There is lot of health information at our fingertips, but often it is not in line with the science and evidence produced by international experts. Some of it is misleading, inaccurate, and sometimes just plain false. This strategy will help the Scottish Government and our health partners respond to the growing threat from such poor-quality information.
“For all of us, understanding our health and options is vital, as the wrong information can lead us to make the wrong choices that can harm us or our loved ones. The Scottish Health Information Integrity Strategy will guide our response to these challenges and help retain public trust in the NHS.
“For any health questions, in the first instance, people should go to Scotland’s national health information service NHS Inform, which provides evidence-based and accurate health information.”
University of Edinburgh Chair in Public Health, and Scottish Government Chief Social Policy Adviser Professor Linda Bauld said: “People are seeking information about their health in new ways, and often from platforms which are not accurate.
“This strategy marks the beginning of the Scottish healthcare system’s response. It describes potential first steps to help NHS Scotland and others build and maintain trust and find the best ways of providing people with information.”
The strategy makes a number of recommendations on developing leadership and co-ordination, and rapidly responding and building resilience to false health information. These include:
- providing dedicated resources
- participating in UK and international networks
- supporting staff to have evidence-based conversations with patients
- supporting embedding media, digital and health literacy into the Curriculum for Excellence
- engaging with community partners and third-sector organisations on public health messaging.
CrimeStoppers: Stay safe during bonfire season
Did you know it’s illegal to set off or throw fireworks in a public space, like your street or the local park?
If you know someone putting themselves or others at risk by letting off fireworks or deliberately starting fires, you can speak to us or Crimestoppers.
Anything you share with them stays 100% anonymous. Always.
Click to learn more: https://orlo.uk/mNdU2
Spooktacular surprise for Edinburgh’s Teenage Cancer Trust wards
Aldi has helped Teenage Cancer Trust patients and staff in Edinburgh get into the Halloween spirit by donating a range of seasonal goodies.
The wards at Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children received everything from pumpkins and decorations to costumes and treats, helping young people to celebrate Halloween away from home.
Since first partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust in 2017, Aldi has raised more than £12 million for the charity, with a commitment to raise £20 million by 2031 to ensure no young person faces cancer alone.
This Halloween, 28 Teenage Cancer Trust units across the country received donations from the supermarket, giving patients, family and staff the chance to enjoy seasonal celebrations together.
Michelle Aucott, Senior Partnerships Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so grateful to Aldi for their continued support.
“These small seasonal gestures make a big difference, helping young people to celebrate Halloween away from home.”
Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, added: “We’re proud to support Teenage Cancer Trust through a wide range of fundraising events and donations. Halloween is meant to be a time of fun and thrills, so we hope that our donation will help to bring some spooky fun and joy to young people and staff this year.”
Teenage Cancer Trust works in partnership with the NHS to provide highly-trained expert staff and specialist cancer units in NHS hospitals across the UK. The charity is there at every stage from diagnosis, through treatment and after treatment.
It also brings young people with cancer together so they can support each other.
‘Scotland remains a safe place to live’ – Angela Constance
Homicides at lowest level in half century
Homicide numbers in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level since comparable records began in 1976, according to official figures.
Cases recorded by Police Scotland fell to 45 homicides in 2024-25, down 12 on the previous year. For all of the 45 homicide victims recorded in 2024-25, the associated case was solved.
The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been among young people aged 16-24 – falling from 110 victims between 2005-06 and 2009-10 to 31 between 2020-21 and 2024-25.
The publication by Scotland’s Chief Statistician provides information on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2024-25.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “My thoughts are with every family who have lost a loved one, however the fact that the number of homicides has fallen significantly over the last decade, now to a record low in 2024-25, is clearly a positive and welcome trend.
“While the number of young lives lost to homicide has also reduced significantly over recent years, behind every statistic is the grief of loved ones and a tragedy that demands continued and determined action.
“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their work that saw 100% of cases solved last year – a fact which, along with the decline in homicides, is further evidence that Scotland remains a safe place to live and justice is being served.
“The Scottish Government has invested more than £6 million since 2023 to support implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland. This funding provides a range of activities to prevent violence and reduce its harm, much of which is supporting young people away from violence.
“To help prevent the future abuse and death of women and girls, we now have the statutory framework in place to create what will be Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide and suicide review model, with reviews expected to start from next spring.”
Magic! Community comes together for Harbour Homes’ inaugural North Edinburgh Awards
HARBOUR Homes’ North Edinburgh Awards are all about celebrating what makes Leith and north Edinburgh an amazing place to live.
The inaugural awards night, organised by Harbour Homes, took place at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Thursday 23 October 2025. The evening kicked off with a magic show and community get-together before the winners were revealed.
Tenants of Harbour Homes and members of the local community nominated neighbours, volunteers, local businesses and community groups who they felt deserved a big thank you.
The categories were: Good Neighbour, Community Champion, Community Group, and Favourite Local Business.
Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive at Harbour Homes said: “We created this event to bring the community together as part of our 50th celebrations.
“It was a much-needed celebration of the people who make our communities great. All those nominated were deserving of the recognition on the night, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact they have on the lives of our tenants and the wider community.”
The winners announced on the night were:
- Good Neighbour: Dana Hunter
- Community Champion: Daniel Ndlovu
- Community Group: The Citadel
- Favourite Local Business: Quirkys
Nominations were encouraged to shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes around us. Dana Hunter received several nominations for looking out for her neighbours and being a kind and caring member of the community.
Dana said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated or to win, a big thank you to my neighbours.”
Daniel Ndlovu participates as a youth volunteer with YMCA Edinburgh and was nominated for his fantastic attitude and commitment to improving his local community. He plays an important role in the Friday Night Lights project which has been linked with a 25% reduction in anti social behaviour on the evening it runs.
The Community Group Award went to The Citadel whose nominations highlighted the excellent work they do with young people and families of Leith.
Willy Barr, Manager, The Citadel, said: “Winning the North Edinburgh Community Group Award was a real boost to everyone involved at The Citadel.
“We love being in the heart of the Community in Leith and we have so many stories of bringing people together, trying new things, facing challenges together but most important of all, having fun!
“Well done to the other finalists and winners – we are all part of what makes Leith a great place to be.”
Quirkys won Favourite Local Business and received multiple nominations for their helpfulness and for uplifting the appearance of the local area.
Stuart Wright, owner of Quirkys plants said: “Thank you so much for this massively encouraging award.
“I am really grateful to my fantastic customers who continue to support me and other small businesses.”