CANCER. GET CHECKED EARLY.
Noticed lumps, blood, unexplained weight loss or other unusual persistent symptoms? Your GP practice wants to know.
Because the earlier you find cancer, the more treatment options are available, increasing your chances of living well again.
The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, and a silent film accompanied by live music.
Headliners include experimental folk band Constant Follower led by songwriter Steven McAll playing tracks from their latest album Let the Healing Begin which has recently been added to the long list for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award, 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; andguitarist Chris Amer and his Sextet (Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Stephen Henderson and Mhairi Marwick) performing music from their new collection Making Peace With What Is.
In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performedby Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet lead by Fiona Winning on viola.
The quartet is completed by Tom Hanky (violin), George Smith (violin) and Robert Irvine (‘cello). Graeme will also be giving a non-participatory masterclass in Developing Concepts for Composition, Improvisation and Practice, for learners to explore creative ways to turn their ideas into compositions.
Other highlights over the weekend include harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks with Tony McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.
Multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with his freshly minted trio; and jazz saxaphonist Rachel Duns, whose music ranges from blues and soul, to thepsychedelic sounds of the 1960s.
Over the weekend, audiences will also be treated to an afternoon concert from Scottish/Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters who rose to stardom after their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts.
Plus, three emerging artists playing in this year’s Spotlight concert, showcasing the very best up and coming jazz musicians in Scotland.
They include guitarist and double bass player Timmy Allan who won the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2024 and this year’s Alan McAuley Jazz Award; The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and Roan Anderson on drums; and the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves.
In addition, cellist and improvisor Simone Seales will be giving an Improvisation Workshop for beginners on how to make sound without musical notation, open to amateur or experienced instrumentalists, vocalists or musicians from any other discipline.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “After last year’s multi-genre celebration of the Scottish music scene, we are delighted to be back for our second annual Soundhouse Winter Festival.
“We’ll be presenting jazz, pop, rap, classical, soul, funk, folk, trad, and many points where those categories intersect. It will be heartwarming, life affirming and a great antidote to the November blues. We extend a warm welcome to all: come and be part of Edinburgh’s great music-loving community.“
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The closes and wynds of the capital are about to come alive as the Soundhouse Winter Festival returns to Edinburgh with another excellent array of rising stars and familiar faces.
“This compact and perfectly curated programme offers plenty of opportunities to discover new talent across an extended weekend in November, with must-see gigs each and every day.
“Organised by the same people as Edinburgh’s rejuvenated Tradfest, the quality of music is guaranteed to be top-level, with something to suit all tastes.”
Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is celebrating 50 years of delivering its pioneering journalism course, the longest-running programme of its kind in Scotland and consistently recognised as one of the leading courses in the UK.
Since launching in 1975, the course has produced leading journalists across the UK and beyond. From Lee McKenzie, renowned for her Formula 1 coverage on Channel 4 and rugby reporting for the BBC and ITV, to Nick Eardley, the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and a trusted voice from Westminster, and Martin Frizell, former Editor of ITV’s flagship daytime programme This Morning – just a few that graduated from ENU.
The need for these trusted, credible voices in the media is more prevalent than ever, and Edinburgh Napier University is committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists with the skills, adaptability and creativity needed to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Alongside its long-standing undergraduate course, the University also delivers a respected postgraduate programme in journalism and, last year, launched a postgraduate course in Sports Journalism – reflecting its dedication to training aspiring reporters across a range of sectors.
Students benefit from expert teaching by leading academics and experienced practitioners, combining the fundamentals of journalism with hands-on newsroom experience.
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “At Edinburgh Napier, we are proud to have delivered our journalism course for the past 50 years. While the industry has changed beyond recognition, the need for trusted, credible reporting has never been greater.
“The continued appetite to study journalism shows that the next generation is ready to step up. Our role is to give them the tools, integrity and confidence to thrive, ensuring that the stories that matter are told with accuracy and impact for decades to come.
“This anniversary is not only about reflecting on the past 50 years but also about looking ahead to the future of journalism.”
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked Scotland’s number one modern university in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and continues to uphold its reputation for industry-focused, world-class teaching.
For more information on journalism at Edinburgh Napier please visit:
https://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-journalism-undergraduate-fulltime
East Lothian Libraries is in the spotlight as the shortlist is announced for the annual Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards.
Celebrating the teams and projects transforming communities across the country, from innovative literacy programmes to inclusive community hubs, this year’s nominees showcase how libraries are evolving to meet local needs, spark creativity and improve wellbeing.
Judged by an independent panel, led by SLIC Chair Alan Clarke, alongside guest judges Garrett Baylor Stell, education journalist, and Scottish author and presenter Helen Cross, renowned for her work promoting libraries and literacy across Scotland, the SLIC Awards 2025 recognise library teams and projects that go beyond traditional services, driving social impact, learning and inclusion across Scotland.
Showcasing their creativity, innovation and community impact, eight services have been shortlisted across two categories – Team of the Year and Project Excellence – including East Lothian Libraries, shortlisted for Team of the Year 2025 due to their community centred services, showcasing how the library service has supported both public and school libraries while addressing local challenges.
Despite budget pressures and reduced staffing, the team maintained high quality provision across 12 libraries and seven secondary schools, integrating school and public library services, delivering tailored community programmes and fostering strong partnerships with health, education and third sector organisations.
Initiatives ranged from dementia-friendly groups and digital inclusion sessions to innovative activities like gardening clubs, mending workshops and family learning cafés.
The team also advanced literacy strategies through Reading Schools accreditation and bespoke school library policies, while ensuring inclusive, flexible services for vulnerable groups.
With increased visits, broad community engagement and strong evidence of impact, East Lothian Libraries has positioned themselves as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and resilience.
Guest judge Helen Cross commented: “This is a team that has shown what can be achieved through new initiatives and thinking outside the box, while also making a positive impact on those they reach.”
The others shortlisted for ‘Team of the Year 2025’ are –
The four projects shortlisted for the ‘Project Excellence 2025’ award are –
SLIC chair, Alan Clarke (above), who is leading the judging panel, said: “The SLIC Awards celebrate the remarkable work of library teams and projects across Scotland, recognising the difference they make in enriching learning, wellbeing and community connection.
“This year’s shortlist highlights services that continue to evolve, delivering inclusive, imaginative and highly impactful initiatives that respond directly to the needs of the people they serve. It’s inspiring to see excellence in action through outstanding service, collaborative teamwork and innovative project delivery that truly makes a lasting difference.
“Congratulations to the eight services shortlisted for the 2025 SLIC Awards. We look forward to inviting the nominees to celebrate their achievements with us when we announce the award winners at our Showcase and AGM next month.”
These shortlists will be whittled down to just one winner and one highly commended for each category at the SLIC AGM and Showcase on 31 October where services will be recognised for their outstanding commitment and strategic approach to ensuring library services continue to add value to the community.
The SLIC Awards are open to all SLIC member libraries, which includes public library services, many further education and higher education libraries, and specialist libraries throughout Scotland, with winners receiving a trophy and cash prize for demonstrating exceptional innovation and service design for activity undertaken between June 2024 and June 2025.
The projects – funded under the government’s Regional Tech Booster programme – will provide businesses and entrepreneurs with targeted training, expert guidance, help to build networks, and support to scale their operations from within their communities.
This is to ensure that the jobs and benefits of a thriving tech sector are available to people right across the UK, not just in London, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
These projects launch right off the back of UK-wide opportunities opening up for tech following the recent announcement of another AI Growth Zone, this time in the North East, and a suite of major tech investments across the UK, following the UK US Tech Prosperity Deal.
Regional Tech Booster projects will include a support scheme for early-stage gaming startups in Scotland, create pathways from further education to entrepreneurship in Lancashire, unlock growth for tech businesses ready to scale in Yorkshire, launch an AI innovation challenge in Wales, and accelerate the growth of the advanced connectivity technology industry in Suffolk.
Alongside the localised focus, some of the projects will also support greater diversity within the sector, with a focus on underrepresented founders. One in Northern Ireland will focus on boosting AI adoption amongst founders, and a West Midlands project will help underrepresented founders build up the networks and support they need to succeed in tech.
This comes as government’s commitment to promoting diversity in tech takes a leap forward, following the Tech Secretary’s announcement of an advisory group to be established to champion diversity across the sector and tech policy development.
Government is partnering with UK Tech Cluster Group to deliver the £1 million Regional Tech Booster programme, ensuring local expertise is driving the work on the ground in these communities.
The programme also includes a series of investment events, through a National Investment Corridors initiative, with the first 2 taking place in Bristol and Leeds later this year. The National Investment Corridors will put local tech centre-stage, boosting investment into the UK’s tech talent from beyond the capital.
Tech for Growth Minister, Kanishka Narayan MP said: “We want UK tech to grow and succeed from any and every corner of the country.
“It’s a no-brainer that supporting projects like these, and encouraging more investment across the UK, will catalyse our tech brilliance to boost economic growth and opportunities for communities nationwide.”
Dr David Dunn, UKTCG lead on Catalyst Pilot Projects said: “The sheer volume of strong applications we received shows there is a huge desire to grow tech ecosystems across the whole of the UK.
“As the projects are delivered, we are excited to share learning across other ecosystems – it is this multiplier effect of knowledge transfer that really makes the Regional Tech Booster initiative valuable.”
The Regional Tech Booster programme will also include workshops on tech ecosystem planning and sharing best practice for ecosystem development with authorities across the country.
Further Regional Tech Booster programme details, including investment event dates and venues, will be available via delivery partners, UK Tech Cluster Group, as they are confirmed.
POLICE are aware of a video on social media showing an attack on a teenage girl in the Gracemount area last Sunday, 28 September 2025.
Following investigation, four youths have now been charged in connection with the incident.
Police Scotland would like to reassure the public that violence will not be tolerated and any report to the police will be fully investigated.
With the temperature beginning to drop and energy prices continuing to rise, one local Community Interest Company is warning of the extreme measures some Edinburgh families are resorting to just to stay warm.
Last year, The Leith Collective was responsible for redistributing more than 11,000 coats to those in need as part of their annual Winter Coat Exchange.
Many of those who benefitted from this initiative reported having to sleep in multiple layers of coats because they could not afford to switch on their heating. So this year, the team are calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to get behind their campaign to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to even more people struggling this winter.
Launching TODAY on Wednesday 1st October, The Leith Collective is aiming to open official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points right across the country. Here, members of the public will be able to donate good quality coats, and those in need can help themselves – free of charge, no questions asked.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “The number of families struggling to afford even basic essentials such as a warm winter coat is heartbreaking.
“So, this year we want our Winter Coat Exchange to be more accessible than ever. We want to see official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points in every town and city across Scotland so that coats can be kept out of landfill and passed on to those who truly need them.”
One organisation keen to sign up to the scheme once again this year is the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Many people struggling to make ends meet simply can’t afford to travel to pick up a coat, so it’s important that as many organisations as possible sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point to make it accessible.
“We all have an important part to play in the fight against poverty.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.
The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.
POLICE Scotland: Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched.
The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner’s abusive past, with a potential victim.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) is a way to find information about whether a person has an abusive past. This information can be used to prevent someone from experiencing domestic abuse in the future.
You can make a DSDAS application if you:
We’ll only make a disclosure after we’ve considered all factors. We’ll assess the threat carefully, and we’ll decide if we need to share information to prevent a person from experiencing domestic abuse.
We may also speak to other agencies to help us make sure a disclosure is the right option.
If you’re making the application on behalf of someone else, we cannot make the disclosure to you. We can only make a disclosure to the person who is at risk to support and help protect them.
The police will act immediately if they think you or someone else needs to be protected from harm.
How to apply:
There are a few ways to apply for a domestic abuse disclosure. You can:
https://orlo.uk/wwe2C DSDAS form
The number of social homes delivered in the past 18 years in Scotland has passed the 100,000 mark.
Latest statistics on affordable housing show that, since 2007, the Scottish Government has helped deliver 140,346 affordable homes, with 100,064 of those for social rent.
Commenting, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Social homes passing 100,000 is a demonstration of our strong commitment to supporting affordable housing across Scotland.
“Social housing is a key cornerstone in our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and achieve our goal of eradicating child poverty. These numbers show that thousands of families have been provided with a warm, safe and affordable home.
“However, demand is outstripping supply, and these latest quarterly statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges that the cost of living, inflation and Brexit have placed on the housing sector – not least construction inflation having reached an incredible 24% in recent years.
“However, I am committed to turning these figures around. That is why earlier this month I published an ambitious Housing Emergency Action Plan, backed by up to £4.9 billion of investment to deliver a major affordable housing programme.
“This will support around 36,000 affordable homes over the next four years, providing homes for up to 24,000 children. This is additional to the £808m we will spend this financial year to deliver around 8,000 affordable homes.
“I am once again calling on everyone in the public and private sector to urgently pull together and work with us to ensure that everyone in Scotland has a place they can call home.”
Housing statistics quarterly update: new housebuilding and affordable housing supply – gov.scot
Consultation Hub Online Survey:
A survey for the project is currently live on The City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub and will run until 8th October 2025.
Please find a link to the survey here and to find out more:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/drylaw-consultation/
