Day: October 12, 2025

The Space Dome arrives in Livingston to help raise funds for CHAS

The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for the arrival of its first-ever 8m Space Dome, from the 18-27th October, where visitors can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, including handling Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina that are 4.6 billion years old.

The Space Dome, complete with giant space props, including a 5ft inflatable rocket and moon, has been created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, who has travelled the world with his pop-up planetariums to give people an insight into the solar system and night sky.

The full-dome film with surround sound, entitled ‘Journey to Infinity’, is narrated by the former Blue Peter producer and BBC presenter, Sue Beardsmore, and takes you on virtual journey through space to explore distant galaxies from infinity to beyond, and discover how we are connected to the cosmos.

The event, which will take place during the October school break, is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience for shoppers, especially avid space, astronomy and geology enthusiasts, who can learn more about meteorites that reveal the ancient geometry of the solar system.

There will also be a Virtual Reality Zone with headsets and astronaut costumes for children to embark on their own virtual space trip and explore natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies. 

The Space Dome event, which will be located next to Waterstones and run daily from 10 – 4pm, also provides the opportunity to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which is the winter charity partner at The Centre, Livingston, for the third consecutive year.

All activities are free with donations optional for CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with life-shortening conditions and support for families, including respites and counselling.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so excited to be part of this amazing Space Dome adventure at The Centre, Livingston. 

“It’s a great way for families to enjoy some time together and make precious memories, which is exactly what’s at the heart of everything we do at CHAS. 

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring moments of joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a great day shopping, dining out and also have fun watching a captivating space-themed film in a planetarium, where you can soar through the solar system.

“We’ll also have astronaut costumes and VR headsets for children to experience their own personal voyages through the universe and other activities including the opportunity to handle real Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina, which are 4.6 billion years old.

“The event will also give us a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for CHAS, who we are delighted to be supporting again this year.”

For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.

Winter of ‘giant rats’ looming?

YOUR TAKEAWAYS COULD BE THE CULPRIT

Recent reports warn that a ‘winter of rats’ is around the corner, highlighting growing infestations across the country. Brits haven’t taken the warning lightly, and have been querying how to get rid of rats the most this week, with a 69% uptick in searches. 

Experts at Rainbow Rubbish removals have provided expert advice on preventing rats in the home, as rat populations peak.

Five expert tips to prevent rats in the home

  1. Get rid of food and water sources

Rainbow Rubbish removals warn that this could be a particularly bad winter for rats. Seasonal events and colder weather means higher levels of discarded takeaway food, which provides a ready source of nourishment for the pests. We’re seeing more reports in the UK of ‘giant rats’ because there’s plenty of food for them to eat.

Overflowing bins and easy access to homes make it simple for rats to thrive. Their presence is more than just a nuisance: rats can spread diseases through droppings and contaminated surfaces, so use tightly fitting lids and avoid leaving food scraps in open bins overnight, clean up spilled food and don’t leave empty takeaway containers accessible.

Miroslav Radov comments: “Rats seek areas where they can find food, and they will eat almost anything. Therefore, ensuring that you have eliminated any food or water sources that they could feed off is crucial. 

“Food and water sources are one of the primary reasons rats enter homes, and by eliminating this motivation, the rats are much less likely to enter and more importantly, less likely to stick around.”

  1. Inspect your home for entry points

Rats can squeeze through very small holes, sometimes as small as 20mm in diameter, roughly the size of a 10p coin. This makes inspecting your home for entry points during seasons of increased rat activity such as late summer-autumn crucial. By identifying these small potential entry points, you can highly decrease the risk of rats entering your property, eliminating the risk of health hazards. 

Focus on gaps in low level foundations and pipes. Cracks in any walls or doors can also be entry points for rats, so be sure to check for any damage and if found, take the needed steps to seal these potential points of entry. Be sure to also examine vents for gaps, as well as looking for gaps under any decking or sheds. 

Radov suggests: “Whilst inspecting for entry points, check for signs of rat activity. This could be droppings, scratching or scurrying noises, or nests and nesting materials. If you are unsure or unable to adequately check your property for entry points, pest control professionals are able to identify all the smallest entry points, and if you find signs of rat activity, they can also help to eliminate any rat problem or infestation.” 

  1. Limit the potential for habitats

Limiting the potential for rat habitats can help keep them away from your property, and instead, seek somewhere else where they have what they need to survive. To do this, eliminate food sources and seal entry points and previously mentioned.

Additionally, be sure to regularly clean food spills and empty garbage often.

Another key consideration in potential rat habitats is to minimise clutter in your home and garden. Clutter can serve as a great hiding or nesting place for rats, making it more likely for them to make themselves at home on your property. 

Radov advises: “It is also important to check for any moisture issues and sources. For instance, any leaky pipes or faucets can be appealing for rats who seek a readily available water source, and damp conditions, which can attract other pests that act as a food source for rats.”

  1. Consider natural repellents

There are various natural deterrents you can use to deter rats and decrease the chances of them entering and nesting in your home. Apply these in areas where rats are likely to be or to enter, such as near entry points, in cupboards, or around bird feeders in gardens.

  • Peppermint Oil
    • Peppermint’s strong and pungent scent is known to irritate rats due to their strong sense of smell. However, don’t rely on this as a long-term solution alone, and be sure to follow other key steps such as eliminating food sources, as they could become accustomed to the smell and still be motivated to enter if food is available.
  • Essential Oils
    • Essential oils such as eucalyptus create an environment that’s unbearable for rats, due to its potent smell, encouraging them to leave. However, this again comes with a warning, as it may not be enough of a solution if it isn’t used in conjunction with other methods of deterrence. 
  • Cayenne Pepper
    • Rats dislike this due to its strong and spicy scent and taste, which can deter them from entering the space in which this pepper is present. However, there is always the present risk that rats may learn to tolerate this smell, if there is an active food source available nearby. Therefore, always combine this with other methods such as those detailed above.
  1. Keep your home clean and utilise ventilation 

One of the most important and simple steps you can take to prevent rats is to maintain good levels of hygiene, cleanliness and ventilation in your home. By nature, rats are attracted to unsanitary environments as well as a lack of airflow.

This makes a clean and well-ventilated space less appealing and more difficult to survive in, as a clean home with limited clutter means their food sources are eliminated. 

Radov states: “Ensure that you regularly vacuum and mop, taking extra care in spaces such as kitchens which can harbour crumbs and food waste which attracts rats. Dispose of waste appropriately and securely, and if needed, invest in a rodent proof bin with a very tight fitting lid.

Keep attics and spaces within the home well ventilated, to discourage rats from crawling and nesting in these spaces. Also be sure to be attentive to your garden and trim overgrown bushes and plants, as rats can hide within these.”

Views sought on Bill which would recognise digital assets as property

Proposed legislation which aims to recognise digital assets as property in the eyes of the law will be scrutinised by a Holyrood Committee.

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill is designed to incorporate the ownership and transfer of digital assets into Scots law.

In recent decades, the use and importance of digital assets has become widespread. There is, however, little case law relating to new forms of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, to help individuals, businesses and legal practitioners in their dealings with such assets.

The Bill confirms that digital assets can be recognised as incorporeal moveable property. If passed, the Bill would confirm how ownership can be established and acquired, providing greater legal certainty for tech developers, digital asset owners and the legal profession.

As of 2025, approximately 10% of adults in Scotland – around 540,000 people – own some form of cryptocurrency.

Economy and Fair Work Convener, Daniel Johnson MSP, said: “Scotland’s financial technology (FinTech) sector contributes £14billion to the Scottish economy.

“This Bill could help provide the answers needed about digital assets as objects of property and support ongoing innovation and investment in the sector.

“We are keen to hear from legal practitioners, academics and anyone with an interest in digital assets about whether they support the provisions in the Bill. We also want to hear what other actions could be required to support businesses and individuals in their dealings with digital assets.”

Leith Central CC says NO to more student accommodation

Leith Central Community Council has now agreed its final position on Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) developments.

🏗️ Leith already has two-thirds of all PBSA beds in Edinburgh – 6,332 out of 9,873 citywide. Despite this, developers keep proposing more blocks, even though Leith has no university campus and our area gains little direct benefit.

We believe further PBSA expansion:

– takes up land that should be used for affordable homes for families and key workers

– adds pressure on local transport, health services and infrastructure

– undermines community balance and diversity

– conflicts with Edinburgh’s wider housing strategy

Leith is proud to welcome students as part of our diverse community, but the scale of PBSA development is now out of proportion and unsustainable.

🛑 LCCC is calling for a moratorium on any new PBSA developments in Leith.

We want future developments to focus instead on affordable, family-friendly and mixed-use housing that supports long-term residents and the local economy.

We’ll continue to work with other community councils, housing organisations and Edinburgh Council to make sure Leith’s voice is heard as part of the city’s Local Housing Strategy and upcoming planning guidance on student accommodation.

📄 You can read our full position paper here 👉https://tinyurl.com/jvntj3cm

Drumbrae Library holiday activities

It’s the Edinburgh school half term break next week and we’ve got a full programme of events scheduled!

All events are free

Booking is only required for the author visit from Emily McKenzie on Thursday which can be accessed from tomorrow morning at 10am with the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/drumbrae-library-hub…

Letters: Home Alone

Dear Editor, 

During the October holidays, many families across Scotland will be weighing up childcare options and wondering whether their children are ready to be left home alone. 

There’s no legal minimum age for a child to stay at home or go out alone, and it’s common for parents to contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice. Every child is different, and between work and other responsibilities, it’s understandable that parents may need to consider this decision. 

It’s not always easy to know what’s best, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Very young children, especially those under three, should never be left alone – not even briefly while popping to the shops or leaving them in the car. For older children, we wouldn’t recommend leaving anyone under 12 at home alone, especially for long periods. 

What matters most is how your child feels. If they’re anxious or unsure, they shouldn’t be left by themselves – even if they’re older.

Feeling safe and confident is key, and they need to know what to do in an emergency. Talking things through can help you understand their concerns and decide if they’re ready. 

To support families, the NSPCC has created online checklists to help guide these decisions.  And for children who need someone to talk to, Childline is available 24/7.

They can speak to a trained counsellor for free by calling 0800 1111 or using the 1-2-1 chat at www.childline.org.uk. 

Yours sincerely, 

Carla Malseed 

NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager 

Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener reflects on World Homeless Day

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron writes about the challenges facing Edinburgh, and the work being done to tackle them:

In Edinburgh, our population continues to grow at speed and for some years now, housing demand has been significantly outstripping supply.  

Since declaring a Housing Emergency nearly two years ago, this Council, together with housing providers and partners across the sector, has continued to grapple with this crisis within statutory and policy frameworks, including the new Housing Bill, and resources available.

World Homeless Day 2025 coincides with Challenge Poverty Week, with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reporting earlier this week that almost 250,000 children in Scotland are experiencing poverty.

Eighty thousand Edinburgh residents live in relative poverty, comprising one in five children, and 5,500 of our households are without settled housing, living in temporary accommodation.

To tackle this, the Council’s approach focuses on prevention, early intervention and mitigation.

Central to preventing homelessness is making sure everyone has access to a safe, warm place to stay; and investing in help and support for those at risk of losing their homes.

In 2024, we helped prevent homelessness for 2,622 households. This work ranges from our Early Intervention team, who reach out to all households who contact homelessness services, to specialist advice and support provided by our Private Rented Sector team.

Where we have been unable to prevent individuals and families from losing their homes, we are working hard to provide suitable alternative accommodation through our Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP).

Our long-term plans to reduce the need for temporary accommodation and improve the quality and quantity of our housing stock include our ambitious housebuilding programme, efforts to acquire new homes directly from providers, bringing empty homes back into use, and investing in the retrofitting of existing housing stock.

This World Homeless Day, as Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, I am acutely aware of the power of work we all still need to do and the resources we need from Government to deliver meaningful increases in our housing supply so that every person and family in Edinburgh can be living in a warm, safe, energy efficient home.

Drylaw Pumpkin Walk and HUNT!

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER from 10am – 12.30pm

🎃Hallowe’en pumpkin walk and hunt this Monday! All accompanied children welcome.

Free lunch at the centre after.

To book, get in touch or email natalie@drylawnc.org.uk

All accompanied children welcome.
Come on a hunt for pumpkins around the neighbourhood using a simple map.
Lunch back at the Centre.
Adults and children welcome.
All regulars also welcome. Easy. Flat.
PLEASE BOOK! natalie@drylawnc.org.uk

Free, Children and adults

PS – Reminder that Little Explorers and the Yoga classes are on holiday on Monday 13th!

Murdo Fraser comments ‘not racist’

A CALL FOR UNDERSTANDING AND UNITY

In my role as Chairman and President of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, which also oversees the Buddhist Council, I have been asked to comment on recent remarks made by Murdo Fraser MSP, following the departure of Rangers FC manager, Russell Martin (writes NEIL LAL).

Mr Fraser’s post on social media – “No more vegans, Buddhists or Green Party members please @RangersFC” – sparked debate among Buddhists, vegans, and some environmentally conscious individuals.

As the lead organisation committed to representing and protecting diverse communities across Scotland and the UK, we felt it was important to independently assess the situation in a fair, measured and constructive manner.

Findings of Our Investigation:

After engaging with community leaders, interfaith representatives, and those mentioned in the comments, we undertook a thorough investigation to determine whether Murdo Fraser’s remarks constituted intentional racism, religious discrimination, or targeted exclusion.

We can now formally state the conclusion of our investigation:

⁠Murdo Fraser MSP has been CLEARED of any intentional racism or discrimination.

Our findings indicate the comment was not posted with malice or deliberate prejudice. It was a remark made in the emotionally charged context of a sports discussion – a space where passions often run high and words, which are intended to be humorous, can be misinterpreted. 

That does not remove the responsibility public figures carry, but it does offer context. We accept Mr Fraser’s remarks were not intended to target the Buddhist community, vegans, or supporters of the Green Party with hate or exclusion.

A Positive Way Forward:

Rather than fuelling division or prolonging misunderstanding, we believe this is a moment to encourage further dialogue.

To that end, we are extending a formal invitation to Murdo Fraser MSP to visit a Buddhist temple, where he will be welcomed by myself, as Chairman of the Indian Council, and by Mrs Warakant McLaughlin, Chair of the Buddhist Counciland Head Monk Samak.

Scotland is a proudly diverse and inclusive nation. At the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, we champion unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

We believe in calling out intentional harm when it occurs, but we also believe in allowing space for reflection, conversation, and learning when offence is caused unintentionally. We also recognise that humour is also an important ingredient in public discourse.

From our perspective, this matter is concluded, and we look forward to a constructive and respectful engagement between Murdo Fraser MSP and the Buddhist community.

NEIL LAL

Chairman & President
Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom

Household Cavalry horse Quaker retires after global spotlight

Household Cavalry horse, who made a remarkable recovery following high-profile bolting incident, retires from duty

Military working horse Quaker began his retirement at The Horse Trust sanctuary in Buckinghamshire yesterday, marking a new chapter after dramatic footage of him bolting injured through London’s streets captured global attention.  

The 15-year-old horse was one of five from the Life Guard’s Squadron that were startled by construction work during routine exercise in April 2024. Following expert veterinary treatment and surgery, Quaker is now returning to The Horse Trust to enjoy his retirement. 

The Horse Trust sanctuary is located in Buckinghamshire and has cared for service horses for 139 years – accommodating 3,430 horse turnout days last year, including horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Met. 

Military working animals provide an invaluable service to our military personnel, including a long history in battle, and continuing through key ceremonial roles.

The Army has a focus on military horse welfare, and the Horse Trust now runs a pioneering respite scheme, where military working horses take “short breaks and summer holidays”. These breaks reflect ongoing efforts to enhance military animal welfare, helping with both performance and quality of life for horses.  

Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People said: “We have a commitment to all who serve our nation, including our much-loved service animals.   

“Quaker’s well-deserved retirement comes after a stellar career in the Armed Forces and after a high-profile bolting incident, which captured the nation’s attention.   

“This partnership with The Horse Trust also shows how the Army looks after its military working horses and will improve animal welfare.”

The Horse Trust is currently the permanent retirement home for 32 former military working horses, 26 of which have served with HCMR. 

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said:   “The partnership between the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Horse Trust is a shining example of what can be achieved when tradition meets compassion.  

“This initiative plays a crucial role in supporting long-term physical and psychological welfare, ensuring they return to duty refreshed and well-balanced.

Jeanette Allen, CEO, The Horse Trust said:  “Our charity is committed to providing respite and retirement to horses who have served our nation and our communities and our close relationship with HCMR is one we are extremely proud of.