A new survey has found that parents in Edinburgh are struggling to keep up with their children’s growing digital know-how, with 38% admitting they’d benefit from heading back to school themselves to brush up on their skills.
The research, commissioned by laptops specialist AO.com, revealed almost half (44%) of parents living in Edinburgh think their children or grandchildren already know more about technology than they do.
And 24% said they’d even consider going to TikTok classes to learn how to use the social media platform and keep up with their kids.
The findings highlighted a clear digital divide across generations, with parents increasingly leaning on their kids to navigate laptops, apps and online platforms.
The data also showed that across the UK, 1 in 2 (53%) of adults believe their tech skills are less than competent, average, below average or ‘in need of serious help’.
And one in ten UK adults went as far as saying they feel ’embarrassed’ by their lack of tech skills.
Nick Bunce, Computing expert at AO.com, said: “Parents shouldn’t feel embarrassed or defeated when it comes to technology – it’s moving so quickly and it’s impossible to know everything.
“At this time of the year, when children have been going back to school and other young people have college and university to think about, we see a huge increase in demand for new tech such as laptops, iPads and other items. But inevitably, that brings some challenges as people get to grips with new devices and integrate them into their daily lives.
“It can be reassuring to remember that lots of families are in the same boat, so parents should instead see this as a chance to learn alongside their children. Picking up new skills together can be a brilliant way to make that transition easier, whether it’s mastering laptops, navigating apps, or simply finding quicker ways of doing everyday tasks.”
With fireworks season fast approaching (it’s arrived already in Drylaw! – Ed.) , the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued top tips to help owners protect their pets and livestock from possible injury and distress in the run up to Diwali (20 October), Bonfire Night (5 November) and New Year’s Eve.
Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.
Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some.
Each year, vets across the UK see animals with firework-related injuries at this time of the year. By far the most commonly reported cases are self injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture or fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields.
The debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:“While fireworks displays can be fun for some of us, they can be extremely traumatic for pets, farm animals, wildlife and animals in zoos. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries caused as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns.
“You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape.
“Longer-term treatment options can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience. If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, you should contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatments that may be appropriate for your pet.”
BVA suggests ten top tips to help pet owners and livestock keepers prepare animals as fireworks season approaches:
Talk to your vet to discuss treatment options for fireworks-induced stress. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.
Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.
Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.
Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.
Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.
If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.
Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.
Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.
If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.
Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.
BVA continues to call on Government to introduce stricter regulations around the sale and use of fireworks. On 12 November, the Fireworks Impact Coalition, of which BVA is a member, will hold an event in parliament hosted by Sarah Owen MP to lobby MPs for changes in the law to better take account of the impact of fireworks on both people and animals.
Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Black Workers’ Conference being held in Glasgow on 18 and 19 October.
Usdaw has contributed to two composite motions: firstly, seeking to stop the far right, standing against hate and division; and secondly, to improve workplace rights and protections for workers, recognising that Black workers are disproportionately over-represented in insecure jobs characterised by low pay, short and zero-hours contracts, and experience high levels of discrimination and harassment, and low levels of union organisation.
Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says:“Major challenges lie ahead for the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement and trade unions have a crucial role in creating a fairer and more equal society.
“The growth of the far right is a threat to all progressive movements — not least the Trade Union movement. It is being fuelled by the demonisation of refugees and migrants. We cannot allow them to attack those who are the most vulnerable, fleeing persecution and war.
“The TUC has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the far right and amplify the voices of the anti-racist majority, giving this work the high priority it demands.
“We welcome the Employment Rights Bill and its focus on rebalancing the economy, strengthening union organising and extending collective bargaining, which will help promote racial justice and tackle inequality.
“The surest way to defeat grievance politics is to improve jobs, raise living standards, while investing in public services and communities.”
Mum encourages others to follow their nursing dream
A 42-year-old mum-of-two who raised her children largely on her own and overcame her doubts to become a nurse, is encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams.
And she has just one message: “Never give up.”
Jaspreet Deerhe, 42, from Bishopbriggs, is one of more than 500 newly qualified nurses and midwives to join NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in the past few weeks – and she hopes her story can be an inspiration to others who find themselves in her position.
Jaspreet moved from the USA when she was a teenager and married young. She had two sons and she worked in care as the boys grew up.
But all the time she knew she wanted to do more, and as her marriage ended she decided to take the plunge.
“I wanted to work in healthcare,” she said, “but my confidence wasn’t great as I’d been out of education for a long time.”
But those doubts didn’t stop her – first she completed an access course at college and then it was off to university.
“It was strange at first – in fact some of my fellow students were younger than my children. I was shocked at how important computers had become and I often felt out of my depth – but I was certain this was the place I needed to be,” Jaspreet said.
“There’s no pretending that it wasn’t hard work. There were times when I thought I couldn’t do it – when others said I wouldn’t manage – but I didn’t give up.
“All I knew was I wanted to help people. I needed to make a difference to people’s lives, and that kept me going when things got tough.”
Jaspreet – or Jazz as her new NHSGGC name badge, worn proudly on her Staff Nurse uniform, says – now works in Ward 20/21 rheumatology/acute medicine at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and all her struggles have paid off.
“All I can say to anyone who’s in my position, and maybe thinks they can’t manage it, is please, have courage. If you can push yourself, you can make it.
“You might doubt yourself and tell yourself you’re not capable. Others might say you can’t do it.
“But please, don’t give up. Have confidence in yourself, and keep going.
“You can do it – like I did!”
NHSGGC welcomes nurses of all ages and all backgrounds – and Professor Angela Wallace, Nurse Director at NHSGGC, thinks Jazz’s story shows that nursing can be a rewarding career for everyone.
She said: “I would like to welcome all our newly qualified nurses and midwives to the NHSGGC family.
“As Jazz’s story makes clear, age is no barrier to becoming a nurse, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they can make a positive contribution to this wonderful profession, to take the plunge and, as Jazz says, go for it.”
For more about this year’s intake of newly qualified nurses and midwives, go to the NHSGGC website.
A year on from its acquisition by National Museums Scotland, initial conservation work has revealed exceptionally rare silver-coloured objects in one of the most significant hoards ever discovered in Scotland.
Dating to 1000–800 BCE, the Peebles Hoard comprises over 500 unusual bronze and organic objects and components, many without archaeological parallel anywhere in the world.
The defining technological characteristic of the Bronze Age is the widespread use and production of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin that is usually a deep golden colour. Conservation of the Peebles Hoard has revealed rare silver-coloured objects from an era when silver was unknown.
Analysis at the National Museums Collection Centre revealed the colour is the result of high levels of tin on the surface. This is thought to be the product of a deliberate enrichment technique by highly skilled craftspeople.
The hoard was discovered by a metal detectorist in the Scottish Borders in 2020 and allocated to National Museums Scotland through the Treasure Trove legal process in 2024. It was extracted from the ground in a single block and excavated under laboratory conditions at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh.
The bronze objects emerged encrusted with earth and green copper patina. After months of careful preparatory work to stabilise, assess and document the material in the hoard, conservators are painstakingly removing thousands of years of dirt and corrosion to reveal the spectacular lustre of the original surface.
It is estimated that it will take three years to complete the conservation of this exceptional Bronze Age discovery.
Bethan Bryan, Peebles Hoard Conservator at National Museums Scotland, said: “Working on the conservation of the Peebles Hoard is a rare privilege and definitely a career highpoint.
“As well as removing dirt and corrosion it is essential that we preserve as much precious organic material as possible for future research. Getting to this point has been a challenging and incredibly time-intensive process, but the moment the silvery surface began to emerge was magical, a secret revealed after 3000 years.”
The use of many of the objects in the hoard is yet to be discovered but it is believed that some may have adorned a horse or wooden vehicle. The tin-enriched decoration would have added to its impact, signifying high status and wealth through exquisite craft.
Efforts to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard are ongoing.
Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Peebles Hoard is truly a one-of-a-kind discovery, and I have never seen anything like the stunning, silver-coloured finish of these Bronze Age objects. They almost glow.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors we are making significant progress. However, there is more to be done to prevent further deterioration of these fragile objects and continue our research to uncover more of the Hoard’s secrets.”
Conservation of the Peebles Hoard is supported by The Leche Trust, the Pilgrim Trust and a group of private trusts and individual donors.
Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region backed with £50m each to support local innovation priorities, plus £30m life sciences investment unlocked
Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region backed to the tune of £50m each to support local innovation priorities from life-saving medicines to clean fuels that can cut bills
Further life sciences investment in state-of-the-art West Midlands facilities to create jobs and boost Britain’s health resilience, with valuable medicines made on home shores
Comes ahead of Chancellor’s landmark Regional Investment Summit bringing businesses and governments together to turbocharge our economy as part of our Plan for Change.
New cash boosts of £20m each for Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region will help to deliver more of the regions’ game-changing local innovations like robotics to unlock new medicines or AI that can spot illnesses earlier, the Science and Technology Secretary has announced today (Sunday 19 October), ahead of this Tuesday’s landmark Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham.
The funding package will give local leaders in these three areas access to a total of £50m each to fund innovations in science and technology in their local areas, like the next lifesaving medicine or cheaper fuels that can keep bills down.
The new funding for three regions is the latest commitment from the Government’s £500m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and builds on the initial £30m earmarked for each place in June’s Spending Review, along with seven others across the UK, including Cardiff City Region, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and West Yorkshire.
The government is also inviting further bids of up to £20 million from high potential innovation clusters in all other regions of the UK. This will support local leaders to invest in local innovation strengths – from advanced manufacturing and life sciences to digital technologies and clean energy – and in turn back our Industrial Strategy to boost jobs.
Taken together, this month’s bumper LIPF funding package will back teams across the country to scale-up and drive forward more discoveries, recognising the benefits they bring to people’s everyday lives – from keeping us healthy, to reducing delays on our commute, to building a greener planet with cheaper bills.
This additional funding will enable more spinouts like Chemify in Glasgow, which was backed by Government funding, to help create the world’s first ‘Chemputation’ facility – merging AI-powered molecular‑design engines with industrial robotics to speed up discovery of medicines and materials.
Elsewhere, regional funding has boosted Greater Manchester’s growth into a global AI hub, connecting university technical expertise to start-ups and SMEs so they can turn early-stage ideas into viable products – from tech which can predict disease progression earlier to work on net zero innovations to decarbonise buildings.
And in the West Midlands, the additional funding could enable more projects like Biochar CleanTech, taking organic residues like sawdust or fallen trees and converting them into usable low‑carbon products.
The projects launched under the predecessor Innovation Accelerators programme has delivered more than £140 million of private investment and hundreds of jobs, creating more opportunities for people to get on.
This comes ahead of the Regional Investment Summit which will bring together business leaders, major investors, policymakers, regulators, regional mayors and other local leaders to showcase the breadth and depth of opportunities to invest, expand and create jobs right across our nations and regions.
Ahead of the Summit, the Chancellor has pledged that no region will be locked out of the investment, jobs and growth being delivered as part of the Westminster Labour government’s Plan for Change.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “The UK is blessed with incredible science and tech talent behind everything from life-saving vaccines to cleaner fuels that could cut bills in the years to come, improving the lives of people up and down the country.
“These prized sectors are also major drivers of economic growth in local communities. By backing those with the knowledge to home in on local strengths and supporting valued businesses in building the facilities that can set our country apart, we can lead the next generation of life-changing discoveries.
“This Government’s message ahead of this landmark Regional Investment Summit is loud and clear – the UK is open for business.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The world’s brightest talents and most innovative businesses can be found in every corner of the UK, but years of chronic underinvestment have held them back.
“Not anymore. We are putting a stop to this unfairness by investing in every part of the country. From Glasgow to Birmingham, we are fuelling innovation through our Plan for Change, delivering skilled jobs, and building an economy that works for, and rewards working people.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester has an extensive innovation ecosystem, with outstanding sector strengths in areas like advanced materials, life sciences and AI, and world-leading companies, universities and research institutions.
“This additional funding is a welcome boost that will help us unlock the potential of our growth-driving sectors and build on our outstanding productivity growth in recent years.
“In piloting the Innovation Accelerator we were able to use local knowledge and understanding to translate research and development funding into business growth, new jobs and private sector investment. We look forward to using the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund to make an even bigger impact.”
To further support innovative growth in the regions, the Government is also announcing the first two investments to be delivered through round one of the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), which is set to unlock over £30 million in joint public-private investment.
Medicines manufacturer Sterling Pharmaceuticals is investing in a 60,000 sq ft state-of-the-art new manufacturing and R&D centre in Birmingham. Medtech company Biocomposites, meanwhile, is bringing forward a new manufacturing facility at Keele. Besides creating and safeguarding dozens of high-skilled jobs, these facilities will ensure that valuable medicines are made here in the UK, bolstering the country’s resilience to health emergencies.
Backed by major corporations including Eon, Lloyds, KPMG, HSBC and IBM, the Regional Investment Summit will be co-hosted by the Chancellor, the Business and Trade Secretary, and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with business leaders, international investors, and policymakers from home and abroad in attendance.
The Space Dome has landed at The Centre, Livingston where visitors to the shopping centre can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, including handling 4.6-billion-year-old Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina.
The free event, which will take place until Monday the 27th October, is located beside Waterstones.
It is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience where you can learn about natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies, and meteorites thatreveal 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 solar trip and inflatable space props.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event has already been a bit hit with our shoppers, especially avid space enthusiasts, who are enjoying taking a virtual trip thought the night sky and learning more about our solar system.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming more mini astronomers over the October school break.
“With over 150 stores and restaurants to choose from, and all under one roof, The Centre, Livingston really is the perfect place to enjoy a great, family fun-filled day out where you can shop, eat and play.”
For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, visit:
Thousands more North Sea workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into jobs in the sustainable energy sector – thanks to an £18 million boost in funding.
The Scottish Government will invest a total of £9 million over the next three years to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, matched by £9 million from the UK Government, to help oil and gas workers access careers advice and funding for training to enable them to move into roles in sustainable energy industries.
Launched as a pilot programme in June, in response to demand from oil and gas workers, the scheme has received a total of £1.39 million funding to date, with at least 300 workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire set to be supported in this financial year.
The additional government funding will allow thousands of additional workers to be supported by 2029. Both Governments will now work with trade unions and industry to develop and promote the scheme and explore opportunities for additional private investment.
More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the future.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s innovation, expertise and vast renewable energy resources will not only benefit the planet – but deliver new economic opportunities and new jobs for households and communities across the country.
“This continued and expanded funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector over the next three years – helping to deliver a fair and managed transition to the sector.
“We will continue to explore how best to support Scotland’s energy skills transition, working closely with the UK Government on options like guaranteed interview schemes, redeployment pools and skills passporting.”
UK Government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities across Scotland have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call – and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen and places Scotland at the very heart of the clean energy revolution this government is delivering.
“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy a generation of young people in Scotland can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.
“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union, agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”
All future Scottish Government funding remains dependent on the upcoming 2026/27 Scottish Budget, Scottish Spending Review and future annual Scottish Budget.
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund is aimed at individuals who are currently working (or have worked in the last two years) in the oil and gas industry.
Further information regarding the pilot can be found here: Home
Tickets are now available for Starlight Walk at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Saturday 1 November, in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
Starlight Walk follows a 6km route through the beautiful Holyrood Park and is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago, to remember their much-loved babies by joining this lantern-lit walk alongside other bereaved parents and families.
Parents taking part in the Starlight Walk have spoken about why they are doing this and what it means to them.
Bereaved mum, Michelle said:“My angel, Ava Lilly, gained her wings on 1 October 2011. A day that should have been a celebration of her life had overnight turned into my world falling apart. I had a perfect pregnancy, other than her being small, there were no issues, and when she was placed in my arms, she was the perfect little baby.
“Every anniversary I always wonder what she would be like and hate that this was taken from me. I take part in the Sands Starlight Walk for all our babies, because I know that every angel was too perfect for this world, and to be among others that have been through the same gives me comfort and peace knowing I’m not alone in this journey.”
Registration on the day opens from 3pm in the South Hall Complex, University of Edinburgh, EH16 5AR.
The 6km walk begins at 4pm and will take you from South Hall, into Holyrood Park and around Arthur’s Seat, returning to South Hall where you’ll receive your Starlight Walk medal and refreshments.
Once at 150 metres elevation, the walkers will be able to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh City Centre, looking out towards Duddington Loch, before heading back under magical starlight with their lanterns and torches shining brightly.
Tickets are £17.00 for adults, £12.00 for children (under 16) and free for children under 3 and are now available to purchase online.
Everyone that registers will receive a paper lantern and LED candle to carry on the walk, a walking memory card to wear with pride, a Starlight Walkmedal once they have crossed the finish line, and a well-earned tea or coffee and cake in reception with an opportunity to add to our wall of remembrance.
Sands’ Events Fundraising Manager, Liz Williams said:“For those that are unable to attend the event in Edinburgh on 1 November, there is also a Virtual Starlight Walk taking place which can be completed anywhere in the UK on 7 December, on your own or with a loved one.
“Sign up for free and stroll through the countryside, march through the town or simply let your feet lead the way as you walk either 5 or 10km for Sands. Like starlight itself, the love for our babies is endless, and together we will walk through the darkness and find the light.”
Every day 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Sands works to understand where and why babies die and why some women and babies are more at risk than others.
Sands is determined to save every life it can and ensure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.
