October 2025 – Page 12 – The NEN

Council Leader’s Report

LATEST NEWS FROM CITY COUNCIL LEADER JANE MEAGHER

Taking the fight to poverty

Nearly a quarter of a million children are experiencing poverty in Scotland, while too many people face a day-to-day struggle to balance low-paid, insecure work with an ever-higher cost of living. This is according to the latest Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, published earlier this month.

Here in Edinburgh, meanwhile, over 80,000 of our residents are still struggling to make ends meet, with one in five children living in relative poverty. It’s simply unacceptable that so many people are being forced to go without or choose between heating and eating.

Earlier this month, I attended the End Poverty Edinburgh conference, where I heard from people with lived experience of poverty and homelessness.

It’s clear that the complexity of the benefits system remains a massive barrier for people trying to access support. From becoming homeless after fleeing domestic abuse to having to stop work to care for loved ones, the stories I heard bring to life the people behind these desperate numbers.

It’s equally clear that we can’t solve the challenge of poverty alone and I welcome the new approach we’re taking as a Council to focus more on prevention, early intervention and mitigation.

In setting up five new Neighbourhood Prevention Partnerships, we can bring key services together under one roof and make support easier to access for local people.

I also welcome the Pride in Place funding announced by the Secretary of State for Scotland in Granton last month and look forward to the positive difference this will make.

Key to all of this is the ongoing work of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission. In 2020 they published their landmark report ‘A Just Capital’ setting a ten-year mission, alongside clear calls to action for the steps needed to eradicate poverty in Edinburgh. Five years on, they’re due to publish their mid-term report (on 31 October), which we should all read with great interest.

Creating a cleaner, greener city

The impacts of climate change are sadly already being felt across the globe – as they are here in Edinburgh. As our economy and population continue to grow, we need to make sure that this growth is sustainable and does not worsen the crisis, while also adapting our city to reduce the impact of future weather extremes.

Six years ago, we declared a climate emergency and made a commitment to become a net zero city by 2030 – recognising both the importance of the challenge and the role we must play as Scotland’s capital.

While this has always been an ambitious target, it’s helped us to bring together services across the Council and the city to help reduce emissions – providing the sense of urgency we need to make a real and lasting difference.

Having been recognised nationally and internationally for our action on climate, we’re continuing to lead by example with the £1.3bn transformation of Granton Waterfront into Europe’s first net-zero coastal town, while the completion of the tramline from the Airport to Newhaven has seen passenger numbers grow to over one million a month.

This is exactly the sort of shift we need to become a cleaner, greener city – but there’s clearly a lot of work still to do. In our updated 2030 Climate Strategy, agreed this week, we highlight the areas of work we need to focus on. The City Mobility Plan and the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, in particular, will be key to decarbonising Edinburgh’s transport and buildings – our two highest carbon emitters.

This is a goal we cannot reach on our own and every resident, community and organisation has a role to play. Every action and every gram of emissions that we avoid matters now more than ever, which is why we must remain ambitious and stick by our target. Doing nothing is simply not an option.

Keeping Edinburgh moving

Very much with this in mind, we continue to seek the public’s views on our proposals to expand the tram network from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.

Expanding the network has the potential to transform our city and wider city region. You need only look at the success of the existing line to see the huge social, economic, and environmental benefits it could bring to our residents, businesses and communities.

We’ve already received over 5,700 responses to the consultation and spoken to hundreds of residents, community groups and other key stakeholders at our public drop-in events and engagement sessions. There are still a few weeks to go until the consultation closes and I’d urge everyone to make their voice heard.

We’re also seeing great numbers with our trial cycle hire scheme. Since going live at the beginning of September, we’ve seen over 21,700 individual trips by more than 5,800 riders, covering almost 60,000 kilometres in total.

Given this demand, we’re working with Voi to move to the second phase, which will see around 340 e-bikes on our streets from next week and the boundary of the scheme extended west to include Holyrood Park and Meadowbank and further north, taking in Bonnington, Leith and Newhaven. We’re keeping a close eye on the management of the scheme and remain on track for full coverage of the city by the end of the year.

Staying safe this Bonfire Night

As we count down to Halloween and Bonfire Night, I want to recognise the huge amount of work being done by colleagues across the Council, Police and blue-light services, Lothian Buses and other partners to prepare for this year’s events.

Sadly, we know the impact the disorder we’ve endured in recent years can have on our communities and I’m desperate to avoid a repeat of these horrific scenes.

Our new Firework Control Zones are a direct response to community concerns and, alongside police dispersal zones, they will make a real difference – but this is only part of the solution.

We’re supporting community-led events across the city and our schools teams are partnering with local community groups to create alternative options for young people on Halloween and Bonfire Night.

I want to thank Fearless, Crimestoppers’ youth service, for hosting a youth summit where pupils from 19 of our high schools, Council officers, and other agencies shared their views and discussed how we can address these challenges together. The feedback from the event was extremely positive – with our young people helping to shape the forthcoming Fearless social media campaign, which will launch alongside Police Scotland’s campaign later this week.

Through these joint efforts across the city, we want to make this Bonfire Night a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.

Remembering our war heroes

Having marked 80 years since the end of WWII earlier this year, there are sadly very few veterans left with us to thank for their outstanding service and bravery. All the more reason, then, for us to continue to remember them – and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Yesterday (20 October), the Lord Provost led the annual dedication service to Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance. Located beside the Scott Monument, the Garden is made up of thousands of symbols of Remembrance, including poppies and crosses, many of which come from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. The Garden will be open for the public to visit, reflect, and pay their respects throughout the Remembrance period.

Meanwhile, veterans and ex-service personnel in Edinburgh will once again be able to benefit from free taxi journeys to Remembrance Day events, thanks to the return of Poppy Cabs. If you, or anyone you know, wishes to use the service, please email Jonny Bates at the Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of Edinburgh or call 07496 238040.

Keeping Edinburgh Beautiful

Finally, with our internationally renowned gardens and greenspaces, it comes as no surprise that Edinburgh has once again been recognised at this year’s Keep Scotland Beautiful awards.

Working in close partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and Royal Botanic Gardens, the submissions celebrated the very best of Edinburgh – highlighting some of our best-loved parks, gardens and community spaces, such as Bridgend Allotments, Holyrood Park, Cyrenians Royal Edinburgh Garden – and the newly opened Jock Tamson’s Gairden.

Judges were impressed by the vibrant culture of volunteering and great visitor experience, with particular praise for the longstanding tradition of the Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens.

Consultations launched on key Make Work Pay measures

New bereavement and pregnancy protections to be shaped by businesses and workers

Public invited to share views on reforms including dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work, and bereavement leave.
Business and workers to shape trade union reforms, including employer duty to inform workers of their right to join a union.
Reforms will help establish a modern-day workplace, central to the Government’s vision of growth and national renewal as part of the Plan for Change.

Businesses and workers are today [Thursday 23 October] being asked to share their views on how employment reforms, including bereavement leave and enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, should work in practice.

Every parent should feel secure at work. Yet thousands of pregnant women and new mothers face significant risks to their job security – research has found up to 54,000 mothers a year may be dismissed, made redundant or treated so poorly at work they have felt they have to leave.

New legislation will make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, those on maternity leave, and mothers returning to work for at least six months, except in specific circumstances. Today’s consultation will seek views on how this should work in practice.

The UK Government’s plan to Make Work Pay will bring our employment rights’ legislation into the 21st century, extending the employment protections already given by the best British companies to millions more workers across the country.

Business Secretary, Peter Kyle said: “Many, many businesses already ensure their employees have security and dignity at work. That is particularly important in the precious early days of having children or, at the other end of the spectrum, if they experience tragedy and grief.

“What we’re launching today are vital steps to ensure everyone gets that dignity at work and feels the benefits of economic growth, delivering on our Plan for Change.

“We’re committed to working in full partnership with businesses and unions to get the detail right on these reforms, because strong employment rights and a growing economy go hand in hand.”

Reforms will also be introduced to ensure workers have a right to time away from work to grieve – including those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

The loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience that impacts everyone differently. In some cases, people may need to take time and space away from work to grieve; while in other cases, people may prefer to continue working as normal.

There will also be the chance for stakeholders to feed in views on a new duty for workers to be informed by their employers of their right to join a trade union, as well as on the new framework that allows trade unions to request access to a workplace.

Employment Rights Minister, Kate Dearden said: “No family should ever be denied the time and space to grieve – and no mother should face penalties at work for choosing to have children.

“I know brilliant businesses and unions across the country will welcome the chance to give their views on these reforms – those who know that happy, well-paid and loyal staff are at the heart of building successful companies, driving growth that benefits all.”

Report on Melville Unit highlights need to strengthen safety and wellbeing of young people

The first in a series of visits to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Inpatient units has found a mix of concerns for the safety and wellbeing of young people, alongside committed staff and positive initiatives at the Melville Unit in Edinburgh.

The joint unannounced visit was carried out in May 2025 by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland together with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, following a commitment from the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport to address national concerns about the care of young people in mental health units.

The Commission listened to the experiences of the young people in the unit during the visit. While young people reported feeling listened to by staff and staff were praised for their clear commitment and passion, the visit identified several critical areas requiring immediate action.

Key findings on safety and wellbeing of young people

The report presents a mixed picture of the care provided at Melville. On one hand, the Commission observed positive interactions between staff and young people, who reported feeling listened to by dedicated and passionate staff.

However, there were concerns for the safety and wellbeing of young people. A significant issue was the use of restraint. The report calls for urgent improvement when this highly restrictive response is used, noting a lack of detailed care plans and incomplete records.

Of particular concern is the practice of nasogastric tube feeding under restraint, which requires immediate review to ensure it follows best practice and respects young people’s involvement in decisions about their care.

The unit has also yet to ensure all care is lawful under the Mental Health Act, as our previous recommendations have yet to be fully acted on and embedded. The quality of care planning and communication with parents also requires improvement.

Young people and their families reported a lack of activities, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Some young people said this meant they spent “too much time thinking their own thoughts,” which directly impacts their recovery.

The physical environment was also noted as requiring attention to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

Julie Paterson, Chief Executive of the Mental Welfare Commission and Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland said: “Inpatient care provides intensive support for children and young people experiencing acute mental health crises and it is crucial such care meets both legal requirements and standards for the safe delivery of care.

“This report has identified areas for improvement as well as good practice. It is important the NHS Lothian addresses the recommendations and requirements with appropriate urgency.”

Claire Lamza, Executive Director (Nursing) of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, said: ““The safety and wellbeing of vulnerable young people in specialist inpatient mental health units is a key priority for the Mental Welfare Commission. Several findings from our visit to Melville were concerning as they did not provide the quality of lawful care and treatment every young person has a right to.

“We recognize the dedication of staff at Melville who genuinely advocate for young people. However, decisive action from NHS Lothian is needed to address the issues identified in this joint report and in previous Commission visit reports. This must include honest reflection on why previous action plans and intentions have yet to deliver meaningful change for young people and their families.”

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said: “I’m deeply concerned about the findings from the Mental Welfare Commission into the care of children at Melville Unit, which highlight potential rights breaches including the safe and lawful use of restraint.

“This is further worrying evidence about the use of restraint on children living in some of the most vulnerable situations. Alongside partners I have been raising my concerns with the Scottish Government about the use of restraint on children in mental health provision for over two years.

“Following my recent letter before action, I am pleased that the Scottish Government has now confirmed that it will revise the statutory code of practice to include human rights-based guidance and put in place mandatory recording and reporting of restraint and seclusion.

“I have also been given assurances that it will designate the Mental Welfare Commission as the appropriate monitoring body. These steps must be taken urgently to protect children from harm.”

NHS Lothian says it is working to improve services for young people at the Melville Inpatient Unit after it accepted a joint report published today (Thursday 23 October) by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and the Mental Welfare Commission (MWC).

A robust action plan is already well underway to address the report recommendations and improve care in the specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) unit which supports up to 12 young people with complex needs.

CAMHS has made significant progress in recruiting and retaining more skilled staff and developing new care pathways, with the report also highlighting positive staff interactions and their commitment and passion for working with young people.

However, Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Lothian, said that wider improvements were continuing across the unit. He added: “We want to reassure young people and families that we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality and effective care and we take the findings of the report extremely seriously.

“The safety and care of young people and staff is always our top priority. Restraint is only ever used in the unit as a last resort to prevent harm for young people or to staff or other patients.

“We introduced an initiative to reduce the use of restraint further, which was observed by HIS during the inspection, and has shown positive results. Systems are also in place to improve the recording, monitoring and auditing of restraints.

“We continue to prioritise this work by training and educating staff in safe restraint, wider care planning, managing distress, responding to violence and aggression and supporting young people in their future care, including those who require essential nasogastric tube feeding.

“We want to thank staff for their ongoing dedication and HIS and MWC for their expertise and guidance in shaping improvements to the mental health care of young people. We will welcome any forthcoming national guidance or best practice from these essential reviews.”

The action plan also includes work underway to improve multidisciplinary team dynamics through enhanced meeting structures, communication, collaboration and decision making to work more effectively with young people.

Since May 2025, a system has been in place to monitor legal authority for treating young people under the Mental Health Act, with enhanced managerial oversight and daily checks by registered nurses to ensure documentation is in place before administrating care.

Work also continues to expand meaningful evening and weekend activities for young people with regular reviews planned. Nurses will also receive refresher training to strengthen their therapeutic skills in individual and group settings.

A review of the physical environment of the Melville Unit, including looking at options for how best to provide care safely while meeting the needs of young people, is also well underway.

A copy of the report is available from Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Halloween: Freaky Fungi at Granton Castle Walled Garden

FREAKY FUNGI!

Samhain/Halloween on 31 October, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Join Mycobee and discover the power of functional mushrooms and their benefits for our well-being. Explore, learn, and try some mushroom tea.

Each of Mycobee’s Functional Fungi events is themed around a different festive occasion. What does a Fungi Halloween party look like? Take part and find out!

All events are free to join. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.

More info: https://f.mtr.cool/xsdelhrstv

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly Comedy Night & Autumn Programme

Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

The Gilded Saloon, which opened in August, will host a vibrant programme of live events in the heart of the city’s Old Town at Bristo Square. With upcoming shows featuring Scotland’s top comedians like Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson and more, The Gilded Saloon is the capital’s latest addition to its arts scene.

As joint venue operators (with Kelburn Arts and Paradise Palms), Gilded Balloon presents a new weekly night of mixed bill stand-up comedy with the best comedians from across the UK, as well as local rising talent, performing every Friday night at ‘The Comedy Show’.

Resident comperes will kick off the 8pm Friday show, with upcoming line-ups featuring some of Scotland’s most successful comics including: Chris Forbes, Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson, Krystal Evans, Sam Lake, Eleanor Morton, Billy Kirkwood, Kate Hammer, Kathleen Hughes and more.

Featuring a brand new line-up each week, comedy fans can kick their weekend off by adding a meal from The Gilded Saloon’s hearty pub kitchen on to their ticket.

The Comedy Show – 8pm every Friday night

£10 show only, £18 ‘meal and show’ ticket

24th October – Chris Forbes, Scott Agnew, Julia Sutherland, Amanda Hursy,Rosie Hess

7th Nov – Stephen Buchanan, Billy Kirkwood, Amelia Bayler, Kathleen Hughes, Michael Welch

14th Nov – Marjolein Robertson, Chris Thorburn, Eva Peroni, Sophie Rose McCabe, Scott Agnew

21st Nov – Mark Nelson, Eleanor Morton, Sam Lake, Kate Hammer, Alan Ritchie

5th Dec – Chris Thorburn, Giulia Galastro, Robin Grainger, Ifrah Qureshi, Oro Rose

12th Dec – Krystal Evans, Amy Matthews, Tamsyn Kelly, Amelia Bayler, Sabina

20th Dec – Stuart McPherson, Sam Lake, Kathleen Hughes, Alana Jackson, Sean Chalmers

Plus, comedy fans can round their weekend off at ‘Hot Comedy’ every other Sunday – a bold inclusive comedy compilation show hosted by Nicholas Elliot and Eva Peroni.

Welcoming a new line-up every fortnight, the show features queer, POC, disabled, female, non-binary performers, (and even straight white men!), for a comedy show that doesn’t target or exclude audiences or performers.

Expect the next generation of comedy talent combined with top headliners from across the Scottish scene.

Hot Comedy – 7pm, every other Sunday

£4, £3 concession

2nd Nov

16th Nov

30th Nov

Line-ups announced weekly via social media – @gildedballoon and @hotcomedyedinburgh

A new monthly event at Gilded Saloon with free tickets on offer, ‘Story Platform’ will welcome Scottish writers and performers to take on a night of stand-up, sketch comedy, music and more.

A changing group of writers and performers devise and workshop the show over the course of four days, combining a unique creative energy with unpredictable live shows. Previous stars include Kim Blythe, Amanda Dwyer, Amelia Bayler, Chris Weir and many more, creating brand new hilarious sketches at each show. First come, first serve for limited free tickets.

The Gilded Saloon will also host one-off shows spanning Fringe big hitters, new comedy sketch nights, music and more. Scotland’s favourite live Dungeons & Dragons show ‘Tartan Tabletop’ returns after a sold out Fringe run, with a charity Halloween special show with all proceeds donated to the charity Mermaids and starring drag queen Ruth Canal.

Plus, Fringe’s top magicians reunite for a show with a Halloween twist as stars of the show ‘1 Hour of Insane Magic’ present a night of fast-paced fearless magic for adults where fans can find out whether the night holds a trick, a treat or both.

And for those looking to relive their youth, ‘Brick & Sip’ is an afternoon of lego building and bonus drinks rounds that ends in the ultimate inner toddler tantrum – destroying your own creation!

Twilight fans can celebrate the cult movie’s 20th anniversary with a special edition of Australian cult comedy sensation ‘Lost in Translation : Twilight’ following a hugely successful August. The film’s script is run through an online language translator a dozen times, before guest stars read the results live on stage in character for a night of live, linguistic chaos.

Plus, ‘Sixties on a Sunday’ takes over The Gilded Saloon once a month, for an afternoon of dancing and drinks with local band Fayne & The Cruisers. Music fans can relive the heady days of iconic 60s tunes with the band playing hits from The Beatles to The Beach Boys, Elves, Ray Orbison and everything in between. A Sunday afternoon party like no other.

The Gilded Saloon is open 7 days a week, supporting the creative and performing arts community across Scotland with gigs, club nights, comedy shows, spoken word, music performance and more. The venue serves up a specially selected menu of local beers, wines and spirits, with a menu of favourite pub dishes created by local chef Tomás Gormley featuring burgers, pies and locally sourced fish.

View events at The Gilded Saloon via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk

Book a table at The Gilded Saloon via thegildedsaloon.co.uk

For further information please contact press@gildedballoon.co.uk

NHS Lothian: Look out for your breast screening letter

Routine screening doesn’t stop you getting breast cancer, but it’s the best way to spot cancers at an early stage when they’re easier to treat.

That’s why it’s important you attend your appointment when invited.

Find out more at http://nhsinform.scot/breastscreening

#BreastScreeningScot

Glasgow woman’s mission to tell others: ‘Never miss your breast screening appointment

A retired member of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff, Liz Thomas (71) from Pollock, has been photographed as part of an exhibition to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and strength of women affected by breast cancer.

Liz and three other women chosen for the photoshoot have recently had or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They were chosen to be part of Pink Ribbon Foundation’s BOLD Scotland Exhibition.

This extraordinary project, captured by award-winning photographer Caroline Sikkenk, is currently displayed in Glasgow’s Princes Square by M as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to taking part in this project, Liz is also using this month to share an important message. She said: “Go for your breast screening when you’re invited.”

In November 2024, Liz attended her routine breast screening appointment at NHSGGC’s Breast Clinic in Nelson Mandela Place. Within a week, she was recalled and asked to bring someone with her.

“I wasn’t expecting good news,” Liz said. “They told me two lumps had been found. I had a biopsy and scans there and then. It turned out I had two Stage 3 tumours.”

Within four weeks, Liz underwent a mastectomy at Gartnavel Hospital, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in early 2025.

“The treatment was tough, physically and mentally, but I met wonderful people along the way. The staff were incredible. We even managed to laugh during chemo. One time, the nurses joked they had to separate me from the other ladies because we were giggling so much. Laughter got us through.”

Liz credits her daughter Jourdana, also an NHSGGC staff member, as her rock throughout the journey. “I have a good life and a great life ahead. Who knows if I’d have that if I hadn’t gone for screening?”

Now, Liz is on a mission. She said: “I tell everyone, my daughter, my friends, even the girl who does my nails, never miss your breast screening appointment. And if you’re over 70, you won’t automatically get a letter. You need to contact the breast screening centre yourself.”

Women aged between 50 and 70 will be invited for breast screening every three years. Those eligible, will be invited by NHSGGC via letter to the address registered with their GP, and people are advised to ensure this is up to date.

Anyone over the age of 70, can make an appointment for breast screening directly via the breast screening service.

For more information visit:
Breast cancer | Get Checked Early
Breast screening in Scotland | NHS inform

Exhibition Details

The BOLD Scotland exhibition is on display at Princes Square by M. Entry is free, giving everyone the opportunity to witness this inspiring and empowering project.

Police seek witnesses to serious assault at South Gyle Access

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault and collision involving a coach at South Gyle Access, Edinburgh.

The incident took place around 2.50pm yesterday – Tuesday, 21 October, 2025.

Enquiries have established that a 17-year-old male was approached by two males who had exited the No.22 bus. One of the males chased the victim into the road, where he was hit by a coach travelling in the opposite direction. The victim was then attacked whilst on the ground.

The victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 17, around 5ft 11 and slim build. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark beanie hat.

Detective Sergeant John Dunn said: “This was a violent, unprovoked attack and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to track down the male responsible.

“We believe there were members of the public who will have witnessed the incident and are yet to speak to police, so would encourage anyone with information to please come forward.

“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 1855 of 21 October. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund allocation “wholly unacceptable”

SCOTTISH FISHERMEN BEING RIPPED OFF?

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is calling on the UK Government to reconsider its approach to funding allocations in the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund as it is “not a fair settlement for Scotland.”

Ms Gougeon’s letter reads:

To: Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP

From: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon

Dear Angela,

Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund

Thank you for your letter of Monday 20 October setting out your intention to allocate the Scottish Government just £28 million of the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund announced by your government earlier this year.

The deal that you have presented on the share of this funding to Scotland is wholly unacceptable. As you will be aware, the Scottish fishing sector accounts for over 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity and over 60% of UK seafood exports.

Moreover, more than 75% of all UK quota species is landed by Scottish vessels. Over the past several months, at both Ministerial and official level, we have set out a clear, rational, and evidence-based case for Scotland’s share of this funding to be representative of the relative size and importance of the Scottish sector, and reflect at least the 46% share Scotland previously received from the EU funding allocated to the UK.

Instead the announced allocation of just 7.78% is a grossly oversimplified approach which does not represent a fair settlement for Scotland, a position supported by key Scottish stakeholders.

It is unjustified and nothing short of insulting to the Scottish fishing industry and our coastal communities. It also disproportionately benefits your own fishing sector in England – for whom you have retained over £300 million, despite landing significantly smaller catches than Scotland.

With the funding being spread over 12 years – and no guarantee that the commitment will even be maintained following this parliamentary term – the deal you have set out means Scotland will have a meagre £2.3 million per annum of additional funding to invest in our marine industries and coastal communities. This is nowhere near enough to support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities as your letter sets out.

This announcement is yet another negative consequence of Brexit which the people of Scotland did not vote for, but for which our businesses and communities are paying the price.

However, more than that, it demonstrates a clear misunderstanding of, and lack of care for, the Scottish fishing industry and our coastal communities by the UK Government.

The fact that this announcement was made within hours of you writing to me and my counterparts in the devolved governments in Wales and Northern Ireland, with no opportunity for discussion, also demonstrates a disappointing departure from your government’s commitment to resetting and renewing the devolution relationship and effective intergovernmental working.

This comes on the back of a similar lack of engagement on the EU deal in relation to fisheries, which will hit the Scottish sector hard. At the same time we are still assessing the likely implications of the scientific advice on mackerel and cod – which are expected to have serious negative impacts for the fishing industry in Scotland.

I strongly urge you to reconsider this approach, and enter into discussions at the earliest possible opportunity with myself, and our colleagues in Wales and Northern Ireland, to agree an alternative approach which treats each of our respective industries and communities with the respect they deserve.

I have copied this letter to Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies and Minister Andrew Muir for awareness of the Scottish Government’s position.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mairi Gougeon

The Scottish fishing industry has condemned the UK Government’s “grossly unfair” allocation of funding from its £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

Read our full statement below:

Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside Scotland’s National gallery

Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, a triumphant effort has seen the sculpture travel through the city to its new location at the National.

Dr Patricia Allerston, Deputy Director & Chief Curator of European & Scottish Art, National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘We wanted to bring the art outdoors and into the gardens at the National to spotlight that we are a gallery from the moment people arrive in the gardens.

“We wanted it to welcome people in and to show a snapshot of the incredible Scottish art on offer inside. Paolozzi seemed like a perfect choice for this spot, he was very much an artist who looked to the past as well as to the future, which is very much what we are about at the National Galleries of Scotland.

“He was also from Edinburgh, which seemed very fitting as he will now be looking out over the city and facing towards his hometown of Leith.’

Taking two days and extensive pre-planning to move the impressive one tonne sculpture, it called on expertise inside and outside the gallery to make it possible. Requiring the skills of curators, conservators, collections management, specialist movers with specialist kit including a crane and gimble to get the statue in position.

Master of the Universe is based on a famous drawing by William Blake, which shows the scientist Isaac Newton. Paolozzi used the same pose as in the Blake drawing but has mechanised the figure.

The artist also fashioned it to put himself in the picture, creating himself as the sculpture. Interested in the relationship between nature, science and the man made, Paolozzi brought all of this together to create Master of the Universe.

Visit National Galleries Scotland: National to see Master of the Universe and lots of other free art, including the greatest collection of Scottish art in the world.

Cutting-edge Digital and Graphic Design degree launches at Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has launched an innovative BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course, which is set to welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2026.

Created in consultation with leading design companies, the course will ensure that QMU graduates have the contemporary skills, experience and attributes that employers value most.

This exciting new course has been designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the creative industries and other industry organisations, blending artistic expression with advanced digital technologies.

Students will gain hands-on experience in visual communication, branding, web design, motion graphics, and strategic storytelling, preparing them for exciting dynamic careers in design studios, advertising agencies, media companies and freelance practice.

Dr Dave Wood, Programme Leader for the new BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design, brings decades of experience in design education and industry to the role. He explained: “There has never been a more exciting time to work in digital and graphic design, particularly when the development of AI is allowing designers to take their creative work to a whole new level.

“It’s a growing and exhilarating area to work in, and with all sectors requiring graphic and design specialists, graduates can follow their passion by developing their careers in their chosen field – whether that be in business, healthcare, public sector, education, the creative industries or the charitable sector – in the UK or internationally.

“Our industry colleagues across Scotland and the UK have been incredibly supportive about the development of this course. We’ve worked hard to build a curriculum that responds to the evolving needs of the creative sector, with input from leading design companies across Scotland and the UK.

“We are excited about empowering students to become confident, thoughtful designers who can shape the visual culture of tomorrow.”

The course will be a creative, fun and exhilarating experience for students who will have the chance to develop their skills in visual storytelling, visual strategy and innovation, which will allow them to create their own unique design voice.

The programme will be delivered by the Division of Media, Communication and Performing Arts and draws on QMU’s strong reputation in media and creative industries. Students will benefit from real-world projects, industry-standard software, and opportunities to collaborate with professionals through industry workshops, guest lectures, and work-based learning.

There will be lots of practical experience so that graduates will be able to hit the ground running when they enter the world of work. This includes the opportunity to work on live briefs and the chance to build a professional portfolio during the four years of study at QMU.

And with a strong emphasis on industry engagement and career readiness, the course includes networking opportunities and insights from experienced designers and creative agencies, ensuring that graduates understand and are equipped for roles such as UX/UI designer, motion graphics artist, digital brand strategist, and more.

Dr Wood added: “Designers don’t just make things look good – they shape how we communicate, interact, and understand the world.

“This course encourages students to think critically and creatively, using design as a tool for meaningful change and to bring stories to life!”

Prospective students are invited to attend QMU’s upcoming Undergraduate Open Day on 25 October 2025, where they can meet staff, explore facilities, and learn more about the course. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn about the different industries and roles that might be available to them following graduation.

Applications for the BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design are now open via UCAS for 2026 entry. For more information, visit QMU’s course page.