The last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are now back in Israel after spending more than two years in captivity.
The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October2023 attacks
Hamas says it will also hand over the remains of four dead hostages later today, but has told mediators it does not know the location of some of the other 24.
Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the release of hostages in Gaza.
Starmer, who has travelled to the middle east, said: “I share the deep feeling of relief as hostages are released today.
“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.”
A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.
If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.
It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.
The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botoxinjections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.
Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway.
Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.
“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.
“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”
More than 40 lawyers from across the globe traded boardrooms for wellies last week, teaming up with Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) and the Water of Leith Conservation Trust (WOLCT) for a morning of hands-on volunteering.
Volunteers split into teams to carry out a range of task to look after the Water of Leith walkway, including cutting back overgrown vegetation, sweeping up leaves and litter picking locally to stop rubbish getting into the river.
The clean-up formed part of Interlaw’s Annual Global Meeting in Edinburgh, where senior lawyers from over 80 countries gathered for four days of knowledge-sharing and international collaboration.
This year marks the first time the conference has been hosted in Scotland for almost 40 years. Edinburgh headquartered MFMac – this year’s host – organised the clean-up event as a way to make a positive impact and help protect the natural environment that makes Edinburgh a beautiful and inspiring place to live and work.
Chris Harte, Chief Executive Officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts: “Interlaw is a powerful network bringing hundreds of delegates to Edinburgh and this clean-up has been a great opportunity to give something back to our host city while they’re visiting.
“The Water of Leith is a landmark that flows through many of Edinburgh’s local communities, so it’s been a privilege to organise a meaningful activity to protect it. We know how packed our colleagues’ schedules are so we’re grateful to everyone who rolled up their sleeves!”
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Johnny Wells, Ranger from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, said:“The Water of Leith is an amazing green corridor for both people and wildlife in Edinburgh, support like this makes a real difference allowing us to care for it.
“We’re very grateful to MFMac for involving us in their programme and for highlighting the importance of looking after this special place.”
Anxiety emerges as most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline
Last year Childline delivered more than 500 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland with concerns about anxiety.
Causes included abuse and trauma, bullying, global concerns and body image issues.
This World Mental Health Day (Friday, October 10), Childline is encouraging young people to reach out to the service for support.
Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.
Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues.
Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.
One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”
Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15
Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.
“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.
“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.”
To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.
Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:
Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel anxious, try breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of five. Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise can be a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport, find an activity you enjoy which can help to manage anxious feelings.
Stay Present: Grounding techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment. For example, try to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Try to reframe them by focusing on positive aspects or considering alternative perspectives
Reach Out for Support: Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance. Childline is available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance whenever you need it.
Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:
Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.
Understand the Causes: Work together to identify specific situations or thoughts that trigger your child’s anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help when developing effective coping strategies.
Promote Healthy Routines: Ensure your child maintains regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to provide a sense of stability when they may be feeling uncertain within themselves.
Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical exercise.
Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional or counsellor.
Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on theChildline website.
The city council has added a further Drop-in Session on the North-South Tramline Consultation Proposals following a request by Drylaw Telford Community Council.
More than 40 people attended last week’s community council meeting to discuss tram line options for the area, but planned guest speaker Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, the city council’s Transport and Environment convener, was unable to attend and submitted his apologies on the afternoon of the meeting.
The council is proposing a north – south tram route which would run from Granton, through the city centre, out to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh via Cameron Toll, and potentially beyond into the city region.
The meeting – the best-attended community council event for some years – went ahead and called for a local drop-in event for Drylaw Telford residents in line with those staged at Blackhall Primary School, Granton Station and North Edinburgh Arts.
The community council has also submitted a list of questions raised by residents at the meeting for a council response.
As a result, another local Drop-in will take place on:
Tuesday 28th October
from4 – 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
There will also be another opportunity see what is being proposed and to make comments at Bristo Baptist Church on Wednesday 29 October from 4 – 7pm.
TWENTY YEARS SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S PARTNER COUNTRIES
First Minister John Swinney will visit Zambia and Malawi to see the impact of the Scottish Government’s international development and climate justice work on the lives of people in partner countries over the past two decades.
This will be the first time a First Minister has visited Malawi since the historic Co-operation Agreement between the governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005, and the first ever visit to Zambia.
While in the countries, the First Minister is due to announce new international development funding for health and investment partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education, advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of climate change.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said: “The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges, can have transformative impact on communities.
“Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the Global South and North work together.
“Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing globally and learning from our partners – for example providing joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage, and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and disability education.
“Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.
“At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid programmes overseas, internationalism, and international solidarity, has never been more important.
“Scotland will continue to stand with the international community and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”
CEO of the Malawi Scotland Partnership Linda Dembo said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership through Scottish Government international development support.
“This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration.
“At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.”
The First Minister will travel to Zambia tomorrow (Tuesday 14 October) and return from Malawi on Monday 20 October.
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.
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 a69% uptick in searches.
Experts atRainbow 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
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
Lunches for children and young people are available to pick up 12:30 – 1pm
