BILLY FITZPATRICK HAS DIED AFTER A PERIOD OF ILL HEALTH
Billy’s family posted this very sad news on Facebook yesterday:
This morning he passed away at the Western General surrounded by loves ones.
He asked that friends, family, acquaintances, people from his beloved North Edinburgh, and old comrades were given the news when the time came, and in his own words he had a good kick at the baw.
When funeral arrangements are made we’ll update again, thanks x
A proud trade unionist and a popular local councillor who fought for his community, Billy went on to share his negotiating skills and vast experience when he retired from front-line party politics.
Billy supported a number of important community projects, including Granton Information Centre, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (he chaired both of these long-established community organisations) and North Edinburgh Arts.
Proud ‘Roystoner’ Billy featured in the recent ‘Quiet Heroes‘ exhibition at Madelvic House granton:hub.
Billy wasn’t always so quiet – it’s fair to say that oor Billy could be passionate, fiery even, and he had his fair share of brushes with the Labour Party hierarchy! – but Royston’s very own Quiet Hero fought North Edinburgh’s corner loyally for over forty years.
A genuine working class community stalwart, they just don’t make politicians like Billy Fitzpatrick any more. And our communities, our cities and our country are all the poorer for that.
Farewell, Billy, my dear old Comrade. We shared many good times together, and some dreadful ones too. Throughout all that time, you never changed: loyal, steadfast and honest to the very end.
Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October
Our next volunteer session is this Saturday (11th), 10:30–12:00!
This week’s main task will be preparing the enlarged wildflower meadow for seeding — by removing strips of turf ready for planting later this month.
We’ll also be litter picking and finishing the weeding of the big white steps.
Thanks to Tuesday’s all-day session with SYSTRA volunteers, the old fence around the meadow has been removed and several new wildflower strips are already seeded and protected with wire mesh. The plan is to create 12 strips in total, all safely covered with chicken wire to keep birds off the seeds.
Our big seeding session will take place on Saturday 25th October — we’re hoping for a strong turnout then as there’ll be plenty to do!
And a huge thank you to Lyn, one of our volunteer committee members, for designing our lovely new volunteering poster, which you can see here.
Everyone’s welcome — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!
Here is our week of events for the October holidays! Everything is free and there is no need to book ahead.
Bookbug is on as normal on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.
On Monday, we will get the Virtual Reality headsets out. Enjoy some experiences and games through the power of VR technology!
On Wednesday, we have Explore Learning joining us with a session on telling the time. While this is aimed at ages 5-7, slightly older children looking to improve their skills can enjoy and benefit from this too.
On Thursday, join Andrew for some spooky stories in the children’s area to get in the mood for Hallowe’en.
On Friday, our usual Crafternoon has also been taken over with a spooky theme. Join in from 2pm, best for middle primary school children.
All week, you can play our board games or on the Xbox One, but if you want to meet people to play with, Saturday afternoon is the time to come in! Staff can also help teach you some new board games.
Hundreds of people gathered in central Edinburgh today (10 Oct) to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE.
Sir Geoff, who died in June aged 85, was a renowned scientist, humanitarian, and the former Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.
Widely admired as Scotland’s first black professor, he was a tireless advocate for equality and justice.
The memorial celebration, held at the historic St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town, brought together friends, colleagues, dignitaries, and members of the public to pay tribute to his extraordinary contributions.
The service featured personal reflections, speeches, and musical performances by the University’s Chamber Choir, including an uplifting tribute featuring songs by the legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley.
Speaking afterwards, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “Today’s memorial celebration has allowed us the opportunity to reflect on the life, work and enduring legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer.
“Sir Geoff was more than a distinguished academic. As Scotland’s first black professor, he broke barriers in science and society, pioneering grain and brewing research while inspiring generations of students and colleagues.
“His scientific achievements, including the internationally recognised barley abrasion process and his leadership in brewing and distilling, are matched by his role as a mentor, teacher and advocate for truth and justice.
“In his service as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt, Sir Geoff brought humility, warmth and an unwavering belief in education as a driver of opportunity. He championed inclusion, encouraged ambition, and reminded us that universities must be places of openness and responsibility to society.
“He also challenged us to confront uncomfortable histories with honesty and courage, ensuring that remembrance was not passive but active. That commitment to fairness, respect and humanity remains one of his greatest legacies.
“His life and values continues to inspire our work at Heriot-Watt and far beyond, and we will carry forward his vision of education, scholarship and justice as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life.
“In a lasting tribute to his memory, we have launched the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship to support a student of Jamaican descent or Jamaican citizenship to follow in his footsteps; breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and shaping a fairer future.”
Many of Sir Geoff’s family attended the memorial celebration including his daughter, Catherine Bisset, who said: “We wish to thank everyone who have shared their stories and offered their condolences. We would also like to thank Marie Curie, who looked after him so well in his final weeks.
“Scotland gave our dad a home and a career, so he was dedicated to giving back through education, public service, and the pursuit of justice. He was also extremely humbled and grateful to have been recognised at the highest level for his work, especially for his impact on Scottish and global economies.
“He was focused and worked incredibly hard, but he also had a brilliant sense of humour, and he loved people. Most importantly, he saw humanity in all things, and that is his true legacy.”
The memorial was hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who said: “It was an honour and privilege to offer a short reflection on Sir Geoff’s impact upon our Capital at today’s service.This was a tall order, as he achieved so much, and influenced so many people and places.
“With his gentle manner, Sir Geoff had the ability to persuade policy makers, political leaders, and community leaders alike, of the benefits and richness of equality and diversity – and that we should be able to live in harmony, with mutual understanding and respect for different traditions and heritages.
“In 2022, I was delighted to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.
His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.
“He has gifted our city with a strong legacy, improving our collective efforts on academic research, equality, diversity, and tackling discrimination wherever we find it.
“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations.”
In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour.
The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.
More than 34,200 families in Scotland received an average of £100 towards their monthly childcare bills in June 2025
Working families encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare as UK Government top-ups totalled £57.7 million
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change
Working families are encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare ahead of the spooky school holidays to avoid tricky childcare bills as latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show 34,255 families in Scotland got a savings treat in June.
Paying childcare bills through a Tax-Free Childcare account can save working families up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to the age of 16 if the child is disabled.
HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now to take advantage of savings on their half term childcare.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Hallowe’en doesn’t need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you’re working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”
Once a Tax-Free Childcare account is open, for every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.
In June, the government paid a total of £57.7 million in top-ups to Tax-Free Childcare accounts which means each family received, on average, more than £100 to be used towards their childcare bills.
Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay toward any approved childcare for their child – so that’s nursery for younger children or, for older children who are in school, wraparound childcare, after-school and holiday clubs.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER from 10am – 1pm at VICTORIA PARK
Join us at our new crofts for a day of creativity, connection, and community spirit!
Meet the team behind the redevelopment of our urban space, get hands-on with soil investigations, hula-hoop making or simply come by for a chat with us and your neighbours.
Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church will host a special Organ Recital on Friday, 17 October 2025, at 7:00 pm, honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of Nancy Blaik, MBE, a pioneering charity volunteer and co-founder of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Nancy Blaik, MBE (1936–2025), was a tireless Edinburgh charity volunteer and founding force behind CHAS.Blind from childhood and inspired by the needs of her so Daniel, Nancy dedicated her life to creating Scotland’s first children’s hospice, Rachel House in Kinross, which opened in 1996.
Awarded the MBE in 1997, Nancy’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and determination—ensuring that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone. She died from pneumonia, after living her final years with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Lewy Body Dementia.
The recital will feature renowned organist Dr John Kitchen, MBE – Edinburgh City Organist, University of Edinburgh scholar, and internationally recognised performer and recording artist.
Dr Kitchen will present a programme of organ music celebrating the power of music to inspire and uplift, while raising vital support for CHAS and LifeCare – a local charity which provides vital support to people within the local community.
Rev. Laurene M. Lafontaine, Minister, Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church said: “It is a privilege for Broughton St Mary’s to host this special recital in honour of Nancy Blaik, whose life was a remarkable witness to courage, compassion, and service.
“This evening will be both a celebration of music and a reminder of the power of community to carry forward her legacy of care for children, families, and neighbours in need.”
Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS: “We are so thrilled to have the support of Broughton St Marys Parish Church, while celebrating the remarkable lady that was one of our Founders.
“Nancy was and still is an inspiration to so many and it is wonderful to see her legacy continuing, helping CHAS flourish and support children and their families across Scotland, when they need it most.”
Sarah van Putten LifeCare CEO said “We are deeply grateful to be a beneficiary of this event alongside CHAS.
Nancy’s story embodies the very spirit of care and resilience that inspires our work with older people and families here in Edinburgh.
“This recital is not only a tribute to her, but also a vital source of support for those who rely on LifeCare’s services every day.”
Event Details
Benefit Organ Recital in Honour of Nancy Blaik, MBE Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent, Edinburgh Suggested donation: £10–15 (or more at your discretion) at the event or via the Broughton St. Mary’s Website Beneficiaries: CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) (Registered charity no SC019724) and LifeCare, Edinburgh (Registered charity no SC012641)
Hundreds of new and expanded breakfast clubs are supporting thousands of children start the day with a healthy meal and increased access to activities thanks to Scottish Government funding.
490 breakfast clubs are helping more than 20,000 children and their families across the whole country. The clubs combine access to a nutritious breakfast with before-school childcare and activities.
Supported by nearly £3 million from the Scottish Government’s Bright Start Breakfasts Fund, 142 new services have been introduced and a further 348 clubs have expanded their services offering additional hours of childcare, activities like loose parts and active play as well as places available for more children.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited one of the new services this morning (Friday 10 October) at Abbeyview Kids Club in Dunfermline.
The Cabinet Secretary met some of the families who are benefiting from the new club, as well as service managers, to hear about the difference it is making to the health and financial wellbeing of families in the local community.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Somerville said: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty.
“Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a warm, friendly place for children to start their day in the best possible way, while supporting parents to work or study.
“Alongside our free school meals programme, which is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils, we are ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances beyond their control, are afforded the opportunities they deserve.
“While we know that a good breakfast can improve school attendance, learning and health, these clubs also help to address food insecurity for families. That’s why we are putting more money in people’s pockets by delivering real savings and this is, in turn, is helping to build a fairer Scotland.”
Managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund has awarded £2,838,461.90 to clubs for primary-age children across the country.
Funding was prioritised for areas with low existing provision, high levels of poverty, and rural communities. The fund has reached all local authorities across Scotland, including remote communities across the Western Isles, Orkney, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands.
Funding will allow 142 new breakfast clubs to be set up, and 348 clubs to expand their provision. The supported clubs include 261 run by Local Authorities, 109 run by third-sector organisations, 100 primary schools, and 20 are registered childcare providers or activity providers.
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: “Breakfast clubs are a simple but powerful way to support children’s wellbeing and learning.
“By funding clubs across Scotland, we’re helping to reduce the impact of poverty and ensure more children start the day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.”
Cornton Out of School Care in Stirling was one of the successful organisations. Speaking about the funding, Treasurer Orla Bell said: “These funds are critical for our charity, so we can continue to offer a Breakfast Club for the children in our community in Cornton.
“The Club has been running for less than a year, and we are still finding our feet with it, but are in no doubt that it is a much needed and welcomed club.
“We’re extremely grateful.”
Funding will support breakfast clubs through to the end of the 2025-26 academic year, contributing to the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a year-round system of school-age childcare.
Two men aged 28 have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder on Prestonfield AvenuE.
The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when a 29-year-old man was struck by a van. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Detective Constable Joanne Roberston said: “Extensive enquiries were carried out to trace those involved and I would like to thank members of the public who got in touch.”
Aldi is rolling out new dedicated reduction zones in stores across Edinburgh, making it even easier for shoppers to find fresh food bargains.
These clearly marked areas will feature discounted bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items nearing their use-by date – helping customers to save even more money while reducing food waste.
The move is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality food more affordable, while tackling unnecessary waste in its operations.
Items are discounted throughout the day, offering shoppers the chance to save on products that might otherwise go unsold.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:“Our customers already know they can rely on us to provide unbeatable value, but our new reduction areas will make it even easier to pick up a last-minute bargain.
“By creating dedicated reduction zones in store we’re helping point shoppers towards quality food at cheaper prices, all while cutting down on food waste.”
Aldi separately partners with community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food from all its UK stores every day.
The supermarket also works with Too Good To Go to sell Surprise Bags that contain a range of Aldi products that are approaching their sell-by date.
Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
Victoria Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm
