SCOTTISH WATER – ‘DRAINING THE RAIN’ ON CORSTORPHINE ROAD
A £3million project to help prevent wet wipes and other sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith at Murrayfield in Edinburgh is nearly complete.
Since June, Corstorphine Road has been reduced to one lane while Scottish Water upgrades a key storm overflow, constructing a new spill chamber and screens.
Earlier this month a giant 20 tonne concrete ‘lid’ was lowered into place, marking a major milestone for the project.
Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “Work has progressed well, despite challenging ground conditions and we are aiming to finish by early December.
“We are extremely grateful to road users and residents who have been patient throughout and have coped well with the disruption on their doorstep.
“We have worked closely with Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh City Council to make sure hundreds of thousands of fans have been able to get safely to major events such as the Oasis concerts.
“Similar arrangements are being made so that supporters should have no problems at the autumn rugby internationals that kick off this weekend.
“These projects can be difficult to deliver but once completed, the benefits will ensure the environment is protected for many years to come.”
The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified 108 high-priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment helps prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).
Customer Manager Jennifer Renton said: “Work has progressed well despite some challenges along the way, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s understanding and patience throughout the process.
“We are proud and grateful to be part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an important investment in enhancing our environment for future generations.”
Tracy Gilbert MP’s Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, the first Private Member’s Bill of the new Parliament, has now received Royal Assent, officially becoming law.
The new legislation will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections, allowing them to do so online.
Currently, voters must apply for postal or proxy votes using physical forms, a process that can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities or those living overseas. The new law will remove those barriers and modernise the voting system ahead of next year’s Scottish and Welsh elections.
1/2 My Absent Voting Bill has now received Royal Assent and become law, the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament! It means it can be used in the Scottish and Welsh elections next year, which feels like a such an achievement. pic.twitter.com/rOKtu53RNR
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“I’m incredibly proud that my Bill has now become law, and as the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament to do so.
“It now gives both the Scottish and Welsh Governments the time they need to implement these changes ahead of next year’s Holyrood and Senedd elections, ensuring voters can benefit from this new, more accessible system.”
Twelve households have celebrated becoming council tenants after the future of their homes was secured.
A community event was held by local residents on Friday (24 October), marking the final phase of the City of Edinburgh Council’s purchase of 78 homes over three phases on the Dreghorn Estate from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Local resident Mandy Burgen said: “It has been an extremely worrying time for residents and their families since we heard the news back in February that the MOD planned to serve notice to vacate their properties to sell.
“We took our concerns to local councillors and our local MP to ask for help, and they have responded with speed and integrity at every level. Estate officers along with the Finance and Resources Committee and residents worked to find solutions in preventing 12 families from being made homeless at a time when our city is in the midst of a housing crisis.
“We’ve seen a clear demonstration of strategically finding solutions and implementing changes to provide a positive outcome for families within the estate. Increasing the council’s housing stock has come at such a much-needed time.
“For the community who faced being made homeless it has been such a relief to now call their houses of many years, their homes. We cannot thank the council enough for their diligence over the past year.”
Finance and Resources Convener, Mandy Watt, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able secure Dreghorn’s future. It is a joy to see existing residents celebrate becoming council tenants, safe in the knowledge they can remain in their homes.
“We’ve also purchased homes from the MOD which are empty, significantly boosting the amount of safe, affordable, council housing available in Colinton. This is particularly good news when our housing need has never been greater, while the cost of building homes has increased.
“I’m grateful to the local community and all councillors and council officers who have helped us reach this milestone.”
Phil Riley, Director of Accommodation at Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “Working closely with colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council we have been able find a solution that suits all parties.
“The purchase of these properties by the council not only secures the long-term future of residents but allows us to reinvest the proceeds and target funds where they are most needed across the Defence estate.”
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline the community programme
Excitement mounts as Edinburgh’s Christmas opening is less than 3 weeks away
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree & Advent Concert to light-up The Mound and herald beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations
Plus, Scottish bagpiping icons, silent discos, ceilidhs, carol concerts and more top the bill for the beloved Ross Bandstand
With just under three weeks until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme has been unveiled, promising a lively hub of family-friendly and community events, taking place across four weekends leading up to Christmas.
From a showstopping performance from the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers to St. Andrew’s Day ceilidhs, carol concerts, Santa Runs and more, the much-loved Ross Bandstand stage will be at the centre of Edinburgh’s seasonal celebrations for 2025.
A full list of highlights includes:
Norwegian Christmas Tree Light-Up – Tuesday 18 November, 6pm (Public switch on at 6.15pm):
A beloved annual tradition which recognises the help given to the Nordic country by Scots during World War II, this special event stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between the two nations. Each year, the must-see light-up of the gorgeous Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree on the Mound marks a cherished moment in the city’s festive calendar, heralding the beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations.
The ceremony is followed by Scottish-Norwegian advent concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm, where locals and visitors alike are invited to join in for a night of musical reflection. This event is free to attend, with St Giles’ providing an atmospheric, accessible venue for elves of all ages to enjoy!
Light Night Concert at West Princes Street Gardens – Sunday 23 November, 2pm until 6pm:
Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself.
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.
From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.
This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!
A Taste of Scotland – Saturday 29 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage at the Ross Bandstand to headline a free day of fun celebrating Scotland’s culture, craft and community spirit. Renowned across the world for their signature “bagrock” sound, the group’s high-energy performances fuse traditional pipes with rock anthems, promising to round off the day in unforgettable style.
Earlier in the day, explore stalls from Scottish makers in recognition of Fair Saturday – the global movement that celebrates artists, cultural organisations, and social projects the day after Black Friday. With live music from local performers, Highland dancers, hearty stovies and more, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Scotland’s creativity and charm!
St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market – Sunday, 30 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
Celebrating St. Andrew’s Day, Ross Bandstand comes alive on 30 November with a special free Family Ceilidh. This year, The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will take to the stage – a band renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world.
With a caller to teach the steps, it doesn’t matter whether you are a dab hand at the Dashing White Sergeant or a first time Highland Flinger, everyone’s in for a lively whirl. These traditional Scottish dances are as fun and joyful to watch as they are to join, with local Highland Dancers on hand to show how it’s done.
This event also brings back the local makers’ market and delicious food stalls from A Taste of Scotland on Saturday, offering another chance to browse unique crafts and enjoy a taste of Scotland’s finest fare.
Nativity Scene Carols on The Mound – Sunday 30 November, 5pm until 6pm, Mound Place:
Once again, the beautiful Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand, returns to The Mound as a central part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. Since 2023, the stunning display has become a much-loved seasonal landmark, offering a quiet space for reflection amid the bustle of the festive period.
This year, the scene will be blessed by Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, marking the beginning of the city’s Christmas celebrations and inviting residents and visitors alike to pause and share in the message of peace and hope that lies at the heart of Christmas.
After the blessing, visitors are invited to join the annual Nativity Carol Concert held in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together in Assembly Hall’s beautiful Courtyard, featuring performances from local school and church choirs. This event is free to attend, with everyone welcome!
Edinburgh Sings – Saturday 6 December, 2pm until 5pm:
Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and performance choirs. Audiences can expect performances of their favourite carols and Christmas classics at the Ross Bandstand, with plenty of opportunity to join in!
Santa Run and Santa Paws – Sunday 7 December, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am – starts 11am):
Edinburgh’s Christmas is delighted to welcome the beloved When You Wish Upon a Star Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk, celebrating 21 years this winter.
The event sees Santas, Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit in West Princes Street Gardens to fundraise money for a very deserving cause.
When You Wish Upon a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here.
If you are worried about your furry friends feeling left behind, worry no more: Santa Paws is here! A Santa Run but for animals, Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best festive outfits and make a run for it.
With photo opportunities, activities throughout the afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens is paw-sitively the place to be this festive season!
Silent Disco Christmas Cracker – Saturday 13 December, 6.30pm-8pm:
Get ready to dance the night away beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle as the Christmas Cracker returns to the Ross Bandstand.
Partygoers can choose from three music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going head-to-head to deliver the ultimate Christmas playlist.
A lively, feel-good celebration, this event promises an unforgettable night of music, lights and festive cheer right in the heart of the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Christmas is beginning to arrive in Edinburgh, and there’s so much to look forward to across this year’s celebrations. From festive performances and community celebrations to special moments for families, most of the events on offer are free so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
“I’m especially delighted to welcome the ever popular Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Ross Bandstand for what promises to be a showstopping performance. I’m sure it will be a real highlight of the season and a fantastic way for people to get in the holiday spirit.”
A Unique Assembly spokesperson said: “West Princes Street Gardens will be bursting with festive cheer this winter, with a packed programme of free and ticketed community events spreading Christmas cheer and a warm Scottish welcome to locals and visitors alike.
“Whether singing loud for all to hear at the Light Night Concert and Silent Disco Christmas Cracker, birling beneath Edinburgh Castle to live ceilidh bands, watching the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers sleighing the stage on St. Andrews Day weekend, or joining hundreds of Santas for a run around West Gardens, there is festive fun for everyone!’
Ambulance staff subjected to violence and harassment on alcohol-related callouts, study finds
Stronger regulation of late-night alcohol sales and marketing likely to help
Scottish ambulance staff are frequently being subjected to violence, aggression and sexual harassment when they attend alcohol-related callouts, according to new research.
The first-of-its-kind study by the University of Stirlingreveals anxiety and frustration among ambulance staff and warns that alcohol-related ambulance callouts have knock-on effects on responses to other patients.
The authors of the study highlight the need for improved support options for patients with chronic alcohol problems, as well as stronger government regulation. Limiting the sale of alcohol after midnight to fewer premises, and introducing restrictions on alcohol marketing, would help reduce this demand for ambulances over time, they say.
The qualitative study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, part of Scottish Government, is believed to be the first to give voice to ambulance staff on the challenges of dealing with emergency callouts linked to alcohol consumption.
Researchers interviewed 27 frontline ambulance clinicians across Scotland, including paramedics and paramedic technicians, as well as four senior Scottish Ambulance Service staff.
Interviewees reported unpredictable behaviour from intoxicated patients, with callouts taking place in difficult environments – bars, clubs and streets – where ambulance staff regularly experienced violence and harassment from patients and bystanders.
One male paramedic technician who took part in the study said: “The only times I’ve been physically threatened, if not assaulted, have always been drunk patients.
“I’ve been punched, I’ve been kicked, I’ve been bit(ten). I’ve been chased with knives due to drunk people.”
Sexual harassment was more commonly reported by female staff. One female paramedic technician said: “The thing is that you don’t know how [intoxicated patients] are going to turn, ‘cause one minute they can be nice and the next minute they can be…It’s almost like the flick of a switch and they can just turn so nasty.”
The frequency and repetitive nature of callouts – with the same patient often needing to be attended to multiple times – were seen as having a huge impact on the ambulance service, adding significantly to an already very heavy workload. This was the case all year round but exacerbated by certain events.
One female paramedic technician said: “I think when we are stretched to the limit, resources-wise, we are getting these calls through.
“We feel that they are having a massive impact on our staffing, our resources…sometimes we can go to two and three and four alcohol-related call-outs in a row. It gets to the stage where you’re thinking, oh no, not another one.”
She added: “We kind of dread the football matches and we think, oh no, where are they playing? Are they playing at home this day?
“Or we dread New Year, or we dread the Christmas season, where we’re having the office parties and you’re thinking, oh, here we go.”
Calls to patients with alcohol dependence were particularly time-consuming due to the complexities of these patients’ needs, commonly including mental ill-health – with ambulance staff reporting that they take a lot longer than other jobs.
One male paramedic explained: “You go to someone who’s got chest pain and is an alcoholic [sic] that could potentially go up to two hours, two and a half hours because it’s really hard to do the assessment, it just slows everything down.
“And you’ve got the ones that don’t want to travel, and they have to travel or they’re being awkward, or you end up with the police there as well.”
Dr Isabelle Uny, Research Fellow at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH) and lead author of the paper, said: “Our findings show the extent to which alcohol consumption, both on social occasions and by people with alcohol dependence, adds to the pressure on ambulance services and staff.
“We found that ambulance staff displayed a deep duty of care to these patients, despite the frustrations, challenges and aggression, and often treated experience of violence or harassment as routine.”
One in six ambulance callouts in Scotland are alcohol-related, according to previous research by the University of Stirling.
The findings come as the Scottish Government considers further action to restrict alcohol marketing, which, if implemented, is likely to be helpful over time.
The UK government is currently seeking evidence on reforms to the alcohol licensing system in England and Wales that Stirling researchers say would have the opposite effect – further increasing the numbers of premises selling alcohol from an already record high and making it harder for local authorities to regulate late-night sales.
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, the principal investigator on the study, and Director of ISMH, said “The latest UK government proposals to further liberalise the alcohol licensing system are likely to increase pressure on ambulance services in England and Wales – making alcohol even more easily available twenty-four seven, including from shops and via rapid delivery.
“These findings remind us that this would be bad news for efforts to reduce ambulance waiting times.
“We already know what measures work to reduce the harmful impacts of alcohol – restricting availability, increasing price, and reducing marketing – it is up to both local and national governments to decide to take those measures.”
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: “This research provides a stark reminder of the profound impact alcohol has on our emergency services – placing an avoidable strain on hospitals, paramedics, and other frontline staff, and diverting vital resources away from patients with other urgent medical needs.
“Current UK Government plans to make alcohol even more accessible are deeply concerning. These proposals risk exacerbating the pressures on emergency services and making it harder for frontline workers to do their jobs and protect the public.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact of alcohol-related harm and addiction in Scotland, and we strongly condemn violence and aggression against our staff. It is not acceptable.
“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.
“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse, and we will work with Police Scotland to take action against perpetrators.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced new measures to ensure the continued safety and quality of maternity and neonatal services, following the publication of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s (HIS) inspection report on Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Gray said he was establishing a new Scottish Maternity and Neonatal taskforce to provide additional leadership.
He also confirmed that NHS Lothian maternity services will be moved to level 3 of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework. This will ensure additional support is in place to allow the board to act immediately to implement the 26 recommendations made by HIS.
Mr Gray said: “We are taking these concerns extremely seriously and have escalated NHS Lothian Maternity Services to Level 3 of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework. This intervention will provide enhanced support and scrutiny and I expect to see evidence of improvement before the end of the year.
“In Scotland, we are working towards our shared vision of continuous improvement in maternity services. The HIS inspection programme is giving us vital insight into what is working and what needs to change, holding services to account and ensuring lessons are learned quickly.
“To further strengthen national oversight, a new Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will be established, chaired by the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health and including voices of maternity service users and frontline staff, senior figures from across the health system, independent bodies, third sector and advocacy organisations.
“Our commitment to continuous improvement across our NHS is vital. We must empower our services and staff to ensure the safest and highest-quality maternity care in Scotland.”
The Health Secretary’s statement to Parliament is available on the Scottish Government’s website.
The HIS inspection report on Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is available on its website.
With Bonfire Night approaching, two major campaigns were launched last week across Scotland by independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth service Fearless. As the initiatives gather momentum, the charity is today urging both young people and adults to play their part in preventing the kind of fireworks-related disorder seen last year.
The charity’s dual approach aims to reach both young people and adults, following significant fireworks-related disorder in pockets of Scotland in 2024.
Emergency workers were attacked, communities disrupted, and animals harmed – including the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo – on Bonfire Night last year.
Giving young people a voice
Fearless’ new campaign has been co-designed with young people themselves. It followed a major engagement event last month that brought together over 160 young people, emergency services and third sector partners.
Insights from the event showed:
Adults supplying fireworks illegally to under-18s is a major concern.
Alcohol, peer pressure and social status are strong motivators for misuse.
When they hear the impact of fireworks misuse, young people really do care.
Young people want safer, silent community alternatives and feel unfairly stigmatised for the actions of a minority.
These findings have helped shape the Fearless campaign, which will run on Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, with content designed by and for young people. It’ll include a youth-created soundtrack, “red flag/green flag” videos and impact stories from firefighters, bus drivers, animal carers and more.
Resources have also been developed for parents, carers and youth workers, giving them the tools to start supportive conversations with young people and to understand the laws in place.
Adults must play their part
The Crimestoppers campaign, launched in parallel, is focusing on adults – calling on communities to speak up 100% anonymously about illegal firework sales, proxy purchasing and planned attacks on emergency workers.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at Crimestoppers, said:‘Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe. We want everyone to have a safe and fun Bonfire Night, but we are here for communities and front-line crews who experience serious disorder and fire-raising attacks.
“Our guarantee of anonymity has already prevented serious attacks on crews, so we know that it’s vital that people speak up if they know who is involved.”
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, added:“The vast majority of young people already make safe, positive choices. They care about their families, their friends, and their communities. But risks increase when there’s peer pressure, lack of knowledge or when adults put them in unsafe situations by supplying fireworks illegally.
“Behind every poor decision by a young person, there’s often an adult who has placed explosives in their hands. That’s why it’s so important that if you know who is selling, buying or supplying fireworks to under-18s, you speak up before serious harm occurs.
“This campaign is about equipping young people with knowledge and confidence, while also supporting adults to have positive conversations. By listening and working with young people, we make them part of the solution – and that benefits all of us across Scotland.”
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:“We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly. “Misuse of fireworks puts communities and emergency services at risk and the Crimestoppers and Fearless campaigns are a stark reminder of the harms that can be caused.
“The Scottish Government has brought in a number of measures to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.
“We have also provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones in local areas and a number of these are/will be in place this year.
“I would encourage anyone who has information or concerns about criminality to report it. This can be done anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers or Fearless website.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs from Police Scotland said:“The campaigns by Crimestoppers and Fearless are vitally important to the multi-agency commitment to tackling fireworks-related disorder over the Bonfire Night period, as they encourage the public to make positive choices when it comes to fireworks and not engage in activities that can have a detrimental impact on communities across Scotland.
“We will continue to have significant local, national, and specialist resource in place throughout the key dates between Halloween and Bonfire Night to keep communities safe and respond to any incidents that arise, but we know that intervention and prevention work is equally important as the enforcement activity we undertake.
“I am grateful for the continued support and co-operation of all key partners as we work towards a shared aim of a safe and peaceful Bonfire Night period.”
Fireworks and the Law
Age: You must be 18 or over to buy most fireworks.
Times: Normally between 6pm–11pm (midnight on Bonfire Night; 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year).
Places: Fireworks can’t be set off in the street, in parks, or in Firework Control Zones.
Offences: It’s illegal to sell, buy or supply fireworks to under-18s, to throw or set off fireworks in public areas like parks, streets or roads, or to cause unnecessary suffering to animals.
Local councils may also designate Firework Control Zones, and Police Scotland can introduce Dispersal Zones in areas where antisocial behaviour is a problem.
How to speak up – 100% anonymously
Adults: Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Young people: Visit fearless.org to give information anonymously.
Both services are completely anonymous: no names, no phone numbers, no IP tracking.
Please note: No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced. For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.
We are excited to launch our 2025 ‘Light up a Life’ winter appeal. This year, we invite the Hospice community to dedicate a light to a loved one who has died, and join us to watch one of our Trees of Remembrance light up in their memory.
Supporters can expect our Autumn/Winter newsletter in the post over the next week, which shares the heartfelt story of Cammy and his mum, Gillian, who died in the Hospice earlier this year.
To find out more and dedicate a light in memory of your loved one, visit:
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families to take extra care this Halloween after new government testing revealed widespread safety failures in children’s costumes.
The warning follows findings from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024, which showed that more than 80 per cent of costumes tested failed basic safety checks.
Tests carried out by OPSS on 128 costumes—mostly purchased from online marketplaces—found serious issues including flammability risks and strangulation hazards. RoSPA is advising parents to only buy costumes from trusted retailers and to check for the UKCA or CE mark to ensure products meet UK safety standards.
The OPSS investigation found that 28 costumes failed flammability tests, while 59 featured cords or drawstrings that posed a strangulation risk. In addition, 98 costumes lacked essential safety labelling, making it harder for parents to assess risk.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“These results are deeply concerning. Parents need to be vigilant and check for safety markings before buying. A UKCA or CE mark means the costume has passed critical safety tests, including for fire resistance.”
Graham Russell, Chief Executive at the Office for Product Safety and Standards, said:“Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests showed many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.”
RoSPA is also reminding families to follow basic safety precautions during Halloween celebrations:
Avoid open flames such as candles and fireplaces.
Ensure children are supervised while trick-or-treating.
Make costumes visible with reflective strips or torches.
Avoid homemade costumes, which may not meet fire safety standards.
Check the OPSS website for product recalls before use.
RoSPA continues to work with government and industry to improve product safety and raise awareness among consumers.
The new flagship show, which begins on Friday 24 November, will be presented by Martin Geissler and Laura Maciver
BBC Scotland is launching a new weekday morning news programme, Radio Scotland Breakfast, which will replace the long-running Good Morning Scotland.
The new flagship show, which begins on Friday 24 November, will be presented by Martin Geissler, host of Scotcast, and Laura Maciver, a senior presenter on Reporting Scotland: News at Seven. BBC Radio Scotland’s Phil Goodlad will present the sports news.
Current Good Morning Scotland presenters Gary Robertson and Laura Maxwell are taking up other high-profile presenting roles with the broadcaster. Gary will replace Martin as the presenter of The Sunday Show on BBC One Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland and Laura Maxwell moves to BBC Radio Scotland’s early evening news show, Drivetime, sharing the single presenting duties with Fiona Stalker across the week. She will also present editions of Lunchtime Live.
Martin will continue to be the host of Scotcast, BBC Scotland’s current affairs podcast which runs on BBC Sounds, TV and radio and BBC iPlayer.
The new breakfast show will be pacy, informal, and informative and will always focus on the stories that matter to the audience across every part of Scotland.
Breakfast will retain the high standard of trusted journalism set by Good Morning Scotland, with the big interviews that shape the agenda, breaking news, expert analysis of Scottish, UK and world news and events, as well as comprehensive coverage of sport, the economy, weather, and entertainment. It will run from 6am to 9am Monday to Friday.
Howard Simpson, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland, said: “The launch of Breakfast marks a new chapter in the history of BBC Radio Scotland’s morning news service for audiences.
“BBC Scotland News is more important than ever now in the disinformation age and the programme will have the journalistic rigour and depth our listeners have come to expect, with Martin and Laura bringing their distinctive energy, insight, and warmth.
They will be there to help audiences make sense of the main issues facing Scotland and ask the questions that need answered.
“I’m confident that’s a combination that will make Breakfast a must-listen for people who want the latest news, sport, weather and entertainment from a Scottish perspective.
“I also want to thank Gary and Laura, whose work on Good Morning Scotland has been outstanding, and I’m delighted they’ll be bringing their talent to other roles in our news and current affairs output.’
Gary Robertson, who has successfully presented Good Morning Scotland for the last 19 years, said: ‘It’s been a privilege to be part of Good Morning Scotland, waking the nation up, for such a significant period.
“I’m excited to take on The Sunday Show full-time, where I’ll continue to ask the searching questions and explore the stories that matter most to our audiences.’
Laura Maxwell added: “I’ve loved waking up Scotland with the news every morning and now I’m looking forward to joining listeners later in the day.”
Martin Geissler said: “I can’t wait to get started. Having spent 35 years in television, I’ve only come to radio relatively recently, and I love it!
“I really enjoy the intimacy of radio, the relationship you have with an audience and the space you get to really drill down into interviews. I want to bring all of that to our new show.”
Laura Maciver added: “It’s a thrill to be part of this new chapter.
“We want to bring clarity, pace, and personality to the new show, with hopefully a few smiles along the way too.”
