02/11/2025 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The Scottish Hindu Foundation Celebrates Diwali 2025

The Scottish Hindu Foundation, in collaboration with The Scottish Parliament, proudly hosted its Annual Diwali (Deepavali) Celebrations at Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh, bringing together communities, leaders, elected reps, and well-wishers to mark the Festival of Lights — a celebration of hope, unity, and renewal.

The evening opened with uplifting kirtans led by Prana Prabhu Ji and devotees from International Society of Krishna Consciousness [ISKCON]. The formal proceeding began with a traditional Hindu ceremony to mark and bless the occasion led by Pandits and Acharyas from all of Scotland’s Hindu Mandirs in pooja hymns with explanations, offering insight into the spiritual meaning of Diwali.

A diya-lighting ceremony by all Hindu Mandir Presidents across Scotland reinforced the spirit of unity among Hindu communities. The ceremonies capped the first Hindu cultural performance of the evening; Siddharth Bhagchandani, an ode to Lord Ganesh highlighted the vibrant classical dance performances, symbolising removal of obstacles.

Ms Kirsty McNeil opened the evening by reflecting on the growing relationship between Queen Elizabeth House and the Scottish Hindu Foundation, marking the fourth time they have had the honour of hosting the Diwali celebration.

She spoke about the enduring lessons of Diwali — the power of community, and the triumph of light over darkness — values that continue to resonate deeply across Scotland. She also congratulated Dr Sinha on her being awarded an MBE in 2025 for her work on Hinduphobia.

Dr Richa Sinha MBE, followed with remarks on the vital role the Scottish Hindu Foundation plays in safeguarding the community and advocating for its interests. She noted that while only a fraction of the Foundation’s work is publicly visible, achievements such as its efforts to address Hinduphobia and the success of Scotland’s International Yoga Day stand out as testaments to its ongoing impact.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing his joy at being part of the celebration and reflecting on what Diwali means to him and his family. He spoke warmly about the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness and the importance of carrying that light — of hope, compassion, and community — into everyday life.

Former MP Martyn Day also shared heartfelt insights about celebrating Diwali at home, drawing from his experience of being married into a Hindu family. He spoke appreciatively about the warmth, values, and traditions that make the festival so meaningful, while commending the Scottish Hindu Foundation for its tireless advocacy in representing and supporting the Hindu community across Scotland.

The event progressed to its second Hindu cultural item, a symphony of divine expression and artistic brilliance as National Award–winning artist Debabrata Pal captivated the audience with his signature dance concept, NrityaChitram — a rare confluence of live painting and classical dance performed in perfect harmony on stage.

The evening also celebrated outstanding community contributions through the Scottish Hindu Foundation Annual Awards.

The Guiding Star Award was presented to Mrs Brij Gandhi MBE in recognition of nearly five decades of dedicated service to the community and her leadership in numerous charitable projects.

The Rising Star Award honoured Ms Sowparnika Gopalakrishnan for her remarkable efforts in supporting Hindu students and her role as a founding member of the Edinburgh Universities Hindu Society.

The Hindu Business Award was conferred upon Dr Niveditha, CEO of GoKrsna, a pioneering Glasgow-based enterprise championing sattvik and sustainable food practices.

The Shooting Star Award recognised Dr Pradeep Dhvij a Neuroscientist by profession Dr Dhvij has applied his knowledge to wellbeing, technology and community enhancing ancient Ayurvedic knowledge for a modern audience.

A Diwali-themed Interactive quiz, brought engagement and proceeding to an entertaining and joyful close to all attendees, and the grand prize won by Mr Ali representing the Ahmadi Muslims in Scotland.

The celebration concluded with a warm vote of thanks from Mrs Naina Penman the Vice Chair of the Scottish Hindu Foundation and a networking opportunity with the sharing of Sattvic food, chai, and desserts, fostering fellowship and togetherness.

The Scottish Hindu Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners, guests, sponsors and volunteers who made this event a luminous celebration of Scotland’s multicultural spirit.

Hourglass: Safer Ageing Summit

12th NOVEMBER 9am – 5pm at TYNECASTLE PARK

Are you passionate about creating a safer future for our ageing population?

Join us at the Hourglass Conference 2025: The Safer Ageing Summit in Edinburgh on November 12th at Tynecastle Park.

Hear from top experts and participate in panels on how we can build a safer ageing society by 2050.

Don’t miss out on this important event – get your tickets now!

#HourglassConference2025

#SaferAgeingSummit

#EdinburghEvents

cycling safety roadshow

Cycling is growing in Scotland – for commuting, fitness, and leisure – but with it comes the responsibility to make our roads safer for everyone.

The Cycling Road Safety Roadshow brings together experts from law, policing, advocacy, engineering, and local government to share knowledge, discuss solutions, and build stronger partnerships for safer cycling across Scotland.

Whether you’re a cyclist, campaigner, policymaker, or simply passionate about safer roads, this free event is for you.

Hear from a panel of leading voices in road safety and cycling:

Roz Galloway – Partner, Cycle Law Scotland

Expert in representing injured cyclists and championing legal rights on Scotland’s roads.

Scott Runicman – Cycling UK (Scotland)

Advocate for everyday cycling and accessible infrastructure.

Simon Bradshaw – Cycling Scotland

Specialist in cycling policy, training, and active travel initiatives.

Stewart Sinclair – Police Scotland Road Policing

Insights from law enforcement on cyclist safety, collisions, and enforcement.

Eric Hill – Sweco UK

Perspective from transport planning and infrastructure design.

Malcolm Hall – Glasgow City Council

Bringing a local authority viewpoint on cycling infrastructure and policy.

ALL DONATIONS TO SAMH WHEN REGISTERING

Announcing Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025

The dates for Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025 have been announced. Taking place on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November, the show will feature artworks from over 150 local artists with at least fifty percent of the proceeds going to help Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year, ‘Misty Night, Glencoe’ by Yulia Allan has been selected as the lead image to promote the show.

The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show is free and open to everyone.

EVENT DETAILS:

Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025

Cornerstone Centre

St John’s Church, Edinburgh, EH2 4BJ

Dates: 22 – 23 November 2025

Website: macmillanartshow.org.uk

The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show was created to raise essential money for a great cause whilst also increasing the exposure of local artists from Edinburgh and across Scotland.

It comprises a two-day exhibition at a central Edinburgh venue as well as an online gallery for those unable to attend the show. The event encourages the best in exciting and contemporary original artworks that are designed to be very affordable.

The artist decides how much of the price they wish to donate to Macmillan with at least half going to the charity.

About Yulia Allan

Yulia Allan is a professional artist and a modern contemporary landscape and seascape painter. Born in Ukraine and with close family members still there, she has embraced the land- and sea-scapes of Scotland to incorporate dramatic shifts of light and atmosphere as a central part of her work. Slightly abstract in nature, her work uses layers and textures to accentuate the ever-changing Scottish landscape.

Website: Yulia Allan – Professional Scottish Artist

About Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025

Now in its twenty-third year, the Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show has become a fixture in the Edinburgh cultural calendar.

At least fifty percent of the sale from any artwork goes directly to Macmillan Cancer Support, with the rest going to the artists themselves.

Through this, the show has gained a reputation for helping local artists to gain exposure both at home and abroad.

A complete photo gallery is available here

Climate Action Secretary at COP30

SCOTLAND’s Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will continue to push for more ambitious climate action when she attends the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil this month.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin’s schedule will include engagements with member representatives from both organisations – to help strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Ms Martin will also:

Share learning from Climate Justice Fund programmes, including the often-overlooked non-economic impacts of climate change, such as loss of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge
Take part in panel sessions on climate justice and human mobility with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Meet with youth activists and civil society partners from the global south, including participants in Climate Just Communities Programmes, to hear first-hand how they are being impacted by climate change

Ms Martin said: “We have a unique opportunity as Under2 European co-chair and Regions4 president, to champion the essential work taking place across the globe to support vulnerable communities who are at most risk from the impacts of climate change.

“I will continue to use these leadership positions at COP30 to advocate for accelerated action to tackle the devastating impacts of our warming planet, and for greater inclusion in international climate discussions.

“Scotland’s commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is ambitious, but it is achievable. We will shortly be publishing our draft Climate Change Plan setting out the policies needed to meet our first three carbon budget targets, while supporting people to adjust to the changes required.”

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) Advocacy and Communications Manager Line K. Christensen said: “It is vital that Scotland has a strong voice at COP30.

“The challenges we face are global, and Scotland’s presence ensures that our values of innovation and climate justice are part of the international conversation.

“The Cabinet Secretary’s participation will allow Scotland to continue its leadership on Loss and Damage, and to demonstrate that we are a nation standing shoulder to shoulder with countries around the world on the frontline of the climate crisis.”

Young women from Edinburgh celebrated as part of Scotland’s 30 Under 30

Eight young women living in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been included on the tenth annual 30 Under 30 list by The Young Women’s Movement.

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national charity for young women’s leadership and rights, has today announced its tenth annual 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields.

The 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to celebrate young women and girls’ impact in Scotland across a diverse range of experiences. This year’s list includes young women and girls from age 15 to 30, from Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway, who are celebrated for their campaigning, community work, leadership and excellence in arts, sports, and leadership.

From Edinburgh and the Lothians, the list includes:

· Beth Spencer, a community organiser who co-founded FERAL, the city’s first club night for queer women and non-binary people.

· Chloe O’Herlihy, owner of Folk Creative Space – an inclusive salon and community space for the LGBTQ+ community – and advocate on important issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.

· Emma Ahlert, co-founder of Back Off Scotland which successfully campaigned for safe access zones around clinics providing abortions. Emma is also the founder of an international community for practitioners in female and sexual health.

· Kaydi Scottsville, the 19-year-old CEO and founder of Diversified, Scotland’s first youth-led charity supporting autistic young people.

· Rosa Ross, a 15-year-old who uses her own experiences to advocate for young people through the Teenage Cancer Trust advisory group and Girlguiding’s youth steering group.

· Sidrah Hassan, an AI ethicist who works to remove harmful biases within tech systems. She has worked with BBC Scotland and the Ethical AI Alliance to educate people on ethics within AI and advance AI that aligns with human values.

· Tamara Rogovic, an artist who serves as the president of the Scottish Artists Union, campaigning for better pay and working conditions for its members.

· Toni Lee Pryde, a Community Development Worker who works to improve service provision for young mothers. She is also an advocate for youth provisions and opportunities for young people, and has supported over 50 young people to complete their dynamic youth awards.

Emma Hill, Interim CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘This is the tenth year that we have celebrated young women and girls across Scotland through our 30 Under 30 list, and it feels more poignant than ever to be doing so.

“This is a particularly challenging time to be a young woman – gender-based violence and misogyny are rising, and young women tell us that they feel let down by public services and decision-makers.

“The impact these young women are making in light of these challenges is significant and important, and we’re honoured to be celebrating their successes and courage.”

The full 30 Under 30 list can be viewed on The Young Women’s Movement’s website. To support the campaign, donate at youngwomenscot.org/donate.

Defence Housing Strategy: A £9bn ‘generational renewal’ for forces family housing

100,000 new homes on MOD land to drive growth

The MOD is announcing its new Defence Housing Strategy, with £9bn to improve over 40,000 military homes.

New government strategy to deliver ‘generational renewal’ to fix UK military housing and get Britain building, backed by £9bn investment.
Biggest upgrade to Armed Forces housing in over half a century with more than 40,000 military homes to be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt – delivering on manifesto pledge to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community who sacrifice so much for our country.
Strategy unlocks one of Britain’s most ambitious housebuilding programmes in decades, with potential to deliver over 100,000 new homes for civilian and military families on surplus Defence land.

Armed Forces personnel and their families will benefit from the most significant transformation of UK military housing in more than 50 years, with more than 40,000 service family homes to be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt.

The Defence Housing Strategy is a major step forward in delivering the government’s pledge to provide high-quality housing for the Armed Forces community.

This initiative forms part of a wider programme to improve service family accommodation, prioritise veterans in housing need, and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant in full. By investing in modern, safe, and secure homes, the government is delivering on its promise to support those who have given so much for our nation.

The £9 billion programme, part of a new Defence Housing Strategy to be published by the Government on Monday, will also turbocharge the use of surplus defence land as part of the Government’s promise to get Britain building the housing we need to boost growth in every corner of the country.

Defence Secretary John Healey has identified the long-term opportunity to build over 100,000 new homes on surplus MoD land – homes for both civilian and military families – driving economic growth and supporting thousands of jobs.

The upcoming Strategy is based on feedback from thousands of service families and led by an expert, independent review team. With a clear and costed plan for the future, the Strategy will mark a decisive break from the past – following years of chronic underinvestment which drove down Armed Forces morale and retention of military personnel.

A 10-year ‘generational renewal’ of service family homes will see tens of thousands of Armed Forces houses modernised or upgraded, with around 14,000 receiving substantial refurbishment or replacement, ensuring homes fit for our forces and their families.

Defence Secretary will announce total investment of £9 billion over the next decade to deliver the Strategy, funded by the Government’s record uplift in defence spending. This builds on the additional £1.5bn in this Parliament, set out at the Strategic Defence Review, to rapidly address the poor state of military housing.

The renewal is made possible following the government’s landmark Annington Homes deal earlier this year, which brought 36,000 properties back into public ownership, saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day – savings which are now being reinvested in fixing forces housing and getting Britain building on defence land.

The Strategy shows that the Government is on the side of our forces and their families and committed to making defence an engine for growth.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our Armed Forces families make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, and they deserve homes that truly feel like home.

“This record investment will deliver modern, safe and comfortable housing for tens of thousands of service families.

“This is a plan for generational renewal that puts forces first, giving those who serve, and those who support them, the security and respect they deserve.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Every day, our British forces personnel – and their families – help to keep us all safe. In this new era of threat, we rely on them more every day. The least they deserve is a decent home.

“Our new Defence Housing Strategy will be the biggest renewal of Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years. This is a new chapter: a decisive break from decades of underinvestment, with a building programme to back Britain’s military families and drive economic growth across the country.

“We are a government that is on the side of our forces and their families. With this historic £9bn investment, we will deliver the modern, quality homes that our Forces and their loved ones deserve.”

Thousands of military homes will receive a complete makeover – new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems – to ensure military families have the homes that they deserve.

As part of efforts to unlock the wider delivery of 100,000 homes on surplus defence land, the Strategy will put forward plans for a dedicated Defence Development Fund – driving a self-sustaining cycle of investment by releasing surplus land for development, with proceeds reinvested into future projects.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Over the past 16 months, we’ve ripped up regulations and slashed red tape to get Britain building the housing this country desperately needs because when Britain builds, Britain grows.

“Our plans to renew military housing and help deliver 100,000 new homes is supporting our security and armed forces, driving economic growth and building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”

The Defence Housing Strategy has been developed by an independent review team chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE. The team provided deep knowledge of the experience of Armed Forces families, housebuilding, property management and the housing industry. The work included a detailed survey of more than 6,000 service families.

Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy review team said: “Our pride in our armed forces must include pride in our military homes. For too long service personnel and their families have had to put up with substandard housing.

“This strategy is informed by a team of housing experts and shaped by the views of thousands of Service families, some of whose homes I have visited to see first-hand the issues that they face.

“Through this new strategy, we are setting out an ambitious programme of renewal. For too long, military housing has been in a terrible state, this strategy seeks to change that by fixing Defence family homes and delivering for the nation.”

Young people share creative perspectives on life’s in-between spaces in new Edinburgh exhibition

LIMINAL: OUT OF THE DRILL HALL until 6 NOVEMBER – FREE EXHIBITION

Liminal, a new exhibition showcasing artwork created by young people who are treated at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, is open for one week in Edinburgh.

Running until Thursday 6 November, the exhibition has been developed through a collaboration between the Mental Health Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), and artist Louise Fraser, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Liminal explores the emotional and physical “in-between” spaces that young people often navigate between childhood and adulthood, wellness and illness, comfort and unease.

The exhibition features imaginative and deeply personal work created by young people who have spent time in hospital settings. They participated in a series of workshops to create their artwork and co-produce the exhibition.

Through drawing, painting, and mixed media, they reflect on identity, transition, and the complexity of growing up while managing health challenges.

Poppy Porteous, age 13 from Linlithgow, is one of the young artists whose work is on display. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 7 years old and has been attending medical appointments at the hospital since.

Poppy said: “Living with a long-term health condition can be scary and frustrating sometimes, so doing art like this really helped me feel better. I got involved in the Liminal project after taking part in a teddy photography activity through the hospital and ECHC.

“I loved being part of Liminal. It was so much fun and everyone was really kind. My artwork shows the creative and messy side of me, especially the wooden block paintings. It felt great to be allowed to try everything and I love seeing my artwork on display”.

Ilayda Balkan, age 15 from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with Polyarthritic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)in April 2024. Her rheumatology nurse at the hospital introduced her to the arts project.

Ilayda said: “My nurse told me about the Liminal project before she retired, it felt like a gift she left me. Taking part was a lovely experience. I met kind, creative people and felt a real sense of empathy, even though we didn’t know each other’s stories.

“The project gave me space to express myself freely, and my artwork reflects that – especially my sunset paintings, which remind me of my family’s home in Turkey. Living with a long-term health condition can be really tough, but projects like this show that your illness doesn’t define you. It’s your kindness and strength that truly shine.”

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, led by the Mental Health Foundation, is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural festivals, and the biggest festival of its kind in the world. It celebrates and encourages using the arts to explore mental health, challenge stigma, and promote wellbeing.

MHF_SMHAF25_Brochure_A5 Download

Gill Means, Project Manager at Mental Health Foundation said: “Liminal has been a powerful and moving project to be part of.

“The young people involved have shared their experiences with honesty, creativity and courage, and their artwork speaks volumes about what it means to live with a long-term health condition.

“This exhibition is a celebration of their voices, their imagination, and the strength they’ve shown in expressing themselves through art.”

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) works to transform the hospital experience for children and young people by supporting their health and wellbeing through creativity, play and connection.

Creative projects offer a vital outlet for imagination and emotional resilience and help make hospital a place where children can still be children.

ECHC works in partnership with NHS Lothian to help seriously ill children and their families have a positive hospital experience.

Tonya McMullan, Arts Officer at ECHC, said: “We see firsthand, every day, how creativity gives children in hospital a way to express themselves, have fun and just be children again.

“Art can help them cope with tough days and give them some choice and control at a time when they have very little. “We’re so inspired by all the young people who took part in Liminal. Their artwork is powerful, moving and so inspiring.”

Liminal is on display at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh EH6 8RG until Thursday 6 November 2025. The gallery is open daily, 10am–5pm

For more information, visit www.mhfestival.com

QMU graduate to champion new talent at Gateway Writing Festival

Queen Margaret University graduate James Wood is set to champion a new wave of Scottish theatre talent as he leads the fourth annual Gateway Writing Festival across 3 – 5 November 2025.

Founded by James in 2022, the Gateway Writing Festival celebrates bold new writing and supports early-career artists in developing their work for the stage. This year’s event will feature nine brand new plays and engage around 70 emerging creatives, offering a vital platform for collaboration and creativity within Scotland’s theatre community.

James developed the idea for the festival while studying at QMU, where he credits the University’s supportive and collaborative environment for giving him the confidence and skills to bring the project to life.

He also received funding through QMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Fund, the Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Creatives Fund -support that enabled him to establish and grow the festival and his theatre company beyond graduation.

James said: “Without this generosity, the Gateway Writing Festival, a project I started at QMU, or any of my companies’ commissioned shows would not have had a chance to flourish.”

The festival will run from 3–5 November 2025 at Capital Theatres’ Studio Theatre, offering audiences a chance to experience a dynamic programme of new writing and connect with the next generation of Scottish theatre talent.

Book tickets: The Gateway Writing Festival – Capital Theatres