Edinburgh Leisure’s much-loved Festive Gymnastics Display is back for another year, bringing together over 800 gymnasts from across the city and beyond to perform in front of an expected audience of more than 2,000 spectators at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
Now in its 19th year, the event will feature 46 teams from six Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics venues, including a special performance from some of the coaching staff. Joining them are guest clubs from across the Lothians and Fife, showcasing a dazzling array of talent and teamwork.
Dorothy McQueen, Gymnastics Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This event is a celebration of progress, participation and pure enjoyment.
“It’s a chance for our gymnasts to show their families and friends what they’ve been working on all year, and for guest clubs to experience the energy and community spirit of Edinburgh Leisure. The atmosphere is always electric, and it’s a wonderful way to round off the coaching year.”
The day is split into two sessions:
Morning session: 09:00 – 12:15
Afternoon session: 13:00 – 16:15
Tickets are priced at £5.80 per person, with under-5s free (no seat provided).
Tickets are on sale now via TicketSource, with participating gymnasts guaranteed one pre-sale ticket. Each customer can purchase up to six tickets.
Edinburgh Leisure is also welcoming volunteers to help the day run smoothly.
From assisting with registration to guiding guests, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in a community event. No gymnastics experience is required.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Dorothy McQueen at:
Edinburgh Leisure’s gymnastics programme caters to all ages and abilities, from toddlers in Baby Nippers to advanced gymnasts in disciplines such as trampolining, acro and display gymnastics.
Nearly three in five parents expect children’s physical activity to drop this winter
Over half of children aren’t getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, with levels set to drop this autumn and winter – and around 8 in 10 parents underestimating how much movement kids need.
The campaign is backed by Alex and Olivia Bowen, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle and Joe Wicks, who has shared top tips for parents getting active with children, as research uncovers impact parents have on their children’s activity levels.
Almost three in five (57%) parents say their children’s physical activity levels are likely to suffer a seasonal dip during autumn and winter, with cold or wet weather (60%) and darker evenings (41%) highlighted as the key barriers in new research findings.
To tackle inactivity and help families keep children moving all year-round, the Government has launched ‘Let’s Move!’, a new campaign supported by Sport England that aims to help parents discover simple, fun, and pressure-free ways to build movement into daily life – which can start with just 10 minutes of activity.
NHS guidance recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day – including 30 minutes outside of school hours. Yet the new survey reveals that 81% of parents underestimate how much physical activity children need. Already, more than half ofchildren in England aren’t getting the recommended amount of movement and, worryingly, the research shows this will increase during the colder months.
Supported by Joe Wicks, the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign makes staying active easy and affordable, offering ideas from kitchen discos to local activities and playground fun. It encourages families to move together – 80% of parents believe their habits influence their child’s activity levels – and highlights how everyday routines can support healthy, active lifestyles.
Regular movement boosts mood, focus, and family connections, with 78% of parents agreeing that their child is happier after being active, has more energy (71%) and has better concentration (68%).
The campaign is part of the Government’s wider effort to break down barriers to physical activity for people all over the country. Already, more than £900 million has been committed to build grassroots facilities in the places that need them most and deliver a pipeline of major sports events that inspire the nation. Alongside this, the new School Sport Partnerships and
Enrichment Framework will ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. Sport England evidence shows that improved health from participation in sport and physical activity relieves pressure on the NHS through £10.5 billiona year in health and social care savings.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Building a more active nation is a huge part of this Government’s Plan for Change and we want to show families all over the country just how many ways there are to get involved.
“Whether it’s dancing, playing team sport or playing in the playground with their friends, we know that children who get at least an hour of exercise a day experience so many benefits – they’re happier, healthier and focus better at school.
“I am determined that every child, whatever their circumstances, should have those opportunities.”
While just over half (52%) of parents say their children really enjoy traditional forms of sport, others face barriers such as low confidence (31%) or a dislike of competitiveness (30%). However, 94% of parents say their children enjoy physical play as a form of movement – with top activities including visiting the playground (56%), riding a bike (46%), dancing (44%) and playing tag or chase (43%).
‘Let’s Move!’ aims to support different ways for children to enjoy being active – from sport to play and everyday movement. The campaign features real families from local areas having fun getting active together in ways which suit them, such as dancing or playing in the playground. Their images are featured in out-of-home and social channels in the local areas to inspire others to visit nhs.uk/LetsMove for tips, local activities and inspiration.
Parents and TV personalities Alex and Olivia Bowen launched the campaign in Essex alongside inspiring local families, demonstrating that movement really can be for everyone. Olympic champions Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock led activities at the event, including dance challenges to obstacle courses, as families shared how they’ve been inspired to get active this winter.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Every child deserves the chance to be active, healthy and happy – but right now, too many are missing out on the 60 minutes of daily exercise their bodies need.
“’Let’s Move!’ is about showing families that physical activity doesn’t have to mean expensive gym memberships or organised sports. A kitchen disco, a walk to the park, or ten minutes of silly dancing – it all counts, and it all makes a real difference to children’s health, happiness and development. This builds on the work we have already done with Joe Wicks and his Activate animated series, inspiring children to move more.
“This campaign is part of our Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future by helping families make movement a natural, joyful part of everyday life.”
Joe Wicks, who got the nation moving during ‘PE With Joe’, is backing the campaign following the success of his animated workout series Activate, which was supported by a cross-section of government departments including DCMS, DfE and DHSC.
The series aims to make fitness fun for kids with short five-minute animated workouts. He shares new top tips as part of the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to help families slot activity into their everyday life, including being a role model, exploring local activities and getting outside whatever the weather.
Joe Wicks said: “As a dad, I know how hard it can be to keep kids moving – especially in the winter when it’s getting cold and dark.
“The idea of 60 minutes of movement a day for kids can sound like a lot, especially for kids who don’t feel confident doing traditional sports – but it doesn’t have to be all at once. It can start with something simple – a quick dance in the kitchen, a run or a brisk walk to the park, or an episode or two of Activate!
“It all adds up and gives kids an amazing mood boost – the key is making it fun.
“Let’s Move is about helping families find those little moments together – whether it’s discovering something local, or just getting active at home. It’s not about perfection, it’s about showing kids that moving isn’t a chore, it’s play. And when it’s playful, they’re way more likely to want to do it again, and again.”
‘Let’s Move!’ is being piloted in targeted areas of Sandwell, Lancashire, Essex and Bradford where inactivity levels and inequalities are greater than other parts of the country. These areas all receive funding from Sport England via their place partnership programme, to ensure those in greatest need can be active. The campaign supports the Government’s Health Mission, which prioritises preventative health measures, including addressing physical inactivity.
Sport England data also shows significant inequalities remain in activity levels, with Black (42%) and Asian (43%) children and young people, and those from the least affluent families (45%), still less likely to play sport or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities and affluence groups.
Operation Moonbeam deployments have concluded and we’d like to thank the overwhelming majority of the public who have enjoyed the Halloween celebrations in the right spirit (no pun intended!)
A few incidents of minor antisocial behaviour involving fireworks were reported within Edinburgh, Midlothian and Glasgow, and inquiries into these are ongoing.
In total, four Dispersal Orders were issued in the South East of Edinburgh.
There have been no reports of any injuries to date.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “I’m really encouraged that we have not seen the same levels of disorder that we experienced last Halloween and thankful that we’ve not had any reported injuries to those emergency services, bus drivers, or members of the public.
“We will continue to have enhanced resources in place over the weekend and into next week ahead of Bonfire Night and I would again encourage our communities to enjoy the coming days responsibly and help us keep everyone safe.
“I’m grateful to the public for their overwhelming support of our policing operation and my thanks go to all officers, emergency service colleagues and other key partners who have played a vital role in protecting communities, or ensuring that vital services have been provided to those who needed them.”
Every year Granton Parish Church holds an Act of Remembrance for the community to remember people from the area who fell in the First and Second World Wars, who have served with our Armed Forces or been involved in conflicts around the world – past and present.
This year the Act of Remembrance will take place around the Granton War memorial in the grounds of Granton Parish Church in Boswall Parkway on November 9th, from 10:50 -11:10, followed by a Remembrance Service inside the church for those who wish to attend.
A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the attempted murder of a 48-year-old man in Edinburgh.
Patrick Moohan (pictured), also 48, was convicted of attempted murder after pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 30 October, 2025. He was sentenced the same day.
Moohan carried out the knife attack on the man on London Road in Leith on Monday, 14 April, 2025.
Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “This was an extremely vicious display of violence and the man suffered serious injuries.
“I hope this sentence sends a clear message that violence is completely unacceptable.
“Police Scotland are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and we will continue to work closely with our partners to do so.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) welcomed more than 600 young people across Scotland as they took part in Heritage Careers Week 2025.
The festival of career events returned for its second year to spotlight opportunities in the heritage sector.
HES, in partnership with organisations across the sector, celebrated Heritage Careers Week from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October.
The programme featured a mix of online and in-person events across the country, showcasing the wide variety of careers and employers in the sector – from conservation and archaeology to digital innovation and traditional crafts.
Highlights from the week included a careers fair at Edinburgh Castle, which welcomed over 100 attendees, and a hands-on skills taster day at The Engine Shed in Stirling, where 65 school pupils engaged directly with traditional craft experts.
Caerlaverock Castle also hosted a live skills demonstration, giving young people in Dumfries and Galloway the chance to see heritage skills in action.
As a hub of digital innovation and heritage science, HES’s dedicated building conservation centre The Engine Shed hosted the skills taster event with schools from across the Forth Valley.
In collaboration with more than 20 Scottish employers and Developing the Young Workforce, 65 young people had the opportunity to immerse themselves in interactive demonstrations including heritage science, thatching, blacksmithing, digital skills and stained glass.
Catherine Cartmell, Skills Investment Plan Manager at HES, said: “Heritage Careers Week helps people discover the diverse range of jobs available in Scotland’s heritage sector. These events give young people and adults a chance to get hands-on, meet the experts, and see how traditional skills continue to shape Scotland today.
“We’re facing a real shortage of these skills, but we hope this week’s activities will inspire the next generation to explore careers in the industry and keep these vital skills alive for years to come.
“History will soon be in the hands of the next generation.”
Heritage skills are essential in future-proofing Scotland’s historic sites and, in response to sector-wide skills shortages, events like The Engine Shed skills taster day aim to spark interest among young people and encourage them to consider a career in traditional skills.
Leona Hepburn, Principal Teacher for Positive Destinations and Transitions at Falkirk High School, said: “Events like these give the pupils hands-on experience so that they can have a go at different trades, bringing the subjects to life.
“It’s really important that events like these continue and we get more of them, because they build the picture for young people; it makes them see the jobs that are real and tangible, and not just the classroom environment.
“The young people are always buzzing afterwards! They come away and they’ve had a completely different experience to what they would in the classroom, in a safe and controlled environment. The whole event is just a lovely way to see young people grow and flourish.”
For information on how to get involved with Historic Environment Scotland’s upcoming training and skills opportunities, please visit:
For the first time, Jupiter Artland is open throughout the Winter season. Christmas at Jupiter brings together art, landscape and festive tradition across nine consecutive days from 6 – 14 December 2025, transforming the park into a Festive Village alive with light, sound and winter magic, alongside a programme of outstanding contemporary visual art.
A truly unique and creative alternative for all ages to enjoy all the festive favourite activities within Jupiter’s iconic landscape, Christmas at Jupiter offers an alternative to festive fanfare, where the traditions of Christmas are blended with contemporary and creative flair.
This year, Jupiter Artland will be transformed into a Festive Village that will be open daily alongside the annual programme of bespoke activities, including Santa’s Grotto, the ELF workshop in MAKE Studio, Christmas Film screenings and S’mores Village, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and gooey marshmallows around a fire pit.
Cafe Party will be open daily, and will offer a festive themed Afternoon Tea including Cava and a gift from the Festive Shop, available to pre-book.
In addition, at the weekend the experience will include the popular Christmas Fair – the new Glasshouse space and Lower Steadings will be the perfect place to discover thoughtful gifts, meet independent makers and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Across Jupiter Artland, you are invited to explore a range of experiences including a Live Nativity Scene, speciality wreath making, christmas tree cutting and choir singing on the terrace.
Nicky Wilson, Director, Jupiter Artland, said: “We are delighted to be open through Winter for the first time, and to also extend Christmas at Jupiter to a nine-day event across the Artland for visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere while discovering outstanding contemporary art.
“Join us to dine with friends at Cafe Party, bring your family to enjoy festive treats and creative activities or experience new artworks by Tai Shani, Georg Wilson and Florence Peake – there is something for everyone this season.” –
Meanwhile, organisers invite you to explore Jupiter Artland’s exhibitions programme through which three renowned artists draw upon the earth, folklore, mythology, love and both the human and nature around us.
The programme includes The Earth Exhales by Georg Wilson, marking her first UK institution presentation (above); Florence Peake’s newly commissioned To Love and to Cherish, a new floor painting in the Glasshouse developed from a performance in August 2025 and The Spell or The Dream by Tai Shani, a remarkable multi-faceted work inviting audiences to collectively dream of new horizons.
The Spell or The Dream (2025) was commissioned by and developed in residence at Somerset House Studios. The commission was made possible with Art Fund support.
Across the landscape, you will also discover many other well known works including by Tracey Emin, Anya Gallacio, Phyllida Barlow, Ian Hamilton Finlay and more.
The tenth annual #MedSafetyWeek brings together more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries to encourage people to report suspected side effects from medicines and device incidents
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to help keep medicines, medical devices, vaccines and blood products safe by reporting any side effects, device incidents and suspected fake medical products, as part of #MedSafetyWeek (3–9 November).
The global campaign is marking its tenth year, bringing together more than 130 regulators and health organisations across 117 countries with one shared message: everyone has a role to play in medicine safety.
Reporting matters more than ever
With more people using medicines and medical devices than ever before – from weight loss treatments to wearable monitors – safety reporting is a key part of protecting public health.
As medicines and medical devices play a bigger role in daily life, including to prevent illness rather than treat it, public reporting of safety concerns is more important than ever.
Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said: “Healthcare has changed significantly over the past decade, alongside advances in science and technology. Medicines and medical devices are part of everyday life for millions of people, and many are accessed in new ways, including online.
“If you experience a side effect, notice a device isn’t working properly, or suspect a fake medical product, please tell us via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Your report could protect others – and it only takes minutes.”
Real-world reports, real-world impact
Reports to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme – the UK’s system for flagging concerns about medicines and medical devices – help keep the public safe.
Reports also support our criminal investigations into fake or unlicensed medicines; or research such as the Yellow Card Biobank study in collaboration with Genomics England, exploring why people respond to medicines differently, helping pave the way for more personalised treatments.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Every Yellow Card report matters because it adds to our understanding of how medicines, medical devices and vaccines perform in the real world.
“Clinical trials involve thousands of people, but once a product is used by millions, patterns emerge that we couldn’t see before. Your report might be the one that helps us connect the dots and protect others. Importantly you don’t need to be certain about the cause – just tell us what you’ve experienced.”
We all have a role to play – how to report
Since its launch in 1963, the Yellow Card scheme has collected more than 1.3 million reports, with the public now its largest contributors.
To help build awareness from an early age, information about the Yellow Card scheme has now been introduced into England’s school curriculum, teaching children why reporting helps protect others.
Anyone – patients, carers, pharmacists, nurses, doctors – can report through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Please report:
Side effects – even if you’re unsure they’re linked to your medicine.
Medical device problems – such as faults or unexpected behaviour.
Suspected fake products – especially those bought online or via social media.
The MHRA’s FakeMeds campaign provides advice to people in the UK who are considering buying medication online, outlining how products can be accessed from safe and legitimate sources.
Throughout #MedSafetyWeek, the MHRA will share safety messages on social media to encourage people to tell them about medicine and medical device concerns.
Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry investigating the strategic and economic case for improved fixed transport links between Scotland’s islands.
Transport connectivity is a major challenge for Scotland’s islands, with many island communities currently being connected via ferry services. This lack of fixed-link connectivity can restrict economic development.
Fixed links to connect the islands, such as bridges or tunnels, are increasingly being considered as long-term solutions. For example, Shetland’s Island Council has approved a feasibility study into building tunnels into undersea tunnel connections.
Fixed link infrastructure like this has been a success in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago 200 miles further into the Atlantic than the Shetland Islands, which has been building undersea tunnels since the 1960s.
Scotland’s islands have been highlighted as a key region for economic growth, due to their clean energy, tourism and space sectors.
As momentum grows at a local level, the cross-party committee could examine the economic case for these fixed link projects and the UK Government’s potential strategic interest in supporting this infrastructure.
Submissions can be made via the committee’s website until 12 December 2025.
Connectivity is a crucial issue affecting communities across Scotland, particularly those in remote, rural and island areas, where infrastructure delivery is complex and costly.
Alongside this inquiry into physical connectivity, the committee will shortly be launching an inquiry into digital connectivity.
Patricia Ferguson, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said: “Current transport links between Scotland’s islands simply don’t seem to be up to scratch. Delayed and cancelled ferries cause disruption for entire communities, and undoubtedly also pose huge barriers to the development of island economies.
“Fixed link infrastructure projects like undersea tunnels could be transformational for Scotland’s island communities.
“Throughout this inquiry, we’ll be looking closely at the economic case for these fixed link projects, their value for money and, ultimately, whether there could be a strategic interest for the UK Government to support their development.”
Edinburgh city centre was awash with colour yesterday (Sunday 2nd November) as Edinburgh Diwali marked 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.
The annual celebration, which was launched in 2015 by the Lord Provost and Indian diaspora of Edinburgh, kick-started the city’s winter festivities with a vibrant parade and performance programme in central Edinburgh.
President of Edinburgh Diwali, Rajnish Singh said: “This year marked a special milestone for Edinburgh Diwali as we proudly celebrated 10 years with the theme that embodies our journey of bringing communities together through light, culture, and joy – Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity.
“From a humble beginning in 2015, the Festival of Light ( Diwali) has grown into one of Edinburgh’s most cherished community-led celebrations, thanks to the dedication of our committee members, the incredible talent of our performers, the unwavering support of our volunteers, and the enthusiasm of thousands of friends and audiences who have joined us over the years.”
The fun began at St Andrew Square, where the Lord Provost and Scottish Regiment Band lead a colourful procession of over 150 performers and community representatives through Edinburgh’s New Town.
The parade was enhanced with displays of traditional Indian dance and culture from Yatra Tamil, Uttarakhand, Malayali, and Telugu dance groups, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon Dance, and Edinburgh Banghra Crew.
The Glencorse Pipe Band kept the beat along the parade, while Edinburgh’s South American community joined in with performances from El Encanto and Mextli dance groups.
Following the parade, celebrations moved to West Princes Street Gardens, with a fun-filled afternoon of performance at the Ross Bandstad in the foothills of Edinburgh Castle, alongside a menu of Indian cultural activities and cuisine provided by Mr Basrai World Cuisine, Desh restaurant, treats and henna painting from Lidl.
Edinburgh’s leading classical Indian dance school, Nikkan Dance Academy told the story of Diwali through nine different forms of dance, while Alhalya demonstrated the intricate footwork and dynamic gestures and expressive gestures of Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance known for its dynamic rhythms. Edinburgh’s own Udaan and Bollyfeat performed some contemporary Bollywood fusion, celebrating modern Indian culture.
Closing the day’s performances, the UK’s premier Bollywood Rock Band, Shoonya gave an electrifying performance, before fireworks lit up the sky above Princes Street Gardens to bring the day’s celebrations to a close with a bang.
Remarking on the 10th anniversary of the event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Diwali is observed by over 1.5 billion people worldwide and we’re proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Scotland’s capital.
“Diwali is a family-friendly celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Free and open to all, it has become one of Edinburgh’s unmissable events in recent years and this year celebrates the 10th anniversary.
“With a colourful parade, live performances, and spectacular fireworks, it’s a joyful occasion that brings communities together and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the festival of lights.”
Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik said: “Diwali is a festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It reminds us of the enduring power of truth, compassion, and goodwill to illuminate our lives. The spirit of Diwali continues to inspire and bring together people across the world.
“I am delighted that Edinburgh Diwali 2025 once again brought these timeless values to life in the heart of this beautiful city. The vibrant performances, cultural showcases, and enthusiastic community participation reflect the deep bonds of friendship and mutual respect that exist between India and Scotland.
“I warmly congratulate the team of Edinburgh Diwali and the City of Edinburgh Council for their dedicated efforts in promoting cultural understanding and tradition through this remarkable celebration over the past ten years.”
Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh added:“Our sincere gratitude to our funding bodies and sponsors whose support has allowed us to keep the festival free and open to everyone.
“A special acknowledgement goes to City of Edinburgh Council & members of EPOG, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and the Consul General of India, who have supported us every year since our inception.
“On behalf of the entire Committee, I extend a big thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”
Edinburgh Diwali’s 10th anniversary celebration took place on Sunday 2 November. The event was open to all, encouraging people from across Edinburgh and the surrounding area to participate in this family-friendly festival of light.
