Day: November 5, 2025

Safer Scotland: Fireworks Fear

From 3pm this afternoon, Police Scotland will be implementing Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 powers in certain areas of the city to address any disorder that may arise.

This allows officers to stop and search people and vehicles where this is appropriate and necessary.

Section 60 also allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.

The powers will be in place within the Niddrie, Muirhouse, Pilton, Moredun, Gracemount, Saughton, Sighthill and Longstone areas of the city.

It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Edinburgh have enjoyed the celebrations of the last week in the proper spirit and I sincerely thank the public for their support of our policing operation to keep people safe during the Halloween and Bonfire Night periods.

“Attacks on police officers, emergency service colleagues, and other vital services will not be tolerated.

“These offences have a significant detrimental impact on our communities and so we will be utilising the Section 60 powers where appropriate to ensure this evening is safe and enjoyable for everyone looking to celebrate.”

Remember the impact fireworks can have on those around you, including pets and animals who can suffer stress and anxiety from the loud and sudden noises.

For more fireworks safety advice, take a look: https://bit.ly/FireworkSafety2025

Council Leader Jane Meagher has repeated her appeal for residents to stay safe tonight by attending organised displays and following simple safety advice.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve enjoyed a fantastic few days of celebrations across the city, with residents of all ages getting into the Halloween spirit on Friday night and some well-attended community firework displays over the weekend. On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending local Diwali celebrations, and it was wonderful to see our communities coming together to enjoy the festivities.

“As we look ahead to Bonfire Night tonight, preparations are well underway for another evening of celebration, with further community displays are other activities planned across the city. While this is, of course, a highlight for many, it’s also a time when serious injuries and accidents can occur if fireworks and bonfires aren’t handled safely.

“This is why we’ve been working so closely with our partners and community groups to put measures in place, such as Firework Control Zones, to help make Bonfire Night safe and memorable for all the right reasons.

“We’ve also been engaging with young people over many months to promote firework safety, checking and clearing fly-tipping hotspots to reduce fire risks and co-ordinating CCTV coverage to support community safety.

“I’d encourage you once again to attend one the many organised displays taking place across the city tonight – they’re not only the best way to enjoy fireworks, they’re also the safest. And please look after yourself and your loved ones by following the simple safety advice.

“I want us all to remember Bonfire Night for the right reasons this year.”

A full list of community events is published on the Council website. Safety information and guidance is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

You can also play your part by storing bins securely and reporting any large items that could be used for bonfires by emailing waste@edinburgh.gov.uk.

If you spot unauthorised bonfires or firework displays, you can report these to the Council by calling 0131 200 2000, Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

#FireworkSafety

Free digital support sessions at Central Library!

Tuesday 18th & 25th November, 2:30 – 4:30pm

Get help with email, internet, apps, staying safe online & more from @LloydsBank volunteers

Book: getonline@edinburgh.gov.uk / 07716 702180

Drop-ins also welcome on the day

#digitalinclusion

New study shows long-term effectiveness of HPV vaccine

An encouraging new study by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, confirms the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides strong and sustained protection against cervical disease that can develop into cancer.

Data from the study, published in International Journal of Cancer today, show that the HPV vaccine provides protection when administered to girls aged 18 years or less, with the greatest benefits seen in girls vaccinated at age 12-13.

Previous studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. This study using population health data, shows that the vaccine continues to be effective more than 12 years after it was given, in women who came forward for cervical screening.  

The research also shows women from Scotland’s most deprived areas benefited the most from vaccination, helping to reduce health inequalities.

HPV is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth-most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Scotland’s routine cervical cancer screening programme and the HPV immunisation programme, introduced in 2008, work together to both reduce the prevalence of HPV and the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer among women. 

The HPV vaccine is offered as a routine immunisation through schools to all S1 pupils in Scotland. It also helps to protect both boys and girls from genital warts and other HPV-related cancers that can develop later in life, such as some head and neck cancers, and other anogenital cancers.  

Dr Kirsty Roy, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland said: “This study showcases both the effectiveness and impact of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical disease, especially as the strong community protection demonstrated by the data may also be contributing to reductions in cervical disease among women in more deprived areas where vaccine uptake is lower.

“Vaccination against HPV is effective in preventing cervical cancer and, along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.

“I would encourage all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine when it’s offered to protect themselves against future risks. PHS is working closely with Scottish Government and local health boards to ensure the continued uptake of the key cervical cancer prevention measures – the HPV vaccine and routine cervical screening.” 

Dr Tim Palmer, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Clinical Lead for Cervical Screening (rtd), said: “This study shows conclusively that the HPV vaccine prevents the changes that can develop into cancer.

“It also emphasises the need for continued high uptake of the vaccine in schools as vaccination at older ages is much less effective. Screening is still important to prevent disease caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine.”

Read the full study: Sustained impact of bivalent HPV immunisation on CIN incidence over two rounds of cervical screening 

More information about the HPV vaccine, and when and where to get it is available on NHS Inform  

More information on Cervical Screening can be found on Cervical screening (smear test) in Scotland | NHS inform 

SFRS teams up with children’s burns specialist to deliver stark firework safety warning

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has joined forces with children’s burns specialists to drive home the importance of staying safe around fireworks.

During just a four week period last year, 46 people attended hospital for treatment after being injured by fireworks.

According to the statistics compiled by the Care of Burns in Scotland partnership, nearly half of those treated required plastic surgery or specialist health care. 

SFRS staff have been visiting schools and community groups across Scotland to lay bare the dangers of misusing fireworks.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is the SFRS Head of Prevention. He said: “Every year we witness people who have been injured by fireworks. Fireworks are explosives and people need to understand how dangerous they can be. 

“We would always urge people to attend an organised public display where possible, but where they can’t, they should always read the Fireworks Code before buying or using fireworks.

“A little knowledge can go a long way to keeping people safe.”

Sharon Ramsay, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Paediatric Burns at the Scottish National Burns Centre, based at the Royal Hospital for Children, has seen the devastating impact of fireworks firsthand.

She said: “Every year around Bonfire Night, we treat children with serious injuries caused by fireworks and sparklers. These can be life-changing, especially in older children who’ve lit fireworks while holding them.

“We’ve seen blast injuries to hands, faces, and eyes, some resulting in permanent disability.

“If you’re using fireworks at home, please keep children indoors and behind closed windows where they can safely enjoy the display.

“It’s not just the 5th of November that’s risky. We often see more injuries in the two weeks following Bonfire Night, when young people get hold of leftover fireworks and use them unsupervised with friends.

“If you’re storing fireworks for another occasion, like New Year’s Eve, please keep them locked away and out of reach of children.”

You can find all key safety information, including the Fireworks Code, on the SFRS website. You’ll also find a full list of organised public displays.

Charity celebrates double win at ScottishPower Foundation Awards

Music as medicine: Playlist for Life celebrates double win at ScottishPower Foundation Awards

Transforming dementia care with music, the Glasgow-based charity claimed the top prize in the Community Engagement category and was runner-up for the Innovation Award, securing £15,000 of additional funding

Glasgow-based dementia charity, Playlist for Life hit all the right notes at the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2025, winning the Community Engagement Award and taking the runner-up spot in the Innovation Award, a double honour securing £15,000 to expand its life-changing work.

Founded in 2013, by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson, on the belief that personally meaningful music can be a lifeline for people living with dementia, Playlist for Life has supported people across the country living with dementia to connect with family, friends and carers.

Through a network of 2,500 Help Point partners, Playlist for Life has supported more than 60,000 families, with remarkable results, including an 80% reduction in medication for some patients in Fife following the introduction of personalised playlists. Its gold-standard engagement brings together communities, professionals and public figures to show that music is both joyful and lifesaving.

In 2024 alone, Playlist for Life spread its positive message far and wide with campaigns including National Playlist Day which reached over 5 million people across the UK.

The project encouraged people to share their personal playlists as something that can bring joy today but can also be a potential lifeline for the future.

Backed by football legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who shared his own playlist, the campaign launched with a celebration at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, where Scottish band The Bluebells performed their iconic hit ‘Young at Heart’ alongside a local dementia choir in a moment that perfectly captured the charity’s mission.

The charity also came runner-up in the ScottishPower Foundation Innovation Award, recognising its pioneering work embedding personalised music into NHS, health and social care practice which is an approach now signposted in the Scottish Government’s National Dementia Strategy.

The combined £15,000 prize money for the recognition across the two categories will be invested in Playlist for Life’s Melody Across Miles programme, reaching families from underserved and under-represented communities, and will also support the development of their innovative online playlist maker to make it easier for people to create their own personalised soundtracks.

Michael Timmons, Executive Director at Playlist for Life, said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the ScottishPower Foundation for our work supporting communities across Scotland and the UK with free resources, advice and support.

“This award is shared with everyone living with dementia, their families, carers and all who’ve helped Playlist for Life bring the soundtrack back into people’s lives.

“The additional funding will help us reach even more people nationwide. Our heartfelt thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation for championing the power of playlists.” 

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “At the ScottishPower Foundation, we believe in the power of people to change lives – and this year’s Award winners have done just that. Their passion, resilience and creativity are nothing short of inspiring.  

“Every winner is a true champion, tackling vital challenges. We’re incredibly proud to support these changemakers who are lighting up communities, breaking down barriers and building a brighter future for all. It’s a privilege to stand beside them and help their impact grow.”

Further details on the winners and runners-up are available on the ScottishPower Foundation website: scottishpowerfoundation.com.  

The ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2025 winners are:

Charity Champion

Community Engagement Award

Education Award

Innovation Award

Increase in access to GP care

New data shows 2.4 million rise in patient-GP surgery contact

Health Secretary Neil Gray underlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to shift the balance of care to community settings, as new data shows an increase in the number of times people have accessed care at their GP surgery.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland yesterday show patients in Scotland had 33.98 million direct encounters with staff in General Practice between October 2024 and September 2025 – an increase of 2.4 million on the same 12-month period in 2023-24.

GP numbers have increased in Scotland and to make it easier for people to access GP services and support recruitment, the Scottish Government is investing an additional £531 million of newly agreed funding in General Practice over the next three years, subject to Parliament agreeing future budgets.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are determined to improve access to primary care, and I welcome these figures which show more people are accessing care at their GP surgery.  I am grateful to our hard-working GPs and all practice staff for the care they provide.

“And while GP numbers have risen in Scotland over the last year, we have put a plan in place to go further. 

“We have confirmed that we will invest £531 million over the next three years to significantly boost recruitment and help deliver the capacity needed to improve services for patients.  This is the largest-ever investment in core GP services in Scotland.

“This will be supported by our commitment to open 15 new GP walk-in centres providing care from 12pm-8pm seven days per week, making it easier for people to get the care they need in a way that works for them.”

£200,000 funding boost for Libraries to power innovative community projects

Twelve public libraries across Scotland are set to transform their services thanks to a £200,000 injection from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). The funding will support a range of pioneering projects, from gaming and e-sports hubs to AI workshops and sustainability initiatives, designed to create lasting impact for their local communities.

Administered by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the annual PLIF helps libraries deliver cutting-edge services that inspire engagement, promote digital upskilling and foster inclusivity across the country.

This year’s successful projects showcase the evolving role of libraries as hubs for trusted information, civic participation and innovative learning and upskilling experiences.

Priority was given to initiatives that address pressing societal challenges including combating mis/dis information, promoting democratic participation, tackling child poverty through educational support, enhancing family wellbeing, and fostering economic growth through community co-production.

Highlights include a gaming and e-sports hub for young people in Elgin, a digital inclusion initiative in North Ayrshire tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online, community-led initiatives in Inverclyde promoting democratic engagement, and workshops on AI, media and digital wellbeing in South Lanarkshire.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government deeply values the role libraries play in our society, local communities, and neighbourhoods. Across the country, libraries continue to deliver a wide range of support and resources, standing proudly at the heart of our communities as trusted and vibrant hubs.

“Through our support, twelve projects have been successful in receiving funding from SLIC’s Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), for 2025-26. The fund will yet again support pioneering and innovative projects across library services. I am keen that we make the best use possible of all avenues and platforms to ensure that libraries can continue delivering the multitude of services they offer.”

The projects awarded 2025/26 PLIF funding are:

  • ‘ReadMore 2026’, an Aberdeen City Library scheme to deliver library services to schools
  • ‘How Fiction Becomes Fact’, helping communities in Aberdeenshire tackle misinformation and the growing influence of AI-generated content
  • ‘Empowering Teens through the World of Graphic Novels’, an initiative aimed at increasing the engagement of 13–18-year-olds with library services in Campbeltown
  • ‘Greenwave’, supporting citizen science projects in Dundee
  • ‘East Lothian Reads’, taking on child poverty and supporting attainment in East Lothian
  • ‘Cultivating Climate Champions’, a Highland project to expand its green libraries programme to include Ullapool, Gairloch, Fort William, Thurso and Fortrose
  • ‘Libraries Give Us Power’, promoting active citizenship in the Inverclyde area
  • ‘Game Explorers’, creating a gaming and e-sports hub in Elgin Library
  • ‘Savvy about Scams’, a North Ayrshire initiative tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online
  • ‘Learning and Discover Zone Development’, creating a dedicated zone for children aged 0-12 in Peebles Library
  • ‘DigiAye’, providing workshops on topics such as AI and digital wellbeing across South Lanarkshire
  • ‘Secret History Squad’, encouraging children’s library membership in Stirling

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, added: “Public libraries play a vital and multifaceted role as one of the last truly open-access community spaces.

“They offer access to essential services and resources and serve as vibrant spaces for creativity and self-expression. Continued investment is crucial to sustaining and evolving these services to meet the community needs, and the PLIF remains a key mechanism for strengthening our network.

“Our strategy for Scotland’s public libraries is built on three pillars: people, place and partnership, and this year’s twelve winning projects exemplify that vision, reimagining libraries not just as centres of literacy, but as catalysts for civic engagement, skill development and the sources of trusted information for people of all ages.”

The PLIF is part of a £450,000 annual programme administered by SLIC on behalf of the Scottish Government, supporting creative, sustainable, and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

For more information, visit: scottishlibraries.org/the-public-library-improvement-fund-overview/

Over 400 years since the Gunpowder Plot, James VI and I lives on

Conservators from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been carrying out painstaking conservation work of a portrait of James VI of Scotland, the only monarch to be born at Edinburgh Castle.

The painting of James VI, which is on loan from a private collection, normally hangs in the Mary Room at Edinburgh Castle. However, at the end of last year the painting was brought to HES’s conservation studio to undertake a full assessment and essential conservation treatment.

James VI and I, who ruled Scotland from 1567 as James VI and England and Ireland from 1603 as James I, is the only monarch to have been born at Edinburgh Castle. The only son of Mary, Queen of Scots, he is the longest-reigning monarch in Scotland’s history.

He was also the target of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the attempted regicide plot to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The thwarted conspiracy is commemorated by Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) on 5 November each year.

Over the many centuries of the portrait’s life, it naturally accumulates surface dirt and changes in the protective varnish coatings. The painting underwent conservation work to stabilise the paint layer.

The old, discoloured varnish was carefully removed and replaced with a new protective varnish. King James VI and I’s silvery blue sash and his gold regalia, which had dulled in the centuries since they were first painted, now shine once more.

During the consolidation and conservation work, various strands of investigation also became apparent for Ailsa Murray, Senior Paintings Conservator. Several areas of the painting were retouched during previous conservation treatment, visible as dark purple areas under U.V. light.

Through scientific analysis of the fill material, it was found that there had been at least two campaigns of conservation previously. The original painting had at some point been lined with a second canvas, and the original stretcher, the wooden structure that holds the canvas in place, had also been replaced.

The other strand of investigation explored the identity of the portrait’s painter. The inscription on the bottom right reads ‘Painted by Jameson’ superimposed by a second inscription ‘School of Vandyck’. It is possible that this relates to the 17th century Scottish portrait painter George Jamesone (b. 1587 – d. 1644), though it may have been added later.

The original portrait by Van Dyck of James VI and I forms part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. The portrait was posthumously painted for Charles I and dates from 1632. If the portrait at Edinburgh Castle was indeed painted by Jamesone, this narrows the window from 1632 to 1644, when Jamesone passed away.

Restoration and inspection of portrait of James VI from the Edinburgh Castle collection. Painting on loan. Pictured – Ailsa Murray.

Ailsa Murray, Senior Painting Conservator at HES, said: “This painting has a lot of history to tell, and some of it may yet be uncovered. We hope that through this conservation treatment, the painting will be able to see another 400 years and continue to be enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to work so closely with such historically important works and to be just a small part of helping to preserve such collections for future generations.”

Deck the Halls hosts giant festive gift hunt at Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes visitors get the chance to win tickets and vouchers for upcoming Christmas shopping fair

Deck the Halls, a brand new Christmas gift fair coming to the SEC from 28-30 November, is teaming up with partner, National Trust for Scotland to host a giant festive gift hunt at Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh will host the gift hunt from Friday 7 – Sunday 9 November, giving visitors the chance to seek out hidden golden envelopes containing tickets to Deck the Halls and up to £150 worth of vouchers to spend at the upcoming event. 

Coming to Glasgow for the first time in partnership with National Trust for Scotland, Deck the Halls promises to be an upmarket Christmas shopping experience like no other. Featuring up to 125 handpicked exhibitors, ranging from unique gifts to food and drink and interactive festive workshops, Deck the Halls will help visitors tick off their Christmas list and get into the festive spirit in luxury and style. 

Gift hunt winners will get the chance to browse artisan food and drink brands like BeeHype Honey and Craobh Gin; explore handcrafted gifts from Lin-Pin Crafts, Marc Peters Glass and Edinburgh Illustrations; shop unique accessories from Maccessori, Lindsay McDowall and Gist Jewellery; as well as discover thoughtful gifts for everyone from the likes of Birlinn Publishing and National Trust for Scotland.

Speaking about the gift hunt, event organiser Springboard Events’ Managing Director, Mark Saunders said: “We wanted the lead up to Deck the Halls to feel every bit as magical as the event itself.

“Our gift hunt with National Trust for Scotland gives visitors the chance to soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy some festive fun in the properties’ picturesque surroundings before stepping into Scotland’s newest festive shopping experience. It’s a taste of what’s to come as we get ready for our Glasgow debut later this month.”

National Trust for Scotland Director of Commercial Enterprises, Caroline Reid said: “We’re excited to be part of the celebrations leading up to Deck the Halls. Newhailes House & Gardens will provide the perfect setting for a festive adventure, and the gift hunt is a fantastic way for visitors to celebrate Scotland’s heritage and Christmas spirit while enjoying some of our most loved properties.”

Visitors to Newhailes House & Gardens this weekend will be invited to participate in the Deck the Halls gift hunt and find the limited number of hidden golden envelopes at each property containing tickets and vouchers for the event*.

Tickets for Deck the Halls are available to book now and save £2. General admission is £16 but with advanced booking, tickets can be purchased now for just £14 (children under 15 go free).

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.deckthehallsshow.com. 

Facebook: /deck-the-halls-show

Instagram: @deckthehallsshow

*T&Cs apply.