Day: November 6, 2025

Keeping Scotland digitally secure

Strengthening cyber resilience in Scotland

A new ‘cyber observatory’ to help protect Scotland’s public bodies from online threats will be set up as part of a package of measures to promote the country’s cyber-security.

A newly published refreshed Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland details actions and support to help people, businesses and organisations across Scotland, including local authorities, NHS boards and schools to recognise and prepare for inevitable cyber threats and ensure that Scotland stays ahead of the ever-growing cyber risk.

The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s Cyber Observatory will analyse and share early warnings on cyber threats across the public sector, helping to identify emerging risks so organisations can be more proactive in managing the online threat.

As part of the refresh, the Scottish Government will continue to support take-up of cyber security learning opportunities across schools, colleges and universities. We have also pledged £300,000 to the Upskilling Fund to strengthen the cyber security skills of the public sector workforce.

This Framework details a vision to protect Scotland’s digital infrastructure and security by embedding cyber resilience into the design of systems – safeguarding the critical public services that people across Scotland rely on every day.

Justice Secretary, Angela Constance said: “Digital technology is driving Scotland’s economic growth and shaping our future. That’s why cyber resilience and digital safety are more important than ever.

“We all rely on websites, apps, systems, and data in our daily lives – and while they bring great benefits, we must ensure they are safe and secure to use. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it is our shared responsibility to meet the challenges facing Scotland. The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s Cyber Observatory in particular will be vital in alerting organisations to potential threats.

“This strategic framework promotes essential collaboration across government and sectors. Those partnerships are vital to keep our people, businesses, and services safe – and for building a digitally secure and resilient Scotland.”

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS and Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership said: “A cyber resilient Scotland is built on partnership.

“This framework sets out not just what we need to protect, but how we work together across public, private and third sectors to do it. Our resilience depends on our shared commitment to act, learn and support one another”

The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland 2025 – 2030 – gov.scot

Hidden Heist: UK’s older people have already lost over £53 million to abuse

Hourglass Charity Warns of 2.6 Million Victim-Survivors with numbers set to increase, as National Summit Convenes

The UK’s older people are losing more money to abuse than was stolen in the largest ever cash heist, with projections showing over 1.5 million people could become victim-survivors annually by 2030, the charity Hourglass revealed today.

The Tonbridge Securitas depot robbery of 2006 – which saw armed criminals steal £53 million – has long stood as the UK’s most audacious cash theft. Yet new analysis from Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated exclusively to ending the abuse of older people, reveals that fraudsters and abusers have stolen that amount from older victims across the UK.

The sobering figures emerge as ministers, safeguarding experts and frontline practitioners prepare to convene virtually for the Safer Ageing Summit 2025 on 12th November, where they will confront what Hourglass describes as “the most under-recognised safeguarding crisis of our time.”

According to Hourglass projections, by 2030, almost 4 million older people across the UK could experience abuse annually – encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic exploitation and neglect. The charity warns that whilst these crimes rival organised heists in scale, they receive only a fraction of the attention, resources, or political priority.

“The reality is stark: abuse of older people is rising, but recognition, resourcing and political attention are still lagging behind,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass. “We can’t keep treating older people as an afterthought in safeguarding policy.

“By 2030, almost 4 million older people could be victim-survivors every single year. That should be a national wake-up call.”

Expert panels will tackle critical issues including: Economic abuse and urgent legal reforms to powers of attorney; the intersection of housing, health, and systemic ageism; the sexual abuse of older people – what experts call “one of the last taboos in safeguarding”.

The summit will feature powerful testimony from Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, founders of the Willie’s Law campaign through their own lived experience, who are championing urgent reforms to prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people through misused powers of attorney.

Hourglass is demanding immediate government action including: Stronger legal protections against economic abuse of older people; mandatory age-disaggregated data collection across all safeguarding services and a coordinated UK-wide strategy to end abuse in later life.

Richard Robinson added: “We hope our Summit will not only remind people of these sobering statistics but drive urgent action to put the abuse of older people at the top of the political agenda where it belongs.”

Top councillors in Scotland recognised at annual Cllr Awards

The top councillors from across Scotland have been recognised at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards which took place last night at Glasgow’s City Chambers.

These are the only national awards dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors in Scotland. No Edinburgh councillors received awards this year.

The 2025 winners are:

Read more about the winners here.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, dedicating their time and energy to what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar –  are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partner CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.

“These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across Scotland.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day.

“Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”

Young sports journalist champions Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Next Big Thing’ coaching campaign

Lorna Husband Journalism graduate who tried a new sport every week.

A young freelance sports journalist from Edinburgh is inspiring others to discover their passion for sport through Edinburgh Leisure’s new coaching campaign, Next Big Thing.

Lorna Husband, 25, has spent 2025 challenging herself to try a new sport every week, documenting her journey through a blog, website, and social media channels including Instagram and TikTok. Her mission? To show that sport is for everyone – and that trying something new could be life-changing.

As part of her adventure, Lorna has taken on everything from fly fishing and fencing to flamenco and velodrome cycling  – and was delighted to meet Sir Chris Hoy a few days later at an event in Dundee.

Among her most daring experiences was diving at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, where she tackled heights from 1m to the formidable 10m platform, and climbing at EICA: Ratho, Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, alongside her boyfriend who helps film her weekly challenges.

Screenshot

“As a water-baby, I thoroughly enjoyed my diving challenge,” said Lorna. “My coach Matthew was incredibly patient and encouraging. I hadn’t realised how much leg and core strength diving requires! While I didn’t reach Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix’s level in one lesson, I definitely gained a head for heights.

“Climbing at Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena at Ratho was another highlight – the sheer scale of the arena is breathtaking. It was both physically demanding and exhilarating, and having my boyfriend there to cheer me and compete against made it even more memorable.”

Lorna’s journey began as part of her post-graduate sports journalism course at Napier University, supported by her boyfriend who gifted her a GoPro and helps film her weekly adventures. She’s also launched a website – www.sport-port.co.uk – to help others find a sport they might enjoy or a club to join.

Now, she’s lending her voice to Edinburgh Leisure’s November campaign, Next Big Thing, which aims to encourage children and adults alike to explore new sports through coaching.

“Our campaign is all about sparking curiosity,” said Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure. “Sports coaching helps build confidence, communication skills, and keeps kids active. It’s about fun, skill-building, and learning vital life skills like swimming.”

With only 59% of school-aged children meeting recommended daily activity levels, Edinburgh Leisure is urging families to help their children find their next big passion through sport. Coaching options include swimming, gymnastics, climbing, and more – all delivered by expert instructors in a fun and friendly environment.

Why Join?

  • Fun and friendly coaching for all abilities
  • Expert instructors to guide every step
  • A great way to stay active, make friends, and build confidence
  • Flexible options across the city

Parents and guardians can explore available sessions and sign up at: 

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-activities

Let this autumn be the start of something big – because diving, climbing, swimming or tennis could be your Next Big Thing.

COSLA launch Local Government Promise Annual Report 2025

COSLA has launched the ‘Local Government Promise Annual Report 2025.’

2025 marks the halfway point in Scotland’s journey to Keep The Promise – a commitment made in response to the Independent Care Review to transform the lives of babies, children and young people experiencing care by 2030.

This milestone encourages reflection on the achievements over the last 5 years, as well as the barriers to change and what needs to happen next.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA’s Children and Young People spokesperson, commented: “2025 marks a key milestone in Scotland’s journey to Keep The Promise. As we reach the halfway point, this report offers a powerful reflection on both the achievements and the realities of delivering change.

“Local Government remains deeply committed to supporting babies, children, young people and families.

“Across Scotland, councils are delivering vital services shaped by strong relationships with local communities and a clear understanding of their needs.

“But pressures on the system, including workforce shortages, financial constraints, and complex policy demands, are real. Despite this, councils continue to lead with dedication and innovation.

“We stand firmly behind our local teams and the communities they serve. To truly keep the promise, ambition must be matched by investment, and policy must be realistic and coherent. Progress has been made, but we must go further and faster.“

Download The Promise – Annual Report 2025 PDF, 389.28 KB

Ali Bowden receives the Edinburgh Award 2025

The first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Ali Bowden was presented with the Edinburgh Award by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge on Tuesday (4 November).

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople.

Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Ali received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of her handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: It was a pleasure to present Ali Bowden with the Edinburgh Award in honour of her outstanding dedication to promoting and enhancing this city’s rich literary heritage.

“Ali’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and she deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.

“Ali has done much to promote Edinburgh to the world, celebrating the positive and inclusive impact literature has on this city. Her dedication and passion for literacy and education in our communities, and for our city as a whole, its people, its legacy and its future is an inspiration to us all.”

Ali Bowden said: “It is such an honour to receive the Edinburgh Award and I’m absolutely delighted.

“I’m thankful to the many, many wonderful and gifted people I’ve worked with across the years, the volunteers and professionals, in big institutions and small community groups, across the city and internationally.

“Together we helped shape what it means to be the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and I feel lucky to have been part of that story. I’m proud to live in a city that loves its books, stories and learning, and knows that reading and writing can change lives.”

Whooping cough vaccine successful in reducing hospitalisations

Findings from a paper published in the medical journal, Eurosurveillance, show that fully vaccinated children aged 8 weeks to 17 years were 69% less likely to be hospitalised with whooping cough (pertussis).

The study, which looked at the impact of vaccination on whooping cough-related hospital admissions in children between January 2013 – July 2024, demonstrates the significant protective effect of this childhood vaccination. Being fully vaccinated for their age also reduced the risk of whooping cough-related hospital stays in babies aged 8 weeks to 1 year by 88%.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, and this latest evidence confirms that unimmunised infants are more likely to develop complications which can require hospital treatment.

The study also found lower vaccine uptake in deprived areas, highlighting the need to focus efforts on addressing the persistent health inequalities that leave some communities more vulnerable with others. 

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation Division, PHS said: “This important study clearly highlights the remarkable power of vaccinations to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like whooping cough.

“By ensuring children are fully vaccinated, we can dramatically reduce hospitalisations and complications, safeguarding their health and giving families peace of mind.

“Getting immunised during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby in the first few vulnerable weeks of their life. All pregnant women are eligible for the whooping cough vaccine from week 16 of their pregnancy. The ideal time to get it is between weeks 16 and 32. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended every time you’re pregnant, even if you’ve had the vaccine before.

“It is also extremely important that parents or carers ensure their babies get their whooping cough vaccine which is given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.”

Read the study in full

Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwife about getting the whooping cough vaccine; and you can find more about pregnancy and baby immunisations: www.nhsinform.scot/pregnancyandbabyvaccines

Parents are encouraged to contact their local NHS Immunisation team to arrange for their children to get vaccinated if they have missed any doses. Contact details can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations or by calling 0800 22 44 88.

If you have any concerns about symptoms of whooping cough, speak to your GP practice or phone 111.

Tomorrow: Children’s Creativity Festival at North Edinburgh Arts

EVENT ORGANISED by MISSION OF INNOCENTS

Mission of Innocents warmly invites you to the 2025 Children’s Creativity Festival.

Performed by the children of the Ukrainian community, experience vibrant dancing and heartfelt singing from the voices of the innocent. Remember to arrive early to explore a beautiful art exhibition showcasing their creativity and culture.

For more information about this event, please contact the organiser:

https://www.missionofinnocents.org/

Holyrood approves emergency prisoner release scheme

Release programme includes exclusions and governor vetoes

The Scottish Parliament has approved plans to release more short-term prisoners early due to rising prison numbers.

Following parliamentary approval of the regulations, this means:

  • Short-term prisoners serving sentences under four years and within 180 days of their scheduled release are eligible for emergency release
  • Anyone serving a sentence for sexual offences or domestic abuse, and registered sex offenders, is excluded from the release plan
  • Prison governors can veto an eligible person’s early release if there is evidence they would pose an immediate risk to specific individuals or groups.

Based on the approved criteria, approximately 440 prisoners could be released in the first three fortnightly tranches over November and December 2025.

Around 550 could be released over the remaining four monthly tranches from January to April 2026, with January likely to see the largest release.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “These emergency measures are necessary and proportionate to maintain prison security and good order, as well as the safety and welfare of prisoners and staff.

“Emergency release will reduce the prison population within days, with scheduled releases over six months maintaining this effect.

“These regulations include safeguards: statutory exclusions for sex offenders and those serving sentences for domestic abuse, plus additional exclusions for prisoners with unspent domestic abuse convictions or non-harassment orders.

“In addition, prison governors can veto releases that pose an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable individual or group.

“This is not a decision I take lightly, but action is necessary. The Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) Assessed Capacity Tolerance has been breached repeatedly, with many establishments at red risk status.

“The SPS risks failing to meet statutory duties and legal obligations.

“I absolutely recognise that the early release of prisoners can be a cause for concern for victims and I would encourage anyone wishing to do so to join the Victim Notification Scheme or contact the SPS direct.  

“We are committed to a sustainable prison population long-term, including opening new prisons in Inverness and Glasgow.

“We will consider recommendations from the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, due by end of 2025, to address Scotland’s disproportionately high prison population compared to other European countries while maintaining a safe, rehabilitative environment.”

First ever Letters Live cinema event comes to the big screen in Edinburgh 

A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.

In its first ever event at a cinema, Letters Live, the much-loved celebration of written correspondence, will be hosted at Vue West End on Thursday and streamed live to cinemas across the country, hosted by Letters Live ambassador and BAFTA-winning and Oscar®-nominated Benedict Cumberbatch and featuring a line-up of guest readers to be revealed live on the night.

This will be followed by a special preview screening of The Thing with Feathers, also starring Benedict Cumberbatch, more than two weeks ahead of its general release.

The new film by writer-director Dylan Southern, The Thing with Feathers had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and its UK Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival earlier this month.

Adapted from the award-winning debut novel by Max Porter, it stars Cumberbatch as a young father whose hold on reality crumbles following the death of his wife, and a strange presence begins to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of the apartment he shares with his two young sons.

Vue Lumière, the distribution arm of Vue, have partnered with Letters Live to bring this evening of readings, music and cinema to big screens across the country, allowing audiences nationwide to share the moment together.

The event will be available to watch at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Tickets are available at www.thethingwithfeathers.co.uk.

The event is presented by Letters Live, Sunny March and Vue Lumière, with support from Faber, London Review of Books and Uncommon Creative Studio.

A portion of proceeds will go to Letters Live charity of choice Choose Love.