Day: November 7, 2025

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK

Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging customers to come along to the Edinburgh store on Thursday 27 November to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Seven days of festive Black Friday offers gets underway at the Christmas Shopping Night event, from 5pm to 8pm. These offers include 20% off a selection of 7ft artificial trees, 20% off selected lighting, half-price LED tabletop games and 20% off advent calendars and selected Christmas food gifts. Customers will also receive a £5 off £25 voucher, and £10 off £50 vouchers to spend on the night when booking online at dobbies.com.

Tickets are priced at £1, £2.50 and £5 with a pay-what-you-can approach, with all proceeds donated to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK. Alzheimer’s Research UK volunteers will also be in attendance at the Edinburgh store with fundraising activities, including raffles and donation buckets.  

Customers at the Edinburgh store will receive a glass of prosecco or a soft drink on arrival, the opportunity to book in to visit Santa in his North Pole adventure themed Grotto and enjoy entertainment from local community groups who have been invited to perform in store.  

There will also be in-store demos and tastings from the foodhall and in-store Bakery to Go (where available) and Dobbies’ Edinburgh restaurant will be offering a light bite menu until 7.15pm, including soups, seasonal toasted sandwiches and a selection of festive sweet treats and cakes. 

As part of the event, local schools and nurseries who have been successful with Dobbies Community Christmas Tree campaign will be invited along to pick up their free real Christmas tree.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming customers for an evening of festive shopping. She said: “Christmas Shopping Night is a great opportunity for friends and family to come together and get a head start on the Christmas shopping at our Edinburgh store.

“We have some great offers and promotions to take advantage of, whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere and fundraising for a great cause. 

“Christmas Shopping Night is a staple in our seasonal events calendar and, this year, will raise funds for our National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.” 

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Dobbies is working together with Alzheimer’s Research UK to highlight the benefits of garden living for brain health and raise funds to find a cure for dementia, raising more than £40,000 for the charity since the partnership launched in March.

Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dobbies for raising vital funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK through its Christmas Shopping Night. 

“With almost one million people currently living with dementia in the UK, it is vital that we come together and end the heartbreak of this condition. Thank you, Dobbies, for standing with us for a cure.”  

Tickets are available at www.dobbies.com and in-store on the night. All proceeds from tickets and donations at the event will be donated to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Customers can explore Dobbies’ festive ranges and inspiration at www.dobbies.com

Corstorphine Community Centre: Self-Care Day

TUESDAY 18th NOVEMBER

Self Care is important for us all. On Tuesday 18th November CCC are hosting some magnificent workshops. The facilitators will provide you with top tips and take aways to make each day a little easier.

Don’t hang about, email bookings@ccchub.online to secure your session/s.

Support for Scotland’s pupils impacted by poverty

£43 million to tackle attainment gap

Pupils impacted by poverty will receive further support to succeed in their studies through a continued £43 million investment this year.

The Scottish Government funding will be distributed to local councils for strategic approaches to closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This will provide support to schools through the recruitment of additional teachers, support staff and family link workers, as well as enhanced professional learning for teachers and school leaders.

The funding is part of the £1.75 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge which has been running for the past decade and forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of background.

The funding announcement coincides with a newly-published report highlighting how the Scottish Government’s work to close the poverty-related attainment gap is having a positive impact on children and young people’s education and overall wellbeing.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the funding at the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) conference today.

Ms Gilruth said: “Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a vital part in our commitment to eradicate child poverty at Scotland. When more children are given a chance to succeed through education, the more we accelerate our progress in reaching this goal.

“The report published today demonstrates how our ongoing investment continues to deliver for Scotland’s schools – it demonstrates that pupils are going to school feeling confident and enjoying their studies. That has been achieved by empowering headteachers to deliver bespoke solutions that meet children and young people’s needs.

“The latest exam data also shows us that this is translating into results, with the deprivation gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level over the past year. It is important that we continue to build on this progress, and the funding announced today will do exactly that.”

The £43 million is being provided this year through the Strategic Equity Fund.

The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue venues in Edinburgh

As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn. 

Kicking off the season tonight (7 November) is the supernatural horror, Carrie. Based on King’s first book, it follows the titular character who, after being repeatedly bullied by her classmates, develops supernatural powers and seeks revenge. The chilling movie is brought to life with spine-tingling performances from the likes of Sissy Spacek, John Travolta and Piper Laurie 

The following week, two of King’s most acclaimed and emotional adaptations will return: The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption.  

The former sees Tom Hanks plays a kind and reflective prison officer, whose life is forever changed when a gentle giant, played by the late Michael Clarke Duncan, arrives on death row, while the latter showcases outstanding performances from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as they explore the resilience of the human spirit within the walls of prison life.   

Other well-known classics returning include John Carpenter’s thrilling tale of obsession in Christine, the heartfelt coming-of-age story Stand by Me, and the unforgettable adaptation of Misery – starring Kathy Bates in her Oscar-winning turn as an author’s self-proclaimed ‘number one fan’ (below). 

Rounding off the season, The Shining will return to the big screen for its 45th anniversary. Step back into the halls of the Overlook Hotel for a haunting descent into madness, isolation, and fear. With Jack Nicholson’s electrifying performance and Kubrick’s visionary direction, The Shining remains one of the most chilling films ever made. 

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “At Vue, we celebrate the very best in storytelling, and few names have defined modern cinema quite like Stephen King.

“His unforgettable stories have thrilled, moved, and terrified audiences for generations. As we revisit some of his most iconic adaptations, we’re proud to bring these legendary tales back to where they truly belong, back on the big screen at Vue” 

To find out more, visit myvue.com 

Back on the Big Screen at Vue  

Carrie – From 7 November 

The Shawshank Redemption – From 14 November 

The Green Mile – From 16 November 

Christine – From 22 November 

Stand by Me – From 29 November 

Misery – From 6 December 

The Shining – From 12 December  

Edinburgh charities stick to desks despite hybrid hype

New data highlights enduring value of in-person work

A MAJOR new survey has confirmed that physical workspace remains essential for Scotland’s third sector – with a vast majority of respondents citing daily reliance on dedicated offices and meeting space.

The study, conducted by Norton Park, found that 92% of organisations surveyed continue to depend on physical work environments, despite the broader move toward remote and hybrid working models.

The survey captured data from more than 100 representatives across the charitable and social enterprise landscape, offering new insight into how Edinburgh’s not-for-profit sector is evolving in a post-pandemic context.

Located beside Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh, Norton Park has provided high-quality, affordable office space for third sector organisations since 1998. It currently hosts 25 charities and non-profits in a fully modernised Grade B listed building.

Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “The data clearly demonstrates that demand for physical workspace remains high. Charities continue to view in-person working as vital – not only for internal collaboration and wellbeing, but for the effective delivery of their services.

“Our model allows us to meet that demand with ethical, affordable, and accessible space designed specifically for the third sector.”

The research revealed that 81% of respondents operate a hybrid model – however, a significant number still use their workspace four or five days per week.

The findings also reveal that organisational values strongly influence decision-making, with 89% stating that social justice commitments impact their choice of landlord or venue, and 80% expressing a preference for working with not-for-profit providers.

Keith added: “Charities are having to make every pound stretch further. Our ownership model lets us keep costs low, offer long-term stability, and reinvest directly into facilities – all of which supports the sustainability of our tenants.

“Affordability has always mattered – but right now, with rising costs and a funding crisis across the third sector, it’s absolutely critical. This research confirms that charities need spaces that don’t drain resources – and that’s exactly what Norton Park provides.”

Housed in a restored Grade B listed building that once served as a school and church, Norton Park provides a welcoming base for organisations, offering adaptable lease options, inclusive rental packages, and a collaborative community atmosphere.

The hub is home to a diverse range of leading organisations, among them well-known charities such as Cyrenians, Samaritans and Edinburgh Young Carers.

Keith added: “This research gives us confidence that the role of physical space in the third sector is not only secure but essential. Norton Park is proud to be part of that future. We provide a place where charities can do their best work, together.”

Amongst other priorities, the survey found that most organisations looked for accessibility and inclusivity as one of their top priorities, with neurodiverse-friendly features and wellbeing spaces.

Norton Park offers physical accessibility features and prides itself on social and financial inclusivity.

As Edinburgh’s pioneering office space dedicated solely to charities and social enterprises, Norton Park provides affordable accommodation tailored for registered charities, community organisations, and public sector bodies.

Foysol Choudhury: What next for Drylaw Shopping Centre?

Drylaw Shopping Centre has been a central part of the neighbourhood for decades: easy to reach, well-used, and home to a variety of shops. Yet despite its importance, it has been overlooked and under-invested in for years (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

Last year, a constituent raised concerns with me about the centre’s deteriorating condition during one of my surgeries. I took the issue to the Council, and some cleaning and repairs were carried out. These improvements were welcome, but on a recent visit it was clear that many problems persist. The issues are not superficial, they require a long-term, coordinated plan, not temporary fixes.

The ongoing neglect affects more than how the area looks; it shapes how people use the space. That is why I attended the recent public consultation on proposals for improvements.

Many residents took part and made clear that safety must come first. Before new benches, planting or decorative features are introduced, the basics need to be addressed. Central Walk, the main route through the centre, is poorly lit at night. When the lights go out, so does the sense of safety. Reliable lighting and regular maintenance must be prioritised.

Even since my last visit in September, the shrub beds have been tidied up by the Council; however, graffiti remains on the walls and other issues have not been addressed. 

Video Link:  https://we.tl/t-WJ4OEeZSbD

That’s why we must emphasise that real and lasting change will also require collaboration. Since the Council is responsible only for the surrounding area, not the Shopping Centre itself, local businesses have a key role in this renovation. We have already seen a positive example by Farmfoods, which recently invested in replacing its roof section, making a noticeable difference.

However, this level of care must be consistent. Businesses benefit from operating in a well-used, welcoming local space, and with that comes a responsibility to contribute to its upkeep.

Some retailers currently do little to maintain the area they trade in, while continuing to profit from the footfall the centre provides. A shared commitment between the Council and local retailers will be essential to revitalize Drylaw Shopping Centre.

Drylaw is a strong and proud community, and its Shopping Centre should reflect that. I will continue to press for sustained investment that prioritises safety, dignity and a welcoming environment, so that the centre can once again be a place where people feel comfortable spending time and coming together.

Foysol Choudhury has been suspended by the Labour Party over an allegation of inappropriate conduct and an investigation is ongoing. He currently sits as an Independent MSP at Holyrood.

Samaritans volunteer walking 6,000 miles to raise funds for suicide prevention arrives in Edinburgh

David Matthews is walking to save lives by taking on the challenge of a 6,000 mile walk around the UK and Ireland visiting Samaritans volunteers to raise vital funds for the suicide prevention charity.

David’s Listening Walk began on the 10th September, World Suicide Prevention Day, and has so far taken him from Knoydart to Skye, Stornoway, Orkney, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Dunfermline, and arriving in Edinburgh on the 28th October.

David will make his way down to the Borders, before walking through England, Wales, and Ireland and heading back up the west coast of Scotland to Knoydart.

It’s not the first time that David has endeavored on such a challenge, having completed his first Listening Walk in 2019.

The first walk took place either side of lockdown, and was completed in 2021, walking a total of 6,100 miles. In the 2025 Kings New Years Honours list, David was awarded an MBE for services to The Listening Walk and Samaritans.

This time around, David is hoping to raise £50k for Samaritans by completing the walk. Donations can be made by visiting his fundraising page here.

A dedicated Samaritans volunteer of 16 years, David is also taking volunteering shifts with branches he visits on his way. David said: “It’s a tough walk, that’s for sure. It’s also coming into the winter which of course brings the challenge of the weather.

“I’ve been a listening volunteer for 16 years, so I know the challenges that I’m experiencing on this walk are minimal compared to what the people who call us are going through.

“This walk is for them, it’s to raise money and awareness so that we can keep helping the people who need us, and be there for them when they need us most.”

With countless stories to tell, memories made, and the sheer determination of taking on such a big task to raise money for suicide prevention, David will be releasing a book documenting the highs and the lows, the stories, and the people who kept him going along the first ever Listening Walk, on 11th November 2025.

You can follow David on his route on X, Instagram, and Facebook by following the @ListeningWalker or through the Listening Walk website.

Volunteers all over Scotland spent 35,400 hours responding to calls for help in 2024, and continue to be there around the clock for anyone who needs a listening ear, helping them believe in tomorrow.

First Minister highlights importance of flu vaccination

The programme protects those most at risk from severe illness

The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh.

Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.

Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.   

The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.

First Minister John Swinney qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer. Attending the NHS Lothian centre at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal he said: “I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.

“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk and, with flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.

“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”

Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.

More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform:

www.nhsinform.scot/flu

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines this year, including RSV and COVID-19. Information on these vaccines is available at: 

Winter vaccines | NHS inform and RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform 

School children and pre-school children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine: 

Child flu vaccine | NHS inform

Celebrate the season with LifeCare: Stalls, Santa and Christmas lunches (with Lannan trifles!)

Are You Feeling Christmassy Yet?  Why not book your space to sell your crafts and wares, or bring your wee one to visit Santa at the LifeCare Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December, 11am–3pm! There’ll be lots of festive stalls, baking, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around. 

As one happy visitor said, “The best Santa we’ve ever been to!” 

Book online here https://events.humanitix.com/santas-grotto-at-lifecare 

And don’t forget — there are still a few spaces left for our renowned Christmas Lunches, featuring trifles from cult bakery Lannan. Only £18 per person, BYO, with a vegetarian option available. Dates still available: 10th, 18th & 19th December.

Book your stall, Santa visit, or lunch today! Call 0131 343 0940 or visit reception to secure your spot for stalls and lunches (use the link above to book in to see the man in the red suit). Payment is required at the time of booking.

LifeCare Christmas Marketing 2025 (4) (1)Download

Share the Christmas Cheer with LifeCare  — there’s something for everyone!

Expectant mothers invited to access charity’s new Smoking and Vaping During Pregnancy resources

ASH Scotland is encouraging expectant mothers in Edinburgh to access new free ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ resources developed by the health charity to increase awareness about the impact smoking and vaping has during pregnancy.

In Scotland, one in 12 women reported smoking at their first midwife appointment.

A new animated video and e-learning module produced by the charity aims to help expectant mothers to understand the links between cigarettes, e-cigarettes and pregnancy, know more about how tobacco and vaping affect the health and development of babies, and increase confidence to quit smoking.

Health damage associated with smoking is felt more intensely by pregnant women who are at higher risk of experiencing illness and complications. Evidence also shows that second-hand smoke poses serious health risks to infants, with exposure leading to an increased chance of developing asthma, respiratory infection and sudden infant death.

The World Health Organization states that foetal exposure to e-cigarette vapour can negatively impact development. Partners or family members who smoke or vape in the home should be encouraged to do so outside during pregnancy and after the birth.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Addiction is not a lifestyle choice – it is a public health concern and a social justice issue and expectant mothers in Edinburgh can give their baby the best start in life by quitting smoking.

“A mother quitting smoking prior to pregnancy reduces the potential of health risks affecting their baby to near non-smoker levels andASH Scotland wants to ensure that they are empowered to seek support to give up.

“We trust that our new ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ animated video and e-learning module will help inform expectant mothers across Edinburgh about the many benefits of giving up smoking.”

The new resources are available at ASH Scotland’s website here.