SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 12 – 3pm
Granton Youth are having their annual Christmas fair on Saturday 29th November 2025 (12 – 3pm) at Granton Salvation Army (36 Wardieburn Drive).
We are still looking for donations for all the stalls if anyone would like to donate x
POLICE in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City 2025 – the annual policing campaign to keep the public safe as they visit the city centre over the festive period.
There will be an enhanced presence of officers out on patrol to engage with people and offer reassurance and crime prevention advice, as well as to respond to any incidents that may arise.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said yesterday: “Anyone who’s ever visited Edinburgh over the festive period knows just how amazing the city is at this time of year.
“That’s why it’s important that our policing response is appropriate and proportionate to meet the demand of the additional visitors to the Capital, but to also reflect the very special atmosphere that is generated during Christmas and New Year.
“Local officers will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions during patrols throughout the city-centre and anyone requiring assistance is welcome to come and speak to them, whether it’s to report a crime, or request information.
“On behalf of everyone within Edinburgh Division, I wish you all a safe, secure, and Merry Christmas.”
Read more: https://orlo.uk/JKcqZ
MONDAY 17th NOVEMBER 10am – 1pm & 1.40 – 3.30pm
at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Community Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic
Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a crash in the Clermiston area.
Around 8.15pm last night (Friday, 14 November, 2025), we were called to a report of a crash on Clermiston Road involving a white Mercedes Vito van and a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle.
Emergency services attended and the rider of the motorcycle, a 28-year-old man, was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with what are described as serious injuries.
The road was closed to allow for investigations to be carried out and re-opened around 11.45pm.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our enquiries are ongoing, and I would ask anyone who has yet to speak to police to get in touch and review any dash-cam footage for anything that may assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3236 of 14 November, 2025.
Two people have been arrested and charged in connection with robberies and attempted robberies in Edinburgh city centre.
Between Wednesday, 12 November and Thursday, 13 November, 2025, three people were approached in the city centre and asked to hand over belongings.
A 53-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 14 November, in connection.
Detectives believe there was another attempted robbery on Nicolson Street 3.55am on Wednesday, 12 November, 2025, and this has not yet been reported. Officers are appealing for the couple, and the member of the public who intervened in this attempted robbery, to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0320 of 12 November 2025.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered by trade unions.
The latest round of the Scottish Government’s Union Learning Fund will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to the steel industry.
Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow, access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City Building.
A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.
Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.
“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest commitment builds on more than £30 million which we have provided to date.”
Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital assistance in upskilling Scotland’s workers.
“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning, helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting dynamics within the workplace.
The world of work is changing. Scotland’s workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges and broaden their horizons.
“The learning and development the trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.”
Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.
16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:
Become a Garden Guide at the Botanics!
For the first time in years, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead tours at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
If you love horticulture, enjoy meeting people from around the world, and have a passion for storytelling, we’d love to hear from you.
Our popular guided tours run twice a day from April to October. No formal experience is required and full training will be provided.
Apply by 12pm on Monday 1 December:
Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.
Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)
In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting.
“Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).
It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.
63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.
Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.
“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter.
“We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”
The next drop-in events are taking place in North Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at the Resource Centre on Pennywell Road on Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th of November from 10am – 2pm.
Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack has called for more support for those with Tourette’s as she led a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Thursday.
Ms Boyack used her speech to highlight the struggles her constituents, with Tourette’s, have faced in the education system and beyond as part of a wider campaign to ensure better awareness around the condition.
The debate came after Ms Boyack lodged a parliamentary motion calling for more Tourette’s support and training in the education system, at Holyrood.
The motion gained cross-party support from every major Holyrood party.
The debate was watched from the public gallery by people from the Tourette’s community.
As part of her speech, Ms Boyack highlighted the incredible barriers faced by children with Tourette’s in the education system, including a lack of support and understanding from schools.
She called for the Scottish Government to work with Tourette’s Scotland to establish a national plan, increase funding, support and awareness across education, health settings and the wider public.
The debate comes after the newly released film, I Swear, which follows the novel by the inspiring John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s awareness from the Borders which has exposed the issue to a wider audience.
Speaking after the debate, Ms Boyack commented: “I was honoured to lead this debate on such an important topic.
“Speaking to constituents and watching I Swear, I have heard about how much of a struggle Tourette’s can be.
“I hope this debate can help deliver the change we require to ensure Tourette’s is not a barrier to a quality life.
“The time for the Scottish Government to act is now – I am eager to work with Ministers and achieve the change we desperately need.”
A dazzling maze of light, colour and imagination lit up Edinburgh Zoo on Thursday (13 November) as Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns officially opened.
As dusk fell, the trail, which has made its glowing return after six years, came to life with towering illuminated sculptures and intricate light displays.
This year’s interactive under the sea experience takes the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) visitors on a luminous journey into the deep, featuring marine wildlife, legendary sea creatures and ocean mysteries. All brought to life by more than 600 hand crafted lanterns, some standing at an impressive 20 feet high.
Open to visitors from now until February 22 2006, the interactive trail includes an enormous 14 meter whale for visitors to walk through, a giant crab and a journey through Atlantis. Over 12,000 LED bulbs light the trail which was created in just three months by Inlight Festival Group (the Zigong Lantern Company).
Locally inspired scenes feature iconic and lesser-known native Scottish species, from the much-loved puffins to the critically endangered flapper skate, one of the world’s largest rays and a focus of RZSS’s conservation efforts.
Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said: “After a six-year hiatus we are so pleased to bring back Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before!”
Along the route, visitors can enjoy festive treats such as toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and other seasonal favourites.
Tickets for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns are on sale now from their website edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns.
Ticket prices vary for off-peak, standard and peak nights. Entry is open from 4:45pm with the last entry at 7:30pm.
The VIP package ticket includes a full day of zoo access, an evening meal and direct access to the lantern trail.
