The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.
The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott.
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.
From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.
This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!
LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.
The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.
This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.
No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
A new blueprint sets out a series of actions to harness digital to boost the economy and improve public services.
The updated National Digital Strategy aims to attract investment, deliver sustainable public services and create better opportunities for the people of Scotland.
The strategy outlines a number of steps, including delivering a pilot of a new app by 2026 to let people access personalised public services. By 2028, another pilot will explore ways AI can deliver efficiencies in public services, such as streamlining administrative tasks.
The joint strategy with local government is designed to build on progress since it was first launched in 2021.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “The strategy sets out our ambition to create a digitally connected country to create economic growth and help people and businesses thrive.
“It will support work to deliver sustainable digital public services fit for the future and help widen opportunities that digital offers.
“The 2021 publication, one of the first joint national strategies between Scottish Government and local government, helped to build skills and talent to strengthen our digital capability. This is the next step as we aim to accelerate progress.
“The refreshed strategy’s contribution and relevance to the public service reform agenda cannot be overstated, with a focus on collaboration and embracing innovation to deliver improved public services and improve lives.”
COSLA Resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Local government are co-authors and co-owners of this vision. This refreshed strategy is our route map; the delivery plans explain how we will navigate change, remain transparent and measure progress.
“Through collaboration and shared action, we can build a future-ready, digital Scotland where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive, and no one is left behind.”
This is a joint strategy between the Scottish Government and local government, represented by COSLA and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.
Following reports of stolen property being reset on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Leith Community Officers, supported by Edinburgh Retail Crime Team, executed warrants at two business premises.
Approximately £8k of suspected stolen property was recovered, and enquiries are ongoing to ensure the property is returned to its rightful owners.
Two males were arrested and will be reported for reset.
Shoplifting is #NotAVictimlessCrime and #NECPT will continue to work with the #RetailCrimeTaskforce to identify offenders, including those benefiting from the acquisition of stolen property
More than 100,000 people have been referred to a mental health initiative which provides immediate, non-clinical support to those in need.
The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, launched in 2016, offers personalised support to people who present to emergency or primary care services in distress.
Initially, trained front line staff provide a compassionate response and then, where appropriate, offer a referral to third sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours and provide community-based support.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick and compassionate support to someone in distress.
“There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank all those involved across health, social care, emergency services, third sector and academia.
“DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide, sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8 million.
“We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing distress get the support they need, when and where they need it, to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.”
Kirstie McCulloch, who received support from and now works for DBI, said: “I was experiencing severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, due to the Covid lockdowns. NHS 24 helped me when I had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.
“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I knew this was something I would like to do for others.
“DBI aligns with SAMH’s ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that I can give back in this way.”
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland has over 2,300 DBI trained officers who can identify when someone is in distress and signpost them to the right service to provide the compassionate support they need and deserve, before redirecting to core policing duties.
“We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop and embed a whole system, trauma-informed, approach to mental health and this landmark 100,000th referral is testament to our collaborative commitment.”
Head of Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service Catherine Totten said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is committed to ensuring access to services that offer care and support to patients experiencing mental distress and the collaboration with DBI supports us to provide the right care at the right time for our patients.
“We take pride in our contribution to enhancing access to the emotional care and support that DBI offers to its service users and are committed to continuing our support to keep widening the reach of this valuable resource.
“We are proud to celebrate with partners this momentous achievement of 100,000 referrals meaning 100,000 people are receiving this valuable service which was previously unavailable.”
Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24 Patrick Rafferty said: “The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief Intervention Programme is valued by patients and our Mental Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally to the people of Scotland.
“The impact of this significant collaboration through early intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the journey to recovery. This is a truly commendable initiative that we are delighted to be a part of.”
Did you know that 1 in 5 children in Edinburgh are living in poverty?
And 12000 families in the city are experiencing destitution – which means they are going without without basic essentials such as clothing, food, shelter, heat, light, and toiletries.
We’re launching our Winter Warmers campaign to help keep local children warm, dry, and in school by providing good quality items for children who don’t have the right clothing for an Edinburgh winter.
You can help by donating funds or purchasing items from our wish list. Every donation makes a difference. Together we can keep children warm this winter.
Donate funds or choose an item from our wish list today!
As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this winter to reach out for help.
The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.
Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.
The team has seen the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent so far this year. They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.
Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.
“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”
In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.
Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.
He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”
Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.
The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.
The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.
The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store.
Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.
Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.
From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of what Avalanche Records has to offer.
41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.
Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.
The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.
Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.
Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.
“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.
“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”
Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.
“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.
Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).
Scotland fans urged to book early as demand begins to climb following historic World Cup qualification
Barrhead Travel is offering fans a range of exclusive tailormade packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Scotland sealed their place at the finals for the first time since 1998 during Tuesday night’s victory against Denmark.
With demand expected to quickly escalate when the fixtures are announced in early December, supporters are being encouraged to secure their bucket list trip as soon as possible.
Set to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 tournament promises to be one of the biggest in history. Scotland’s fans, many of whom have waited decades for the chance to follow their team to a World Cup, are already exploring options that combine matches with unforgettable holiday moments.
The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has already secured availability for exclusive deals packages that include flights, hotels as well as the coveted match-day experiences. Launching their range of World Cup offers last year, the group say that some football fans were already booking as early as 2024, determined to soak up the atmosphere of tournament.
Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Barrhead Travel’s Managing Director, said;“Scotland qualifying for the World Cup is a moment fans have dreamed of for nearly three decades.
“We know how passionate the Tartan Army are, and they’ll do everything in their power to follow and support their team. We saw demand surge during the Euros last year – but we expect this will create even more excitement and anticipation.
“The World Cup is the ultimate bucket list experience, and every supporter will want something slightly different from their trip. With it being held across North America, we’re expecting that a significant portion of people will want to extend their trip and build the holiday-of-a-lifetime around one or more of the matches.
“Football fans were already booking up for the tournament when our product went on sale last year – so we’d encourage anyone looking to be there to cheer on Scotland in person next year to book as early as possible.
“Our teams are really excited to be supporting fans with travel arrangements and have been busy sourcing their favourite itineraries to help with inspiration.”
Barrhead Travel is offering a range of World Cup experiences – including short breaks to take in individual matches, ‘Follow-my-Team’ packages, as well as tailormade options for longer stays in North America.
Find your nearest Barrhead Travel store by visiting:
or call 0330 094 8364 for more information about World Cup experiences.
California World Cup Dreams 11 Nights Self Drive
Enjoy stays in San Francisco, Pismo Beach. Santa Barbara, Los Angeles for 3-night custom World Cup experience with Match Day included, and ending in San Diego. Return Flights from Edinburgh From £3999 pp
2026 World Cup Custom Getaways Canada Opening game |12 June 2026 | BMO Field Toronto| Flying from Glasgow
Toronto Departing 11 June 2026 3 Nights Includes International flights Match Day experience Quality accommodation in host city Expert pre-travel Assistance From £2849pp
New York Game 13 June 2026 (Match TBA) | Metlife Stadium New Jersey| Flying from Glasgow
New York Departing 12 June 2026 3 Nights Includes International flights Match Day experience Quality accommodation in host city – New York city or New Jersey Expert pre-travel Assistance From £2659 pp
2026 World Cup Custom Getaways 10 Nights | Miami Game 15 June 2026 (Match TBA) | Hard Rock Stadium | Various UK Departures
Depart Manchester 10 Nights| Room Only Date 7 June 2026 Includes · International flights · 3 Night Match Day experience for the World Cup game (yet to be announced) on 15 June 2026 |Quality accommodation in Miami · 7-night pre-stay in Orlando · 1 Day Car hire to drive between Orlando and Miami 3* Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort – perfectly located on International Drive · Massive Water Park On-Site · 54,000 sq. ft. canopy-covered and outdoor water park · Features 14 slides, heated pools, and a toddler-friendly splash zone · 3 on-site restaurants From £3279pp.
CCScotland Green Tease: Living well locally is taking place next week
Join us for a day of workshops and conversations about how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
When: 11am-3pm, Thursday 27 November
Where: North Edinburgh Arts
Join us at North Edinburgh Arts to understand how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
In particular, we’ll explore the role of culture in 20-minute neighbourhoods – creating walkable and wheelable places where everyone can access their daily needs.
The morning session will be an introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland. Lesley-Anne Rose will share her reflections on the importance of culture in place planning and community work, Pippa Cook will introduce the Place Standard Tool and Rebecca Dillon-Robinson will outline the policies supporting local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods in Scotland.
At 12pm, we’ll break for a shared lunch of soup and sandwiches.
The afternoon session will involve creative mapping of Granton (North Edinburgh? – Ed.) and the places where participants live and/or work.
This is an opportunity for participants to reflect on how culture can support sustainable development or regeneration in their communities. We’ll end the afternoon by developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking.
Agenda
11am: Teas and coffees
11.20am: Introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland
12pm: Lunch
12.30pm: Creative mapping workshop
2.15pm: Co-developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking
WINTER WARMERS CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
