Day: November 28, 2025

The Real Mary King’s Close unveils festive events exploring the Edinburgh’s hidden past

This December, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to escape into Edinburgh’s past with two interactive underground experiences: the return of its sell-out Victorian Christmas Experience and the once-a-year revival of Underground Unlocked.

The Victorian Christmas Experience, running across all weekends from Saturday 6th to Friday 28th December, brings guests face to face with a member of the Chesney family, among some of the last to live on the Close.

Through expert-storytelling, visitors will discover how Christmas slowly re-emerged in Scotland after centuries of suppression, and how Victorian Edinburgh shaped many traditions we still enjoy today.

Following the guided tour, visitors will gather in a candlelit room to enjoy tea, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, and a craft activity inspired by authentic Victorian practices.

December will also see the return of the exclusive Underground Unlocked tours, offering two special evenings on Thursday 4th and 11th where visitors can roam freely through the preserved 17th-century streets at their own pace.

Rather than following a guided tour, guests will encounter a number of historical residents including merchants, plague doctors, poets, businesswomen and even those once condemned during the witch trials, each sharing their own vivid story.

For just a few hours, the Close will echo with the bustle of the people who once lived and worked beneath the Royal Mile.

Characters include Mary King herself, the sharp-witted merchant and burgess; Patrick Byrne the leather tanner; Dr John Paulitious, Edinburgh’s first plague doctor; Marie Maitland, the bold poet whose verses were hidden for centuries; and Euphame MacCalzean, determined to reclaim her voice after a wrongful accusation during the witch trials.

With more than a dozen figures appearing across the site, every turn reveals a new fragment of the city’s hidden history and offers a fleeting glimpse into Edinburgh’s past as it might’ve felt centuries ago. 

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “December is always packed with events, and we know people have so much to choose from.

“That’s why we’re excited to offer something a bit different – an immersive festive experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

“It’s a fun and interactive way to learn more about Edinburgh’s past, and after the overwhelming response last year, we’re delighted to bring it back. 

“We’re also reintroducing our ever-popular Underground Unlocked evenings, which remain one of the most memorable ways to experience the Close. Together, the two events offer something truly unique for anyone looking to do Christmas a little differently this year.”

For more information and bookings please visit www.realmarykingsclose.com 

Child sexual abuser jailed

A 69-year-old man has been jailed for three years and nine months following an intelligence-led operation into online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Paul Chalmers was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court today – Friday, 28 November, 2025, for the offences, which included conspiracy to rape a child.

He has also been given an order of lifelong restriction.

Chalmers was arrested by officers on Thursday, 25 January, 2024 when he travelled to Edinburgh to meet with what he believed to be a child he had been engaging with online.

He pled guilty to the offences at Glasgow High Court on Monday, 3 February, 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector David Nairn said: “Paul Chalmers is a predatory individual and, as a result of our investigation, he now faces the consequences of his sickening actions.

“He may have believed that his offending would go undetected however there is no hiding place.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence, and we encourage anyone with concerns about a child as risk of abuse, or a potential victim to contact Police Scotland on 101.

“Police Scotland’s #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending online and provides signposts to available support.”

Local history writing competition

📣 Calling all Edinburgh storytellers & history lovers!

The William Anderson Award for Local History Projects is back 🎉

We’re inviting Edinburgh residents aged 18 years and over to submit an original essay (1,500–2,000 words) exploring the city’s rich past, inspired by the themes of Edinburgh 900 — from royal connections and faith to innovation, Enlightenment, and beyond.

The list of themes can be found at www.edinburgh.org/900/themes

✍️ Entries open: 1 October 2025

⏳ Deadline: 31 December 2025

🏆 A financial prize of £200 will be awarded to the winning project, supported by the descendants of William Anderson’s family in Canada. A printed copy of the winning entry will be placed in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection at Central Library for reference.

Submissions to be sent to localhistory@edinburgh.gov.uk

Help us celebrate Edinburgh’s story and shape its legacy! 🌟

Edinburgh TV presenter opens up on Cancer Diagnosis after noticing ‘Unusual Lump’

BE THE EARLY BIRD CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

BBC Scotland Reporter, David Cowan, has opened up on his experience with mouth cancer after finding a lump in his neck led to his diagnosis and successful treatment.

After looking up his symptoms on the NHS website, the Edinburgh journalist booked a GP appointment, in a decision that meant his mouth cancer was detected early, giving him a 90% chance of successful treatment.

David says the treatment was tough, but by June 2018 he was given the all-clear. Seven years on, he’s living well, enjoying life with his family and their dog, and supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month to raise awareness as part of Scottish Government’s ‘Be The Early Bird’ campaign:

‘BE THE EARLY BIRD’ CASE STUDY – DAVID COWAN

David Cowan, 58, Edinburgh – “It’s far better to know whether you’ve got cancer or not, you need to not delay and get it checked out.”

In late 2017, TV reporter David Cowan, from Edinburgh, noticed a small, hard, painless lump in his neck just weeks after his 50th birthday. After checking the NHS website, he booked a GP appointment, a decision he now credits with saving his life.

“My awareness of mouth cancer was pretty much very, very superficial. I knew it existed. I knew the dentists checked when they examined you, to see if there were any warning signs there, but it never occurred to me that it would happen to me.

“I was also blissfully unaware that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to mouth cancer in a significant number of cases. I knew very little about it and had no real understanding of the risks it can pose.

“A few weeks after my 50th birthday, I noticed a lump in my neck, it was about the size of a wine gum. It was hard, just underneath my jaw line, and it wasn’t sore, and it just appeared.

“I thought that’s strange. I didn’t do anything about it for a few days. I thought it would go away, then I decided to look up my symptoms on the NHS website, and the advice came up very clearly that if you’ve got a painless, hard lump in your neck that doesn’t go away, you should contact your GP practice.

“They immediately referred me to specialists.  My GP later told me she thought straight away that it could be cancer.

“I was sent to a NHS Lothian clinic in Edinburgh for tests and about a month later, another doctor felt the lump on my neck and said, ‘that’s cancer.’  

“Because it had been found early, I was told there was a 90% chance of the treatment being successful.

“The treatment process was hard, I lost two stones and was off work for five months, but of course it was worth it, because I’m still here.

“It’s not pleasant treatment if you have mouth cancer, and my consultant had warned me about that from the start.

“They explained what was going to happen, and I remember, during treatment, thinking, ‘they did warn me this would happen.’

“I had no real hesitation in getting my symptom checked out because the NHS website told me to do that, and I’m very glad I did. Thinking that you might have cancer is scary, but it’s far better to know than just sitting there in the dark and delaying getting symptoms checked out.”

“I felt like I was in the expert embrace of the NHS; my experience was extremely positive throughout the whole thing. People talk about fighting cancer, I felt the NHS fought my cancer for me, and I just went along for the ride.”

“I also had fantastic support from family, friends and work colleagues. They helped me approach the whole experience in a positive way, which the doctors told me was very important.”

“I got the all-clear in June 2018. It was a massive relief. Lots of great things have happened in the seven years since I had cancer that I might have been deprived of had I not got back to full health with the help of the NHS.”

“I now try to appreciate the smaller things in life more and just remember how fortunate I am to be here.

“Having cancer is a life-changing event, but now I’m living well and enjoying life with my family and our dog.”

David was asked to share his story and the benefits of early detection as part of the Be the Early Bird campaign and to raise awareness amidst Mouth Cancer Action Month in November.

“We do need to raise more awareness of mouth cancer. I was told my mouth cancer was relatively rare, but was becoming more common. I’m delighted to see that young boys, as well as girls, are now getting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations in school to help prevent this happening to them.

“It doesn’t matter where the cancer is, if you get it detected early, you’ve got a better chance of successful treatment. The crucial thing about cancer is getting treated as early as you possibly can, and that means if people are worried about something, they have to seek help, no matter how scary it might be.

“I feel very lucky to be here. The message of the Be the Early Bird campaign this Mouth Cancer Action Month is, if you’re worried about something, no matter if you have reservations about going, please go and get it checked out.”

Go to getcheckedearly.org to find out more

Edinburgh’s St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral to host Christmas Choir Concert to help feed hungry children

Join Mary’s Meals for an uplifting fundraising Christmas Choir Concert at the city’s St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral

This Christmas, Edinburgh residents can give the gift of hope to hungry children – by joining Mary’s Meals for a lively celebration of Christmas through song. 

The event takes place on Wednesday, 17 December from 19:00 to 21:00, and will include a fantastic selection of joyous carols, uplifting music and inspirational songs, sung by Voices and Sister Sister – two local community choirs. Guests will also get to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. 

Proceeds from the event go towards providing nutritious school meals for hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. These meals attract children into the classroom where they can gain an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. 

The Scotland-based charity reaches an incredible three million children every school day, across 16 countries – including Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe. 

Tickets for the event start at £8 and can be secured by visiting: 

marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/charity-events  

Sally Davidson, Mary’s Meals Supporter Engagement Officer for East Scotland, says: “It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year – or just 10p a meal.

“Help us turn hunger into hope for children still waiting for our life-changing meals by joining us for a night of joy, connection, and purpose.” 

Give hope this Christmas – and with Double The Love, your donation can go twice as far! From 10 November, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million.

The gift matching will end when we reach the £1.1 million pot. Together, through Double The Love, we can transform the lives of many more desperately hungry children waiting for Mary’s Meals.

Donate today by visiting donate.marysmeals.org/gb  

Date and time  

Wednesday, 17 December, 19:00 – 21:00

Address 

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD. 

Holyrood to canvass public opinion on the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan

What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?

The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.

The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.

Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.

Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said: “Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.

“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.

“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?

“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”

Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.

Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.

Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election. 

Respond to the Your Priorities survey

Westminster update on the Employment Rights Bill

Agreement reached with key stakeholders on the unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill

ANOTHER MANIFESTO PLEDGE DITCHED?

The UK Government convened a series of constructive conversations between trade unions and business representatives. On the basis of the outcome of these discussions, the Government will now move forward on the issue of unfair dismissal protections in the Employment Rights Bill to ensure it can reach Royal Assent and keep to the Government’s published delivery timeline.  

This will mean delivering day one rights to sick pay and paternity leave in April 2026 as well as launching the Fair Work Agency. Reforms to benefit millions of working people, including some of the lowest paid workers, would otherwise be significantly delayed if the Bill does not reach Royal Assent in line with our delivery timetable. Businesses too need time to prepare for what are a series of significant changes.  

The discussions concluded that reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from 24 months to 6 months (whilst maintaining existing day one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair grounds for dismissal) is a workable package. It will benefit millions of working people who will gain new rights and offer business and employers much needed clarity.

To further strengthen these protections, the Government has committed to ensure that the unfair dismissal qualifying period can only be varied by primary legislation and that the compensation cap will be lifted.  

As a result of these constructive conversations, tabling of the necessary amendments, and a commitment by the Government to a robust process to ensure full, fair and transparent consultation and discussion on the detail and application of the secondary legislation, businesses and unions agree that the Bill can progress.

This will enable the Government to deliver the necessary consultations and implementation in line with its timetable and manifesto commitments to Make Work Pay.  

The Government was pleased to facilitate these discussions and to set an example of the benefits of working together, and remains committed to continue engaging with trade unions, business and employers to make working lives better, support businesses and, vitally, deliver economic growth and good job creation.

The Government is particularly aware of the need to support small businesses in the effective adoption of these changes. Constructive dialogue and full consultation with business, employers and unions will continue beyond the passage of the Bill.

The TUC said: ‘Government will reduce the qualifying period for full protection from unfair dismissal from two years to six months. There’ll also be no statutory probation period.

“The Employment Rights Bill is essential to better quality, more secure jobs for millions of workers. The absolute priority now is to get these rights – like day one sick pay – on the statute book so that working people can start benefitting from them from next April.

“Following the government’s announcement, it’s now vital that Peers respect Labour’s manifesto mandate and that this Bill secures Royal Assent as quickly as possible.”

Crimestoppers launch campaign to protect retail workers

Independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland in partnership with Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has launched a national campaign to help tackle the growing problem of organised theft and sale of stolen goods from Scotland’s shops.

With increasing reports of theft, violence and abuse targeting retail workers, the campaign aims to empower communities and the industry to report incidents anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.

Scotland’s retail sector has seen a rise in theft linked to organised crime gangs.

Police Scotland figures show that between April 2024 and October 2025, goods worth an estimated £3.6-£5 million were reported stolen through shoplifting, which accounts for almost 40% of all recorded acquisitive crime across the country.

It is thought that organised crime groups are responsible for around a third of these thefts. Retail groups, believe the true cost is far higher, with losses across Scotland exceeding £170 million a year.

In response to the ongoing rise in retail offences, Police Scotland received a funding allocation of £3m for the year 2025/26 and used this capital to launch the Retail Crime Taskforce.

The unit is dedicated to ensuring police, retailers and stakeholders can work together to try to stop retail crime through crime prevention and deter people becoming involved in such offences through education and diversionary support.

Where retail crime occurs, the Taskforce seeks to help mitigate the impact by improving processes such as reporting of offences to Police Scotland and conducting regular enforcement activity to bring those responsible to justice.

Since April, dedicated Taskforce officers and operations supported by the Taskforce have helped detect more than 2000 retail offences within Scotland.

In addition to the financial impact of shoplifting, the human cost of retail theft is incalculable. As part of the Crimestoppers initiative, the charity spoke to the public and retail staff about the impact of theft from the shops they worked in.

Many said they felt ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ at work. Several who witnessed crimes were left unable to return to work. Some smaller, local businesses were considering closing because of the daily threat of thefts.

Two recent incidents shared by Retailers Against Crime underline the human impact:

  • A man was stopped by -staff, and this  caused him to produce a large kitchen knife before threatening them with it. The male then fled the premises, and the store called  the  police.  He  was  stopped,  arrested  and  the knife was retained.
  • Another worker was assaulted after confronting a man who had left a store without paying for items. The offender later returned and physically attacked the security guard. 

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “Our charity wants to empower communities and retail staff to pass on information anonymously about WHO is behind, organised shop theft.

“Your information could help prevent serious abuse and violent incidents and help Scotland’s shop workers feel safer at work. You will never be asked for your name or any personal details, and your information could make a real difference.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government recognises the harm caused by retail crime to businesses and those that work there.

“Our budget for 2025/26 has made an additional £3 million available to Police Scotland to help tackle the issue, which has led to the establishment of their Retail Crime Taskforce.

“Alongside our partners we want to prevent such incidents and pursue those responsible. I commend Crimestoppers, Police Scotland and all involved for raising awareness of this important issue as we approach the festive season, and their continuing efforts in this area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Strategic Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “We recognised that retail offences were contributing to the overwhelming majority of acquisitive crimes taking place across Scotland and having a significant impact on businesses and retail staff.  

“In response, and through engagement with the Scottish Government, we set out a strategy for addressing this.

“Thanks to a £3m funding allocation for the year 2025/26, we were able to establish the Retail Crime Taskforce and since April, this dedicated unit has supported local policing divisions across Scotland to address retail crime, work closely with those in the retail sector to consider and enhance their security measures and bring offenders to justice.

“We also know that partnership work, such as this campaign, helps raise the profile of retail crime, so all relevant groups and individuals can reflect on the role they can play in tackling offences of this nature.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Knight from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “Our mission statement could not be simpler. We must reduce retail crime in all its forms and ensure that we work closely with the retail sector and retail workers to mitigate against the devastating impact of retail crime on those affected.

“Enforcement plays a key role and over the last seven months, thousands  of offences have been detected by dedicated Taskforce resources supporting their local policing colleagues.

“However, Police cannot solve this problem alone and that is why we are collaborating with Crimestoppers to raise awareness around the impact of Retail Crime on retailers, their staff and local communities, and urge those who have information about individuals committing retail crime, or those selling and buying stolen retail property to report it.  Retail crime is not victimless and together we can make a difference”

Lucy Brown, Retail Industry Leadership Co Chair, said, on behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Group (RILG) “I am pleased to see the progress the Retail Crime Task Force is making, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure its continued success.”

Stephanie Karte, CEO Retailers Against Crime: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence and partnership working is key to tackling the growing threat faced by retailers and their staff.

“At Retailers Against Crime, we are seeing a sharp rise in incidents across our member network, with offenders becoming increasingly bold and organised. By working together in partnership, we can address this problem more effectively.

“We are stronger together and we urge the public to report any activity that may help identify or deter those responsible. The more eyes and ears we have, the greater our ability to disrupt criminal behaviour and make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.”