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.
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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
PLAN TO IMPROVE ATTAINMENT AND WELLBEING IN SCHOOLS
Proposals to deliver reduced class contact time for Scotland’s teachers have been announced by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.
The changes would provide teachers with more time to prepare for lessons, support wider school improvement activities, and undertake professional learning.
It would also provide teachers with more capacity to respond to diverse pupil needs, including those with ASN (additional support needs).
The proposals would see the phased implementation of reduced contact time, with a series of practical options explored including:
changes to teachers’ working week, such as a flexible 4-day teaching week model that could offer a dedicated day for professional activities
a move to nationally agreed minimum standards on pupil learning hours which could enable later start times, extended breaks, or restructured school days.
Alongside the latest fair and affordable pay settlement and the consideration of improved terms and conditions, such as enhanced maternity leave, the reduction in class contact time would form a new ‘National Deal’ for Scotland’s Teachers.
Ms Gilruth said: “There is much to celebrate in Scottish education. The recent exam results underlined the strong recovery we are seeing in schools, following the pandemic, with the poverty-related attainment gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.
“Scotland also has the lowest pupil teacher ratio and the highest education spend per person of anywhere in the UK.
“These proposals demonstrate our clear commitment to supporting teachers and improving education in Scotland.
“It is a statement of intent to empower Scotland’s teachers with the time, trust, and tools they need to deliver transformative learning. By investing in teacher capacity, the aim is to create richer learning experiences and raise standards for every learner.
“Working together, we can shape a future where reduced class contact time is not just a logistical change, but a catalyst for deeper professional engagement, improved wellbeing, and better outcomes for every learner.”
The proposed changes to class contact time was set out by the Education Secretary during a speech to the AHDS conference in Glasgow yesterday. They will be considered by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, comprising members from teaching organisations, local authorities, and the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government has already provided £186.5 million this financial year (2025-26) to support local authorities in returning teacher numbers to 2023 levels while working to make meaningful progress on reducing teacher class contact time.
Initiative will save thousands of ambulance journeys every month
Almost £1 million is being allocated to help reduce pressures on A&E departments and improve patient flow over the winter months.
The Scottish Ambulance Service will receive £995,000 to increase staffing for a clinical hub model, which uses GPs to triage patients as calls come in to prevent unnecessary ambulance dispatches and ensure everyone gets the treatment they need.
The system was trialled successfully over a weekend in September this year and it is estimated that it could save 12,000 ambulance journeys over winter as well as safely preventing an additional 4,500 patients being conveyed to Emergency Department front doors.
The funding will also enable the expansion of patient transport hubs in areas where pressures are greatest, using Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers who help identify and co-ordinate early discharges – reducing handover delays by keeping the flow of patients moving through the system in periods of high activity.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving patient care over the winter months is a priority and this funding will see patients treated faster in the setting which is appropriate for them.
“The measures being taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service will help cut unnecessary ambulance dispatches and improve patient outcomes and experiences through earlier clinical intervention.
“Our winter preparations have also seen a £20 million investment for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.
“And, as the temperature drops, we continue to urge those eligible for the flu vaccine to take up the offer.
“As always I thank all our dedicated health and social care staff who continue to work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it.”
This fun, distinctively CBeebies take sees Cinderella, Buttons and some funny new characters in a show packed with singing, dancing and comedy for all the family.
When Prince Brad announces he’s hosting a dazzling Mirror Ball, Cinderella sets off on a journey to find her perfect “thing” to bring to the party. With encouragement from her loyal friend Buttons, she tries her hand at crafting, cooking, and even sports – all while fending off the antics of the hyper competitive Darcy Dribble.
Just as Cinderella begins to lose hope, a visit to the local corner shop reveals her fairy godparents in disguise, ready to conjure up a pumpkin carriage, a sparkling party dress, and a golden microphone that will change everything.
The hilarious adventure stars a host of CBeebies favourites and is filled with twists, turns, magic and music, including a song exclusive to cinemas.
Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumiere, said: “The CBeebies panto has built up a loyal following who love to visit the cinema to indulge in the festive fun on offer.
“We’re delighted to be working with the BBC again this year to bring the annual panto delights to over 350 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, and allowing families and friends to see it on the big screen together.
“It’s a fantastic big screen event that we hope will encourage kids to fall in love with the cinema experience, as well as providing a fun day out for the whole family.”
CBeebies Christmas Panto: Cinderella will be in Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, Cineworld Edinburgh, Odeon Fort Kinnaird and Odeon Luxe Edinburgh West from Friday 21st November, with tickets and listings available now at www.cbeebiespanto.com.
Inquiry publishes second report and 19 recommendations, examining ‘Core UK decision-making and political governance’
The Chair of the UK Covid Inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, has today published her second report which concludes that the response to the pandemic by the United Kingdom’s four governments was often a case of ‘too little, too late’.
The report, ‘Core UK decision-making and political governance’ (Module 2), also concludes that while the various lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 undoubtedly saved lives, they only became inevitable because of the acts and omissions of all governments.
The devolved administrations were too reliant on the UK government to lead the response.
Baroness Hallett is calling for the prompt and thorough implementation of 19 key recommendations. The recommendations must be considered during the development of all future pandemic preparedness strategies.
They include the need for urgent reform and clarification of the structures for decision-making during emergencies within each of the four governments.
Other key recommendations include ensuring that decisions and their implications are clearly communicated to the public – laws and guidance must be easy to understand. There should be greater Parliamentary scrutiny of the use of emergency powers as well as improved consideration in an emergency of the impact that decisions might have on those most at risk.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1991544622355451990
BaronessHallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, said: “Today I published my second report. It follows an investigation into the responses of the four governments of the UK to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In early 2020, Covid-19 was a novel and deadly virus spreading rapidly around the country. All four governments failed to appreciate the scale of the threat or the urgency of response it demanded.
“When they did realise the scale of the threat, politicians and administrators in the UK government and the devolved administrations were presented with unenviable choices as to how to respond. Whatever decision they took there was often no right answer or good outcome. They also had to make decisions in conditions of extreme pressure. Nonetheless, I can summarise my findings of the response as ‘too little, too late’.
“The Inquiry has therefore identified a number of key lessons learned to inform the response to a future pandemic.
“In all, I make 19 key recommendations that I believe will better protect the UK in any future pandemic and improve decision-making in a crisis.”
A eight page brief summary of the report can be found on the Inquiry’s website and is available in a variety of languages and accessible formats.
Module 2 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the second of its 10 investigations, focuses on the UK’s governance and political decision-making during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its investigation covers the actions and performance of the UK government in Westminster, as well as the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the focus of Modules 2A, 2B and 2C.
In total, 166 witnesses gave oral evidence. Nine weeks of public hearings featuring 80 witnesses were held in London in autumn and winter 2023.
A further 90 witnesses gave evidence in public hearings in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast in the first half of 2024.
The Inquiry heard from serving and former senior politicians – including former Prime and First Ministers – leading scientists, key medical professionals, civil servants, relevant experts and others.
Following these hearings, conclusions have been reached and recommendations for changes carefully developed – all are published in today’s report which will be laid in Parliament.
Module 2 report: Key findings
All four governments failed to appreciate the scale of the threat or the urgency of response it demanded in the early part of 2020.
This was compounded, in part, by misleading assurances from the Department of Health and Social Care and the widely held view that the UK was well prepared for a pandemic.
By the time the possibility of a mandatory lockdown was first considered, it was already too late and a lockdown had become unavoidable.The lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 undoubtedly saved lives, but only became inevitable because of the acts and omissions of the four governments.
The UK government introduced advisory restrictions on 16 March 2020, including self-isolation, household quarantine and social distancing. Had restrictions been introduced sooner, the mandatory lockdown from 23 March might have been shorter or not necessary at all.
This lack of urgency and the huge rise in infections made a mandatory lockdown inevitable. It should have been introduced one week earlier.
Had a mandatory lockdown been imposed on or immediately after 16 March 2020, modelling shows that in England alone there would have been approximately 23,000 fewer deaths in the first wave up until 1 July 2020.
When entering the first lockdown, none of the four governments had a strategy for when or how they would exit the lockdown. None of the four governments gave enough attention to the possibility of a second wave, meaning there was very little contingency planning in place.
None of governments in the UK had adequately prepared for the challenges and risks of a national lockdown. They did not scrutinise sufficiently seriously its wider societal, workforce and economic impacts, in particular, the impact on the vulnerable and disadvantaged and impact of school closures on children’s education and their physical and mental health.
The Inquiry rejects the criticism that the four governments were wrong to impose a mandatory lockdown on 23 March 2020. All four governments received clear and compelling advice to do so. Without it, the growth in transmission would have led to an unacceptable loss of life. However, their failure to act promptly and effectively had put them in this position.
They all must now learn the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic if they are to avoid lockdowns in future pandemics.
Baroness Hallett acknowledges the pressure on politicians and others during the pandemic to make tough decisions about how resources should be used. However, the Chair of the Inquiry also stresses that if the UK had been better prepared – as per the Module 1 report published July 2024 – the nation could have avoided some of the significant and long-lasting financial, economic and human costs of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chair considers that all Module 2 report recommendations should be implemented in a timely manner. The Inquiry and the Chair will be monitoring the implementation of the recommendations.
The Inquiry’s next report – focusing on the Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in the four nations of the UK (Module 3) will be published next year. A further six reports will follow in quick succession covering Modules 6 to 10, with the final report scheduled to be published no later than summer 2027.
The Inquiry’s next public hearings begin next week, Monday 24 November, with four weeks of oral evidence concerning the Module 9 investigation ‘Economic response’. The Inquiry will conclude all public hearings by March 2026 after hearing evidence across three weeks for ‘Impact on society’ (Module 10).
The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign issued the following statement:
As the evenings turn frosty, Christmas at the Botanics returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the 2025 festive season. Running for 36 nights on selected evenings from 20 November to 30 December, the trail will illuminate the beauty and resilience of nature during winter.
The popular after-dark trail will once again transform the Garden into a glowing wonderland of light and sound, showcasing both homegrown talent and international artists.
Visitors can enjoy an array of spectacular installations that explore the theme of transformation and renewal – paying homage to the natural cycles of change that sustain our planet. New installations for 2025 include:
Papillons: Making its UK debut on this year’s trail, the installation by French design studio Pitaya will see a breathtaking display of hundreds of multi-coloured butterflies taking flight among the trees, inviting visitors to step into a vision of springtime in the depths of winter. The installation serves as a joyful tribute to biodiversity.
The Seeds: These internally lit, stand-alone white sculptures are equally impressive during the day as they are when illuminated at night and are powerful symbols of restoration and new beginnings.
Water Lilies: Five large, self-illuminated water lily flowers gracefully float along the surface of the Pond. As their incandescent petals reflect off the water, these flowers serve as a reminder of growth and transformation.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
As well as the well-loved Christmas Cathedral, which has become a popular selfie spot over the years, visitors can also capture the love of Christmas under the new Heart Arches. Emitting a vibrant red glow, this installation adds another great location to capture picture-perfect moments with loved ones.
Designed to complement the Garden’s landscape, with 98% of the lights being energy-efficient LEDs, the trail combines art, sustainability and storytelling in the uniquely atmospheric setting of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Beyond being a visual treat, the trail plays a vital role in supporting the Garden’s important work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. Ticket sales help fund crucial plant research, conservation and education programmes, helping to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail celebrates transformation – in nature, in art and in how we experience the winter season.
“We’ve refreshed much of the route to reflect the beauty and resilience that define both nature and our work at the Botanics – and the importance of protecting it.
“Christmas at the Botanics has become a highlight of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Edinburgh at its most magical and celebrate the creativity that Scotland is known for.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now, with the addition of three quiet nights to offer a more relaxed and accessible experience. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
“Major Vote of Confidence in UK Clean Energy Leadership”
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and Chair of the Offshore Wind All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), has welcomed the announcement of a £150 million public investment package into the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a project set to support more than 1,000 jobs and accelerate the UK’s position as a global leader in floating wind.
The investment, jointly backed by GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund, and the Scottish National Investment Bank, marks one of the most significant early-stage commitments to floating offshore wind in the UK to date.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“This £150 million investment is a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s floating offshore wind ambitions and in the UK’s ability to lead the world in this technology.
“The Pentland project demonstrates what can be achieved when GB Energy and our public finance institutions collaborate to support innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
“As Chair of the Offshore Wind APPG, I’ll continue pushing for the infrastructure investment needed to unlock more projects like this, because the benefits for Scotland’s communities, workers, and supply chain are clear.”
