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:
UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in social care, schools and across public services, with particular initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and Islands.
Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing redundancy and those in precarious employment, including initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and Islands.
Community – To support skills development for workers in diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial change.
Nearly a third of people still don’t seek help when struggling with bills
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.
Edinburgh Zoo, Giant Lanterns Trail
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.
A major public consultation on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network closes on Monday (17 November). The consultation began on 25 August and ran for 12 weeks.
The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.
A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.
This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:
Granton to the city centre:
From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.
For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.
It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.
For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.
This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.
It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.
The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.
City centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary:
The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.
The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Potential extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian:
We’re working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).
Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.
We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.
“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.
“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”
The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.
Residents can give their views until Monday 17 November online on our Consultation Hub.
The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.
UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding
UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding announced by First Minister John Swinney in September, as part of a package of measures in relation to the crisis in Gaza
the funding will support the delivery of life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.
The UNOCHA fund helps to coordinate the humanitarian response by international and national organisations to those in the affected areas.
Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said: “Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship.
“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter.
“I am also pleased to report that following a request from UNICEF, 10 child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland.
“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
The Scottish Parliament came alive last night with The Light We Share: Ukrainians Enriching Scotland, a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community (writes ZHENYA DOVE).
The event brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, artists, and members of the Ukrainian community to celebrate the profound cultural impact Ukrainians continue to make across Scotland.
Over the past few years, Ukrainian creatives have become a visible part of Scotland’s cultural scene. Ukrainian artists have exhibited work at the V&A Dundee, Ukrainian performers have taken the stage at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and performances have brought new energy to the Edinburgh Fringe and other Scottish festivals.
Hosted by Colin Beattie MSP, with addresses from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities of Scotland, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group, the evening showcased how art and creativity can transcend hardship, uniting communities through shared expression.
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
In her remarks, Kaukab Stewart MSP reflected on the deepening relationship between the two nations: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which Ukrainians are both enriching Scotland’s culture and sharing in our heritage as well.
“The people of Ukraine have become interwoven in Scotland’s story. We now have a shared history that will shape both nations for many generations to come.”
Colin Beattie MSP, who sponsored the event, said: “It’s an honour to sponsor such a landmark event – a moment to celebrate how Ukrainians who sought refuge from war are now shaping and enriching the cultural life of Scotland.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, speaking on behalf of his nation, conveyed his sincere appreciation: “On behalf of Ukraine, I extend my deep gratitude to our Scottish friends for your solidarity, for your warmth and support.
“May this evening strengthen our friendship and inspire us to continue standing together – for culture, for freedom, and for our bright future.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Zhenya Doveclosed the evening with words of gratitude and hope: “Creativity doesn’t just survive the hardest journeys; it transforms them.
“It turns rubble into stages and loss into light. That light, the one that refuses to go out, that’s the Ukrainian spirit. And tonight, it shines here with us.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
The event featured a live performance by students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a cultural showcase curated by the Museum of Ukrainian Craft and Culture Scotland, highlighting the remarkable ways in which Ukrainian artists, educators, and communities have enriched Scottish cultural life.
The event was attended by over 160 guests, including MSPs, members of the Consular Corps, cultural leaders, and representatives from key Scottish and Ukrainian organisations.
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Among the distinguished attendees were Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Science and Technology, representatives from the Consulates of China, Japan, Poland, Romania, Germany, Austria and Turkey, as well as leaders from the British Council, Baillie Gifford, Wheatley Foundation, EVOC, the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Museums and Galleries Scotland.
Become a Garden Guide at the Botanics! 
