We’re putting together a fantastic festive tombola for our Festive Fayre on Friday 28th November and are looking for prize donations – bottles, new gifts, chocolates, or other goodies.
If you can spare an item, please drop it off at the centre by Wednesday 26th November. Every contribution helps make the day a success. Thank you for your support!
~ A coronary angiogram does not detect microvascular angina, which is particularly common in women, so researchers say more tests are needed ~
Half of people investigated for suspected angina and given the all-clear may be missing out on the correct diagnosis, based on a study funded by the British Heart Foundation, published in the journal Nature Medicine, and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference in New Orleans.
The study involved 250 British people referred for a coronary angiogram after experiencing chest pain. Based on their scan results, these people did not have angina – the medical term for pain or tightness within the chest caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
However, when researchers gave these people an extra MRI scan, they found 51 per cent of people given the all-clear for angina actually had a form of it called microvascular angina. This is triggered by tiny blood vessels which can’t be seen using a standard coronary angiogram – where a thin tube is inserted into the wrist and up to the coronary arteries and an X-ray taken. The angiogram can only detect angina caused by blockages in the large coronary arteries.
Researchers say blood flow scans should be used to follow up angiograms for every patient with unexplained chest pain, but that many regions of the UK do not currently offer this.
Professor Colin Berry, senior author of the study from the University of Glasgow, said: “Further tests like the scan we used could help to reveal thousands more people with microvascular angina in the UK every year. Microvascular angina is currently particularly under-diagnosed in women.
“We need these extra test results because people whose angiogram results suggest their chest pain is not heart-related can be sent home without medication, on the assumption that their symptoms are due to things like indigestion, anxiety or arthritis.
“It is not uncommon for these people to then have to return to their GP multiple times, with continuing symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness.”
Angina is a symptom of chest pain which can be caused by blockages or narrowing in the large coronary arteries which supply most blood to the heart. Microvascular angina used to be known as ‘cardiac syndrome X’ because it greatly confused doctors seeing patients with angina-like chest pains who didn’t have the expected narrowings or blockages in their coronary arteries.
Now the name, coined in the 1970s, is no longer used because experts understand that the pain is caused by tiny arteries within the heart muscle – less than half a millimetre across – which play a crucial role in regulating blood supply to the heart. Women are more likely to have the condition than men, particularly around and after the time of menopause.
Among the 250 people studied, all but six were judged to have chest pain that wasn’t heart-related based on their angiogram results. But the MRI scan found 123 of these people had microvascular angina – a diagnosis which is very clearly heart-related.
The scan detects microvascular angina, which reduces blood flow to the heart, by showing inadequate blood supply after people are given a drug called adenosine, which mimics the demands of physical activity on the body.
In the study, half of the 250 people were offered altered treatment based on their MRI scan result, if needed. Such treatment could include calcium channel blockers, which relieve angina and lower blood pressure, and aspirin and statins, which reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
This group were examined to see how receiving a new diagnosis, following further tests after a coronary angiogram, might change people’s lives.
A better quality of life
Researchers found quality of life was better for people whose treatment was changed based on their scan, compared to those whose treatment was not changed following their scan. This group also saw a bigger reduction in the frequency of their chest pain – from weekly to monthly on average. They had a larger reduction in their difficulty doing everyday activities, based on a questionnaire.
A second questionnaire looked at people’s mobility, pain and discomfort, anxiety and depression and difficulties washing, dressing and performing normal daily activities. This also showed a greater improvement for people whose treatment changed based on their MRI scan.
There is some evidence that having microvascular angina may increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, although this wasn’t seen in the 12-month period people were followed up in the study.
People whose treatment was changed based on their MRI scan were found to have lower blood pressure, which may have been brought down by medications they were prescribed. They also had a lower weight, which researchers believe may have been a result of reduced chest pain making it easier to be active.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said: “Coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is seen more commonly in women, is real. It can have a serious impact on people’s everyday lives, as they struggle with chest pain and breathlessness, and is often misunderstood.
“Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed, are misdiagnosed, or are only diagnosed after years of delay, because the diagnosis of inadequate blood supply in tiny coronary blood vessels slips through the net.
“This important study shows that it doesn’t have to be this way – having heart MRI tests improved chest pain diagnosis, which in turn led to changes in treatment and better health.”
There were 127 people diagnosed with microvascular angina, including 123 whose angiogram had wrongly suggested their pain was not heart-related. The angiogram diagnosis that their chest pain was not heart-related appeared correct for 155 people.
The MRI scans used in the study revealed two people judged not to have heart-related chest pain by an angiogram, who in fact had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a genetic condition which can cause a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm. Another two people had myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle which most people recover from following treatment.
There are around 250,000 coronary angiograms performed across the UK every year. The MRI scans in this study were done at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank, within the west of Scotland.
These scans judged blood flow in the blood vessels of the heart, and included an algorithm assessing the difference in flow between the inner and outer area of the heart, which is not routinely available on the NHS. However researchers say conventional MRI scans would have a largely similar performance.
On how the study results should change NHS practice, Professor Berry added: “An angiogram alone is not enough for most people with suspected angina, but in most regions of the UK this is all that is performed.
“People should be offered an additional test to look at blood flow. That does not need to be an MRI scan like ours, as there are several alternative tests which might be helpful. These tests are needed because debilitating chest pain significantly reduces people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and their ability to go about their everyday lives.”
The study was also supported by the Chief Scientist Office in Scotland.
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill visited Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company – which produces high-quality road, rail, and commercial signs – in Renfrewshire last week to hear more about its work and meet veterans.
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Ahead of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, it was a privilege to visit Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company to meet veterans working there and hear about their successful military to civilian career transitions at this King’s Award-winning social enterprise.
“It is clear that veterans truly enrich our economy and our communities and our support is vital when they leave service.”
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) is a division of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and operates as a social enterprise based in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. Established in 2018 in response to a 2015 Forces in Mind Trust study highlighting significant deprivation among Scottish veterans, SBMC won the King’s Award for Enterprise in April 2023 for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.
SBMC empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to regain independence through employment and personal development. As Scotland’s only signage social enterprise, it supplies road, rail and commercial signs to the public and private sectors.
The team has grown significantly and is primarily veterans and veteran family members. SBMC is the principal signage supplier to Bear Scotland and several local authorities, holding contracts with public bodies including Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Canals, and Scottish Water. It also supplies Tier 1 contractors such as Amey, Balfour Beatty, and RJ MacLeod.
RBLI has supported thousands of veterans over its 106-year history, and more than 70% of its social enterprise workforce are veterans or people with disabilities. SBMC provides nationally recognised training and development opportunities, helping employees regain independence through skills and qualifications.
All profits are reinvested to support mental health and accommodation services for vulnerable veterans and their families.
Robert Lappin, Assistant Director of SBMC and a military veteran himself, said: “We were pleased to welcome Minister McNeill to our Bishopton factory. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to highlight our work and the meaningful social impact we deliver in Scotland.
“As we approach Remembrance, appreciation of our work, led by veterans, is especially poignant.”
Among those the Minister met last Thursday was Anton Docherty, 35, a Royal Artillery Army veteran from Paisley who joined SBMC through its traineeship programme. After overcoming significant challenges with his mental health, Anton has become a valued member of the team as a Manufacturing Operative.
Reflecting on his experience Anton said: “An opportunity came up to work at Scotland’s Bravest with RBLI, and I grabbed it with both hands. It’s been really good here.
“I feel part of the team; it’s given me routine, structure, and the chance to be around people from similar backgrounds with different stories. We work hard in this place, and while it’s a workplace, it feels like a family too. I see the benefits it brings to others as well.
The previous evening (Wednesday) Minister McNeill hosted a Remembrance Reception at the UK Government’s Queen Elizabeth House HQ in Edinburgh, bringing together Scotland’s Armed Forces community, including Scottish MPs with constituency guests, cadets, Scouts, veteran organisations and Armed Forces representatives.
Edinburgh-based Smart Data Foundry (SDF) has released new data showing that people living in the North East of England have the lowest financial resilience in Great Britain, while those in the Highlands and Islands have the highest.
Figures from SDF’s Economic Wellbeing Explorer, a new, map-based research tool launched today in London, reveal that 43%* of account holders in North East England had less than £100 in their bank accounts on two or more occasions in a single month.
This means that many households in places like Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are struggling to cope with unexpected expenses, such as a broken appliance, a car or home repair, or a sudden loss of income.
South East Wales is close behind at 41%, followed by Yorkshire & The Humber at 40%. By contrast, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, only 29% of account holders regularly fall below the £100 threshold.
Nationally, more than half of people aged 18 to 39 were found to have low financial resilience (56% in Scotland and England, and 59% in Wales), compared to just 10% of those aged 70 and over in all three nations.
Dougie Robb, CEO of Smart Data Foundry, said: “This is the first time we’ve been able to track, on a monthly basis, where the cost-of-living crisis is hitting hardest across Great Britain.
“Almost half of people in the North East have very little financial resilience, which is deeply concerning and reflects the mounting pressure of long-term price inflation, despite wages rising.
“However, the data also shows there has been a significant decrease in people living beyond their means (spending 120% of income) between September 2024 and September 2025 across GB. In England it has dropped from 20% to 13%, in Wales from 19% to 12% and in Scotland 19% to 12%.
“We believe these two trends show that whilst rising wages have helped to keep people afloat, rising costs are eating into their ability to build a financial buffer.”
The data, which is updated monthly, is the first to be released by the new GB-wide Economic Wellbeing Explorer (EWE), developed by Smart Data Foundry. It was unveiled to parliamentarians, researchers and the public during Evidence Week in Westminster.
It uses near real-time data from 5 million bank accounts and tracks economic resilience and wellbeing at national, regional, and local levels, and between age groups and income ranges.
Robb added: “We launched the Economic Wellbeing Explorer in Scotland earlier this year and the response was so positive from local authorities and researchers that we have extended its reach further to include England and Wales too.
“This map-based platform gives policymakers near real-time insight into the areas and age groups who are struggling most, so that changes of policy and interventions can be made quickly when necessary.
“In the past, many policy and funding decisions were made using lagging statistics from surveys or censuses. Now we can use real-world data to show how economic trends are impacting people’s lives from month to month and from area to area. From that information, researchers and policy makers can build an accurate picture of the impact of financial shocks like the increase in the energy price cap or inflation spikes, and be more responsive in their decision making.”
The platform is now open for registration, offering trusted insights to help public institutions, NGOs, and researchers make evidence-based decisions on poverty and inequality.
Topline insights are available for free at a national and regional level, with deeper insights at a local level (Local Authority and neighbourhood level) available via subscription.
The launch follows a successful pilot with East Renfrewshire Council, where financial data was integrated with Council data such as requests for financial support, and other public sector data such as DWP data on children living in poverty, to better understand the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. The Council was able to target interventions more effectively, uncovering hidden pockets of deprivation that were previously missed. This allowed the Council to target support in these emerging areas, intervening before financial struggles escalated further.
A spokesman for the Council said: “The Economic Wellbeing Explorer has influenced decision-making around how and where we deliver supports, such as the Thrive Under 5 project.
“As the dashboard highlighted widespread need, we took the decision to open this project to families from any part of the authority and not just limit it to the most deprived areas. This has meant families who might not previously have been known to us have been supported by the project.
“We will continue to use the Economic Wellbeing Explorer to monitor changes by area, age, income level or over time. This will allow us to best understand need and make informed decisions based on the needs of our residents.”
The Economic Wellbeing Explorer is powered by data from NatWest Group, alongside contextual open data sources such as housing, education and demographic data. All data supplied to Smart Data Foundry is deidentified at source and is held and managed within a strict information governance framework to ensure security, privacy, and ethical standards.
Despite progressive legislation guaranteeing free access to menstrual products in Scotland, research reveals that reusable period products remain significantly underused, with only 3% of people in Scotland who menstruate relying on them exclusively.
Dominique Haig, a master’s student at Queen Margaret University (QMU), has explored why uptake of reusable menstrual products remains low, despite the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 encouraging their distribution.
The findings point to a complex web of barriers – institutional, educational, and infrastructural – that prevent organisations fully understanding and complying with the Act’s goals around equity, sustainability, and choice.
Dominique, a student in QMU’s Institute of Global Health and Development explained: “We found that while reusable products are technically available across colleges, universities and public organisations, they’re often out of sight – sometimes hidden behind reception desks or restricted to student unions.
“This type of gatekeeping, combined with poor signposting and limited education, means many students, who may be particularly vulnerable to period poverty, don’t even know they have the option of accessing the free sanitary products.”
The research has identified that students most likely to benefit from reusable products – such as low-income, disabled, and trans/non-binary individuals – face disproportionate barriers. These include:
“One teacher told us that students often don’t receive menstrual education until halfway through the school year,” Dominique explained. “By then, their understanding is shaped mostly by what their parents have told them.”
In addition, student input rarely shaped procurement practices which resulted in the purchase of reusable produced that didn’t meet the needs of students in terms of quality and aesthetic preferences – resulting in wasted budgets and a continual reliance on single use sanitary wear.
“We spoke to one university procurement officer who confirmed that students had to go to a specific location to collect reusable products,” Dominique added.
“That alone can be a deterrent, especially if the space isn’t welcoming or inclusive.”
Dominique Haig concluded: “The availability of free sanitary wear across Scotland has been an excellent way of improving equality for women across the country.
“However, without targeted interventions, Scotland risks entrenching its dependence on single-use menstrual products, which ultimately undermines the environmental and social equity goals of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021.
“We are therefore calling for improved menstrual education and teacher training; inclusive procurement processes that reflect student preferences; better infrastructure to support reusable product use; and clearer signposting and more accessible distribution methods.
“This will help protect the dignity of everyone who menstruates and the sustainability of service provision, ensuring every student has real choices.”
Read the full research brief on the QMU website
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a premises on Slateford Road.
The incident happened around 6.15am on Sunday (9 November), when a man entered a store and threatened a staff member and demanded money.
He made off in the direction of Gorgie Park Road with a four-figure sum of cash and cigarettes. No one was injured.
The suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins, of slim build and spoke with an English accent.
He was wearing a royal blue fleece with grey side panels and grey cuffs and a black hoodie underneath, black Nike jogging bottoms with a double white stripe on the legs and dark-coloured trainers with a white sole and red flashes on the heel. His face was covered.
Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “Fortunately the staff member was not injured but he was left very upset by what happened.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who saw what happened, saw the suspect or knows who he is to get in touch.
“Please also check any private CTV or dash-cam you might have and contact us if anything has been captured that could assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on101, quoting incident number 0929 of Sunday, 9 November, 2025, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward.
The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive local living for residents and people in the surrounding communities will be achieved.
The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space.
This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes.
Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills.
At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility.
The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities.
The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.
This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December.
Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View. A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.
At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’.
The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds.
The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh.
“We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills.
“The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally.
“Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline.
“Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure.
“Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains.
“This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.”
Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust.
The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities.
Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040 and the Programme for Government, 2025-2026.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “For people living in Granton and north Edinburgh, this investment means real improvements to daily life. Families will have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to heat.
“Young people will get construction training and local job opportunities. Parents will see new safe walking and cycling routes to schools and shops and green spaces where their children can play.
“Our support for this project is directly tied to delivering outcomes that matter to local people—improving health and wellbeing, creating jobs that go to local residents first and supporting community organisations.”
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “This innovative outcomes-based Place Accelerator, backed by Scottish Government and partners, is unlocking new opportunities for people in north Edinburgh and delivering benefits for the wider city.
“We believe the Place Accelerator shows how smart funding and collaboration can turn ambition into action, helping create healthier, fairer, and more prosperous communities.”
Retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from its UK-wide annual survey during this year’s Respect Week, which runs from 10-16 November. Usdaw members are raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for retail workers’.
Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months (change from last year):
· 71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse.
· 48% (-5) were threatened by a customer.
· 9% (-1) were assaulted.
Scottish voices from the frontline:
These are some of the comments Scottish retail workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “I got a knife pulled on me and was cut on the hand holding it away from him trying to stab me.” – “Sexual harassment, threats of violence for challenging theft and abusive behaviour, name calling.”
Glasgow: “Refused a customer alcohol because they were intoxicated – screamed abuse at me, told me I was a jobsworth.” – “Headbutted and pushed by customer.” – “Verbal abuse, called names, threatened to be hit etc.”
Highlands and Islands: “I have been spat on, called a faggot and loads of other names.” – “Pushed and threatened by shoplifter trying to steal spirits.” – “Customer shouting, throwing items and aggressive behaviour.”
Lothian: “Rude language, swearing, raised voices, intimidating behaviour.” – “Punched by an angry customer.” – “Customer threatened to cut us like fish. Every day, we have verbal abuse. Called names – cow, slag etc.” – “Told me to f**k off.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Pushed, verbally harassed, customer gotten in my face.” – “Verbal abuse, cussing, homophobic and threats of harm.” – “Been swore at, sexual comments, followed to car.” – “Aggressive over being ID’d, stock thrown at me.”
North East Scotland: “Called an ignorant b*tch by a customer who was refused a refund.” – “Pushed by a customer in anger over prices.” – “Shouting, swearing, threatened with bottle person was stealing.”
South Scotland: “Coupons ripped up and thrown at me.” – “Hit by item of food. Threatened with a gun.” – “Customers swearing and threatening me when they have no receipt, can’t get a refund, have waited in the queue for too long.”
West Scotland: “Refused underage sale, tried to punch me.” – “Older man shouting at me at night to distract me so someone else could steal.” – “Called awful names, threatened to follow me after work.”
Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Retail workers deserve far more respect than they receive and these experiences from Scottish retail workers make very difficult reading.
“This year’s UK-wide annual survey interim results show a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.
“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers.
“We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end. We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland to make that happen.
“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
Discover! Creative Careers Scotland launches its flagship week of activity today, offering young people across the country the chance to explore the breadth of roles available in the creative industries through a series of in-school, workplace, and online experiences.
Running from 10–14 November 2025, the week forms part of a wider programme of events taking place across Scotland from September 2025 to March 2026, designed to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.
Discover! Creative Careers is a government funded, industry-led programme that is working to ensure there is a larger and more diverse intake of talent via a broader range of routes into the creative industries.
The free to access hybrid programme of activities and resources offers meaningful encounters with industry professionals, online tools, training and support throughout the year.
Its annual flagship Discover! Creative Careers event takes place every November, connecting thousands of young people with hundreds of workplaces to give hands-on insight into the creative industries.
An early event took place at Newbattle High School in Midlothian at the end of last week, where students were joined by Into Film AmbassadorFraser Johnston. A former pupil of the school, Fraser returned to share insights into his career and introduce students to the exciting opportunities within the screen industry.
Fraser Johnston said: “Having Callum come and inspire the students was amazing. Not only did they get so much from the SFX demonstration, but they also learned that there are many pathways into the film and television industry.
“With the creative sector booming in Scotland, these are the exact talks and workshops we are needing in schools. Thank you for organising Into Film.”
Throughout the week, young people will have the opportunity to engage with professionals from across the creative sector, gaining valuable insights into careers in areas such as film, journalism, museums, and festivals.
A highlight of the week includes today’s DYW Live event (Tuesday 11 November) at 10:45, where students will hear directly from industry experts.
Join the event here: https://www.e-sgoil.com/dyw-live/events/25-26/scottish-careers-week-2025/
Get Involved:
Follow the campaign throughout the week on social media –
LinkedIn – Discover Creative Careers
Instagram – discovercreativecareers
YouTube – DiscoverCreativeCareers
Discover!, also known as the Creative Careers Programme, was kick-started with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 2018 and has been shaped and supported directly by creative businesses, institutions, trade bodies and individuals.
Since Discover! Creative Careers was relaunched in 2023, the programme has reached more than 62,000 young people via in-person and online activity and industry encounters.
The delivery of Discover! Creative Careers is led by ScreenSkills in partnership with over 25 organisations and through collaboration with industry, education and careers professionals.
This November, more than 8 million children and young people across the UK are taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2025, running from 10 to 14 November.
Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), the campaign is supported by patrons Andy and the Odd Socks, and Rúben Dias, Manchester City and Portugal footballer.
This year’s theme, Power for Good, celebrates the ability we all have to stand up to bullying, spread kindness, and create safer environments for every child.
Anti-Bullying Week began with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November – a fun, inclusive day, led by the hugely popular Children’s TV Stars, Andy and the Odd Socks, where children and adults wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
A national call for government action
The Anti-Bullying Alliance Advisory Group, made up of leading organisations working with children across the UK, is calling on government to take stronger national action. They are urging ministers to ensure that all schools and those working with young people receive the skills, training, and support they need to:
The group emphasises that bullying prevention must be seen as a core part of safeguarding children and an essential part of promoting wellbeing and equal opportunities.
A week of celebration and action
Anti-Bullying Week will include:
Bullying still affects more than one in five children every year
Despite progress, more than one in five children and young people experience bullying each year. The impact can be devastating, affecting their mental health, confidence, and ability to thrive at school, with the effects often lasting into adulthood.
Rúben Dias, Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “Growing up I saw abuse, exclusion and damage being caused.
“That is why being part of Anti-Bullying week matters to me. I want young people to stand up against it and help each other to be better.”
Andy Day, Andy and the Odd Socks, said: “Music and laughter can open doors to real conversations. By having fun, like Odd Socks Day, we can show that our differences are our gifts, not something to hide.
“For me, Anti-Bullying Week is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard and safe. When I visit schools, I’m always moved by the way children come together to support each other. You can really see the Power for Good young people have when they stand up for one another.”
CHILDLINE:
Lauren Burke, Childline manager in Glasgow, said: “Bullying doesn’t always look the same – it can happen at school, at home, or through screens. But no matter the form, its impact can stay with young people for years, even into adulthood.
“Every day, Childline hears from children across Scotland who are being bullied. Anti-Bullying Week gives us a vital moment to stand together, shine a light on the issue, and show young people they’re not alone. It’s about raising awareness and making sure bullying is challenged wherever it shows up.
“Silence allows bullying to grow. By speaking up and standing beside those affected, we can help keep children safe. Childline is here around the clock – online and by phone – with trained counsellors ready to listen and support any young person, no matter what they’re going through.”
Martha Boateng, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “With so many children turning to Childline for support, it’s clear that bullying continues to have a profound impact on young lives.
“We all have a responsibility to act, from parents and teachers to the government. This Anti-Bullying Week, we’re calling on every adult to use their power for good and help create a society where all children feel safe, respected and included.”
Rachel Talbot, 18, NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, who grew up in Angus, said: “From the age of three, I was bullied at school — in the classroom, in the playground, and later online.
“It was relentless. I became withdrawn and anxious, and I kept waiting for someone at school to notice and act. But no one did. That silence made me feel like I didn’t matter.
“The bullying continued into secondary school, even after I moved catchment areas. I remember taking part in Odd Sock Day to celebrate difference and being bullied for that too. It only stopped when I left school. Therapy helped me rebuild my confidence and develop ways to cope, but the impact stayed with me for a long time.
“Speaking out has been a turning point. Through the NSPCC, I’ve shared my story publicly to help improve support systems for young people. I want children to know they’re not alone – and that change is possible. Childline is always there, with trained counsellors ready to listen and support anyone who feels unheard.”
Advice for parents
If your child has bullied someone, you may feel a mix of anger and disappointment. However, it’s important to help your child understand what bullying behaviour is:
More information and advice can be found on the NSPCC’s website for adults helping their child with bullying.
Advice for children
More information on Childline’s advice to young people on dealing with bullying can be found here.
Snapshots from Childline counselling sessions
“I feel isolated and I’m tired of being bullied. The boy I have a crush on shared our messages with everyone in our class after I expressed my feelings for him.
“Now everyone’s making fun of me for being gay; they blocked me and kicked me out of group chats. I feel so betrayed.” – Boy, 13, Scotland
“The past few weeks I have realised that I’ve become a target of bullying, both physically and verbally. I spoke to my counsellor about it but I’m really nervous that my bullies are going to hurt me for speaking up.
“They are known to do things like this and the last person to tell someone about their behaviour got a fair beating from them and I’m worried I’m next.” – Girl, 13, Scotland
