The historic Old Town venue has launched ‘John’s Pies’, a brand-new dinner menu dedicated entirely to one of the nation’s favourite comfort foods.
In partnership with Jarvis Pickle, based in the Scottish Borders and winners of 46 British Pie Awards and 21 Great Taste Awards, John’s Coffee House & Tavern now serves a menu of eight handcrafted pies, seven regulars and one rotating seasonal flavour, all made in Scotland using the finest ingredients.
Each pie is served with creamy mash, peas, and a rich gravy for £14.50, available daily from 5pm to 9pm. Diners can choose from a comforting and flavour-packed line-up, from rich venison to hearty beef, plus vegan and seasonal specials.
“Pies have always been part of Scottish heritage – simple, hearty and full of flavour,” says Corrina Croy, General Manager at John’s Coffee House & Tavern.
“Collaborating with Jarvis Pickle felt like the perfect fit for us. They share our values of quality, craftsmanship and celebrating the best of Scotland’s produce. John’s Pies brings a true taste of comfort to our dinner menu, just in time for the cold season.”
True to its ethos of supporting Scottish producers, John’s Coffee House & Tavern continues to champion local suppliers across its menu and bar. The bar serves only Bellfield Brewery beers and Edinburgh Cider Company ciders, both proudly brewed in Edinburgh, alongside a wide range of Scotch whiskies, offering the perfect pairing for a hearty pie supper.
Nestled behind St Giles’ Cathedral, John’s Coffee House & Tavern sits within CODE The Court, a boutique hotel and urban hostel housed in Edinburgh’s former police chambers and courthouse; a space steeped in character, stories, and tradition.
‘John’s Pies’ is now being served daily from 5pm to 9pm – walk-ins only.
With girls and women remaining underrepresented in computing at school and in the industry, Toni Scullion, teacher, campaigner and founder of non-profit charity dressCode, is working with St George’s School in Edinburgh to inspire more girls to see a future for themselves in the tech industry.
The all-girls school is hosting its third annual Fearless Women in Computing event on Tuesday 11 November, an event which is open to all schoolgirls across Edinburgh. The event, which last year attracted 600 girls from 13 schools from four council areas, aims to encourage more girls to pursue computing science in school and in their professional lives.
The day-long event will feature immersive experiences, workshops and stalls in collaboration with more than 20 companies, including The National Robotarium, IBM and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.
There will be several guest talks on topics, including AI and women in tech, careers in finance and tech and seeing yourself in computing. Skyscanner will sponsor transport for girls from state schools to attend, with priority given to providing the opportunity to pupils from areas of high deprivation.
Scotland needs 13,000 new digital professionals yearly but produces only 5,000, with women making up just 23% of the digital technologies workforce in Scotland, revealing the clear need for more gender diversity within the industry.
The gap begins at school – girls studying Computing Science in Scotland has dropped from almost 10,000 in 2001 to under 2,500 today, giving Computing Science the largest gender gap of any traditional STEM subject.
Toni said:“I founded dressCode after noticing the inequality in Computing Science when I first became a teacher, and while we have made positive progress, there is still a need for urgent action.
“Girls almost always outperform boys in Computing Science through school and university, but as it stands only 23% take the subject at National 5, a percentage that only drops at each level to Advanced Higher.
“The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative. It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen.
“Positive experiences are what people remember and this event is incredible for the pupils; you know that these are moments that will stick with them and form their future choices.
“Unfortunately there is no equity of access to Computing Science in Scotland, so not every pupil is fortunate enough to experience Computing Science and decide if it is something they enjoy; the door isn’t just closed, there is no door.
“If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetimes – this event isn’t just a step in the right direction, it’s a critical action to ensure girls are the architects of a future designed for all.”
dressCode was founded in 2017 to bridge the gender gap in Computing Science by engaging, inspiring, and raising awareness about the diverse opportunities available in the tech industry.
Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head at St George’s, said: “Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future.
“We know how important it is to show girls from early in their schooling that there is space for them in AI and technology industries, which is why we made Computing Science a core subject from P5 to S2.
“This summer 80% of our Higher Computing students achieved an A grade– it’s clear that when girls are encouraged to take Computing Science, they thrive.
“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together schools, companies and innovators from across Scotland to create a hands-on, inspiring experience for girls across Edinburgh.
“We have seen first-hand the impact these events can have – hearing the stories of women in the industry, seeing the recent advances in robotics and AI, even “hacking Google” – the day is an eye-opener to the world of computing, and we would encourage as many schools as possible to come along.”
100% of girls study Computing Science from P5 to S2 at St George’s, with a focus on building confidence and encouraging participation among pupils.
The school offers community lessons on Friday afternoons, so any girl from an Edinburgh state school can attend and benefit from the facilities and expertise available.
The Fearless Women in Computing event is on 11 November from 9:30am – 3pm at St George’s School, Edinburgh.
It is open to any Edinburgh school girl from P6 to S6.
Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors – including veterans, young cadets and members of the public – from Glasgow to Galashiels, Edinburgh to East Kilbride and beyond, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
Today, at 11am, the nation will pause for two minutes of silent reflection on Remembrance Sunday, knowing that Poppy Saturday has once again been a great success, with strong support and generous donations.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, was delighted with the response to this year’s appeal, and said: “The support we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has once again been outstanding.
“Every donation makes a difference and helps provide vital, often life-changing support for current or former members of the Armed Forces and their families whether that is overcoming challenges related to financial difficulties, employment, housing, mental health, or any other number of areas.
“Quite literally, when a veteran’s life starts to unravel, Poppyscotland helps them piece it back together.
“So, on behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously, or gave up their time to volunteer, allowing us to continue to offer help every step of the way.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country during October and in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.
His Majesty The King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict
Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
10,000 veterans will pay tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s March Past the Cenotaph
His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.
The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War. Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.
This follows commemorations earlier in the year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which paid tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney MSP will join Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, along with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and veterans and serving personnel, to remember the fallen in a short service of remembrance this morning.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today.
“Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace, and our duty is to protect it.
“Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This year, as we marked eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we have been reminded of the immense courage and sacrifices made by all those who have served our country.
“On this Remembrance Sunday, we come together again to reflect and honour the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, past and present, and to ensure that their service is never forgotten.
“Today, we remember them, in grief and in gratitude, mindful that their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “On Remembrance Sunday we come together to honour those who fought and died so we could live in freedom.
“We pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country, and we recognise the dedication of those who serve in our Armed Forces today to safeguard the peace we all inherited.
“As a nation, we pay our respects and thank our entire Armed Forces community. We will never take their service for granted.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB said: “Remembrance Sunday stands as both an important moment of national reflection and an opportunity for personal acts of remembrance.
“It is a time to honour all those who laid down their lives so that we might live in freedom as well as recognising those serving today, who continue to protect us.
“From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our Armed Forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “In a year that marks 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan, we reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, aware that this is one of the nation’s last opportunities to recognise, thank and honour the small number of veterans still with us today.
“As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we not only pay tribute to them but to all those who have bravely defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
“From risking their lives in warzones to spending time away from their families, and providing vital support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, the dedication of our Armed Forces community is extraordinary. We encourage the nation to pause, reflect and remember their service and sacrifice.”
101-year-old Donald Poole, a veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who will be marching with the Burma Star Memorial Fund said: “It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts, and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.
“I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the Fire Service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz – many of whom lost their own.”
The UK Armed Forces continue to honour the legacy of their predecessors by working year-round to safeguard UK security and global stability.
As the nation remembers its fallen, British forces around the world will be protecting NATO’s eastern flank from threats, disrupting threats to international shipping in the world’s busiest shipping lanes, supporting with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country.
In all, close to 9,000 personnel will be deployed on operations and overseas bases around the world on Remembrance Sunday.
For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, and Sky News.
On BBC television, coverage will be live on BBC One and iPlayer from 10:15.
Work on more affordable homes and a new waterfront primary school to begin next year
New investment will enable hundreds of affordable homes to be provided in the first phase of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project.
Funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh.
Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion programme to regenerate Granton Waterfront which will ultimately deliver 3,500 new homes, space for leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The new funding package is being provided to City of Edinburgh Council over a 20-year period. Payment is conditional on the Council meeting targets including creating job and apprenticeship opportunities and investing in non-profit organisations to tackle disadvantage in the north of Edinburgh.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling Scotland’s housing and climate emergencies while supporting communities that need it most.
“By working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, we’re unlocking £220 million in private sector investment to transform Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community with hundreds of net zero homes, a new school and business space.
“Communities in Granton are at the centre of this project and will directly benefit from improved transport links, green spaces and job opportunities as we regenerate this important brownfield site.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I welcome this funding to help us deliver the first phase of this hugely significant £1.3 billion regeneration project at Granton Waterfront in the north of the capital.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is about helping make Edinburgh more inclusive by improving educational attainment, health and well-being, local employment opportunities and eradicating child poverty. I’m really pleased we’ve received this new funding as we’re committed to delivering these important outcomes to create better opportunities for the people living in this area.”
The Scottish Government will provide the City of Edinburgh Council with up to £2.1 million per year over a 20-year period to support the first phase of Granton Waterfront’s regeneration.
Payment is conditional on the council meeting targets related to the delivery of walking and cycling routes, green spaces, construction skills training for local secondary pupils, investment in non-profit organisations and establishing a fund to reinvest developer contributions in jobs and businesses in Granton.
The Scottish Government is providing an additional £16 million towards the first phase of the project through its contribution to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Public sector investment is estimated to leverage a further £220 million of private sector investment in houses and business space.
Are you a band with an eclectic collection of funky Xmas tunes?
Are you part of a choir or singing group who’s renditions of Christmas carols and pop hits leaves audiences dabbing at their eyes?
Are you a guitar-toting independent artist who is just dying to put their own twist on Christmas classics?
We want YOUUUU for our Christmas celebrations at The Pitt (Pittmas?) We will be having various musical performances and opportunities to play across the festive season, starting from late November.
We are in particular looking for groups and choirs from across North Edinburgh, but if you are from a bit further afield, please get in touch anyway!
Scotland has made significant progress towards its goal of becoming a leading Fair Work Nation, according to the latest research from the Fair Work Convention.
The new report, which benchmarks Scotland’s performance against leading European nations, highlights both achievements and ongoing challenges for Scotland as it approaches its 2025 ambition.
Measuring Scotland’s Performance as a Leading Fair Work Nation
This report is not the final verdict on whether Scotland is a leading Fair Work Nation due to the lag in the publication of economic data. But the findings suggest that Scotland won’t be a leading Fair Work Nation by 2025.
Despite this, the report shows that since 2016, Scotland has made measurable progress on fair work. It has improved on 11 of the 14 indicators, with particularly positive performance in key areas like reducing gender economic inactivity gaps, reducing workplace injuries and tackling low pay.
When comparing Scotland’s performance with other leading European nations, Scotland performs particularly well on permanent employment and is improving on other security dimensions of fair work like underemployment and involuntary part-time work.
Challenges remain, particularly on unemployment for young people where Scotland’s performance is dropping, on the disability employment gap where more progress is needed to meet the Scottish Government’s target and on collective bargaining where Scotland lags significantly behind the leading nations.
Beyond the data, the report recognises the significant work undertaken by the Scottish Government and the Fair Work Convention to create the concept of Fair Work and to embed it firmly within economic policy.
The Government’s Fair Work First approach means that fair work conditionality has been applied to more than £6 billion of public funding. The Convention’s sectoral inquiries have provided a clear way forward on deeply ingrained fair work issues in sectors like hospitality, construction and social care.
Looking ahead, the report calls for a renewed commitment and a range of further action, particularly on collective bargaining as a key measure and a route to improving all dimensions of fair work.
Fair Work Convention Co-Chairs Professor Patricia Findlay and Chris Westcott said:“Becoming a world leading Fair Work Nation was always a stretching and aspirational target, deliberately chosen to challenge ourselves as a nation. There are many obstacles to its delivery. But by aiming high, fair work is now embedded firmly in policy and in much practice in Scotland.
“We remain ambitious and committed to supporting the delivery of fair work. Transformative progress that benefits workers, businesses and our economy is achievable. New legislation on worker rights from Westminster will help underpin aspects of fair work, allowing us to re-focus Scotland’s aspirations for leading fair work practice.”
Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has announced the opening of its first standalone boutique in Edinburgh, located at the prestigious Multrees Walk.
Spanning 2,000 square feet across two stylish floors, the new boutique will offer an elevated customer experience, complete with a dedicated lounge and bar area, creating a welcoming environment for customers to discover the world of OMEGA.
The new boutique will showcase OMEGA’s renowned watch collections, including the Constellation, Seamaster, Speedmaster, and De Ville families.
Visitors will also be able to explore OMEGA’s range of matching accessories and fine jewellery, making the store the perfect destination for watch enthusiasts.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGAsaid: “OMEGA’s new location in the heart of Edinburgh aligns perfectly with the Scottish spirit, balancing forward-thinking innovation with a deep respect for heritage and traditions”.
Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveensaid: “We are delighted to welcome OMEGA to Multrees Walk.
“Their arrival further strengthens our reputation as Scotland’s leading luxury shopping destination.
“As we continue to grow and expand the retail offering in Edinburgh, we are excited to be welcoming world-class brands and luxury retailers on board.”
The arrival of OMEGA marks another milestone for Multrees Walk, which continues to attract leading global brands, with further retailer announcements expected later this year.
The Scottish FA has commissioned a review of Youth Development, and specifically the player development pathway, in advance of the publication of a new 10-year strategic plan.
Following the publication of the Transition Report, which looked at innovative ways of maximising game time for young Scottish talent, this latest review provides a detailed look at the fundamental structures within the player development pathway and provides recommendations to better cultivate future talent.
The review was carried out by Chief Football Officer Andy Gould and Chris Docherty, Head of Men’s Elite Strategy. It compares the existing structures within Scottish football to the most successful development strategies in world football and sport.
The key findings are incorporated within three distinct age groups – 0-5, 5-12 and 12-16 – and include:
A gradual phasing-out of the Scottish FA’s seven Regional Performance Schools.
An overhaul of Club Academy Scotland programme
A focus for the national association on cultivating players at the most impressionable ages through an ‘at home’ love of the game.
A new approach to government investment in ‘free-to-use’ municipal facilities.
An increase in education, mentoring and development opportunities to support all stakeholders involved in player development
Andy Gould, Scottish FA Chief Football Officer: “The Review of Youth Development in Scottish Football looks into global best practice in the development of young talent and examines how we can improve the pathway for our most talented players.
“While this naturally looks at trends within football it also looks at the commonalities between elite talent in other sports, as well as professions such as music and the arts.
“This has been undertaken in the context of how the Scottish football player development pathway has evolved since the launch of the performance strategy more than a decade ago: which initiatives need to be refreshed and updated, and which need to be revisited entirely.
“It’s no secret Scottish football has finite financial resource, so the recommendations have been made on the principle of maximising that resource to deliver the best results for talented young players – in the words of Arsene Wenger ‘to give every talent a chance’.
“The decision to phase-out our Performance Schools is not one that we have taken lightly. Based on our evidence from the review, the national association’s focus should be on the more impressionable age of birth to 12 years old, rather than potentially duplicating or conflicting with clubs’ own development plans.
“Similarly, a country of our size cannot credibly fund 27 academies while we have a well-known and long-standing challenge in seeing academy players graduate to first-team football.
“At present the criteria-based system is not producing top-class players and has become, anecdotally, a tick-box exercise to unlock funding.
“There are various models that exist, and we need to provide a better system for Scottish football, one that helps players maximise and – crucially – realise their potential, but also provides a flexibility of academy structure that clubs can choose based on their resources.
“This review is a commitment to harnessing investment in the right areas – as proven in the case studies we have highlighted. It is also to highlight the importance of looking beyond formal, organised, structured football and looking at a holistic approach in the early years, with emphasis on mastery of the ball and love of the game: founded on a freedom of expression and increasing free-to-play environments.”
The next step is to work with all stakeholders to agree on a new model for Club Academy Scotland, including alternative games programmes, via the Scottish FA Professional Game Board.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
Age 0-5:
The Scottish FA should look beyond formal, organised activity, and consider how to begin a project which targets parents and encourages every child to have access to multiple balls at home during infancy.
Nationwide education programme for parents on the holistic benefits of engaging their children with a ball – this can encompass nursery and primary school age groups.
A revised player journey to include consideration to 1v1 prior to established Fun 4s and 4v4 format at early ages.
Age 5-12:
Remove mandatory ‘Best v Best’ games programme for elite to reduce travel and maximise contact time with the ball.
Grassroots & Children’s Education should focus on falling in love with the ball, rather than focusing on a games-only approach.
‘Seven Days of Practice’ principle including dual registration system to allow children to train and play with professional clubs, grassroots clubs and in school.
Children encouraged to master the ball with daily practice and spend hours practicing outside of organised football training programmes.
Technical “skills clinics” around the country to enhance development along with online/YouTube presence to inspire young people.
Creating free-to-use “space to play” facilities via building football cages, campaigning government to unlock school facilities, and creating access to indoor facilities (school gym halls) in winter.
Innovative methods to tackle the Relative Age Effect.
Develop a Movement Skills Curriculum with video content, to be shared with grassroots clubs (for warm-ups) and Primary School teachers (for PE lessons).
Consider how to widen and improve the quality of workforce for grassroots football, such as developing a deploying young coaches via C Licence Qualification and College & University programmes related to sport, who partner with parent volunteers and deliver the Scottish FA curriculum to children at Grassroots level.
Age 12-16:
Reform Club Academy Scotland programme.
Employ experts in youth development, who can work closely with our top academies on an ongoing basis.
A strategic approach to the Youth National Team structure, focused on working with a wider group of players for longer, including late developers.
Phase out Scottish FA Performance Schools and reallocate resource to new Scottish FA Regional projects.
Explore the possibility of a National ‘Full Residential’, with a focus on players not selected for academies (such as late maturing players) and those from rural areas.
Consider regional elite development centres for children born in the Islands.
The Executive Summary of the review can be read here, with the review in full found here.
