STARTS SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER from 11am – 12.30pm
We’re starting an Arabic/English language exchange cafe at Muirhouse Library!
Every other Saturday, starting on Saturday 13th December.
We will provide tea, coffee and cake.
Come down whether you’re learning Arabic or learning English, let’s chat! 
RAINBOWS AND BROWNIES RAISE £3600 FOR MISSION CHRISTMAS
Huge well done to the Blackhall Rainbows and Brownies who raised more than £3,600 for Mission Christmas by ‘growing £1’.
This meant each girl was given £1 and had to come up with a fundraising idea to help “grow” it. They then took the money they had fundraised to B&M and spent it on gifts for children living in poverty, which they then donated to Mission Christmas with Cash for Kids.
Thanks to a 10% discount from B&M Edinburgh, the group was able to donate more than £4,500 worth of gifts – which equated to four jam-packed car loads!
One year on from the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, new research from online training provider High Speed Training has revealed that about one in five UK adults in Scotland say they are concerned about sexual harassment in the workplace, with about one in 12 (8%) reporting they had witnessed behaviour they considered to be sexual harassment in a workplace.
The Worker Protection Act (2023) which came into force in October 2024, introduced a legal duty for employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent the sexual harassment of their employees.
The legislation put the onus on the employer – rather than the employee – to take action against inappropriate conduct which would fall under the category of sexual harassment in the workplace. It also gives workers more protection, rights and support should they experience any kind of sexual harassment when at work.
However, a YouGov survey from High Speed Training found that only 61% of workers in Scotland are confident that employers have taken these reasonable steps.
The survey also found that 8% of workers across Scotland say they have witnessed behaviour at workplaces in the last 12 months that they would consider to be sexual harassment, as well as finding that only 65% of workers feel confident that workplaces would handle a report of sexual harassment effectively.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, said: “The term ‘sexual harassment’ refers to any sort of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has this effect.
“Anybody who experiences unwanted sexual behaviour, whether this be verbal, physical or digital, is a victim of sexual harassment.”
Examples of this behaviour are:
High Speed Training’s research also found stark differences across generational demographics when looking at the nation as a whole.
Respondents currently working fromacross the UK aged 18-24 were more than three times as likely to say they have witnessed behaviour they considered to be sexual harassment at a workplace as those aged 45+ (24% vs 7%).
The figures suggest that younger employees are either being disproportionately exposed to or witnessing sexual harassment, or, as employees joining the workforce in a post #MeToo era, are more adept at recognising inappropriate behaviour.
Younger workers may also be more likely to occupy more junior or entry-level positions, which could make them more vulnerable to inappropriate conduct, and feel less empowered to challenge it.
Dr Anderson said: “A year on from the introduction of the new Worker Protection Act, our research has shown that there is still lots of work to be done.
“If we expand our findings to the whole of the UK workforce, which the ONS estimated to be 36.9 million people in December 2024, these findings would suggest that nearly 3 million people have witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace in the last 12 months, underlining the need for the new legislation, and showing just how much work employers need to do to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported at work.
“A strong workplace culture, one that promotes transparency, trust and inclusivity, is built by visible and consistent action and investment.
“For organisations looking to demonstrate their commitment, comprehensive sexual harassment training training is a great place to start.”
Thousands of UK businesses are already recognising this. Since the WPA came into force 12 months ago, High Speed Training has seen more than a 1,500% increase in companies enrolling teams on its Sexual Harassment Training for employees course, with a 2,234% increase in uptake of their Sexual Harassment Training for managers course.
To find out more, visit High Speed Training to read the whole report.
We should decide what happens in West Pilton/West Granton 
come along to learn more.
This event is being put on by myself (Jessica Fenn) and Chris Cullen – we live here, we aren’t an outside organisation, and we want other locals to join us
New data shows the need for support has rocketed over the past five years, revealing a growing crisis across schools, families, and workplaces
As Mindroom marks 25 years of championing neurodivergent children, young people, and adults in the workplace, new data exposes a sharp rise in need across the UK, and a system struggling to cope.
Over the past five years, demand for Mindroom’s support has soared by nearly 300%, with families waiting years for assessments, children missing school due to unmet needs, and parents describing a system “at breaking point.”
The charity’s latest Impact Report also shows a 62% rise in families seeking mental health support, a 240% increase in training for professionals, and 93% of young people saying they felt more confident after working with Mindroom – proof of both surging need and transformative impact.
“Everywhere we look – classrooms, GP surgeries, workplaces, kitchen tables – the pressure is mounting,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom.
“Every week, more families come to us saying they simply can’t navigate the system alone. The good news is that public understanding of neurodiversity has grown hugely. The question now is whether our institutions can keep up.”
This comes amid a worsening national picture. A Scottish Parliament report (June 2025) * described a “concerning picture” of neurodivergent care in Scotland, with over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults now waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments, signalling increases of over 500% and 2,200% respectively since 2020.
Some families face waits of up to three and a half years, while in England, reports show children waiting more than four years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.
Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report shows the charity handled 25,499 direct contacts on behalf of children and young people last year alone, providing vital one-to-one support and advocacy for families in crisis.
At the same time, its training and consultancy arm grew by 160%, equipping professionals in education, health, and business to create “neuroinclusive communities. But despite this progress, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.
A 2024 national workplace report** found that over half of neurodivergent employees had taken time off due to inadequate support or lack of reasonable adjustments. While neuroinclusion is rising up the corporate agenda, too many workplaces still fall short on psychological safety and practical understanding.
To mark its 25th anniversary, Mindroom is launching new initiatives to expand neuroinclusive practice from classrooms to boardrooms and, over the past three years, the charity has trained more than 10,000 people across sectors, a foundation it now plans to build on through national partnerships, policy advocacy, and expanded training.
“Behind every statistic is a person: a child finally getting the right support in school, a parent who no longer feels alone, or a workplace learning to value difference,” Alan Thornburrow added. “That’s what keeps us going.
“With neurodiversity finally gaining visibility in public life – from government policy to entertainment – we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn awareness into action. Neurodivergent young people are not a side issue; they are the future workforce.”
Founded in 2000 and inspired by the lived experience of Robin and Sophie Dow and their daughter Annie, Mindroom began as a small Edinburgh charity and now supports thousands of families every year. Its mission – to build a society that champions every kind of mind – is more relevant than ever.
To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report
For more information or to access Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report, visit: https://www.mindroom.org
A group of lifesaving volunteers from Penicuik have recently celebrated their 20th anniversary at Penicuik Rugby Club.
Penicuik Community First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives.
The group covers the EH26 post code area and responds to emergencies such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. The group also maintain and manage eight publicly accessible external defibrillators (AED) in the area.
In addition to their lifesaving emergency response work and AED management, over the past 20 years, the Penicuik CFRs have delivered CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to 1,128 people, helping residents gain the confidence and skills to act in a medical emergency.
Bill Lawson, Penicuik Community First Responder, said: “I have been a Community First Responder for nearly 20 years and what has struck me most is that the basic premise behind the CFR role and the aspirations of those who undertake the role is the same now as it has always been.
“The CFR role is a challenging one, but it has given me much more than it has taken. Being able to help people in times of stress has given me a profound sense of appreciation.
“Penicuik’s CFRs have come from a range of background and experiences but all of them have been dedicated volunteers, wanting to give something back to their community. It has been a delight and a privilege to be part of this group.”
Michael Dickson, Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to the Penicuik Community First Responder Group on achieving this fantastic milestone. It was great to celebrate with them at their event, and this milestone is a testament to their dedication as volunteers.
“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities and we are thankful to each and every one of them.”
For more information on the group and how to join as a volunteer:
Advice on how to get the right healthcare in the right setting this winter is the focus of an annual campaign launching today (Monday).
This year’s Right Care Right Place Campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital platforms. It aims to ensure people can get the right care, while also reducing pressures on frontline health services.
As the weather turns colder, Scotland’s NHS and social care services get busier and the awareness campaign helps the public decide whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. It reminds everyone that hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Pressure on the healthcare system increases in winter months, and the Right Care Right Place campaign helps everyone know where they can go for advice or care for any health concerns during this busy period.
“Of course, people can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if they’re eligible. This is even more important this year, as early evidence suggests it could be a particularly challenging flu season.
“We are taking a range of measures to ensure our health service is as resilient as possible over the next few months and that our committed health and social care staff are supported.
“We know that staff members work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it and as always, I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication.”
Right care right place | NHS inform
Self-help guides on NHS inform include advice on the most common winter illnesses.
The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s oldest civic society, is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s heritage, landscape, and quality of life. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the City of Edinburgh Council’s consultation on the proposed tram extension, and we appreciate the constructive dialogue with the Future Trams Team throughout this process, as well as their commitment to public consultation.
The Cockburn Association remains committed to supporting a transport future that is sustainable, inclusive, affordable, efficient, and sensitive to Edinburgh’s unique historic environment.
As the City faces the challenges of the housing crisis and increasing congestion and works towards the laudable ambition of Net Zero by 2030, it is vital that any transport solution alleviates these pressures and complements the city’s existing asset base of spectacular heritage, civic amenities, existing transport networks and public green space.
As both a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh deserves a bold vision for the future, and one which seeks to address the City’s challenges.
Though we understand that the Future Trams Team have undertaken much detailed work in preparation of this consultation, we consider that the evidence base is, as yet, insufficient to explain and justify why an investment of such magnitude, and the inevitable years of disruption to resident and commercial communities is the best option for the City.
Given the far-reaching and multigenerational impact of this development, we have sought the views of our members on the proposed tram extension. Of those who responded, respondents supported the general principle of extending Edinburgh’s transport network; however, concerns were expressed about the execution and governance of tram projects to date, with particular reference to the multiyear disruption on Leith Walk.
Any transport extension must be developed in close alignment with the City Mobility Plan, City Plan 2030, the Active Travel Action Plan, the 2030 Climate Strategy and the Local Place Plans. Together, these frameworks set out a shared vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred city, which capitalises on its historic and natural assets, and preserves and enhances them for future generations.
At this strategic stage, detailed design information, including street-level treatments, traffic management, pedestrian and cycling provision, and heritage impact assessments have yet to emerge. We therefore reserve detailed comment until these plans are available. Nonetheless, we emphasise that heritage, landscape quality, and local character must remain central to the design process.
We are aware of concerns about the capacity of South Bridge to carry modern trams and the need for independent assurance of its ability to accommodate such loads without risk to this Category A-listed structure within the World Heritage Site.
These issues reinforce the importance of thorough engineering and heritage assessments before finalising any proposed routes.
The Cockburn Association is committed to engaging constructively as the proposals develop. We offer our expertise in heritage, planning, and civic matters to help shape a transport system that enhances Edinburgh’s sustainability, accessibility, and distinctive sense of place.
We look forward to contributing to future stages of consultation and to continuing to advocate for a transport network that supports residents and local businesses while respecting the historic fabric of our city.
The Cockburn Association thanks the City of Edinburgh Council and the Future Trams Team for the opportunity to participate in this important consultation and welcomes further dialogue to ensure that future proposals deliver lasting benefits for Edinburgh’s people, heritage, and urban environment.
Want to know more?
Readers interested in exploring the Cockburn Association’s long-standing engagement with Edinburgh’s transport landscape in greater depth are encouraged to purchase our 150th Anniversary publication, Campaigning for Edinburgh.
This richly illustrated volume traces the Association’s historic role in shaping the city’s civic and infrastructural development, including its sustained involvement in debates around city-wide transport and urban mobility.
The publication is available to order here:
Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed launch filled with elemental wonder.
Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.
Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.
Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”
Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.
“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”
Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.
Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.
From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.
One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.
With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.
Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.
“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”
While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.
Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.
“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”
The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.
The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing at 9pm.
A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.
To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com. Advance booking required.
MORE BUDGET DETAILS ANNOUNCED
13 million pensioners are set to see their State Pension increase faster than inflation next April thanks to the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock.
From next April the rate of the full new State Pension is expected to increase to just over £240 a week.
This is an increase worth over £550 a year, an extra £120 compared to what it would have been if it had been uprated only by inflation. The full basic State Pension is expected to rise by around an extra £440 a year.
Tackling the cost of living is at the centre of this week’s Budget, and this announcement comes following government action to freeze rail fares and prescription fees next year saving working families millions of pounds. Government is also cracking down on ticket touts that will cut costs for music lovers across Britain.
At the Budget the Chancellor will go even further to bring down bills, tackle inflation, and grip the cost of living.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it’s our commitment to the Triple Lock or to rebuilding our NHS to cut waiting lists, we’re supporting pensioners to give them the security in retirement they deserve.
“At the Budget this week I will set out how we will take the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.”
The government ‘is committed to supporting pensioners’, and this boost will ensure the State Pension remains the foundation of a secure retirement. The Triple Lock guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.
This comes alongside other support for the most vulnerable pensioners through Pension Credit, worth on average £4,300 a year, and Winter Fuel Payments for nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year.
