Day: December 16, 2025

Pupils perform at Haymarket station as grand finale to Royal Scottish National Orchestra residency

The performance was the culmination of a three-month residency with RSNO’s world-class musicians who worked alongside the school’s Instrumental Music Service to inspire young brass musicians.

Twenty pupils from the Council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) Senior Brass Ensemble, made up of young people from across Edinburgh secondary schools, put on a festive performance with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) Brass Quintet at Haymarket train station, on Friday 12 December.

The performance was the culmination of a three-month residency which involved RSNO’s world-class musicians working alongside the school’s IMS teaching team to coach, encourage and develop skills in young brass instrumentalists from secondary schools across the city.

Over the course of the residency, the young people worked alongside members of the RSNO to rehearse for two performances – the first was at the Usher Hall on 3 December 2025 where the brass ensemble performed Tielman Susato’s Renaissance Dances. The second at Haymarket station, brought the residency to a close, while entertaining the general public with a selection of Christmas carols and festive tunes.

Musicians in the IMS Senior Brass Ensemble, and those who took part in the residency, included pupils from Drummond High School, Tynecastle High School, Trinity Academy, Boroughmuir High School, Balerno High School, James Gillespie’s High School, Leith Academy, Queensferry High School, St Augustine’s RC High School, Broughton High School, Firrhill High School and Craigmount High School.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: We are committed to not only making music tuition accessible to a large number of learners in our schools, but also in nurturing and developing musical talent.

“Our residency with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is a great example of how we are doing this, bringing together world class musicians to join our instrumental music service team to inspire our talented young brass players.

“It is thanks to our team of dedicated instrumental teachers that children and young people have opportunities like this to perform and showcase their talents in such public forums.  

“I am sure that that the skills they have learned and the experiences they have had will stay with them for years to come, paving the way for future success. A sincere well done and thank you to all involved, including our Instrumental Music Service Team, teachers, families, the RSNO – and of course to our talented young musicians.”

Andrew Stevenson, RSNO Director of Engagement, said: “I am so pleased that we’re able to work so closely with the Council’s Instrumental Music Service. The IMS provide such invaluable teaching and support to young people across Scotland and it’s a real privilege to help bolster them in any way we can.

“Rounding out our residency with this free, public performance is a fantastic way to show off how brilliant these young people are and how important music education is, something we feel very passionately about at the RSNO.

“I’d also like to extend a big thanks to ScotRail, our principal travel partner, for their continued support.”

Carter, an S1 pupil at Balerno High School who took part in the Royal Scottish National Orchestra residency, said: “I found the RSNO Brass side by side project inspirational and AMAZING, thank you for letting me be part of this wonderful experience.

Abodus Student Living celebrates a landmark year

Multi-award-winning student accommodation sets the benchmark for student living with 98% occupancy rate across its UK portfolio

Abodus Student Living has been named Student Housing Operator of the Year 2025 at The Class Foundation’s PBSA Awards in Lisbon, recognised for delivering an elevated student living experience that goes beyond traditional expectations. The business also secured a clear win in the public vote, demonstrating its strong reputation among residents and industry peers.

The award is one of four major accolades Abodus has achieved this year, cementing its position as a multi-award-winning, best-in-class operator.

In addition to its Lisbon win, Abodus received Investor in Students’ highest accreditation of Gold Operator, was named Most Inclusive Student Accommodation Provider at Property Week’s Student Accommodation Awards, and was Highly Commended in the UK’s Best Operator under 5,000 beds category.

Across its portfolio, residences have also recorded student NPS scores above 70, placing Abodus Student Living well within global top-tier benchmarks for customer experience.

This success reflects the strength of Abodus’ fully independent, end-to-end operating model. The wider Abodus platform spans development, investment and asset management, working alongside its PBSA operating arm, , to deliver a seamless and high-performing service for students, partners and investors.

Two significant new developments launched this year. Martha Street Apartments launched in central Glasgow, offering high-quality accommodation for both domestic and international students as well as co-living residents.

In Newcastle, the opening of Union Square strengthened Abodus Student Living’s position in one of the UK’s most competitive student markets. The company also expanded its senior team, welcoming Brianne Lee as Commercial Manager to help support the next stage of its growth.

Abodus Student Living’s social and environmental efforts has also gained momentum with the launch of its Sustainability Committee.

Over the past year, students and teams donated 374 bags of pre-loved items, raising an estimated £7,854 for the British Heart Foundation, bringing total donations since 2024 to £35,910. Through its work with Ecologi, Abodus Student Living has planted 530 trees to support reforestation and climate action.

Commenting on the award win and the company’s progress, CEO Joss Muirie said: “Winning Student Housing Operator of the Year is a huge endorsement of our team’s continued performance, innovation and commitment to putting students first.

“We’ve delivered another exceptional year, from launching new assets to strengthening our leadership team and achieving 98% occupancy across the portfolio.

“Our recent investment in technology, AI integration and our rebrand means we are exceptionally well positioned for the next stage of our growth journey. With further UK acquisitions in the pipeline, 2026 is shaping up to be another transformative year for the business.”

Looking ahead, Abodus Student Living plans to build on this year’s achievements as it enters 2026. A strengthened leadership team, a growing portfolio and continued investment in technology and customer experience as well as sustainability positions the business well for its next phase of expansion in the UK.

The Student Housing Operator of the Year award serves as a powerful endorsement as Abodus Student Living moves confidently into a new chapter of growth and innovation.

COSLA calls for £16bn budget boost

COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for Scotland’s councils.

A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.

COSLA has today launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.

The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.

COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: “Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving. Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.

“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”

This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment. As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:

  • An immediate £750m investment in social care.
  • Flexibility for councils to make local decisions that respond to community needs.
  • Recognition of local government as an equal partner in delivering national priorities and tackling inequalities.

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added: “Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.

“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities. We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”

Lothian Buses: Holiday services

See at a glance what service levels will be in operation over the festive period

No matter the reason for travelling by bus this festive period – visiting friends and family, commuting to and from work, attending Christmas parties or work nights out – Lothian is here to make your journey easy, affordable and comfortable.

We’ve pulled together all the information you could possibly need this Christmas for travel across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including festive timetables, TravelHub opening hours, journey planning tools, Lothian merchandise (ideal for stocking fillers!) and last but not least… our very special Christmas Advertisement for 2025, created in partnership with our Charity of Choice, Age Scotland!

LOTHIAN-XMAS-2025Download

#MerryChristmasFromLothian

Trolleydarity heads into Scottish hospitals

National Theatre of Scotland and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts present

Trolleydarity

Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller

At Western General Hospital, Edinburgh; St John’s Hospital, Livingston; and East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington

December 2025 to March 2026

Co-curated by Alan Grieve and Shona Reppe

Designer – Danny Krass

Facilitators for St John’s Hospital and East Lothian Community Hospital – Minnie Crook and Dan Brown

Supported by: The Weir Charitable Trust and The William Grant Foundation

Trolleydarity lead artists Shona Reppe (lilac top) and Alan Grieve (Green Top) engage with staff and patients at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Photography by Peter Dibdin

Trolleydarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is an innovative new project by artists Shona Reppe and Alan Grieve co-curated for patients and staff across NHS Lothian presented by National Theatre of Scotland and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts.

Shona and Alan will present Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller across Western General Hospital wards with Minnie Crook and Dan Brown facilitating the Staycation in St John’s Hospital, Livingston and East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington, from December 2025 to March 2026.

Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is a series of artistic one-to -one encounters with hospital patients, visitors and staff presented by Shona and Alan (Trolleydarity.) These unique and surprising interventions will offer discerning travellers an opportunity to explore the world in a way that feels both real and magical, through the power of sound and scent. Participants will be transported on a journey without having to catch a plane or even leave their beds.

Shona Reppe and Alan Grieve’s Trolleydarity’s “immersive sensory micro adventure” will be brought to hospital bedsides, wards and waiting areas by trolley; all that will be required to explore the world is a pair of headphones and a complimentary postcard. 

This brand new project transforms the everyday into the extraordinary, from the scent of a luxurious spa to the sound of crisp snow underfoot, all brought to life through the magic of sound and smell.  Participants are invited to stay where they are, close their eyes, scratch, sniff and go!

This project is part of an ongoing partnership between National Theatre of Scotland and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, the Charity’s arts in health programme which improves and supports the health and wellbeing of NHS Lothian patients and staff.

It follows on from an existing collaboration on the hosting of Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation exhibition, at the Charity’s Tonic Galleries in both St John’s Hospital Livingston and the Western General Hospital.

Trolleydarity lead artists Shona Reppe (lilac top) and Alan Grieve (Green Top) engage with staff and patients at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Photography by Peter Dibdin

Len McCaffer, NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Manager: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the National Theatre of Scotland to bring these magical sensory adventures to patients in hospital – for the patients themselves, it gives them a gentle escape during their hospital stay and for staff, it provides a joyful shared moment to brighten a long shift. 

“”Trolleydarity reminds us that care is more than clinical — it’s sensory, human and about making connections. And this is exactly what our Tonic Arts programme is all about.”

National Speed Management Review: Consultation findings published

Transport Scotland has published the findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation.

The next steps in plans to reduce death and injuries on Scotland’s roads have been outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

The findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation have been published.  The next steps are:

  • In relation to national speed limits on single carriageway, following close consideration of consultation responses, Ministers will not be taking forward changes.  Further work will be undertaken to continue to analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways.
  • In relation to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) speed limits, work will be undertaken to progress steps to increase speed limits on single and dual carriageways for this vehicle type. This change aims to reduce the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, helping to reduce driver frustration and improve journey time reliability.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Speed Management Review provides important evidence on how speed limits can help reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and is helping us work towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.

“The next steps have been informed by the huge number of responses to the public consultation.  Work will be undertaken to further analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways and this will inform any future transport policies.

“We are also going to start work now on the steps needed to increase HGV speed limits, recognising the consultation feedback and the positive results of similar changes from the A9 HGV speed limit trial and other parts of the UK.

By reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, this change is expected to enhance road safety by reducing driver frustration and improving journey time reliability. 

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.”

http://transport.gov.scot/news/national-speed-management-review-update/

Auditor General express concerns over Historic Environment Scotland

‘Unacceptable governance at HES’

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in its governance.

The audit of HES’s 2024/25 accounts reported weaknesses in governance arrangements, including: procurement issues, data breaches, unclear processes for complimentary tickets to events at its venues, and no formal register of interests for the Executive Leadership Team.

Auditors reported weaknesses in the financial management of electronic purchasing cards and hospitality. They also found that the HES board was not provided with a paper to scrutinise the cancellation of a specialist archive storage project, which has already cost £2.9 million, with a further £0.5 million likely to be spent.

Together, these issues suggest a culture where organisational policies are not consistently applied or followed.

HES operated without a Chief Executive or Accountable Officer for almost six months in 2025. The Scottish Government should have appointed a substitute Accountable Officer to provide the necessary leadership and accountability in accordance with ministerial guidelines.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Historic Environment Scotland is navigating a period of significant instability and challenge, with a number of staff-related matters that need to be resolved. This includes allegations of a toxic workplace culture which needs to be fully investigated and addressed.

“My report outlines unacceptable weaknesses in HES’s governance arrangements.

“It is critical that strong controls are now put in place to prevent the risk of fraud and demonstrate that value for money is being achieved.”

s22_251216_historic_environment_scotlandDownload

Better drug and alcohol support for young people

New standards ensure consistent help across Scotland

Young people using alcohol or drugs will receive improved access to support through new national standards.

Developed in conjunction with young people across Scotland, the standards set out what under-25s should expect when seeking help.

They establish core principles – including early intervention before problems escalate, access to treatment and recovery for those most at risk, consistent relationships with support workers and flexible access through online, phone or face-to-face services.

During a visit to The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service in Hamilton, which helped draw up the standards, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome these standards as a vital step in ensuring accessible, person-centred and trauma-informed support for young people.

“Although drug-related deaths in people under-25 have reduced in recent years, I often hear from people that they started to experience problems with alcohol or drugs in their youth. If we can intervene and support earlier then we can prevent the development of more serious harms and death.

“These standards set out how local services can support young people to stay safe, reduce their substance use and recover. They give professionals and commissioners clear, practical guidance to deliver care that meets each young person’s needs and set a benchmark for best practice, ensuring treatment and support that truly makes a difference.

“They will make sure reliable support is available at the earliest possible opportunity, when challenges begin, not after they spiral. They will ensure support is high-quality and young people are kept safe and supported.”

The standards address geographical variations. They require all areas to provide person-centred support that recognises individual circumstances, cultural background and wider life needs.

Key features include the ability to self-refer, choice of appointment times and locations, and support for families.  

The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service Project Manager Mary Thomson said: “These standards will help create more coordinated pathways to support, ensuring access to the right help at the right time.

“Strong partnership working between services will make it easier to provide consistent, high-quality support, leading to more effective planning and delivery of services aligned with the National Drugs Mission across Scotland.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member Callum said: ”Standards for young people nationally around drug and alcohol support services is really exciting and a step in the right direction for recovery in Scotland.

“It will make services more accessible and help challenge the stigma around youth recovery.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member George said: “Ensuring accessibility to information related to services for both the young person and their support network is key to success in recovery.

“Being inclusive to all without judgment will encourage young people from various backgrounds and circumstances to seek help.”

Finding Peace of Mind Walk 2026

Starting in the Shetland Islands on 1st January 2026 – and arriving into Edinburgh on 25th February – Jonathan Kemp, Viscount Rochdale, will embark on an incredible 10-month, 296-day, 4,200km journey across Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland to raise £80,000 for four mental health charities and to spark open conversations about mental health.

Along the way, Jonathan will give talks in workplaces, schools, universities and community groups on his own powerful story of living with bipolar disorder, depression, addiction and dyslexia. 

Jonathan is keen to invite members of the public to walk alongside him for a mile, a day, or more – or simply offer support from the side-lines. For more information visit: www.jonathankemp.com/walk and for the full press release, route maps and photographs visit: https://bit.ly/FindingPeaceMedia

For the first 40 years of his life, Jonathan battled undiagnosed mental health conditions, and contemplated death by suicide. He spent years trying to distance himself from family expectations, searching for a sense of well-being as a punk, a cowboy in Australia, a London bricklayer, a Metropolitan Police sergeant, and later an entrepreneur. He shared his story in his powerful memoir, Finding Peace of Mind (Troubador, October 2025). 

Now, he wants to share his journey from mental illness to a life of purpose and hope, normalising conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and inspiring others to keep going, while raising money for four charities:

SAMH – Scotland www.samh.org.uk

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity.

They operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others.

Mind – England & Wales www.mind.org.uk

Mind is the national mental health charity in England and Wales that fights for everyone to get the mental health support they deserve.

Mind provides a wide range of services, including a national Infoline, legal advice, online resources, and support through local branches.

Mind’s work focuses on offering support, fighting for mental health policies, and breaking down societal stigma.

AWARE NI – Northern Ireland www.aware-ni.org

AWARE NI is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland.

Based in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast, they have an established network of 24 support groups across the country alongside online support group options, welcoming people with low mood, anxiety, depression and bipolar as well as carers for people with mental ill-health.

AWARE – Ireland www.aware.ie

Founded in 1985, AWARE is a voluntary organisation based in Ireland which aims to assist people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions.

They offer support and self-care groups for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder, a support Line, support mail and training and education programmes.

Anyone can donate here: https://rebrand.ly/FindingPeaceWalk

Jonathan says, “This isn’t just a walk — it’s a living symbol of the mental health journey. Beginning in the cold, dark days of January reflects those times when life feels tough, when all you can do is keep going one step at a time.”

Jonathan Kemp, Viscount Rochdale, is a survivor, author, and relentless innovator. He is an entrepreneur, former law enforcement official and mental health advocate who was unaware that bipolar disorder, depression and dyslexia were shaping his life.

He has appeared on Times Radio, BBC Radio, TedX and in the Times and Tatler. He won the British Dyslexia Association’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2011 and has worked with organisations and academic institutions using SmartWisdom to support people to excel at work and study. www.jonathankemp.com. 

Scottish Opera’s Primary Schools Tour sets sail with The Dragon of the Western Sea

Scottish Opera’s much-loved, annual Primary Schools Tour starts in February with The Dragon of the Western Sea, and a new digital version of the show is now available alongside the in-person tour.

Running through the Spring and Summer terms, the tour visits schools all over Scotland as well as in Newcastle and helps teachers deliver aspects of A Curriculum for Excellence.

It gives up to 100 P5-P7s the opportunity to be involved in a special performance day, during which a team of Scottish Opera Teaching Artists help them stage their own all-singing, all-dancing 30-minute show, with full rental of props and costumes. Alternatively, it can be facilitated entirely within the classroom by teachers themselves.

For both in-person and digital, schools are provided with high quality, online teaching resources in advance, including a teachers’ support pack, to help introduce the songs from The Dragon of the Western Sea to pupils.

Last toured in 2018, The Dragon of the Western Sea was composed by Alan Penman with words by Ross Stenhouse, and tells the story of the exciting voyages of 14th century Chinese commander, Admiral Zheng He, who set sail with his vast fleet and 28,000 crew, from China to Indonesia, India, Arabia and the grasslands of Africa in search of trade, treaties and treasure.

When the great Dragon Throne Emperor of China, Zhu Di, has decided it is time his nation expanded its influence beyond the edge of the known world and into the mysterious Western Sea, he assembles his mighty ships and fills them with all the riches of China, enough to buy the gratitude and friendship of those unknown lands beyond the setting sun. Only one man could be trusted to lead such a dangerous and important mission, the great Admiral Zheng He, the Dragon of the Western Sea.

Scottish Opera’s children’s operas make learning fun and creative. Over the years, the Primary Schools Tour has inspired over 850,000 children across all 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland.

The Dragon of the Western Sea forms part of a suite of Scottish Opera’s digital offerings for schools, which includes The Curse of MacCabbra Opera House, How The Dragon Was Made, Vikings! The Quest for the Dragon’s Treasure and The Tale o’ Tam o’ Shanter.

This online delivery method — which includes Scottish Opera singers appearing on screen in classrooms to sing alongside the class — makes the project even easier and more affordable for teachers to engage with, particularly in those schools without specialist music teachers at primary level.

With 50-plus years of experience in classrooms, Scottish Opera’s Outreach and Education Programme has developed this approach because it recognised that the in-person learning Primary Schools Tour experience reaches capacity very quickly each year, so a complementary strand of the programme has been created in the form of a set of exclusivelyonline resources — so many more schools across Scotland can participate — and at a much lower cost per pupil.

Scottish Opera’s Director of Education and Outreach, Jane Davidson said: ‘With The Dragon of the Western Sea, the composer and librettist were inspired by this real-life story to create a dramatic tale of adventure on the high seas.

“The plot gives us a wonderful opportunity to introduce Scottish primary pupils to a different perspective on the age of discovery. Admiral He predated the journeys made by European explorers by many years.

“Using a blend of musical styles as well as key words and phrases from China, Africa and India, the opera provides a fascinating snapshot of the history and customs of other cultures in an appealing and accessible way.

“We are delighted we have been able to re-imagine and expand the tour by offering a digital version of The Dragon of the Western Sea, to make it even more accessible and adaptable for all schools in Scotland to take part.”

The Dragon of the Western Sea tour is kindly supported by The David and June Gordon Memorial Trust, The Pear Tree Fund for Music, The W M Mann Foundation and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels.

For more information, visit Primary Schools Tour | Scottish Opera