Month: December 2025

Gillespie Macandrew donates £53,000 to Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has donated a record £53,000 to its charity partners, Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope, as part of the firm’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

The partnerships, announced in March, reflect the firm’s dedication to supporting charities nominated by staff through fundraising initiatives, volunteering, and financial contributions.

Richmond’s Hope provides children and young people aged 4-18 years old with the support, tools and space to process their grief after losing someone close to them.

Change Mental Health is a national mental health charity delivering non-clinical, person-centred support to people affected by mental illness in communities across Scotland.

Over the past nine years, Gillespie Macandrew has donated more than £350,000 to Scottish charities demonstrating the firm’s dedication to aligning with sustainable development goals that help strengthen communities and drive positive social change.

Amy McDowell, Partner and Head of Gillespie Macandrew’s ESG Committee said: “We are delighted to mark the first year of our partnership with Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope with a record donation.

“At Gillespie Macandrew, we believe it’s our responsibility to support organisations making a real difference in our communities. These charities provide vital services to people facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances, and we are proud to play a part in their work.

“Our charity partnerships are central to our award-winning ESG activities, which includes a strategic commitment to donate a percentage of pre-tax profits each year.

“The charities were chosen by our colleagues through a democratic process, ensuring the causes we support truly resonate with our team and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals we strive to advance.”

Alison Cairns, Chief Executive at Richmond’s Hope added: “We are excited to be working with Gillespie Macandrew as a charity partner for 2025-2027. This funding will help us reach more bereaved children and families and have a meaningful impact on their futures.

“Thank you to everyone at Gillespie Macandrew for the funding and the partnership over the next two years.

“We are also delighted to recognise the wider support shown through volunteering, the generous furniture donation towards our new Edinburgh base, and facilitating the online training session with the Gillespie Macandrew team which has strengthened our partnership and benefited the children and families we support.”

Jonny Cobbold, Director of Development at Change Mental Health said: “This first period of our partnership with Gillespie Macandrew, alongside Richmond’s Hope, has been incredibly fruitful in enabling us to change attitudes and tackle stigma around mental illness.

“Their keen interest in our work has been demonstrated through their participation in our new mental health training offer. We were also delighted to welcome colleagues from their team to our inaugural People First Summit in Edinburgh.

“This pre-tax profit donation is vital in ensuring we can support more people across Scotland and do more to raise awareness across Scottish communities.

“We cannot wait to see what’s in store for the remainder of the partnership over the next year or so, ensuring we can continue to fight for a future where no one faces mental illness alone.”

Gillespie Macandrew has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, renewable energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise.

With a strong emphasis on ESG and charity involvement, the firm actively supports its local communities through financial contributions, fundraising, and volunteer work.

Statement from the Jewish Council of Scotland on the terror attack in Bondi Beach, Sydney

OUR hearts go out to the victims of yesterday’s attack in Sydney and their families.

It is intolerable that in the current climate of antisemitism, Jews cannot gather publicly or celebrate religious festivals in any part of the world without fear of attack.

The news from Sydney yesterday is also a dreadful reminder of the risks facing our Jewish community here in Scotland. There must be no place for anti-Jewish hate – in any guise – anywhere in Scotland.

We will not be deterred by antisemitism or acts of terror, and we will celebrate Chanukah throughout Scotland.

We are liaising closely with Police Scotland and with the Community Security Trust (CST) to ensure that appropriate police and security arrangements are in place, and we thank them for their continuing support.

We will also continue to engage with the Scottish Government and local authorities to put in place longer-term measures to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Scotland.

We wish our community and friends across Scotland a happy – and peaceful – Chanukah.

Timothy Lovat, Chair

Jewish Council of Scotland

POLICE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:

Statement from ACC Steve Johnson following terrorist incident in Australia

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “Our thoughts are with the Jewish community, the victims, families, and everyone affected by the incident in Australia.

“Officers are already carrying out additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues as part of our existing policing plan for Hanukkah.

“Following the incident, we are actively communicating with faith leaders and community leaders.

“We are also engaging with a wide range of local, national and international partners to ensure our communities are safe.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland, I want to take this opportunity to ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed. You should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of all our communities.”

Watsonian Football Club raises £10,000 for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity as part of it’s 150th Anniversary Year

Watsonian Football Club is proud to announce that it has raised £10,000 to donate to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) for the second consecutive year, during its ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

The donation, generated through a series of commemorative events, was raised primarily at the club’s landmark 150th Anniversary Dinner, where players, supporters, alumni, and partners came together in a memorable evening of celebration and generosity.

The donation marks a significant highlight in Watsonians’ year-long programme honouring its 150th milestone year, reinforcing the club’s commitment to strengthening its community impact both on and off the pitch.

Richard Kelly, President of Watsonian FC, said: “As we celebrate 150 years of our club’s history, it has been incredibly important to us that this milestone reflects not only where we have come from, but what we stand for today.

“The generosity shown by our members and supporters at the 150th Dinner was truly incredible. Raising £10,000 for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity allows us to play a small part in supporting the children and families who rely on the extraordinary care they provide.”

The funds raised will help ECHC continue its vital work supporting seriously ill children and their families during what can often be a frightening and life-changing hospital experience. By providing reassurance, distraction and joy, as well as funding specialist equipment, family support services and wellbeing initiatives, the charity helps to speed up recovery and ensure that no child faces hospital alone.

Kate Dixon, Corporate Partnerships Lead at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are hugely grateful to Watsonian Football Club for choosing to support ECHC during their special 150th anniversary year.

“This generous donation will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of children and families in hospital. The spirit and community shown by everyone involved is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to have been selected by the club as their chosen charity.”

The charitable fundraising forms part of a full calendar of events marking Watsonians’ historic 150th year, culminating in the Gala Dinner on 21 November 2025.

For more information on Watsonian Football Club and the 150th anniversary celebrations, please visit watsoniansrugby.com.

For more information about Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, please visit: echcharity.org

Where Science Meets Santa: Dynamic Earth’s Winter Wonderland

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, will once again be bringing festive sparkle to the heart of Edinburgh with a programme of events that combines seasonal magic with science and storytelling.

From Santa’s Polar Grotto to festive family films, late-night Planetarium screenings, seasonal science clubs and the return of the Aurora Borealis show, the centre will be brimming with activities for all ages between 29 November and 23 December.

At the heart of the celebrations is Santa’s Polar Grotto, Edinburgh’s only grotto set beneath the Northern Lights. Families will be guided by Head Elf Polaris to the festive Arctic grotto, where they can meet Santa and his Polar Protectors, the arctic fox, polar bear, snowy owl and arctic hare. Alongside enchanting tales, each child will receive a token to exchange for a cuddly gift to take home, ensuring a magical keepsake from their visit.

Film fans are also in for a treat, with festive favourites returning to the big screen at Dynamic Earth selected weekend mornings at 10am. The line-up includes The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and Elf, with additional screenings running in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Dynamic Earth’s younger visitors can join the popular Dynamites (0–4) and Dynamos (4–6) science clubs, which take on a seasonal flavour with “Reindeer Games” on 5, 12 and 19 December. C

hildren will discover how reindeer are specially adapted to survive the polar environment, handle real antlers, and get creative with themed crafts, all while enjoying access to the centre’s soft play area.

Adding to the atmosphere, the winter Planetarium show will once again showcase the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, immersing audiences in the science and spectacle of one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena.

Anastasia Rocke, Interim CEO at Dynamic Earth, said: “Christmas at Dynamic Earth is all about creating magical moments that also inspire curiosity about our planet.

“From meeting Santa set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights to learning about the amazing wildlife of the Arctic, we’re thrilled to offer families and visitors a truly unique festive experience in Edinburgh.”

Visitors to last year’s grotto agreed, with one parent commenting: “Wonderful experience! Very professionally done, great value for money, a real sense that everyone wanted to be there.

“Loved the fact that my daughter didn’t have to sit on Santa’s knee but could sit on a polar bear as well!”

Tickets for Santa’s Polar Grotto, films, Planetarium Lates and seasonal science sessions are available now at dynamicearth.org.uk. 

Advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.

Edinburgh celebrates the Festival of Lights with 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration

YESTERDAY (Sunday 14th December), Scotland’s capital city hosted the 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration, organised by Chabad of Edinburgh. St Andrew Square was aglow as hundreds gathered for the joyous celebration, both from the Jewish community and wider Scottish society, but against the backdrop of the devastating antisemitic attack on a similar Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, shared his heartfelt greetings for the holiday and a message of solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community, before ascending on a cherry picker to light the shamash (lead candle) of Scotland’s Tallest Menorah – an iconic candelabra symbolizing hope and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh and members of Edinburgh’s Jewish community shared their reflections on the themes of the holiday and their relevance to current events.

Following the lighting ceremony, attendees gathered in a large marquee set up next to the Menorah to enjoy traditional Chanukah delicacies, including latkes and sufganiyot (doughnuts), amidst an atmosphere of holiday cheer and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh, commented about the event: “Hanukkah is a celebration of light, faith, and perseverance — a time when we remember that even a small flame can dispel great darkness.

“In light of the tragic events in Sydney that have shaken the Jewish community and so many others around the world, this message feels especially powerful. Here in Scotland, the Scottish National Hanukkah Celebration brings together people from all walks of life to stand united, to reject hatred, and to reaffirm our shared values of dignity, compassion, and peace.

“Especially in challenging times, the Menorah’s light reminds us that goodness, kindness, and community spirit will always prevail. We are proud to celebrate this beautiful festival in the heart of Edinburgh, together with the entire community.”

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, said at the event: “We meet in difficult circumstances tonight after the horrific antisemitic attack in Sydney and our thoughts are with all of those affected directly and indirectly; and today, like so many people across our city, our country and the world, our thoughts will be with you, the Jewish community, at this time.

“As the candles of the Menorah are lit here tonight, we will mark the festival of light as an enduring symbol and commitment to hope, to resilience and the faith that Chanukah represents. 

“The commitment and contribution of the Jewish community in Scotland lasts for centuries, and I know as a constituency MSP how much you contribute to the life of this city and how much this community has contributed to our story.

“Your government stands with you in celebrating your culture and your religion and particularly in solidarity with you tonight.

“As we prepare to light the Menorah, let us remember what those flames represent – they are more than candles, they are beacons of hope, particularly today and the eight days ahead.

“They remind us that even in the darkest times, light can and will endure. They call us to be courageous, to stand up for what is right and against antisemitism and discrimination, to nurture the bonds that unite us in common humanity.

“On behalf of the Scottish Government and as one of your local MSPs, I wish all of you here and the Jewish community across Scotland a joyful Chanukah. May this festival bring warmth and comfort to your homes and peace to your hearts in these difficult times and light to our shared future together.”

This year’s celebration was made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners, including the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, and Unique Scotland.

Swinney: Potential for further UK foreign aid to Malawi cuts ‘extremely concerning’

First Minister writes to Foreign Secretary

First Minister John Swinney has raised his concerns about reports of intended large-scale cuts by the UK Government to its development assistance budget to Malawi.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper, the First Minister referred to his recent visit to Malawi and stressed the urgent need for ongoing aid.

The First Minister said he was deeply disappointed at the UK Government’s decision earlier this year to further cut its overseas aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income, and called for clarity on its intentions for Malawi as part of those aid cuts.

In his letter, he said: “My visit to Malawi allowed me to see first-hand the positive difference and impact that Scottish Government funded initiatives are having on the ground.

“It is very clear, however, and well documented globally, the very real challenges that Malawi continues to face, across its health services, education, infrastructure, and the increasing devastating impact of climate change on communities in Malawi, in particular those living in rural areas.

“The Scottish Government is proud of work to support Malawi. The UK Government too was once rightly proud of its efforts on international aid. Now we are seeing an alarming change in approach – cutting funding for those most in need at a time when that support is more necessary than ever.

“I ask you to reconsider the reported cuts and to take a position that allows our two governments to work in a spirit of collaboration to support the people of Malawi.

“In terms of how those cuts in UK aid are then implemented, we have been waiting for sight of the final allocations provided to each of our partner countries, which I understand are due to be made in the next months. I have been extremely concerned, therefore, to read reports in the media suggesting impending – drastic – cuts to Malawi.

“Regardless of the actions of the UK Government, the Scottish Government will continue to be a good global citizen and will continue to support and advocate for our partner countries like Malawi.” 

THE LETTER:

Letter from First Minister to UK Foreign Secretary

Queen Margaret University launches three-year nursing degree to fast-track students into healthcare

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new three-year full-time BSc Nursing programme, offering students a faster route into the nursing workforce at a time of growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals.

For several years, QMU has offered courses which are studied over 4 years – a BSc Honours and a Master of Nursing – but this new 3 year degree expands QMU’s current provision, providing students aspiring to become qualified nurses with more routes to registration. 

QMU’s new BSc Nursing provides an accelerated pathway to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling graduates to enter the workforce a year earlier, while still benefiting from the University’s renowned high-quality teaching and person-centred approach to nurse education. Eligible students will also benefit from the £10,000 annual bursary for the full three-year duration of the course, alongside tuition fees covered by the Scottish Government.

Fast-track into nursing

The new BSc Nursing (three-year fulltime) offers:

  • Accelerated registration with the NMC, allowing graduates to join the workforce sooner.
  • Shared learning opportunities with students across QMU’s Division of Nursing and Paramedic Science, including those on the BSc Nursing (Hons), Master of Nursing, and BSc Nursing (Earn as you Learn) programmes.
  • Financial support, with eligible students receiving the £10,000 annual bursary for each of the three years, alongside tuition fees covered by the Scottish Government.
  • A condensed timetable with shorter summer breaks, ensuring students remain on track to graduate within three years.

Students will benefit from QMU’s strong partnerships with NHS Health Boards and other healthcare providers, gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of clinical settings.

The programme emphasises person-centred care, leadership development, and interprofessional learning, preparing graduates to deliver safe, compassionate, and effective healthcare.

On successful completion of the degree, graduates will have the option to enter the nursing workforce with the NHS or private sector. Subject to approval, this course will commence on 14th September 2026. 

Meeting the needs of healthcare

Ruth Magowan, Head of the Division of Nursing at QMU, commented: “This new accelerated programme reflects QMU’s commitment to innovation and flexibility in healthcare education.

“By offering students the chance to qualify in three years instead of four, we are helping to strengthen the nursing workforce while ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to deliver excellent person-centred care.

“QMU has a longstanding reputation for excellence in nursing education, preparing students for rewarding careers in healthcare. With strong links to clinical practice, a focus on person-centred care, and a supportive learning environment, QMU graduates are highly sought after across Scotland and beyond.

“We are delighted to support the Scottish Government’s ambition to bolster the country’s healthcare workforce by playing a pivotal role in strengthening Scotland’s nursing profession.”

Scotland’s first neurodevelopmental support summit aims to shape co-ordinated national approach

Scotland’s first summit on neurodevelopmental support takes place today – Monday 15 December.

The event will bring together people from clinical services, education, local government, academia and policy.This will support a shared discussion on how Scotland can improve access to, and the availability of, neurodevelopmental support. 

The aim of the discussion is to work towards ensuring neurodivergent people get the right help at the right time, ensuring consistent support, assessment, and diagnosis, where required.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur, who is chairing the summit, said: “Demand for assessment and support has risen sharply, putting pressure on health, education and social care services. Too many families are waiting too long for help. 

“Our system must change so people get support based on what they need, not how long they wait for a diagnosis. We’re making progress through our work with COSLA and the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, and we’ve invested an additional £500,000 this year to improve access to care. 

“But we must go further. Real change comes from us all working together. My aim is that the summit gives us a stronger shared understanding of what needs to change and a collective determination to make that happen.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD. There has been a large increase in the number of people seeking neurodevelopmental support, assessment and diagnosis in recent years. This is creating significant pressure on a number of services, with long waiting lists being held by health boards for diagnostic assessments.

Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Support

The National Neurodevelopmental Specification: Principles and Standards of Care for Children and Young People specifies the standards that all children’s services should follow to ensure access to support is effective and consistent across Scotland.  

The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, has undertaken a review of the implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification which will inform improvements to support health boards and local authorities to deliver the Specification.

It has also set up a new Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce to drive forward these improvements, and are providing an additional £500,000 funding this year to enhance the support available to children and families.

The Taskforce has now met twice, in October and December 2025.

Adult Neurodevelopmental Support

The Scottish government funds the National Autism Implementation Team, which is currently supporting NHS Boards to develop, enhance and redesign existing local adult neurodevelopmental services.

We have launched the next phase of our £2.5m multi-year Autistic Adult Support Fund, which aims to help autistic adults understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

We continue to fund NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) to deliver professional learning on neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Man arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man in Edinburgh

WATSON CRESCENT VICTIM NAMED AS ELVIS PALLA

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of man in Edinburgh.

Around 6.10am on Saturday, 13 December, 2025, we were called to a report of a death at a property in Watson Crescent. 

Emergency services attended and a 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 34-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday, 15 December, 2025).

The 34-year-old man who died at a property in Watson Crescent, Edinburgh on Saturday, 13 December, 2025 has been named as Elvis Palla.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the death and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 15 December, 2025.