We’re excited to invite you to the PEPs Christmas Party!
Queensberry Bowling Club
T
1–3.30pmFree entry, meal, entertainment & gift included!
Transport available on request.
Get in touch to book your place-
0131 315 4466 | 
hello@pepscot.org
Month: December 2025
25K IN 2025
SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES MAKING AN IMPACT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES
Scottish Building Society Foundation has awarded £25,000 in the last year to support community groups and charities across the country.
This year the Foundation supported seven community initiatives across Scotland, providing grants of up to £5,000 to help deliver life-changing work in their local area.
Since launching in 2023, the Foundation has awarded £155,000 funding to more than 40 charities, providing support to a wide array of areas including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Kinross, Clackmannanshire, Stirling and the Scottish Borders.
Among those supported this year were Forth Canoe Club in Edinburgh, who received money to fund adaptive hand grips, buoyancy aids and a small trailer to help people with disabilities learn canoeing.
In Clackmannanshire, Ochil Trail Association was awarded a grant to support insurance costs for maintaining popular mountain bike and shared-use trails across Clackmannanshire and Stirling.
Bridgeton Community Learning Campus in Glasgow received funding to make its community centre heating system more efficient for the winter. The Birks Cinema Trust in Perth and Kinross used its grant to strengthen its social inclusion activities within the community.
Works+ in the Scottish Borders upgraded its IT equipment to improve digital literacy and employability among local young people. In central Scotland, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club in Sterling used funding to launch an indoor hockey programme for children in rural areas.
The Foundation also provided a grant to Duntocher Village Hall to fund essential repairs to the hall’s wooden floor.
Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society, said: “As a mutual organisation we understand how vital local communities are and we’re here to support them.
“Over the past year, the Scottish Building Society Foundation has made a real difference to communities across the country, from improving facilities and creating opportunities to supporting inclusion and wellbeing.
“It’s inspiring to see how these grants are helping local groups bring people together and make a lasting, positive impact. We’re committed to continuing our support throughout 2026.”
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society to mark the organisation’s 175th anniversary.
Launched in partnership with Foundation Scotland, the Scottish Building Society Foundation aims to establish a best-in-class benchmark supporting community-based organisations and has so far awarded £155,000 in funding to charities since it began.
The Foundation’s sixth round of funding is currently open to applicants, welcoming bids from charities working across a broad range of initiatives from improving community facilities to tackling poverty, supporting older people, funding local events and providing youth education, and opportunities for vulnerable people.
To apply for funding, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation
North Edinburgh Childcare: OPEN DAY at Fort Out-Of-School Club
WEDNESDAY 10th DECEMBER 10am – 12 noon
Fet-Lor closed today
Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.
The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.
We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.
Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.
There will be NO boys club until January.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op celebrates 10 years and 11 million kWh of green energy
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) are celebrating 10 years of generating clean, community-owned electricity in the city: and they are getting ready for their next major solar project.
ECSC have already generated over 11 million kWh of electricity by installing solar PV panels on schools, leisure centres and community buildings in the city, this is estimated to have saved more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted from burning fossil fuels. Their generation last year was enough to power more than 600 homes with electricity.
The solar panels are owned by a community of 600 ordinary people (the majority local) who chose to invest in community shares and receive a fair return each year.
The schools and council buildings which host the solar panels have them installed at no charge, and have benefitted from a cheap rate of electricity – ECSC are estimated to have saved the council over £500,000 in energy costs since launch, helping to redirect funds to essential local services.
Vicki White, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate what we’ve achieved together through our solar panel installations over the past 10 years.
“We’re really proud that we’ve reduced greenhouse gas emissions, saved the council money and funded some really brilliant community projects across the city. Our project is giving people – and the City of Edinburgh Council – a real and practical way to act on climate change.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “These numbers speak for themselves – there’s no doubt the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative has been making a real difference in the Capital over the last ten years, significantly reducing our carbon emissions while saving money in the process, and we’re delighted to be part of this.
“The City of Edinburgh Council has made an ambitious commitment to become net zero by 2030 and initiatives like this are central to our efforts to achieve our goal.”
So far ECSC has installed solar PV panels on 30 sites across the city, including City of Edinburgh Council offices at Waverley Court and 18 schools.
ECSC has another share offer due to launch very soon, when the co-operative will be opening up to new members to help fund a further set of solar installations across the city.
If you would like to be notified when their share offer launches, head to their homepage and click ‘Upcoming share offer: learn more’: www.edinburghsolar.coop/
Winter Welcome: Heriot-Watt University Christmas Concerts
If the winter gloom is getting you down, Heriot-Watt has two events guaranteed to raise your spirits with some festive cheer.
Our ever-popular Christmas Carol Celebration is taking place at the Edinburgh campus on Friday, December 12th. Come to the James Watt Centre at 5.30pm for an unforgettable evening of seasonal music and readings.
Members of the University Choir will be accompanied by the University Orchestra. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine (alternatives available) will be provided before the concert starts at 6.30pm.
Matthew Brown, Heriot-Watt’s Director of Music, has promised a memorable evening: “The Christmas Carol Celebration is a highlight of our year, bringing together the community to share in the joy and beauty of the season through music. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Tickets are free and early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please secure your place through Eventbrite – and mark your calendar!
If you can’t make the Christmas Carol Celebration, why not come to ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday December 10th at 7.30pm?
In the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt Chamber Choir will entertain you with words and music based on the Charles Dickens classic.
Further details and tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ are available through
Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre
A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.
Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.
The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.
Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.
“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.
“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”
Meet your festive film favourites at Fort Kinnaird from today
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
From Buddy the Elf discovering Fort Kinnaird for the first time to the mean, green one causing mischief and the much-loved Frozen sisters greeting shoppers, there’s something to help visitors of all ages get into the festive spirit.
Starting today (Friday), visitors can meet the festive favourites in 30-minute intervals between 12pm and 5pm close to the Christmas Markets.
The line-up includes:
- Friday 5th December – Buddy the Elf
- Friday 12th December – The Mean Green One & Cindy Lou
- Friday 19th December – The Frozen Sisters
Open until 28th December, the Winter Village has transformed the centre into a festive hub, shoppers can explore more than 20 artisan market stalls offering handmade gifts, personalised decorations and festive treats – as well as a range of and family-friendly funfair rides.
Visitors can also enjoy two different circus shows each day under the big top. Santa’s Mystical Christmas brings a festive pantomime twist packed with aerial performances, stunts and audience participation, while Freestyle Circus delivers high-energy acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts, including the famous Globe motorcyclists.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying the Winter Village this year and it’s brilliant to add even more festive fun with the much-loved characters over the next few weeks. I have no doubt they’ll be popular for the whole family!
“Whether you’re here for Christmas shopping, a bite to eat or simply to take in the atmosphere, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and make special memories.”
With more than 70 shops, restaurants and a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Fort Kinnaird offers everything needed for a full festive day out – combining entertainment, food and Christmas shopping all in one place.
For more details and to plan your festive day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Tomorrow: LifeCare Christmas Fair
Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!
Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.
Edinburgh man’s widow launches festive campaign for those grieving a partner this Christmas
- Natalie Bolton has joined forces with three other widows to launch #WidowedAtChristmas, a new Christmas campaign supporting people grieving a partner over the festive season
- Natalie met her late husband Jonathan, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, while the pair were working together in 1998
- Jonathan died suddenly at home on Mother’s Day 2021 from an unexpected cardiac arrest, leaving her to raise their teenage twin daughters alone
- The campaign is being led by Natalie and fellow board members of The Widowed Collective, a non-profit offering free peer support for widows and widowers
A woman whose late husband, Jonathan Bolton, was born and raised in Edinburgh, is joining forces with three other widows this Christmas to ensure no one grieving the loss of a partner feels alone.
Natalie Bolton is launching #WidowedAtChristmas, a new campaign offering solidarity, comfort and community at a time of year that can feel painfully isolating after bereavement.
Natalie, 49, has joined forces with fellow widows Nicky Wake, Heather Smith and Rosie Moss to create the campaign.
They have all endured the heartbreak of losing their partners and the emotional weight of navigating Christmas during grief. United by their lived experience, they have come together to share support, guidance and hope with others who are facing the season without the person they love.
The four women are all board members of The Widowed Collective, the free, peer-to-peer support organisation founded earlier this year.
The group is backing the campaign by sharing the women’s stories, advice and resources throughout December, and inviting widows and widowers across the UK to join the conversation using #WidowedAtChristmas.
Natalie met Edinburgh native Jonathan in 1998. They married in 2002 and welcomed twin daughters in 2007, Amelia and Isobel. In March 2021, on Mother’s Day,
Jonathan died unexpectedly at home from a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving Natalie to raise their girls alone as teenagers. His death came without warning, devastating a family built on laughter, closeness and deep affection.
Natalie, who is now based in Manchester, said: “Jonathan adored being a dad. He was wrapped around the girls’ fingers from day one. Our home was full of laughter, noise and love, and then suddenly it was just gone.
“Our first Christmas without him was something we simply couldn’t face. It was awful, painful in a way I didn’t know was possible. We did the only thing we felt able to do and ran away.
“We went to Mauritius because the idea of being at home without him was unbearable. The grief came with us, of course, but at least there was space to breathe.
“Now, as I approach my first Christmas hosting at home again, I know there will be joy and sadness , and that’s okay. Grief doesn’t take a holiday. You’re allowed to cry one minute and laugh the next.
“You’re allowed to scale things back or create new traditions. Christmas can hold grief and hope at the same time. Widowhood is lonely, misunderstood and full of stereotypes. We’re here to break those open and make sure people feel seen, heard and supported, especially at this time of year.
“My advice to anyone dreading Christmas is allow yourself to feel whatever comes. There is no ‘right’ way to do this. Let people help you. And remember that tiny moments of joy do not erase your grief, they coexist with it.”
Launched earlier this year, The Widowed Collective provides free peer-to-peer support for anyone who has lost a romantic partner.
It offers a moderated online community, practical guidance on legal matters, finances, solo parenting and wellbeing, and a growing programme of online and in-person meet-ups across the UK.
Open to widowed people of all ages, genders, sexual identities and marital statuses, the organisation provides a safe, stigma-free space led entirely by those with lived experience. Its board is made up exclusively of widows and widowers, ensuring every aspect of the organisation reflects the realities of life after loss.
In December, The Widowed Collective is also launching free online weekly drop-in sessions for widows and widowers, taking place every Monday evening, including during Christmas week.
For more information about #WidowedAtChristmas, or to join The Widowed Collective for free, visit www.TheWidowedCollective.com, find The Widowed Collective on Facebook, or follow @TheWidowedCollective on Instagram.