As Dobbies’ Edinburgh store launches its Best Ever Christmas, the garden centre retailer is on the lookout for a jolly team of Santas and Elves to help create unforgettable festive experiences for families visiting this season.
As one of the UK’s largest employers of Santas and Elves, Dobbies is recruiting enthusiastic seasonal colleagues to play a starring role in its popular Christmas events programme.
From welcoming families and even four-legged visitors to Santa’s Grotto, to hosting the much-loved Santa’s Breakfast in the restaurant, successful applicants will help bring the magic of Christmas to life in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
Whether candidates have previous experience in festive roles or simply enjoy spreading Christmas cheer, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is encouraging people from across the UK to apply.
Every successful applicant will complete Dobbies’ immersive North Pole Academy programme, designed to set seasonal colleagues up for success. The programme provides skills, confidence and support, as well as the opportunity to connect with other seasonal colleagues as they prepare to deliver memorable experiences for customers.
Preparations for the festive season will begin in mid-November, ahead of Santa’s Arrival on November 22, which marks the beginning of Dobbies Christmas events programme at the Edinburgh store.
Dobbies People Experience Manager, Victoria Craig, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back many of our much-loved Santas and Elves, who bring festive magic to families across our stores year after year.
“This Christmas, we’re also inviting new recruits to join the team and become part of something truly special.
“With enhanced onboarding to help colleagues immerse themselves in the Grotto experience, there’s never been a better time to step into the role. Whether you’re a seasoned Santa or discovering your Elf persona for the first time, we can’t wait to help create magical memories together this Christmas at Dobbies.”
A range of flexible seasonal positions is available, offering hours to suit different lifestyles and commitments.
Applications are now open. To find out more about Christmas recruitment at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and to apply, visit https://careers.dobbies.com/.
Scotmid has begun its search to find the next Scottish Favourites, giving shoppers the chance to discover more locally sourced products in stores and helping Scottish producers reach new communities.
Producers from across the country are being invited to put their products forward for the chance to secure a place on Scotmid’s shelves, with applications now open to producers across a wide range of food and drink categories.
Scotmid has teamed up with Scotland Food & Drink for the 2026 Scottish Favourites competition, giving Scottish food and drink businesses an opportunity to bring their products to new customers through Scotmid stores, while helping shoppers discover more locally made products in their own communities.
The competition is turning up a notch this year. Scottish suppliers now have a chance to win one of three Gold Awards, with these lucky winners receiving both a listing in Scotmid stores and a £2,000 monetary prize to support their launch.
Scotmid Members will have the opportunity to decide on one of the Gold Award winners too and will be invited to taste and score products from all 12 shortlisted suppliers, with their highest-scoring product receiving the Member Gold Award.
Previous winners have seen a significant impact from taking part. Three Robins founder, Karen Robinson, said winning a listing for the company’s oat milk range had allowed the business to “double our distribution overnight, making our products available to families all across Scotland.”
Danny Scobie, Head of Commercial at Scotmid, said: “Scottish Favourites has become a great way for us to discover exciting products and producers from across Scotland, while giving businesses a real opportunity to get their products in front of more customers.
“We’ve seen the difference a Scotmid listing can make for previous winners. We want to hear from producers of all shapes and sizes – whether you’re an emerging business ready to take the next step or an established producer with something new for our customers.
“Scotland has an incredible food and drink sector, and we’re looking forward to discovering the products that could become our customers’ next Scottish favourites. As a community retailer, we know how much customers value local choice, and this competition is one way we can help bring more of Scotland’s best products into the heart of our communities.”
The launch coincides with Scottish Food & Drink September, the annual celebration of the people, products and businesses behind Scotland’s food and drink sector.
Alex Kidd, UK Market Manager – Retail at Scotland Food & Drink, said: ““We’re delighted to be partnering with Scotmid for the fifth consecutive year, providing Scottish food and drink businesses with a valuable platform to access the convenience retail market and raise awareness of their products.
“Scottish Food and Drink September is all about celebrating our vibrant and diverse food and drink industry, so it’s fantastic to have the Scottish Favourites competition launched as part of our month-long campaign.
“From innovative start-ups to well-established brands seeking to expand their retail presence, competitions such as Scottish Favourites play a vital role in supporting growth by helping producers build meaningful retail relationships, increase visibility, and take the next step in their business journey.”
Applications are now open to Scottish food and drink producers and close at11.30am on Friday 16 October.
Communities across the UK encouraged to donate pre-loved football boots and help give the beautiful game a second life
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host Football Rebooted Day 2026, a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots, raise awareness of the award-winning Football Rebooted campaign, and make football more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Visitors to any Utilita Energy Hub on the day will be invited to donate football boots via dedicated Football Rebooted collection points. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including football tickets, Utilita Arena tickets, signed shirts, and other household and spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Sam Cook, Senior Marketing Partnerships Manager, at Utilita, said: “Sport participation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“Football Rebooted Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and make a real difference with a simple donation. Every pair of boots collected can help another young player stay involved in the game they love, while also preventing perfectly usable footwear from going to waste.”
The event forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
As well as collecting boots, Football Rebooted Day aims to increase awareness of how individuals, schools, grassroots clubs, businesses and community organisations can get involved in the initiative, including becoming an official Football Rebooted collection point.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home.
All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
Event: Utilita Energy Hubs Football Rebooted Day 2026
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Locations: All 12 Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK
Leith Energy Hub: 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
Isle of Wight Energy Hub: 121 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP
Scotland has entered autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, as prolonged rainfall deficits continue to affect river flows.
Significant Water Scarcity has now been recorded somewhere in Scotland in each of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) past six weekly reports, although the areas affected have changed during that time.
The latest Water Scarcity Report from SEPA shows The Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed & Lauderdale have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. No abstraction licences are affected by this change.
Significant Scarcity is reached when representative river flows remain exceptionally low for 30 consecutive days.
Meanwhile, Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water have now moved out of Significant following rain this week, though the wider area remains at moderate scarcity. Across Scotland nine areas are at Moderate Scarcity, a level where environmental impacts are clear.
The picture varies sharply across Scotland. Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the north-east, with Deveron, Ythan and Don (Aberdeenshire) moving from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. Doon, Irvine and Ayr have returned to Normal Conditions.
Further down the east coast, very low river flows continue. In Fife, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) both reached Significant Scarcity earlier this summer before conditions improved following rainfall. Both have now recorded 25 consecutive days of very low flows again.
Stonehaven, North Esk and the Lower Earn areas are also at risk of moving to Significant next week.
The report comes at the beginning of meteorological autumn, which began on 1st September.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland has a reputation for rain, so it can seem surprising to be at the start of autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, particularly when it may be raining where you are.
“But water scarcity isn’t determined by today’s weather. Rainfall deficits build up over time, and a few days of rain may not be enough to reverse the effects of a prolonged dry period.
“We can see that clearly this week. Conditions have improved in some areas, while rivers in parts of the south and east remain exceptionally low.
“This summer has shown why businesses which rely on water from the environment need to plan ahead. The impacts of dry conditions can last beyond the dry weather itself.
“As our climate changes, periods of water scarcity are expected to become more frequent and severe. Businesses need to understand what that could mean for them and have plans in place before water becomes constrained.”
Further showers are forecast on Friday, with potentially heavy rain on Sunday. SEPA will continue to monitor rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels and update water scarcity levels as conditions change.
A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.
You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ
An afternoon of enterprise, employability support and inspiring local stories!
Join us on Wednesday 9 September, 11.30am – 3pm at North Edinburgh Arts for a warm, welcoming afternoon of enterprise and employability support, practical advice, and inspiring stories from local entrepreneurs.
Everyone’s welcome, drop in for all of it, or just the parts that interest you.
What to expect:
Wednesday 9 September
11.30am – 12.00pm
Welcome tea and coffee, Local Makers’ Market and information stalls from Business Gateway, Capital City Partnership, Elevator, and Firstport
12.00pm – 1.15pm
Screening of ‘Create Community Wealth’ documentary film followed by a short discussion led by filmmaker, Bob Winton
1.15pm – 2.00pm
Lunch (soup and sandwiches) and a chance to chat, meet new people and find out more about support available
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Panel discussion focused on practical guidance, honest reflections, and real-life experiences of starting and developing projects, businesses and social enterprise
This event is being delivered by North Edinburgh Arts in partnership with Business Gateaway, Capital City Partnerships and Firstport.
2 in 5 employers are unaware of new sexual harassment law changes that take effect in October
A new survey from workplace expert, Acas, found that over two in five employers (41%) are unaware of new legal changes they must adopt to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens the law on sexual harassment from 30 October 2026 when employers will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their organisation.
In preparation for the new changes, Acas encourages employers to take proactive steps now to prevent sexual harassment such as reviewing and updating existing policies, assessing and managing risk, and providing meaningful training.
The YouGov poll asked British businesses about whether they were aware of the new change. The survey found 41% were unaware while 59% were aware.
Acas has updated its advice on sexual harassment at work to help prepare employers for the new changes. The updates also reflect an upcoming new law change of organisations being liable for third party harassment such as from customers or the public unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said: “Most employers are up to speed on upcoming new responsibilities to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work but it’s concerning that 2 in 5 bosses are not.
“Next month employers could also be liable if customers or members of the public harass their staff too.
“Acas has updated its advice in this area, which outlines how employers will be impacted and can keep within the law.”
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can happen to men, women and people of any sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, another sex or anyone of any sexual orientation.
Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Feeling safe from sexual harassment in the workplace should be the absolute bare minimum.
“The Employment Rights Act is delivering the biggest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation. With new measures taking effect in October, employers should act now to prepare for the changes and stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace for good.”
Currently, employers could be liable if a worker is harassed by another worker. In October 2026, the new law change means employers could be liable if the harassment is from a third party too unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
A third party can be anyone in contact with workers who do not work for their organisations such as clients, customers, members of the public or people at conferences or events.
Employers must consider practical prevention measures that suit their organisations. This can include clear policies, staff briefings, signage for customers, security measures or reviewing supplier and customer contracts.
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, said: “No one should have to endure harassment at work. Our Employment Rights Act puts workers’ safety first by making sure bosses take all reasonable steps to prevent this behaviour.
“Workplaces should be a place to thrive, not fear, and I encourage all employers to study their responsibilities and start preparing now for these changes.”
NSPCC’s Read, Write, Relationships campaign says children in Scotland are missing out on vital learning which could protect them from abuse
MSP has lodged a parliamentary motion to call for all children and young people across Scotland to have guaranteed access to consistent and relevant Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education.
The NSPCC, young people and partner organisations gathered outside Scottish Parliament on Thursday to urge the Government to act now to ensure every child receives the relationships education they need to stay safe.
This move was part of the charity’s ‘Read, Write, Relationships’ campaign, which it launched due to the patchy delivery of Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education across Scotland.
This week Scottish Green Party MSP, Laura Moodie, lodged a parliamentary motion, with cross party support, calling on ministers to guarantee all children and young people in Scotland have access to high-quality healthy relationships education. And on Tuesday, First Minister John Swinney made a commitment in the Programme for Government to tackling violence against women and girls.
On Thursday, campaigners outside Holyrood held a giant school timetable with a glaring gap to highlight that this crucial learning was still not guaranteed for every child in Scotland.
The charity also delivered Back to School packs to MSPs explaining why action is urgently needed and outlining the campaign’s calls for change.
The NSPCC launched the campaign last December following extensive engagement with young people across Scotland through its local campaigns work with a variety of partners including Young Women Know and the Scottish Youth Parliament. [WA1]
Many young people told the charity that the RSHP education they received was inconsistent, outdated and failed to reflect the realities of growing up today.
Ruth (15) a member of the NSPCC Young People’s Board for Change, said: “All children and young people should have access to education about healthy relationships because, without it, they may enter abusive or unhealthy relationships and not realise that this behaviour is unacceptable or harmful.”
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Influencing Campaigns Manager, said: “Every child deserves the knowledge and skills to recognise healthy relationships, spot harmful behaviour and stay safe, both online and offline. Yet right now, whether a young person receives that education can depend on which school they attend.
“Young people have told us clearly that what they’re being taught is, too often, inconsistent, out of date and disconnected from the challenges they face today. That simply isn’t good enough.
“While ministers delay, children are missing out on learning that could help protect them from abuse and navigate relationships safely.
“Healthy relationships education should be treated with the same importance as reading and writing. We’d like to see the Scottish Government act now to make high-quality RSHP education a right for every child, regardless of where they live or go to school.”
A YouGov poll commissioned by the NSPCC found that over two-thirds (67 per cent) of adults in Scotland believe that RSHP education should be made compulsory, while one in four believe it does not currently help children understand online abuse.
Scotland is now the only nation in the UK where this crucial area of education is not underpinned by a legal requirement. Although RSHP sits within Curriculum for Excellence, schools have discretion over what is taught and when, resulting in significant variation in children’s experiences.
NSPCC Scotland wants to see a stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education in line with the UN Conventions of the Rights of the Child and is calling on the Scottish Government to legislate to make it a guaranteed entitlement.
The charity is also calling for the introduction of clear national practice-based guidance, dedicated funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers, and robust monitoring by Education Scotland to ensure consistent delivery across the country.
People can sign a petition to support Read, Write, Relationships, by visiting: NSPCC
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Adults who are concerned about a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Funding has been secured for a multi-cultural and inclusive community project to stitch a wildlife map of Granton. Spearheaded by Tamsin Grainger, Community Artist, and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, this project welcomes involvement from those interested in nature, beginners and experienced stitchers.
Creating a citizen map, the Granton Nature Map will represent the plants, animals, insects and birds of the area and those which featured in participants’ lives before moving here. Using found materials where possible, the finished wall hangings will feature embroidery by local people of all ages and nationalities, New Scots and local residents.
There are three key aspects of the project: Nature walks; visits to the National Galleries Artworks and The Palestine Museum to be inspired by Scottish and Palestinian artists and craftspeople; and Stitching Circles. Events will be held geographically across wider Granton, and at a range of days, dates, and times in order to try to be as accessible as possible. All activities are free of charge.
Nature walks will be held over the next few months, including Sunday 6th September 2pm meeting at the Granton Community Garden gate; Thursday 24th September 5.30pm meeting at Wardie Bay. Each will last an hour.
Stitching Circles will be held at a variety of venues, starting with September 7th at Granton Library 6 – 7.30pm (drop-in); and Granton Community Garden on Wednesday 9th September 1.30 – 3pm (outdoors, under cover, whatever the weather).
We encourage skill and story sharing, and new stitches and support will be on offer.
All details, plus an introduction to the project, are to be found on the regularly updated blog: grantonnaturemap.org
Funding has come from The Community Grant Fund, the Scotmid Foundation, and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
The city council has launched a new investment programme enabling residents and businesses to invest in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city.
The new investment initiative will give residents and local businesses the opportunity to support projects that reduce climate damaging emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and help to protect nature.
The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a nature emergency in 2023 reflecting the need for urgent and sustained action to reduce emissions and become a climate resilient and nature positive city.
Progress has already been made to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges that a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.
While open to anyone, the new investment programme will enable Edinburgh residents and businesses to be actively involved by investing in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city to live, work and do business in.
Funds will be used to deliver nature-based projects across the capital to reduce emissions, improve access to nature, offer cooler spaces during heatwaves, reduce flood risk during heavy rainstorms, and boost biodiversity.
This investment phase will include tree planting and delivery of sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and rainwater planters in key parts of the city to prevent flooding.
The new investment programme, Edinburgh Green Investment, in partnership with Abundance Investment Ltd, encourages investment from a minimum of £5, with interest at a rate of 4.84%, paid every six months over the course of five years. The funding window will remain open until November 30 2026 or until the target of £1 million is reached.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the effects of a changing climate in Edinburgh with warmer and wetter weather causing damage to property, travel disruption, flooding and wildfires.
“When we declared a climate and nature emergency and set out our commitment to tackle the causes and consequences of a changing climate, we knew we couldn’t do it alone and would need the support of partner organisations, residents and businesses. It is encouraging that we are already making positive progress to make sure we’re prepared for the inevitable changes we face, but there’s more to do.
“I’m pleased that, alongside the projects and plans already in progress, our new investment initiative will enable our residents and businesses to play their part – helping to support the delivery of projects that will benefit the places where they live, work and visit. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference to ensure we’re ready to cope with a changing climate.”
