October 2026 – Page 18 – The NEN

Counterfeit weight loss pens worth £2 million seized by MHRA and West Midlands Police

Fake weight loss medicines worth approximately £2 million were seized on Wednesday night in a raid executed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and West Midlands Police

On October 14, over 12,000 fake retatrutide and tirzepatide pens were seized along with packaging for around 30,000 more products. The raid took place at an industrial unit in Birmingham.

Tim Duffield, Head Intelligence at the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit said: “We are tackling the organised criminal gangs whose illegal trade in unauthorised medicines puts people at risk of serious harm.

“Our officers seized around £2 million worth of fake weight loss medicines from a filthy warehouse on an industrial estate. These products have not been assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness, and there is no guarantee of what they contain or whether they have been contaminated with harmful substances.

“Retatrutide has not been authorised for use in the UK. Products being sold as retatrutide outside legitimate clinical trials are being supplied illegally and could pose serious risks to public health.

“We urge people to avoid buying weight-loss medicines from unregulated sources. Anyone considering GLP-1 treatment should speak to a healthcare professional and only obtain medicines from a registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”

October’s raid is the latest in a series of MHRA operations that has removed tens of thousands of doses of unauthorised GLP-1 weight loss medicines from circulation:

In May 2026, two people were arrested following a raid on a country estate believed to have been used to manufacture, assemble and distribute unlicensed weight-loss medicines. Around 12,000 doses were recovered, together with packaging materials and suspected pharmaceutical substances
In February 2026, around 2,000 doses of unauthorised weight-loss medicines awaiting dispatch were seized, alongside manufacturing equipment, suspected pharmaceutical ingredients, packaging and commercial vehicles.
In October 2025, the MHRA dismantled the first illicit weight-loss medicine production facility discovered in the UK, seizing 5,000 unauthorised retatrutide and tirzepatide pens, thousands of empty pens and raw chemical ingredients. Together, the finished products and ingredients represented the potential for tens of thousands of doses.

The MHRA #FakeMeds website offers helpful guidance and advice for staying safe when buying medicines online.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

From dissection room to gallery wall Ken Currie and Professor Dame Sue Black lift the lid on the making of haunting portrait in new film

Portrait Stories free to watch on YouTube now

Unknown Man on display at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Free to visit

First in a new series of YouTube films by National Galleries of Scotland, artist Ken Currie and forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black reunite to reflect on the story behind the haunting portrait Unknown Man.

From Currie witnessing his first dissection with Black and making life masks together, to the matter of who the real subject of the portrait actually is, the film lifts the lid on the relationship between sitter and artist.

Portrait Stories brings together remarkable sitters and artists for an in-depth conversation about the creative process. The first film starring Ken Currie and Professor Dame Sue Black, is available to watch now on YouTube for free.

Having met for the first time during a live broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on a show called Art and Anatomy, Black invited Currie to come see his first dissection to understand how she worked.

Out of the experience emerged the nearly 3 metre painting, Unknown Man, on display at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for free.

Recalling her first encounter with the portrait Black said: “I didn’t know how I was going to react, but I did tear up, there was no doubting that. I looked at it and I thought oh my word, this is incredible.”

In the early 1990s, Scottish artist, Ken Currie was much affected by political and humanitarian events in Eastern Europe, and he began to depict decaying and damaged bodies as a response to what he felt was the sickness of contemporary society.

Although still as socially aware as his earlier work, his style became less linear over time. From the mid-1990s, Currie’s paintings became simpler. He focused on individuals instead of crowds and painted in haunting, luminous colours.

Despite painting bodies in this way and with great accuracy, in the film Currie shares how he had never seen a dissection.

He said: “I think that like many Sue assumed because I went to art school I had seen a dissection because it was very much part of the old training. But I hadn’t.”

Attending his first ever dissection after being invited by Black live on air, Currie remembers: “I watched Sue there, standing over the body and of course I had never seen anything like that in my life before. It was really fascinating and then of course this germ of idea began to grow in my head [for the portrait]. Just Sue and the body”.

In 1999, Professor Black made her first tour to Kosovo, in order to identify the human remains of war crimes committed during the Balkan Wars, which deeply impacted her. So, for Black the portrait was an opportunity to give more of a story to the people whose bodies have been donated to science.

She said: “The people underneath these sheets are so important because these are people who in life choose to donate their body. They do it because they believe they want to pay something back.

“We talk about them being our silent teachers, because these cadavers will teach our students more than any living teacher could ever.”

From this came the name of the portrait Unknown Man challenging the viewer to look beyond the woman standing prominently in the portrait and think about the person who lies under the sheet. Black also hoped that in seeing the painting in the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, it might inspire more young women to go into a field which is traditionally dominated by men.

As Black was unable to do multiple portrait sittings Currie made a life mask as a record of her appearance. A life mask is created by placing a mould over a person’s face to capture their features and requires that the subject doesn’t move while the moulding sets.

It allowed the Currie to create an accurate representation of how Black’s face may look in different lights. Currie was keen that that the portrait portrayed what Black may look like after a long and tiresome 12-hour shift.

In the Portrait Stories film, Black recounts how she has never done anything like this and the process required trust in the artist, which she gave completely.

She said: “I have to say the process for me was one I never expected. It was an honour, it was a privilege, but please don’t ask me it do it again.

“I genuinely feel I have made a really dear friend in Ken. He treated me with great respect and he has a huge level of artistic talent. It is my honour to have been a sitter on something he created”.

Watch Ken Currie and Professor Sue Black chat more about the story behind this fascinating portrait on the National Galleries of Scotland YouTube.

The Portrait Stories series will continue with Scottish writer Ian Rankin and photographer Hamish Campbell, available on YouTube later in 2026.

Scotland & All Black legends Gavin Hastings and Sean Fitzpatrick to headline Watsonian FC’s eve-of-test ‘Hoodoo Lunch’

BBC Scotland’s Tom English to host marquee discussion featuring two of rugby’s greatest captains at The George Hotel

Watsonian Football Club has announced that former All Black captain and World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick and Scottish rugby icon Gavin Hastings will headline ‘The Hoodoo Lunch’ at The George Hotel on Friday, 6th November 2026.

Taking place on the eve of Scotland’s Nations Championship test match against New Zealand, the event brings two of world rugby’s most legendary figures together on stage.

Chaired by BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English, the feature discussion will examine rugby’s ultimate rivalry, shared memories of battling the All Blacks, and Scotland’s ongoing quest to break the “Hoodoo”.

Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test in 1993, and the afternoon will also feature contributions from Watsonian internationalists who took on New Zealand over the decades.

Watsonian Football Club president John McLellan said: “New Zealand don’t seem to be getting any weaker, but we hope our first Hoodoo lunch will also be the last if Scotland score a historic victory the day after.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from Gavin and Sean about how it might be achieved.”

The lunch is in aid of Maggie’s Centre, in memory of Scott Hastings, the British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.

Event & Ticket Details:

Date: Friday, 6th November 2026
Venue: The George Hotel, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh
Format: Welcome drink, 2-course lunch, and a half-bottle of wine per person
Pricing: £100 (Members) | £120 + VAT (Non-Members) | Corporate Tables of 10 (£1,200 + VAT)
Bookings: Reserve directly via Fanbase or email info@watsoniansrugby.com

PICTURED: Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, Kerry-Anne Hastings

Five spooky activities for families this October Half Term

Beat the boredom this October Half Term with Butterfly Conservation’s five fun, slightly spooky and wild-inspired activities for the family!

1. See what’s going bump in the night

The nights are drawing in but there’s still lots to see when the sun goes down!

Head out after dark with a torch and look for fallen fruit, berries or Ivy and you might find some moths enjoying a sweet treat. Many caterpillars are nocturnal, so you can also check out plants and leaves to see if any caterpillars are out having a midnight feast.

You can even make your own moth magnet. Heat a bottle of red wine (moths don’t mind what vintage) and stir in 1kg sugar until dissolved but make sure not to boil. Allow the mixture to cool and then soak lengths of rope or fabric in the sugary concoction. Drape the ropes over low branches, bushes or fences just before dusk and check for moths by torch light during the first two hours of darkness.

You can identify what you spot on Butterfly Conservation’s moth pages [https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths]

2. Carve a butterfly or moth themed pumpkin

Looking to get a bit more creative with your pumpkin designs this year?

Head over to Butterfly Conservation’s butterfly [https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies] and moth [https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths] pages to pick your favourite, copy their outline onto your pumpkin and cut out your design.

For the perfectionists of the family, you can make things more detailed by printing out a picture and tracing the butterfly, moth or caterpillar using tracing paper and thick pencil. Whatever you create, make sure to tag Butterfly Conservation in your designs on social media at @savebutterflies

3. Dress up as a Death’s-head Hawk-moth

Looking for a spooky nature-themed Halloween outfit? Make your own Death’s-head Hawk-moth mask.

This fun craft is great for kids on rainy days and can make a fun party activity. Download Butterfly Conservation’s moth mask template and follow the simple steps [https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn/activities-and-resources/make-a-moth-mask]

4. Create your own Frankenstein’s caterpillar

Caterpillars have loads of clever ways of avoiding predators, from colourful bodies to spitting acid.

Learn all about their adaptations on Butterfly Conservation’s Discover and Learn page [https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn/activities-and-resources/clever-caterpillar-adaptations] and then have a go at coming up with your own caterpillar creation – will it have horrible hairs, cunning camouflage or maybe a toxic taste?

You could even bring it to life with whatever materials you have around the house!

5. Go on a weird and wild walk

Although it’s seen as a quieter time of year for wildlife, there’s still lots of weird and wild things to see.

Grab your scarves and head out for a walk around your local green space – and don’t forget to take a magnifying glass to get a bit closer.

Look out for skeleton leaves, strange-looking lichens (and some of the caterpillars that eat them), and maybe even moth “mummies” pupating in leaf piles.

Check out Butterfly Conservation’s spooky spotter sheet for some inspiration of what to look out for [https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn/activities-and-resources/spotter-sheets]

Looking for more fun activities to do with the kids this autumn? Check out Discover and Learn | Butterfly Conservation [https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn]

Thousands of Scottish households to receive letters confirming £150 off their energy bills this winter

Consumers urged to check doormats and letterboxes for a letter confirming £150 off bills
345,000 Scottish households to receive the Warm Home Discount automatically this winter – an increase of around 250,000
This follows action to remove VAT from electricity bills, giving people breathing space on the cost of living

From today, Scottish households should check their doormats and letterboxes for confirmation they will get £150 off their energy bills this winter.

Around six million households across Britain will benefit from the Warm Home Discount this winter, with nearly 2.3 million additional families, including around one million with children, receiving the rebate last year after the expansion of the scheme.

This winter, 345,000 Scottish households will receive the £150 rebate automatically – an increase of around 250,000 – benefitting from reforms to the way the Warm Home Discount is administered.

The onus has previously been on many Scottish households to get in touch with their supplier to receive the money. These changes have simplified the process for the majority of those eligible in Scotland, bringing the scheme closer into line with that in England and Wales – where most recipients already get the rebate automatically.

The Warm Home Discount follows on from the VAT cut on electricity bills in October, capping bus fares at £2 and removing £150 of costs off bills earlier this year, giving families breathing space this winter.

Minister for Energy Consumers Polly Billington said: “I know that many Scottish families will be struggling with their energy bills this winter.

“That is why I urge those who think they qualify for the Warm Home Discount to keep an eye out for a letter confirming their eligibility.

“Energy is an absolute essential, which is exactly why in October we cut VAT on all electricity bills and earlier this year we removed £150 of costs off bills, giving families breathing space this winter.”

Letters will be issued from this week through to January 2027 and will advise if the recipient will either get the Warm Home Discount automatically or if they need to phone the helpline to receive the money.

Households asked to phone the helpline and provide extra information to ensure they get the discount this winter must do so before 26 February 2027.

City Council: Granton and Pilton Connections – Improving Streets

DROP-IN: GRANTON PARISH CHURCH

TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER from 4 – 7pm

We’re working on proposals to improve pavements, crossings and public spaces around Granton and Pilton and we’d like to hear what matters most to you.

Working with you, we want to make your streets safer and easier to get around, whether that’s to school, the shops, community services or bus stops.

Join the team at one of our information sessions. Drop in at any time between 4pm and 7pm:

• Tuesday 20 October, Granton Parish Church, 55 Boswall Parkway

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre AGM

MONDAY 9th NOVEMBER at 6pm

It’s that time of year again!

The AGM is on Monday, 9 November at 18:00.

If you would like to help shape the future of the centre, maybe you would like to join the Management Committee. Or maybe you have a skill that you can share?

Come along and tell us about it!

Kids eat free deals and family fun on offer at Fort Knnaird

Fort Kinnaird is inviting families to make the most of the October week, with a range of activities, offers and seasonal treats available across the centre.

Whether families are planning a full day out or simply looking to fill a few spare hours, there’s plenty to enjoy this autumn, from discovering the latest seasonal fashion trends to trying new menus and making the most of family activities.

This includes:

Kids eat free offers: Families can enjoy a meal out for less, with Kids Eat Free at Frankie & Benny’s until 25^th October, where children can tuck into a free main, two sides, a drink and a dessert with every paying adult main. Over at Wagamama, children can enjoy the £7.50 Kids Bento, a mix-and-match meal served with gyoza and crispy prawn crackers.

Family films at ODEON: Big-screen favourites have hit cinemas in time for rainy days, including the animated Minions & Monsters, action-packed Avengers: Endgame Encore and Halloween favourite Hocus Pocus. Families can also look out for ODEON Kids screenings, with discounted tickets available for selected family films.

Halloween crafting at Hobbycraft: Hobbycraft has everything needed to get creative this Halloween, from pumpkin-decorating kits and paints to costume-making essentials and spooky decorations – ideal for keeping children entertained on rainy afternoons.

Pumpkin spice and autumn treats: For those who love a seasonal drink, Starbucks has brought back its popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, alongside new additions including the Iced Apple Crumble Matcha Latte and Pumpkin Marble Loaf Cake. Frankie & Benny’s autumn menu also features the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Burger, Pumpkin & Ginger Sponge and Spiced Pumpkin Latte.

Autumn fashion inspiration: From UGG boots and suede styles to oversized knits and burgundy shades, there are plenty of new-season trends to explore ready for autumn. Families can browse the latest footwear at schuh and OFFICE, or pick up inspiration from Primark, M&S and Next for everything from chunky jumpers and autumn accessories to fluffy slippers and pyjamas for a cosy night in.

Halloween treats from M&S: Shoppers can stock up ahead of Halloween with themed biscuits, chocolates and sweets for trick or treaters, as well as seasonal baking kits and ingredients for making treats at home.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know keeping the kids entertained during school holidays can be a challenge, particularly when the autumn weather isn’t on your side.

From a trip to the cinema and a family meal out, to getting creative with some Halloween activities at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the October break.

“Whether families are planning a full day out or just looking for a few hours of fun, we hope these ideas help them make the most of their time together.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Granton Library gets ready for Halloween

We’re getting the library ready for Halloween!

We have found lots of spooky books for you to borrow, but our two wee ghosts are quite lonely on the display board!

Will you help us create some ghostly or magical friends for them?

Come along for our craft sessions this weekend!

-Friday 3:30pm

-Saturday 11am

‘The Workers’ Inquiry’ launched as STUC announces campaign for worker-led public service improvements

Trade unions launch public sector improvement campaign against Scottish Government cuts and closures

Scotland’s largest trade union body has launched their campaign on the future of Scotland’s public services, as the STUC establishes their ‘Workers’ Inquiry: Public Services for the People of Scotland’ campaign.

The campaign, which will canvass and collate the views of public and private sector workers across Scotland, seeks to develop a set of worker-led demands for public service improvements as an alternative to the Scottish Government’s proposals.

The STUC has warned that the Scottish Government’s reform agenda could see “reckless” changes to the way public services are delivered, including the proposed abolition or restructuring of health boards and local authorities and, according to trade union analysis, the potential loss of up to 20,000 public sector jobs.

The Workers’ Inquiry will form the basis of public service improvements that invests in services, values the workers who deliver them and improves outcomes for communities – without using what trade unions have labelled as “barbarous programme of public sector cuts”.

Developed by the STUC and public sector trade unions, the consultation will close on 30th November, with the findings used to develop trade union demands and recommendations for the Scottish Government throughout the campaign.

The STUC is calling on the Scottish Government to engage meaningfully with the Workers’ Inquiry and to put worker experience and the needs of communities at the heart of its approach to public service reform.

The launch comes on day one of the SNP Conference in Aberdeen.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We have been clear that trade unions will not allow 20,000 jobs to be thrown on the scrapheap in a barbarous programme of public sector cuts.

“The Workers’ Inquiry is our alternative.

“We are reaching out to workplaces and communities across Scotland to ask the people who deliver our public services every day what needs to change, what works and what doesn’t and what a better future for our public services should look like.

“We want to build a worker-led vision for public service improvements – one that values, not cuts, the people who deliver our services, strengthens provision and builds world-class public services for everyone in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has said that trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping its reform agenda. We intend to hold them to that commitment. If ministers are serious about improving public services, they should welcome this consultation and publicly commit to encouraging workers, employers and public sector agencies to take part in the campaign.

“We do not accept that the only way to reform public services is through job losses, cuts and closures. Investment, proper planning and using the experience of Scotland’s public service workers offer a better way forward.

“The clock is ticking. As SNP Conference gets underway in Aberdeen, trade unionists are mobilising across Scotland to show the party of government that investment, not cuts, is the way to build public services we can all be proud of.”