BUT IS MORE ‘REGIONAL EMPOWERMENT’ ENOUGH FOR SCOTS?
In a speech today, the Prime Minister will invite Scotland’s First Minister to work with him on the common good of pushing more power out of both Westminster and Holyrood, unlocking jobs and opportunity in every region.
Delivering his remarks after speaking with young people today in Lanarkshire, Andy Burnham will emphasise the Scottish Government is one of the most centralised devolved administrations in Europe, with Holyrood not giving people who know their areas best enough of a say, despite significant devolution from Westminster over the last 27 years.
Because power was never supposed to stop at the doors of the Scottish Parliament, the Prime Minister will argue the next stage of devolution should place more decision-making in the hands of Scotland’s regions and cities to drive reindustrialisation.
As part of that offer, he will call on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government through No10 North and the Scotland Office to develop a new model of regional empowerment for Scotland, ensuring communities with their own strengths, identity and ambitions can seize new economic opportunities and unlock their potential.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “During my first week in office, I told the First Minister that I wanted to work with him to spread opportunities to communities across Scotland’s regions and cities.
“Through No10 North, we are rewiring the state and I want to make sure regions in Scotland are fully part of this.
“This is me making an offer to the Scottish Government. With us working together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for the Scottish people.”
The Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander said: “Devolution has done a great deal, but power was never supposed to stop at the doors of the Scottish Parliament. People in North Lanarkshire, in Fife or in the Highlands know what their communities need better than any minister, whether they sit in London or Edinburgh.
“The Prime Minister’s offer to the Scottish Government is a genuine one, and the Scotland Office is ready to roll up its sleeves alongside them to make it happen. Two governments, one goal – good jobs and real opportunity in every corner of Scotland”.
Latest poll suggest more Scots would vote for independence if another referendum was called today.
LIFT@MUIRHOUSE MILLENNIUM CENTREWINS WORKPLACE AWARD
Pic Greg Macvean 15/10/2026
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, celebrated the very best of Edinburgh and the East yesterday at a stellar show which saw local heroes pick up awards alongside Scottish stars Emeli Sandé, Cammy Barnes, Craig Hill and more.
A sold out Usher Hall enjoyed a surprise line-up including a stunning performance from Emeli Sandé, dance sets from iconic voices including Kelly Llorenna, Janice Robinson and Simone Denny, entertainment from ‘Dirty Dancing’ and a rousing set from man of the moment Cammy Barnes.
Forth 1 presenters distributed awards to hometown heroes, nominated by Forth’s audience, across categories including Best Teacher, Best Workplace and the prestigious Forth Local Hero Award.
Station stars including Arlene Stuart, Steven Mill, Garry Spence, Callum Gallacher, Grant Thomson, Lynsey Gibson and more hosted the show as well as a charity auction to fundraise for Forth 1’s Cash for Kids, making a difference for kids across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
10 awards were handed out across the star-studded show, recognising hometown heroes across Best Teacher, Best Restaurant, Best Workplace and the all important Forth Local Hero Award.
WINNERS:
The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris – Cammy Barnes
The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room – Janice Robinson
The Forth Icon Award with The Edinburgh Playhouse – EmeliSandé
The Forth Fringe Award with Watermans – Darrell Martin
The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire Hospitality – Luca’s Kitchen
The Forth Cash for Kids Award with Newtown Décor – Rocco Wood
The Forth Best Teacher Award with Omni Centre – Matthew Crawford, Beath High School
Pic Greg Macvean 15/10/2026
The Forth Best Workplace Award with Fuse – L.I.F.T @ Muirhouse Millennium Centre
The Forth Visitor Attraction – Falkland Palace & Garden
The Forth Local Hero Award with Edinburgh’s Christmas & LNER – Lisa Petrie
The talented ensemble from ‘Dirty Dancing’, currently showing at Edinburgh Playhouse, kicked the afternoon off with an outstanding performance before Darrell Martin was presented with this year’s Forth Fringe Award.
Founder of Just the Tonic Comedy Club, which presents hundreds of shows every year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Darrell has welcomed some of comedy’s top names to his club in Nottingham over the past 30 years including Sean Lock, Jo Brand, Rob Beckett and more.
One of the UK’s most successful songwriters, EmeliSandé was honoured with this year’s Forth Icon Award, marking a career which has seen her pick up four BRIT Awards, achieve three UK No.1 singles and sell over 6 million albums.
The Scottish star’s upcoming 2027 UK tour celebrates 15 years since the release of her hit debut album ‘Our Version of Events’ and guests at the Forth Awards were treated to her biggest hits including ‘Next To Me’ and ‘Read All About It’.
Picking up her award Emeli Sandé said, “This is awesome, Scotland is where my whole journey began so thank you for this recognition.”
Dunfermline restaurant Luca’s Kitchen picked up the Forth Best Restaurant Award for their family-friendly authentic Italian fayre, whilst L.I.F.T at Muirhouse Millennium Centre won the Best Workplace Award.
Pic Greg Macvean 15/10/2026
Community project based in Muirhouse Millennium Centre, Low Income Families Together (LIFT)works with individuals and families to develop new skills to improve their lives – from tackling child poverty, budgeting skills, confidence building and employability skills, the team go above and beyond for their community.
Man of the moment and local lad Cammy Barnes took home the Forth Best Artist Award after storming onto the UK’s music scene blending contemporary country songwriting with traditional Scottish music.
Hailing from Fife, Cammy shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, supported Amy Macdonald on tour and is now set to play two huge dates at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro in 2027. The singer songwriter treated the audience to a rousing set including a song dedicated to his hometown ‘Beauty In These Streets’, ‘Whiskey Roll’ and a special cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’.
Picking up his award, Cammy said: “I can’t believe I’ve just won that award! A massive thank you to all the team at Forth 1 and Clyde 1 for backing me and playing my music on the radio – it has singlehandedly changed my life.
“When I started this journey I just wanted to make my wee girl proud – and now we just sold out The Hydro! Things like this don’t happen to be, so I’m buzzing.”
Matthew Crawford, a guidance teacher at Beath High School in Cowdenbeath won the Best Teacher Award for his commitment to his pupils and their parents and the Best Visitor Attraction went to Falkland Palace & Garden in Fife, recognising its staff and volunteers in a year of ongoing building works.
One of the afternoon’s most heartwarming moments came when Rocco Wood was presented with the Forth Cash for Kids Award. Born at just 28 weeks, three months premature, Rocco was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has overcome significant challenges in his 17 years.
Cash for Kids has been able to support Rocco and his family for many years, mostly recently funding an eye-gaze communication device which has given Rocco a new way to express himself, communicate and display his cheeky sense of humour.
American singer songwriter Janice Robinson collected the Forth Contribution to Music Award, honouring a vocalist career spanning over 30 years, beginning with her global hit ‘Dreamer’ as part of ‘Livin’ Joy’. Janice went on to support the iconic Tina Turner on tour and released hit dance tracks include ‘Earthbeat’ and ‘There Must Be Love’, which she performed at this afternoon’s ceremony.
Janice said: “It feels amazing to be recognised after decades of a song that has lived in the hearts of so many people in the UK.
“Looking into the audience and realising that most of these people were really young when ‘Dreamer’ came out – I’m so blessed to have done something that brings people such joy.”
For the final award of the day, local Edinburgh woman Lisa Petrie was honoured with the Forth Local Hero Award for her extraordinary campaign for stricter retail security on knives, and the roll out of life-saving bleed kits across the local community.
After losing her son John in 2025, Lisa has campaigned tirelessly – meeting the First Minister, the King and MSPs to introduce accessible bleed kits across Edinburgh.
Lisa has assembled and distributed over 100 emergency medical bleed control kits to pubs, community centres and shops across Edinburgh and Midlothian, aimed at saving lives in all kinds of medical emergencies.
Pic Greg Macvean 15/10/2026
On stage, Lisa said,“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Pauline and the team at L.I.F.T. – I would have turned my face to the wall and cried, but I’ve had support and an army behind me after losing John.
“It’s been hard, but knowing that there’s other families out there and we can support each other, that’s what I want. These aren’t stats, these are kids, they’re human beings. I need change and I know that we will save lives and make change for John. These awards have given me more strength to keep going.”
The 2026 Forth Awards had the Usher Hall audience on their feet with dance performances from Canadian dance and house star Simone Denny before UK trance-popstar Kelly Llorenna brought the day to a rousing end with ‘Set You Free’.
Recognising everything from small acts of kindness from teachers and care workers, to achievements in the world of entertainment, The Forth Awards were once again a celebration of inspiring stories from Forth 1’s local heroes and performances to remember.
David Robertson, Director Of Content for the Hits Radio Brand (including Forth 1), Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “In our 21st year of the Forth Awards, we continue to be inspired by the local listeners striving to make a difference and delivering, at times, life-changing work in their local communities.
“Whether it’s a teacher supporting kids in school, or individuals like Lisa Petrie campaigning on a national level, it’s Forth 1’s honour to shine a spotlight on them and say thank you.
“We send our huge congratulations to all of today’s worthy winners, and a special thanks to our outstanding performers for entertaining our sold out crowd.”
The former Stockbridge favourite Ping On returned to its original home for one night only on Sunday 4th October, as Sotto celebrated its second birthday by recreating the much-loved Cantonese restaurant for an evening in aid of Dementia UK.
Ping On was a Stockbridge institution for 56 years, having first opened in the area in 1968 under the ownership of Kenny Mak. It went on to become a firm favourite with generations of Edinburgh locals before Sotto opened in its former premises in 2024, transforming the space into an Italian trattoria and enoteca.
To mark Sotto’s second birthday, owner James Clark brought Ping On back to the restaurant for one night, with the Sotto team temporarily swapping Italian cooking for some of the dishes that had made the restaurant a Stockbridge staple.
The menu featured Kenny’s family recipes, including sizzling ribs, spring rolls, lemon chicken, beef in black bean sauce, egg fried rice and banana fritters.
The evening brought together former Ping On customers returning to the restaurant, alongside Sotto regulars, with more than £4,000 raised for Dementia UK.
Police are concerned for the welfare of missing person 13 year old Thomas Hutton. He was last seen at 8.30pm on Monday 12th October in the Drylaw area.
He is known to frequent Ocean Terminal. He is described as white, 5ft4, slim with blonde hair, missing a front tooth and believed to be wearing a light grey Berghaus jacket, grey joggers, black and white On Cloud trainers and a dark blue Montrex hat.
If you have seen Thomas or know of his whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote Incident 3329 of 14th October.
A drop-in day of hands-on fun activities at the Wee Museum of Memory will gather Leith’s stories, priorities and big ideas for the town’s UK Town of Culture bid
Leith residents are being invited to help shape the town’s bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028 at The Leith Imaginarium, a (free) drop-in public event at the Wee Museum of Memory, Ocean Terminal, on Sunday 25 October from 12 – 4pm.
Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted from nearly 400 applications for the new national competition, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which will name the UK’s first Town of Culture. In 2028 Leith also marks 900 years since its first written record.
Leith’s waterfront and working docks. In 2028, Leith will mark 900 years since its first written record as the community bids to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
The bid team is developing its plans now, and the Leith Imaginarium is a chance for the people who know Leith best to help decide what goes into them.
Visitors of any age – from 3months to 103 – can bring their stories, their priorities and their big ideas for Leith in 2028 and what comes next, through hands-on activities including a chance to be Mayor of Leith for a moment, sofa conversations about Leith’s past and future, and a giant illustrated interactive map of Leith to mark places that need a bit of care as well as hidden gems and favourite spots.
The ideas gathered will help inform the final bid, which is being built from the ground up by Leith residents in the newly formed Leith Culture Partnership, with the backing of more than 80 local and national organisations and public figures.
Leith Theatre hosts an Edinburgh International Festival performance. Cultural venues, artists and community organisations from across Leith are helping shape the town’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.
Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall,co-ordinators of Leith’s bid for UK Town of Culturesaid:“This isn’t about bringing ‘culture’ to Leith. It’s about celebrating what’s already here, backing the creativity and communities that make this place special, and giving Leithers a real say in what comes next.
“Whatever the result, 2028 will be a special year as Leith celebrates 900 years and looks forward to the future.
“The ideas and relationships coming out of the process of this competition belong to this place, and we want to keep building on them to preserve what makes Leith so distinctive and celebrate living in such a brilliant place.”
For anyone who can’t make it there are other ways in which to find out more and have a say in Leith’s plans for 2028.
The team are hosting drop-in sessions at Printworks Cafe on Constitution Street on Friday 16 October from 9 to 11am; Leith Library on Monday 19 October 6.30pm to 8pm and other locations to be announced.
Follow @Leith2028 on Instagram for the latest news.
Posters and postcards have also appeared across Leith inviting people to have their say and linking to a survey which can be found here.
The team of Leith residents behind the bid has formalised as Leith Culture Partnership, chaired by born and bred Leither, and Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of National Theatre of Scotland Liam Sinclair.
On 21 October, we’ll be opening a call for cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland to submit Expressions of Interest in Multi-Year Funding, with a deadline of 18 November
This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding –
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.
DETAILS
We would like to provide advance notice to cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland, of our intention to seek Expressions of Interest for Multi-Year Funding from April 2028.
Timeline
The call for Expressions of Interest will open at 11am on Wednesday 21 October 2026, and close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026, and will be accessible through the Creative Scotland website.
The full application process for new applicants will open in early 2027, with the next cohort of Multi-Year Funded Organisations in place from April 2028.
Purpose
This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding, in terms of both the number of organisations seeking this type of funding support, and the likely financial ask.
While providing invaluable information on the future potential for the Multi-Year Funding Programme to support culture and creativity in Scotland, this will also help us shape the detail of the formal application process.
Expressions of Interest will not be assessed, and no decisions will be made regarding individual organisations at this stage. Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.
Information required
Expressions of Interest will be invited from organisations currently in receipt of Multi-Year Funding along with those interested in joining the programme from 2028.
A short form will be available via our website where organisations will be asked to provide summary information on their area of practice and an indication of the level of annual funding they anticipate requiring, on an annual basis, from April 2028.
Find out more
Any questions on the Expression of Interest, the Multi-Year Funding Programme, or any other aspect of Creative Scotland’s funding, should be directed to our Enquiries Service.
Background
Information and guidance on the Expression of Interest in Multi-Year Funding from April 2028 will be made available on our website from 11am on 21 October.
Feedback gathered during the original development of Multi-Year Funding (MYF) called for a move away from a single, large-scale application round towards a rolling, continuous programme that reduces the administrative burden on applicants and the wider sector.
This would include the potential for organisations already in receipt of MYF, subject to review, to be offered continued funding through this programme beyond the original three-year agreement.
Alongside this, organisations not currently in receipt of MYF would have the opportunity to join the programme.
Creative Scotland is currently developing the details of this next stage of the programme, and the Expression of Interest response will help with that development.
Ian Murray and Daniel Johnson call for more power and funding
Ian Murray and Daniel Johnson, the MP for Edinburgh South and MSP for Edinburgh Southern, have called for increased power and funding for Edinburgh, as new analysis shows the city has been short-changed by £147 million since 2014.
New analysis from the House of Commons Library found that if local government funding in Scotland had kept pace with the Scottish block grant, Scottish Councils would be £2bn better off.
Scottish Labour is arguing for more power and funding to be pushed out of Holyrood and into local communities.
Commenting, Ian Murray said:“Edinburgh is Scotland’s worst-funded local authority, receiving less funding per resident than every other council in the country. Everyone knows a road with a pothole that needs fixed, a school that needs more support for children with additional support needs, or a high street that needs local investment.
“Instead of empowering local communities and opening up politics and decision making to communities here, the SNP has chosen to hoard power and money in Holyrood and deprive areas of funding which would have made a real difference to the lives of local people.”
Daniel Johnson MSP said:“Too much money and control is centralised in Scotland, we need to reverse that and push funding and powers out of Holyrood and into local communities.”
Union Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamilladapted from the novel by Jane Austen
Tue 17 – Sat 28 November 2026Norton Park, Edinburgh
Union Theatre Company concludes its inaugural season with Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen. The joyful, big-hearted adaptation will enjoy a two week run at Norton Park, selected dates Tuesday 17 – Saturday 28 November 2026.
Early 19th century. Regency England. The Bennet family live on Longbourn estate in Hertfordshire. The estate must pass to a male heir, of which the Bennets have none. In order to save the family from destitution upon the death of Mr Bennet, at least one daughter must make an advantageous match.
Despite this grim outlook, the clever and outspoken second daughter, Lizzy, is determined to never marry. But her plans for independent spinsterhood are put to the test when the wealthy, mildly handsome, vaguely amusing and entirely irritating Mr. Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire with his best friend, Mr. Bingley.
Bold, surprising and boisterous, Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice brings the satire and playfulness of Austen’s novel to the fore, creating a timely new take on a classic love story. Originally premiered at the Primary Stages and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in New York in summer 2017, the play went on to critical acclaim and was selected by the Wall Street Journal and Huffington Post as one of the best theatre pieces of the year.
Kate Hamill is an actor/playwright, and one of the most produced playwrights in America for the last nine years (2017 – 2026). Hamill has adapted a number of Austen’s and other classic works, including Sense and Sensibility (2014), Little Women (2018), Dracula (a feminist revenge fantasy) (2020), and The Scarlet Letter (2024).
Her work has been produced in all 50 US states and internationally, including Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Norway and the UK.
Union Theatre’s production of Pride and Prejudice will be directed by Hannah Fitzpatrick, and performed for selected dates Tuesday 17 – Saturday 28 November at Norton Park in Edinburgh’s Leith neighbourhood.
For further information about Union Theatre Company, its production of Pride and Prejudice and to book tickets visit www.uniontheatre.co.uk.
Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill Adapted from the novel by Jane Austin
Children as young as three are learning Mandarin and Spanish through outdoor play at an Edinburgh nursery and junior school which is challenging the idea that learning has to happen sitting behind a desk.
At The Forest at Merchiston, Mandarin lessons can involve games of hide-and-seek, with children learning to count and call out in the language as they play outdoors.
The co-educational nursery and junior school, which opened at Merchiston Castle School in 2024 for children aged three to 10, has introduced weekly Mandarin and Spanish lessons for every child from nursery upwards.
Mandarin, which has more native speakers than any other language in the world, and Spanish were chosen for their global reach, introducing children to languages from an early age and preparing them for an increasingly international world.
Families will have the chance to experience the approach for themselves at The Forest’s Open Morning on Saturday 31 October, when children will be able to try Mandarin through play alongside exploring the school and its outdoor learning environment.
The language programme forms part of a wider approach at The Forest, which combines a strong academic curriculum with extensive outdoor learning. Mud play, hikes, building, growing and exploring the natural world all become opportunities to learn, with the school’s extensive grounds used as an extension of the classroom.
Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest, said:“Children at this age are like sponges. It is the best time to start a new language because they absorb it naturally and don’t yet have that sense of something sounding different or unfamiliar.
“Mandarin and Spanish are two of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and introducing them from nursery is about preparing children for an increasingly international future.
“Everything we do is through play, movement and experience, so during Mandarin that can mean learning numbers and words while playing hide-and-seek outside.
“We are still absolutely a school and have high academic expectations for every child. What is different is how we deliver that education. Children learn incredibly well when they are active, engaged and interested in what they’re doing.”
The Forest is also planning immersive language and culture days across its junior school, using activities including mock restaurants, food and national dress to bring languages to life.
Ms Bowers added: “There is huge demand from parents for outdoor nursery provision, but too often that approach stops when a child starts school. We couldn’t see why something that works so well for young children should suddenly disappear.
“Our children still learn the curriculum, but the outdoors becomes another classroom. The aim is that they develop academically while also building confidence, independence and the ability to solve problems for themselves.”
Families can meet the team, explore The Forest and take part in Mandarin and outdoor activities at the Open Morning on Saturday 31 October.
The Institute for Health Equity’s new report A Fairer, Healthier Scotland: The Collaboration for Health Equity reinforces that health inequalities are largely driven by the conditions of daily life that shape health, including income, housing, work and education, rather than access to health services alone.
The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES) is a partnership between Public Health Scotland, University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (directed by Professor Sir Michael Marmot) and three collaborating areas: Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Each area utilised local evidence to develop their own priorities to reduce inequalities, with a shared emphasis on prevention and working in partnership.
COSLA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care Cllr Paul Kelly commented: “Through our unique position close to communities, Local Government already has a strong understanding of the wider social, economic and environment determinants which act as the building blocks of health.
“This report reaffirms that empowering local authorities to develop place-based solutions makes a positive difference to people, families and communities, preventing issues before they arise and reducing inequalities in outcomes.
“As a joint sponsor of Public Health Scotland, COSLA will explore how we can build on this successful approach, creating the conditions for more people to live longer, healthier and fulfilling lives.”
A Fairer, Healthier Scotland: The Collaboration for Health Equity is an independent assessment authored by University College London’s Institute of Health Equity outlining progress and opportunities arising from the Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland.
The first phase of the programme ran from 2024 to 2026 and aimed to better understand barriers to reducing health inequalities and to test practical approaches for improving health equity.
