October 2026 – Page 5 – The NEN

Babies and young children in care system being failed by delays in decisions about their forever home

Experts will meet in Glasgow tomorrow at a National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children that’s been organised by NSPCC Scotland and Parent-Infant Foundation
The event is being held due to serious concerns about the length of time babies and young children in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home
Participants will discuss why delays in decision making about a permanent home can happen with the aim of assisting a Scottish Government review into the impact of this, with a specific spotlight on babies and young children’s unique developmental needs

Experts in the care system will come together this week in a bid to kick-start a Scottish Government review into the impact of delays in deciding on permanent homes for children.

NSPCC Scotland and the Parent-Infant Foundation have organised the National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children amid serious concerns about the length of time those in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home.

Evidence shows that babies and children in Scotland’s care system wait more than two years on average for decisions or recommendations about their permanent home, with many then waiting months or even years longer before moving there.

Practitioners, policy makers and people with experience of the care system will gather for the National Summit atGlasgow University Union Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday (October 28), to discuss the challenges the country faces in securing permanent homes for children at the earliest opportunity.

The Scottish Government is legally required under the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, to conduct a review of this issue by September 2028.

The two charities want to ensure this review shines a light on the true impact of delay on babies and young children and looks to the evidence for practical and legislative changes to prevent them from facing prolonged uncertainty in the care system.

A key focus of the event will be the impact of uncertainty, instability and broken primary carer relationships on babies and children who enter the care system.

Within the current system children can experience multiple home moves and numerous primary caregivers due to drift and delays in decision making within the care system about their permanent home.

This can be harmful for all children, but it’s particularly damaging for babies who are uniquely vulnerable during this critical stage in their development. It can also lead to a greater risk of being exposed to abuse and neglect, disrupted relationships, and increased likelihood of the need for ongoing support as they transition to adulthood and throughout their lives.

The National Summit will set out why infancy is a crucial stage of development and a unique opportunity to improve a child’s future and needs a distinct response from all the adults and services supporting them.

Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy manager, said: “Delays in securing a permanent home for a baby or child should not be seen as simply administrative issues. They have a profound impact on their development, relationships, wellbeing and future.

“Babies and children cannot wait. Their needs do not pause while systems deliberate. Scotland now has an opportunity to build a system that delivers timely decisions, protects the rights of infants, supports families effectively and provides children with the safety, stability and loving relationships they need to thrive.

“This summit aims to build consensus around the need for reform and identify practical and legislative changes that will ensure babies and children experience a more stable and timely journey through the care system.”

Lucy Morton, Scotland Development Lead for Parent-Infant Foundation said: “Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily.

“Early relationships between babies and their caregivers are incredibly important. If babies are within an uncertain system, with instability and broken relationships with their caregivers, this can be particularly damaging. We want to help change this and our work with infant mental health teams in Scotland helps us envisage a more responsive and therapeutic system.

“We are delighted to be working with NSPCC Scotland to help bring together experts at the Summit to build understanding and collectively help speak up for all babies in Scotland.”

Findings from the BeST? services trial, led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the NSPCC and other universities^[1], showed that achieving a permanent home for children in Scotland takes nearly four and a half times longer in Scotland than in England.

The research also showed that only 27% of children got a permanent home within five years and among those who did, the average time taken to achieve this was 488 days.

And Scotland’s care system for under-fives costs around twice as much as England’s.

The research also showed that in England, where a family court Judge oversees cases and sets clear timescales, all the adults involved are more likely to put the baby or child’s developmental needs at the centre of decision making throughout.

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act introduces a range of changes intended to improve support for children in care and people with care experience, including new rights and support around advocacy, aftercare and kinship care.

Before it was passed, NSPCC Scotland proposed an amendment to introduce legal time limits for decisions about a child’s permanent home, but this was rejected.

However, the charity then worked with cross party MSPs including Martin Whitfield and Fulton McGregor, to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to review permanence legislation in the next parliamentary term.

Budget to give Britain breathing space today and fresh hope for the future

Today (Wednesday 28 October), the Chancellor will set out how the Budget will make Britain “more resilient” to global shocks, while helping households with “everyday costs”, backing businesses and entrepreneurs, and kicking off the “long-term action” needed to get “energy costs down for good”

In a video message, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey said: “Breathing space for today and fresh hope for the future. That’s what today’s Budget will deliver.

‘The world’s a highly uncertain place. Conflicts abroad are pushing up energy prices, and the cost of living here at home – piling pressure on the families, on businesses, and on our public finances.

‘But Britain’s economy is showing real signs of resilience: investments up, productivity is growing, and we had the joint fastest growth in the G7 in the first half of this year.

‘We can’t stop these shocks that hit Britain, but we can make Britain more resilient when they do.

‘So, this Budget is designed to give households breathing space from some of the everyday costs, provide targeted support for businesses and self-employed people, and to start the long-term action needed to get energy costs down for good.

‘But breathing space today must go hand-in-hand with building for the future.

‘So, we’ll back British businesses and entrepreneurs, we’ll invest in the technologies that drive future growth, and we’ll build more homes, shift power out of Whitehall, so that leaders locally can drive growth in every postcode.

‘And in an uncertain world, we will strengthen national security and our defences, as well as our support for Ukraine.

‘We’ll do all of this responsibly, sticking within tight fiscal rules, and make sure every pound is well invested.

‘Because this Budget is about getting through this difficult moment. But it’s also about putting Britain on a future path, a better future path.

‘Breathing space today, and fresh hope for the future.”

Chancellor abolishes standing charges on gas bills to make payments fairer

Standing charges from household gas bills will be removed for around 23 million homes.
Action from the Chancellor and Energy Secretary will make the energy system fairer and give some families breathing space.
Budget will “draw a line in the sand” on energy policy that has left billpayers exposed, giving families breathing space for today and hope for the future.

Tens of millions of households will no longer pay standing charges on their gas bills as the Government gives families more control over what they pay and some more breathing space.

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee added on top of a household gas bill, regardless of how much gas has been used. A household could use no gas at all but still must pay the standing charge.

The Chancellor will announce today an end to this unfair and outdated practice. He will ask Ofgem to deliver removal of these charges – which are £108 a year for the typical household on average – in 2027 or as soon as possible after.

Instead, these fixed costs will be paid on the unit rate, which could save 60% of account-holding households around an average of £45 off their annual bill.

Households not seeing an automatic saving will still have better control over their bills without the worry of affording the standing charge, and the government will set out in due course targeted mitigation for a small number of households.

This comes ahead of today’s Budget that will “draw a line in the sand” on a UK energy policy that has seen wrong turns taken for over four decades. The Prime Minister has previously spoken about reforming a broken energy market, so it better serves the public interest, rather than piling costs to bills and leaving British households even more exposed in an uncertain world.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Abolishing gas standing charges is about basic fairness and giving people more control over their bills.

“I am determined to reform our broken energy market, so it better serves the public interest.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Gas standing charges are unfair and outdated so I am scrapping them to give millions of households a bit of breathing space.

“My Budget will draw a line in the sand on an energy policy that has failed British billpayers for years, letting extra costs on bills pile high and leaving households even more exposed to global shocks.”

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Too many families face unfair charges, so we’re making it easier for people to take control of their energy bills.

“By removing one of the nation’s bugbears – taking standing charges off gas bills, with extra support for those who need it – we’ll give millions of people breathing space.

“Tackling affordability is my number one priority, and I will keep doing everything I can to protect people from unaffordable bills.”

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: “This represents real joined-up thinking to make a fairer, more efficient energy system, delivering what customers want – lower standing charges and further improving the ratio of electricity to gas prices.

“Most customers would see a cut in their gas bills which is crucial, but would also enjoy even higher savings if they can move to heat pumps when it suits them.”

This follows the Government’s VAT cut on electricity bills that came into effect at the beginning of this month which is already supporting households.

It means the Energy Price Cap from October was £45 a year less than it would have been. Around a third of households on fixed tariffs are not affected by the price cap, meaning their electricity prices will have fallen when the VAT cut took effect.

While the government is giving people short term relief on their energy bills, it is also taking action to fix Britain’s energy problems for the long term.

Last week, the Government announced a new Energy Wealth Fund which will support investment in cheap, clean power.

City council opens SOAR Fund

The City of Edinburgh Council has opened its new Source to Ocean Action Recovery (SOAR) fund, offering grants of £2,500–£10,000 for coastal and marine-focused projects

From beach cleans and wildlife projects to environmental art, community planting and educational workshops, the fund is for projects that help local people connect with and protect our marine and coastal environments, as well as watercourses.

£50,000 available in total

Apply by 12 noon on 30 November 2026

Find out more and apply at: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/SOARgrant

One Parent Families Scotland: Budget asks to address poverty

The UK Budget will be announced tomorrow.

Here’s what we want to see, so that we can invest in a positive future for everyone and act on the things that matter most:

#UKBudget

#UKPolitics

#Budget

#OneParentFamiliesScotland

Hidden horrors of Halloween: Essential safety advice for families

RoSPA warns families about the risks of trick-or-treating, including dangerous costumes, button batteries, pumpkin-carving injuries and driving in the dark
Safety advice includes always checking costumes and toys for safety markings, only buying from reputable retailers and making sure children are closely supervised
Drivers are reminded to be extra cautious about children crossing the road during darker evenings

As children and families get ready for trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is issuing important advice to ensure the celebrations don’t become scary for the wrong reasons.

The safety charity warns that trick-or-treating in particular involves a combination of potential risks from costumes and toys, as well as crossing the road during darker evenings.

Many Halloween costumes, particularly those from online marketplaces, may present flammability risks, strangulation hazards from cords and drawstrings, and missing safety information on labels. Research by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024 found that over 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven years failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation. Halloween costumes should always be bought from reputable retailers, and RoSPA is also reminding people that homemade costumes or those not tested to recognised flammability standards may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.

Alongside concerns about unsafe costumes, many Halloween decorations, flashing toys and light-up accessories contain button batteries, which can cause catastrophic internal injuries within hours if swallowed.

According to the Institute of Health Visiting, two children die each year as a result of button battery incidents. Parents and carers are being urged to check that battery compartments are secure and keep products containing button batteries out of reach of young children.

Pumpkins are a common sight at Halloween, and unfortunately so are cuts from carving them. To reduce the risk of injury, RoSPA advises using purpose-designed carving tools, working on a stable surface in good lighting and always cutting away from the body. Any children taking part should be closely supervised.

Halloween celebrations also take place as darker evenings draw in. According to the Department for Transport, nearly 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in October 2025. Halloween can be particularly challenging for motorists, with large numbers of children out during the evening peak period when visibility is reduced.

As well as encouraging parents and carers to accompany children and help them cross the road, RoSPA is also reminding drivers to keep an extra cautious eye out for children in residential areas.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.

“We urge parents to buy products from reputable retailers, check safety information carefully and pay particular attention to products containing button batteries.

“And as children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas. A moment’s extra care could prevent a serious injury.

“With a little planning and a few simple precautions, families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while keeping themselves and others safe.”

TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN

Product Safety

Buy costumes, decorations and accessories from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online.
Check for UKCA or CE markings.
Read safety instructions and warnings before use.
Avoid costumes with long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories which could present a strangulation hazard.
Ensure masks do not restrict vision and check for any small parts that may pose a choking risk.

Fire Safety

Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles, fireplaces and other open flames.
Consider battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins and decorations.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Supervise children and pets around any lit candles.

Button Battery Safety

Check that battery compartments are secure.
Keep spare and used button batteries out of reach of children.
Dispose of batteries safely and responsibly.
Seek immediate medical attention if a child is suspected of swallowing a button battery.

Pumpkin Safety

Always cut away from your body and avoid putting hands inside the pumpkin.
Use specific pumpkin-carving kits if available, or a knife with a shorter blade that’s easier to control.
Always carve on a stable surface in a well-lit area.
Make sure knife, hands and pumpkin are dry to reduce the chance of slips.
Never let children carve a pumpkin without close supervision.

Trick-or-Treating and Road Safety

Carry a torch to help children see and be seen.
Add reflective materials to costumes where possible.
Ensure children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Use pavements and designated crossing points whenever possible.
Drivers should slow down in residential areas and remain vigilant for children who may behave unpredictably.

See more Halloween safety advice

I’m Still Me: Vibrant portrait exhibition raises awareness of breast cancer at Holyrood

A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.

In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.

The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.

Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it. My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.

“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”

The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.

Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.

“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring. While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.

House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”

Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.

Childcare crisis as North Edinburgh Childcare to close on Friday

North Edinburgh Childcare will close THIS FRIDAY, making staff and sessional workers redundant and causing a huge problem for scores of local parents.

The sudden closure is dreadful news for the North Edinburgh community. NEC was seen as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Pilton Partnership activities in the 1990s, when local activists saw their dream of an affordable local childcare facility become a reality at last. Today, it seems that dream is over.

NEC staff member Astrid Hederson wrote on Facebook:

Dear Families of North Edinburgh

‘As many of you will now be aware, North Edinburgh Childcare will be closed suddenly this Friday . As a member of staff, it saddens me deeply that our journey has ended this way.

‘We were kept in the dark — under the pretence that surveys were being taken to improve the company, while behind closed doors decisions were being made that affected all of us. They didn’t reach out to parents, carers, or the community — and they didn’t reach out to the staff who are here from 7am till 6pm, Monday to Friday.

‘Our General Manager has been off sick and effectively disappeared — and while we respect that people need time away, what we needed most was a leader.

‘We needed someone to stand with us, someone to fight for us, someone to help us navigate what was happening. Instead, we were left without guidance, without answers, and completely unprepared for what was coming.

‘It feels like we were abandoned — and we believe there was so much more that could have been done to save our service.

‘We have stuck by this community through the tragedies, the hard times, through COVID, and through some really wonderful, good times too. We want to stay. We want to fight. But we can’t do it alone. We need our parents, our carers, and our community to back us up — just as we have always backed you.

‘This workplace isn’t just a job to me — the people there are my world. I’ve been through so much with some of them. This is the family I don’t want to lose.

‘As staff, we weren’t given the opportunity to fight — not just for our jobs, but to fight to stay and serve the children we love, the families we care about, and the community we are part of.

‘We weren’t given the chance to say goodbye to the children we love, serve, and protect. We don’t get to say goodbye to the parents and carers we’ve grown so close to — the ones we’ve walked alongside, watched their children grow, shared joys and worries and dreams with.

This post is not to ask for money. It’s simply to speak the truth — because the truth deserves to be heard. I don’t know how far this will reach, but our children still need us. The parents still need us. We deserved better than to be left in the dark.

‘If this matters to you — please reach out. Speak to your MP, your councillors, anyone who will listen. Stand with us, just as we’ve always stood with you.

North Edinburgh Childcare’s website states:

North Edinburgh Childcare first opened its doors to children in the spring of 1997.

The organisation developed in response to an identified need for high quality, childcare in North Edinburgh that would enable local parents and carers to access opportunities for work, training or education.

A group of local residents campaigned over a 6 year period for the creation of a custom built (state of the art) childcare facility. In the Spring of 1997, the dream became a reality.

Since opening the organisation has gone from strength to strength and grown into the multi stranded operation that it is today. Our early learning and childcare services currently consist of a nursery service which takes place within the organisation’s purpose built centre and an out of school care service which is delivered from various locations across North Edinburgh.

Continuous feedback from the Care Inspectorate ensures that we never stop adapting and striving to always reach the highest of standards and our unwavering focus is with the ongoing development of our child-centred approach.

North Edinburgh Childcare strives to be the provider of choice through the delivery of services that are of the highest quality. As a forward looking organisation we actively embrace equal opportunities and social inclusion in the creation of learning environments that enable people to confidently reach out for the future.

In a statement released this afternoon, North Edinburgh Childcare said: “It is with enormous sadness that North Edinburgh Childcare announces that the organisation is facing insolvency and is closing on Friday 30 October 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, we will be open as normal on Friday 30th but will be closed thereafter.

“The Board of Trustees has explored every possible option and scenario to keep the organisation open and financially viable. Sadly, despite our best efforts, a sustainable way forward cannot be identified and, having taken legal advice, the decision has been made to close forthwith.

“This is a devastating outcome for an organisation that has supported children, families and the local community for many years. Our thoughts are very much with the children and families who rely on our services, and with our dedicated staff who have worked so hard to support them.

“We continue to liaise with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that all available support is identified for families affected by the closure and for our staff during this very difficult time.”

SNP Education spokesperson Cllr Euan Hislop said: “North Edinburgh families deserve better than this.

“The closure of North Edinburgh Childcare’s nursery and out-of-school clubs from Monday 2 November will leave families across Davidson’s Mains, Ferryhill, Forthview, Pirniehall/St David’s, Trinity (FortELC) and Juniper Green facing huge disruption, with no alternative provision in place.

“This crisis was foreseeable. As SNP Education Spokesperson, I repeatedly warned that withdrawing funding from established childcare providers put services at risk. SNP colleagues called for the cuts to be halted and alternatives found, but our warnings were ignored.

“Labour and the Liberal Democrats must answer for the decisions that brought us here.

“I will be tabling an emergency motion at Thursday’s council meeting demanding answers and calling for emergency assistance for families who have no alternative childcare.

“If your family is affected, please get in touch. We need urgent action, not excuses after the damage has been done.”

Your anonymous information could help prevent Bonfire Night attacks on emergency crews

Crimestoppers and Fearless Scotland launch annual ‘Speak Up Stay Safe’ campaign

Independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth programme Fearless Scotland are today launching their annual Bonfire Night safety campaign, urging people to speak up 100% anonymously if they know about planned attacks on emergency crews or deliberate fire-raising in their communities.

The campaigns – supported by the Scottish Government – also highlights the law around fireworks misuse, Firework Protection Zones, and, crucially, encourages people to speak up 100% anonymously about fire-raising.

Last year’s Crimestoppers’ campaign generated a wealth of information given anonymously to the charity which helped prevent at least three extremely serious, potentially life-threatening attacks on emergency crews in Scotland.

In particular, the annual campaign is asking for information on:

– Who and where organised attacks are being planned

– Where fireworks and weapons are being stored/stock-piled

– Who is responsible for deliberate fire-raising

Crimestoppers’ campaign aims to encourage reporting from the public about any planned attacks and additionally help gather information after bonfire night about who was responsible.

Communities who experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and to encourage anonymous reporting about about who is responsible.

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers in Scotland, said: “Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe, no more so than Scotland’s emergency services who risk their lives to keep us safe.

“Information from last year prevented a serious attack on our emergency services. That’s why we are asking anyone with information on those planning attacks to get in touch with our charity 100% anonymously.

“No-one will ever know you contacted us, and your information could be preventing serious injury or harm or even loss of life for emergency workers.”

Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and I would urge anyone planning to use fireworks to do so responsibly.

“The emergency services play a vital role in keeping us all safe and any assaults on them will not be tolerated. Measures brought in in 2022 mean attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are now aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.

“Other steps we have taken to improve firework safety include bringing in a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s.

“If you have information about any activity that might put emergency workers or communities at risk as Bonfire Night approaches, please get in touch with Crimestoppers by phone or on their website. You can do this anonymously and you could be helping to keep our 999 crews and your neighbours safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “While most people enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, there are those who seek to target police officers and other emergency service workers with fireworks and other projectiles, putting them at serious risk of harm while they attempt to keep communities safe.

“We saw a number of these incidents occur last year, resulting in over 60 officers being injured and this is entirely unacceptable.

“If you are found to be involved in an offence that puts police officers, other emergency service workers, or the general public at risk of harm you will be brought to justice, either on the night or during our follow-up inquiries.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about planned Bonfire Night criminality to report, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.

“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to contact us directly via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Watt said: “Last year, our crews came under attack on nine occasions within an eight-hour period. Our staff work tirelessly over the Bonfire period to keep people safe, and do not deserve to be attacked for doing their job.

They should be able to carry out their role without being hurt or having appliances and equipment damaged by reckless anti-social behaviour.

“These actions are also an unnecessary drain on emergency service resources. We want to bring any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion – please respect our staff and all emergency services.”

Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “We know this time of year is about fun and celebration, but let’s not forget that those on the frontline, our ambulance crews should never have to worry about their own safety while they care for others.

“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing cases of our staff facing physical assaults and verbal abuse, often driven by too much drinking. These are dedicated professionals who deserve respect, not hostility. So, have a great night, enjoy the festivities, but please, treat our staff and emergency service partners with respect.”

Gran’s Back!

GETTING ALONG WITH GRAN comes to LEITH DOCKERS CLUB

Citadel Arts Group is thrilled to be reviving its 4-star show, Getting Along with Gran, for two performances only, at Leith Dockers Club where the group has its base.

The North Edinburgh Arts audience loved the show in June, and the company are confident Gran will go down a bomb with their regular Leith supporters. Citadel Arts are looking forward to bringing the play to their Leith venue and Gran (Laverne Edmonds) has already met some of the locals although she was disappointed the Dockers bar didn’t seem to stock Babycham, her favourite tipple!

The play is scripted by Rhona McAdam, Elaine Campbell, San Cassimally and Pamela Hanlon, all members of Citadel Arts Group’s playwrights’ workshop.

They meet every week in Leith Dockers Club to develop new plays often based on local heritage and living memories. Getting Along with Gran is inspired by the powerful stories of the Social History Group based in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Both groups of older people collaborated to create the play. The script emerged from the life stories of Winifred Burke, Pat Gilhooley, Anna Hutchison, Bill and Greta McPhail, Helen McRae, David Norcliffe, Karen Soso, and Cathie Umobi.

They were thrilled to see their memories on stage in North Edinburgh Arts. Local audiences told us: ‘It was excellent . . . funny and thought provoking . . . I love that it was local history . . . loved how it was intergenerational’. Jim Aitken assured Citadel, ‘Having a play performed that came out of our social history project was wonderful.’

The stories range from a Silverknowes beach romance to anti-Thatcher demos in the 1970s. The play combines humour, nostalgia and a few slightly scary moments. It’s a show for all the family with a truly intergenerational cast.

The only change from the original line-up is in the roles of the children. In this new production they will be played by members of the Be Happy Performing Arts Company from Gorebridge.

Six wee thespians from the group coached by Mairi Jayne Weir, are keen to take part alongside the Citadel professionals.

Mairi Jayne Weir plays Em, the girl who learns to get along with her annoyingly forgetful and chatty Gran when she gets caught up in some of Gran’s funny and troubling memories.

Mairi Jayne told Citadel: ‘Taking part in Getting Along with Gran, performing beside professional actors is a wonderful opportunity for the young people.’

The company are delighted to have a real-life retired janitor, David Norcliffe in the cast again – playing a sympathetic Craigroyston jani!

Performance dates: Nov 12^th 2.30 and 7pm

Venue: Leith Dockers, 17 Academy Street EH6 7EE

Cast and creatives:

DIRECTOR: Mark Kydd

Cast:

Jim Bryce, Laverne Edmonds, Chelsea Grace, Mairi Jayne Weir and Deborah Whyte

Community cast:

David Norcliffe and young people for the Be Happy Performing Arts Company, teacher Mairi Jayne Weir

Stage Manager: Maggie Brown

Light and Sound Design: Roddy Simpson

Props: Stewart Emm

Creative Producer: Liz Hare

Playwrights: Elaine Campbell, San Cassimally, Pamela Hanlon, and Rhona McAdam

TICKETS: £15/£12 concession from jamesellison@blueyonder.co.uk/ 07954 296 568

Citadel Arts Group is a charity (SC 034687) dedicated to giving a voice to older people by preserving their stories and producing their plays in a variety of community venues including schools, care homes, Leith Custom House, churches, libraries, a moving barge, and recently the bar of the King’s Theatre.