Month: November 2026

COP31: what it is and the UK’s priorities

An explainer on the UN’s annual climate conference and the government’s priorities for COP31

What is COP31? 

COP31 is the United Nations’ annual climate change conference.  

It is the largest international summit in the world where countries come together to agree how to tackle climate change and deal with its effects.  

The conference will be hosted in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November. 

Why does COP31 matter? 

Climate change is no longer a distant threat.  

This year, Britain saw record heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.  

Interim data from the UK Health Security Agency estimates that there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths from the May and June 2026 heatwaves alone. 

The Met Office has provisionally declared the summer of 2026 as the hottest on record. Its State of the UK Climate 2025 report was clear that the UK is warming, extremes are increasing, and the months between October to March are set to become wetter. 

Countries around the world are facing similar problems, with El Niño also compounding these effects in some regions. 

The reality is that no country can tackle climate change on its own.  

COP31 gives countries the chance to work together to agree ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate. 

Decisions made at COP31 this year will help the UK and other countries to: 

  • work towards agreed commitments on global warming – including limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C 
  • move towards more clean, reliable energy and away from reliance on fossil fuels 
  • adapt to and protect people from the effects of climate change, and improve our resilience to climate shocks 
  • create jobs and economic opportunities through clean energy and electrification

What does COP31 mean for people in the UK? 

Climate change is a global issue. It is in Britain’s national interest to work with other countries at COP31 to reduce global emissions.  

This is the best way to protect British people from the effects of climate change in the long-term and preserve our way of life for future generations. 

The move to clean energy can also create economic opportunities for Britain. 

At COP31, the government will promote British expertise and clean energy technology. This can help other countries to move to clean energy and benefit British business. 

Tackling climate change and using more clean energy will also bring energy bills down and reduce our exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets. 

What does the UK want to achieve at COP31? 

The UK’s priority at COP31 is to uphold the Paris Agreement made in 2015 and keep countries working towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C. 

The UK set out its broader priorities for COP31 in Parliament.

 We will work with other countries to:  

  1. Speed up the global shift to clean energy and electrification.  
  2. Spotlight the need for global action to curb methane emissions and other super-pollutants. 
  3. Push for progress to protect the critical ecosystems on which we rely, including forests and oceans. This also includes supporting more sustainable food and agriculture systems, move to a circular economy and responding to the risks that climate change and biodiversity loss pose to our national security.  
  4. Find ways to adapt to a changing climate. This includes encouraging more financial investment and improving access to and the quality of finance to help countries prepare for climate change. It also includes pushing for stronger practical action to build resilience.  

Who will represent the UK at COP31? 

The Prime Minister will attend COP31, alongside the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband MP. 

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, will lead the UK delegation during the negotiations. 

Other UK ministers in attendance are Minister for Climate Transition Katie White OBE MP, Marine and Fisheries Minister Stephen Morgan MP and The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby KC MP.  

(NOTE: Scottish Government Climate Secretary Gillian Martin will also be in attendance – Ed.)

The UK also appoints special representatives to lead international diplomacy and handle specific global priorities. Rachel Kyte CMG, UK Special Representative for Climate, and Ruth Davis OBE, UK Special Representative for Nature, will attend COP31. 

What is the UK doing to tackle climate change?  

The UK has already cut its carbon emissions by 54% since 1990, while the economy has grown by around 85% in that time. 

This has been achieved by moving towards cleaner sources of electricity like offshore and onshore wind, solar and nuclear. 

The UK has also cut emissions from areas such as industry, transport and heating.   

Examples of Britain’s progress include: 

  • The UK was the first G7 country to stop using coal to produce electricity. The country’s last coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, closed in September 2024 
  • Electric vehicle sales are rising year-on-year, supported by government funding. Around 2 million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads
  • Heat pump sales reached over 100,000 in 2025. There were also 269,000 solar panel installations in 2025 – the highest number recorded in a single year
  • In 2008, the UK became the first country to set legally binding limits on its carbon emissions through the Climate Change Act. These limits are known as carbon budgets. The UK has met its first 3 carbon budgets so far
  • The UK was the first major economy to establish a net zero target into law. Since 2008, 60 other countries have put in place their own climate laws  

What is the UK doing to adapt to climate change? 

The UK government is investing in measures to help the country adapt to the effects of a changing climate. 

These include: 

  • investing £10.5 billion for flood defences and combatting coastal erosion over the next decade
  • spending more than £7 billion on nature programmes across the country, including environmental farming schemes, tree planting and peatland restoration
  • improving and rebuilding school buildings to make them more resilient, including a £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme and almost £20 billion to rebuild over 750 schools
  • committing £97 million extra for firefighters this summer
  • providing funding for households to install air-to-air heat pumps, which can both heat and cool homes
  • ensuring that new residential buildings must be designed to reduce unwanted solar heat and allow excess heat to be removed

How does the UK help other countries to reduce their emissions and prepare for climate change? 

The UK works with other countries to tackle climate change and nature loss and prepare for its effects. 

We share our knowledge and expertise and offer investment for programmes which protect nature and strengthen the ability of countries, economies and communities to cope with shocks caused by climate change.  

These investments are also essential for Britain’s long-term security and prosperity. For example, through reducing global reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring a resilient food supply, boosting exports and creating commercial opportunities for UK firms. 

The UK has a strong track record on delivering our climate and nature finance commitments.  Since 2011, UK International Climate Finance (ICF) has:   

  • supported an estimated 159 million people to better adapt to the effects of climate change  
  • helped to mobilise an estimated £26 billion in public and private finance combined 
  • reduced or avoided an estimated 201 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
  • ensured an estimated 21.5 million hectares of land are managed more sustainably

Our latest Climate Finance commitment, ICF4, pledges around £6 billion of Official Development Assistance (ODA) over the next 3 years, alongside £6.7 billion in public finance through UK-backed climate and nature-positive non-ODA investments, and an ambition to use our public finance to catalyse billions more from the private sector.

COSLA: Local Services Cannot Take More Cuts

COSLA launches Budget Lobbying Campaign

Scotland’s councils have warned that vital local services are at risk without a fairer funding settlement, after making around £5 billion of savings since 2010-11 and facing a further £529 million funding gap in 2026-27.

Councils deliver the services people rely on every day, from educating more than 700,000 pupils, to supporting almost 98,000 people with care at home, maintaining 54,000 kilometres of roads, tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable families.

With years of efficiencies and service redesign, councils say there is little left to cut. Spending on culture and leisure has already fallen by 26% in real terms since 2010-11, while corporate support spending has reduced by 25%. At the same time, demand for services and inflation continue to rise.

COSLA’s concerns are backed by several independent organisations.

The Accounts Commission has warned that council funding is failing to keep pace with rising costs and demand, while the Joseph Rowntree Foundation continues to highlight the growing levels of poverty and hardship driving demand for local support.

Together, the evidence paints a clear picture: communities need stronger local services at precisely the moment councils are under the greatest financial strain.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson Kelly Parry said: “There is little left to cut without communities feeling the impact. Councils have already delivered billions in savings while continuing to provide the services people rely on every day.

“Local services are the foundation of strong communities. If Scotland wants high-quality schools, social care, roads and local support services, councils must be given the resources to deliver them.

“The choice is clear: either we invest in local services or we accept their decline. Communities across Scotland deserve better than that.”

COSLA is calling for increased investment in local government, including support to meet growing social care demands, inflation-proofed funding, greater local flexibility and multi-year settlements that allow councils to plan effectively for the future.

“Strong communities need strong councils. If Scotland wants high-quality local services, local government must be properly funded to deliver them.”

Read our budget lobbying document here.

COSLA-Budget-Document-2026Download

Scots encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive donation

The Benefact Group Movement for Good Awards will give away £240,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign.

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to twenty charities each day – with 240 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Nominations are now open, and Scots are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Draws will take place every weekday between 1st – 16th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random with every charity nominated in with a chance of winning a vital donation this Christmas.

Last year, charities across Angus, Dumfriesshire, Fife, Inverness-shire, Lanarkshire, Moray, Perthshire, Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire, Stirlingshire and West Lothian all received £1,000 in the draw. 

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our 12 Days of Giving campaign again this year, giving away £240,000 in donations to causes nationwide.

“We know how much charities need support, particularly during the festive season, so we’re asking the people of Scotland to take a few minutes to nominate a cause that is particularly close to their hearts.

“We know that £1,000 can have a huge impact on incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better. Owned by a charity ourselves, Benefact Group donates all its available profits to good causes, which means that more the Group grows, the more it can give.”

Benefact Group has donated over £250million to charitable causes since 2014 and is the third biggest corporate giver in the UK* over the last decade.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

* Directory of Social Change’s UK Guides to Company Giving 2017-26.

Dynamic Earth and Skyscanner Remove Barriers to Career Pathways

Annual Career Showcase returns with funded school transport, making event fully free for the first time ever

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is set to once again welcome budding scientists to its annual careers showcase.

Taking place on 18 and 19 January, the event (one of the largest of its kind in Scotland) will continue to engage young learners, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. 

In partnership with Skyscanner, the two-day programme will, for the first time, be paired with fully funded bus and coach transport for schools attending the showcase.

Dynamic Earth’s STEM Careers Showcase gives learners the opportunity to connect with real people working across STEM and explore where careers in marine science, engineering      and conservation could take them.

Through hands-on interactive activities, experiences and talks, attendees will discover pathways into different professions and how studying STEM throughout school and beyond opens up a whole world of opportunity.

Conor Ellis, Science Learning and Engagement Director at Dynamic Earth, said: “Dynamic Earth has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback following previous year’s Careers Showcases.

“We have, however, been acutely aware of how the cost of travelling to Edinburgh is an exclusionary factor for many schools who would otherwise wish to attend. 

“Dynamic Earth’s partnership with Skyscanner, and the creation of The Career Showcase Transport Fund, furthers our shared commitment to breaking down barriers that prevent students from accessing vital learning opportunities.” 

In previous years the programme, ‘Your Planet, Your Future’, has welcomed up to 1,200 learners across the free two-day event.

Along with bringing together over 20 partner organisations and 60 STEM professionals, the showcase provides invaluable insight for young people regarding careers within scientific disciplines that both fuel their passion and contribute positive outcomes for people close to home and further afield. 

By covering transport fees, Skyscanner’s Careers Showcase Transport Fund allows Dynamic Earth to share inspiring STEM careers and potential futures with all learners at no cost. 

Myra Fulton, VP of Engineering at Skyscanner, said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Dynamic Earth, helping young people across Scotland discover where their curiosity and talents could take them.

“By funding school coach transport to the Careers Showcase, we’re helping more pupils explore STEM careers they might never have considered, without travel costs standing in their way.”

As well as facilitating free transportation to the Careers Showcase, Dynamic Earth is also ensuring that accessible afternoon sessions are available for children with additional support needs, further expanding the charity’s commitment to inclusion. This addition forms part of Dynamic Earth’s wider accessibility programme, which includes BSL Planetarium shows, relaxed open days, and sensory resources for visitors.

Places are limited. Schools are encouraged to register early to make the most of the support available.

For more information about the event, and to find out how to register, schools are encouraged to head to:

[https://dynamicearth.org.uk/learning/schools/school-careers-day/]

New Popeyes opens this week

The opening date for a third Popeyes in Edinburgh has been announced.

The American chicken chain will open its doors on North Bridge at 12pm on Wednesday – 11 November.

On launch day, the first three customers through the door will win free chicken sandwiches for an entire year – with the first customers treated to exclusive Popeyes merch.

The first 100 customers will walk away with a free chicken sandwich!

https://ebx.sh/USuXhS

ELEVATE: Girlguiding Leadership programme

YOUTH WORK CHANGES LIVES

Over the weekend members aged 14-17 have been taking part in Elevate, a residential exploring leadership through our CashBack project.

Girls learnt all about what leadership means, including the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts leadership mindsets, they wrote letters to their future selves and got outdoors for some tomahawk throwing and a campfire 🏕️

We know #YouthWorkChangesLives and when talking about the residential, our youth leadership development officer said: “The girls really enjoyed the weekend, one even said they didn’t want to go home they were having so much fun.

“The impact of Elevate was growth in leadership, and for the girls to leave interested in taking on different opportunities in the future.”

#YouthWorkWeek

#YWW26

YouthLink Scotland

New Storytelling & Whisky Experience shines a light on the accused women in Scotland’s Witch Trials

The Lost Close is inviting guests to step beneath Edinburgh’s  streets and explore the true history of the Scottish Witch Trials through the launch of  From the Ashes: The Untold Stories of Scotland’s Condemned Women.  

Set within the atmospheric underground surroundings of The Lost Close, the 90-minute  experience moves beyond the myths often associated with witchcraft to reveal the  stories of four real women whose lives were shaped by fear, suspicion and persecution.  Through powerful storytelling rooted in historical fact, guests are invited to discover the  human cost behind one of Scotland’s darkest periods. 

As each story unfolds, guests will enjoy four carefully selected drams of Scotch whisky,  each chosen to reflect the spirit, vitality and legacy of the woman being remembered.  Paired with key moments from her story, the whiskies become part of the storytelling  itself, with their flavours and aromas offering a new perspective on her life and  achievements.

The result is an evocative sensory journey where whisky and storytelling  come together to create a deeper, more meaningful connection to Scotland’s history. 

“From the Ashes is about giving voice to women whose stories have too often been lost  to time,” says Andrew Gardiner, Assistant Manager at The Lost Close.

“The experience has  been researched and written by some of the incredible women on our team who have a  true passion for bringing hidden histories and forgotten lives back into the light.

“We  wanted to create something that goes beyond the myths of the witch trials and centres the real people affected by them, inviting guests to discover a deeper, more human side  of Scotland’s past.” 

Through history, whisky and storytelling, From the Ashes honours the resilience, courage  and humanity of these women while encouraging visitors to reflect on a chapter of  Scottish history that still resonates today. 

With limited availability and small group sizes, advance booking is essential. 

Tickets: Available via The Lost Close website: https://thelostclose.com/

Dates: 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th November  

Time: 7:30pm to 9pm 

Location: The Lost Close, 1 Barrie’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF 

Duration: 90 minutes

Renting in Edinburgh? What your yearly gas safety check should cover

If you rent your home and it has a gas boiler, fire or cooker, your landlord must have it checked for safety every year.

That applies whether you rent privately, from a housing association or from the council. With the heating now on most days, it is a good time to make sure yours is up to date.

What the law says

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must have every gas appliance and flue they provide checked at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Your landlord must give you a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and new tenants should get one before they move in. You can ask for a paper copy if you would rather not have it by email.

What the engineer checks

The engineer looks at each gas appliance your landlord provides, along with its flue and ventilation. They check that it is burning properly, that fumes are clearing safely and that there are no leaks.

The pipework is not strictly part of the yearly check, but the Health and Safety
Executive recommends that landlords ask the engineer to test the whole gas system for leaks at the same visit.

What the record should show

The record, often called a CP12 or gas safety certificate, should list each appliance checked and where it is, the date of the check, the property address and your landlord’s (or letting agent’s) name and address.

It should also give the engineer’s name, Gas Safe registration number and signature, plus any safety faults found and what was done about them.

Three quick checks for tenants

Ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. The back shows which types of gas work they are qualified to do, and you can also look them up on the Gas Safe Register website.

Look at the date on your last record. If it is more than 12 months old, ask your landlord or letting agent when the next check is booked.

Test your carbon monoxide alarm. Since February 2022, every home in Scotland with a gas boiler, gas fire or other fixed appliance that burns fuel for heat must have one. Press the test button to make sure it works.

Gas appliances you own yourself, such as a cooker you bought, are your own responsibility, so it is worth having those checked too.

If you ever smell gas

Open doors and windows, turn the gas off at the meter if you can, do not use electrical switches or naked flames, and call the National Gas Emergency Service free on 0800 111 999, day or night.

This advice comes from Cullen Plumbing & Heating, a family-run gas, heating and plumbing firm based in Corstorphine and trading for 15 years.

The firm carries out landlord gas safety checks across Edinburgh and West Lothian and is Gas Safe registered, number 523861.

For more information, visit: https://www.cullen-plumbing.co.uk/

Committee questions timescales for reducing teachers’ class contact time

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic should provide more information on whether plans to reduce teachers’ class contact time are deliverable within the planned timescales, according to a Holyrood Committee.

In March 2026, the Scottish Government, local government and teaching unions agreed that teachers’ time with pupils would be reduced by 90 minutes a week.

The tripartite agreement said this policy would be in place from August 2027 in primary and special schools, and August 2029 in secondary schools.

However, evidence presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Gaelic Committee indicated that it is unclear whether the policy can be implemented in time.

The Committee’s report points to “considerable challenges related to workforce planning in implementing the reduction in class contact time within the planned timescales”, due to geographical and subject specific teacher shortages.

The report also calls for greater clarity about the objectives of the policy. The Committee is unclear how the policy can both reduce teacher workload and give teachers time for additional preparation and learning. In addition, the Committee would like to understand what assessment has been made of how the policy benefits children and young people.

Additionally, there are questions about how the costs associated with reducing class contact time will be funded. Evidence shared with the Committee outlined that spending for the Education and Skills portfolio is not forecast to meaningfully increase, implying that the cost of this policy will need to be met by existing budgets.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said: “We have questions about the proposals to reduce teachers’ class contact time within the timescales agreed by the Scottish Government, teaching unions and local government.

“The evidence we heard highlighted the significant unresolved challenges that rural and remote communities face with recruiting teachers, alongside challenges related to recruiting teachers in several secondary specialisms.

“At the current time, it is difficult to understand how these can be resolved in time for the policy to be delivered effectively and on schedule. We would like to hear the Cabinet Secretary’s views on how achievable the policy is within the planned timescales.”

The Committee also scrutinised the Scottish Government’s progress towards delivering the reforms to the children’s care system known as The Promise.

In its report it explains that the lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability of the reforms makes it difficult to measure progress and asked the Scottish Government to respond to the evidence that said that there is a need for sustained investment to deliver on the aims of the policy.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said: “During our inquiry, we encountered a lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability on the Promise which makes it difficult to measure progress with any certainty.

“We would like to hear the Scottish Government’s response to calls for sustained investment, including progress in relation to social work recruitment and retention and availability of care accommodation, to make the progress that is needed to ensure The Promise fulfils its commitment to care-experienced children, young people, and adults.”

Read the Committee’s report

Light Night with LNER welcomes Girls Aloud superstar Nadine Coyle to Edinburgh’s Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas with Halo organisers Unique Assembly have announced a very special guest star for LNER’s free ‘Light Night Concert’, with ‘Girls Aloud’ superstar Nadine Coyle set to perform at the Ross Bandstand with a show packed full of chart-topping pop and festive sparkle.

Headlining Light Night with LNER, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle will perform some of the iconic girl band’s biggest hits at the Ross Bandstand including ‘Love Machine’, ‘Sound of the Underground’ and ‘The Promise’.

The free event alsoincludes a festive sing-a-long of Christmas classics with the spectacular Pheonix Choir and Voice of the Town, a beautiful Lantern Procession, and if everyone sings loud enough, a visit from Santa himself, all beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The ‘Light Night with LNER’ will kick-off at 3pm, Sunday 22 November and the event is free for all to attend.

 In 2002, Nadine Coyle was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, with whom she has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles (including four number ones), two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums and received nominations for five BRIT Awards.

Now she joins LNER and Edinburgh’s Christmas for this free event.  She may have thought of herself as a city girl, she may have thought of herself as a beach girl, but this year, she’s an Edinburgh’s Christmas girl! 

As sponsor of the iconic LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens, LNER are no stranger to Edinburgh’s Christmas, having brought festive cheer to millions of visitors in recent years. This year, their new partnership of ‘Light Night with LNER’, helps spread festive cheer, bringing free community events to the capital, and supporting charity fundraising across the seven-weeks of Edinburgh Winter Festivals.

This year, a fundraising target of £75,000 will support the incredible work of official local charities One City Trust, When you Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie, CALM and Street Assist Edinburgh.

Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “Every year, LNER connects millions of people from across the UK with all that Edinburgh has to offer, including its spectacular Christmas and Hogmanay events.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.

“At LNER, we’re passionate about supporting the communities that we serve. This year, we’re delighted that we are helping to deliver free community events, such as Light Night with LNER, kickstarting the city’s celebrations. We’ll also be helping raise vital money for good causes in and around the area, including our charity partner CALM – all with a little LNER sparkle.”

On continuing the partnership with LNER, Unique Assembly said; “We’re thrilled to expand our strong partnership with LNER this year, raising valuable funds for CALM and welcoming Nadine Coyle to the Ross Bandstand Programme.

“The LNER Big Wheel is a favoured mainstay of the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, and an iconic addition to the stunning festive landscape in Edinburgh, it’s fantastic that LNER can join us for more events. “

Light Night with LNER will also feature performances from the cast of Back to the Future at the Edinburgh Playhouse, La Clique Noël, Phoenix Choir, Insane Magic and more.

LNER and Nadine Coyle join the already announced programme of free, community-focussed events at the Ross Bandstand, includingEdinburgh’s Christmas with Halo ‘Kick-Off Concert’ with Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Sat 14 Nov, Edinburgh Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, a Taste of Scotland weekend to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec. 

The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com