Could you knit or crochet a little hope this festive season for people affected by bowel cancer?
Bowel Cancer UK is inviting stitchers to get sponsored to knit or crochet a star a day or do your own thing, every day in November. You can attempt our star, knit a Christmas jumper, crochet tea cosies, sew a special Star of Hope symbol or anything in between! If you canāt stitch every day, then you can choose a challenge that suits you.
Your donations could help save lives through earlier diagnosis, improve the quality of life of those affected by the disease and bring us one step closer to a future where nobody dies from bowel cancer.
Sign up today and receive your free online welcome pack including your knitting and crochet patterns: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/knitting
Former Scottish Government Minister and MSP Sarah Boyack has become the new Patron of Planning Aid Scotland, a charity helping people across Scotland understand the planning system and have a say in decisions affecting their communities.
Sarah was formally welcomed as Patron at the charity’s Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on 28 October 2026.
Sarah Boyack said: “I am delighted to become a Patron of Planning Aid Scotland and look forward to supporting the excellent work delivered in our communities.”Ā
With a background spanning town planning, public service and the third sector, Sarah brings considerable experience to the role. She previously worked as a professional town planner before entering politics, serving as an MSP and holding ministerial responsibilities. Sarah was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, at its inception, and went on to serve as Minister with responsibility for planning, transport and environment during its formative years.
She also worked as Head of Public Affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and served as Convener of the Scottish Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Sarah has supported Planning Aid Scotland for a number of years, including helping the charity celebrate its 30th anniversary and sponsoring an event at the Scottish Parliament in 2024.
Welcoming Sarah’s appointment,Ā Cherie Morgan, Chief Executive of Planning Aid Scotland, said: āSarah brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and keen vision of the purpose of planning in Scotland.
“We are looking forward to working with her to extend our reach and to ensure that communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.ā
Her appointment comes as Planning Aid Scotland continues its work to make planning more accessible and support communities in influencing how their neighbourhoods, towns and local areas develop.
The charity provides free, impartial and confidential advice to people navigating the planning system, from understanding planning applications to exploring opportunities to influence local development.
It also works directly with communities across Scotland, supporting them to develop Local Place Plans, engage with planning decisions and identify priorities for the future of their areas.
Planning Aid Scotland has been helping people across Scotland for more than 30 years, supported by volunteers, most of whom are Chartered Planners, who contribute their knowledge and experience to make the planning system more understandable and accessible.
To find out more about Planning Aid Scotland or access its free planning Advice Service, visit www.pas.org.uk.
Childrenās Parliament furthers mission for childrenās rights with new office
A MAJOR Scottish charity is advancing its fight for childrenās rights as they move into Edinburghās ‘home of charities’.
Childrenās Parliament is dedicated to the realisation of childrenās human rights. Founded 30 years ago, the organisation has played a pivotal role in promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scotland, working to understand the issues that matter to children and bring these discussions to policy makers.
Now, the charity is entering a new stage of growth, moving into the Norton Park offices in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of Leith, the former a primary and secondary school catered to generations of Edinburgh youngsters since 1903. It now provides the perfect setting for Childrenās Parliament to expand its operations.
Currently housing over 25 charities and social enterprises, Norton Park itself has a rich history as a former school, serving generations of Edinburgh students since 1903. It transitioned to its current role hosting non-profit organisations in 1998 and has since become an independent registered charity.
The new headquarters also provides a valuable base for building closer relationships with the surrounding Leith community, with the organisation already reaching out to local schools.
Louise Hill, Director of Children’s Parliament, said: āMaking the move to Norton Park is about more than simply finding a new office. To be surrounded by other organisations who share our values and are passionate about driving social change creates lots of opportunities for us to learn from one another and work together.
āWith Norton Park also being a charity, they understand what third-sector organisations need. The facilities and staff are fantastic, and everyone has been so welcoming since we arrived. Itās lovely to be part of a wider community of social enterprises.ā
Working with children to demonstrate human rights in action and influence decision makers, Childrenās Parliament ensures children understand their rights and ensures their views are heard by local and national decision makers.
The charity is also working to tackle child poverty through its Child Power project, encouraging children to become advocates for change and giving them a greater say in the decisions affecting their lives.
The move marks an important milestone for the charity, with Norton Park providing workspaces for third-sector organisations significantly below market rates, allowing the organisation to put more funding into its mission.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: āWeāre proud to welcome Childrenās Parliament to Norton Park. Given the buildingās history as a school, itās a fitting home for a charity dedicated to giving children a voice.
āThe environment weāve created is specially designed to encourage collaboration and cooperation between charities. Childrenās Parliament is already showing the value of this approach, building relationships with fellow organisations and exploring opportunities to work together to drive positive change across Scotland.ā
A wave of generosity swept across Scotland this weekend as thousands of volunteers completed the final, crucial push for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known as “Poppy Saturday,” the countryās streets, train stations, shopping centres, and supermarkets were painted red by an army of dedicated collectors.
Veterans, young cadets, and members of the public joined forces to ensure the annual campaign ended on a high, raising vital funds for Scotlandās Armed Forces community.
The extraordinary weekend efforts lead directly into Remembrance Sunday (November 8th), where at 11am, the nation will fall silent for two minutes in a moment of reflection for all those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager ā Scotland, expressed immense gratitude for the public’s response: “The energy and support we have witnessed – not just during Poppy Saturday, but over the last three weeks across every corner of the country – has been nothing short of spectacular.
āEvery single digital donation, coin or note dropped into a tin enables us to continue our support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
āQuite simply, we exist to ensure they are supported every step of the way, and that is only possible because of the incredible generosity of the public.”
As Scotlandās largest annual fundraising campaign, the Scottish Poppy Appeal distributes millions of iconic poppies throughout October and November.
This yearās campaign shone a dedicated spotlight on the vital, yet often unsung, support network behind every uniform, reminding the public that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline and ensuring that military families receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve.
Every donation to the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes toward providing life-changing financial aid, housing support, employment advice, and mental health services to our Armed Forces community here in Scotland.
To discover how your donation changes lives, or to find support, visit:
Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
10,000 veterans will pay tribute as part of The Royal British Legionās March Past the Cenotaph
His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph this morning.
The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legionās March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented. People of all ages will be among those marching ā from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War.
There will be a huge range of participants, with the youngest person marching being aged only seven years old through to veterans aged over 100 years old. Veterans will also have travelled from far and wide to join the March Past, with some coming from as far as Canada and Australia to participate.
Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Iām incredibly proud to be honouring those whose sacrifice continues to protect our way of life to this day.
“Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity, not only to mark that sacrifice and offer our gratitude, but also to reflect on its significance. To reflect on the selflessness and courage it takes to commit your life to protecting others.
I” want to offer my personal thanks to those who served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces communities to this day.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we come together to reflect and honour the sacrifices that our Armed Forces made all those years ago in the First and Second World Wars and continue to make today.
“It is our duty to ensure that the immense courage of those who have served our country is never forgotten. They went to war to give us 80 years of peace.
“We are about to raise the first generation for whom fighting a war really is part of history. Our future generations must know the significance of those who served in our national story, that they forged a path for friendship and cooperation that meant no one in our country has had to fight a war since.
“Today, we remember them, in grief and in gratitude, mindful that their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.”
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: “I grew up with my grandfather and great-grandfatherās war medals proudly on display in our living room. Defence runs in my blood and I feel intently the importance of Remembrance to those who have served and their families.
“This weekend is a moment to pause and reflect on the enormous debt we owe to our Armed Forces, to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms, and to thank the personnel keeping us safe tonight.
“We have a moral duty to stand by our veterans and the military families who sacrifice so much. They are the best of us, and we owe them our support as well as our gratitude and admiration.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: “Today we honour the courage of all those who have served and died in conflict.
“For the Armed Forces community, remembrance is a deeply personal time during which we reflect on the service of our predecessors and remember the colleagues we have lost.
“That same spirit of service continues to drive the men and women who serve today.”
Mark Atkinson, Director General, Royal British Legion: “As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed, from generations past to those still serving today.
“This year we have paid tribute to those who served in more recent conflicts, including the challenging operations in Bosnia, the Iraq War and the first Gulf War, and recognised the families who continue to live with the impact of that service.
“From risking their lives in war zones, providing support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, and spending time away from loved ones, we owe those who serve in the Armed Forces, and the families who stand alongside them, our gratitude. We encourage the nation to pause, reflect and remember their service and sacrifice.”
As the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War was marked earlier this year, many veterans will be reflecting on their experiences and the lasting impact of conflict.
RAF veteran Steve Hooper, 43, served as a Mechanical Transport Driver during the Iraq War. He will be marching with the Invictus Games Alumni group. He said: “I saw a lot of trauma in Iraq as an ambulance driver, and when I came back, I was struggling with sleep and having flashbacks. If it wasnāt for the support I received from the Royal British Legion through the Invictus Games, I donāt know where Iād be today.
“I am proud to be marching alongside my fellow team members as we reflect on our recovery journeys and remember all those who werenāt as lucky. Iāll also be thinking about the families who still live with the impact of service and conflict. For me, itās a time to pause, acknowledge and remember.”
While the country gathers for Remembrance Sunday, 6,500 UK Armed Forces personnel will remain deployed on operations and at overseas bases.
Personnel are currently supporting NATO allies in Eastern Europe, maintaining the continuous at-sea deterrent, and operating across the globe to deter aggression and defend our national interests. This year-round presence ensures the UK is ready to respond to emerging threats.
For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, ITV and Sky News.
FIRST Minister John Swinney will lead Scotland’s tributes at The Stone of Remembrance at Edinburgh’s City Chambers this morning.
75 ORGANISATIONS BACK MARCH AGAINST AI DATA CENTRES IN EDINBURGH
Campaigners have announced that 75 organisations and groups across sectors including trade unions, anti-war groups, and housing campaigners are backing the Stop AI Data Centres march in Edinburgh next Saturday 14th November.
Thousands are expected to join the rally down the Royal Mile in the capital which is part of a Europe wide wave of protests to āStop Dirty Data Centresā, with over 70 demonstrations taking place in 15 countries this month.
Groups supporting the march are bringing a wide variety of different concerns around AI data centres, in addition to highly publicised environmental impacts.
Anti-war groups highlight the growing use of AI in military settings, while housing and anti-poverty groups are concerned about the impact a proliferation of data centres could have on household energy bills. Trade unions are highlighting that rather than provide jobs, AI growth is actually making working conditions more insecure.
At least 23 proposals for huge AI data centres have been submitted by big tech developers in Scotland, with many grassroots community campaigns opposing them formed in response. The March will escalate pressure on the Scottish Government, who campaigners feel have not done enough to mitigate the potential harms of the data centres.
Charities are demanding that the Scottish Government publicly consult on these plans for AI data centres before making decisions to approve them, in a ānational conversationā where people across Scotland can have their say.
The march is being organised by a coalition of groups including Friends of the Earth Scotland, Action to Protect Rural Scotland and numerous local campaign groups protesting data centres, including in Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh, Larbert and more.
Claire Robertson from Edinburgh Trades Union Council said: “The Edinburgh Trades Union Council stands in solidarity with community campaigners marching against the unchecked expansion of artificial intelligence data centres.
“They demand massive public infrastructure and resource support, yet return virtually no secure, permanent, or unionised jobs for the local communities forced to host them.
āAs representatives of working people across Edinburgh, we recognise that the physical infrastructure of Big Tech cannot be separated from the broader economic, human, and environmental exploitation taking place in our communities and workplaces.
āWe demand that public resources are protected under democratic control. Technological progress must serve the collective good, and the massive wealth generated by automated systems must be fairly redistributed to the society that builds it, rather than hoarded by a handful of tech billionaires.”
Gordon Maloney, Chair of tenants’ union Living Rent Edinburgh said: “Rather than build homes and invest in public infrastructure, this government is imposing data centres on communities with no thought for what people want.
āWe cannot allow this to happen in Scotland. Data centres are fuelling the explosion of AI, driving up the profits of big tech and mega corporations and dismantling the working conditions of ordinary people.
“Not only that but the energy consumption of these centres is fuelling the rise in energy bills and pushing people further into poverty.
āOur politicians are supposed to protect the interests of the people, not big corporations. We need our politicians to stand up for the people who live in Scotland and stop AI data centres being built across the country.”
Coll McCail, representing the Stop the War Coalition in Scotland said: “The rise of AI and the growing power of the tech oligarchy are intimately tied to the military-industrial complex.
“The Pentagon, for example, has already adopted an “AI first” approach to warfare, spending $9 billion on data centres.
“Closer to home, Peter Theil’s Palantir has embedded itself within the Ministry of Defence, and the UK Government has contracted Raytheon to train 60,000 soldiers in military AI every year.
āScotland’s proposed data centres may yet be put in service for such aims, without sufficient public debate or discussion. That’s why Stop the War Coalition has significant concerns about these developments and why we’re demanding a change in approach.”
Friends of the Earth Scotlandās Kim Pratt commented: āThe movement against AI data centres is growing day by day as people realise the threats they pose to our land, our energy and our environment.
“It is heartening to see so many diverse and respected organisations coming together to speak out and to join the March.”
More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards have been downloaded since launch in October 2025, helping veterans access discounts and prove their service using their phone
Veterans encouraged to find out how the digital Veteran Card can help them access discounts and support
More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards downloaded since launch in October 2025
Veterans can apply for the digital version through the GOV.UK One Login app once their physical card has been fully processed and dispatched
As the nation prepares to remember and honour those who have served on Remembrance Sunday, veterans are being encouraged to discover the benefits of the digital Veteran Card.
More than 23,000 digital cards have been downloaded since the service launched last October, giving veterans a convenient way to keep proof of their service on their phone.
The digital card can help veterans access discounts at participating shops, restaurants and attractions. It can also help them demonstrate their veteran status when accessing services such as GP registration and relevant health support.
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Digital Government, said: “Remembrance Sunday is when our whole country comes together to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. We must never forget those who have served our country, or the debt of gratitude we owe them.
“Our veterans deserve recognition not just on Remembrance Sunday, but throughout the year. The digital Veteran Card is a practical way to do that, making it easier for veterans to prove their service, keep their card close at hand and access discounts at participating shops, restaurants and attractions.
“More than 23,000 digital Veteran Cards have now been downloaded. I want more veterans to know about the benefits their card can offer and have the choice to carry proof of their service wherever they go.”
Veterans Minister Calvin Bailey MP, who served in the Royal Air Force and has a digital Veteran Card, said: Weāre determined to make it easier for veterans to access the support and entitlements they deserve. The digital Veteran Card makes it easy to get specialised health services or claim discounts on everyday shopping.
“Iād encourage all my fellow veterans to sign up for their Veteran Card – either physical or digital – this remembrance time.”
How to get a digital Veteran Card
Veterans must first apply for a physical Veteran Card. Once their application has been fully processed and their physical card dispatched, they can apply for and download the digital version through the GOV.UK One Login app.
The digital version is optional, and veterans can continue to use their physical card if they prefer. Offers and acceptance vary by organisation, so veterans should check before visiting.
Julie Kotecha, a British Army veteran said: “I always ask when Iām out shopping or using services whether thereās a discount for veterans. Iāve found my Veteran Card useful, and people are often impressed by it ā it can be a good conversation starter, too.
“Iām looking forward to using the digital version because itāll be much easier to have it on my phone than carry extra cards around. I encourage other veterans to get their card, ask about discounts wherever you go, and make the most of whatās available to you. The team at the Veterans UK office are so helpful and are always happy to help.”
Edinburgh based charity Tap Into IT have secured an unrestricted grant totalling Ā£40,000 over 2 years from Bank of Scotland Foundationās funding programme, Energise.Ā
Started in 2012, Tap into IT exists to enable within Edinburgh older people and those with disabilities to stay socially connected and involved by providing patient, person-centred and accessible digital support that reduces anxiety and builds confidence in using modern technology.
We target the estimated 21,000 adults over 75 in Edinburgh who remain offline and the high proportion of those online who have limited digital skills and confidence. We support those who are, or at risk of becoming isolated due to limited mobility, cognitive impairments such as dementia and the risk of exclusion as essential services move exclusively online.
We deliver our services āwhere people areā, familiar community locations or their own homes, removing barriers to access and of anxiety.Ā
Through a blend of small-group sessions and one-to-one home visits, we build the skills and confidence and provide the support necessary to navigate the modern world. As part of our support, we help individuals customise their technologyāsuch as utilising voice-activated servicesāto bypass physical or cognitive barriers. The impact is transformative.
Mike Ellis, the Executive Director at Tap Into IT said āThis generous grant from the Bank of Scotland will enable us to better pursue our existing growth strategy and help bridge the ādigital divideā which can exclude older people from online services.
“The need for this is growing and increasingly access to the digital domain is a necessity, not just a convenience. We are encouraged that the Bank of Scotland has recognised the value of our work, and the potential we have.āĀ
Donald MacKechnie, Chair of the Foundationās Board of Trusteessaid, āWe are delighted to award Tap Into IT with Ā£40,000 of funding.
“The cost-of-living crisis means many charities are struggling with increasing expenditure, at a time when the demand for their services is as great as ever. Our grant awards will help charities through the challenging months ahead.āĀ
Since 2010, the Bank of Scotland Foundation through their Grant Programmes and Matched Giving Programme for Lloyds Banking Group colleagues in Scotland, have provided over Ā£50 million to more than 2,900 charities, supporting a wide ecosystem of charities delivering vital local services, advice and personal support.
Together, these charities provide help at significant scale – supporting people at different points in their lives, often through more than one service.Ā
Over time, this collective and sustained support has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of impact made possible through their funding
For more information about Bank of Scotland Foundation and its grant programmes, please visit www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org
