November 2026 – Page 7 – The NEN

Big rides start small: Rock Up & Ride launches in South Edinburgh

Building on the success of our established Rock Up & Ride programme, Scottish Cycling is expanding into Edinburgh through a new partnership with the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and We Play Together SCIO at the Crags Community Centre.

The Rock Up & Ride project in Edinburgh will help to introduce young people to cycling, not only as a sport and recreational activity, but the programme will also help develop the confidence and practical skills needed to cycle independently.

The ambition is to encourage participants to see cycling as an option for everyday journeys, helping make active travel a more accessible choice within their local community.

The ambition of the programme goes beyond simply providing opportunities to ride. The young people involved in the programme will be supported to build confidence and develop their skills, with opportunities to progress into local cycling clubs or explore volunteering and coaching. The project will also help local staff and volunteers gain experience and qualifications, strengthening the Crags Community Centre’s ability to support cycling in the longer term.

SEStran has been a crucial partner in supporting the project, recognising the role cycling can play in creating healthier, more connected communities. With their support, the project will promote the benefits of active travel, helping young people build the confidence to use a bike both for enjoyment and everyday journeys.

Additional support has been provided through from the Scottish Cycling Tour de France Grand Départ Social Impact Programme. The programme aims to use the profile of the Grand Départ to create lasting opportunities for local communities, with Rock Up & Ride Edinburgh being one example showcasing the impact that the legacy of a major sporting event can have on the local community.

With Project Coordinator Erin Finnigan already in post, Rock Up & Ride in Edinburgh is building on the strong relationships We Play Together SCIO has established with young people in the local area around the Crags Community Centre. Erin will coordinate the programme, bringing opportunities directly to the community and ensuring that activities reflect the interests and needs of local young people.

The programme will introduce participants to different cycling disciplines, including BMX, mountain biking and track cycling, with a particular focus on BMX, utilising the “Skelf” pump track adjacent to the Crags Community Centre.

The programme will be supported by a group of experienced coaches alongside a fleet of bikes and equipment to help remove the cost and barriers that can sometimes prevent young people from getting involved.

Speaking about the impact of the programme Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering the reach of our flagship participation programme, Rock Up & Ride, as it expands into Edinburgh ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ next summer.

“We’re already feeling the buzz that the Tour de France is creating, so this is a wonderful opportunity to use that to get more people on bikes and build their confidence and competence, so that they regularly use cycling as a form of active travel, or a past time.

“The expansion of the programme into the capital wouldn’t be possible without some fantastic partnership working, so I extend a big thank you to SEStran, We Play Together and the Scottish Government for helping bring it to life, and I can’t wait to see it flourish over the coming months and years.”

Sally Pattle, Chair of the SEStran Partnership Board, commented: “We’re delighted to support Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up and Ride initiative in Edinburgh through our People and Place programme.

“The sessions with We Place Together at the Crags Community Centre are giving local young people and their families the chance to build their cycling skills and confidence in a fun and inclusive environment, helping make cycling a more accessible option for leisure and everyday journeys.”

The Rock Up & Ride programme at the Crags Community Centre presents an exciting opportunity to turn the excitement of the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Edinburgh next year into a lasting, positive impact for the local community.

By bringing cycling opportunities directly to young people and giving them the support and confidence to get involved, the ambition is to inspire a new generation to discover the joy of cycling and the role it can play in their everyday lives.

North Edinburgh Arts: New puppetry show spotlighting insects crawls into Edinburgh this November

SIX LONG LEGS: What you don’t know, you can’t love

A new visual theatre show for families exploring the importance of insects on our world is set to open in North Edinburgh this month.

Using secondhand objects such as kitchen utensils and feather dusters, three performers transform into colourful insects, using puppetry and physical theatre to celebrate biodiversity and abundance.

With the help of the voice of a child who knows everything about insects, original music by Pete Buffery and Michael Hyland and a buzzing soundtrack, Emily Dyble, Ella Mackay and Bori Mezo shapeshift into strange new bodies and behaviours with joy and effort. The work hopes to create empathy with the smallest creatures we share our planet with.

A number of organisations have helped to shape the work, which will be brought to stage at Whale Arts and North Edinburgh Arts through a number of performances for schools, groups and families. The Entomology (Insect) team at National Museums Scotland has fed into the script, and the work has also been developed from conversations with conservationists and scientists with insect charity Buglife and Forestry Research.

Six Long Legs is the company’s second show, following the well-received Hopeful Monsters. The project is supported by Creative Scotland, and through the Captivate programme at Manipulate Arts.

Six Long Legs will preview at North Edinburgh Arts on Friday 20 November at 4.30pm and Saturday 21 November at 11.30am.

Imaginary Insects Workshops (for ages 5+) will run Friday 20 November at 3.30pm, Friday 20 November at 4.45pm, Saturday 21 November at 1pm.

Workshops are free, but places are limited.

Find out more on North Edinburgh Arts’s website.

Inquiry to examine scale of group-based child sexual abuse announced

GROOMING GANGS IN SCOTLAND INVESTIGATION

An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.

The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.

Under the terms of reference, published yesterday, the inquiry will:

investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.

Ms McAllan said: “Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.

“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.

“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.

“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”

Jay Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation: Terms of Reference

Relief for communities as fewer major Bonfire Night incidents reported

The largest policing operation since the visit of President Trump has now concluded. Operation Amberlight saw specialist police resources support local policing teams across the country respond to Bonfire Night disorder, while also policing the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and a potential protest in the East End of Glasgow.

In total, 1024 fireworks-related calls were received between 31 October and 5 November this year. While this is an increase from the 833 calls received in 2025, there has been reduction in the number of incidents requiring a specialist public order response across the country.

During the evening officers in Edinburgh responded to Oxgangs Road North at around 5pm after a group created a blockade in the road and set it alight.

Police in attendance were then targeted with fireworks and Operation Amberlight resources responded in support. The group made off from the area.

There were also incidents of police and public vehicles having fireworks thrown at them in the Gracemount and Gilmerton areas of the city.

Similar offences occurred in Clydebank around 6pm where there were reports of members of the public having had fireworks thrown at them. When officers attended, they were also targeted.

At around 7.55pm, police in Glasgow responded alongside the Scottish Ambulance service to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street.

During this time both crews were attacked with fireworks, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One police officer and an ambulance staff member sustained minor injuries during this time.

Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and a 16-year-old male was arrested.

Following reports of a significant group of individuals gathering in the Kirkton area of Dundee and setting illegal fires, Operation Amberlight resources were made available to support local officers but were not required and subsequently stood down.

A proportionate policing response was also in place for the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and this event also passed without serious incident.

There was no resource required in relation to information circulating online in relation to a planned protest in Glasgow.

Between 5.30pm and 11.30pm the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received over 800 calls relating to fireworks and bonfires.

During this time there were also attacks on crews deployed to the Castlemilk and Knightswood areas of Glasgow, Cummnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge, West Lothian.

There were no injuries to fire service personnel and no serious damage to their appliances.

In Edinburgh 21 Dispersal Orders were issued, with 13 issued in Glasgow. No one was charged in relation to any breaches of Firework Control Zones.

In total, seven arrests were made during the evening of Thursday, 5 November and investigations into the offences that occurred across the country will now begin. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Amberlight said: “Our policing operation covering the Halloween and Bonfire Night has been one of the most complex and demanding deployments in recent memory involving the largest number of officers the visit of President Trump in 2025.

“While we have seen a rise in the overall number of calls relating to fireworks incidents between Halloween and Bonfire Night 2026, when compared to last year, I am encouraged by the reduction in serious incidents requiring us to mobilise specialist resources during this time.

“The communities of Scotland have overwhelmingly showed their commitment to enjoying both Halloween and Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. Furthermore, the collaboration and readiness from our key partners to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside us during the planning and delivery of this operation has been exceptional.

“Nevertheless, we have seen, yet again, an unacceptable number of incidents where the police and our emergency service colleagues have been attacked with fireworks and other projectiles. This resulted in one of our officers and a colleague from the Scottish Ambulance Service sustaining minor injuries.

“This simply must stop. Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters and there to protect communities – not the be the target of violence. The behaviour we saw tonight resulted in an ambulance colleague sustain a minor injury and left one of our own vehicles badly damaged, meaning it is out of service for use within our communities.

“I want to make it clear that thorough investigations will now take place to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Despite these challenges, however, I do want to recognise the outstanding support we’ve seen from the majority of the public, both in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night and on the evenings themselves.

“It’s been heartening to see the positive level of community engagement and in many instances, this has led to vital intelligence, which helped seize significant quantities of fireworks before they could be used for criminal activity and to disrupt the activities of those planning to involve themselves in disorder.”

Guy Fawkes Night: Firework Safety

Planning to enjoy fireworks this Bonfire Night? Stay safe and look out for those around you.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display.

If you’re celebrating at home:

Only adults should handle fireworks

Keep children at a safe distance

Take extra care with sparklers

Always follow the Firework Code

Remember that fireworks can be distressing for animals and for people with sensory sensitivities

For more information on the firework laws and safety tips check out Scottish Fire and Rescue Service .

If an accident happens, you’ll find advice on treating both mild and severe burns on #NHSinform

SEARCH: ‘NHS INFORM BURNS’

ROSPA: Always follow the Firework Code

WATCH FIREWORKS FROM A SAFE DISTANCE

Enjoying fireworks at home?

Remember the Firework Code:

• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Light them at arm’s length and stand well back
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit

Find the full Firework Code and more fireworks safety advice: https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/fireworks-safety

#ProductSafety

#FireworkSafety

Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust: Trustee deadline TOMORROW

Opportunity Reminder: We’re looking for up to five new Non-Executive Directors to join our Board and help shape the next chapter of ELGT.

If you’d like to find out more go to https://elgt.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Applications close: 5.00pm, Friday 6 November 2026

Man arrested and charged after large quantity of fireworks seized in Edinburgh

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a large quantity of fireworks, with a retail value of more than £5000, was seized in Edinburgh.

Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, 4 November, officers acting on intelligence stopped a van on London Road.

Following a search, 200kgs of fireworks were recovered with some capable of firing 555 individual rockets.

The 39-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with possession of fireworks in a public place and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “It is an offence to buy, possess, or use fireworks without a valid licence and anyone caught doing so may face fines, seizure of items and potential prosecution.

“There was huge potential for these fireworks to be distributed around the city for the purposes of causing disorder. The misuse of fireworks presents a significant risk to the public and emergency personnel, and can result in serious injury, fires and damage to properties.

“Officers will continue to carry out enquiries in the Edinburgh area to detect and disrupt the illegal sale or use of fireworks, and we remain committed to working with partner agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We rely on intelligence from the local communities, and anyone with information about planned disorder or concerns about fireworks is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

St Columba’s: Light up a Life

WE’RE proud to share our 2026 Light up a Life appeal.

We’re inviting our Hospice community to come together to remember their loved ones by dedicating a light on one of our Trees of Remembrance, helping their light shine brightly this Christmas.

Dedicate a light in memory of your loved one and find out more, here:

This Christmas, bring care, comfort and lasting memories to people like Tom

For Tom Hunter, St Columba’s Hospice Care is much more than a place. It is where he and his partner of 24 years, Baz, were cared for during the most difficult chapter of their lives, and where Tom found comfort, friendship and a way forward after Baz died. 

“Coming to the Hospice feels like coming home,” Tom says. “The team couldn’t be dearer to my heart.” 

Baz was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. As his illness progressed, the support of the Hospice became a lifeline for them both. Through the Hospice’s virtual ward, nurses and doctors cared for Baz at home, while the team was always there whenever Tom needed advice or reassurance. 

One night, Baz was struggling to get comfortable in bed. Tom still remembers being scared to move Baz, in case he made his pain worse, and the feeling of helplessness he experienced. The following day, he contacted the Hospice, who arranged for an adjustable Hospital bed to be delivered, and nurses Tracey and Elaine even came that evening to help get everything set up. 

And it wasn’t only the practical care that made a difference. 

Tom remembers a night on the ward when Baz couldn’t settle. At 2am, nurse Lianne came in and gently massaged his head until he fell asleep. “So we both had a peaceful sleep that night,” Tom recalls. “Is that dedication, or is that dedication?” 

Baz died peacefully a few days later, surrounded by the care and compassion that had become so important to them. 

The kindness Tom experienced stayed with him. After taking some time to grieve, he returned to his position as a volunteer, first in the café and later on reception and with the Hospice’s hospitality team. 

Today, Tom is a much-loved face around the Hospice, and his colourful collection of waistcoats is almost as famous as his warm personality. 

“I get so much from being here and being able to support other families, I get a lot of comfort from it. It felt great to come back.” 

Tom also has a lasting reminder of Baz in the Hospice courtyard, a tribute flower with Baz’s name engraved on its leaf. He can visit it whenever he is at the Hospice. 

This Christmas, Light Up a Life is an opportunity to remember someone special while helping families like Tom and Baz’s receive the care, kindness and support they need. 

Your gift could help make sure that, when families need us most, St Columba’s is there, bringing comfort, dignity and moments of peace when they matter most. 

Over half a million people across Scotland at risk of needing food bank over next year, new research shows 

Unacceptable numbers of us already teetering on knife’s edge with one in six people in Scotland running out of food in past year, unable to afford to buy more, Trussell says 

ANTI-poverty charity Trussell reports that 550,000 people across Scotland in 2026/27 – have so little to get by on that they are at risk of needing to use a food bank. Analysis from WPI Economics shows that this includes an increase of 25,000 people since 2024/25.  

A survey conducted by Ipsos on Trussell’s behalf shows that unacceptable numbers of us are already living on a knife’s edge day-to-day, going without food and making impossible sacrifices, the charity says.

One in six (17%) people in Scotland said that their household had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more in the previous year, according to the new research, with certain groups such as disabled people and carers, more likely to go without.  

The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to redouble its efforts to ensure more people in Scotland can afford at least the essentials, by acting in the Scottish Budget to increase the Scottish Child Payment to at least £40 a week with immediate effect.

New figures from Trussell show one in ten (10%) people in Scotland have had to cut back on food in the previous three months to afford other essentials like their housing costs, transport to work, or their heating.

Alarmingly, certain groups in Scotland, such as disabled people and carers, are more likely to go without.

Disabled people – 28% in Scotland had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more (compared to 13% of people who are not disabled)

Households with a disabled family member – 25% in Scotland had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more (compared to 12% with no disabled household member),

Carers – 26% in Scotland had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more (compared to 13% of those with no caring responsibilities)

The research also reveals that work is not protecting people from hardship – almost 1 in 5 (19%) working people in Scotland ran out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more.

In the Scottish Government’s Budget next month, Trussell is calling on the Scottish Government to reaffirm its commitment to ending the need for food banks in Scotland and update its action plan to deliver on this commitment.

The charity says it should start with getting more money into people’s pocket’s by boosting the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week with immediate effect and committing to a longer-term increase to £55 a week.

Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Trussell in Scotland, said: “It’s devastating that half a million people in Scotland are at risk of needing to use a food bank. In every community, in every part of Scotland, people are skipping meals so their kids can eat, sitting freezing because they can’t afford money for the meter, feeling isolated and alone, not sure where to turn for support.

“Every day, people are pulling together across communities to make a difference – donating and getting emergency food to neighbours and providing advice and support so that people don’t need to turn to a food bank in the future. But together we can and must go further, particularly as prices rise once more.

“If we’re going to build the fairer Scotland we all want to see, we need politicians to take the heartbreaking scale of hunger in Scotland seriously. We need to invest now in a better future for children and for Scotland.

“The First Minister must renew the SNP’s promise to end the need for food banks in Scotland and take strong action in the Scottish Budget, to make sure more people in Scotland can afford the essentials and all children have a decent start in life.”

Pam from East Dunbartonshire, a former police officer who has been supported by a food bank, said: “Having had a career serving the community where I witnessed poverty and hardship on a daily basis, I didn’t ever believe I’d be on the other side of that fence. You never know what curveballs life will throw at you, though. 

“We desperately need a society where if you trip and fall, there will be someone or something there to catch you rather than what happens now where a charity has to step in and help you pick up the pieces after you break.” 

Fiona Dalgleish, manager of Peeblesshire Foodbank, said: “It’s not right that anyone in Scotland doesn’t have enough money to live on. Every week, our wonderful staff and volunteers provide a lifeline through emergency food parcels and practical support to everyone who needs it.

“We’re really worried about winter. We are doing everything we can to support people in our communities as the colder months close in. But the rising cost of food and energy will make it even harder for us to keep services running.

“Keeping the lights on and spaces open costs money, which is why any support you can give, whether that’s donating food or funds, will make a real difference.”