Have a look at our programme for Bonfire Week: Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 8th of November!
Double check the times as a few of our Older Groups are longer this week!
As always – we hope everyone has a nice time, but please keep yourself and your friends safe 
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has urged the Scottish Government to rethink its decision to exclude the right to a healthy environment from its future Human Rights Bill.
Minister for Equalities, Simita Kumar, said that the government will “not include a standalone right to a healthy environment in the future Human Rights Bill.”
The right is about making sure people have access to clean air, a safe climate, safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.
Recognising this right was a key recommendation of the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership in 2021.
In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said that legislating for this right was a “necessary and important step for Scotland now to take”.
In their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern and party spokesperson for the environment Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see that the Scottish Government is withholding such a fundamental human right.
“Everybody deserves access to clean air, safe water and sanitation, as well as a stable climate. Without these protections, people are exposed to severe physical illnesses, mental health struggles, and long-term societal damage ranging from toxic chemical and radiation exposure to deepening food insecurity.
“As Scotland faces a surge in energy-intensive infrastructure, including the proposed development of massive data centres and chip-manufacturing plants, it is more vital than ever to establish robust legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and protect future generations.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats remain fully committed to high environmental standards by recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
“We are determined to work closely with our European neighbours, rather than falling behind international best practice.”
People across Scotland are being invited to have their say on proposals to make recycling easier and more consistent.
The Scottish Government consultation seeks views on a new household recycling code of practice, which also aims to increase recycling rates and help reduce carbon emissions.
Clear standards for how councils collect and manage household waste and recycling are part of the draft code, which proposes:
Delivering a key commitment of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act, the code has been developed through extensive engagement with local authorities, waste management practitioners and environmental organisations. The consultation now gives communities, individuals and organisations across Scotland the chance to shape the final code before it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.
It also clarifies that flexible plastic and plastic films should also be collected from households. The consultation also seeks views on proposals developed with local authorities and stakeholders regarding how food and garden waste should be collected and how rural exemptions should apply.
Modelling suggests the code could increase Scotland’s household recycling rate by approximately 2.5% and reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 27,000 petrol cars.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “Recycling well shouldn’t depend on where you live. This code will help make sure it is easier for people right across Scotland, in both our cities and rural communities, to recycle more.
“We’ve worked closely with councils and stakeholders on these proposals and I am grateful to them for their constructive engagement to get us to this stage. However, it is clear that there’s more to get right before the code is finalised.
“I’d encourage everyone with a view, whether you’re a council, a community group or simply someone who wants to see Scotland recycle better, to take part in this consultation and help us shape the final code.”
A new Household Recycling Code of Practice – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space closes on 21 January 2027.
Passengers have helped the British Transport Police record almost 83,000 crimes over the past decade by texting 61016, according to new figures released today, as the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign reaches its tenth anniversary.
Since its launch in 2016, the campaign has become one of the most recognised public safety messages in the country, encouraging passengers to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to the British Transport Police.
This has led to real action – more than 200,000 texts are now sent to the British Transport Police each year using 61016, and last year saw an almost tenfold increase since the campaign was launched in 2016. These texts alone – more than 1.5 million exchanged over the last 10 years – have led to more than 175,000 police deployments across the rail network.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “We’re committed to making our railways safe, and for a decade, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has played a vital role in doing this, supporting the British Transport Police, transforming how people report crimes and issues across the network.
“Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number – proof that reporting leads to real action, showing the difference passengers can make simply by speaking up.”
Over 60% of people say they feel safer because of visible security measures when travelling and ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ is mandated across every train operator and station in England, Scotland and Wales, making it one of the most visible and widely deployed public safety campaigns in the country.
While the campaign is primarily a counter-terrorism campaign, it has evolved as a way of promoting the 61016 number, giving people another way to report a wide range of other crimes and safety issues to the British Transport Police.
This includes an incident in March 2025, where a passenger on a train to London Euston witnessed a man viewing graphic child abuse material on his phone and discreetly reported it by texting 61016.
Officers intercepted the train, arrested the man and he was sentenced to over 2 years in prison – showing the difference a single text can make to bring offenders to justice.
British Transport Police Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi, said: “For 10 years, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has encouraged passengers to report anything that doesn’t feel right, helping raise awareness of British Transport Police’s 61016 text service, which now receives more than 25,000 messages each month.
“The free, discreet service allows passengers to report crime, suspicious behaviour and sexual harassment directly to us, enabling swift action to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. The public are our eyes and ears on the railway and their vigilance continues to play a vital role in helping keep the network safe.”
The Westminster government is committed to making sure our railways are safe, and the British Transport Police are receiving an extra £63 million in funding over 3 years for 200 more officers, including 36 officers as part of a new team dedicated specifically to reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls.
This is alongside a £17 million investment to improve CCTV at stations, and for the first time rail operators are being assessed on their commitments to tackle violence against women and girls.
National homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust is inviting Edinburgh shoppers to support people facing homelessness this Christmas by choosing a Caring Christmas Tree for 2026.
Freshly cut and grown on a farm in West Lothian with sizes starting from 4ft, the Grade A Nordmann fir trees bring festive warmth into customers’ homes while helping fund care and practical support for people who need it. Prices start at £47.50, with all proceeds going towards Bethany’s work to prevent and alleviate homelessness.
The charity supports more than 9,000 people across Scotland each year. Money raised through Caring Christmas Trees helps fund services and support such as community drop-ins, recovery programmes, Care Vans offering food and hot drinks, and support for people moving into a permanent home.
A regular Caring Christmas Tree customer said: “Beautiful trees with very little needle drop and a lovely cheery festive experience picking up. (Volunteers) help you choose the one you want and can take it to the car.
“I have bought trees from Bethany for a number of years and can enthusiastically recommend them!”
Another said: “We have ordered from Caring Christmas Trees for several years and had a great experience, in particular picking up in Stockbridge with the Christmas Market.
“It really gets you in the Christmas spirit, to have a hot chocolate and to buy several things from local vendors.”
This year’s Bethany Christmas Market also returns to St Stephen’s Comely Bank Church in Edinburgh on Friday 4 December, from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturday 5 December, from 10am to 2pm.
Visitors can enjoy local art and craft stalls, live music and light refreshments.
Trees can be ordered online at www.caringchristmastrees.com, with collection sites across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife during November and December. Home delivery is available to selected Edinburgh and Glasgow postcodes for an additional £30.
For enquiries, call 0131 561 8948, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Tickets are now on sale for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and fans of the franchise are in for a treat, with exclusive merchandise and special Collector Screenings coming to Vue Edinburgh and Livingston.
To celebrate the return to Panem, Vue is giving fans the chance to get their hands on a range of limited-edition merchandise, including collectible popcorn buckets, cups and keyrings – perfect for anyone looking to take home a piece of the action.
In addition, on Saturday 28 November at 3pm, Vue will be hosting a special Sunrise on the Reaping Collector Screening, where fans will receive one of three limited-edition collectible pins to mark the occasion.
Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena, the highly anticipated prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where twice the number of Tributes must fight for survival.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, McKenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke and Glenn Close.
Audiences in Edinburgh and Livingston can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seat the Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and drinks and a state-of-the-art beverage cooler – making it the most luxurious way to immerse yourself in a great story.
There’s only one way to make The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping even more EPIC, and that’s by experiencing it on Vue’s biggest, brightest and most immersive screen ever. Watch every moment of the action unfold in stunning detail with next-level clarity, thanks to HDR laser projectors and fully immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Tickets are available to book through the Club Vue app, where every screening earns you a digital loyalty stamp. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll be rewarded with a free cinema ticket. Tickets can also be booked online at www.myvue.com.
TV presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University for a remarkable career, which has taken him from military service to many of the world’s biggest events.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, John-James began his career as a teacher, while also taking up his journey of service, which led to the Royal Marines with 42 Commando.
Since sustaining life-changing injuries during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he has made his name as an athlete at the Invictus Games and latterly become a widely known broadcaster.
Viewers will know him from his presentation of major sporting events, including TV coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics, while has also co-hosted the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, fronted documentaries, and even appeared as a contestant of Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2018, JJ also delivered an address as part of Edinburgh Napier’s Chancellor Talks series, entitled Finding Your Commando Spirit. His lecture gave an account of his personal journey, reflecting on how he confronted and overcame profound adversity.
JJ has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University in recognition of his extraordinary service and his ongoing contribution to public life.
The award of Doctor of the University was presented during a ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care on Thursday [29 October 2026].
JJ Chalmers said: “It’s a huge privilege. I love what I do for a living, so to be recognised for doing the thing I love is an unbelievable privilege.
“I am aware that I’ve been very fortunate to have a platform as a result of my profession, and I like to think that some of the stuff that I’ve done might have made some sort of impact on the world.
“To have that recognised today just reminds me to keep going, to keep doing everything I possibly can to help others.”
Presenting his honorary degree, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, Founder and Director of ENU’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement, said: “JJ Chalmers stands as a living testament to resilience, adaptability and service, embodying the principle that adversity can serve as a catalyst for reinvention.
“His journey illustrates that true leadership is defined not solely by rank or title, but by the capacity to inspire others through courage, perseverance, and example.
“Reflecting on his story, we are reminded that the measure of a life is not determined by the challenges one encounters, but by the will to rise beyond them and the ability to guide others toward hope, purpose and renewal.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh Northwestern, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has welcomed targeted action by Police in North West Edinburgh this week.
Cole-Hamilton thanked officers who successfully seized three Sur-Ron bikes as part of a ‘day of action’, as well as weapons, two motorcycles and mobile phones.
Police Officers carried out a day of action in the North West of Edinburgh, executing 2 warrants as part of ongoing enquiries into motor vehicle thefts and serious assaults.
During their execution, officers seized:
– 3 Sur-Ron bikes
– 2 Motorcycles
– Weapons
– Mobile Phones
– Various vehicle keys and V5 documentation
Two individuals were traced, arrested and charged in connection with the enquiries.
Further inquiries are ongoing into the items seized.
A third individual was also traced during the enquiries and arrested on his 11 outstanding warrants.
The action comes as a petition lodged to the Scottish Parliament by Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond, Lewis Younie, calling on the Scottish Government to give Police Scotland and local councils additional resources to tackle dangerous, high-powered motorbikes and electric bikes on local footpath networks.
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “People in Edinburgh are lucky to have an extensive and growing network of cycle paths connecting our communities but navigating them has become intimidating and dangerous due to high-speed, illegally modified e-bikes frequently appearing on our routes.
“We have all seen the dangers these e-bikes cause, including, in some tragic cases, fatalities and serious injuries that impact numerous lives.
“Bikes capable of excessive speeds without pedalling are not permitted on public footpaths under current law, but without adequate resources, enforcement has been an uphill battle.
“To give residents permanent confidence on their local paths, the Scottish Government must back our police forces with dedicated resources to crack down on illegal sellers, intercept dangerous riders, and keep our public spaces safe for everyone.
“I warmly welcome Police Scotland’s targeted action in Edinburgh Northwestern this week and thank local officers for their hard work.”
The link to the petition can be found HERE
Environmental campaigners have staged a “fossil fuels are scary” Halloween themed demonstration at the First Minister’s residence in Edinburgh today.
They said there were “no treats for John Swinney” and he was trying to “trick” people by saying his Government was prioritizing action on climate change while approving new fossil fuel projects.
Climate groups gathered outside Bute House in central Edinburgh to protest the Scottish Government decision this week to approve the building of a new gas power station at Peterhead which will burn fossil gas for the next 30 years.
The decision comes shortly after the UK Energy Secretary gave the green light to drilling gas from the Jackdaw field, despite admitting it will not reduce energy bills. The price of oil and gas is set by international energy markets so these decisions will leave UK households will be left at the mercy of fossil fuel companies for decades to come.
Burning of fossil fuels is the key driver of the extreme weather people are facing, such as the recent storms, record heat this summer and devastating events like the deadly floods in Nepal. Protestors said they were “terrified” about the impact of these decisions on the lives.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Kate Whitaker commented:“Fossil fuels are scary because of the harm they are already causing to millions of people. When politicians make disastrous decisions to approve new oil or gas, people get even more terrified about our collective future.
“We are at the First Minister’s residence but he is not getting any treats this year. His Government has chosen to put more people in more danger from extreme weather and is tricking people by trying to claim that new gas burning is somehow compatible with a safe energy future.”
“Giving the go ahead for a new fossil fuelled power plant at Peterhead is a catastrophic failure from the Scottish Government to protect people from both climate breakdown and the increasing burden of household energy bills.
“Politicians could instead help allay our fears by focusing on climate solutions that improve lives such as warmer homes, reliable bus services and creating green jobs.”
THIS Halloween, ScottishPower is urging households across the UK to hunt down energy-draining ‘vampire devices’ lurking in every home, and use the spooky season to build energy saving habits as winter sets in.
‘Vampire devices’ are appliances that keep drawing electricity while they’re plugged in, even when they’re switched off or on standby. From TVs and games consoles to microwaves and phone chargers, they can quietly add to household bills without anyone noticing.
By switching off standby appliances and making a handful of simple changes around the home, households could save up to £313 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust.
Following the Ofgem price cap rising in October and with more cold weather on the way, ScottishPower is warning many families could be paying more than they need to simply by not switching everyday devices off.
Switching TVs off standby could save households around £45 a year, while avoiding the tumble dryer could save around £50 a year. Keeping showers brief, to four minutes, could save around £45 a year, and replacing older bulbs with LEDs could save up to £40 a year on annual energy bills.
Rozlyn Brennan, ScottishPower Smart Solutions Director, said: “Most homes are packed with ‘vampire devices’ quietly sucking electricity around the clock, even when they’re not being used.
“With household budgets still under pressure and winter approaching, Halloween is the perfect reminder to hunt them down. From TVs left on standby to chargers plugged in unnecessarily, these small habits can add up to a noticeable difference on your energy bill.”
“Taking just a few minutes to switch things off at the wall could help save money, reduce wasted energy and build good habits for the colder months ahead.”
Common household vampire devices include:
All these electrical appliances can be safely switched off at the wall when they’re not in use, which makes this one of the easiest energy-saving habits.
ScottishPower’s advice is as follows:
ScottishPower is also encouraging customers to make greater use of smart technology to better understand how and when they use electricity, helping them identify further opportunities to reduce waste and save money.
ScottishPower has its ongoing Power Saver1 initiative rewarding eligible customers for shifting their electricity use away from specified periods, letting them choose 8 one-hour slots of cheaper electricity2 at selected times throughout the whole week.
And for electric vehicle drivers, ScottishPower’s EV Optimise3 can make charging smarter by automatically scheduling charging around the customer’s needs and available charging periods.
For more energy saving tips from ScottishPower, check out the energy efficiency page here and follow @scottishpowercustomers on Instagram.
Energy Savings Trust advice can be found here.
