A new drop-in session for veterans living in the Edinburgh area is opening next week (26 November).
Emma Weir, who is the Community Builder for the local area for Help for Heroes is bringing a ‘Heroes Café’ to the Gyle Shopping Centre, as part of a programme to reach out to even more veterans across Edinburgh and the surrounding region.
Emma, who has been supporting veterans in Edinburgh for three and a half years, said: “We know that the city and surrounding area has one of the highest populations of veterans in the country. Over the years we’ve helped hundreds of people who have got in touch with us for support.
“The cafés give veterans an easy way to connect with others in the local area. People can just drop in and have a chat and a brew with others who share their life experiences. They can also find out about the different services we offer. It’s a gentle way to dip your toes back into the water and to feel like you’re part of a community again.”
Former service men and women can sometimes feel they’ve lost their support network, which can leave them feeling isolated and lonely.
Adjusting to civilian life can also bring challenges, for example a recent report showed that over a quarter (27%) of adults who have served in the UK’s armed forces have run out of food in the last 12 months, and they did not have money to buy more*.
Help for Heroes offers practical support for anyone who has served from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces..
Chloe McKenrick, aged 49 and from Dumferline, was in the army for 22 years and has been supported by the Hidden Wounds service, which helps veterans deal with mental health challenges and has taken part in different sports and social activities.She said: “I’ve attended a number of Help for Heroes Cafés and have always found them to be a great way to catch up with fellow veterans.
“It enables you to socialise in a civilian setting, which can be hard for some of us for a variety of reasons – and being with people who genuinely understand and support you makes you feel more relaxed and safe.”
The Help for Heroes café will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Space to Be in the Gyle Shopping Centre.
Energy regulator Ofgem has today (Friday 22 November) announced a 1.2% increase of the energy price cap for the period covering January-March 2025.
The change to the price cap – which sets a maximum rate per unit and standing charge that can be billed to customers for their energy use – will rise by £21 for an average household per year or around £1.75 a month.
For an average household paying by Direct Debit for dual fuel this equates to £1,738 per year. This is 10% (£190) cheaper compared to January-March 2024 (£1,928) and 57.2% (£2,321) less than the energy crisis (January-March 2023).
It comes as analysis by Ofgem shows around 1.5million households switched tariff over the past three months. The regulator is urging customers to take advantage of the rising choice in the market and look for the best deal to help keep their household bills down. By switching, savings of up to £140 are currently available.
Following a call by Ofgem in August for suppliers to offer more choice with low and no-standing charge tariffs, there has been an increase in the number of suppliers offering these kinds of deals. There are currently 8 available that are at least 10% below the level set in the price cap.
However, while these come with a lower standing charge, they do have a higher unit rate. They could benefit customers with lower energy usage but will not work for everyone so consumers should carefully consider what works for them.
Tim Jarvis, director general of markets at Ofgem, said: “While today’s change means the cap has remained relatively stable, we understand that the cost of energy remains a challenge for too many households.
“However, with more tariffs coming into the market, there are ways for customers to bring their bill down so please shop around and look at all the options.
“Our reliance on volatile international markets – which are affected by factors such as events in Russia and the Middle East – means the cost of energy will continue to fluctuate. So it’s more important than ever to stay focused on building a renewable, home-grown energy system to bring costs down and give households stability.
“In the short term though, anyone struggling with bills should speak to their supplier to make sure they’re getting the help they need and look around to make sure they’re on the best, most affordable deal for them.”
The regulator is encouraging customers to consider the way they pay their bills. Around 5 million customers pay by standard credit payments – which means paying for energy after it has been used. But this is much more expensive, particularly over the winter months.
Customers could save £100 by simply switching from standard credit payments to Direct Debit payments or smart PPM, which remains the cheapest way to pay for energy.
The cheapest deal on the market could save a typical dual fuel customer £210 compared to the upcoming price cap level. However, this requires signing up for an additional boiler cover service.
There are other cheaper fixed deals on the market which don’t require additional services that could save customers more than £140 per year compared to the upcoming cap level.
If consumers are worried about paying their bills, they can contact their supplier for support. Ofgem’s rules mean they must work with their customers to agree an affordable payment plan. They may also be able to help by offering more time to pay, access to hardship funds and advice on how to use less energy.
Age Scotland’s Policy Director, Adam Stachura, said: “This latest increase to the energy price cap is yet another blow for older people facing the coldest months without the safety net of the Winter Fuel Payment.
“At a time when many are already feeling under pressure, news that bills are set to rise further still will put those already struggling in an extremely difficult position. They will be very disappointed that there is no end in sight, and no support measures identified for those not claiming or not eligible for Pension Credit.
“Pensioners in Scotland are the most starkly affected by fuel poverty, so government must deliver much more to support them or the numbers in this grim position will spiral further. This another compelling reason for the Scottish Government to bring back the universal entitlement to the Winter Age Pension Heating Payment next winter.
“With Scotland already recording the coldest temperatures in the UK, we are seriously concerned about older people’s health being jeopardised if they are unable to heat their homes.”
Consumer Scotland Head of Energy Kate Morrison said: “Although lower than at the peak of the energy crisis, energy bills are still historically high and will rise further in January.
“One of the legacies of the past two years of high bills has been a growth of energy debt and arrears in the GB domestic market which now exceeds £3.6bn – a record high – and bill increases will impact further on levels of debt
“This will be a challenging winter for consumers, particularly those with higher energy needs including disabled people and those with health conditions.
“There is a need for governments to design and deliver better targeted energy affordability support for consumers, particularly given current levels of debt and ongoing pressure on household budgets.”
Greater flexibility to keep pets in homes amongst range of Housing Bill measures
New legislation will introduce a range of measures to improve renting in Scotland, including strengthening tenants’ rights to keep a pet.
Measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill will allow a renter to make a request to keep a pet in their home and for that to not be unreasonably refused by their landlord. Currently, it is entirely up to the landlord whether a tenant can keep a pet, and they must be given written permission to do so.
Other provisions aimed at providing a good quality, and affordable rental market also include a system of long-term rent controls, with the Scottish Government working with tenants, landlords, investors and developers to bring forward a system that works for tenants and supports investment in private rented housing.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Pets are an important part of the family for many people across Scotland. Tenants have the right to feel at home in rented accommodation and having more control over keeping a pet can play a big part in that and can have additional benefits for their mental health and wellbeing.
“This is just one of a range of measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, including long-term rent controls, which will help improve the lives of renters and create an affordable, high-quality, and fair private rented sector.
“The Bill also meets the Scottish Government’s ambition to improve the renting experience in Scotland, whilst also encouraging landlords to invest.
“We will continue to work to create a system that strengthens renters’ rights and supports continued investment in the rental market.”
Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations for the Scottish SPCA said: “We welcome the provisions included within the Housing (Scotland) Bill, particularly the safeguarding of the rights of tenants to keep pets and hope that these measures will foster a more inclusive and compassionate rental market.
“Our research has found that over 75% of tenants stated they had a pet for emotional (77%) and mental health (83%) support.
“This survey also highlighted that seven out of 10 tenants would risk becoming homeless if they were no longer able to keep their pet in their current accommodation.
“Sadly, we also found that 37% of tenants stated that they have had to make that unimaginable choice between having a pet and having a roof over their head.”
Join the national demonstration in Glasgow this Saturday 23 Novemberagainst Israel’s escalating war in the Middle East!
The UK Labour Government continues to support Israel despite condemnation at the United Nations and the massive anti-war movement on the streets around the world.
We need to make this protest as big as possible to say Not in Our Name and put pressure on the Scottish government to implement a policy of divestment and end financial support to companies in Scotland which supply the Israeli war machine. We demand that our leaders do everything they can to stop the ongoing escalation of this war.
The demonstration, scheduled for 23rd of November in Glasgow, has been called jointly by Stop the War Scotland, Scottish CND and the Scottish Trade Union Congress.
It will bring together communities, trade unions, faith groups, and peace activists from across Scotland to stand united against the genocide in the Middle East under the following slogans:
– Stop All Arms Sales to Israel – Hands off Gaza and Lebanon – No war with Iran – Welfare not Warfare
The demonstration will be assembling from 11.30am at the Mclennan Arch at Glasgow Green following a route through the city centre and returning to Glasgow Green for the main rally where we will be hearing from a range of speakers from across the movement.
Speakers include:
Jeremy Corbyn – Independent MP and Deputy President of Stop the War Coalition Lynn Jamieson – Chair of Scottish CND Aamer Anwar – Human Rights Lawyer Dave Moxham – STUC Deputy General Secretary Richard Leonard – Scottish Labour MSP Chris Nineham – Vice Chair Stop the War Coalition
Gas distribution network SGN has been encouraging students to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) through an innovative augmented reality campaign in a university coffee shop.
Students moving into rented accommodation, attending festivals and having BBQs are at an increased risk of CO poisoning. Lack of awareness of the risks of the colourless and odourless gas and how to prevent CO harm are major contributing factors to the number of CO-related deaths and injuries.
We’ve partnered with technical consultancy Egnida to create the campaign with a unique incentive scheme, creatively designed to engage and educate this hard-to-reach demographic.
Bespoke drinks coasters with QR codes have been placed in the main coffee shop at the University of Edinburgh campus.
After scanning the QR code with their smartphone, the student is taken to our campaign webpage to take part in a three-minute training course. The course uses augmented reality animations to explain the dangers of CO, how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning and what students can do to keep safe.
Students use their phone’s camera to scan a symbol printed on to the coaster, which transforms into a series of 3D models that appear as if they are on the table in front of them.
As a reward for completing the course, students receive a discount voucher to put towards a drink in the coffee shop where the coaster is located.
We’ve purposefully chosen this small, instant incentive to engage students with our campaign, rather than an opportunity to win a larger incentive, to engage time-poor students with our campaign at the point they see our coasters.
Dan Edwards, Social Impact Programme Lead at SGN, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to teach people about the dangers of CO.
“By making use of exciting technologies such as augmented reality, we’re hoping to break through to students and reach up to 5,000 young adults in Edinburgh to engage and educate them with potentially lifesaving information.”
The campaign is also available at the University of Birmingham, Sunderland University and Cardiff University campuses, run by gas distribution networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities respectively.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh sparkles like never before as Christmas at the Botanics kicks off the festive season in style. Visitors are invited to witness the Garden transformed by new installations and enchanting illuminations, bringing the beauty of plants to life.
Running for 35 nights on selected evenings from 21 November to 30 December, the trail has been designed and assembled to complement the Botanics’ existing landscape, with nearly 95% of the lights on the trail being LED.
With the return of Christmas classics, visitors can look forward to a stroll through the mesmerising Christmas Cathedral, the backdrop for many happy memories, and look out for Santa along the way.
With 80% of the trail revised for a fresh perspective of the Garden, new installations for 2024 include:
Sea of Light (Root Network): A large-scale installation covering the ground with thousands of individually controlled LED lights, reminiscent of the roots of trees and plants that twist and turn under the ground.
Robins: A sparkling flock of red, gold, bronze and orange robins evoke festive cheer as their sequined feathers shimmer in the breeze.
Pealit Tree: Thousands of tiny bright LED lights illuminate the Turner oak, Quercus turneri Pseudoturneri, one of the Garden’s mightiest trees and a country champion in Scotland for its remarkable girth.
Firework Trees: Vibrant bursts of light shoot through the tree branches, bringing the air to colourful life and all set to an atmospheric winter soundtrack.
The magical after-dark trail is not only an unmissable winter activity for families and friends but also allows visitors to support the Garden’s wider work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.
Ticket sales help fund the Botanics’ international plant research, conservation work and education programmes, strengthening its commitment to building a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “It’s my first Christmas at the Botanics as Director of Learning and Engagement, and I’m excited to share the experience with the public to bring to light the amazing stories about the Garden’s diverse collection of plants.
“The trail offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the important conservation work we do year-round. Each installation depicts a story about the inspiration taken from the natural world, encouraging visitors of all ages to think more deeply about protecting our planet.”
As many prepare for rising festive costs, the event offers an off-peak ticket as well as reduced-priced family tickets, making this the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet.
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now with visitors encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
‘As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world!’
British presenting duo, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are calling on people across Scotland to give children the gift of hope this Christmas by donating to Mary’s Meals’ appeal, Double The Love.
For a limited time, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of £1.1 million. Funds raised from the appeal will help the charity, which was founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, keep their promise of a daily nutritious meal to children living in the world’s poorest countries including Lebanon, Haiti and South Sudan as well as striving to reach the next hungry children, who are waiting for Mary’s Meals.
Dynamic duo Alison and Dermot are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of the campaign and are urging people to make a lasting impact to the lives of even more children this festive period.
The Double The Love appeal will support Mary’s Meals in its mission to serve daily meals to more than 2.4 million vulnerable children at school. These daily school meals not only satisfy hungry children but fuel their potential by removing a barrier to education, giving them the opportunity for a brighter future.
Alison, who presents British daytime show, This Morning, says: “As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world! By supporting the charity, you’re giving the little ones more than a meal, you’re fuelling their dreams and empowering their futures.
“During Double The Love, your donation will go further than ever before – just £19.15 feeds a child for an entire school year with Mary’s Meals but this festive season, you can feed two children for the same cost. There’s never been a better time to support this life-changing cause.”
Co-host Dermot adds: “Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive, and for many, that starts with a simple nutritious meal at school. This Christmas, a small act of generosity can make a big difference to those who need it most.
“Please support Double The Love and donate to Mary’s Meals, allowing your kindness to go twice as far. Together, we can transform the lives of many more desperately hungry children waiting for Mary’s Meals.”
Marie Doyle, Interim Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, is delighted that the presenters are backing the charity: “Who better to launch our Double The Love appeal than Britain’s much-loved presenting duo, Alison and Dermot! We are beyond grateful to have their support.
“Our school meals programme is needed now more than ever, as rising food prices, the impact of climate change, and ongoing conflicts make it even harder for children in the world’s most vulnerable communities to access a basic education.
“We know that 67 million children are out of school because hunger keeps them working or begging for food. Your donation this Christmas will help us ensure that children continue to receive life-changing meals and to grow our work so we can reach those children who are still waiting.”
Donate today to help Mary’s Meals unlock all the available funds. The gift matching will end once the charity reaches the £1.1 million total.
Sonia, a bright-eyed 10-year-old, and her 14-year-old sister, Babita, come from a humble family. Sadly a few years ago, their world was turned upside down when their father tragically passed away from Covid, followed closely by the loss of their grandmother.
Within a short span of time, the family faced a series of hardships.
Babita recalls: “Before, it was good. Father used to earn money, and I remember him encouraging me to learn and study.”
Sonia continues: “When he died, there was no rice, no food at home. For days, we did not eat. I felt sad, and the whole family went hungry.”
Recognising the family’s struggles, nuns at St Theresa School stepped in to offer support. The girls found some relief in the form of Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programme, serving a daily meal to every pupil attending the school. To provide Sonia with a more stable environment, their mother made the decision to send her to live at the convent school, while Babita travels home to help care for her other siblings.
For Babita, the school meals have become a crucial lifeline, helping to ease the burden food insecurity. At home, she often has only leftovers to eat so the nutritious school meal is vital, especially since she needs the energy to participate in the sports and games she loves.
While Sonia and Babita’s lives have taken different paths since the death of their father and grandmother – one living at the convent, the other at home – their connection remains strong. The meals they share at school bring them together each day, offering a moment to find comfort in each other’s presence.
By donating to Mary’s Meals during Double The Love, people can ensure that more young learners, like Sonia and Babita, are given the opportunity to grow up well-nourished and well-educated, equipped with the skills to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.
For a limited time only, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million.
In an online event, two former Members of the European Parliament (MEP) will debate whether Scottish independence or remaining in the UK is the best route to seeing Scotland regain its EU membership.
Entitled “Common Ground” the discussion, between former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, who was an SNP MEP, will see the politicians analyse how best to achieve Scotland’s return to the EU. They will also talk about the importance of cross-party working and why each believes their own preferred constitutional route is best for the country.
In the 2016 referendum that resulted in the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted 62% Remain. Every local authority district in Scotland recorded a Remain majority. Polls since then have shown that Scotland continues to be strongly pro-EU membership.
The Common Ground online debate is on Tuesday 5th December at 7pm.
Tickets for the event, which is free, can be booked at Eventbrite:
Common Ground is being hosted by the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the leading all-party group campaigning for a return to European Union membership. David Martin is president of EMiS and Alyn Smith a vice-president.
David Clarke, chair of EMiS says: “Alyn and David are passionate Europeans who share similar views about building an unstoppable momentum that sees us eventually rejoin the EU.
“They will discuss how that momentum is built and the competing claims of independence or union as the most likely route back to Europe.”
The European Movement is Scotland says the debate is “must see” event for everyone interested in Scotland’s European future and how pro-EU politicians from across the party divide can work together to achieve ever-stronger ties of trade, education, culture and friendship with our EU friends.
Right There, a charity dedicated to preventing homelessness, is pledging to Light the Way Home this year for the thousands of people it supports, and those it will support in the future. The Light the Way Home campaign is visiting Edinburgh this week where staff and volunteers are spreading festive cheer in the Gyle Shopping Centre.
The campaign was launched earlier this month by Scottish children’s writer Angela Proctor, who joined children for a Christmas party at the charity’s Glasgow headquarters to kick off the festive campaign.
Angela Proctor has recently spoken out about her distress over the number of children and young people faced with or experiencing homelessness in Scotland.
Angela Proctor said: “As an author, I have visited hundreds of schools across Scotland, and I can see how austerity is affecting children.
“The worst affected are our most vulnerable children, those without a permanent home having to deal with the uncertainty, worry and anxiety that constantly moving ‘home’ causes.
“I have seen first-hand the impact this has on children who are trapped in the housing crisis cycle, moving from one temporary abode to another. It impacts on their development and mental health, potentially reducing their future prospects which is why we need to put an end to homelessness in all its forms.”
Figures for the last year show that 3,261 households are considered homeless or at threat of homelessness in Edinburgh, this is the second highest in Scotland, behind Glasgow.
Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haughsaid: “For many, the essence of Christmas is found at home, where families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories.
“In Edinburgh there are thousands of individuals for whom this joy is unattainable. Many lack a place to call home, or if they do, it is fraught with challenges such as family breakdowns, financial hardships, substance use, or mental health issues.
“What millions take for granted is a distant dream for tens of thousands, and this Christmas, countless adults, young people, and children will face the day with a heavy heart.”
The Light the Way Home campaign represents something different for each person affected by homelessness, for some it will be physical bricks and mortar, and others it will be a sense of stability and peace in their current environment.
Janet Haughadded: “By raising awareness of Right There’s programmes in Edinburgh, we hope to provide a sense of security and stability not only for those we support now, but for many more in the future, while at the same time spreading some joyful Christmas spirit ahead of the festive season.”
The campaign will be on the road throughout November and December to spread festive cheer and awareness of Right There’s work.
None of us want our loved ones to be left with confusion or financial problems after we die – but that’s the stark reality many face. New figures show the majority of UK adults—67%, according to a recent poll by Will Aid—still do not have a Will in place. The consequences of not having this vital legal document extend far beyond financial difficulties and can lead to significant emotional stress for those left behind.
This year’s campaign highlights two areas where a lack of planning could lead to unexpected hardships for families.
First, a recent Will Aid survey uncovered that 68% of cohabiting couples are unaware that they have no automatic right to inherit from each other without a Will, regardless of how long they’ve been together or if they have children. This knowledge gap puts thousands of families at risk of unforeseen financial challenges if a loved one passes without their intentions clearly documented.
Equally urgent is the issue of digital legacy. With 42% of UK adults neglecting to address digital assets in their estate plans, many families may be left without access to important memories and vital information. Digital banking, social media accounts, and online photo storage have become an integral part of our lives, yet they are often overlooked when preparing a Will.
Fortunately, Will Aid offers a straightforward way for people to secure their legacy and protect those they care about. Each November, participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to prepare basic Wills, waiving their usual fees in exchange for a donation to Will Aid’s seven partner charities. These donations support much-needed work by Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF and Trócaire.
Solicitors are also providing virtual appointments, making it easier than ever for people to address these essential steps in securing their wishes. To find a solicitor and schedule an appointment, visit www.willaid.org.uk.
Through this simple step, people can help protect their families from unnecessary hardship while supporting some of the UK’s most loved charities.
