Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron has welcomed an increase in funding for affordable housing.
A rise in the Scottish Government’s ‘voids and acquisition’ fund, which will double in its second year, means Edinburgh will receive £28.6m, an additional £13.8m compared to 2024/25. This brings the total Scottish Government funding for affordable housing supply in Edinburgh to £73.7m in 2025/26.
The funding is targeted at councils with the highest sustained pressures on temporary accommodation and is focused on the acquisition of existing properties, in particular family-sized homes.
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “I warmly welcome this award of £73.7 million for Edinburgh from the Scottish Government and believe this funding recognises the pressures in Edinburgh in terms of acute housing demand and increased dependence and spend on temporary accommodation.
“Sadly, far too many families in Edinburgh continue to struggle to find affordable places to live and are living in temporary accommodation. This is why we are prioritising acquiring much-needed larger, family-sized homes for residents across the city, helping to reduce further the number of children living in unsuitable accommodation. This funding will go towards that.
“We’re also now fast approaching the two-year anniversary of declaring a housing emergency in Edinburgh, and whilst we are making every effort to deliver more new homes, housing supply simply isn’t meeting Edinburgh’s level of housing demand.
“Much more needs to be done, and much more money needs to come to Edinburgh.”
A mental health campaigner who devoted his career to helping men through difficult times has been named among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) Alumni Awards.
Ian Hounsome (above), who completed both an undergraduate degree and PhD at ENU, has been recognised with the Impact Award for his work with the charity Andy’s Man Club.
Formed in 2016 in honour of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at the age of 23, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide network of support groups for men to speak about their mental health.
Ian first attended a meeting in 2021 after fleeing an abusive relationship. He went on to volunteer for the charity, and is now area lead for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders.
Ian said: “I first came to Andy’s Man Club because I needed help. I was living in a one-bedroom homeless hostel with my teenage daughter and surviving off foodbanks. I was feeling very low.
“I had heard there was a group in Edinburgh for men to talk. I had no idea what it was called but I thought I’d go and have a look from the outside on the way to the pub to drown my sorrows.
“I showed up week after week and began to open up about my problems, and I realised that I was not alone. Understanding that other men have problems really helped me.
“I’m in a much better place now. I’m now clean and sober and have permanent housing with my daughter and we both work full time.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus is now one of dozens of venues that host Andy’s Man Club meetings every Monday evening. It provides men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.
The selection panel for the ENU Alumni Awards praised Andy’s willingness to inspire others through his own vulnerability and his efforts to break down social stigmas.
Ian added: “I’m humbled winning this award, but it’s also validating.I sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, but this shows that I am doing the right thing.
“However, from an Andy’s Man Club point of view, we’re rewarded every time a new guy shows up to a club. When someone turns up and it means they might not take their own life, that’s the best accolade.”
Ian will be presented with his award alongside fellow Alumni Award winners during a ceremony at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 6 November 2025.
Excellence Awards
The 2025 Alumni Awards will also recognise five leading Edinburgh Napier University graduates across fields such as biotechnology, product design and computer science – with each receiving an Excellence Awards.
Angela Scott was part of the history-making team that cloned Dolly the Sheep. Since graduating from ENU in 1992, she has worked on key stem cell projects, including cancer research and stroke treatment, and co-founded TC Biopharm.
Angela said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award because my time at Edinburgh Napier had a big impact. It was a stepping stone to a change in career path that allowed me to do so much more.”
Swapping Merchiston for Hollywood, Product Design alumni Jack Lennie has forged an impressive career in special effects working on a long list of blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and Wonder Woman.
Alongside his wife and fellow ENU alumnus Kate, he also produces the popular We Are Makers magazine and podcast.
Jack said: “It’s really cool because my wife nominated me without me knowing. I tell people all the time to stop and take stock of all the cool things you’ve done, but I have never done it myself until now.”
Ogochukwu Okoye is a kidney disease expert who completed her PhD at ENU in 2024 – and is now a Visiting Professor. She is the founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to support people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.
Ogochukwu said: “My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact.
“It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding.”
Advocate Bilaal Shabbir has achieved notable professional success since graduating from ENU in 2018.
After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023 – and is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket and padel.
Bilaal said: “It feels indescribably special because it’s a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”
Computing science teacher Toni Scullion used her passion for encouraging more girls into the subject to set up award-winning charity dressCode.
She is also co-founder of the Ada Scotland Festival, which champions gender balance in tech and computing.
Toni said: “I’m so overwhelmed. I left Edinburgh Napier with more than a degree – it changed the trajectory of my life.
“The University played such a big part in my journey and receiving this award feels like everything has come full circle.”
Rising Star Award
André Agius, a 2021 alumnus of ENU’s MFA Directing programme, has been named the winner of the, which recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate who is one to watch in their field.
André has already amassed a burgeoning stage CV – putting on shows in his home country for The National Theatre of Malta and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, a four-week run of Philip Ridley play Radiant Vermin in Brussels earned glowing reviews and standing ovations. This year has seen him direct Lysistrata at the Scottish Institute, followed by Chef which toured around Scotland. He is currently in rehearsals for Blood Wedding in Glasgow.
The Alumni Awards selection panel highlighted André’s outstanding career success so far, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Reacting to his award, André said: “I’m very grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for the training they provided me and it’s hugely satisfying as an alumnus to have your work recognised by your alma mater.
“It confirms that I’m going in the right direction.
“I feel like I’m hitting chapter 2 of my career, and this is a good opening sentence.
“The creative industries is an industry of rejection, but ‘no’ is not a closed door. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit somewhere else.
“I grew up watching National Theatre Live broadcasts at my local cinema, and it would be a dream to direct a show at the National in London. The Lyceum in Edinburgh also holds a special place for me – I did an internship there whilst studying at ENU.
“To have my name on a poster as director would be incredible.”
You can read more about all the 2025 Alumni Awards winners here.
UK motorists face £12 million in monthly clean air and low emission zone penalties
Over £627 million has been generated by Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in the UK
On average 200,000 fines are issued to motorists driving through these zones each month
Almost 8 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been issued in London since 2019
On average, UK cities have seen a 39% decrease in penalty charge notices since their introduction
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are designed to improve air quality, by charging drivers of high-polluting vehicles that enter into a specific area. London was the first city to introduce one of these zones, with a number of other cities following suit in recent years.
With this in mind, taxi insurance specialists ChoiceQuote aimed to determine the number of vehicles fined since the introduction of clean air and low emission zones, how much each council has fined drivers in this period and whether these zones are effectively deterring high-pollution vehicles from the area or motivating people to invest in low emission vehicles.
In total, over 11 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) have been issued by councils since their introduction of clean air and low emission zones. However on average, the number of PCN issued has decreased by 39% since their introduction which is encouraging to see.
The study analysed Freedom of Information data from Transport for London and local councils across the UK to identify which areas have issued the most fines and which have experienced the largest decreases in PCN since the introduction of the zones.
How many penalty charge notices have been issued by UK councils?
City
Total PCN
Total £
Avg Monthly PCNs
Avg Monthly £
Aberdeen
33,850
£5,015,160
2,821
£417,930
Birmingham
2,196,729
£100,766,280
47,755
£2,190,571
Bristol
1,045,013
£125,401,560
37,322
£4,478,627
Dundee
16,696
£2,282,340
1,284
£175,565
Edinburgh
51,015
£5,261,520
3,924
£404,732
Glasgow
72,100
£7,267,800
3,005
£302,825
London
7,814,614
£386,293,224
108,536
£5,365,184
Over £627 million has been generated by clean air and low emission zones throughout the UK, with almost 200,000 PCNs given out per month on average, amounting to over 11 million since the zones first began.
London launched its Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019, initially covering inner London, before, expanding to cover all 32 boroughs by 2023[1]. In its five years of operation the capital has received over £386 million in fines during this period, with over 108,000 penalty charge notices being issued each month to drivers.
Birmingham introduced its clean air zone in June 2021 and over a 48 month period, drivers in the city have received over 2 million fines, averaging out at nearly 48,000 per month. This equates to fines of over £100 million, or nearly £2.2 million per month.
Bristol Introduced its clean air zone in 2022 and has issued fines totalling over £125 million, or an average of £3.2 million per month. Despite receiving fewer fines overall, Bristol drivers pay £1.2 million more on average per month than drivers in Birmingham. This suggests a significant presence of repeat offenders in Bristol, which raises the average fine amount from £60 to up to £960.
Which cities have seen the biggest decrease in penalty charge notices?
City
% decrease in PCNs
Dundee*
52%
Edinburgh*
48%
Aberdeen*
35%
Glasgow**
35%
Birmingham**
33%
Bristol**
28%
(London data excluded due to expansion of ULEZ in 2021 and 2023 inflating figures)
* % decrease since the introduction of CAZ and LEZs **Yearly average decreases in number of PCNs
On average, there has been a 39% drop in the number of PCNs handed out to motorists, as more drivers either avoid clean air and low emission zones entirely, or upgrade to compliant vehicles.
Since Dundee implemented its low emission zone in June 2024, the city has experienced a 52% reduction in PCNs. In June 2024, 2,117 charges were issued, with this number dropping to 1,014 by June 2025.
While the number of PCNs issued has decreased by over half, the amount fined has increased by £31,320 to £167,160 in June 2025. This is due to an increasing number of drivers being charged a higher fine for driving through the zone multiple times.
Edinburgh has experienced the second most significant decrease in PCNs. The Scottish capital issued 6,039 fines issued in June 2024, compared to just 3,157 in June 2025.
Aberdeen has seen a 35% reduction in PCNs issued since June 2024. Initially, 3,751 fines were issued in June 2024, but by May 2025, this number had decreased to 2,437. Notably, in May 2025, only 1,727 vehicles were caught driving through low emission zones for the first time, compared to 3,387 vehicles in June 2024.
However, 262 vehicles received their fifth fine within a 12-month period, resulting in a fine of £960, significantly higher than the £60 penalty for a first-time offence.
Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at insurance broker ChoiceQuote, comments:“It’s positive to see that the introduction of low emission and clean air zones within UK cities is working in minimising the amount of high polluting vehicles travelling through congested areas.
“In some areas the number of fines issued has reduced by half! These zones have influenced driving habits, not only by prompting drivers to avoid certain areas but also by encouraging investment in more environmentally friendly vehicles.
“Data indicates that while a high number of people were charged in the first month of low emission and clean air zone introductions people are now aware of which roads to avoid if their vehicle is not compliant. However, if you are visiting a city for the first time is can be tricky to navigate which roads you can and can’t travel on.
“Motorists are advised to look out for signs indicating the boundaries of clean air and low emission zones within a city and do their research on whether their vehicle is compliant before making any journeys through these zones.
“If you are a Google or Apple Maps user, these apps will provide you with alternative routes to avoid restrictions so it’s important to always pay attention and plan your route before setting off on your journey.”
Rugby legend and ambassador Chris Paterson has officially launched the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The former Scotland player visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh for a tour of the historic premises and to find out about Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces community.
Now a specialist coach and TV commentator, Chris remains Scotland’s international rugby points record holder (809) and gained 109 caps for his country. He is a long-term supporter of Poppyscotland, wearing his poppy with pride during Remembrance.
He also hosts Scottish Rugby’s annual Remembrance memorial at Murrayfield and was honoured to be asked to help launch the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Chris said: “Life in the Armed Forces comes with unique challenges during and after service, and Poppyscotland is there every step of the way – helping our Armed Forces community and their families whenever and wherever they need support.
“Your donation helps make a life-changing difference, whether the issue is housing, health, finances, or making the transition to civilian life. Your poppy shows you care – that’s why I’m wearing my poppy from now right throughout Remembrance, and I’m asking you to please do the same.”
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “A huge thank you to Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson for supporting this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“By making a donation and wearing a poppy, you help deliver real, lasting support to veterans, those still serving, and their families.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than two million poppies already being distributed around the country.
All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue to provide life-changing support and advice. People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
A new survey has found that parents in Edinburgh are struggling to keep up with their children’s growing digital know-how, with 38% admitting they’d benefit from heading back to school themselves to brush up on their skills.
The research, commissioned by laptops specialist AO.com, revealed almost half (44%) of parents living in Edinburgh think their children or grandchildren already know more about technology than they do.
And 24% said they’d even consider going to TikTok classes to learn how to use the social media platform and keep up with their kids.
The findings highlighted a clear digital divide across generations, with parents increasingly leaning on their kids to navigate laptops, apps and online platforms.
The data also showed that across the UK, 1 in 2 (53%) of adults believe their tech skills are less than competent, average, below average or ‘in need of serious help’.
And one in ten UK adults went as far as saying they feel ’embarrassed’ by their lack of tech skills.
Nick Bunce, Computing expert at AO.com, said: “Parents shouldn’t feel embarrassed or defeated when it comes to technology – it’s moving so quickly and it’s impossible to know everything.
“At this time of the year, when children have been going back to school and other young people have college and university to think about, we see a huge increase in demand for new tech such as laptops, iPads and other items. But inevitably, that brings some challenges as people get to grips with new devices and integrate them into their daily lives.
“It can be reassuring to remember that lots of families are in the same boat, so parents should instead see this as a chance to learn alongside their children. Picking up new skills together can be a brilliant way to make that transition easier, whether it’s mastering laptops, navigating apps, or simply finding quicker ways of doing everyday tasks.”
With fireworks season fast approaching (it’s arrived already in Drylaw! – Ed.) , the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued top tips to help owners protect their pets and livestock from possible injury and distress in the run up to Diwali (20 October), Bonfire Night (5 November) and New Year’s Eve.
Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.
Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some.
Each year, vets across the UK see animals with firework-related injuries at this time of the year. By far the most commonly reported cases are self injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture or fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields.
The debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:“While fireworks displays can be fun for some of us, they can be extremely traumatic for pets, farm animals, wildlife and animals in zoos. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries caused as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns.
“You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape.
“Longer-term treatment options can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience. If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, you should contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatments that may be appropriate for your pet.”
BVA suggests ten top tips to help pet owners and livestock keepers prepare animals as fireworks season approaches:
Talk to your vet to discuss treatment options for fireworks-induced stress. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.
Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.
Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.
Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.
Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.
If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.
Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.
Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.
If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.
Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.
BVA continues to call on Government to introduce stricter regulations around the sale and use of fireworks. On 12 November, the Fireworks Impact Coalition, of which BVA is a member, will hold an event in parliament hosted by Sarah Owen MP to lobby MPs for changes in the law to better take account of the impact of fireworks on both people and animals.
Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Black Workers’ Conference being held in Glasgow on 18 and 19 October.
Usdaw has contributed to two composite motions: firstly, seeking to stop the far right, standing against hate and division; and secondly, to improve workplace rights and protections for workers, recognising that Black workers are disproportionately over-represented in insecure jobs characterised by low pay, short and zero-hours contracts, and experience high levels of discrimination and harassment, and low levels of union organisation.
Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says:“Major challenges lie ahead for the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement and trade unions have a crucial role in creating a fairer and more equal society.
“The growth of the far right is a threat to all progressive movements — not least the Trade Union movement. It is being fuelled by the demonisation of refugees and migrants. We cannot allow them to attack those who are the most vulnerable, fleeing persecution and war.
“The TUC has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the far right and amplify the voices of the anti-racist majority, giving this work the high priority it demands.
“We welcome the Employment Rights Bill and its focus on rebalancing the economy, strengthening union organising and extending collective bargaining, which will help promote racial justice and tackle inequality.
“The surest way to defeat grievance politics is to improve jobs, raise living standards, while investing in public services and communities.”
Mum encourages others to follow their nursing dream
A 42-year-old mum-of-two who raised her children largely on her own and overcame her doubts to become a nurse, is encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams.
And she has just one message: “Never give up.”
Jaspreet Deerhe, 42, from Bishopbriggs, is one of more than 500 newly qualified nurses and midwives to join NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in the past few weeks – and she hopes her story can be an inspiration to others who find themselves in her position.
Jaspreet moved from the USA when she was a teenager and married young. She had two sons and she worked in care as the boys grew up.
But all the time she knew she wanted to do more, and as her marriage ended she decided to take the plunge.
“I wanted to work in healthcare,” she said, “but my confidence wasn’t great as I’d been out of education for a long time.”
But those doubts didn’t stop her – first she completed an access course at college and then it was off to university.
“It was strange at first – in fact some of my fellow students were younger than my children. I was shocked at how important computers had become and I often felt out of my depth – but I was certain this was the place I needed to be,” Jaspreet said.
“There’s no pretending that it wasn’t hard work. There were times when I thought I couldn’t do it – when others said I wouldn’t manage – but I didn’t give up.
“All I knew was I wanted to help people. I needed to make a difference to people’s lives, and that kept me going when things got tough.”
Jaspreet – or Jazz as her new NHSGGC name badge, worn proudly on her Staff Nurse uniform, says – now works in Ward 20/21 rheumatology/acute medicine at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and all her struggles have paid off.
“All I can say to anyone who’s in my position, and maybe thinks they can’t manage it, is please, have courage. If you can push yourself, you can make it.
“You might doubt yourself and tell yourself you’re not capable. Others might say you can’t do it.
“But please, don’t give up. Have confidence in yourself, and keep going.
“You can do it – like I did!”
NHSGGC welcomes nurses of all ages and all backgrounds – and Professor Angela Wallace, Nurse Director at NHSGGC, thinks Jazz’s story shows that nursing can be a rewarding career for everyone.
She said: “I would like to welcome all our newly qualified nurses and midwives to the NHSGGC family.
“As Jazz’s story makes clear, age is no barrier to becoming a nurse, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they can make a positive contribution to this wonderful profession, to take the plunge and, as Jazz says, go for it.”
For more about this year’s intake of newly qualified nurses and midwives, go to the NHSGGC website.
A year on from its acquisition by National Museums Scotland, initial conservation work has revealed exceptionally rare silver-coloured objects in one of the most significant hoards ever discovered in Scotland.
Dating to 1000–800 BCE, the Peebles Hoard comprises over 500 unusual bronze and organic objects and components, many without archaeological parallel anywhere in the world.
The defining technological characteristic of the Bronze Age is the widespread use and production of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin that is usually a deep golden colour. Conservation of the Peebles Hoard has revealed rare silver-coloured objects from an era when silver was unknown.
Analysis at the National Museums Collection Centre revealed the colour is the result of high levels of tin on the surface. This is thought to be the product of a deliberate enrichment technique by highly skilled craftspeople.
The hoard was discovered by a metal detectorist in the Scottish Borders in 2020 and allocated to National Museums Scotland through the Treasure Trove legal process in 2024. It was extracted from the ground in a single block and excavated under laboratory conditions at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh.
The bronze objects emerged encrusted with earth and green copper patina. After months of careful preparatory work to stabilise, assess and document the material in the hoard, conservators are painstakingly removing thousands of years of dirt and corrosion to reveal the spectacular lustre of the original surface.
It is estimated that it will take three years to complete the conservation of this exceptional Bronze Age discovery.
Bethan Bryan, Peebles Hoard Conservator at National Museums Scotland, said: “Working on the conservation of the Peebles Hoard is a rare privilege and definitely a career highpoint.
“As well as removing dirt and corrosion it is essential that we preserve as much precious organic material as possible for future research. Getting to this point has been a challenging and incredibly time-intensive process, but the moment the silvery surface began to emerge was magical, a secret revealed after 3000 years.”
The use of many of the objects in the hoard is yet to be discovered but it is believed that some may have adorned a horse or wooden vehicle. The tin-enriched decoration would have added to its impact, signifying high status and wealth through exquisite craft.
Efforts to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard are ongoing.
Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Peebles Hoard is truly a one-of-a-kind discovery, and I have never seen anything like the stunning, silver-coloured finish of these Bronze Age objects. They almost glow.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors we are making significant progress. However, there is more to be done to prevent further deterioration of these fragile objects and continue our research to uncover more of the Hoard’s secrets.”
Conservation of the Peebles Hoard is supported by The Leche Trust, the Pilgrim Trust and a group of private trusts and individual donors.
