The walks are designed for people who have experienced loss in the past two years, and are gentle, creative strolls designed especially for those navigating grief.
Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection, and connection.
Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.
Extra funding for the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund
An additional 100 offshore oil and gas workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into the sustainable energy sector – following a £450,000 increase in Scottish Government funding.
The funding has been awarded to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, a joint Scottish Government and UK Government initiative, in response to demand from oil and gas workers. It means that over this financial year, at least 300 oil and gas workers in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire will be able to access careers advice and funding for training to move into sustainable energy roles.
More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the future.
The funding comes as the First Minister opened Scotland’s largest energy transition skills hub in Aberdeen, which will support 1000 people from the North East and beyond into roles in sustainable energy.
This week is Scotland’s Climate Week.
Climate Action Secretary @GillianMSP highlights the importance of celebrating what has already been done.
Together, we can protect our environment, strengthen our economy and build a safer future for the next generation.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Today marks the beginning of Scotland’s Climate Week, which gives us a chance to recognise how the skills, experience and expertise of Scotland’s valued oil and gas workers are essential to delivering a fair and managed energy transition.
“This additional funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector.
“The North East has long been a titan in the oil and gas industry and it is only right we support the talented and skilled workforce to move into new roles in the evolving sustainable energy sector.”
Business confidence in Scotland fell 20 points to 39% in September
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell 20 points to 45%, while optimism in the economy dipped 18 points to 34%
Overall UK business confidence dipped 12 points in September to 42%.
Business confidence in Scotland fell 20 points during September to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 20 points at 45%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 18 points to 34%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 59% in August).
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (44%), evolving their offering, for example by launching new products or services (39%) and introducing new technology (30%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence fell 12 points in September to 42%.
Firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects fell 12 points to 51%, and their optimism in the wider economy fell 11 points to 33%.
The North East of England was the most confident UK nation or region in September, climbing 13 points to 68%, followed by London (57%).
Sector insights
Firms across manufacturing, construction, retail and services all saw confidence fall this month. The biggest change was in manufacturing with a decline of 31 points to 31%, a two-year low. Retail sentiment fell 17 points to 40%, its lowest level in four months.
Similarly, confidence in the service sector fell six points to 47%, the lowest reading since April. Construction continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month, dropping 5 points to 35%.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in confidence, Scottish firms remain focused on growth – planning to invest in their people, evolve their products and services, and explore new technologies.
“As we head into the busy festive trading period, we’ll continue to support businesses across Scotland as they take the next steps in their strategies.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “While increased market volatility earlier in the month may have impacted confidence, levels of trading prospects and economic optimism remain above their long-term averages.
“Businesses may find reassurance that the Bank of England is expected to reduce interest rates further in the next six months, while long-term global bond yields have calmed which, if sustained, may have a positive impact on businesses as we move into the last few months of the year.”
Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business and Commercial said: “While business confidence has returned to levels seen earlier in the year, a range of metrics remain well above the long-term average.
“Businesses still have opportunities ahead, whether that be upskilling their workforce, evolving their products or exploring new markets.”
Bookings go live today, Tuesday, 30th September for Edinburgh Leisure’s latest Mind & Body Event, a full-day celebration of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Taking place on Saturday, 25th October at Meadowbank Sports Centre, this special event invites both members and non-members to explore the variety of mind/body classes available across Edinburgh Leisure venues.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a moment of calm, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can choose from energising sessions in Studio 1 or calming, restorative classes in Studio 2 and the Cycle Studio, with expert instructors guiding each experience.
Classes include:
Studio 1 – Higher Energy
09:00 – Fitness Pilates (Sterenn L)
10:15 – Shapes: Pilates & Barre Conditioning (Alex S & Krista B)
11:15 – Pilates (Kris F)
12:30 – M1ND: Unwind (Sara K)
Studio 2 – Slow It Down
08:00 – Hatha Yoga: Restorative Flow (Simone B)
09:00 – Vinyasa Yoga: Energy Flow (Cat P)
10:15 – Body Balance (Mari A)
Cycle Studio
11:15 – Ashtanga Yoga: Strength Flow (Mark S)
12:30 – Yin Yoga: Unwind (Zosia R)
Additional classes are still to be confirmed, promising even more opportunities to explore what moves you.
All classes are just £5.25 for non-members and are free for Edinburgh Leisure Members. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious, this is your chance to try something new in a welcoming, relaxed space.
Book via the Edinburgh Leisure app or on the website from 30th September and join Edinburgh Leisure for a day of movement, mindfulness, and feel-good energy.
Guidance to help schools support transgender children and young people has been updated.
The refreshed guidance takes account of recent court decisions while also providing greater clarity for schools on provision of toilet facilities and support for pupils.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has made clear it accepts the Supreme Court ruling and since April has been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling. That work is ongoing.
“The rights of all children and young people must be respected in our schools. We have brought forward updates to guidance to provide clarity and confidence to teachers and staff as they work to support the mental, physical and emotional health of transgender young people in our schools following recent significant legal and policy developments.”
Starmer statement on the new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza:
‘The new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.
‘We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately.
‘We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality. Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.
‘Together with our partners, we will continue work to build consensus to put into place a permanent ceasefire. We are all committed to a collective effort to end the war in Gaza and deliver a sustainable peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in safety and security.’
Research released by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity ahead of its Big Brew Up in October encourages Scots to share a ‘wee cup of tea’ in support of the Armed Forces community.
New research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity confirms that people in Scotland enjoy a cuppa, with 81% confirming they take a wee cup of tea.
More than half (59%) of Scottish tea drinkers agree that a cup of tea makes having hard conversations easier. But despite this, nearly a quarter of Scots (24%) say they never have a hot drink and a natter with others.
SSAFA has released the insight ahead of its Big Brew Up, taking place throughout October, which invites people in communities across the UK to come together and share a cup of tea while supporting the Armed Forces community.
A “Brew Up” is a term used across the military for coming together for a quick pause over a cup of tea, which is recognised as an important ritual among Armed Forces personnel. Most serving military personnel and veterans that have been involved in a brew up agree that they are important for morale and camaraderie during service (75%) and it makes them feel closer to home (66%).
While a Brew Up is a longstanding pillar of Armed Forces culture, nearly three quarters of Scots (74%) have had a positive experience as a result of a brew up.
Almost a third (32%) reported feeling calmer afterwards, a quarter (28%) said they felt more connected to the person they had the Brew Up with. Nearly a quarter (23%) said that the Brew Up helped them check in on the other person’s wellbeing.
It’s also backed by science, with research showing that simply holding a warm drink can unconsciously make us feel warmer towards others.
Dan Thwaites, co-founder at Capuchin Behavioural Science, explains: “Holding a cup of tea can create what psychologists call embodied cognition.
“One study by Williams and Bargh1 showed that the physical warmth of the drink can unconsciously translate into emotional warmth – which probably explains why having a cuppa makes us feel warmer towards the people we are with.”
Amy Bartlett, Head of Volunteer Operations at SSAFA, said: “In the military, the Brew Up is a morale booster and stress reliever. It strengthens bonds, particularly on deployment or after tough days.
“At SSAFA, a Brew Up is often the starting point of offering support. Our volunteers and employees build rapport by sharing a simple cuppa when they first meet a member of our Armed Forces family who needs some support. It can often help to bring people together.
“We’d love to see people across Scotland host and attend Big Brew Up events this October, raising funds to help us support serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families, so they never battle alone.”
Wonky fruit, farm-to-glass gin and border-crossing spirits; guilt-free cocktails are set to shake up Edinburgh Cocktail Week this October, with 100% electric train operator Lumo helping festival-goers raise a glass to sustainability and arrive smoothly not shaken.
Running from 3rd to the 12th October 2025, the UK’s biggest cocktail festival is set to welcome more than 25,000 visitors across the city.
This year, sustainability is firmly on the menu thanks to Lumo, the official travel partner of the festival, which offers relaxed, 100% electric train services between Edinburgh, Newcastle, London and, from December, Glasgow Queen Street. Thousands of revellers can swap motorways and short-haul flights for a greener journey direct into the heart of the celebration.
Lumo will also host a special sustainable cocktail reception during the week, showcasing innovative suppliers including:
Flawsome! Drinks, the B Corp brand transforming surplus and “wonky” fruit into refreshing juices which are already served on Lumo trains
Blowin’ Free Gin, an Ayrshire farm-to-glass start-up distiller
Ad Gefrin, the award-winning Northumberland whisky and gin distillery reviving a centuries-old tradition in Northumberland in the North East of England
To mark the partnership, passengers on a recent Lumo journey between Newcastle and Edinburgh were surprised with cocktails and mocktails mixed onboard by an expert mixologist, bringing a taste of the festival to the 125mph train service.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access (Lumo), said: “We’re proud to be back supporting Edinburgh Cocktail Week for 2025, not just as the official travel partner but as a champion of sustainability and collaboration.
“Festivals like this showcase the very best of Scotland’s hospitality, tourism and creativity, and we want to make sure people can enjoy them in the greenest way possible.
“From our 100 percent electric trains to our partnerships with socially conscious suppliers, Lumo is committed to making sustainable choices more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring.”
Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week,added: “This year’s festival promises to be bigger, greener and more inclusive than ever, with more than 120 bars, masterclasses and pop-ups across the city.
“Having Lumo onboard as our official travel partner makes it easier than ever for cocktail lovers across the UK to be part of it without racking up an environmental hangover. I’m particularly excited about Lumo’s sustainable drinks reception, which brings together some brilliant suppliers from Scotland and beyond.”
Karina Sudenyte, Co-Founder and CMO of Flawsome! Drinks, said:“We’re very proud that our sustainable drinks are available for Lumo customers and particularly delighted to be supporting this fabulous event in Edinburgh.
“We’ll make sure that the cocktails on offer will not only be delicious, but also crafted from wonky and surplus fruit to prevent food waste.”
Elaine Borland, Owner of Blowin’ Free Gin,said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for a small business like mine.
“The Lumo team have been hugely supportive, and I can’t wait to see our gin showcased at one of Scotland’s biggest celebrations.”
Jordan Rutherford, Spirit Sales Manager at Ad Gefrin,commented: “To be part of Edinburgh Cocktail Week is unbelievable for us.
“We’re Northumberland’s first legal whisky distillery in over 200 years, and working with Lumo gives us a fantastic platform to share our story.”
With guilt-free cocktails and guilt-free travel, Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 proves that the best journeys and the best experiences can go hand in hand with protecting the planet.
Lumo is also proud to announce that it’s the prestigious sponsor of the Net Zero Champion Award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, which take place in February 2026.
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9 to Monday 13 October in its Edinburgh store.
Dobbies launches its Christmas shop on Thursday 9 October, with a special evening event from 5pm-7pm giving customers at the Edinburgh store the chance to get a head start on their shopping as the garden centre unveils its highly anticipated festive trends, with something to suit every budget and every style.
From indoor and outdoor lighting, trees, beautiful baubles and homewares, to houseplants, great value gifts for everyone on your list, you can experience Christmas in every sense at Dobbies.
Special offers launch on the evening of Thursday 9 October, and will then be available in-store across the event weekend. If customers sign up to attend the evening event at dobbies.com, they will receive a £5 off £25 and £10 off £50 voucher to use on Thursday 9 October at the Edinburgh store, alongside the chance of winning £1,000 worth of Christmas items for a shopping spree in store.
The offers include 30% off Christmas decorations, including pack baubles and 30% off 5-7ft Oslo trees, buy one get one half price on Amaryllis Christmas Star bulbs and 20% off cushions, throws and rugs, alongside 20% off ARRAN Sense of Scotland home and body products, perfect for adorning the home for the festive season or gifting.
Local community groups and schools have been invited to perform on the evening of Thursday 9 October, to help bring the Christmas spirit to life, and customers can also enjoy product tastings from the foodhall and in-store Bakery to Go, where available.
The Edinburgh store will be hosting a pop up experience with IND!E on the launch evening of Thursday 9 October, giving customers the chance to shop artisanal products from the local area. J Dobie Photography and Seilich will be in the Edinburgh store.
Customers at the Edinburgh store can also support Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK throughout the weekend with fundraising activities, including raffles and donation buckets.
If customers would like to further their support Alzheimer’s Research UK, Dobbies has a limited-edition Sensory Garden 15 bulbs collection which contains a selection of colourful and fragrant bulbs, designed to create a captivating sensory garden, priced at £15.
Five pounds from each pack sold will be donated to the charity. The Edinburgh store will have demonstration stations on Thursday night at 5pm and 6:15pm where customers can learn about this new charity bulb, get tips on how to plant them and take care of them from bulb to bloom.
Throughout the weekend, customers can enjoy the new seasonal menu for autumn and winter in the Edinburgh restaurant, which will be open until 6.30pm on Thursday 9 October. With hearty dishes, classic light lunches and scrumptious specials, sweet drinks and warming hot drinks, there is plenty to enjoy across the Christmas Launch Weekend.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, said: “Christmas is such a special part of the Dobbies’ calendar, and we pride ourselves in creating a magical experience for everyone who visits.
“Christmas Launch Weekend marks the official launch of the season in our Edinburgh store and is a fantastic opportunity to get a head start and stock up on some savings, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and getting into the festive spirit.”
The Christmas Launch Weekend kicks off on Thursday 9 October, from 5-7pm, with free tickets available to book at www.dobbies.com
The launch weekend continues until Monday 13 October, at all stores, during normal trading hours.
