Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Lord Provost opens Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance

The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the city of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, led a special group of wreath-layers at the annual Opening Ceremony of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, at the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens yesterday (Monday, 20th October, 2025). 

Members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, attended the poignant event, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, to remember those who have fallen in conflicts, with more than 40 wreaths laid at a service which was also well attended by members of the public. 

Among those that joined Edinburgh’s Lord Provost was Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, who led the service, along with attendees from Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other dignitaries.

Music was provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as piper Eddie Molyneux, who led the wreath-layers into the garden. 

Commenting on the service, Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “This was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.

“The lovely weather certainly helped to draw out the crowds with so many people turning out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.” 

The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until the Armistice Day service on Tuesday, November 11 for visitors to pay their own tributes.

The opening event coincided with the launch of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal on the same day, whereby Scottish Rugby legend Chris Paterson attended Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh for a tour of the premises and to encourage people to donate and wear their poppy with pride this remembrance period.

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 go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Dobbies’ Pet Shop opens to meet demand in Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centre in Edinburgh is extending its pet offering to cater for the growing number of animal lovers in the city. From October, the Dobbies store at Lasswade will be home to ‘The Pet Shop’ a new area dedicated entirely to Edinburgh’s pets. 

Dobbies has seen significant growth of its pet products with sales up 10% in 2025. As a result, they’ve introduced a bespoke pet shop and also increased capacity at its much-loved and yearly sell-out Santa Paws experience to help meet anticipated demand for dog-themed Christmas events.  

The Pet Shop will feature an expanded product offering with the introduction of capsule brands, with the likes of Joules, FatFace and Disney providing doggy clothing to keep them warm through winter, improved accessories and toys for all pets to offer a broader choice, as well as trusted puppy training, travel and health products. 

Dogs will also be able to enjoy a new gourmet Pointer pick n mix counter, The Barking Bakery with pooch-friendly cupcakes and Ruffingtons artisanal dog doughnuts and eclairs, as well an impressive range of dried dog food and fresh frozen products from brands like Barking Heads, Pooch & Mutt, Boost Pet and Orijen. 

Dogs are welcome to come in and see The Pet Store for themselves and then enjoy a treat in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Customers can also take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.

There is even a spot at The Pet Shop where dogs can paws for a selfie with a seasonal backdrop.

Dobbies’ General Manager at the Edinburgh store, Jenna Bavidge said: “Our love for dogs continues to grow and more than ever people are dedicating both time and money to pampering their pets.

“We’ve seen a noticeable shift in shopping habits at our Edinburgh store, and we’re thrilled to have expanded and developed our ranges to meet this rising demand.”

Customers can explore Dobbies’ pet range in-store or online at www.dobbies.com.

Specsavers kick off local football team sponsorship

A LOCAL opticians has announced its ongoing commitment to the local community, by sponsoring a girls’ and women’s football team in Edinburgh with a three-figure sum.

Specsavers Gyle has contributed £800 to Boroughmuir Thistle FC football team, the largest girls’ and women’s football club in Scotland.

The monetary donation will be put towards the ‘purple pathway’ initiative – the journey and development of players as they progress through the youth academy to adult football, and the most comprehensive and inclusive female football pathway in Scotland.

The ‘purple pathway’ allows the club to continue providing weekly training and access to matches for more than 500 girls and women in and around Edinburgh.

Ian Hobson, store director at Specsavers Gyle, says: ‘We are thrilled to support Boroughmuir Thistle FC. Getting involved with this local team is a great way for us to give back to the community, and help young players develop both on and off the pitch.“

During each game, the ball girls will now wearing branded Specsavers bibs, which they proudly donned during the team’s recent 5-0 home win against St Johnstone.

Gavin Michie, Chair at Boroughmuir Thistle FC, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Specsavers Gyle for their generous support, it’s invaluable – we all couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead!’

Specsavers’ Gyle Centre is located at Unit 49-50 The Gyle centre, Edinburgh EH12 9JT, and is easily reachable by car, foot, or public transport.

For more information about the Specsavers Gyle store, visit:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/gyle or call 0131 317 7540.

Regulator finds serious financial mismanagement at charity which had more than 100 bank accounts

Former and current trustees at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International lacked oversight and control over charitable funds, a Charity Commission inquiry has found

The charity operates through a large network of individual branches and works to promote Christianity. 

The Commission opened an inquiry after financial concerns were identified, including the alleged misappropriation of charity funds. 

Key findings  

The inquiry found that the charity’s trustees could not demonstrate that they had adequate oversight or control over more than 100 bank accounts operated by individual branches of the charity, with charity money at risk across the organisation’s extensive network. 

As a result of serious concerns regarding the trustees’ ability to carry out their duties effectively, the Commission appointed an interim manager in 2019 to work alongside the remaining trustees to implement essential financial controls.  

Many of the charity’s financial issues stemmed from its complex structure, which had grown from a handful of branches to over 90 locations nationwide, without the corresponding governance improvements.  

Branches operated autonomously, opening bank accounts without central oversight and failing to report income in a timely manner. This created substantial risks to charitable funds and resulted in inaccurate financial reporting. 

Additionally, branch offices were making significant financial decisions, including property purchases and lease agreements, without trustee knowledge or authorisation. 

This lack of oversight by trustees led to financial losses for the charity – for example, some branches occupied property without first obtaining the necessary planning permission and one of which was subject to costly legal action by a council. Further losses arose because of the former and current trustees’ failure to regularise employment contracts which resulted in payments to settle employment disputes.  

Regulatory action 

As a result of its findings, the Commission took action to freeze the charity’s assets to prevent further loss. 

An interim manager was appointed to implement robust financial controls at the charity and to improve its governance.  

The interim manager was discharged in September 2024. The interim manager appointment was lengthy due to the complexity of the reform needed at the charity and the delays caused by legal proceedings. 

Following the completion of this work, the Commission issued an order directing the charity to follow a regulatory action plan concerning governance and policy changes. The Commission is now satisfied that the trustees have complied with the action plan.   

Amy Spiller, Head of Investigations at the Charity Commission said: “The rapid growth of a charity comes with correspondingly larger potential risks, as our inquiry clearly shows. 

“In this case, the trustees’ fundamental failure to maintain financial controls meant donor funds were at serious risk across their entire network. 

“Following the intervention of the Commission and the interim manager, the trustees were better able to implement essential reforms, meaning the charity can now operate effectively and focus on delivering its charitable objects.”

The full report can be found on GOV.UK. 

DynaMites and Dynamos Sensory Sessions at Dynamic Earth

THIS week, join us for special Seasonal Sessions of DynaMites and Dynamos – Dynamic Earth’s Sensory Sessions for under 6s where little ones and their grown-ups can discover and explore the natural world together!

Explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction.

🐛 DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 10am

🐝 Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 2.30pm

Find out more: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/whats-on/

Calling all Little Monsters: ALDI invites chldren in Edinburgh to get creative this Halloween

This Halloween, Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh to get creative by sharing their best pumpkin designs.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children aged 5–14 in Edinburgh to submit pictures of their spooktacular designs for the chance to win a Halloween-themed hamper filled with seasonal treats including frightfully fun crafts and deadly decorations.

Three winning designs from across the country will be chosen, including one in Scotland, England and Wales, with each receiving a hamper to share with friends and family in time for the spooky season.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “This competition is a brilliant way to spark children’s imagination and keep them entertained this Halloween.

“At Aldi, we love helping families come together to celebrate seasonal festivities and we can’t wait to see the amazing designs that children come up with – the spookier the better!”

Entries opened Tuesday 14th October 2025 and close Thursday 23rd October 2025. Parents and guardians can submit a photo of their child’s pumpkin via email to pumpkincompetition@aldi.co.uk.

For more information and T&Cs, visit https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-design-a-pumpkin-competition-the-competition/

Aldi has everything customers could need to celebrate this Halloween including a range of freakishly fun decorations and pumpkins from just 50p.

Drug-checking pilot announced

Dundee lab agreement as Glasgow licence approved

The University of Dundee has agreed to host Scotland’s first national testing and research laboratory for drug-checking, boosting efforts to cut drug-related harm and save lives. 

Part of a national pilot and backed by increased Scottish Government funding of more than £1.5 million, the site will analyse samples to help respond to emerging trends such as highly dangerous synthetic substances.

In addition, a proposal for a drug-checking service in Glasgow has been approved by the Home Office. Applications for similar services in Aberdeen and Dundee have been submitted to the Home Office, while a fourth facility in Edinburgh is working on its application. People will be able to submit drugs for testing and receive harm-reduction advice alongside the results.

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee will provide more complete analysis of samples from the local sites, giving vital information for the national early warning system.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The University of Dundee has a strong reputation for forensic science and reaching this agreement, along with the licence approval for the first drug-checking site, are vital steps in our National Mission on drugs.

“It is particularly important in light of the current dangers posed by new synthetic opioids like nitazenes which raise the risk of overdose and death. Often people who use drugs are not aware of exactly what they contain.

“That is why we have consistently impressed upon the UK Government the importance of giving drug-checking facilities the go-ahead.

“We will now work at pace with local partners in Glasgow and all the pilot cities to get these services up and running as soon as possible.”

LRCFS Director Professor Niamh Nic Daeid said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the Scottish Government’s National Mission to reduce drug-related deaths.

“The National Research and Testing Laboratory will provide information and research about the types of drugs circulating in Scotland that will inform colleagues and communities working to reduce drug deaths across the country.”

Glasgow City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services Councillor Allan Casey said: “We are delighted to have received notification of the Home Office licence approval, having worked on the application and alongside national partners for some time.

“The service will complement other harm-reduction services in operation across the city and provide an opportunity to engage people in conversations about their health and wellbeing, as well as treatment, care and recovery.”

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee

Police appeal for information following serious assault

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.

Around 3.30pm on Tuesday, 14 October, 2025 a 16-year-old boy was approached by two male-youths in Pentland View Park and seriously assaulted.

He was taken to hospital for treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The first male youth is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with short black hair and clean shaven, wearing a grey tracksuit. The second is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with short dark brown hair and clean shaven, wearing a black top and black shorts. Both are believed to be aged 17-18 years old.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

DC Beverley Burnside, Police Scotland, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and speak with officers.

“We are also appealing to anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage who was driving in the area at the time of the incident to see if they have captured anything that could assist with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2439 of 16 October, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

LEGO MRI Scanner Set Helps Reduce Anxiety and Sedation for Children at NHS Lothian

Young patients in NHS Lothian are preparing for MRI scans by playing with specially designed LEGO sets to help settle their nerves.

The innovative model, developed by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, has already supported over one million children globally. Designed to help young patients understand the MRI process through play, the set includes a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, scanning room, staff figures and medical accessories.

Positive results have already been seen at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and St John’s Hospital in Livingston, where staff have reported calmer, more confident patients.

Ivy, a five-year-old patient from Edinburgh, was introduced to the LEGO MRI Scanner model ahead of her second scan.

Her mum, Rachel, shared how the experience transformed Ivy’s hospital visit: “On the day of her second scan Ivy did really well and was even a bit excited!

“If we hadn’t played with the LEGO MRI model beforehand, I think she would have had a full meltdown and would no doubt have needed general anesthetic. Nobody wants their child to be put to sleep if you can avoid it.

“Ivy is a visual learner and loves LEGO bricks, so seeing and explaining the procedure through play was a game changer. It really helped her to understand what to expect, took away any nerves and made things go plain sailing.

“Coming into hospital can be a stressful experience, but playing with this model made our whole family feel more relaxed, calm and prepared.”

The LEGO MRI Scanner set is part of a global initiative to make hospital experiences less intimidating for children. Research from the LEGO Group shows that 96% of healthcare professionals using the set report reduced anxiety in children, and 46% say it has helped lower the need for sedation or general anesthesia.

Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director Women’s and Children’s, NHS Lothian said: “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of children in our care.

“The LEGO MRI Scanner set has been a fantastic tool for helping young patients feel more comfortable and confident ahead of their scans. It’s a simple but powerful way to support children and families during what can be a challenging time.”

The sets are donated to hospitals and are not available for sale. NHS Lothian received its model through the LEGO Group’s Social Responsibility programme, which partners with organisations such as Fairy Bricks and Starlight Children’s Foundation to distribute the sets worldwide.

For more information about the LEGO MRI Scanner initiative, visit:

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/sustainability/children/lego-mri-scanner