An afternoon of enterprise, employability support and inspiring local stories!
Join us on Wednesday 9 September, 11.30am – 3pm at North Edinburgh Arts for a warm, welcoming afternoon of enterprise and employability support, practical advice, and inspiring stories from local entrepreneurs.
Everyone’s welcome, drop in for all of it, or just the parts that interest you.
What to expect:
Wednesday 9 September
11.30am – 12.00pm
Welcome tea and coffee, Local Makers’ Market and information stalls from Business Gateway, Capital City Partnership, Elevator, and Firstport
12.00pm – 1.15pm
Screening of ‘Create Community Wealth’ documentary film followed by a short discussion led by filmmaker, Bob Winton
1.15pm – 2.00pm
Lunch (soup and sandwiches) and a chance to chat, meet new people and find out more about support available
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Panel discussion focused on practical guidance, honest reflections, and real-life experiences of starting and developing projects, businesses and social enterprise
This event is being delivered by North Edinburgh Arts in partnership with Business Gateaway, Capital City Partnerships and Firstport.
2 in 5 employers are unaware of new sexual harassment law changes that take effect in October
A new survey from workplace expert, Acas, found that over two in five employers (41%) are unaware of new legal changes they must adopt to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens the law on sexual harassment from 30 October 2026 when employers will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their organisation.
In preparation for the new changes, Acas encourages employers to take proactive steps now to prevent sexual harassment such as reviewing and updating existing policies, assessing and managing risk, and providing meaningful training.
The YouGov poll asked British businesses about whether they were aware of the new change. The survey found 41% were unaware while 59% were aware.
Acas has updated its advice on sexual harassment at work to help prepare employers for the new changes. The updates also reflect an upcoming new law change of organisations being liable for third party harassment such as from customers or the public unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said: “Most employers are up to speed on upcoming new responsibilities to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work but it’s concerning that 2 in 5 bosses are not.
“Next month employers could also be liable if customers or members of the public harass their staff too.
“Acas has updated its advice in this area, which outlines how employers will be impacted and can keep within the law.”
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can happen to men, women and people of any sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, another sex or anyone of any sexual orientation.
Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Feeling safe from sexual harassment in the workplace should be the absolute bare minimum.
“The Employment Rights Act is delivering the biggest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation. With new measures taking effect in October, employers should act now to prepare for the changes and stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace for good.”
Currently, employers could be liable if a worker is harassed by another worker. In October 2026, the new law change means employers could be liable if the harassment is from a third party too unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
A third party can be anyone in contact with workers who do not work for their organisations such as clients, customers, members of the public or people at conferences or events.
Employers must consider practical prevention measures that suit their organisations. This can include clear policies, staff briefings, signage for customers, security measures or reviewing supplier and customer contracts.
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, said: “No one should have to endure harassment at work. Our Employment Rights Act puts workers’ safety first by making sure bosses take all reasonable steps to prevent this behaviour.
“Workplaces should be a place to thrive, not fear, and I encourage all employers to study their responsibilities and start preparing now for these changes.”
NSPCC’s Read, Write, Relationships campaign says children in Scotland are missing out on vital learning which could protect them from abuse
MSP has lodged a parliamentary motion to call for all children and young people across Scotland to have guaranteed access to consistent and relevant Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education.
The NSPCC, young people and partner organisations gathered outside Scottish Parliament on Thursday to urge the Government to act now to ensure every child receives the relationships education they need to stay safe.
This move was part of the charity’s ‘Read, Write, Relationships’ campaign, which it launched due to the patchy delivery of Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education across Scotland.
This week Scottish Green Party MSP, Laura Moodie, lodged a parliamentary motion, with cross party support, calling on ministers to guarantee all children and young people in Scotland have access to high-quality healthy relationships education. And on Tuesday, First Minister John Swinney made a commitment in the Programme for Government to tackling violence against women and girls.
On Thursday, campaigners outside Holyrood held a giant school timetable with a glaring gap to highlight that this crucial learning was still not guaranteed for every child in Scotland.
The charity also delivered Back to School packs to MSPs explaining why action is urgently needed and outlining the campaign’s calls for change.
The NSPCC launched the campaign last December following extensive engagement with young people across Scotland through its local campaigns work with a variety of partners including Young Women Know and the Scottish Youth Parliament. [WA1]
Many young people told the charity that the RSHP education they received was inconsistent, outdated and failed to reflect the realities of growing up today.
Ruth (15) a member of the NSPCC Young People’s Board for Change, said: “All children and young people should have access to education about healthy relationships because, without it, they may enter abusive or unhealthy relationships and not realise that this behaviour is unacceptable or harmful.”
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Influencing Campaigns Manager, said: “Every child deserves the knowledge and skills to recognise healthy relationships, spot harmful behaviour and stay safe, both online and offline. Yet right now, whether a young person receives that education can depend on which school they attend.
“Young people have told us clearly that what they’re being taught is, too often, inconsistent, out of date and disconnected from the challenges they face today. That simply isn’t good enough.
“While ministers delay, children are missing out on learning that could help protect them from abuse and navigate relationships safely.
“Healthy relationships education should be treated with the same importance as reading and writing. We’d like to see the Scottish Government act now to make high-quality RSHP education a right for every child, regardless of where they live or go to school.”
A YouGov poll commissioned by the NSPCC found that over two-thirds (67 per cent) of adults in Scotland believe that RSHP education should be made compulsory, while one in four believe it does not currently help children understand online abuse.
Scotland is now the only nation in the UK where this crucial area of education is not underpinned by a legal requirement. Although RSHP sits within Curriculum for Excellence, schools have discretion over what is taught and when, resulting in significant variation in children’s experiences.
NSPCC Scotland wants to see a stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education in line with the UN Conventions of the Rights of the Child and is calling on the Scottish Government to legislate to make it a guaranteed entitlement.
The charity is also calling for the introduction of clear national practice-based guidance, dedicated funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers, and robust monitoring by Education Scotland to ensure consistent delivery across the country.
People can sign a petition to support Read, Write, Relationships, by visiting: NSPCC
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Adults who are concerned about a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Funding has been secured for a multi-cultural and inclusive community project to stitch a wildlife map of Granton. Spearheaded by Tamsin Grainger, Community Artist, and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, this project welcomes involvement from those interested in nature, beginners and experienced stitchers.
Creating a citizen map, the Granton Nature Map will represent the plants, animals, insects and birds of the area and those which featured in participants’ lives before moving here. Using found materials where possible, the finished wall hangings will feature embroidery by local people of all ages and nationalities, New Scots and local residents.
There are three key aspects of the project: Nature walks; visits to the National Galleries Artworks and The Palestine Museum to be inspired by Scottish and Palestinian artists and craftspeople; and Stitching Circles. Events will be held geographically across wider Granton, and at a range of days, dates, and times in order to try to be as accessible as possible. All activities are free of charge.
Nature walks will be held over the next few months, including Sunday 6th September 2pm meeting at the Granton Community Garden gate; Thursday 24th September 5.30pm meeting at Wardie Bay. Each will last an hour.
Stitching Circles will be held at a variety of venues, starting with September 7th at Granton Library 6 – 7.30pm (drop-in); and Granton Community Garden on Wednesday 9th September 1.30 – 3pm (outdoors, under cover, whatever the weather).
We encourage skill and story sharing, and new stitches and support will be on offer.
All details, plus an introduction to the project, are to be found on the regularly updated blog: grantonnaturemap.org
Funding has come from The Community Grant Fund, the Scotmid Foundation, and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
The city council has launched a new investment programme enabling residents and businesses to invest in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city.
The new investment initiative will give residents and local businesses the opportunity to support projects that reduce climate damaging emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and help to protect nature.
The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a nature emergency in 2023 reflecting the need for urgent and sustained action to reduce emissions and become a climate resilient and nature positive city.
Progress has already been made to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges that a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.
While open to anyone, the new investment programme will enable Edinburgh residents and businesses to be actively involved by investing in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city to live, work and do business in.
Funds will be used to deliver nature-based projects across the capital to reduce emissions, improve access to nature, offer cooler spaces during heatwaves, reduce flood risk during heavy rainstorms, and boost biodiversity.
This investment phase will include tree planting and delivery of sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and rainwater planters in key parts of the city to prevent flooding.
The new investment programme, Edinburgh Green Investment, in partnership with Abundance Investment Ltd, encourages investment from a minimum of £5, with interest at a rate of 4.84%, paid every six months over the course of five years. The funding window will remain open until November 30 2026 or until the target of £1 million is reached.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the effects of a changing climate in Edinburgh with warmer and wetter weather causing damage to property, travel disruption, flooding and wildfires.
“When we declared a climate and nature emergency and set out our commitment to tackle the causes and consequences of a changing climate, we knew we couldn’t do it alone and would need the support of partner organisations, residents and businesses. It is encouraging that we are already making positive progress to make sure we’re prepared for the inevitable changes we face, but there’s more to do.
“I’m pleased that, alongside the projects and plans already in progress, our new investment initiative will enable our residents and businesses to play their part – helping to support the delivery of projects that will benefit the places where they live, work and visit. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference to ensure we’re ready to cope with a changing climate.”
The Scottish Government’s failure to include a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill in its Programme for Government is hugely disappointing.
A recent Scottish Parliament committee report highlighted the stark reality facing families, with children and adults frequently waiting years for ADHD and autism assessments. It called for urgent action to ensure clear and consistent pathways to support across Scotland.
Yet the Government has failed to introduce the legislation that could help deliver this. An LDAN Bill could tackle inequalities through national and local strategies and mandatory training for health, social care and education staff.
After years of discussion and consultation, warm words are no longer enough. Thousands of children, adults and families need action.
Service improvements are welcome, but without clear targets and timescales there is no guarantee they will deliver the lasting change that children, adults and families desperately need.
The Government itself acknowledges that legislation can drive accountability and change. It should therefore set clear, measurable timescales for improvement – and commit to introducing an LDAN Bill if these are not met.
An Edinburgh writer and filmmaker living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is encouraging other people affected by the condition to come together at MS Walk Glasgow this month, saying that community can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that many people experience after diagnosis.
Roby Walsh, 38, who is based in Leith, will join family and friends from across Scotland at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September for the MS Society’s annual MS Walk Glasgow.
Roby, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2017, will take on the 5K route. In 2022, she underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Florence after previous MS treatments had not worked for her.
She says the experience was one of the most difficult periods of her MS journey, making her participation in MS Walk Glasgow particularly meaningful.
She says the event is about much more than crossing the finish line: “For me, it’s become almost like a tradition. I used to take part in similar walks when I was living in Australia.
“It’s important to support and bring awareness, and of course to support funding and research. But it’s also a good way to bring people together and talk about MS.”
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible – they can be mild or severe, and include fatigue, pain and mobility issues.
Roby lives with a range of symptoms that aren’t always visible to other people. Speaking about her experience of MS, she says: “My MS is really invisible. If you see me, you would never say I have a disability, because I think I’m good at putting on a façade. But something that doesn’t go away is the pain. I’m always in pain. From when I wake up until I go to bed early, around 9pm, I’m always in pain.
“Sometimes that affects me psychologically and drains me. You have to be kind to yourself.”
Fatigue can also affect Roby’s social life: “You want to go out with your friends and have a nice night, but by 9pm I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m going home,’” she said. “You have to adapt. That’s the word: adapt.”
For Roby, one of the most important messages she wants to share with other people living with MS is not to isolate themselves. She said: “Sometimes when we get diagnosed with something like this, we tend to isolate. I feel that isolation is a big part of people’s experience with MS.
“Maybe we need to find the courage sometimes to come out and find your people, or just ask to have a chat with someone else. You will find there are so many other people like us, and it’s okay.
“I’ve done it. I pushed a lot of people away. But I’ve learned from that mistake, and that’s the advice I would give: don’t isolate yourself.”
Since moving to Edinburgh in 2019, Roby has thrown herself back into the creative world. She is now a writer and director, has published a children’s book and made her first short film, Glitch, which is currently being shown at film festivals.
She has also found a new sense of purpose in using her experiences to raise awareness and champion greater representation of disabled people in creative industries: “I’ve connected with so many other women with different kinds of disabilities, including invisible disabilities like mine.
“I find this fire in me, thinking we need so much more empowerment around us. There can be so much more representation in industries like modelling, acting and film.
“I want people to see that there is so much more to a person, and this doesn’t define you.”
Roby hopes that message will encourage others to join her at MS Walk Glasgow, whatever distance they choose.
Participants can walk, roll or stroll routes ranging from 1K to 20K, making the event accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
“You don’t have to go for a run. You don’t have to do 20K,” Roby said. “You can just start with something like 5K.
“Even if you want to do it alone, you’re not going to be alone, because you’re going to meet so many people there. You make friends.
“I would say, do it. It’s a really amazing experience.
“In the end, you’re like, ‘Yes, I’ve done it.’ It’s a challenge with yourself as well. If I go back to some of the most difficult points in my MS journey, I could never have imagined doing these walks.
“Now, looking back, I’m really proud. I’m so proud of everything. I’m proud to be able to do the walk 100% and continue that tradition.”
Jo Anderson, Director for Scotland at the MS Society, said:“More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. Roby’s story is a powerful reminder that MS is different for everybody, and that many of the symptoms people experience are invisible to those around them.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Roby for sharing her story and for fundraising for the MS Society through MS Walk Glasgow. I’m really looking forward to meeting her and cheering her on at Glasgow Green on the day.
“MS Walk Glasgow is a chance to come together, celebrate the strength of the MS community and raise vital funds to support everyone affected by MS. Every person who walks, rolls or strolls will be helping us continue our work supporting people with MS and funding pioneering research.”
MS Walk Glasgow takes place at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September. With 1K, 5K, 10K and 20K routes available, there’s a distance for everyone to walk, roll or stroll.
Sign up today and help raise vital funds to support people affected by MS and fund pioneering research.
Find out more and register on the MS Society website:
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today (Friday 4 September 2026) raised concerns over a lack of consistent guidance for midwives across Scotland caring for surrogate mothers and babies.
Through Freedom of Information requests the Edinburgh North and Leith MP has uncovered serious gaps in vital guidance for midwives and wider clinical teams when supporting births where a surrogacy arrangement is in place.
Tracy Gilbert’s FOI requests to all of Scotland’s NHS Boards found that only NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NHS Fife have active guidance in place for midwives and clinical teams on the care and treatment of surrogate mothers and babies.
Of the remaining NHS Boards:
Five have no policy at all
Four have a policy where the review is overdue
One has a policy currently in draft form
One referred to Department of Health and Social Care guidance
The Edinburgh North and Leith MP raised the issue during a debate on the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill in the House of Commons, warning that midwives and maternity teams should not be left to navigate these legal, clinical and safeguarding issues without clear and up-to-date guidance.
Tracy warned that the lack of consistent guidance could leave maternity staff without the information they need to ensure surrogate mothers and babies receive the best possible care.
Speaking after raising the issue in Parliament, Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Every mother and baby deserves the very best care with their needs put first in all decisions. However, I have exposed worrying gaps in the guidance available in some areas of the country for staff caring for families involved in surrogacy.
In many cases midwives will come across no or very few surrogacy cases in their careers; up-to-date guidance is therefore even more essential so that those midwives have access to the support and signposting that they need.
“The Scottish Government should now make sure that health boards across Scotland have this important guidance in place.”
An overview of the findings of the FOIs across health boards is as follows:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Policy in place Dec 2025, due for review in Dec 2028
NHS Borders
Policy in place March 2022, Review overdue (March 2025)
NHS Dumfries and Galloway
Refer to Department for Health and Social Care guidance
NHS Fife
First policy effective from May 2026, to be reviewed May 2029
NHs Forth Valley – First guidance
April 2015, reviewed October 2021, review overdue (October 2024)
NHS Grampian
No guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
No guidance
NHS Highlands
Guidance in draft
NHS Lothian
Guidance in place Feb 2022, review overdue (Jan 2023)
NHS Orkney
No guidance
NHS Shetland
No policy
NHS Tayside
Policy put in place Jan 2019, review overdue (Aug 2025)
Historic illustrations from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s archive collection will be brought to life in a new way this winter as Christmas at the Botanics returns for its landmark 10th anniversary.
Running from 19 November to 30 December, the much-loved trail will celebrate its milestone year by bringing together the Garden’s rich history and living collections. Historic illustrations will be brought to life through art and animation, while 10 remarkable trees from the living collection will be highlighted along the trail to mark 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics.
Returning favourites will also feature, including the iconic Christmas Cathedral and the man of the moment, Father Christmas himself.
At the heart of this year’s trail will be a breathtaking projection across Inverleith House, created by innovative design studio NOVAK. The installation will incorporate botanical illustrations from the Garden’s archive, reimagining the images as luminous forms at scale through light and animation.
The projection will feature illustrations from the work of Pierre-Antoine Poiteau and Joseph Jacob von Plenck, offering visitors a chance to experience part of the Garden’s rich botanical heritage in an entirely new way.
Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK, said: “Working with the Botanics’ archivist team to source the illustrations for this year’s projection has been a fascinating and hugely rewarding experience.
“Through our experimental creative process, we’ve discovered new techniques to present the illustrations in a memorable way for the audience that complements Inverleith House and celebrates the winter season.”
Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Professor Julia Knights, said: “This year’s trail is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics while shining a light on the extraordinary plants, collections and stories that make the Garden so special.
“From seeing historic botanical illustrations brought to life across Inverleith House to discovering some of the remarkable trees growing here, visitors will be able to experience the Garden from a completely different perspective this winter.”
Visitors who have made a trip to the Botanics during the festive season a tradition over the last decade will also be excited to see several reimagined ‘crowd-pleaser’ installations, including:
Pealit Tree – Embellishing the Garden’s impressive Japanese Wingnut, in frosty white pea lights that glisten against the velvet winter night sky. Created by Culture Creative.
Flowing Stream of Light – depicting a sweeping stream of dynamic colour-changing pixels that illuminate a ripple effect against the pathway. Created by Culture Creative.
Light Sphere – With its luminous colours reflecting off the Pond, this dazzling orb will mesmerise visitors with glowing geometric shapes. Created by Studio Vertigo.
Zoe Bottrell, Managing Director of the trail’s organisers, Culture Creative, said: “Having worked collaboratively with the Garden for 10 years to create a memorable Christmas trail, it is such an honour to be a part of this milestone anniversary.
“Over that time, we’ve built a strong relationship with the Garden and the artists we work with, finding new ways each year to create a festive experience for visitors while reflecting the Garden’s important work.”
For those looking to make an evening at Christmas at the Botanics even more memorable, Signature Festive Dining Packages will also be available to book. Hosted in the Garden’s demonstration kitchen, visitors can indulge in a special festive menu before setting off to explore the trail.
Tickets for Christmas at the Botanics are on sale now. With peak weekend and pre-Christmas dates expected to sell out quickly, visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
What can you do in one visit to our Harvest Festival? Quite a lot, as it turns out!
Press apples – see our fresh apples turned into juice
Get your bike checked with Dr Bike, or have a go at making a bike-powered smoothie
Get your face painted or some gorgeous henna art
Pick up something delicious from the bake sale and have a go at the tombola
Take home something new for your garden from our plant sale
Listen to the drumming or join in and make some noise
Enjoy a free lunch from the Scran Van
And that’s just some of what’s happening!
Come along to our Harvest Festival on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm and spend as little or as long as you like enjoying the garden, activities, food and community.
Press apples – see our fresh apples turned into juice
Get your bike checked with Dr Bike, or have a go at making a bike-powered smoothie
Get your face painted or some gorgeous henna art
Pick up something delicious from the bake sale and have a go at the tombola
Take home something new for your garden from our plant sale
Listen to the drumming or join in and make some noise
Enjoy a free lunch from the Scran Van