Over the weekend members aged 14-17 have been taking part in Elevate, a residential exploring leadership through our CashBack project.
Girls learnt all about what leadership means, including the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts leadership mindsets, they wrote letters to their future selves and got outdoors for some tomahawk throwing and a campfire
We know #YouthWorkChangesLives and when talking about the residential, our youth leadership development officer said: “The girls really enjoyed the weekend, one even said they didn’t want to go home they were having so much fun.
“The impact of Elevate was growth in leadership, and for the girls to leave interested in taking on different opportunities in the future.”
The Lost Close is inviting guests to step beneath Edinburgh’s streets and explore the true history of the Scottish Witch Trials through the launch of From the Ashes: The Untold Stories of Scotland’s Condemned Women.
Set within the atmospheric underground surroundings of The Lost Close, the 90-minute experience moves beyond the myths often associated with witchcraft to reveal the stories of four real women whose lives were shaped by fear, suspicion and persecution. Through powerful storytelling rooted in historical fact, guests are invited to discover the human cost behind one of Scotland’s darkest periods.
As each story unfolds, guests will enjoy four carefully selected drams of Scotch whisky, each chosen to reflect the spirit, vitality and legacy of the woman being remembered. Paired with key moments from her story, the whiskies become part of the storytelling itself, with their flavours and aromas offering a new perspective on her life and achievements.
The result is an evocative sensory journey where whisky and storytelling come together to create a deeper, more meaningful connection to Scotland’s history.
“From the Ashes is about giving voice to women whose stories have too often been lost to time,” says Andrew Gardiner, Assistant Manager at The Lost Close.
“The experience has been researched and written by some of the incredible women on our team who have a true passion for bringing hidden histories and forgotten lives back into the light.
“We wanted to create something that goes beyond the myths of the witch trials and centres the real people affected by them, inviting guests to discover a deeper, more human side of Scotland’s past.”
Through history, whisky and storytelling, From the Ashes honours the resilience, courage and humanity of these women while encouraging visitors to reflect on a chapter of Scottish history that still resonates today.
With limited availability and small group sizes, advance booking is essential.
Tickets: Available via The Lost Close website: https://thelostclose.com/
Dates: 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th November
Time: 7:30pm to 9pm
Location: The Lost Close, 1 Barrie’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
If you rent your home and it has a gas boiler, fire or cooker, your landlord must have it checked for safety every year.
That applies whether you rent privately, from a housing association or from the council. With the heating now on most days, it is a good time to make sure yours is up to date.
What the law says
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must have every gas appliance and flue they provide checked at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Your landlord must give you a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and new tenants should get one before they move in. You can ask for a paper copy if you would rather not have it by email.
What the engineer checks
The engineer looks at each gas appliance your landlord provides, along with its flue and ventilation. They check that it is burning properly, that fumes are clearing safely and that there are no leaks.
The pipework is not strictly part of the yearly check, but the Health and Safety Executive recommends that landlords ask the engineer to test the whole gas system for leaks at the same visit.
What the record should show
The record, often called a CP12 or gas safety certificate, should list each appliance checked and where it is, the date of the check, the property address and your landlord’s (or letting agent’s) name and address.
It should also give the engineer’s name, Gas Safe registration number and signature, plus any safety faults found and what was done about them.
Three quick checks for tenants
Ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. The back shows which types of gas work they are qualified to do, and you can also look them up on the Gas Safe Register website.
Look at the date on your last record. If it is more than 12 months old, ask your landlord or letting agent when the next check is booked.
Test your carbon monoxide alarm. Since February 2022, every home in Scotland with a gas boiler, gas fire or other fixed appliance that burns fuel for heat must have one. Press the test button to make sure it works.
Gas appliances you own yourself, such as a cooker you bought, are your own responsibility, so it is worth having those checked too.
If you ever smell gas
Open doors and windows, turn the gas off at the meter if you can, do not use electrical switches or naked flames, and call the National Gas Emergency Service free on 0800 111 999, day or night.
This advice comes from Cullen Plumbing & Heating, a family-run gas, heating and plumbing firm based in Corstorphine and trading for 15 years.
The firm carries out landlord gas safety checks across Edinburgh and West Lothian and is Gas Safe registered, number 523861.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic should provide more information on whether plans to reduce teachers’ class contact time are deliverable within the planned timescales, according to a Holyrood Committee.
In March 2026, the Scottish Government, local government and teaching unions agreed that teachers’ time with pupils would be reduced by 90 minutes a week.
The tripartite agreement said this policy would be in place from August 2027 in primary and special schools, and August 2029 in secondary schools.
However, evidence presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Gaelic Committee indicated that it is unclear whether the policy can be implemented in time.
The Committee’s report points to “considerable challenges related to workforce planning in implementing the reduction in class contact time within the planned timescales”, due to geographical and subject specific teacher shortages.
The report also calls for greater clarity about the objectives of the policy. The Committee is unclear how the policy can both reduce teacher workload and give teachers time for additional preparation and learning. In addition, the Committee would like to understand what assessment has been made of how the policy benefits children and young people.
Additionally, there are questions about how the costs associated with reducing class contact time will be funded. Evidence shared with the Committee outlined that spending for the Education and Skills portfolio is not forecast to meaningfully increase, implying that the cost of this policy will need to be met by existing budgets.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said:“We have questions about the proposals to reduce teachers’ class contact time within the timescales agreed by the Scottish Government, teaching unions and local government.
“The evidence we heard highlighted the significant unresolved challenges that rural and remote communities face with recruiting teachers, alongside challenges related to recruiting teachers in several secondary specialisms.
“At the current time, it is difficult to understand how these can be resolved in time for the policy to be delivered effectively and on schedule. We would like to hear the Cabinet Secretary’s views on how achievable the policy is within the planned timescales.”
The Committee also scrutinised the Scottish Government’s progress towards delivering the reforms to the children’s care system known as The Promise.
In its report it explains that the lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability of the reforms makes it difficult to measure progress and asked the Scottish Government to respond to the evidence that said that there is a need for sustained investment to deliver on the aims of the policy.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said:“During our inquiry, we encountered a lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability on the Promise which makes it difficult to measure progress with any certainty.
“We would like to hear the Scottish Government’s response to calls for sustained investment, including progress in relation to social work recruitment and retention and availability of care accommodation, to make the progress that is needed to ensure The Promise fulfils its commitment to care-experienced children, young people, and adults.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas with Haloorganisers Unique Assembly have announced a very special guest star for LNER’s free ‘Light Night Concert’, with ‘Girls Aloud’ superstar Nadine Coyle set to perform at the Ross Bandstand with a show packed full of chart-topping pop and festive sparkle.
Headlining Light Night with LNER, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle will perform some of the iconic girl band’s biggest hits at the Ross Bandstand including ‘Love Machine’, ‘Sound of the Underground’ and ‘The Promise’.
The free event alsoincludes a festive sing-a-long of Christmas classics with the spectacular Pheonix Choir and Voice of the Town, a beautiful Lantern Procession, and if everyone sings loud enough, a visit from Santa himself, all beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The ‘Light Night with LNER’ will kick-off at 3pm, Sunday 22 November and the event is free for all to attend.
In 2002, Nadine Coyle was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, with whom she has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles (including four number ones), two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums and received nominations for five BRIT Awards.
Now she joins LNER and Edinburgh’s Christmas for this free event. She may have thought of herself as a city girl, she may have thought of herself as a beach girl, but this year, she’s an Edinburgh’s Christmas girl!
As sponsor of the iconic LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens, LNER are no stranger to Edinburgh’s Christmas, having brought festive cheer to millions of visitors in recent years. This year, their new partnership of ‘Light Night with LNER’, helps spread festive cheer, bringing free community events to the capital, and supporting charity fundraising across the seven-weeks of Edinburgh Winter Festivals.
This year, a fundraising target of £75,000 will support the incredible work of official local charities One City Trust, When you Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie, CALM and Street Assist Edinburgh.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said:“Every year, LNER connects millions of people from across the UK with all that Edinburgh has to offer, including its spectacular Christmas and Hogmanay events.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.
“At LNER, we’re passionate about supporting the communities that we serve. This year, we’re delighted that we are helping to deliver free community events, such as Light Night with LNER, kickstarting the city’s celebrations. We’ll also be helping raise vital money for good causes in and around the area, including our charity partner CALM – all with a little LNER sparkle.”
On continuing the partnership with LNER, Unique Assembly said;“We’re thrilled to expand our strong partnership with LNER this year, raising valuable funds for CALM and welcoming Nadine Coyle to the Ross Bandstand Programme.
“The LNER Big Wheel is a favoured mainstay of the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, and an iconic addition to the stunning festive landscape in Edinburgh, it’s fantastic that LNER can join us for more events. “
Light Night with LNER will also feature performances from the cast of Back to the Future at the Edinburgh Playhouse, La Clique Noël, Phoenix Choir, Insane Magic and more.
LNER and Nadine Coyle join the already announced programme of free, community-focussed events at the Ross Bandstand, includingEdinburgh’s Christmas with Halo ‘Kick-Off Concert’ with Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Sat 14 Nov, Edinburgh Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, a Taste of Scotland weekend to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec.
The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has today revealed the extent to which fire stations in Edinburgh have been unable to operate their second engines because of a lack of crew to man them.
Larger fire stations should have at least two fire engines ready to respond to an emergency call at all times.
Staffing shortages, however, can mean that fire stations are unable to dispatch a crew or a vehicle to an emergency call.
Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information requests to Scottish Fire and Rescue have revealed that a second fire engine was unable to operate from Mcdonald Road Fire Station for 22.9% of the previous financial year due to insufficient crew numbers.
It also revealed that in the same period, a second engine was similarly unable to operate from the Sighthill station 20.9% and Crewe Toll 18% of the time.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said:“In recent years, we have seen how the fires along Princes Street and attacks on Bonfire Night are putting additional strain on the capital’s firefighters.
“That has only been made worse by crew shortages leaving some of Edinburgh’s fire stations unable to operate their second engines on too many occasions.
“This could inevitably lead to dangerous situations where there are multiple fires happening nearby, but only one truck available.
“The efforts and service of our city’s firefighters need to be matched by leadership from their bosses and the ministers who sit behind them.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing service is investing in its repairs service for tenants while giving young people the opportunity to kickstart their careers.
The latest intake of nine new trainees through the Modern Apprenticeship programme brings the number of apprentices in the service to 25 – a record high – across trades including painting and decorating, joinery and plumbing.
By developing its in-house team, the Council aims to grow its skilled workforce to support the investment needed to improve the quality of its homes across the city.
Joinery apprentice Harry said:“I’ve mostly been doing repairs and I’ve been enjoying it, all the tenants are really nice.
“I like being able to visualise things, like building kitchens – having a view on what it could look like and then doing it and seeing the result at the end of it. It’s quite a good process, it’s satisfying.
Painting and decorating apprentice Sarah added:“My experience with the Council jobs are great – they all have been so different, so I get a chance to experience different techniques and ways to fix the problems.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “In Edinburgh we continue to face a Housing Emergency, with demand for homes high and thousands of people living in temporary accommodation.
“Having said that, we’re making good progress with actions to address these pressures, and thanks to this I’m pleased that the number of people living in unsuitable accommodation continues to drop.
“Trainees brought in through the Modern Apprenticeship programme play a key role in bringing more homes into use and improving the comfort and quality of our tenants’ homes. I’m delighted to see a whole new intake of apprentices developing their skills across our estate, who will eventually have the opportunity of a permanent role at the Council when they complete their training.”
The Council declared a housing emergency in November 2023 in response to rising homelessness, affordability pressures and significant demand for homes in the Capital.
In February, as part of the Housing and Homelessness Budget Investment Strategy, a record £1.6bn was committed to increasing affordable housing and reducing the use of temporary accommodation across the city. Bringing void Council houses back into use through repairs and improvements – and growing the in-house workforce – is central to this.
Apprenticeships at the Council offer paid work while gaining experience and recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships across the Council include social care, childcare, horticulture and business management.
First Minister John Swinney joined the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, military personnel, and others yesterday to remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday.
The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers at 10:30am, followed by veterans, Tri-Service Cadets and Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.
The One O’Clock Gun then fired at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country fell silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.
The Rev Dr Scott M Rennie MA BD STM FRSA, Minister, St Giles’ Cathedral, then led a short service of Remembrance.
Photo caption:- Senior heads of the three Services laid wreaths.
Wreaths were then laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Kenneth Gibson MSP, Presiding Officer, The Scottish Parliament, The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC RM, Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland, Major General Nick Thomas CBE, General Officer Scotland, Air Commodore Mark Northover MBE ADC RAF, Air Officer Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, Ms Sheila Elrick, National President, The Royal British Legion Scotland, Women’s Section, veterans associations and others.
Photo caption:- 100 year old WW2 veteran George McLeod laid the Kings Own Scottish Borderers wreath.
Commenting on Remembrance Sunday, the CEO of The Royal British Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, said: “From the First World War to the complex conflicts of today, our duty to remember those who served remains absolute.
“Generation after generation, members of our Armed Forces community have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and defend our way of life. We carry their legacy forward not just through modern remembrance, but by actively renewing our shared hope for a peaceful future.”
Photo caption:- First Minister John Sweeney laid the Government Wreath
First Minister John Swinney said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflict.
“The people of Scotland will always remember and honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and values.”
Photo caption:- BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS on Parade
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander laid a wreath on behalf of the UK Government at the Annual Service of Remembrance in Edinburgh.
He joined the Edinburgh Lord Provost’s Wreath Laying Party from 11am at the Stone of Remembrance, Edinburgh City Chambers, alongside members of the military, veterans and community leaders, to honour the service and sacrifice of British Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families, past and present.
Speaking ahead of the service, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Remembrance Sunday is a moment for the whole country to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, and to give thanks to our veterans, our serving personnel, and the families who stand behind them.
“In Edinburgh, I will be proud to stand alongside our veterans, members of our armed forces, and community leaders from across Scotland to honour their service and sacrifice.
“We owe a debt to those who have served that can never be fully repaid, and we will continue to honour it, in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. The UK Government’s commitment to our armed forces is unwavering.”
Following the wreath laying, Mr Alexander joined the procession to St Giles’ Cathedral, piped by a pupil from George Heriot’s School, for a special Remembrance Sunday service. He gave a reading of Psalm 120, ‘A Song of Ascents,’ before attending a reception at Edinburgh City Chambers.
Meanwhile, John Grady MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to HM Treasury laid a wreath on behalf of the UK Government at Glasgow’s Remembrance Sunday service in George Square.
In London, the National Service of Remembrance was held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, attended by the Prime Minister, senior members of the Cabinet and other political leaders.
The Home Office’s latest policy overhaul to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), shifting the default settlement timeline from five years to a gruelling ten, is a short-sighted political stunt that threatens to inflict severe, long-term damage on Scotland and the wider UK.
Britain cannot ask overseas workers to build their lives here, pay their taxes and keep essential services running, then treat their hopes of a secure future as a political bargaining chip.
The Home Office’s settlement announcement deserves scrutiny. Its own estimate is that more than 500,000 people will wait longer than five years for indefinite leave to remain. That means years more uncertainty for families who have followed the rules.
There are important protections. Existing settled status will remain untouched, while doctors, nurses, teachers and qualifying care workers retain shorter pathways. These exceptions matter. But they do not answer the wider question: why should a worker’s salary carry such weight in deciding when their family can put down permanent roots?
A care worker’s payslip does not measure the value of helping somebody live with dignity. Nor does a hospitality worker’s wage capture their contribution to keeping a local business open.
The economic warning is clear. Skills for Care reports 96,000 vacancies in adult social care in England in 2025/26. Around 150,000 posts in independent, regulated care services were filled by workers on Health and Care Worker visas in March 2026. These are England’s figures, but the lesson reaches beyond its borders: retention matters as much as recruitment.
Scotland faces distinct demographic challenges, alongside acute sector-wide labour shortages. Our care homes struggle for staffing, our health service is under persistent pressure, and tech and hospitality businesses regularly cite workforce deficits as their primary barrier to expansion. Disincentivising global talent from settling permanently will only worsen these shortages, weaken our public services, and hamper national wealth creation.
For Scotland’s hospitals, care providers, hotels and technology businesses, prolonged uncertainty risks making recruitment and retention harder. Replacing experienced staff costs money, disrupts services and takes time. Training more domestic workers is essential; unsettling existing workers is no substitute.
Of course we must tackle immigration fraud, unlawful employment and exploitative sponsors. Enforcement should target wrongdoing, not make compliant workers, international students and their families feel permanently unwelcome.
Ministers should protect existing settlement expectations, publish a full economic assessment and work with Scotland and employers on practical workforce needs.
Britain’s reputation for fair dealing is an economic asset. Sacrificing it for a tougher headline would leave us poorer in every sense.
We need an immigration strategy rooted in economic reality, compassion, and fairness, one that respects international talent and supports the public services relying on them.
