Justice Secretary Angela Constance has updated Parliament on proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill.
The Justice Secretary told MSPs that, having listened to the cross-party Criminal Justice Committee and a wide range of other views, a plan to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for rape and attempted rape cases will not be pursued.
The Government also plans to amend the Bill, subject to MSPs’ approval, to enable more detailed research into jury deliberations, including how rape myths may affect verdicts.
The Bill includes measures to remove Scotland’s ‘not proven’ verdict and to increase the current simple majority required for a criminal conviction to a two-thirds majority of jurors. However, in line with committee recommendations, proposals to cut the jury size from 15 to 12 will be dropped.
Victims of crime are to receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme – to be delivered through the Bill – as announced earlier this month.
Ms Constance said: “This Bill proposes a significant package of reforms to ensure victims are placed at the heart of Scotland’s justice system, such as creating a specialist Sexual Offences Court, establishing a Victims & Witnesses Commissioner and abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict.
“I want to build as much consensus as possible for this important legislation. Clearly there is not enough parliamentary support at this time for the proposal to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for cases of rape and attempted rape, so we will no longer pursue this.
“I remain concerned by the substantial evidence that juries may be influenced by rape myths and I will introduce amendments to the Bill to allow for more detailed research into jury deliberations. We will undertake further work with justice partners to agree how to challenge and reduce the impact of rape myths. This might include, for example, further interventions or educational resources for jurors and the wider public.
“I believe that the most prudent approach to jury reform, including the abolition of the ‘not proven’ verdict, is to seek support for a model with two verdicts – ‘guilty’ and ‘not guilty’ – 15 jurors, and a two-thirds majority requirement for conviction.
“I look forward to working with partners and colleagues across Parliament to deliver what I believe is a shared ambition to ensure victims and witnesses are placed at the heart of the justice system and treated with compassion.”
The winner who wishes to remain anonymous, is a regular bingo player who has been visiting Buzz Bingo Meadowbank with their friend since the club first opened in 1997. They plan to use the winnings to visit family in Dubai for their granddaughter’s wedding next year.
On the day, the bingo player stated, “My favourite things about Buzz Bingo Meadowbank are the atmosphere, friendly staff and customers.”
Gordon Barr, General Manager at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank, said “We couldn’t be happier for our lucky winner and their fantastic win.
“Everyone was cheering from their seats – it was such an exciting moment.”
Chief Operating Officer at Buzz Bingo, Stevie Shaves, said “The atmosphere in club when there’s a win is always incredible, and we’re delighted to see one of our lucky members win £50,000 on the Big Buzz Special Jackpot Game at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank.
“Overall Buzz Bingo players win more than £2m per week in bingo prize money and we love to celebrate every one of them with our amazing community!”
For those looking to get in on the action, new members can play for just £5 on their first two visits. What’s more, Buzz Bingo clubs offer great value food and drink deals all day every day. For further information on deals and promotions you can visit buzzbingo.com.
The Big Buzz special is played every afternoon and evening Main Event, members who call “House” in 40 numbers or less win the £50,000 jackpot.
Enhanced patrols and resources have been deployed across this weekend as 5 November draws nearer, with Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Orders available to officers in order to manage any potential issues.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh division, said; “Enquiries are continuing following disorder in the capital on Thursday, 31 October, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for carrying out several violent attacks on buses and police officers during that evening. A police officer was injured when the window of the vehicle she was in was hit by a brick, causing the window to smash.
“As a result of these investigations, a 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the disorder in the Hay Avenue and Niddrie Mains Road area of Edinburgh.
“We also continue to appeal to the public to come forward with any information about any disorder which has already taken place, or which they may be aware of being planned for the coming days. This can be passed to our officers via 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.”
Emergency Service workers will be exceptionally busy over the next week as we work together to combat issues that can arise from the misuse of fireworks and illegally lit bonfires.
As we have already seen, workers will be verbally and physically injured as a result of this.
Crimestoppers are running a campaign across Scotland that aims to help prevent deliberate fires and Bonfire Night attacks on Scotland’s Police, Fire and rescue, and Ambulance services during fireworks season.
If you have any information on the misuse of fireworks or any planned disorder, please report anonymously via Crimestoppers and do your bit by keeping your community safe.
Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has introduced its latest six-course instalment, taking customers on an adventure full of magical flavours where each bite sends your taste buds into technicolour.
Inspired by the iconic story from The Wizard of Oz, customers will begin their journey on the yellow brick road, travelling through a bewitching menu where each bite leads you closer to the Emerald City.
The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 4th November to 15th December where customers will be immersed in this magical culinary experience and transported to the Land of Oz.
Baby Aubergine, Coal Emulsion, Red Pepper Ketchup, Kohlrabi & Tarragon
Course 5 – ‘The Wicked Witch’
Barbecue Leek, Burnt Onion & Black Garlic Ketchup
Parsley Risotto, Confit Garlic & Pickled Shallot
Course 6 – ‘Emerald City’
Apple Cremeux, Honey Mousseline, Yoghurt Sorbet & Lemon Gel
For £44, guests will be able to experience the magical flavours from the Land of Oz, with a matching wine pairing from £33.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “The Land of Oz menu is an exciting journey for us. We’ve been exploring this magical world for a while, and guided by guest feedback and our passion for storytelling, we’ve crafted each dish to immerse diners in Oz’s enchanting tale.
“We’re thrilled to offer diners in Edinburgh with a unique experience that pushes the boundaries of what Six by Nico can bring to the table.”
Land of Oz menu bookings can be made via the website:
A resilient Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student has celebrated her graduation after recovering from colon cancer – and thanked the staff who supported her along the way.
Sophia McIntosh studied for a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from her home in Kingston, Jamaica, alongside her work as a university lecturer there.
She took time out from her studies after receiving her cancer diagnosis in 2019 but was later able to return to and complete the course.
Sophia crossed the stage at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Wednesday to collect her degree, having travelled from the Caribbean with her mum for the ceremony.
Sophia said: “I am just so full of joy, not just for me but for all of my family members and friends who have supported me.
“I am happy that I went on this journey, I am liberated and more confident. The doctorate is the icing on the cake, but the journey has transformed me.
“I still have my thesis on leadership sitting on my table at home and sometimes I just open it to have a look!
“I’m so proud of myself – I never knew I had it in me to read and learn so much.”
Having felt unwell for some time, it was through a chance meeting with a doctor at church that Sophia was referred for health checks and discovered her cancer diagnosis.
She underwent surgery and chemotherapy in the autumn of 2019, followed by more treatment the following year.
She said: “When I was told the news, I just went numb. I was told we would have to move quickly and have surgery.
“All the horror stories about chemotherapy happened to me. I had complications from my surgery, and my parents came down from another part of Jamaica to look after me.
“I had two major surgeries, and we lost my adopted brother around the same time. But despite these traumatic events, I resumed my studies after the year.”
Sophia’s graduation comes after taking time out from the course because of illness and the Covid pandemic. She is now receiving checks every six months.
Now that Sophia has completed her degree, she has paid tribute to ENU staff members past and present who supported her, including Dr Ciarán McFadden-Young, Dr Janice McMillan, and Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith – as well as Professor Alison McCleery, who sadly passed away last year.
“It was difficult going back to the doctorate, but my research supervisors helped me settle,” Sophie added. “They were patient with me and not judgemental. They were respectful and they gave me space.
“I can’t find the words to thank them – they held my hand. I never felt alone, I never felt unsafe. I had them all behind me.”
Sophia has graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School today.
ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held at the Usher Hall between 29 – 31 October.
As the clocks went back this past weekend, many people are noticing an early start to their mornings. Naplabs, a leader in sleep wellness, has partnered with a top sleep expert to explain why the recent time change could be responsible for these pre-dawn awakenings and how to adjust.
According to sleep experts Naplab, the main reason for this shift is “the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which becomes temporarily out of sync during time changes.” The extra hour gained over the weekend has thrown internal body clocks slightly out of balance, causing people to wake up earlier as their bodies adjust.
“Whenever clocks change, it can take about a week for our internal clocks to readjust,” explains Naplab. “For some, the shift to waking up earlier is amplified by stress, screen exposure, and modern lifestyle demands.”
Here are five expert tips from our expertsto help you adjust to the recent clock change and get back on track with restful sleep:
Ease into Evening Relaxation: Spend 30 minutes before bed winding down with a calming activity, like reading or meditating, to help your body recognise it’s time to sleep. This supports your circadian rhythm in adjusting to the new time.
Get Natural Morning Light: Expose yourself to natural light soon after waking to signal to your body that it’s morning. This helps reset your internal clock, particularly during the shorter autumn days.
Avoid Screens Before Bed: Limit screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from devices can suppress melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, making it harder to drift off.
Gradually Adjust Bedtime: Go to bed 10-15 minutes later each night if you find you’re waking up too early. This gradual shift will help your body adjust to the time change more smoothly than a drastic schedule alteration.
Stick to a Consistent Routine: Aim to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, even on weekends. This consistency helps your internal clock stabilise, leading to more refreshing, uninterrupted sleep.
In addition to the recent time change, factors like exposure to evening light from screens and high-stress levels can contribute to early wakefulness. Naplabs recommends a few tips for resetting your sleep schedule, such as limiting evening screen time, using blackout curtains to prevent early light exposure, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed.
“The seasonal clock change provides a great opportunity to fine-tune our sleep habits. By making small adjustments, we can support a more balanced internal rhythm and enjoy the benefits of restorative sleep.”
Bonfire Night can be a very stressful time for a pet owner and their pet. The loud crashes, bangs and booms, and inability to pinpoint where they are coming from can be extremely distressing for a dog and they can perceive it as a threat.The anxiety can also be caused by the smell of the gunpowder, the reaction of other pets or owners and the lights flashing.
If you’re worried your dog is struggling with anxiety from fireworks, some of the key signs include: shaking, whining, hiding and refusing to go out, restless, and clingy. To help pet owners across the country, Bella & Duke’s Expert Dog Behaviourist, Nikki Mather has shared some tips to limit anxiety and combat stress on Bonfire Night in the future:
A long walk or run before dark: This will allow your dog to get their energy out and ensure they’re able to get home before most fireworks are likely to be let off.
Providing a safe space: Having the curtains closed to avoid the flashes of light, provide a bed or crate with a cover that they can hide in, and you can be nearby for comfort, play white noise to help drown out the sound of the fireworks, and reduce stress in your dog.
Be there for your dog: A good option would be to wear comfort clothes that have a familiar scent for your dog and to allow them to cuddle up for reassurance if they are seeking that. Try to remain calm for them so they don’t sense your anxiety for them.
Use calming products: You can purchase calming sprays that can be beneficial to helping your dog relax, chew toys and treats are also a good option to help distract them and relax them – and also just to have a well-deserved treat at an anxious time!
Preparation and patience: Being prepared can help manage your dog’s anxiety ahead of time, instead of acting once they are already afraid. Find out when any local events are planned to reduce the element of surprise and have your safe space and any products, treats or music you may be using ready to go.
Nikki Mather, Expert Dog Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, said: “We all hate to see our pets suffering and seeing the anxiety they go through when hearing fireworks is heartbreaking.
“While there are steps we can take as pet owners to limit the stress they go through, unfortunately there isn’t a magic fix. Patience and preparation will be your greatest allies and remaining calm yourself can help in keeping our pets’ distress to a minimum at this time of the year.”
To find out more information on how to keep your pets calm during Bonfire Night please visit www.bellaandduke.com
A SCOTTISH disability charity has urged Holyrood to match the UK Government’s commitment to invest in special education needs schools and colleges.Capability Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to commit to robust and equitable funding for special education needs in Scotland.
It comes after Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced in her Budget that an additional £1bn will be given to support special education needs and disabilities in England.
Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland, emphasised the necessity of government backing to ensure all young people have access to continued education opportunities.
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He said: “This latest investment from the UK Government underscores the importance of special education needs provision. We are urging the Scottish Government to match this commitment and secure the future of our young people with complex needs.”
The charity operates Scotland’s only further education institution for young people with complex needs, Corseford College, which is in its final 12 months of a three-year pilot scheme with the Scottish Government.
It is hoped the Renfrewshire-based facility, which currently caters to 38 students, would be rolled out across Scotland.
However, without continued funding and reassurance from Holyrood that satellite centres will be set up around the country, Scotland risks having no dedicated further education provision for school leavers with complex needs, leaving families without essential support and students without crucial education pathways.
This is in stark contrast to England and Wales, which has more than 100 further education centres for students with complex needs.
Brian added: “We must act decisively now.
“The impact of our college on students and families is immense, and sustained government funding would provide the security needed to expand our provision, and support every young person with complex needs in Scotland.
“The First Minister alluded to a vision when he first came into office that every young person should have a positive destination post-school.
“We welcome the UK Government’s investment in facilities across England, and hope a similar desire to help young people with complex needs can be realised in Scotland.”
Opening in 2022, Corseford College provides not just exemplary education but vital physical therapies, life skills, and comprehensive care.
Capability Scotland is committed to engaging with government officials and exploring private funding avenues to ensure long-term sustainability, but stresses that only significant government investment will provide the comprehensive support required.
Founded in 1946, Capability Scotland has long championed the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals, providing essential services to over 800 people across Scotland, including day and residential care, housing support, and tailored educational experiences.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Game On Until 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland Until 26 Jan 2025 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
Theravada Buddhism Until 12 Jan 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Magic Carpet Minis Block 3 (6, 13 & 20 Nov) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife 9 Nov 11:00-16:00 £50, £44 Members & Concession Booking required
This informal creative workshop will focus on better understanding and engaging with Scottish wildlife. Learn how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world, using tone and contrast to achieve a three-dimensional effect with pencils. The focus will be on using creativity to improve your understanding of and appreciation for the animals being drawn, rather than depicting an accurate likeness.
The Sunday Sketch 17 Nov 14:00-16:00 £15, £13 Members & Conc. Book required
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. In this session, we will be drawing the artworks in the Art of Living and Traditions in Sculpture galleries on level 5 of the National Museum of Scotland. Learn how to capture the varied qualities of faces and figures sculpted in clay, marble, plaster, terracotta and wood.
Annual Open Evening 20 Nov 18:00 Free, booking required
Join National Museums Scotland Chair, Ian Russell, and Director, Dr Chris Breward, for a review of the year highlighting the extensive range of activity that has taken place across the organisation in 2024.
Curator Dr Adrian Maldonado will also present Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard, which gives a fascinating update on the latest conservation and research discoveries from this Viking-age hoard.
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Drawn Together at the Museum 27 – 29 Dec 10:30-16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in
Escape to the museum during the holidays and enjoy sketching around our galleries. Join us for this calming, creative activity in the heart of the busy holiday season. Meet our artist-in-residence then pick up a pencil and paper and explore the galleries.
Sprogmanay 1 Jan 2025 14:00-17:00 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop in
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2025. Join us for an afternoon of fun for children of all ages with a programme of live music, dancing, and performances. You can also explore our galleries packed with inspiring objects and stories.
ON SALE SOON Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh 24 Jan 2025 19:30-22:30 From £20 Strictly 18+
The Grand Gallery will be brought to life for an evening of music and dancing with the Jacobites Ceilidh Band. The band will have late goers twirling and birling as they’re guided through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances. Between the sets guests can enjoy drinks, food, activities and a chance to enjoy the museum galleries at night.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Festive Weekend 7 & 8 Dec 11:00-16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Bring the family for a fun festive day out at the museum and farm. Craft a cute ‘pig in blanket’ pinecone decoration, paper-cone turkey or Christmas tree to take home. There will be winter storytelling with the team from Macastory. Take a wintertime walk to the working farm, where the farmhouse is decorated for the festive season.
Tractor Tots Until Feb 2025 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 Ticketed
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play.
Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
