Inspections and other measures will promote the highest standards of care and increase public confidence in the funeral sector under draft regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament.
The Burial and Cremation (Inspection) (Scotland) Regulations 2025, if approved, will ensure minimum standards are maintained to safeguard the dignity of the deceased and promote compassionate and professional care for the bereaved.
Inspectors will support any non-compliant business to make the changes needed but can issue enforcement notices with reasonable deadlines for action if necessary.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Bereavement can be emotionally overwhelming and being able to engage with the practical issues and funeral arrangements can be very difficult. It is, however, something everyone is likely to experience at some stage in their life, whether it’s the death of a family member, a loved one, or a friend.
“The vast majority of funeral directors and the wider industry provide dignified and professional services, and these reforms will benefit the sector by ensuring it is not unfairly impacted by the failings of a few.
“These reforms have received widespread support within the industry and we will appoint additional inspectors to work with the sector to ensure best practice. Publishing inspection reports will lead to greater transparency and can help improve standards.
“Having confidence in the care and dignity given to our loved ones, along with the compassionate and professional treatment of those bereaved, can go some way to alleviating the sorrow of bereavement.”
Scotland’s largest mental health charity is hosting a free panel discussion exploring how physical activity and sport can help tackle the current mental health crisis.
SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) are inviting anyone involved in local sport, such as coaches, personal trainers, jog leaders and more, to join the event, hosted at the stunning Playfair Library Hall at the University of Edinburgh on Friday 29 November.
Speaking at the event will be Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow—the first major event in Scotland to pledge to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter. Stuart will be joined by Professor Larissa Davies, a specialist in the economic impact of sport and physical activity. Attendees will also hear first-hand from people with lived experience of mental health problems, and the role physical activity had in their recovery.
Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024, said:“My goal is to highlight what can be achieved through a social impact campaign in partnership with a major sporting event. We need input from all corners of our communities to challenge us to improve.
“This is a chance to start working together to ensure that upcoming sporting events truly resonate and prioritise your best interests. A Scotland that values wellbeing, supports mental health, and cares for its citizens is a stronger, prouder, and more prosperous Scotland.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to create connections with industry peers, share best practice, spread awareness of their work and ask questions directly to our panel of leading experts during a Q&A session.
Professor Larissa Davies, Professor of Applied Sport Economics at the Manchester Metropolitan University, said:“Physical activity is an important preventative health tool for combating poor mental health.
“Being active reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of non-communicable health conditions such as dementia. In addition, it also improves life satisfaction and general wellbeing.
“The case for investing in physical activity to address Scotland’s mental health crisis has never been stronger.
“My research focuses on measuring and valuing the social value of sport and physical activity, including the impacts on health, wellbeing, and social capital, both in the UK and internationally.
“Recent projects include the new social value model for sport and physical activity in England, and a study of Gaelic Games on the island of Ireland.
“I am looking forward to sharing more about my social value research, which spans across more than 15 years.”
The event is delivered in partnership with sportscotland and the University of Edinburgh and is free to attend for anyone who is interested.
City council Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish writes about a bold and ambitious plan agreed last week by councillors to make better use of land in the Capital:
Edinburgh’s population is growing fast and so a major highlight of City Plan 2030 is setting aside enough land to accommodate 53,000 much needed homes.
It will help to inform planning decisions going forward to guide sustainable growth and where we can we’ll agree the use of brownfield land rather than precious greenfield sites for new development.
Last year we declared a housing emergency to address the city’s chronic shortage of affordable housing so integral to the plan is that each new housing development will have to include a minimum of 35% affordable homes.
To look after the wellbeing of our residents and meet our climate goals we need to look wider than just providing new homes though. We’re going to create sustainable neighbourhoods fit for local modern living where people can afford to buy or rent their homes. Residents will have job opportunities nearby and be able to walk, or wheel to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access public transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.
It is important that we meet the needs of everyone who wants to live in our beautiful Capital. Edinburgh is also an internationally renowned university city and the plan will help guide where and how much student accommodation we have in the future. On larger sites coming forward developers will be asked to provide other housing, particularly affordable homes, allowing students to live alongside a mix of others within communities.
The plan will also help Edinburgh to transition to net zero by reducing carbon emissions from new buildings and in areas of regeneration we’re delivering new heat networks and energy infrastructure.
New environmental policies are also key as it is vital we protect our beautiful green spaces, the wellbeing of our residents, reduce flooding and improve air quality.
I’d like to thank all those residents, community groups and businesses who helped us to get City Plan 2030 over the line and acknowledge the hard work of Council officers who were part of this.
More than £1.9 million has been awarded to create the entrepreneurs of the future and to increase access to business careers.
Pupils will have the opportunity to learn about business from primary one to the end of high school for the first time under a new initiative to boost entrepreneurship in Scotland. This follows more than £829,000 being awarded to seven education organisations.
They include Gen+, which is designing lessons that set high school pupils real-world challenges by established entrepreneurs, focused on running aspects of a business, while the University of Strathclyde will provide activity packs that develop entrepreneurial skills in primary school children.
Adults under-represented in business, including women and ethnic minorities, will benefit from £1.08 million awarded to 13 organisations through the Pathways Fund, helping turn their ideas and fledgling businesses into growing enterprises.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited pupils at Braes High School in Falkirk to see some of the entrepreneurial projects they have been working on.
Ms Forbes said: “These projects mean that for the first time entrepreneurship will be embedded in Scotland’s classrooms, from P1 to S6. By mainstreaming the subject we aim to give every school leaver the skills, confidence and opportunity to set up their own business.
“This is a continuation of the Scottish Government’s drive to create one of Europe’s leading start-up economies. Existing entrepreneurs are already being supported, including by our successful Techscaler programme. Now, through these two funds, we are developing the next generation.
“I want young people and under-represented groups to be excited by the idea of going into business, to understand it’s something they can do.”
CEO of Gen+ Victoria Vardy said:“At Gen+, we believe education should inspire young people to become adaptable, self-aware, and ready for the future.
“ Our Industry Innovators programme connects classroom learning with insights from real-world business challenges, helping pupils understand and develop the core skills that lead to success across industries.“
By learning directly from industry experts, students gain the confidence and practical skills to turn their ambitions into reality, empowering them to become Scotland’s future entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.”
The Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund totals £829,346
Successful recipients of the Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund:
University of Strathclyde – Meet the RECCO Family (£80,994): To support the development of illustrated digital educational resources for the development of an entrepreneurial mindset in early primary school children (P1-3).
Daydream Believers – Dreamers and Doers (£146,200): To develop the Dreamers and Doers playlist creating three entrepreneurial challenges to promote creativity, innovation and problem-solving, integrated into the existing SCQF Creative Thinking qualification.
Gen+ – Industry Innovators (£79,834): To equip S1-S3 students with essential entrepreneurial skills, structured around specific skills and aligned with a real-world challenge set by local businesses.
Socialudo – Playing the Pathway to Entrepreneurship (£49,861): To co-produce and develop the game ‘Social Deal’ to provide a creative training package for use in both primary and secondary school level, introducing the different elements of business planning and business models.
Founders4Schools – Role Models for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow (£157,025): To scale their network of role models in Scotland, particularly in under-represented groups and develop their platform to ensure every educator has easy access to a network of entrepreneurs for S1-S6 pupils.
Powering Futures – Challenge for Education (£250,000): To deliver three programmes to enhance the understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset and the pathway to embed this work in future generations.
High School of Glasgow – START (£65,405): To develop a pilot for an interdisciplinary learning programme for Scottish schools. Teams of S6 pupils will be guided from problem solving to seed investment pitch and the pilot programme will take place in a select group of local authority schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The Pathways Fund totals £1.08 million
Successful recipients of the Pathways Fund:
Business Women Scotland – Programme for Growth (£40,000): Support for women in business, addressing the challenges they face in achieving significant growth through a comprehensive 2-day seminar and personalised guidance from
GrowBiz – Developing Women’s Rural Enterprises (£106,505): Supporting women and other underrepresented groups across rural and island areas of Scotland who are either considering self-employment, seeking to grow a venture, or considering ways of becoming a greener business.
Orkney Island Council – Entrepreneurial Islands project (£65,350): A coaching and mentoring programme for the Orkney islands to access tailored support, building enthusiasm and encouraging new business start-ups, while assisting business funding applications.
Investing Women Ltd – AccelerateHER (£200,000): This project delivers educational programmes and networking opportunities across Scotland to tackle the gender gap in accessing investment, by providing female business founders with relevant knowledge, skillsets, connections and opportunities needed to grow and scale their businesses.
Rebel Business School (Enjoy Training Ltd) – How to Start & Scale a Business for Female Founders (£49,970): Workshop programme will be delivered both virtually and in Glasgow to support women begin their journey.
Together Reaching Higher – Entrepreneurial Empowerment Pathways Hub (£52,590): This will transform a temporary simple drop-in service into a permanent, sustainable resource Hub for ethnic minorities in Glasgow, focusing on women. This will support aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and resources to develop their social enterprises.
Inspirent Ltd – Women Can Grow! Bootcamp (£129,200): Building on from the success of Women Can! in 2023/24 this programme will provide women with practical support to move their startup beyond the initial planning, or early stage, to implementation within Glasgow, North and South Lanarkshire.
Challenges Catalyst – Ready to RISE (Readiness & Incubation for the Social Economy) (£96,974): This programme, delivered in suburban areas of the central belt and Tayside, is aimed at mothers and others whose work prospects have been impacted by a career break because of caring responsibilities, migration, or health issues.
Edinburgh Chambers of Commerce – Women in Business: Entrepreneurial Growth Programme (£57,575): A programme to empower female founders with established businesses to expand, grow, and attract investment through training, coaching, and opportunities to connect with fellow female entrepreneurs in the Edinburgh region.
PeoplePlus – Supporting Women in Enterprise (£74,037): Supporting women within marginalised communities in Glasgow through a 12-week programme where Business Advisers will provide tailored business advice, training, and networking opportunities.
Robert Gordon University – RGU Women in Business: Starting up (£55,292): A 7-week flexible online enterprise programme offering expert consultancy support, and networking opportunities based in Aberdeenshire, tailored to the needs of mothers and care-givers.
Business Gateway East Renfrewshire – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Business Accelerator For East Renfrewshire (£95,850): Seminars, workshops, events and direct 1-2-1 support to businesses within the Black and Asian Minority and Ethnic community in East Renfrewshire.
West Lothian Council – Women Entrepreneurs Growth Programme (£57,630): Workshops to support women in West Lothian from pre-start to pre-investment, providing networking and commercial pop-up shop opportunities.
A ground-breaking report from Hourglass, Economic Abuse by Numbers, has exposed the staggering social and economic costs of abuse against older people in the UK, revealing a hidden epidemic of financial exploitation that costs society billions of pounds each year.
Authored by Hourglass, the UK’s only charity focusing on ending the abuse of older people, the report calls for urgent action and funding to protect older victim-survivors. It underlines that their suffering has too often been ignored by policymakers and the public alike. It has been issued as part of the charity’s Safer Ageing Week 2024.
The report details that economic abuse is not just a crime — it is a devastating assault on the dignity, safety, and futures of older people.
Some of the key figures underline how the abuse of older people costs the UK over £16 billion annually, with this figure projected to rise to more than £25 billion per year by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
Despite the overwhelming scale of the problem, specialist services for older victims receive less than £500,000 annually — less than 1% of the £85 million allocated for all-age domestic abuse services across the UK.
Describing the issue as ‘a crisis hidden in plain sight’ the study explains how older victim-survivors often lose vast sums of money, property, or savings they have spent decades accumulating.
Over the past three years alone, Hourglass has recorded over £53 million in reported financial losses from older victims contacting its 24/7 helpline. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg — only 14% of economic abuse cases report financial loss, meaning the true figures are likely far higher.
Shockingly, awareness of economic abuse remains critically low. A recent Hourglass/YouGov survey revealed alarming misconceptions among the public:
26% of respondents in England and Wales do not recognise using a Power of Attorney for personal financial gain as abuse.
32% of respondents in Northern Ireland do not recognise taking items from an older relative’s home without permission as a form of abuse.
29% in Wales and 27% in Scotland do not view attempts to change an older relative’s will as abuse.
16% in England and Scotland do not believe scams targeting older people count as abuse.
Hourglass CEO Richard Robinson, stated: “These figures underline a glaring problem — not only is economic abuse of older people pervasive, but it is also dangerously misunderstood.
“Older victims are being side-lined in policy discussions, and this report makes clear that the UK is failing to meet even the most basic standard of protection.
“The question is not whether we can afford this commitment, but rather, can we afford the alternative? Without ring fenced, long-term funding for specialist services, we are choosing to let economic abuse continue unchecked, to the tune of billions in human and financial cost.
“It’s time to end the silence, stand up for older victim-survivors, and demand that the all four governments and assemblies make their protection a priority – on par with any other crisis of abuse.”
The report highlights the stark economic case for investment in specialist services. Hourglass estimates that £300 million annually is required in England and Wales alone to remove the barriers to assistance and build a robust, proactive support system.
With older people contributing over £160 billion annually to the UK economy, the neglect of their safety and well-being is both a moral and economic failure.
Hourglass is calling for ring fenced, long-term funding and a comprehensive strategy to address abuse against older people, ensuring their protection is elevated to the same level of urgency as any other crisis of abuse.
As the Safer Ageing Week 2024 theme demands: Take Note. It is time to stop turning a blind eye to the financial and economic abuse of older people.
This is not only complicity — it is a choice to allow lives to be shattered and billions to be siphoned from an already overburdened system.
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity during Safer Ageing Week to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
We’re delighted to announce that Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of an MBE for an organisation.
This award celebrates the outstanding service of our volunteers who have been going the extra mile to support local families since 2015.
Margaret Civval, Chair of Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, said: “We are honoured that the commitment and dedication of our volunteers is recognised in this prestigious award.
“The service simply could not run without many volunteer hours on a weekly basis to enhance the lives of local families.”
Last weekend, deliberate damage was done to our SFL garden area and a lot of mess made. This included broken fences and plant pots as well as damage to two scooters – so much so they are beyond repair
We don’t mind young people hanging around in our area at all as we want them to be safe, but we ask two things:
*Be respectful so things are not damaged
*Use the bins provided for any rubbish
We hope everyone in the Craigroyston community can help support us in this!
Family favourites in East Princes Street Gardens including the Traditional Christmas Markets,LNER Big Wheel, Around the World Starflyer, and the Festive Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens open today!
George Street’s popular covered Ice Rink opens Friday 22 November
Santa’s Stories and Christmas Tree Maze transform St. Andrew Square from Saturday 23 November
The brand-new Polar Ice Bar opens on George Street Monday 25 November and promises to be the coolest venue in town
Assembly Hall brings an exciting programme of shows from Thursday 5 December
The wait is over… Edinburgh’s Christmas opens today, featuring a jam-packed programme of festive family fun!
Get ready for bright lights, Christmas tunes and mulled wine as the festive season kicks off! Located in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a winter wonderland experience like no other.
Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the city into a festive haven for all the family, with Traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular liveoutdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.
Opening today (Saturday 16 November), Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens brings the capital’s famous Christmas festivities to the heart of the city. Running until Saturday 4 January 2025, the market is filled to the brim with the finest local and international producers to find that perfect Christmas gift. East Princes Street Gardens also boasts the famous 80m Star Flyer, LNER Big Wheel and more daring fairground rides.
Just along the street, West Princes Street Gardens’ Festive Funfair is also opening today (12noon), complete with thrilling rides, fairground games, food & beverage, light installations and ticketed illumination events every evening. Families are welcome to join the fun until Saturday 4 January 2025.
Time to lace up your skates! Edinburgh’s premier outdoor Ice Rink opens on George Street from Friday 22 November 2024 and runs through until Saturday 4 January 2025. With a covered rink, it’s the perfect festive activity, rain or shine.
Santa Claus and his elves are ready to welcome families at St. Andrew Square where they can find Santa’s Stories, a letter writing station and a post box with a direct line to Santa’s workshop. Santa’s Stories begins Saturday 23 November in the Piccolo Spiegeltent, with each visit ensuring kids get the opportunity to meet Santa himself before the big day, and take home their own present.
Also in St. Andrew Square, the all-new Christmas Tree Maze opens on Saturday 23 November, until 24 December. This immersive holiday experience, with tickets from £5, offers one of the UK’s largestilluminatedChristmas Tree walks.
Brand new this year, the Polar Ice Bar on George Street is crafted from crystal clear ice made from recycled rainwater, opens on Monday 25 November. The Polar Ice bar promises to be the coolest spot in town to enjoy a festive drink! Warm-up afterwards in George Street’s Coorie Inn, a brand-new Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction hosting a programme of live music, events, and festive workshops.
Our favourite ogre is back with a holiday edition of the Fringe smash-hit show, ‘Swamplesque’ – a burlesque and drag parody show. The festive ‘fantasy meets fabulous’ performance takes over Assembly Hall from Thursday 5 December until Saturday 4 January (ages 16+).
One of the foremost bubble artists in the world is coming to Assembly Hall on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December with The Bubble Show! Whether you’re a wide-eyed child or a child at heart, prepare to be captivated by the spellbinding wonder of bubbles!
There’s no show like a Jason Byrne NO SHOW! NO SHOW is a show with no comedy safety net. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off stage, to create NO SHOW. Limited shows on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December, you don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime show or NO SHOW (ages 14+).
Book lovers can join Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive in-conversation event on Sunday 15 December at Assembly Hall, for In the Company of Books. The two will be joined by special guests to explore the joys of reading, and a few glasses of mulled wine (ages 12+).
Celebrating its 20th anniversary the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk on Sunday 8 December, invites Santa’s elves to run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit, while raising funds for When You Wish Upon A Star.
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmassaid: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is finally here, and with a seven-week programme packed full of family favourites, this year promises to be one of the biggest and best ever.
“Whether sipping on cool cocktails in our brand new Ice Bar, enjoying a festive treat at the Coorie Inn or showing off your skating skills on the Ice Rink, there’s something for everyone at Edinburgh’s Christmas.”
More than 700 students celebrated in style as they graduated as part of Edinburgh College’s class of 2024 at the McEwan Hall last week (8 November).
Students were joined by over 1,600 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.
Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence.
Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.
In addition, James Thomson OBE was presented with an Honorary Edinburgh College Ambassador Award in recognition of James Thomson’s significant contribution to Edinburgh College over many years, through his support of our hospitality students, sponsorship of international exchanges, and the creation of the James Thomson Award for Customer Excellence.
Around 14 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is a special occasion—one that celebrates the dedication, resilience, and growth that each student has shown throughout their college journey.
“The Class of 2024 has demonstrated incredible focus and perseverance, setting themselves up for success in whatever path they choose to pursue next. With the skills and knowledge they’ve gained during their time at Edinburgh College, there’s no doubt that they are poised to achieve great things.
“On behalf of the College’s leadership, faculty, and support teams, I offer my deepest congratulations to each and every one of you. I wish you nothing but success as you continue your studies, start new careers, and chase your dreams.
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.
