£2 million funding boost for housing payment scheme
A scheme helping low-income households avoid homelessness will receive an additional £2 million this year.
The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme provides direct financial support to low-income households struggling with housing costs and helps people to retain their tenancy in the rented sector.
The additional funding takes this year’s investment in the scheme to a record £117 million. This will help an estimated 100,000 households in Scotland sustain their tenancies. The scheme is the main way the Scottish Government mitigates the impacts of the UK Government’s ‘bedroom tax’ and benefit cap.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Our Discretionary Housing Payments are a vital lifeline to families at risk of losing their home and help protect people from the UK Government’s damaging bedroom tax and benefit cap policies.
“Our scheme is delivering and providing direct support to low-income households – helping to reduce poverty, safeguard tenancies and prevent homelessness. In Scotland, we offer a level of support not available elsewhere in the UK, and our different approach is working.
“However, the UK Government’s decision to freeze the support given to private renters at 2024 levels means people are struggling to pay their housing costs – this is driving homelessness and putting families at serious risk.
“I am extremely disappointed the Chancellor chose not to use his Budget to end the freeze and give households the breathing space they desperately need.”
Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals will erupt with a fusion of colour, light, music and dance when Edinburgh Diwali returns for its 11th annual celebration on Sunday 15 November.
Open to all and free to attend, over 200 performers and thousands of spectators are expected to take part in the vibrant celebration of Scottish and Indian culture when it comes to Edinburgh city centre.
Looking forward to this year’s celebrations, Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh said: “On Sunday, a vibrant parade from St Andrew Square – led by the Scottish Regiment Band, pipe bands and colourful groups of dancers – will make its way to the Ross Bandstand for live music and dance, building to a spectacular fireworks finale.
“This year’s programme is a rich tapestry of the familiar and the new: long-standing groups bring their warmth and tradition, and for the very first time we welcome a performance drawing on the story of Diwali from South India, a beautiful addition that speaks to the breadth and depth of this festival across cultures.
“More than 200 performers and over 30 volunteers will give their very best on the day. On behalf of every member of our committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to our performers, our long-standing supporters, and all who have stood by Edinburgh Diwali across the years.
“Come and join us. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours. Edinburgh Diwali belongs to all of us.”
Further highlights of the programme include the return of the Edinburgh Noise Committee, who will provide party percussion for the parade alongside the Glencorse Pipe Band for the procession from St Andrew Square to Castle Street. Other parade participants include Bihari Ladies Group, Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon, and the Edinburgh-Colombian dance group El Encanto. Plus a celebration of South Indian languages with dance displays of traditional Yatra and Malayali, and an Edinburgh Diwali debut for the Lasya Dance Crew, a collective of artists from across Scotland, united by their passion for Indian performing arts and a shared vision of celebrating cultural heritage through performance.
Celebrations continue into the early evening at the Ross Bandstand where Edinburgh-based Ahalya Dance Academy will present Narakasuravadham, a captivating dance drama that brings the mythological story behind Diwali and the triumph of good over evil to life. BollyFeat, Dance Ihayami, and Dance@Studio21 will celebrate the rich multicultural diversity of Scotland’s capital. And back by popular demand, the UK’s premier Bollywood rock band Shoonya will provide an electrifying headline set alongside Edinburgh Diwali’s fireworks finale.
Commenting ahead of this year’s event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of Edinburgh’s Diwali. A fantastic celebration of culture, music and community.
“Free and open to all, this year’s Diwali celebrations promise to be extra special with a fantastic parade, performances at the Ross Bandstand and fireworks.
“Diwali is a celebration of light, hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, we are proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Edinburgh.”
Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Siddharth Malik added: “I extend my warm greetings to everyone on Edinburgh Diwali’s 11th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
“Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance and hope triumphing over despair resonates across cultures. It is an occasion to celebrate togetherness and share the joy of India’s cultural traditions.
“For more than a decade, Edinburgh Diwali has brought Indian culture into the heart of Scotland’s capital, welcoming Scottish audiences to experience Indian music, dance and festive traditions. Through this shared celebration, it has encouraged understanding and strengthened the bonds between our communities.
“The blending of Scottish bands and ceilidh performances with Indian music and dance gives Edinburgh Diwali a distinctive character. It reflects the friendship between India and Scotland, showing how our traditions can enrich one another and create new experiences that everyone can enjoy.
“From the colourful city-centre parade to the performances and fireworks at Ross Bandstand, this year’s programme promises a joyful celebration for everyone.
“I congratulate the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, performers and volunteers for their dedication toward the event. I warmly encourage everyone to join the festivities and celebrate the light, friendship and community spirit that Diwali represents.
“Shubh Deepavali!”
Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh concluded:“Eleven years ago, Edinburgh Diwali began as a small, determined idea — that Scotland’s capital deserved a free, open, public celebration of Diwali that belonged to everyone.
“This Sunday 15 November, we mark our 11th anniversary, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come. Through some of the most challenging years any community organisation could face, not least the funding pressures that followed Covid — our team of volunteers has built Edinburgh Diwali into one of the most popular and beloved community-led events in the city. That is a testament to their dedication, their belief, and their refusal to give up on something truly worth doing.
“Our ethos, Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity, has guided every step of that journey, and it is at the heart of everything you will see and feel this Sunday. As part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, we are proud to bring this free celebration to the heart of our city and open it to all.
“The festive spirit is already building. From 6 November, two magnificent idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi stand next to the Ross Bandstand, bringing an authentic Diwali atmosphere to West Princes Street Gardens. Our sincere thanks go to Unique Assembly, a key partner who has made this possible.”
Edinburgh Diwali’s 2026 celebrations will take place on Sunday 15 November across Edinburgh’s New Town. Assembly for the parade will begin at St Andrew Square at 12:30, with live music and performance at the Ross Bandstand from 15:00, finished with a colourful fireworks display around 18:30.
We’re delighted and honoured to have been awarded the Shining Star Award at the inaugural Great British Theatre Awards!
This award recognises the Trust’s contribution to saving a theatre building for the community, and it represents a special moment to celebrate everyone who has played a part in protecting and supporting Leith Theatre over the years. Your determination and perseverance mean everything.
We have come a remarkable distance, and we’re now at a pivotal point in our journey as we sail ahead.
But we still have a future to secure. There’s important work to do and further funding needed before we can realise our ambitions for the building.
While Lynn and Anna were collecting the award in London, the show goes on back at the venue, with contractors on site and essential surveys underway – what better way to illustrate the journey we’re on!
Thank you Theatres Trust and everyone who continues to support Leith Theatre
Award-winning actress and Queen Margaret University (QMU) graduate and honorary graduate Ashley Jensen returned to campus on Monday 26 October to share her experiences of working in the creative industries with the next generation of performers.
Ashley, who studied Drama (Acting Studies) at what was then Queen Margaret College, took part in a Q&A with third and fourth year acting students at QMU, reflecting on her career across theatre, television and film.
Known for roles in ‘Extras’, ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Agatha Raisin’, ‘Afterlife’ and leading in popular crime drama TV series ‘Shetland’, Ashley has built a highly successful career spanning a wide range of screen and stage productions.
Her visit comes as QMU prepares to welcome a new generation of actors through its new four-year BA (Hons) Acting and Performance degree, with the first students due to begin in September 2027. Drawing on QMU’s highly respected teaching expertise and strong connections with the profession, the course builds on more than 50 years of actor training at QMU, and its existing two-year Acting and Performance degree for students who have completed an HNC.
Ashley said: “Acting is such an exciting career, and it’s also one where you’re constantly learning and discovering new things about yourself.
“There isn’t one set route into the industry, and you never really stop developing as a performer. You have to be curious, take risks and be prepared to put yourself out there, even when things feel uncertain.
“My time at Queen Margaret was such an important part of my journey, so it’s great to see QMU continuing to broaden its course portfolio. Having the chance to explore different approaches to acting, gain practical experience, and learn alongside other creatives can give aspiring actors a really valuable foundation to build on.”
Aside from Ashley’s impressive professional achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland. She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries.
Her commitment to these causes reflects values cherished at QMU, and in 2025, the University awarded the Scottish actress and narrator with an honorary degree to mark her contributions to the arts.
Marion Scott, Programme Leader for the new BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course at QMU, said: “Ashley’s career is a great example of the many directions an actor’s training can take them.
“For our students, hearing directly from someone who has built an established and thriving career is a valuable opportunity to understand what working in the industry really involves. Ashley’s visit gives them the chance to learn from her experiences and reflect on how they can develop their own careers as performers.
“Our new undergraduate Acting and Performance degree reflects how we want to prepare actors for the industry today, offering intensive, practical training in acting, voice, movement, textual analysis and screen practice, with theatre and film in equal measure.
“Students will also have opportunities to write, devise and develop their own work, collaborating with peers across QMU’s wider creative community. We’re building on QMU’s long-established history of performing arts while creating a course that reflects the range of opportunities available to performers now.”
Small class sizes, individual feedback and teaching staff with professional experience across the creative industries will support students as they develop their skills and prepare for professional practice.
The four-year course will be open to students applying directly from school, while retaining a direct-entry route for applicants with an appropriate college qualification.
Volunteer Scotland and SCVO have published practical resources to help charities and voluntary organisations respond to difficult or challenging situations.
The guidance covers topics including safety planning, managing conflict, team wellbeing, communications and trauma-informed support.
OSCR was pleased to review the resources during their development and provide feedback from a charity regulator perspective.
Volunteer Scotland and SCVO have published a new collection of practical resources to help voluntary organisations and community groups navigate hostility and intolerance.
The resources are designed to help organisations think about how they can support the safety and wellbeing of volunteers, staff and the people they work with when facing difficult or challenging situations.
The collection covers six areas:
dialogue and conflict with service users
expert-led safety advice
internal conversations and team wellbeing
risk assessment and safety planning
specialist communications guidance
trauma-informed support.
OSCR was pleased to have the opportunity to review the resources during their development and provide feedback from a charity regulator perspective.
The guidance also signposts to external sources of information and support. These links have been selected by Volunteer Scotland, and their inclusion does not indicate endorsement by OSCR.
A MAN has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the rape of a woman in Edinburgh.
Kabiru Jack Buraimoh was found guilty of the offence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (4 November, 2026) following a trial.
The incident happened at an address in the north of the city on 12 May 2024.
Buraimoh entered the victim’s home with a spare key and attacked the woman in her bed. He was arrested later the same day and charged following a police investigation.
Buraimoh was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Sergeant Louise Forsyth said: “Buraimoh carried out a horrific attack on the victim who has understandably been left traumatised by the event.
“I’d like to thank her for her support as we conducted our investigation.
“Violence against women and girls is a national emergency and one which we are working with partners to address.
“We’d encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual crime to come forward and report instances to us. Support is available and perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
Building on the success of our established Rock Up & Ride programme, Scottish Cycling is expanding into Edinburgh through a new partnership with the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and We Play Together SCIO at the Crags Community Centre.
The Rock Up & Ride project in Edinburgh will help to introduce young people to cycling, not only as a sport and recreational activity, but the programme will also help develop the confidence and practical skills needed to cycle independently.
The ambition is to encourage participants to see cycling as an option for everyday journeys, helping make active travel a more accessible choice within their local community.
The ambition of the programme goes beyond simply providing opportunities to ride. The young people involved in the programme will be supported to build confidence and develop their skills, with opportunities to progress into local cycling clubs or explore volunteering and coaching. The project will also help local staff and volunteers gain experience and qualifications, strengthening the Crags Community Centre’s ability to support cycling in the longer term.
SEStran has been a crucial partner in supporting the project, recognising the role cycling can play in creating healthier, more connected communities. With their support, the project will promote the benefits of active travel, helping young people build the confidence to use a bike both for enjoyment and everyday journeys.
Additional support has been provided through from the Scottish Cycling Tour de France Grand Départ Social Impact Programme. The programme aims to use the profile of the Grand Départ to create lasting opportunities for local communities, with Rock Up & Ride Edinburgh being one example showcasing the impact that the legacy of a major sporting event can have on the local community.
With Project Coordinator Erin Finnigan already in post, Rock Up & Ride in Edinburgh is building on the strong relationships We Play Together SCIO has established with young people in the local area around the Crags Community Centre. Erin will coordinate the programme, bringing opportunities directly to the community and ensuring that activities reflect the interests and needs of local young people.
The programme will introduce participants to different cycling disciplines, including BMX, mountain biking and track cycling, with a particular focus on BMX, utilising the “Skelf” pump track adjacent to the Crags Community Centre.
The programme will be supported by a group of experienced coaches alongside a fleet of bikes and equipment to help remove the cost and barriers that can sometimes prevent young people from getting involved.
Speaking about the impact of the programme Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering the reach of our flagship participation programme, Rock Up & Ride, as it expands into Edinburgh ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ next summer.
“We’re already feeling the buzz that the Tour de France is creating, so this is a wonderful opportunity to use that to get more people on bikes and build their confidence and competence, so that they regularly use cycling as a form of active travel, or a past time.
“The expansion of the programme into the capital wouldn’t be possible without some fantastic partnership working, so I extend a big thank you to SEStran, We Play Together and the Scottish Government for helping bring it to life, and I can’t wait to see it flourish over the coming months and years.”
Sally Pattle, Chair of the SEStran Partnership Board, commented: “We’re delighted to support Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up and Ride initiative in Edinburgh through our People and Place programme.
“The sessions with We Place Together at the Crags Community Centre are giving local young people and their families the chance to build their cycling skills and confidence in a fun and inclusive environment, helping make cycling a more accessible option for leisure and everyday journeys.”
The Rock Up & Ride programme at the Crags Community Centre presents an exciting opportunity to turn the excitement of the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Edinburgh next year into a lasting, positive impact for the local community.
By bringing cycling opportunities directly to young people and giving them the support and confidence to get involved, the ambition is to inspire a new generation to discover the joy of cycling and the role it can play in their everyday lives.
SIX LONG LEGS: What you don’t know, you can’t love
A new visual theatre show for families exploring the importance of insects on our world is set to open in North Edinburgh this month.
Using secondhand objects such as kitchen utensils and feather dusters, three performers transform into colourful insects, using puppetry and physical theatre to celebrate biodiversity and abundance.
With the help of the voice of a child who knows everything about insects, original music by Pete Buffery and Michael Hyland and a buzzing soundtrack, Emily Dyble, Ella Mackay and Bori Mezo shapeshift into strange new bodies and behaviours with joy and effort. The work hopes to create empathy with the smallest creatures we share our planet with.
A number of organisations have helped to shape the work, which will be brought to stage at Whale Arts and North Edinburgh Arts through a number of performances for schools, groups and families. The Entomology (Insect) team at National Museums Scotland has fed into the script, and the work has also been developed from conversations with conservationists and scientists with insect charity Buglife and Forestry Research.
Six Long Legs is the company’s second show, following the well-received Hopeful Monsters. The project is supported by Creative Scotland, and through the Captivate programme at Manipulate Arts.
Six Long Legs will preview at North Edinburgh Arts on Friday 20 November at 4.30pm and Saturday 21 November at 11.30am.
Imaginary Insects Workshops (for ages 5+) will run Friday 20 November at 3.30pm, Friday 20 November at 4.45pm, Saturday 21 November at 1pm.
An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.
The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.
Under the terms of reference, published yesterday, the inquiry will:
investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.
Ms McAllan said: “Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.
“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.
“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.
“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”
Professor Alexis Jay said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”
The largest policing operation since the visit of President Trump has now concluded.Operation Amberlight saw specialist police resources support local policing teams across the country respond to Bonfire Night disorder, while also policing the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and a potential protest in the East End of Glasgow.
In total, 1024 fireworks-related calls were received between 31 October and 5 November this year. While this is an increase from the 833 calls received in 2025, there has been reduction in the number of incidents requiring a specialist public order response across the country.
During the evening officers in Edinburgh responded to Oxgangs Road North at around 5pm after a group created a blockade in the road and set it alight.
Police in attendance were then targeted with fireworks and Operation Amberlight resources responded in support. The group made off from the area.
There were also incidents of police and public vehicles having fireworks thrown at them in the Gracemount and Gilmerton areas of the city.
Similar offences occurred in Clydebank around 6pm where there were reports of members of the public having had fireworks thrown at them. When officers attended, they were also targeted.
At around 7.55pm, police in Glasgow responded alongside the Scottish Ambulance service to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street.
During this time both crews were attacked with fireworks, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One police officer and an ambulance staff member sustained minor injuries during this time.
Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and a 16-year-old male was arrested.
Following reports of a significant group of individuals gathering in the Kirkton area of Dundee and setting illegal fires, Operation Amberlight resources were made available to support local officers but were not required and subsequently stood down.
A proportionate policing response was also in place for the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and this event also passed without serious incident.
There was no resource required in relation to information circulating online in relation to a planned protest in Glasgow.
Between 5.30pm and 11.30pm the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received over 800 calls relating to fireworks and bonfires.
During this time there were also attacks on crews deployed to the Castlemilk and Knightswood areas of Glasgow, Cummnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge, West Lothian.
There were no injuries to fire service personnel and no serious damage to their appliances.
In Edinburgh 21 Dispersal Orders were issued, with 13 issued in Glasgow. No one was charged in relation to any breaches of Firework Control Zones.
In total, seven arrests were made during the evening of Thursday, 5 November and investigations into the offences that occurred across the country will now begin. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Amberlight said: “Our policing operation covering the Halloween and Bonfire Night has been one of the most complex and demanding deployments in recent memory involving the largest number of officers the visit of President Trump in 2025.
“While we have seen a rise in the overall number of calls relating to fireworks incidents between Halloween and Bonfire Night 2026, when compared to last year, I am encouraged by the reduction in serious incidents requiring us to mobilise specialist resources during this time.
“The communities of Scotland have overwhelmingly showed their commitment to enjoying both Halloween and Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. Furthermore, the collaboration and readiness from our key partners to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside us during the planning and delivery of this operation has been exceptional.
“Nevertheless, we have seen, yet again, an unacceptable number of incidents where the police and our emergency service colleagues have been attacked with fireworks and other projectiles. This resulted in one of our officers and a colleague from the Scottish Ambulance Service sustaining minor injuries.
“This simply must stop. Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters and there to protect communities – not the be the target of violence. The behaviour we saw tonight resulted in an ambulance colleague sustain a minor injury and left one of our own vehicles badly damaged, meaning it is out of service for use within our communities.
“I want to make it clear that thorough investigations will now take place to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Despite these challenges, however, I do want to recognise the outstanding support we’ve seen from the majority of the public, both in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night and on the evenings themselves.
“It’s been heartening to see the positive level of community engagement and in many instances, this has led to vital intelligence, which helped seize significant quantities of fireworks before they could be used for criminal activity and to disrupt the activities of those planning to involve themselves in disorder.”
