We Don’t Trust You!

Publication of Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey

The Scottish Household Survey: Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report, published yesterday, contains key findings for the survey question on trust in public institutions in Scotland.

In 2025, adults in Scotland were most likely to trust the Health System and the Police (both 74%). Trust was lowest for the Scottish Government (46%) and Local Government (50%).

The Scottish Government (45%) and Local Government (41%) attracted the highest levels of distrust in 2025, while distrust was lowest for the Police (19%), the Education System (20%) and the Civil Service (22%). Compared with 2023, distrust increased most for Local Government (from 35% to 41%) and the Health System (from 18% to 24%).

‘Net trust’ is the difference between the percentage of people who expressed trust in an institution, and those who expressed distrust. More adults expressed trust than distrust in six of the seven institutions.

The Police had the highest net trust (+54 percentage points), with 74% of adults expressing trust and 19% expressing distrust.

Net trust in the Scottish Government was neutral, with equal proportions of adults expressing trust and distrust.

Trust varied across population groups. Adults aged 16 to 34 generally reported higher levels of trust than adults in the older age groups, while disabled adults reported lower trust and higher distrust than non-disabled adults across all institutions.

Trust was also generally higher among minority ethnic groups and lower among adults living in the most deprived areas. Differences by sex and urban-rural classification were less pronounced.

Trust in all seven institutions was lower in 2025 than in 2022, with the largest declines for the Scottish Government and Local Government (both down nine percentage points).

Changes in trust since 2023 were generally smaller than those seen earlier in the period, with trust levels increasing slightly for the Justice system and remaining stable for four of the seven institutions (the Police, Scottish Government, Civil Service and Education system) – suggesting that the decline in trust may be stabilising.

Over the 2023 to 2025 time period, however, distrust increased for most institutions and fewer adults selected “don’t know”, indicating that views may have become more defined over time.

The Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report provides key findings relating to Trust in Public Institutions in Scotland from the Scottish Household Survey.

Letter: Accessible letters from Santa

Dear Editor,

Things may only just be cooling down after what has certainly been a long hot summer, but at the North Pole, things are hotting up with the elves and Father Christmas already gearing up for another jam-packed festive season.

Once more, the residents of the North Pole are teaming up with their friends at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People) to make sure that every child experiences the magic that Christmas time brings by helping Santa reply to their letters in a format that’s accessible to them.

In the lead up to Christmas Day, children with a vision impairment can receive their very own Letter from Santa from RNIB in braille, large print, audio or email format, completely free of charge.

Last year, more than 1,600 children across the UK were brought the joy of Christmas magic by receiving a letter from Santa in an accessible format thanks to RNIB and Father Christmas’s elves.

If you know a child with a vision impairment who would love to receive an accessible Letter from Santa, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/santa.

The last date to request a physical letter in braille, large print or audio is Monday 30 November.

For a Letter from Santa in email format, you have until Tuesday 15 December to submit your request.

Remember to include the child’s name, age, address, the format they’d like their letter in, and whether they’d like to receive their letter in English or Welsh, and then leave it to Santa’s elves to sort out the magic.

From everyone at RNIB and at the North Pole, we wish you a magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Lara Marshall

Library Engagement Manager at RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People)

Significant fireworks recovery in Glasgow ahead of Bonfire Night

Police have seized more than a quarter of a ton of fireworks in what’s believed to be one of the largest recoveries in Scotland.

On Tuesday, 3 November, officers executed a warrant at an address in Penilee, Glasgow following intelligence received from the local community.

As a result, 350kg of fireworks, with a total retail value of £12,000 were recovered within. Some of the fireworks seized has the capacity to fire 600 individual rockets.

These fireworks were due to be sold online leading up to Bonfire Night.

Local Area Commander Chief Inspector William Campbell said: “This significant seizure is as a result of effective community policing and local intelligence.

“There was potential for these to be used to commit disorder in the coming days and taking them off the streets has potentially stopped the public and emergency service personnel being targeted by them.

“Prevention is a huge part of the work we do to help maintain public safety, protecting property and minimise antisocial behaviour ahead of Bonfire Night.”

A report will be submitted to the Procurators Fiscal.

Two male youths charged after fireworks thrown in Bonnyrigg

Two male youths have been charged after fireworks were thrown at High Street in Bonnyrigg, around 7.50pm on Saturday, 31 October, 2026.

The teenagers were traced and charged with culpable and reckless conduct. Enquiries continue to trace others involved.

Chief Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Young people are entitled to enjoy themselves, however any dangerous and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are continuing to engage with young people ahead of Bonfire Night about the consequences of this type of behaviour. We urge parents and guardians to support our efforts and ensure they are aware of their children’s activities and movements.

“Patrols continue in the area and we would encourage members of the public to continue to report any incidents to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

“Your assistance remains vital in helping us protect our local communities.”

Friday: Free Community Lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Our first Friday Community Lunch was an absolute success!

We served 33 meals of a delicious coconut and chickpea curry with rice and vegetable pakoras on the side. Of course, we forgot to take a photo!

However, we’re back again this Friday with a lovely Sudanese dish, taught by one of our talented cooking group members.

You can come and join in with cooking the meal from 10am-12pm or just come along for lunch, served from 12pm-1pm.

We are here to serve the community, so everyone is welcome.

It is always free, and you are welcome to leave a donation if you would like.

Landmarks to Light Up for Scottish Poppy Appeal

Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland is calling on businesses, landmarks and venues across the country to ‘Light Up Red’ to raise awareness for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

From castles and council buildings to schools and statues, the charity is urging Scotland’s most iconic structures to show their support in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday on 8^th November.

Last year, almost 200 locations took part across the country including The Kelpies, The City Chambers in Edinburgh, Hamilton Town Hall, Ness Bridge, Rosslyn Chapel and the University of Glasgow. The charity hopes to surpass this total in 2026.

Any building with external lighting can participate simply by adding red gel filters to its lights, joining a striking visual display of remembrance.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million annually for the charity’s vital welfare work with veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Each year our Light Up Red campaign raises awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal up and down the country, and we know from our Armed Forces community that it means a lot to them to see such a visible show of support and togetherness.

“In 2025, we had had great success across the length and breadth of Scotland, and we hope to build on that again this year. That’s where your community, your business or your organisation can join in.”

For more information about how to get involved, visit:

www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red

Scottish businesses urged to seize AI opportunity

Holyrood Minister convenes industry to help unlock potential £23 billion boost to economy

Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Scottish Government brings together industry leaders to discuss how to turn its potential into growth.

Estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, with the right investment and leadership from government and businesses across the economy.

Innovation Minister Alyn Smith met techUK Chief Executive Julian David and a roundtable of industry representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday 3 November).

The Scottish Government convened the discussion to hear directly from businesses about what is helping and what is holding back AI adoption.

Mr Smith said: “AI is one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s economy in a generation. The potential is there, with an additional £23 billion a year within reach by 2035. But it will only be realised if businesses take action.

“Whether you are an established firm or a growing start-up, and whether you are curious, cautious or sceptical about AI, now is the time to explore what it can do for you. We want Scottish businesses to harness AI to meet that ambition, and to exceed it.

“Scotland has a real advantage in the world-class talent our universities and colleges produce, and in the research and computing power behind them. That strength, working hand in hand with business, is what will turn this potential into jobs, investment and growth.

“Government can set the direction and help clear the way, but we need industry to tell us what works, what doesn’t and what would make the difference. That is why we have brought this group together today.”

Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK, said: “The opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but it will only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same direction.

“Today’s roundtable is a chance for industry to share what is working on the ground and for government to listen and act. By collaborating, we can help more businesses of every size make the most of AI.”

Scotland’s AI Strategy is the Scottish Government’s five-year plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth. Support is already available for smaller businesses. The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and launched in August, helps small and medium-sized businesses get started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and effectively. Its predecessor reached more than 1,000 businesses.

The roundtable will also discuss the role of Scotland’s universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills the economy needs.

Syrian student who fled civil war celebrates graduation

Mohamad Nour Alhoulani and his family came to Scotland a decade ago

A decade after arriving in the city without a penny, an Edinburgh Napier University student who escaped civil war in Syria has celebrated his graduation as an engineer.

Mohamad Nour Alhoulani and his family were forced to flee the sudden outbreak of armed conflict in 2011 – travelling over mountainous routes to neighbouring Lebanon as their homeland was destroyed.

Following years in a refugee camp, they were offered the chance to move to Scotland through a UN programme in 2016. They made their home in Edinburgh, where Mohamad began taking English classes – which led to college and later university.

Now, the 31-year-old has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with a BEngElectrical & Electronic Engineeringdegree, which he celebrated alongside is parents, wife and three children at the Usher Hall.

Mohamad said: “The revolution began when I was 16 years old. Like many other people, my family and I were forced to leave our home. It was destroyed piece by piece, and we had to keep moving to avoid the bombing.

“We went to Lebanon, where we lived in a refugee camp. Life there was extremely difficult, and I had to work in very hard jobs to earn money and support my family.

“When I was 21 years old, I was given the opportunity to come to Scotland through the United Nations resettlement programme. It was a new beginning for me, but it was also a huge challenge.

“I arrived with zero money. I had three dollars in Lebanese lira, which I used to buy a bottle of water in a Turkish airport on the way.

“When we got here I didn’t understand people when they spoke, or the culture. But I wanted to learn quickly. A local organisation called The Welcoming helped me to take language classes at the local community centre. I started volunteering with them soon afterwards.

“I would never have imagined I would go from that situation to be graduating today.”

Once Mohamed got used to life in Scotland, he decided on a new career path – engineering.

He completed several courses at Edinburgh College, while also working and raising his young children, before being accepted to study at Edinburgh Napier University.

Mohamad added: “I decided to study electrical engineering because I wanted to develop a professional career, find stable employment and create better opportunities for my children.

“We had the opportunity to come to Scotland, so I also want to be able to do something to make a positive difference for people here.

“I took to it pretty quickly. I remember one project where we made a little robot car – and I was so happy when it worked! I found I enjoyed solving problems.

“Today, I look back at it all with satisfaction and gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunities I have received in Scotland, for the people who supported me, and most importantly, for the chance to continue learning.”

Mohamad graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

Edinburgh piper Alasdair Henderson wins Glenfiddich Piping Championship

Edinburgh piper and Fettes College piping instructor Alasdair Henderson has been crowned Overall Champion at the 2026 Glenfiddich Piping Championship, held at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl on Saturday 31 October.

Alasdair, who lives in Edinburgh, teaches piping at Fettes College and previously taught at George Heriot’s School. He is also Pipe Sergeant of Inveraray & District Pipe Band, which he joined in 2010, taking up his current role in 2014.

The Glenfiddich is widely regarded as the most prestigious competition in solo piping and known as the world solo piping championships. Only ten of the world’s finest pipers receive an invitation, having qualified through major competition successes during the year. Alasdair secured his place by winning the Piping Live! Masters Solo Competition in August.

Alasdair won the Piobaireachd and placed third in the March, Strathspey and Reel to take the overall title for the first time. Stuart Liddell was second overall and fellow Edinburgh piper Iain Speirs third.

Alasdair said: “Receiving the award on Saturday was the best day of my piping life! I’ve worked an entire lifetime towards this and it feels fairly surreal at the moment.

“I was very happy with the way I played on Saturday and thought I put two really good runs together. I feel honoured to receive this prestigious title and trophy.”

Originally from Dunoon, Alasdair learnt the pipes from his uncle, P/M Jim Henderson. His family’s piping connections include P/M John McLellan DCM of Dunoon, the composer of Lochanside and The Road to the Isles, who also taught Jim as a boy.

Edinburgh veteran fulfils lifelong dream to march at the Cenotaph Parade

At 88 years old, Edinburgh veteran Chris Armstrong is preparing for a moment he has waited a lifetime to experience.

This November, Chris will travel to London with Sight Scotland Veterans to take part in the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph, fulfilling a life-long ambition he never thought would become reality.

Chris completed his National Service between 1957 and 1959 and has always felt a deep connection to Remembrance. After developing cataracts and losing confidence in later life, he says Sight Scotland Veterans helped him regain his independence, make new friends and enjoy opportunities he never thought possible.

Now, thanks to the charity’s support, he will proudly march past the Cenotaph and salute His Majesty The King for the very first time.

He said: “Remembrance means a great deal to me. It’s such an important occasion to honour those who lost their lives. I remember the end of the war in our street when I was young. Two local heroes came home, one had lost an arm and the other had lost his sight. Those memories have stayed with me all my life.

“I lost two uncles and an aunt as a result of the World Wars, so Remembrance has always been very personal for my family. My brothers also served, and we have always taken time to remember the loved ones, friends and comrades who never came home.

“Every year we attend the Edinburgh Remembrance parade to pay our respects. It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the true cost of war. So many people gave everything, and we owe them so much for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Chris says he will be very proud and emotional to march in the Cenotaph Parade and owes so much to Sight Scotland Veterans for making it happen.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of the Cenotaph Parade, so I’m really excited and incredibly proud to be going. To march past the Cenotaph and salute the King is something I’ve dreamed about for many years, but I honestly didn’t think it would ever be possible.

“To be there with my friends from Sight Scotland Veterans means a huge amount. It will be an emotional day. Marching alongside veterans from across the country, remembering those we’ve lost and representing the veteran community is a real honour.

“After having problems with my sight, I never imagined I would have an opportunity like this. To be 88 years old and finally fulfil a lifelong ambition is something very special, and I can’t thank Sight Scotland Veterans enough for making it possible.”

Chris adds: “Sight Scotland Veterans has been a tremendous help to me. I’ve been part of the charity for around nine months and it has genuinely changed my life. I live in sheltered housing in Edinburgh and always look forward to my days at the Linburn Centre.

“When you have problems with your sight, it’s easy to lose confidence and start to think there are things you can’t do anymore. What Sight Scotland Veterans has shown me is that this is simply not true and there is still so much life to be lived.”

For more information visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

Working together to keep older people safe and warm this Winter

A life-changing partnership between Age UK, Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Britain’s gas network companies is being extended to help more older people.

The £1.7m partnership builds on the success of a previous nationwide initiative and has been co-designed by the organisations using insight and learning gathered from older people and frontline advisers. Its aim is to provide meaningful, practical and trusted support to older people across England, Scotland and Wales.

Led by SGN and funded by the organisation as well as Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities, the programme extends their existing partnerships for a further two years and will run until March 2028 to help even more older people stay safe, warm and independent at home.

Almost 118,000 older households across Britain have already received personalised energy support thanks to the partnership. Thousands more benefitted from online information, benefits checks and practical guidance to help them manage energy costs and stay safe at home.

The programme has also strengthened the skills and expertise of advice teams across the Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland networks. The partnership has enabled the charities to support thousands of vulnerable households through immediate practical assistance, including providing heat packs, longer-term energy advice, safety information and support to manage energy bills.

The enhanced knowledge developed through the programme continues to help advisers identify vulnerable customers and connect them with available support.

In one case, a 90-year-old man living alone had received a free carbon monoxide alarm through an Age Scotland partnership programme. When the alarm began flashing and beeping, he was unsure what the warning meant or what he should do.

While speaking with the man, an adviser recognised he was struggling to understand the vital safety advice and may not have been able to take the necessary action independently.

Concerned for his safety, the adviser contacted SGN directly, and an engineer was at the man’s home within an hour. While the carbon monoxide detector itself was found to be faulty, the engineer also discovered a gas leak in the property, allowing the issue to be identified and resolved before it could cause serious harm.

Pippa Lock, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy at Age UK, said: “Older people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of fuel poverty, often spending more time at home and needing to use more energy to maintain their health and wellbeing.

“Through the renewed partnership, they will be able to access specialist support designed around their specific needs.”

Through the next phase of the partnership, older people will continue to receive support with energy-related concerns and be connected to specialist services where needed by the national Age UK, Age Scotland and Age Cymru advice lines.

It will also provide trusted, accessible information tailored specifically for older people, alongside a learning-led and nation-responsive approach that reflects local needs and challenges.

Margaret Hamilton, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said: “The Gas Distribution Networks and Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Scotland charities are extending our commitment to working together to ensure older people can access trusted advice, practical support and potentially life-saving interventions, helping them live safely, confidently and independently in their own homes for longer.”