WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER from 5.30 – 7pm at THE JUNCTION
Places still available for today’s Reminiscence Cafe, a safe space for young people, aged 12 – 21, to remember people and pets who have died.
Homemade soup, supportive chat and plenty of arts and crafts.
Action is being taken to ensure domestic abuse survivors are not unfairly burdened by council tax debt.
The Scottish Government will create a statutory exception to joint and several liability rules to protect those who have faced domestic abuse, with a consultation launching as the first step in the process of reform.
This will mean that, where relevant criteria are met, survivors would only be liable for 50% of their liability for both council tax and water & sewerage charges. They would also be able to seek support from the local authority in reducing that remaining liability or removing it entirely.
From 1 April 2027, survivors and all council taxpayers will also benefit from a 63-day period after missing a council tax payment before any enforcement action can be taken.
The consultation will consider other reforms planned for all council taxpayers including:
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This government is taking action to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls.
We know that financial issues can too often be a barrier to leave an abusive relationship and so we must act where we have the power. We will ensure that our council tax system protects and supports those who have experienced domestic abuse.
“Controlling a person’s finances, building up debt in their name without their knowledge, or forcing them to take on debt through threats or coercion are all forms of abuse.
“This package of reforms will ensure women are not unfairly burdened by council tax debt, and prevent women being tied to men who abuse them by a debt to the state.”
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to introducing a statutory exception from joint and several liability for council tax.
“Women experiencing domestic abuse can be left facing debts they knew nothing about because of an abusive partner’s financial control.
“This financial abuse can leave women facing significant debt and hardship, making it harder to leave the abusive partner and rebuild their lives. This change is a step towards reducing women’s liability for debt that is not their own.”
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “Council tax debt is the most common type of debt people seek advice about from our network of local Citizens Advice Bureaus (CAB).
“We very much welcome the extension to the period before debt recovery begins. This will be crucial for helping people who are struggling to pay their council tax, giving them much-needed time to get advice and support from their CAB.
“The wider review of council tax administration can play a vital role in rewiring the system to prevent unnecessary debt and support people to make payments.”
The Scottish Government’s Statement of Action following the statutory review of joint and several liability for council tax arrears and how they impact victim-survivors of domestic abuse can be found here –
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is raising the alarm ahead of winter, as new stats show that Emergency Departments (EDs) are struggling more than they were this time last year.
The latest data, from Public Health Scotland, showed that in September 2026 8,441 patients (6.7% of total attendances) at major EDs waited more than 12 hours before being admitted, discharged or transferred.
That’s almost 2,000 more than in September 2025.
RCEM is calling on the Scottish Government to tackle the bed capacity issue which is largely driving many of these long waits and for a reduction in corridor care by 50%.
When patients at the ‘back door’ of the hospital can be discharged in good time, it allows A&E to admit new patients into beds, freeing up Emergency Care space.
Meanwhile, just 60.6% of patients waited fewer than four hours – well below the 95% target set by the NHS.
Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Scotland Vice President, said: “Throughout 2026, EDs have been in a state of crisis with absolutely no room to stretch when extra pressure comes our way.
“Thousands of patients each month have been waiting for more than half a day in our EDs. That’s thousands of our own parents, children, brothers and sisters experiencing agonising waits because of a total breakdown in patient flow.
“As these latest figures show, our Emergency Departments (EDs) are far from ready for the surge in demand which we know will come when winter hits, as it does every year.
“Last winter was incredibly tough – both for patients and for the staff trying their best to look after them. We are entering the cold months now in a worse state than this time last year, despite promise after promise that things would be different.
“We once again call on the government to urgently send support our way in the form of improvements to the ‘back door’ of our hospitals. Lives are at stake, and without immediate intervention, EDs are at risk of collapse.”
Today’s data also showed that:
POLICE are appealing for the help of the public in tracing Murray Poole, 38, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
Murray was last heard from around 8.15am this morning (Tuesday, 3 November, 2026), and is understood to have been in the West Colonsay View area of Edinburgh.
He is described as around 6ft 2ins tall, of heavy build, has a bald head and has dark brown facial hair. It is not known what Murray is wearing.
From enquiries carried out so far, Murray is believed to be travelling west towards the Bannockburn area and potentially further. He has access to his grey Volvo V40, VRM, SY19 FTT.
Sergeant Michael Blyth said: “Concerns are growing for Murray’s welfare, and we are keen to trace him as soon as possible to make sure he is safe.
“I am appealing to anyone who has seen someone matching Murray’s description, or a grey Volvo V40, to contact officers.
“We understand Murray may be travelling towards Forth Valley and potentially further into Argyll and Bute or the Highlands and would ask people in those areas to also be vigilant and come forward with any information.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0707 of 3 November, 2026.
We are hosting FREE story telling sessions for little ones
Sat 21st Nov at 10.45-11.45 Winter Coorie In storytelling (details below)
Sat 28th Nov 12.00-13.15 St.Andrews Story Ripple (details below)
No booking required, just come along! Guardians must accompany children.
LifeCare, 2 Cheyne St, EH4 1JB
Winter Coorie-In Story Session:
Come along and coorie-in to enjoy tales of the winter season with storyteller Fergus McNicol… when the wind blows outside and the frost bites, these stories will warm your heart and and bring a smile to your lips. We will create a wintery story-scene to display for the folks at Life Care to enjoy! Cosy Family storytelling at LifeCare courtesy of the Scottish Storytelling Festival ‘Story Ripple’ initiative.
St Andrew’s Story Ripple:
Storyteller Fergus McNicol shares some of his favourite fun-filled Scottish themed stories, songs and rhymes for all the family… and you’ll have the chance to tell a tale or sing a song yourself!
A star-studded lineup of celebrities has teamed up once again to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, which is set to return for the fifteenth year on Thursday 10th December 2026.
Musician, singer, broadcaster and writer Myleene Klass, actor and comedian Chris McCausland, broadcaster and journalist Kate Garraway, broadcaster and campaigner Ashley James, TV presenter and jumper enthusiast Gyles Brandreth and TV presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky, have joined forces with YouTuber and vlogger Jim Chapman, TikToker and disability advocate Amy Pohl and comedy content creator Luke Hamnett to encourage the nation to put on their favourite pre-loved pullovers and join in the festivities.
They join actress Suranne Jones, singer and presenter Claire Richards, TV stars and presenters Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson, comedian and presenter Josh Widdicombe, TV medic Dr Raj Arora, award winning actor, director and broadcaster Angela Griffin and chart-topping singer Leona Lewis in donning their daftest festive knits and raising vital funds for those children who need it most. Christmas Jumper Day sees schools, workplaces and groups of friends and families adorn themselves in their wackiest woolies for the day, whilst raising money for Save the Children. Since launching in 2012, the festive fundraiser has raised over £42 million to help transform the lives of children both in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning.
This year will also see Mattel bring Thomas & Friends on board to become the first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support the charity’s festive fundraiser. Appointed as Save the Children’s Chief Delivery Officer, Thomas the Tank Engine will keep Christmas Jumper Day on track by helping to raise money and awareness so Save the Children can continue to deliver the essentials that children need to have a safe, healthy and happy childhood.
Ahead of the big day, the host of famous faces shared their tree-mendous traditions and tips on how to get involved with their jolly jerseys in a sustainable way this Christmas Jumper Day:
Myleene Klass said: “Our Christmas traditions include unique ones like my youngest covering the doorway in wrapping paper so we all have to burst through to get to our presents, and more traditional moments like leaving out mince pies and carrots the night before for Santa and his reindeer.
“Every year we each buy a new bauble to add to the tree, and I always make Viennese biscuits because I remember my Oma leaving them out on the table for us. Mine are never quite as good. They’re usually far too dry and not nearly as tasty, but I feel obligated to give it a go every year for the sake of my ancestors.
“Many of us feel helpless in the face of unimaginable and unprecedented suffering across the world today. We all wish we could do something to help. Well, this is it. I’ve been on the ground with Save the Children around the globe and I’ve seen first-hand the enormous difference donations make.
“Your support could help to provide life-saving nutrition to a child so they can regain their strength and look towards a brighter future. Or you could help to give a mother invaluable peace of mind while she watches her children play in safe, child-friendly spaces, if only for an hour. When you don your Christmas jumper, you really are making the world a better place for children”.
Chris McCausland said: “What I love about Christmas is Christmas telly; I love Christmas specials and TV shows. I love the football over the Christmas period – and I love the fact that I don’t have to work while footballers do!
“I also love my daughter opening presents. And I love mince pies, but I don’t allow myself to eat them until I’ve finished work for Christmas, otherwise my life spirals out of control. I like a variety of mince pies because then I can pretend I’m comparing them – like some kind of research project, when it’s not at all.
“Christmas is all about kids, which is exactly why Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is so important. There are way too many children out there that aren’t lucky enough to have the kind of Christmas that others are fortunate enough to give to their own. So, think bigger, do your bit and make this time of year about supporting those kids who really need it.”
Kate Garraway said: “For me, Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. I love the build-up as well. How bit by bit, sparkle and lights start to appear, then the Christmas songs – it feels like the perfect antidote to the darkest days of the year.
“Of course, a lot of my love for it comes from my own childhood. Now, as the mum trying to make the magic happen for my kids, it can be very frenzied – but it’s fun too. Especially if it’s for people you love. Also, there’s that beautiful moment when, after the frenzy of the planning and cooking, you finally get to pause and spend some proper time with your family and friends. In our case playing silly board games. It’s very special.
“We can get so focused at Christmas on the gifts we want to get the kids in our lives that it’s easy to forget there are children in the world who simply need access to medicine, clean water and food. By pulling on a Christmas jumper and taking part in Christmas Jumper Day, we’re all doing something to support those children who need it most, while having a good giggle and spreading a little joy too.”
Ashley James said: “I love the magic of Christmas, especially since having children. They’re both still really young, and I love recreating all the excitement and wonder I remember from my own childhood.
“Every year I transform our front door with decorations, and seeing it bring a smile to people passing by is one of my favourite things. For me, Christmas is about coming together and creating moments of joy that brighten the cold winter months.
“But Christmas isn’t an easy or magical time for every family. Around the world, far too many children are growing up in poverty, conflict and crisis, without access to the essentials every child needs to feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a joyful and accessible way for us all to come together while raising vital funds to help give more children the care and opportunities they deserve.”
Gyles Brandreth, who is well-known for his love of unique knitwear, dons a different jumper for each day of the year and is an avid supporter of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. He says: “I’ve worn many memorable outfits over the years, but I must admit this knitted Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas jumper is up there with the best of them. It’s splendid.
“I have more than 365 jumpers in my collection and Christmas Jumper Day is simply one of my favourite days of the year as everyone is encouraged to embrace wonderful woollies.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Thomas the Tank Engine. He’s cheerful, dependable and never afraid to help a friend in need, qualities we could all embrace a little more at Christmas. Supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is the perfect way to do your bit. Whether your jumper is smart, silly or gloriously over-the-top, pull it on with pride and help make a real difference for children this Christmas. Full steam ahead for a great cause!”
Natasha Kaplinsky said: “I love Christmas more than anyone in our house – but what I love most of all is what we do in the run up to Christmas Day.
“We count down to Christmas with a family curated Kindness Calendar. At the beginning of advent, we all compile 25 acts of kindness, put them in a bowl and pull one out each day and ensure we fulfill it. It’s a good way of helping us focus on the privilege we enjoy – nothing to do with merit and everything to do with the luck of where we’re born.
“We are all just a few steps away from suffering and hardship and that is why being involved in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper day is so important.”
Amy Pohl said: “I have so many Christmas jumpers! I used to be a primary school teacher, so throughout December I tried to wear a Christmas jumper every day, and I still own all of them now. I also have my iconic reindeer slippers, and one of the benefits of being a wheelchair user is that they still look brand new despite me wearing them for years!
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a simple idea that brings people together for an incredible cause. While many of us are having a magical time at Christmas, it’s important to remember that not every child gets to experience this magic.
“Every child deserves to have a safe and happy childhood, and by putting on a Christmas jumper and donating whatever you can, you can help Save the Children make a real difference to children who need it most.”
Save the Children’s celebrity supporters are encouraging schools, workplaces and groups of family and friends across the country to don their daftest jumpers for a great cause.
For details on how to sign-up and donate, visit christmasjumperday.org.
SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER 7.30pm at THE USHER HALL at 7.30pm
Scotland is officially counting down to its first-ever national ‘Festival of Remembrance’.
This weekend, Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall will transform into a stage of powerful tribute, honouring all those who have lost their lives through Service with a poignant, moving concert.
Organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland in association with Poppyscotland, and proudly supported by the Scottish Government, this historic event takes place on Saturday, 7th November just one day before Remembrance Sunday.
Guiding the audience through the night is popular broadcaster Mark McKenzie from the British Forces Broadcasting Service. The line-up promises to be unforgettable, blending traditional military grandeur with fresh, contemporary Scottish talent and includes stirring performances from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter and vocal coach Amy Hawthorn will perform followed by indie-rock headliner, Scottish Young Artist of the Year Ben Walker bringing his unique energy to the Usher Hall stage.
Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, promised a night that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain. She said: “This will be a deeply poignant evening, dedicated to honouring and telling the incredible stories of our service personnel through the powerful mediums of music, film, and song.
“It is an opportunity for us to come together in reflection, celebrating their resilience and sacrifice, before culminating in the solemn tradition of The Act of Remembrance.
“We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an unforgettable night of shared gratitude and community.”
Tickets are priced from £24.20 and include a 10% per ticket booking fee. Under-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
To purchase tickets, please visit https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/scotlands-festival-of-remembrance-
This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of making sure young people can access the information, understanding and support they need.
Our Increase Mental Health Training and Education campaign calls for mandatory mental health training for adults working in education and healthcare, better signposting to support, and mental health education in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.
Mental health support should be accessible to all young people, and we need to keep pushing for change.
Find out more about our campaign: https://bit.ly/3WDRNrf
Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film, TV, and games in education, has released new research that found that school trips to the cinema provide a powerful cultural enrichment opportunity that supports young people’s educational, personal and social development.
Into Film runs a renowned culturally valuable annual initiative, the Into Film Festival, which provides primary, secondary and SEND schools and colleges across the whole of the UK the chance to book free class visits to their local cinema.
The Into Film Festival runs in cinemas in every corner of the UK, from the Orkney Islands to Truro and everywhere in between. Events are often paired with additional live events and discussions alongside the film, with producers, directors and other professionals who work in the screen industry.
Every year, over half a million 5-19-year-olds and their educators share the joy of cinema through the Into Film Festival, which is taking place this year between 6-27 November. Over 100 different films will be shown in over 600 cinemas and community spaces. It is the UK’s largest free film festival for children and young people and is highly valued by schools wishing to provide quality cultural opportunities for pupils.
The study, funded by Cinema First, gathered insights on their cinema experiences from 3,044 children and young people aged 7–18 across the November 2025 Into Film Festival and the 2026 Spring Cinema Programme. The research which was conducted as a pilot in 2025/26 will continue in 2026/27 to further understand the impact of school cinema trips for young people, including their cinema habits, motivations and barriers, and to identify practical opportunities for the cinema sector for the future.
The findings emphasise the critical role cinemas play in providing equitable access to cultural enrichment:
Cultural Access: For 10% of attendees, the festival was their first ever cinema trip. Furthermore, 19% of respondents identified school as their primary decision-maker for film outings, making educators a key provider of theatrical exposure for nearly 1 in 5 children and young people. At present, one in five primary and secondary pupils receive no enrichment activities in an average week, rising to one in four for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.[1] School trips to the cinema offer individual and collective cultural experiences that extend far beyond a standard school outing.
Building Community, Belonging and Wellbeing: Amid growing concerns around youth isolation, cinema offers a powerful space for connection. 70% of respondents reported that being at the cinema made them feel part of something bigger, citing that the communal setting fostered feelings of safety, community, and belonging. Cinemas can offer a unique space for social connection and shared experiences amongst their peers.
Positive, Responsible Screen Time: Contrasting mainstream concerns about screen use, the research highlights that screen use—when time-limited, overseen by trusted adults, and embedded in an in-person social setting—supports critical reflection, literacy, and academic confidence.
Drivers of Attendance: Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family proved to be the single strongest influence on film choice. While 74% described cinema visits as exciting special events, cost and winter seasonal factors heavily dictated personal leisure choices, with 11% choosing cinema as their top holiday activity.
Educational Impact & Focus:
Designing cinema experiences that combine the appeal of the big-screen experience with community and educational partnerships, can strengthen local relationships and help nurture the next generation of cinemagoers.
Fiona Evans, CEO, Into Film and former teacher, said: “The Into Film Festival is unique in delivering access to culture for UK schools on such an incredible scale. Going to the cinema is a magical experience, full of opportunities for learning, empathy and inspiration.”
The annual Into Film Festival educator bookings and programme are now live:
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative has just launched a new share offer campaign to raise £1.13 million to install solar panels on public and community buildings in the city: generating clean electricity, keeping profits local, and giving everyone a chance to benefit from renewables.
The initiative will fund the installation of solar panels on 10 rooftop locations across Edinburgh, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool and five schools.
Edinburgh residents are invited to become members of the co-operative by investing in the scheme, with a projected annual interest rate of 5%. Investments can be from as little as £25, with the aim of making membership accessible to as many residents as possible.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op launched in 2015 and has already installed solar PV on 30 sites across the city, including the Council offices at Waverley Court, 17 schools and multiple leisure centres.
The co-op’s existing solar sites are estimated to have already saved more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂, as well as saving the council almost £850,000 on their energy bills by paying less for the electricity generated.
The organisation gives some of its profit each year to local charitable groups via the co-operative’s community benefit fund: so far more than £100,000 has been distributed to support youth projects, community groups, schools, parks and green spaces across Edinburgh.
Vicki Taylor, Chair of Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op, said: “This is an exciting next phase for our co-op, putting hundreds of community-owned solar panels on even more buildings across the city. Every installation generates more clean, green energy and helps reduce Edinburgh’s carbon emissions.
“Investing in Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op means keeping wealth in Edinburgh – generating returns that stay local and help fund community projects, rather than profits flowing elsewhere. It gives local people the opportunity to invest in something they care about, making community investment accessible to everyone.”
Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “Since its launch the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has made savings in both energy costs and carbon emissions as well as giving back to valuable community projects.
“I’m delighted that the Council continues to be closely involved with the scheme, with solar panels set for more of our buildings, and I’d encourage anyone with an interest to take part themselves through the latest share offer.”
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has received funding from CARES, the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, to develop the share offer. The scheme is also supported by Energy4All and DTAS’ Democratic Finance Scotland programme. Both organisations are working in partnership to help community-led organisations to use alternative methods of raising local finance to capture wealth locally.
You can find out more and apply to join the co-operative on Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op’s website at www.edinburghsolar.coop
