Newington Library have an upcoming talk all about Munros.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just curious about Scotland’s famous peaks, join them for this fun and informal event.
Tuesday 20 October at 2pm
Book your free place online via Eventbrite or contact the library:
A special charity dinner and ceilidh in Edinburgh this November will bring together two organisations with a shared ambition: giving children, young people and families the support they need to build brighter futures.
The Charity Dinner and Ceilidh in aid of Pregnancy Counselling & Care Scotland (PCCS) and Scran Academy will take place at Greyfriars Charteris Centre,138–140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, on Friday 20th November, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
The evening will combine a Scottish-themed two-course dinner prepared by young people from Scran Academy with live music from The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, raising funds for two charities whose work complements each other in a uniquely powerful way.
PCCS supports people at the very beginning of the journey providing practical and emotional support during pregnancy, early parenthood and times of loss. Its Baby Bank provides essential items and equipment for babies and children up to the age of two, while its counselling service supports people experiencing challenges around fertility, pregnancy, birth, loss and early parenthood.
Scran Academy picks up the journey as those babies turn into young people, supporting those aged 11–25 who may face barriers to success. Through food and cooking young people develop confidence, practical skills, qualifications and meaningful work experience, helping them engage in education, employment and greater independence.
It is this connection that makes the two charities such a natural partnership.
“Together, PCCS and Scran Academy represent support at two crucial ends of a young person’s journey, from giving babies the best possible start and helping families through the early years, to supporting young people as they develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need for adult life.” – Lucy Aitchison CEO of PCCS and Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy.
PCCS has supported individuals and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians for almost 50 years. Its Baby Bank helps families facing financial hardship and other challenges to access essentials for their babies and young children, while its counselling service provides a safe, non-judgemental space at some of life’s most difficult moments.
Scran Academy takes a similarly holistic approach to young people. Its youth-led catering social enterprise uses food as a vehicle for learning, development and opportunity. Young people are involved in preparing food, running catering operations and developing their skills, gaining experience that can help them take their next steps in education, training or employment.
The result is a partnership that tells a bigger story about what communities can do when they invest in people from the earliest stages of life through to adulthood.
The fundraising ceilidh will also put that ethos into practice, with Scran Academy’s young people preparing the evening’s Scottish-themed meal demonstrating first-hand the skills, confidence and opportunities that support from the charity can create.
The event is an opportunity not only to raise vital funds, but also to celebrate community, food, music and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
Guests are invited to bring their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of food, live music and community spirit. The event is BYOB and there will also be a raffle on the night.
Former US President Barack Obama has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast, where he praised Northern Ireland’s progress and challenged the next generation to continue building a peaceful and inclusive future.
Accepting the honorary doctorate during a special ceremony at Queen’s University with students, staff and invited guests, President Obama reflected on Northern Ireland’s journey since the Good Friday Agreement and the role young people can play in shaping the future.
President Obama said that while peace had transformed opportunities across Northern Ireland, its benefits must continue to be shared by all.
Recalling a previous visit to Belfast in 2013, President Obama said young people today faced significant challenges but also had reasons to remain hopeful: “The Good Friday Agreement is still a shining example of what can happen when people put aside old wounds and choose peace.
“But as we have seen in many countries, including in my home country the United States, peace and democracy are not inevitable. They have to be chosen, again and again.”
The former President highlighted the importance of education and widening participation initiatives in ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can realise their ambitions following a citation by Emma McAllister, a first-year Law with Politics student from North Belfast.
Emma first engaged with Queen’s aged 15 through R-CITY, a cross-community programme that helps young people from Ardoyne and Shankill together to access leadership and educational opportunities.
Following the citation, President Obama praised efforts to bring together young people from communities across Belfast and help them see higher education as being within reach. “That’s what peace makes possible. And it’s what Queen’s and the supporters in this room are helping to make real,” he said.
In his closing remarks, President Obama encouraged the Queen’s community to continue demonstrating what is possible through inclusion and ambition.
“I want to use this opportunity as an honorary Queen’s graduate to leave you all with a challenge and that is to keep showing the way,” he said.
Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, congratulated President Obama receiving the University’s highest honour: “We are privileged to welcome President Obama to Queen’s.
“His commitment to peace, dialogue and public service has left a lasting impact around the world, and particularly here in Northern Ireland.”
Reflecting on the event, Emma McAllister, said: “President Obama’s message about opportunity and the power of young people to shape the future has a very personal meaning for me.
“Through R-CITY, I was encouraged to challenge myself, develop as a leader and believe that a place like Queen’s was within reach.
“Standing here as a Queen’s student and presenting President Obama with an honorary doctorate was a powerful reminder that, as he said, our starting point need not determine how far we can go. His example continues to inspire young people to recognise their own capacity to make a difference.”
Emma, a past pupil of Dominican College Fortwilliam, joined R-CITY at the age of 15 and completed Queen’s-accredited qualifications in Youth Leadership and Community Action before beginning her studies at the University.
President Obama will be speaking in Glasgow tonight.
CALL ON INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO FOLLOW SUIT
President Zelenskyy will arrive in the UK this morning as the UK calls on international partners to step up sanctions on Russia and increase pressure on Putin to respect the United States’ calls for an energy ceasefire.
It comes as the UK doubles down on support for Ukraine, including delivering £45 million of surface-to-air missiles deliveries and standing by plans to fully implement a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports – restricting Russia’s access to the UK’s world leading shipping and insurance services.
The UK will accelerate deliveries of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), which have proven extremely effective against jet-powered drones that are being used to strike far beyond the front lines in Ukraine, including Kyiv and beyond.
The drones are faster and can fly far higher than propeller-driven Shaheds, making them harder to detect and destroy before they hit targets.
The UK has already committed £1.6 billion to deliver more than 5000 LMMs to Ukraine over the next four years and will accelerate £10 million of the £45m package of missiles announced today to meet Ukraine’s most urgent winter requirements.
Ahead of the two leaders meeting today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Our rock-solid support to Ukraine is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and ensuring those on the frontlines have the equipment they need to push back Russia.
“My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer, we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe.
“It is not just the right thing to do, but it’s the necessary thing to do. Russia’s aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent.”
The Prime Minister has also asked Ministers to draw up further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey will use his meetings at the IMF in Bangkok to urge partners to fully implement an equivalent ban on Russian LNG, following the UK’s lead. This comes after the Foreign Secretary did the same with partners at the Warsaw Security Forum yesterday.
As Russia continues its bombardment of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and energy infrastructure, the Chancellor will argue that this must be met by European resolve and unity – ensuring our unshakeable commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty stands strong.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Conflict in the Middle East and in Europe is hitting people across the world.
“As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin continues, our commitment to the Ukrainian people is unshakeable.
“I urge partners to back the ban on Russian LNG, like we have done in the UK, to curtail the war chest funding Putin so desperately wants.”
HELP BUILD NEW CROFTS AT TRINITY & CORSTORPHINE
Our volunteers at Trinity & Corstorphine have made amazing progress on both sites over the summer!
We’re riding the momentum and continuing our weekly volunteering sessions into autumn so come along and join the friendly and wonderful volunteer crew. No matter your experience level, we’ll have a job for you to get stuck in with! 
Look for us at the former bowling pavilion in Victoria Park (Trinity) on Wednesday & Fridays, and at St Margaret’s Park (Corstorphine) on Saturdays!
Hope to see you then! 
MONDAY 19 OCTOBER 6.30 – 7.30PM
Next week we are joined by local author, Leona Thomas, as she shares her past works, how she researched family history, and gives tips on the writing process.
Come along for free on Monday 19th October at 6:30pm.
16 – 29 OCTOBER
Free Exhibition – donations welcome for Brain Tumour Support
Approximately one pub a day will have closed by the end of 2026, according to the latest figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
The trade body estimates that around 360 pubs will permanently shut their doors by the end of the year. This would result in around 5,000 job losses, with over half of these roles being filled by under-25s.
With the typical pub contributing approximately £200,000 to HMRC, the BBPA said that Government could lose almost £72m in tax receipts including employment taxes, beer duty, business rates, corporation tax and VAT, by the end of the year.
The Prime Minister has pledged that the cavalry is coming, which is why we’re asking Government to tackle the root of the problem through a permanently fair and sustainable rates burden, freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief and reviewing employment costs for under-25s.
Emma McClarkin OBE, Chief Executive
By the end of September, 295 pubs shut, with the BBPA warning that successive Budgets have exacerbated the huge tax and regulatory burden that the industry already faced, and which is at the heart of many closures.
England lost 226 pubs in total, with the South East seeing the highest number of closures (42), followed closely behind by the North West (39) – the North East saw the fewest closures (11).
Respectively, Scotland and Wales saw 64 and 5 pubs shut their doors.
The BBPA said the impact of all the Budget measures in November 2025 added an eye-watering extra £322m of business costs for pubs and brewers, meaning many have been forced to make incredibly tough decisions.
The scale of closures underlines exactly why the Prime Minister’s promised 20% business rates cut could not be more welcome, the trade body said.
KEY POINTS:
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “When a local closes, the damage is felt far and wide. It’s not just workers, communities, our heritage and high streets who lose out when a pub closes – the Treasury loses, on average, £200,000 in tax receipts every time a local calls last orders.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to cut business rates by 20% for pubs from next year which, when it comes in to effect, will be a significant help. This will build on the initial commitments to wider reform including the pub valuation methodology and a pub-specific relief recognising their unique social and community value.
“The Prime Minister has pledged that the cavalry is coming, which is why we’re asking Government to tackle the root of the problem through a permanently fair and sustainable rates burden, freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief and reviewing employment costs for under-25s.
“This will mean we can carry on keeping people in jobs, boosting the economy, and being at the heart of communities.”
The British Beer and Pub Association is calling on the Government to use the Budget to permanently and fairly reform business rates, freeze beer duty, increase draught relief and review employment costs, especially for under-25s.
For every three pounds spent in a pub, one pound goes straight to the tax man, the BBPA stressed. This is why the BBPA is also backing the wider hospitality industry campaign for fairer VAT rates.
In 2025, the total net pub closure figure in the UK was 336. Over the last five years, there were nearly 2,200 net pub closures bringing the total number of pubs to 43,656 by the end of 2025.
Families are invited to enjoy a monstrously fun time at The Centre, Livingston, this month as Monster Head Quarters arrives at the shopping centre.
From hunting down mischievous monsters hidden throughout the shopping centre to getting creative with Halloween-themed arts and crafts, interactive games and face painting, there’s a whole host of spooky surprises to keep little monsters entertained during the October school break and the lead up to Halloween.
Every day from the 19th – 31st October, Monster HQ will be inviting little monsters and their families to embark on a creature-spotting adventure around the mall. Visitors can collect a monster trail sheet from the HQ, located opposite Lush, before setting off to discover eight colourful creatures hiding throughout the shopping centre.
Once they’ve tracked down the monsters, families can return to Monster HQ to enjoy a host of Halloween-themed activities, including interactive games and arts and crafts designed to spark creativity and bring out their spooky side.
Activities include creating monster clay creations, masks, hats and decorations, monster scratch art and stone decorating.
There will also be Halloween face painting on Saturday 31st October, from 12pm to 4pm, giving little visitors the chance to complete their spooky transformations.
Monster HQ will be open daily from 11am to 4pm and all activities are free, with donations optional for The Centre, Livingston’s charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), which provides specialist palliative care and support to babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re delighted to bring Monster HQ to The Centre, Livingston this October, giving families a fun and memorable way to celebrate Halloween together.
“From discovering hidden monsters around the mall to getting creative with spooky crafts, there will be plenty to keep little ones entertained during their visit.
“It is also a great way for us to raise funds for our charity partner, CHAS.”
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We’re very grateful to The Centre, Livingston for supporting CHAS through this fun, family-friendly event.
“Every little bit helps us to continue providing vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
“We hope everyone enjoys the Halloween activities and thank all those who choose to donate and support our work.”
THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 5 – 7pm
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is giving shoppers a peek behind the wrapping, inviting customers in for a first look at its new festive collections at the Christmas Preview Evening on Thursday 15 October.
To mark the arrival of Christmas at Dobbies, the Edinburgh store will stay open until 7pm, giving customers extra time to explore the new collections, take advantage of special in-store offers and kick-start their Christmas shopping.
These include discounts on selected Christmas trees, string lights and baubles, as well as deals across the pet department.
The evening will also include live demonstrations on planting and attendees can also enjoy product sampling from the food hall as well as the restaurant and coffee shops.
Dobbies’ Best Ever Christmas 2026 across the UK in numbers
Dobbies Head of Brand, Kirsty Rockey, said: “Our customers look forward to our Christmas shop opening each year, and this is set to be one of our best launches yet. With 80% of our Christmas range brand new for 2026, there are even more decorations, homeware and gifts to discover, alongside some fantastic festive deals.
“This year’s Christmas range features five distinct collections: Classic Noel, North Pole, A Country Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Christmas Carnival.
“Alongside a collection to suit every home, Dobbies has everything from eye-catching baubles to playful Christmas characters and gifts for every member of the family.
“We can’t wait to welcome customers to the Christmas Preview Evening to officially launch Dobbies’ Best Ever Christmas.”
To shop Dobbies’ full Christmas and seasonal ranges, visit www.dobbies.com.
To learn more about the Christmas Preview Evening at the Edinburgh store and to book a free ticket, visit dobbies.com/events.
