Go Ape’s highly anticipated Sundown Adventures at Dalkeith Country Park’s WinterFest are back
It’s your time to shine. Go Ape’s unmissable winter adventure is coming soon for a second year at Go Ape Dalkeith near Edinburgh, and it’ll be the highlight of your festive season. Take on tree-to-tree crossings illuminated by glowing lights.
Feel the thrill of ziplines in the dark. It’s Go Ape’s signature tree top adventures taken up a level.
On for a limited time from 27th November until 30th December, starting from sunset around 4.30pm. Minimum age 6 years old. Minimum height 1.2 metres. Sessions are ready to book now.
Secure your spot on this once-a-year adventure at:
Aldi has revealed that Edinburgh is set to receive around £3.5 million in 2027 as part of its £900m investment programme.
The investment will see Aldi extend its existing store in Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, creating more space for customers and improving the store layout.
The supermarket plans to open 40 new stores across the UK during the year, alongside continued investment in its distribution network.
Aldi currently has 1,095 stores and plans to grow to 1,500 across the UK, with a focus on communities that do not have easy access to affordable groceries because of a lack of local choice or competition.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said:“We’re continuing to invest significantly across the UK as we progress towards our long-term ambition of 1,500 Aldi stores.
“These new locations are part of our £900 million investment programme for 2027 and will help us bring Aldi’s award-winning quality and unbeatable value to even more communities. We’re excited to take the next step in our expansion plans and look forward to welcoming customers through the doors of these new stores in the years ahead.”
The investment builds on Aldi’s existing expansion programme, with the supermarket set to open 30 stores during the final months of 2026. Its continued growth will create thousands of jobs and further opportunities for British suppliers.
Aldi has 113 stores in Scotland and employs more than 3,600 people.
1 in 5 (20%) pet owners in Scotland admit to doing no research before getting a pet
17% of Scotland’s pet owners looked into the cost of ownership before buying a pet
22% of dog owners in Scotland only walk their dog for 30 minutes or less a day
1 in 5 pet owners (20%) in Scotland believe their pet needs to lose weight.
The importance of neutering – Neville’s time at Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital
PDSA launches Pet Check Challenge to help equip owners with the knowledge they need so pets can live healthy, happy lives and avoid preventable vet care
The latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual assessment of pet wellbeing, reveals the potential blind spots that pet owners could miss, proving that sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know!
Exploring The Knowledge Gap: What Pet Owners Don’t Know About Their Pets, the Report recognises that while most owners want the best for their pets, good intentions do not always translate into the care they need to thrive.
From doing no research before buying a pet to everyday decisions about food, exercise and training, a lack of knowledge can affect pets’ health and wellbeing, sometimes leading to preventable health problems and costly veterinary treatment. Key knowledge gaps included:
Pet preparation
1 in 5 (20%) pet owners in Scotland admit to doing no research before buying or rescuing their pet, raising concerns regarding owners’ awareness of crucial factors, such as which species may be suitable for an individual or family’s lifestyle, through to how to provide appropriate care, e.g. appropriate walking, training, mental stimulation, enrichment etc., to breed related conditions that can be distressing and costly in the long term.
Only 17% of Scotland’s pet owners looked into the cost of ownership before buying a pet, which is particularly important during the current cost of living crisis, as pet and veterinary costs continue to increase.
55% of pet owners in Scotland say they found their pet online. While finding a pet online can make it easier for owners to research and find a pet, it can also carry numerous risks. PDSA advises that owners should take care when responding to online adverts and check that the seller or organisation is genuine and prioritises the welfare of the animals. Often irresponsible or illegal breeding and rehoming activity can be difficult to identify from photos, videos and descriptions alone, potentially leading to devastating consequences for both pets and their owners.
Nutrition
1 in 5 pet owners (20%) in Scotland believe their pet needs to lose weight. PDSA believes this figure to be hugely underestimated* and highlights the importance more than ever of keeping owners informed about how to manage their pets’ diet and weight. Being overweight can cause health problems by placing additional pressure and strain on their body. Obesity can also worsen or trigger health problems such as arthritis, cancer and breathing difficulties. These conditions may affect mobility, comfort and overall quality of life, making prevention and early weight management particularly important.
Exercise
22% of Scotland’s dog owners only walk their dog for 30 minutes or less a day. While this may be appropriate for some dogs, depending on their individual needs, for many this will not provide sufficient exercise and stimulation, which can lead to health problems, and impact their mental wellbeing. The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on factors including their breed, age, health, fitness, and personality, but all dogs benefit from regular, varied opportunities for physical activity and mental stimulation.
Dogs walked for less than 30 minutes a day were around 70% more likely to display excessive barking at someone outside the window than dogs walked for one to two hours a day (32% vs 19%), and around 59% more likely to jump up at people than dogs walked over two hours a day (27% vs 17%). While these findings do not establish that shorter walks cause these behaviours, they highlight the potential importance of providing dogs with sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
Preventive measures
Figures suggest 39% of dogs and 5% of cats in Scotland are not neutered, potentially placing them at risk of a series of significant, preventable health conditions such as pyometra, which can be fatal. Vet teams are best placed to support pet owners in making an informed decision, considering factors including the animal’s age, sex, breed, lifestyle, purpose and the potential impact of neutering on their health and behaviour.
PDSA vet Anna Ewers-Clark said: “Every pet deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life and have their needs understood and met.
“In our PDSA Pet Hospitals, we see every day how prevention and early intervention can be life changing for both pets and their owners, ultimately the healthier pets remain the less veterinary support they will require; for PDSA this is crucial, so we can be there for even more pets in need.
“We know that people love their pets and want to give them the best possible life they can. To help make that a reality, we want to help equip pet owners to be the very best pet owner they can be. By shining a light on the blind spots identified by this year’s PAW Report, we want to support pet owners with the information and knowledge they need that will help them and their pets.
“By improving what people know about pets, helping them understand what their pet needs and supporting them to turn that knowledge into action, we can make a real difference to the lives of our beloved pets and help them enjoy healthier, happier lives.”
Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “Pets are an incredibly important part of our society and for millions of people they provide companionship, comfort, happiness and support through some of life’s most difficult moments.
“With that relationship comes responsibility. Every pet deserves to have their welfare needs understood and met, and owners need access to the right information and support to help them provide the best possible care.
“Research such as PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report plays an important role in helping us understand the experiences of pet owners and the challenges they face, while highlighting where greater awareness and support could make a real difference.
“The work of charities such as PDSA is vital in helping people keep their pets healthy and well, while ensuring owners have somewhere to turn to when they need advice, support or veterinary care.”
The importance of neutering – Neville’s story
When Hollyetta noticed her cat Neville had developed a swollen tummy, she initially thought she was pregnant but an ultrasound at Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital confirmed that Neville was suffering from pyometra – a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the womb.
PDSA vets operated immediately to remove her infected womb, and thankfully Neville was able to return home later that evening.
Pyometra is unfortunately a condition PDSA sees often in its Pet Hospitals that can affect unneutered female pets and can be fatal without urgent treatment. Therefore, recognising the signs and seeking veterinary advice quickly can be lifesaving. It is also entirely preventable when female pets are neutered.
Holyetta said: “I had absolutely no idea that not being spayed would cause Neville to get a life-threatening infection in her womb.When I rushed Neville to Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital and was told that, I was actually in shock and very upset that her life was at risk and that she may not even make it through the surgery.
“If I had known that being unspayed would cause that, then I’d never have left her unspayed and would have made sure I got it done as soon as I could. She’s my everything and to think we could have lost her doesn’t bear thinking about.”
After seeing Neville safely through treatment, Hollyetta added: “Within a week or two she recovered really well and is now back to her cheeky self – full of cattitude!
“It was scary for me seeing her like that and not knowing how sick she was, as I had mistaken it as Neville being pregnant.
“I would certainly urge anyone with cats to get them spayed as soon as they can so they don’t have to go through what I went through, as I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn’t registered Neville with PDSA.
“I would never ever leave another female kitten / cat unspayed now I know what can happen.
“I cannot thank the PDSA enough for the care they showed Neville. All the staff were fantastic with me and Neville, and we will be forever grateful.”
The total cost of Neville’s treatment, funded by PDSA, was nearly £800.
PDSA wants to empower people with the knowledge and support they need to be able to spot problems with their pets, make informed choices about how to be a responsible pet owner and help them understand the preventative steps they can take, and know when to seek veterinary expertise.
As part of this drive, existing and prospective pet owners are being encouraged to take the online PDSA Pet Check Challenge today. The ten question, eye-opening quiz will quickly reveal how much they actually know about their pet’s wellbeing and will uncover practical ways to be the best pet owners they can be, so their pets can live happy and healthy lives.
The Home Secretary has expanded dedicated police support and launched a review into protective security for those in public life
Security arrangements for high-profile public figures will be urgently examined to ensure those most at risk are better protected amid rising threats to their safety.
The horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe is one of several recent events to raise serious questions about the security of those in public life.
In response, the Home Secretary has today announced an independent review of the UK’s protective security system to combat the growing risks of terrorism, extremism and state threats, as well as harassment and intimidation.
The review will be carried out by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who will look at whether current security arrangements are fit for purpose, in particular ensuring there is adequate protection for those most at risk.
This includes high-profile individuals (including royals), government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives, and other prominent individuals in British politics. His review will not include an assessment of individual cases.
Dedicated police support will be expanded to leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers, former MPs, former members of the devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople.
Sir Stephen will look at how existing security is provided, whether funding and measures are being used effectively and proportionately, and how decision-making can be more consistent in response to threat and risk. The review will build on the work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is conducting a separate review into the murder of Sir David Amess MP, which will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.
The Home Secretary announced the review in an address to Parliament on national security threats.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not.
“An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself.
“We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve.”
This full-scale review will encompass the protection being provided to high-risk individuals and sites such as government buildings and diplomatic estates.
Whilst the terms of reference and timeframe are subject to agreement with Sir Stephen, the Home Secretary will consider any recommendations to reform and rebalance the system, ensuring future security arrangements are adequate to meet the current threat whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer.
The review comes as politicians, elected representatives, and those in public office are facing heightened risks and threats to their safety. In May’s local elections the Electoral Commission found that 55% of all candidates experienced some form of harassment and intimidation, as did the same proportion of candidates at the 2024 General Election.
The government is working to ensure that no one in this country is deterred from representing their community, taking part in British politics, and standing for public office because of fear for their safety. Through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, the Security Minister continues to drive forward work across government to tackle the full range of threats to our democracy.
Annual electricity network winter safety leaflet dropping through millions of doors
SP Energy Networks is reminding its millions of customers how to prepare for potential power cuts as winter approaches.
With shorter days and stormier weather on the horizon as the seasons change, the electricity network operator is sending out winter advice leaflets to more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across central & southern Scotland, Cheshire, Merseyside, North & Mid Wales and North Shropshire.
The leaflet is designed to put key information and advice directly into the hands of customers so they are prepared in case the lights go out. It contains top tips for all customers as well as specialist information for those who may rely on medical equipment or be eligible to join the Priority Service Register and get extra support.
Kendal Morris, Customer Services Director at SP Energy Networks, said:“While power cuts don’t happen often, we know that winter brings in windier weather and seasonal storms that can affect our network and impact power supplies, so it’s vital we ensure our customers are prepared for what may come.
A few simple steps – as set out in our leaflet – really can make all the difference to help our customers stay safe and know where to get the support they need if the power goes out. Look out for your leaflet dropping through your door.
“It’s also vital customers ensure we have their correct and up-to-date contact details so we can keep in touch as needed and also have the right information if compensation becomes due under our Guaranteed Standards of Service, with payments then processed automatically, so make sure you let us know if you move house or change your phone number.”
The winter advice leaflets are being delivered in phases throughout October, with all customers set to receive theirs by the end of the month.
SP Energy Networks top tips for preparing for potential power cuts are:
Save the 105 power cut number in your phone or somewhere easy to find.
Keep a torch and new batteries nearby.
Charge your phone and any power packs.
Have warm clothes or extra blankets ready.
Fill a flask with hot water.
Use a battery-powered radio for updates
The electricity network operator is also encouraging eligible customers who may need additional support in the event of a power cut to sign up for its free Priority Services Register.
The service is available to anyone who would benefit from additional assistance including people who rely on medical equipment at home, customers aged 60 and over, households with children under five, people with long-term health needs, or anyone who feels they may need extra help.
Registered customers receive tailored support and proactive updates if there is a power cut in their area, as well as access to a dedicated 24/7 helpline. Further information on how to register is detailed in the customer leaflet or on the SP Energy Networks website.
For more information and guidance on how to prepare for a power cut, visit:
Scotland’s basketball team, Caledonia Gladiators, and global sports brand Reebok have launched a new campaign celebrating the transatlantic connection between basketball’s American roots and the rapidly growing game in Scotland.
Building a Basketball Nation marks the official kit launch for the 2026/27 season, bringing together professional players with young people from the local community to explore how a game born in America has found a home in Scotland.
The campaign comes as Boston and Glasgow prepare to become sister cities, strengthening a long-standing connection between the two cities and their shared sporting and cultural heritage.
Shot within Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena and Glasgow Life’s basketball court in Victoria Park, the film sees the next generation of Scottish players take to the court alongside American and Scottish professional players. It celebrates the moments that make basketball more than just a sport – from the sound of a ball hitting concrete to the squeak of trainers on the court, and the voices of friends, families and teammates coming together.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple message: while basketball was built in America, Scotland is building its own basketball nation.
Bringing together players from different backgrounds, ages and stages of their basketball journeys, the film highlights the role of the game in connecting communities and inspiring the next generation.
The partnership also marks the continued relationship between Reebok and Caledonia Gladiators, united by a shared belief in the power of sport, community and culture to bring people together.
Caledonia Gladiators are celebrating their growing fanbase for the 2026/27 season so far, with a sellout game at the men’s first home game on 21st September and a 128% increase in the women’s season opener from 2025/26.
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, said: “Ultimately, we’re focused on building a basketball nation in Scotland.
“Basketball is one of the country’s most-played sports, from schools and community courts to games in gardens across the country.
“We know American professional basketball is something many people watch and enjoy, but we’re bringing that live basketball experience to our communities here in East Kilbride, Glasgow and further afield.
“Our new campaign celebrates the real shift we’ve seen in basketball in Scotland over the last few years. Our fanbase has grown significantly, we’re engaging with more young people than ever before, and we regularly see fans out in the community wearing our Reebok kit. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“It’s fantastic to continue our longstanding partnership with Reebok. Together, we’re helping to grow the game, connect communities and build a basketball nation.”
John Carden, Managing Director of Sports Hub Brands, teamwear partner of Reebok, said: “Basketball has always been about more than what happens on the court. It creates connections, inspires communities and brings people together through a shared love of the game.
“Building a Basketball Nation captures that perfectly, celebrating the sport’s American heritage while recognising the exciting growth of basketball in Scotland.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Caledonia Gladiators and support their ambition to grow the game, inspire the next generation and build a basketball culture that can continue to grow for years to come.”
As they strive to build a basketball nation, Caledonia Gladiators work closely with Basketball Scotland to build momentum for the sport across the county.
David Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Scotland, said:“The continued growth of basketball in Scotland depends on all parts of the game working together, from our clubs and community programmes through to the professional game.
“We’ve been pleased to work closely with Caledonia Gladiators to help raise the profile of basketball, inspire more young people to pick up a ball and strengthen the connection between grassroots participation and the opportunities people can see at the highest level of the game.
“There is real momentum around basketball in Scotland, and showcasing the sport in our communities and giving young people visible role models can play an important part in turning that interest into lasting participation.”
The 2026/27 Reebok x Caledonia Gladiators kit is now available to purchase within the merchandise shop open on gamedays at Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena at Playsport, as well as online at www.caledoniagladiators.com.
Caledonia Gladiators are Scotland’s professional basketball team, playing at the highest level of basketball within the UK’s Super League Basketball. Tickets start from just £5 for men’s and women’s fixtures. To find out more and book your seat, visit www.caledoniagladiators.com.
To view the full Building a Basketball Nation film, fans can watch via:
With the National Health Service under intense financial pressure, leading healthcare directors and academics debate over whether access to medical care should depend on personal lifestyle choices.
TONIGHT – Monday, 12th of October, the Edinburgh Union will host its next debate of the term on one of Britain’s most urgent healthcare and ethical questions with the motion: This House Would Prioritise NHS Patients With Healthy Lifestyles.
Under increasing financial strain, the National Health Service faces pressure concerning resource allocation. The proposition that patients should take accountability for their health, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, has raised concerns over medical ethics.
However, the widening gaps in health outcomes and equality make the question of healthcare rationing and patient responsibility more urgent than ever.
The debate brings together a panel of healthcare leaders and academic experts.
Arguing for the proposition to prioritise patients with healthy lifestyles is Dr Shaun O’Connell, Former Joint Medical Director at the Vale of York CCG, who implemented a controversial 2016 policy asking obese patients and smokers to lose weight or quit cigarettes at the risk of delays to routine operations.
On the opposition, he will face Jonathan Pugh, Deputy Director of the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford, and Richard Cookson Professor for the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York.
This event will take place in Rainy Hall at New College, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the debate commencing at 7 pm. Continuing with Edinburgh Union tradition, audience members will have the opportunity to challenge guest speakers and deliver speeches during the debate.
Euan Morgan, President of the Edinburgh Union, said:“The question of NHS resource allocation is central to the future of the United Kingdom’s healthcare system.
“By bringing the architect of one of the UK’s most controversial health policies face-to-face with medical ethicists, we are providing the rigorous debate the Edinburgh Union was built for.
“We are pleased to offer students the floor to challenge these experts in order to engage with a policy issue that impacts every citizen.”
New research from Make It Scotch reveals over half (52%) of adults in Scotland have experienced or suspect they have experienced low iron.
With almost half (49%) of Scots taking on – or planning to take on – a new fitness challenge, there’s no better time to get the nation talking about iron.
To mark World Iron Awareness Week (12-18 October), the brand is teaming up with Saltire Tides, Scotland’s only all-female crew taking on this year’s World’s Toughest Row, to get the nation talking about iron, energy and diet.
Brand new research released to mark World Iron Awareness Week (12-18 October) reveals that more than half of adults in Scotland have experienced, or suspect they have experienced, low iron at some point in their lives. Almost a third (29%) have received a formal diagnosis of iron deficiency, while 14% say they are currently living with low iron levels.
The findings expose a knowledge gap. While most people know iron helps reduce fatigue (67%), fewer realise it also contributes to the normal function of your immune system (46%) and even mental function (43%).
Confusion runs deeper when it comes to food sources: over half (56%) of Scots know beef is a source of iron, yet barely one in seven (15%) realise that lamb and pork contribute to the improvement of iron absorption when eaten with other foods containing iron such as green vegetables and beans.
With almost a third (29%) of Scots having taken on a new fitness challenge in the past two years, and a fifth (20%) planning to within the next 12 months, Make It Scotch is determined to close this gap. The brand is teaming up with Saltire Tides, Scotland’s only all-female crew taking on the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic this December, to raise awareness of just how much iron matters, and where to get it.
Ellen Clark, Jenna Volpert and Lauren Wilde-Arnold are about to put their own iron levels to the ultimate test when they take on one of the most extreme endurance tests on the planet.
Setting off in December from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, the trio will row more than 3,000 nautical miles completely unsupported, all the way to Antigua.
All working as healthcare professionals, the Scottish women are aiming to cross in under 40 days, which would break the current record for a female trio on this route. To do it, they’ll row in shifts around the clock, surviving on minimal sleep while battling 40ft waves, salt sores and total physical exhaustion for weeks at sea.
During the row, the crew expect to burn through around 5,000 calories a day just to keep going, while juggling hydration, recovery, protein, carbs – and iron, which becomes even harder to maintain under that level of sustained physical stress.
Jenna Volpert, a trainee paediatric surgeon and Saltire Tides team member said:“We’re going to be asking a lot of our bodies out there – rowing in shifts around the clock with barely any sleep, for weeks on end – so getting our iron levels right isn’t optional for us. It’s essential.
“I’ve actually had my own experience with iron deficiency in the past, and I know first-hand how much it can impact fitness and training.
“That’s why we’ve made a huge effort to ensure we’re fuelling our bodies with the highest quality produce and the best nutrients we can find. Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork are a big part of that plan, especially in the final weeks before we set off.”
Emma Health, Director of Marketing at Quality Meat Scotland added:“What’s brilliant about teaming up with Saltire Tides is that they’re not just talking about the importance of iron in everyday life and fitness, they’re living it.
“Every stroke they take during their training and every mile they row on the Atlantic is powered by how well they’ve fuelled their bodies, and that’s the most honest demonstration of why iron matters that we could ask for.
“Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork are sitting in supermarket fridges and on butchers’ counters across the country, and most people have no idea that pairing them with other foods as part of a healthy balanced diet helps your body absorb even more iron. We hope this partnership will change that.”
For recipe inspiration to support your overall health and wellbeing or more information on Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb or Prime Scottish Pork, please visit Make it Scotch.
COMMUNITY groups, charities, social enterprises and other mission-driven organisations across Edinburgh are being asked to help shape the future of an important conference venue serving the city’s third sector.
Norton Park has launched a new survey as it explores investment in, improvements to and potential changes to its conference facilities, with the aim of ensuring the space continues to meet organisations’ needs beyond 2026.
The research will help inform a business case and future plans for the building, with a focus on creating affordable, useful and impactful space for organisations working to make a positive difference in their communities.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting Edinburgh’s third sector and community organisations.
“As needs evolve, it is important that our facilities evolve too. We want to hear directly from the organisations that use these kinds of spaces so we can ensure any future investment is shaped by demand, delivers genuine value and creates lasting impact for the sector.”
The study is being supported by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects, which have been commissioned to undertake research and develop a business plan for the venue’s future.
A key part of the project is understanding what charities, community organisations, social enterprises and other third sector bodies need from conference, meeting, training and event facilities in the years ahead.
The survey is open to charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises and other mission-led organisations operating in Edinburgh. Responses will help identify current needs, gaps in provision and opportunities for future development.
It takes just a few minutes to complete and is intended to give organisations across the city an opportunity to influence future decisions about the conference venue.
The research will also help ensure local organisations are at the heart of decisions about how the building and its facilities could develop in future.
Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise said: “Third sector organisations are facing increasing pressures, from rising costs to changing ways of working.
“This survey is an opportunity for organisations to tell us what they need from affordable conference, meeting and event space in Edinburgh.
“Whether you are a small community group, a growing social enterprise or an established charity, your views will help shape future decisions about the venue.”
Feedback gathered through the research will contribute to the work being undertaken by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects as they consider the business case and future plans for the venue.
Norton Park is renowned as the home of charities in Edinburgh and currently accommodates over 25 third sector organisations.
