Category: North Edinburgh News

NSPCC and Signalong create new resources to help protect children with communication barriers from abuse

New resources created for children who face communication barriers will share crucial messages to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

The national initiative from the NSPCC and communication charity Signalong was developed as part of the Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign to make important messaging on preventing child sexual abuse more accessible to children and families in the city and beyond.

The Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign, which is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland and the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and partners, launched last year and ends next month.

Dozens of events at libraries and public buildings across the country have seen thousands of families receiving the campaign materials which contain advice for parents, carers and professionals on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

With the help of a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. 

The Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign promotes the PANTS rule, which teaches children five key messages to help them understand their rights regarding their bodies.

These principles empower children to recognise inappropriate behaviour, affirm their rights to personal safety, and understand that they can speak out if something does not feel right.

The Signalong charity provides training and resources to assist children with communication difficulties and when English is an additional language.

Signalong is based on British sign language and uses speech, body language, facial expression and voice tones.

Lillian Cringles, Chair of Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “Inclusion and hearing what matters to children with additional support needs is of vital importance.

“We are very proud that dedicated materials for families using Signalong to aid communication were the inception of our local campaign. It is impressive that the NSPCC and Signalong have formalised a set of national resources in such a timely fashion and demonstrates a real commitment to partnership working.

“I have no doubt these new materials will continue to be of use in our Edinburgh education, community and family settings to aid prevention of sexual harm to children.”

Carla Malseed, Local Campaigns Manager for NSPCC Scotland, added: “The Talk PANTS resources are an important step in equipping families and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to have open discussions about body safety.

“They will make difficult conversations around sex and consent easier to have with children from more diverse backgrounds.”

Tracy Goode, Signalong Chief Executive, said: “Talk PANTS is a wonderful resource to help keep children safe, available in English, Welsh, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Scottish Gaelic, BSL and Makaton.

“Signalong recognise that not all children speak the same language and those with communication difficulties do not use the same signing system across the UK.

“Signalong are delighted to partner with the NSPCC to ensure that the PANTS message is available to those who rely on Signalong to communicate. The colourful PANTS Rules incorporate realistic drawings and signs which are readily available to those who currently use Signalong.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Talk PANTS campaign has already supported parents, carers and professionals with the resources they need to have important conversations with thousands of children and young people in Edinburgh.

“With an increasing number of children in the city recorded as having an additional support need, this new set of materials is a welcome addition to the existing campaign and goes a step further in ensuring that children experiencing challenges around communication can access important information about boundaries and body safety.”

While the resources were developed as part of the Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign they are available online to professionals from across the United Kingdom.

The Signalong materials are available online and will be launched at an online event on Wednesday, November 20 with speakers from Signalong, NSPCC Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

For additional inquiries or to access more information about the Talk PANTS campaign, please visit the NSPCC website, where the Signalong materials are also available.

PM at G20: ‘We need renewed, resolute global leadership to tackle poverty and hunger’ 

Keir Starmer’s remarks at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Thank you, President Lula – you know, I’m a great admirer of Brazil. It’s not just the football, it’s also your culture and your commitment to working people.

More than just their right to be free from exploitation, but their right to be lifted up, to enjoy greater opportunities, and to enjoy life. We share that passion. It fuels our politics. And it is a great pleasure to be here with you.

This is my first G20. So I want to take the opportunity to say that under my leadership the UK will always be at the table, Listening, upholding our values, ready to work with you as a responsible global partner. 

I want work together on the huge challenges before us, like conflict and climate change, because these forces work against everything we want to achieve. 

They destroy economic growth, undermine security and opportunity, and generate migration at a level that we can’t sustain. 

But if we can find solutions to these problems then there are also real opportunities here for growth and for investment, to cut the cost of living at home and improve the lives of those we are here to represent. 

So I want to build the partnerships we need to support progress. And that includes in the fight against hunger and poverty. I want to thank President Lula for putting this on the agenda.

We look back on a lost decade in the fight against poverty due to Covid, climate change, and rising levels of conflict. It can’t go on. 

We need renewed, resolute global leadership to tackle poverty and hunger. 

President Lula’s Global Alliance will help us to meet that challenge. And I am pleased that the UK is playing its part. 

We’re not just joining the Alliance, we’re joining its Board of Champions to help steer this work.

And we’re delivering practical support for communities to keep food on the table, helping to build climate resilience and protect harvests in countries across Africa and Asia.

We’re also launching a new partnership to combat child wasting with UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the WHO. And we are doubling our support for those displaced by the war in Sudan.

The suffering from that conflict is horrendous. And it highlights a crucial point: that famine is man made. 

The greatest step in the fight against hunger today would come from resolving conflicts. And so we call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

For the hostages to be released. We are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinian civilians, facing catastrophic hunger and starvation – particularly in northern Gaza. 

In defending itself, Israel must act in compliance with international humanitarian law and do much more to protect civilians and aid workers.

The UK has provided £100 million of humanitarian aid but we also need to see a massive increase in the amount of aid reaching civilians in Gaza. UNRWA must be able to carry out its mandate, particularly at the onset of winter.

Finally, it is important in this room that we address Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Tomorrow marks the 1,000th day of their invasion of a peaceful, sovereign state. 

And they have inflicted damage on the wider world, including on food and energy security. 

So we call, again, for a just and durable peace, consistent with the UN Charter. 

Thank you, Chair.

Brighten Christmas for older people facing the festive period alone: Send a card, support a friendship

Edinburgh locals invited to join schools and businesses in sending a card to a chronically isolated, local older person this Christmas through Vintage Vibes

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes, have launched their much-loved Christmas Card Appeal to ensure lonely and isolated older people across the city to feel valued and are not forgotten this festive period, as they embark on their 10th year helping older people to find friendship and combat loneliness. 

Since 2017, Vintage Vibes has invited local people to write a very special Christmas card to a specific isolated older person in the city, by sending them a profile of someone who they know will be lonely this festive season.

By sending a personalized card, individuals can make a profound difference to a local older person, with some Vintage Vibes recipients keeping their cards up for months after December. 

This year, Vintage Vibes need the public to get behind them more than ever as funding cuts threaten to impact vital services. Having reached a staggering 30,000 hours of friendship in the city, Vintage Vibes is to become a fully independent charity in 2025.

This means every donation made will not only help create friendships this season but will also support the future of Vintage Vibes friendships across Edinburgh for years to come. 

Edinburgh locals can show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they can donate and receive a profile of a local, lonely older person – from Anne who loves doing jigsaw puzzles and looking around the shops to our numbers fan Bryan, who loves to sing and used to be a lecturer of economic history! 

Personalised Christmas cards can then be written and sent on to Vintage Vibes in time to distribute to them to those in need in time for Christmas. All the family can get involved, with Vintage Vibes VIPs (older people they support) loving to receive children’s drawings and crafts as part of the card! 

VIP, Sheila said: “I joined Vintage Vibes over a year ago. At that time, I was feeling a bit down and very alone. I then got introduced to my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we never stopped talking and laughing.

“I love socialising, attending their events and groups too. I then I found out about the Christmas card appeal and asked to be included. When I received my Christmas cards, I think I cried a lot.

“My cards were mainly from local school children and were so adorable they touched my heart. I love the company and joy that Vintage Vibes brings to me and so many lonely people.

“Vintage Vibes is part of my life now and I can’t praise them enough! I recommend anyone thinking of taking part to just do it. You won’t regret a minute of it.” 

Here are just a couple of the other thank you comments from our wonderful VIPs who received cards last year: 

‘What a lovely surpriseit was to receive the Christmas cards, and to know that people were thinking about us.’ Irene

‘I lost my husband and was feeling down but reading all the lovely Christmas cards really cheered me up. You made my day – thank you all so much.’ Marleen

Why It Matters: Edinburgh ranks as one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people, and Vintage Vibes has been committed to tackling the loneliness crisis since 2015 – empowering over 60s to lead happier, healthier lives through friendships, groups, events and activities. 

Having partnered with local charities LifeCare and Space for nearly a decade, they are now preparing to stand on their own.

The need is greater than ever, with up to 2,000 older people currently waiting for friendship support across the city, and community support such as the Christmas appeal is vital to raising awareness and funds. 

Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “This is my favourite campaign in the year, because we know from our VIPs what a difference this makes to their Christmases.

“Sheila’s story of crying with joy at receiving the cards is not the only I’ve heard, and I’ve been to VIPs houses where they have kept the cards long after Christmas is over – something this simple really does matter to someone spending Christmas alone.

“For us, the recent funding cuts are challenging, however we’re excited for our future as an independent charity and now more than ever, we are asking for the support of the local community to help continue our vital work helping older people to live happy, healthy lives.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved, it is so easy to do, incredibly fulfilling and supports the future of friendships in Edinburgh.”

Neil Hay, CEO Space (parent charity) said: “I’m inspired by Vintage Vibes’ remarkable growth and impact over the past few years.

“Through innovative programs and unwavering dedication to the VIPs, Vintage Vibes has transformed countless lives. The positive ripple effect of their work is a testament to the power of love and compassion. 

“Their commitment to making a difference has uplifted communities and inspired an outstanding volunteer team to join their cause; their collective effort will hold them in good stead as they move into the next chapter as an independent charity.” 

How to Join In: By taking part in Vintage Vibes’ Christmas Card Appeal, you can make this Christmas special for an older person feeling alone. It’s so simple, just visit vintagevibes.org.uk and go to the Donate page.  

Here you can donate and download the first name and interests of a local older person, so you can write a personal message and send your good wishes at a time when they need them most. Some have even got their colleagues, friends or family members involved as a wee Christmas celebration! 

Vintage Vibes also provide examples to help you write your card and information on how to send it. Their donate page is also filled with fabulous ‘gifts’ if you wanted to add a festive meal or trip out for a local older person to your basket.  

Support the Future of Friendships: Vintage Vibes works to tackle isolation in local older people year-round, with hundreds of older people engaged in their friendships and activities every week and 97% saying being involved in Vintage Vibes has improved their wellbeing and reduced their loneliness.

You can now help support the future of year-round friendships and groups by becoming a Regular Donor as they move into an exciting 2025. 

Gemma Wright, Communications & Fundraising at Vintage Vibes: “Sometimes people underestimate what a difference becoming a regular donor can make to a small project like ours – our incredible regular donors help us to be able to make plans and grow.

“To you, it may be the price of a coffee each month, to us, it’s the ongoing support that helps us reach those who are most vulnerable within the community.” 

To show you care and give the gift of friendship this year, visit vintagevibes.org.uk today. 

Schools share £150,000 investment to mark Book Week Scotland

Reading `picnics’ and campfire projects win library funding

As Book Week Scotland opens, it has been announced that 17 projects will benefit from the 2024-25 funding round through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). 

Among these, the S’More Reading For Mental Health initiative which operates at Fraserburgh, Inverurie and Mintlaw Academies in Aberdeenshire will benefit. It uses campfire-themed kits with tents, replica campfires, and nature toys to create a calming atmosphere for storytelling sessions and has been awarded £12,260.

The Craigie Book Blether at Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary gets £3,200 to help foster a reading community, engage parents, and raise attainment through “reading picnics” in the library.

There’s also £13,500 for eight Edinburgh Secondary Schools for Back to (Information) Basics – An Information and Digital Literacy Skills Programme.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “As Book Week Scotland gets underway, it’s an important time to reflect on the vital role school libraries play in supporting improved literacy and communications skills in our children. 

“I am very pleased to see a range of creative projects benefit from this funding, which will ultimately encourage more young people to read for enjoyment.”

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play such an important role in providing a safe space for young people to learn while also expanding their horizons through the world of reading.

“Programmes like SLIF allow school libraries across the breadth of the country to tailor their offering to the pupils who make use of the library on a daily basis, and it’s great to see so many deserving projects receive confirmation of their award to kick off Book Week Scotland.”

 

Musical extravaganza will recognise 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe

A joint concert to be held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall next spring is set to recognise the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. 

Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from this year’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert held back in June.

Scotland’s Salute: VE80 is Scotland’s National VE activities, endorsed by the Scottish Government. It will take place on 6th May (two days before VE Day) at the Usher Hall and will be a musical extravaganza that will focus on telling the events that led to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance. Music will be provided by a tri-service orchestra.

The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with BFBS’s own Mark Mckenzie acting as the evenings compere. 

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland are exceptionally proud to bring the latest in our commemorative concerts in honour of this historic milestone in partnership with Poppyscotland.

“Our Scotland Salutes concert is set to be a fantastic evening, with wonderful music and stories playing out on stage, whilst representing our nation coming together to reflect on the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe, 80 years on.”

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland added: “It is always important to reflect on the sacrifices that Service requires, and indeed to celebrate VE Day, in particular in 2025 given that it is the 80th anniversary of such a historic event.

“All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”

Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, and are the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones, are available from November 25th and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.

Through the Shortbread Tin comes to Scottish stages in 2025

WORLD PREMIERE  

National Theatre of Scotland presents 

Through the Shortbread Tin 

Written and performed by Martin O’Connor 
Directed by Lu Kemp 

Musical Director and Composer – Oliver Searle, Sound and Video Designer – Rob Willoughby, Set and Costume designed by Emma Bailey and Rachel O’Neill 

1 April to 2 May 2025 

A Scotland-wide tour opening at Melrose, touring to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Portree (Skye), Dornie (Lochalsh), Cumbernauld, Oban, Helensburgh, Lerwick (Shetland) and Inverness.  

Opening Performance at Corn Exchange, Melrose on 2 April 2025 

The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.  

In 1760 Scottish poet James Macpherson set the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spread far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but was it built on a deception? 

In 2025 Scottish poet Martin O’Connor decides to revisit Macpherson’s epic and begins to question his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie?  

Imagine that you didnae ignore the myths.

Imagine you were telt your history. 

Imagine ye could hod onto the stories.

Imagine ye could create yer ain truth. 

© Eoin Carey

Through The Shortbread Tin is a new show, performed in Scots, with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.  

Martin will be joined on stage by three female Gaelic choral singers, singing original songs composed by Oliver Searle.  

Audiences are invited to join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves.  

BACKGROUND TO OSSIAN

In 1760 Highlander Macpherson published Fragments of Ancient Poetry to great critical and commercial acclaim. The poems were collected from oral sources around Scotland and were presented as the work of a third century bard, Ossian, soon dubbed The Homer of the North. 

There soon followed two other publications, Fingal and Temora, and together they set the Scottish and European literary world alight. The ‘Ossian effect’ soon saw a rise in interest in Scottish and Highland ways of life and an increase in tourism and cultural interest.

The impact of Ossian was immediate and permanent, even if the individual poems eventually fell out of fashion. But soon after publication, debates over Ossian’s aesthetic and moral ‘legitimacy’ surfaced, which plagued the writer and the impact and legacy of the work.  

Martin O’Connor is an award-winning theatre-maker, performer and poet from Glasgow. He is interested in exploring ideas of voice and identity through theatre and poetry, with particular interest in Scots, Gaelic and verbatim.   He won Scots Performer of the Year Award at this year’s Scots Language Awards.

He was granted a Gavin Wallace Fellowship in 2018, hosted by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and the Lyceum Theatre, marking the first stage in his research into James Macpherson and Ossian. 

He makes work for solo performance as well as with, and for, other people. He was the National Theatre of Scotland Writer in Residence in 2020. Previous projects include Turntable (MJ McCarthy/Red Bridge Arts), Mark of the Beast (Martin O’Connor/Platform), Togail Nàisean/ Building a Nation (Glasgow Life).

Martin O’Connor, writer and performer said: “I’m looking forward to staging this work after many years of research and development, and I can’t wait to begin working with Lu and the rest of the creative team to tell this story.

“I have been fascinated with the history of Ossian and Macpherson since I started learning Gaelic and since I have rediscovered my Scots voice, and it gave me a jumping off point to explore all things linguistic, cultural and historical about Scotland, and my own upbringing.

“It seems that not many people know about Ossian and Macpherson, the hoax that he created, and the impact that it had on him and wider Scottish culture, so I am very excited to be staging this work and telling this tale at a time when we are still asking big questions about our country and identity.” 

Through the Shortbread Tin is directed by Lu Kemp, a theatre director and dramaturg with a distinctive reputation for her work in new writing. Lu was Artistic Director of Perth Theatre between 2016 to 2023.

Her tenure was notable for supporting the creation of new work by Scottish artists and community engaged productions. As a freelance director, Lu has worked for The Citizens, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Artangel, London,The Tricycle, Almeida and The Royal Shakespeare Company.     

Touring to Corn Exchange, Melrose (Preview Tues 1 April) Wed 2 April; Tron Theatre, Glasgow Fri 4 & Sat 5 April; Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Tues 8 & Wed 9 April; Macphail Centre, Ullapool Saturday 12 April; An Lanntair, Stornoway Tues 15 April; Aros Centre, Skye (with SEALL) Thurs 17 April; Dornie Community Hall, Lochalsh (with SEALL) Fri 18 April; Cumbernauld Theatre Wed 23 April; Corran Halls, Oban Thurs 24 April; Cove Burgh Halls, Helensburgh Fri 25 April; Mareel, Shetland Mon 28 & Tues 29 April; Eden Court, Inverness Thurs 1 & Fri 2 May. 

On social: #ShortbreadTin 

UK doubles aid for Sudan and neighbouring countries facing humanitarian crisis

  • UK announces a major aid increase of £113 million for people in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries
  • Foreign Secretary will call for the Adre border crossing to remain open indefinitely and for immediate action to end the violence
  • Draft UN Security Council resolution introduced to push for the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage of aid.

THE UK has announced an aid package which will support more than one million people affected by the devastating war in Sudan, providing vital aid for those in need.

The new £113 million aid package, which doubles the UK’s aid commitment to Sudan and the region this year, will assist over 600,000 people in Sudan and 700,000 people in neighbouring countries who have fled the conflict, including Chad and South Sudan.

During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the United Nations Security Council today [Monday 18 November], he will call on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to keep the vital Adre border crossing open indefinitely and for the removal of restrictions, which have limited the amount of aid coming through it.  The Foreign Secretary will also call for the SAF and Rapid Support Forces to stop blocking aid convoys.

After 18 months of violent conflict, Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis of the decade, with over 500,000 people in Darfur in famine conditions. Over 11 million people are displaced, 25 million are in desperate need of aid, and famine is likely to spread.

The new funding package announced today will support UN and NGO partners in providing food, cash, shelter, medical assistance, water and sanitation.

Not only is this aid vitally needed, but it will also help people to stay within their home region so they can return to their homes when conditions allow.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The brutal conflict in Sudan has caused unimaginable suffering. The people of Sudan need more aid, which is why the UK is helping to provide much-needed food, shelter and education for the most vulnerable.

“But we cannot deliver aid without access. Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war and we can only stop this famine if every border crossing and route is open, accessible and safe.

“As the lead on Sudan in the UN Security Council, I will be using the UK’s Presidency on Monday to press for a resolution that ensures the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage of aid.

“The UK will never forget Sudan.”

At the UN, the Foreign Secretary will bring together international partners to lead a discussion on steps to push the warring parties to remove obstacles to humanitarian access.

Humanitarian workers face significant challenges delivering aid to those most in need with instances of aid workers killed, access being blocked by the warring parties, and UN workers unable to move freely.

The Adre border crossing re-opened in August and offers a vital lifeline to allow aid to be delivered from Chad into Darfur.

The Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds said: “During my visit to South Sudan in August, I saw first-hand the heart-breaking impact the violence is having on those fleeing the conflict.

“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening. Famine and disease are spreading, and by next year, many more will be in desperate need of aid.

“We have to prevent further suffering by acting now. Support announced today will reach over a million people, providing food for some of those most in need and will assist neighbouring countries to continue hosting refugees.”

The UK has also introduced a new UN Security Council resolution which will pressure the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians, deliver a ceasefire and allow the safe passage of aid. 

On 22 August, the UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, announced £15 million to support those fleeing violence in Sudan, including those displaced to South Sudan and Chad. 

BBC ALBA explores Scotland’s favourite dog breeds

BBC ALBA’s new six-part series, Cù Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig is getting up close with Scotland’s best-loved dog breeds – from firm family-favourites to breeds you may be less familiar with – as we follow presenter Peter MacQueen choosing a new puppy.

TV personality and author Peter MacQueen has been on a journey to find a pup to take home to the cosy rural hut he shares with partner, Coinneach MacLeod (The Hebridean Baker), following the passing of their beloved Westie, Seòras, last Christmas.

Peter sets out to gather as much information as he can about Scottish dog breeds, from the rarest to the oldest, and everything in between. He remarks: “I hope to find a new puppy…but choosing one will be the challenge!”

Peter adds: “We often ask each other ‘Cò leis thu?’ [who do you belong to?]. It’s much more than just asking who your family is – it’s a question about your roots, your ancestors, and your place in the wider community. For me life isn’t complete without a dog, so this also begs the question “Whose dog are you? or ‘Cù leis thu?!” Afterall, the history of our Scottish dogs is so deeply connected to our story too.”

Starting in Skye, Peter meets one of the rarest dog breeds in the world – the Skye Terrier. After playing with the pups, he uncovers hidden secrets about the breed, which leads him to wonder if a Skye Terrier could fit in with their lives. Peter remarks: “From a practical perspective, could I look after that long hair? It’s difficult enough for me to look after my own beard!”

After a few more visits, Peter finds himself in Argyll and Bute discovering more about a dog breed very close to his heart – the West Highland Terrier. In the very place that the Westie originated, Peter learns the fascinating story behind why these charming dogs were bred, and how they got their distinctive white fur. Will the Westie pups prove to be irresistible to Peter?  And if so, does he settle with one and resist the other breeds?

He continues to Glasgow’s famous Kelvingrove Park where, with the help of experts and a group of dog walkers, Peter sets out to see if genes play a role in shaping the dogs’ personalities.

The final episode, airing on Christmas Day, promises to deliver a heart-warming surprise and also discovers the rewarding experience of rescuing a dog. Animal shelters often see a huge increase in abandoned dogs after the festive season, when some owners realise they can’t keep up with the demands of a dog.

The new docu-series is set to entertain but also encourage potential dog-owners to think more carefully about their chosen breed and the responsibilities of bringing a dog into the family. While a puppy may appear to be the perfect Christmas gift Cù Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig reminds viewers that they are a lifelong commitment requiring training, socialisation and lots of love.

Tune in each week on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer to join Peter in pursuit of puppy facts, folklore and fun, from Tuesday 19 November at 8.30pm. 

Don’t miss the Cu Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig finale surprise at 8.30pm on Christmas Day.  Watch live or on demand (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Call to scrap UK voter ID requirements

Policy ‘creates barriers’ in democratic process

Requirements for voter identification brought in by the previous UK Government should be scrapped, Holyrood’s Minister for Parliamentary Business has said.

Jamie Hepburn has highlighted evidence from the Electoral Commission that the new requirements kept potential voters away from the ballot box at the recent UK Parliamentary election, and fears misunderstanding around the need for ID could have a similar impact in Scotland.

In a letter to Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government), he asked for the UK Government to consider scrapping voter ID requirements.

Background

Letter to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Cruden Homes unveils ‘Stunning Show Apartment’ at popular West Craigs Green development

A brand-new show apartment has been launched for prospective homebuyers to view at a highly sought-after housing development in Edinburgh. Cruden Homes’ West Craigs Green development, which announced its apartment phase earlier this year, is now inviting potential homeowners to explore the luxury apartments located just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.

Expertly designed by Get Fully Furnished, the apartment boasts a spacious and stylish layout that maximises natural light, offering both functionality and elegance. This impressive space is designed in calming tones and includes an impressive balcony, complete with uninterrupted views over green open space. 

The exclusive collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments currently for sale caters to a wide range of buyers, from downsizers and first-time homeowners, to independent individuals seeking comfort and convenience.

The two-bedroom plots feature private balconies, perfect for enjoying breathtaking views across Lennie Park and Turnhouse Golf Club. Combining tranquillity with excellent connectivity, these apartments offer discerning buyers a unique lifestyle that balances natural beauty with modern convenience.

As an added incentive, Cruden Homes is offering an exclusive “Plot of the Month”—a rare opportunity to reserve a spacious, one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment available at West Craigs Green.

Priced at £220,000, this apartment is perfect for a couple or individual seeking the best of both worlds: access to lush green spaces and proximity to Scotland’s vibrant capital. Ready for move-in just in time for Christmas or in the New Year, it features generous storage and a stylish open-plan living and kitchen area, ideal for hosting.

For the fortunate buyer who reserves this month, Cruden Homes will include a flooring and furniture package, along with full Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) paid—making this a truly exceptional offer at West Craigs Green.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, commented:  “Designed with contemporary elegance and practicality in mind, our new show apartment demonstrates the standout quality and lifestyle on offer at West Craigs Green.

“Our Plot of the Month also offers exceptional value for those ready to make West Craigs Green their home.”

In addition to the striking collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, the development includes a range of three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, and four-bedroom townhouses, each with private gardens.

The West Craigs area is undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, including the newly established Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. Future plans include a new primary school and nursery, café, and health centre within walking distance.

Conveniently situated between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh city centre. It benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail, and tram stops in close proximity.

The Gyle Shopping Centre is easily accessible on foot or by car, offering a range of amenities such as high street shops, a supermarket, and eateries.

The show apartment is available for viewing at the sales and marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.

To find out more or to arrange a viewing, visit Cruden Homes or call 0131 600 0095.