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Antarctica Live! brings the icy continent to classrooms hosted at Dynamic Earth

Julia Bradbury and Gemma Hunt will take pupils on a virtual journey to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, in a special live event delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

WWF is inviting primary schools and young people to embark on an exciting journey to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica through a free live online lesson as part of its ‘Happy By Nature’ programme, hosted by Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s only science centre and planetarium.

Taking place on Tuesday 10 November at 2pm, Antarctica Live! will bring the wonders of the world’s southernmost continent directly into classrooms, inspiring children to discover more about nature, wildlife and the people working to understand and protect our planet.

The event is live and will link up to scientists working at BAS’s Rothera and Bird Island Research Stations, some 10,000 kms away from the UK. 

Hosted by journalist and TV presenter Julia Bradbury and Gemma Hunt, CBeebies presenter and author, the special live event will be broadcast online from Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.

Featured locations include the science centre’s iconic Polar Gallery. Created in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey, the lesson brings together expertise in science, education and engagement to give pupils an exciting insight into one of the planet’s most extreme environments. 

Pupils will explore Antarctica’s icy climate, discover the remarkable ways penguins have adapted to survive in challenging conditions, and have a chance to hear from people working on the continent today. The lesson aims to spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage children to build a lasting connection with nature.

Dynamic Earth is proud to partner with WWF and the British Antarctic Survey to bring this unique learning experience to schools, contributing its expertise in science communication and learning engagement to help make Antarctica’s extraordinary environment accessible to young audiences.

Conor Ellis, Director of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with WWF and the British Antarctic Survey on Antarctica Live! This collaboration brings together our shared passion for inspiring curiosity about the natural world and helping young people understand the science behind our changing planet.

“At Dynamic Earth, we believe that engaging, accessible experiences can make a real difference in how children connect with nature and the world around them.

“Being involved in this activity gives us an exciting opportunity to bring Antarctica into classrooms, introduce pupils to the remarkable wildlife and environments found there, and inspire the next generation to ask questions, explore and care for our planet.”

Jon Turner, Head of Schools & Education at WWF, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the wonders of Antarctica directly into classrooms through this special live lesson, and we’re incredibly grateful to Julia Bradbury, Gemma Hunt, Dynamic Earth and the British Antarctic Survey for helping to make it possible.

“Giving primary school children the chance to explore one of the most extraordinary and remote places on Earth is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build a lasting connection with nature. Antarctica plays a vital role in the health of our planet, yet it remains a place many young people know little about.

“This live lesson brings its incredible wildlife, landscapes and science to life in a way that’s engaging, accessible and inspiring, helping children better understand why protecting our natural world matters.”

Athena Dinar from British Antarctic Survey, said: “Inspiring the next generation to discover Antarctica is an important part of British Antarctic Survey’s mission.

“By sharing the science, technology and teamwork behind our research and operations, we can help young people understand why Antarctica matters, how it influences our planet, and the vital role research plays in tackling global challenges.

“Antarctica Live! is a fantastic opportunity to bring the excitement of polar science into classrooms, spark curiosity and encourage young people to explore the world around them.”

Antarctica Live! is part of WWF’s Happy By Nature programme, which is designed to bring a daily dose of nature into primary school pupils’ lives, helping them develop curiosity, connection and care for the natural world.

Through free educational experiences such as this live lesson, WWF aims to make nature accessible and engaging for children and support schools to bring environmental learning to life.

The lesson is aimed at pupils aged 7–11, but learners of all stages are welcome to take part.

Event details

  • What: Antarctica Live! – a free live online lesson for schools
  • When: Tuesday 10 November 2026, at 2pm
  • Where: Hosted and streamed live from Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. Schools and young people can join online, with a joining link sent to registered schools before the event.
  • Presenters: Julia Bradbury and Gemma Hunt
  • Created in collaboration with: British Antarctic Survey
  • Who can attend: Primarily aimed at pupils aged 7–11, but open to learners of all stages
  • Registration: Sign-ups must be completed by a teacher or school staff member aged 18 or over. This event is for schools only.

Schools are encouraged to take part in this free opportunity to bring Antarctica into the classroom and inspire the next generation to discover, value and care for the natural world.

Police praise public spirit during Halloween 2026

Police Scotland has thanked communities across the country for making sure Halloween 2026 passed without serious incident.

In total 144 calls relating to fireworks were received on Saturday, 31 October, compared to 160 during 2025 – a reduction of 10 per cent.

Specialist officers were on hand to support local policing teams during their attendance at various reports of antisocial behaviour during the evening, however, there were no offences arising that required a specific public order response.

In Tranent, Bonnyrigg and Glasgow there were reports of fireworks being lit in the street and some were thrown at members of the public. Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing.

Officers in Edinburgh also responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in the Ratho area of the city. This incident was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.

There were no reports of officers involved in tonight’s operation having been injured.

Seven Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh. There were no charges for breaches of Firework Control Zones.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland’s communities have celebrated Halloween in the proper spirit and I’m really grateful for the support of our efforts tonight to deter criminality, respond to reports of disorder and protect the public and emergency services from harm.

“Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public.

“I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences.

“Investigations into these offences will be launched immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, but I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding behaviour and co-operation most of those within our communities have demonstrated tonight.

“Moonbeam resources will continue to support local policing teams all over the country throughout the next week wherever they are required and whenever reports of fireworks-related crime are received, we will respond swiftly and proportionately.”

Supporting Scotland’s victims of crime

Fund financed by offenders opens for new applications

A victims’ fund financed by penalties imposed on convicted offenders is open for new applications.

More than 10,000 people have been helped through the Victim Surcharge Fund since it was established in 2019, with almost £3.5 million paid out so far.

The fund has now opened for new applications, giving organisations that support victims of crime a chance to apply for a share of a further £800,000.

Victims of domestic abuse, stalking and other forms of violence against women and girls are among those who have been supported through the fund. Help includes emergency food and clothing expenses, installation of alarm systems to make victims feel safe, and emotional and psychological support.  

Victims Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “Crime can have a lasting and traumatic impact and it is absolutely right that offenders should be made to support victims. That is exactly what happens through the Victim Surcharge Fund where penalties imposed on offenders are used to provide vital help for victims.

“More than 10,000 people impacted by crime have been supported when they need it most through the Fund. This includes direct, practical help with essentials like food and clothing for those fleeing abuse, violence or exploitation.

“The Fund has paid out almost £3.5 million so far and applications have opened for the seventh time, meaning many more victims will be supported.”

Grampian Women’s Aid (GWA) CEO Aileen Forbes said: “The support provided through the Victim Surcharge Fund has enabled us to respond to the practical and immediate needs of women and children recovering from domestic abuse, providing essential items and home security measures that help them feel safe, secure and able to rebuild their lives.

“Alongside GWA’s specialist support, these resources make a significant difference at a critical point in a woman’s recovery, reducing anxiety, increasing stability and creating the conditions for longer-term wellbeing and independence.

“On behalf of the many women the fund has supported to date and the many more that are to come, we are sincerely thankful for this investment and the lasting difference it continues to make to the lives of the victim-survivors we support.”

Michelle Rennie, Head of National Programmes at Victim Support Scotland, said: “The true impact of the Victim Surcharge Fund is reflected in the honest and heartfelt feedback from applicants who have benefitted from Victim Support Scotland’s Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF), the costs of which are entirely met from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

“Victims have told us that the items provided through the EAF would ‘truly make a difference in their life’, with partner organisations adding that ‘I am pretty sure that their faith in humanity just got restored a little bit’.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund enables Victim Support Scotland to address urgent financial hardships and practical issues people may face as a direct result of crime.

“Over the last six months, our Emergency Assistance Fund supported approximately 720 people impacted by crime, as well as indirectly supporting a further 489 dependents. We are seeing a high number of applications from women experiencing domestic abuse, reflecting the heightened dangers and worrying increases in this type of crime.

“We have distributed goods and services worth nearly £300,000. Typical items include basic essentials, household goods, food, clothing, security equipment, and moving costs. Security equipment remains the most frequently requested item, reflecting the concerns victims have for their own safety.

“Victim Support Scotland can provide ongoing emotional and practical support for any type of crime.” 

“Fossil Fuels are Scary” protest outside Bute House

Environmental campaigners have staged a “fossil fuels are scary” Halloween themed demonstration at the First Minister’s residence in Edinburgh today.

They said there were “no treats for John Swinney” and he was trying to “trick” people by saying his Government was prioritizing action on climate change while approving new fossil fuel projects.

Climate groups gathered outside Bute House in central Edinburgh to protest the Scottish Government decision this week to approve the building of a new gas power station at Peterhead which will burn fossil gas for the next 30 years.

The decision comes shortly after the UK Energy Secretary gave the green light to drilling gas from the Jackdaw field, despite admitting it will not reduce energy bills. The price of oil and gas is set by international energy markets so these decisions will leave UK households will be left at the mercy of fossil fuel companies for decades to come.

Burning of fossil fuels is the key driver of the extreme weather people are facing, such as the recent storms, record heat this summer and devastating events like the deadly floods in Nepal. Protestors said they were “terrified”  about the impact of these decisions on the lives.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Kate Whitaker commented:“Fossil fuels are scary because of the harm they are already causing to millions of people.  When politicians make disastrous decisions to approve new oil or gas, people get even more terrified about our collective future.

“We are at the First Minister’s residence but he is not getting any treats this year. His Government has chosen to put more people in more danger from extreme weather and is tricking people by trying to claim that new gas burning is somehow compatible with a safe energy future.”

“Giving the go ahead for a new fossil fuelled power plant at Peterhead is a catastrophic failure from the Scottish Government to protect people from both climate breakdown and the increasing burden of household energy bills.

“Politicians could instead help allay our fears by focusing on climate solutions that improve lives such as warmer homes, reliable bus services and creating green jobs.”

Spooky season, smarter savings: ScottishPower on hunting ‘energy vampires’ at home

Halloween hunt for hidden ‘energy vampires’ could help families cut winter bills

THIS Halloween, ScottishPower is urging households across the UK to hunt down energy-draining ‘vampire devices’ lurking in every home, and use the spooky season to build energy saving habits as winter sets in. 

‘Vampire devices’ are appliances that keep drawing electricity while they’re plugged in, even when they’re switched off or on standby. From TVs and games consoles to microwaves and phone chargers, they can quietly add to household bills without anyone noticing.

By switching off standby appliances and making a handful of simple changes around the home, households could save up to £313 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust.

Following the Ofgem price cap rising in October and with more cold weather on the way, ScottishPower is warning many families could be paying more than they need to simply by not switching everyday devices off. 

Switching TVs off standby could save households around £45 a year, while avoiding the tumble dryer could save around £50 a year. Keeping showers brief, to four minutes, could save around £45 a year, and replacing older bulbs with LEDs could save up to £40 a year on annual energy bills.

Rozlyn Brennan, ScottishPower Smart Solutions Director, said: “Most homes are packed with ‘vampire devices’ quietly sucking electricity around the clock, even when they’re not being used.

“With household budgets still under pressure and winter approaching, Halloween is the perfect reminder to hunt them down. From TVs left on standby to chargers plugged in unnecessarily, these small habits can add up to a noticeable difference on your energy bill.”

“Taking just a few minutes to switch things off at the wall could help save money, reduce wasted energy and build good habits for the colder months ahead.”

Common household vampire devices include:

  • TVs and set-top boxes
  • Games consoles
  • Sound systems
  • Microwaves and coffee machines with digital displays
  • Phone, tablet and laptop chargers left plugged in

All these electrical appliances can be safely switched off at the wall when they’re not in use, which makes this one of the easiest energy-saving habits. 

ScottishPower’s advice is as follows:

  • Switch off at the wall – don’t rely on the remote. A glowing standby light can be a sign the device is still draining power.
  • Use a switched extension lead – plug the TV, console and speakers into one lead so you can turn the whole set-up off at once.
  • Unplug chargers – once phones, tablets and laptops are charged, switch them off at the wall
  • Know what to leave on – keep fridges, freezers, boilers, smart meters and broadband routers running, and check manufacturer guidance for devices such as set-top boxes that need to stay on to update.

ScottishPower is also encouraging customers to make greater use of smart technology to better understand how and when they use electricity, helping them identify further opportunities to reduce waste and save money.

ScottishPower has its ongoing Power Saver1 initiative rewarding eligible customers for shifting their electricity use away from specified periods, letting them choose 8 one-hour slots of cheaper electricity2 at selected times throughout the whole week.

And for electric vehicle drivers, ScottishPower’s EV Optimise3 can make charging smarter by automatically scheduling charging around the customer’s needs and available charging periods.

For more energy saving tips from ScottishPower, check out the energy efficiency page here and follow @scottishpowercustomers on Instagram.

Energy Savings Trust advice can be found here. 

Council Leader: Keeping Edinburgh safe this Bonfire Night

Jane Meagher writes about Bonfire Night preparations

Bonfire Night should be an opportunity to bring communities and families together to enjoy a much-loved tradition (writes JANE MEAGHER).

Sadly, however, previous years have shown just how quickly things can go wrong when fireworks are used irresponsibly. Dangerous behaviour has put members of the public at risk, disrupted bus services, affected local businesses and exposed emergency service workers to unacceptable danger.

This is not how most people want to celebrate, and we cannot allow the actions of a minority to put others at risk or spoil the occasion for our communities.

That’s why, last year, we stepped up our collective efforts with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners to help keep Edinburgh safe. And I’m sure you were as pleased and relieved as I was that last year’s events passed off without serious incident and that the vast majority of people enjoyed them safely and responsibly.

It really did feel worlds apart from what had gone before – and we’re doing all we can to plan for another positive result this year.

This includes the reintroduction and expansion of our Firework Control Zones, which will see fireworks prohibited in 14 areas of the city (including private property) from 30 October to 8 November.

These zones aim to reduce disturbance, anti-social behaviour and litter, while protecting people and communities from the distress and dangers fireworks can cause. Alongside Police Scotland’s use of Dispersal Zones and other enforcement measures, they form an important part of our wider efforts to prevent disorder and keep people safe.

However, enforcement alone is not the answer. We also need to raise awareness, support families and young people, and help everyone understand the risks associated with fireworks.

Since the start of this year, we have been working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to educate young people about safety, while investing in positive activities and alternative opportunities that help steer them away from anti-social behaviour.

Peer-to-peer education is equally important, as they can often have the greatest influence on their friends, helping to challenge risky behaviour and encourage safer choices.

By providing funding for youth programmes and alternative activities in the run-up to Bonfire Night, we can help ensure they have positive opportunities to come together and enjoy themselves safely.

Alongside this work, council teams and community volunteers are taking practical steps to reduce risks on the ground. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent unwanted items from being used to start dangerous fires.

Ultimately, keeping Edinburgh safe is a shared responsibility. By acting responsibly and looking out for one another, we can protect our communities and ensure the celebrations are enjoyable for everyone.

So, as we approach fireworks season and Bonfire Night, I would urge you to play your part. Please plan ahead and, wherever possible, attend an organised fireworks display.

These events offer a fantastic way to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while helping to reduce the risks associated with fireworks being set off in our streets and neighbourhoods.

Visit our website to find out if there is a display near you.

Please also follow the safety advice, be mindful of neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to noise and report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to the police.

Together, we can help make this Bonfire Night another safe and positive occasion for the whole city – and one we remember for all the right reasons.

Council Leader Jane Meagher’s article first appeared in the Evening News.

Lottery funding for grassroots ethnic-minority led projects

NATIONAL Lottery Community Fund Scotland are excited to share that 73 grassroots, ethnic-minority led projects will receive £863,691 through the Ethnic Minority Development Fund.

The funding will help to unlock more opportunities for diverse communities across Scotland including 42 new projects that are either receiving National Lottery funding for the first time or have not received funding in the past three years.

Delivered in partnership with CEMVO Scotland (The Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations Scotland), the programme has awarded over £1 million to 107 organisations since 2023.

The Ethnic Minority Development helps organisations build confidence, capacity, skills and experience, strengthening their ability to access future funding and support their communities.

Read more details about the projects on our website:

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/…/more-first-time…

Pitch Your Book: Granton Library author event

We are really looking forward to this forthcoming event with author Sheila M. Averbuch – for all writers of fiction who are looking for help on the path to publication!

What are the top pitfalls that bedevil writers when pitching their books? Do self-published authors still need a pitch, even if they’re not seeking an agent?

Sheila is the author of of ‘Pitch Your Book: write the letter that hooks an agent on your novel’ and is an expert voice in this field.

We look forward to welcoming Sheila – and you! – to Granton Library on Wed 18th November at 6.30pm. The event is open to everyone, no matter what stage of your writing career you are at. Booking is strongly advised – using our Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/how-to-get-an-agent-with…

Or just phone the library on 0131 529 5630.

Tea & coffee will be also served.

Leithers share their stories, hopes and big ideas for town’s UK Town of Culture bid

From taking charge as Mayor of Leith to airing local frustrations at the Complaint Department, the Leith Imaginarium invited people to help shape what Leith could become in 2028 and beyond

Supporter of the bid for Leith to become inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028, Chitra Ramaswamy, hosts Leith local to discuss their stories and memories during Sunday’s Imaginarium. Image credit: James Duncan

Leithers shared their stories, hopes, ideas for the future and frustrations on Sunday (25 October), as the Leith Imaginarium brought the town’s UK Town of Culture 2028 consultation to the Wee Museum of Memory at Ocean Terminal.

The free drop-in event formed part of the work to make sure Leith’s bid is shaped by the people who know the town best. Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, in the same year it will mark 900 years since its first written record. 

A mother and son, visitors to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, putting their thoughts on the interactive map. Image credit: James Duncan

Rather than a traditional consultation, the Imaginarium used a series of playful activities to explore what people love about Leith, what needs to change and what they want the town to become.

Visitors were invited to sit in a giant Mayor of Leith chair, don a ceremonial chain and answer the question: “If you were Mayor for one day, what would you do?”

Elsewhere, a colourful Leith Washing Line grew throughout the event as people pegged up comment cards sharing “a story I love”, “something Leith needs”, “a big idea”, “my hope for 2028” and nominations for “Leith heroes”. 

A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan

At the Complaint Department, people were encouraged to get their gripes off their chest by recording frustrations, obstacles and things they would like to see change, before being asked to imagine what a better alternative could look like. 

A giant illustrated map became a collective portrait of the town, with visitors marking places they love, hidden gems, places with potential, and areas they feel need attention.

The Complaints Department hosted by Jed Milroy of Tinderbox Collective as part of Sunday’s Imaginarium event. Image credit: James Duncan

There were also Sofa Stories, capturing people’s memories and hopes for Leith; a poster-making activity exploring what makes people proud of the town; and a roaming exercise collecting words and lines towards a collaborative song or poem. Visitors were given a Leith Passport on arrival, collecting stamps as they shared stories, hopes, ideas, what they felt was missing and their local heroes.

A group of visitors interact with the giant map of Leith at the Imaginarium event as part of the Leith Town of Culture 2028 bid. Image credit: James Duncan

What Leith had to say

While the team will now work through the material gathered during the day, some strong themes are already emerging. Early feedback from conversations at the Imaginarium highlighted Leith’s heritage, the impact of change, and the importance people place on Leith maintaining its own identity distinct from Edinburgh. 

The wider consultation has deliberately been structured around four questions: what makes Leith, Leith; what is missing or needs more care; what should happen in 2028; and what people want Leith to be like afterwards. 

The ideas and stories gathered at the Imaginarium will now feed into the development of Leith’s final UK Town of Culture bid and its plans for 2028. The bid is being developed by the Leith Culture Partnership with the backing of more than 80 local and national organisations and public figures. 

A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan

Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, co-ordinators of Leith’s UK Town of Culture bid, said: “The Imaginarium was about giving people of all ages lots of different ways to tell us what matters to them about Leith. We wanted to hear the good things, the big ideas, the things people want to protect and the things they want to change.

“There was so much warmth and pride in the room, but also really thoughtful conversations about Leith’s heritage, how the town is changing and what its future should look like. We’ve now got a huge amount to take away and work through, and that will directly help us shape the plans for 2028 and Leith’s 900th anniversary.

“Our developing plans are very much centred on celebrating Leith’s rich cultures and heritage and the brilliant work that already happens here, and making sure that Leithers have a real say in what comes next.”

The Imaginarium follows other public conversations around Leith as the bid develops. The final bid is due to be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 30 November, with the winner expected to be announced by 31 March 2027. 

Tomorrow: Bitesize parenting support session at Drumbrae Library Hub

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 10.30 – 11.30am

Drumbrae Library Hub are delighted to be hosting Bitesize Learning Sessions for Parents and Carers!

Parenting can be challenging at times. Bitesize Parenting Support are here to help! Sometimes we all need a bit of help and advice.

Come along this Friday for the ‘Supporting Healthy Digital Habits’ parent and carer workshop

30th October 2026 at 10:30am

All events are free with no need to book

#GoAllIn