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Former MSP calls for urgent action on racism after alleged Glasgow attack

Foysol Choudhury MBE, former member of the Scottish Parliament, has called for urgent action to tackle racism and hate crime following the alleged racially motivated assault of Bangladeshi man Iftekhar Ul-Islam in Glasgow:

I am extremely concerned and deeply saddened by the alleged racist assault on Iftekhar Ul-Islam in Glasgow on 16 September.

I have spoken personally with Iftekhar and his wife. He has sustained injuries to his head and face, he has been left traumatised by the event, and now is too frightened to leave his home.

Nobody should have to feel unsafe travelling to work or walking through our streets because of the colour of their skin or their ethnic background.

I am attaching the joint statement from the Scottish Bangladeshi Organisations Network, representing organisations from across Scotland. The statement calls for justice and accountability and urges Police Scotland to conduct a full, thorough and timely investigation.

According to the statement, Iftekhar was approached in Glasgow city centre, near the bus station, before being attacked in broad daylight. It states that racist language was used during the alleged assault and that his calls for help went unanswered.

This is extremely serious, and I am deeply worried that things are going from bad to worse.

As a former MSP, I am particularly concerned about the wider spread of racism and racial hostility in our communities. Political rhetoric matters. When politicians use divisive issues or language for political advantage, we need to consider the impact this can have on minority communities and the atmosphere in which people live.

I am not suggesting that political statements directly cause individual crimes. Those responsible for criminal acts must be held individually responsible. However, we must also recognise that public discourse can influence how communities feel about one another.

We cannot allow racism to become normalised.

I raised these issues repeatedly in Parliament

During my five years in the Scottish Parliament, I repeatedly raised racism, Islamophobia, anti-racist education and the need for stronger action.

In October 2023, I asked the Scottish Government how it intended to implement Scotland’s anti-racist curriculum principles. (Scottish Parliament)

In June 2025, I raised the issue of racism and racist bullying in schools, including concerns about whether anti-racist policies and toolkits were actually being implemented and whether racist incidents were properly recorded and followed up. (Scottish Parliament)

In March 2025, I questioned the First Minister about the rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and asked about progress in implementing recommendations from work on Islamophobia in Scotland. The First Minister acknowledged that the rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents was a serious concern. (Scottish Parliament)

I also raised the importance of education about racism and colonialism, including the role museums can play in helping young people understand these issues. (Scottish Parliament)

I have consistently argued that education must be part of the solution. Unfortunately, I do not believe anti-racist education has always been taken as seriously as it should have been.

What needs to happen now?

We need action, not simply statements.

There must be a thorough investigation into what happened to Iftekhar. Victims of racist attacks must receive appropriate support, and racist incidents must be properly recorded and followed up.

We also need to ask whether enough is being done to prevent racism before it becomes violence.

Are schools receiving the resources and support needed to tackle racism effectively?

Are racist incidents being properly recorded and acted upon?

Are politicians and public figures doing enough to challenge racism rather than allowing division to grow?

And are we doing enough to educate young people about racism, prejudice and the contribution of Scotland’s diverse communities?

The Bangladeshi community is an important part of Scotland. During my time in Parliament, I established and convened the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh to strengthen Scotland-Bangladesh relations and provide a forum for Scotland’s Bangladeshi community. (Scottish Parliament)

I have always believed that Scotland should be a country where everyone can live, work and raise their families without fear because of their race, ethnicity or faith.

Racism is not somebody else’s problem. It is a problem for all of us.

I stand with Iftekhar, his family and the Scottish Bangladeshi community in calling for justice, accountability and urgent action.

Something has to be done now. We cannot wait for another victim.

Joint statement from the Scottish Bangladeshi Organisations Network:

Royal Bank of Scotland hosts free PSA testing with the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative at its Edinburgh HQ

The Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative is bringing its prostate cancer testing programme to Royal Bank of Scotland’s Gogarburn campus in Edinburgh this weekend.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting in men in Scotland*. To help promote early detection, members of the public and employees of the bank are being offered the opportunity to take a free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests which can help identify potential signs of the disease.

Royal Bank of Scotland offered colleagues the opportunity for testing yesterday (Friday, September 25) and then open its doors to the public on Saturday, September 26 for a day of testing at its Scottish HQ.

Launched in March by Sir Chris Hoy, Kenny Logan, Professor Sir Chris Evans and Sir Tom Hunter, the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative was established to improve the early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The programme, providing free PSA tests to men aged between 40 and 80, also explores how existing pathways for detecting and treating prostate cancer can be improved.

Since testing began in March, the Initiative has provided free PSA tests to more than 17,000 men across Scotland. Demand for appointments has consistently exceeded expectations, with most testing events becoming fully booked within days of being announced, demonstrating the strong public appetite for accessible prostate cancer testing and greater awareness of men’s health.

Participants provide a simple blood sample to measure PSA levels and, in selected cases, additional samples to support advanced diagnostic research aimed at improving understanding of genetic risk factors and other biomarkers associated with prostate cancer.

Professor Sir Chris Evans, founder and Chief Scientific Officer of EDX Medical, the diagnostics company which is delivering the Initiative, said: “The response to the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative has been extraordinary. Prostate cancer can develop silently, often without symptoms in its early stages which is why early diagnosis is so important.

“I would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland for hosting these testing sessions at Gogarburn and for their support of the Initiative. By helping us bring free PSA testing to both employees and the wider community, they are playing an important role in raising awareness and helping more men take control of their health.”

Picture © Andy Buchanan 2019

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Directly or indirectly, prostate cancer is an issue that impacts the lives of so many of our colleagues and customers across the country.

“We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative to offer free PSA testing here at Gogarburn. Royal Bank plays an important role in the lives of the customers and the communities which we serve and this is an opportunity to make it easier for the public to get themselves tested and guard themselves one of the most common form of cancers here in Scotland.

“We are proud to support an Initiative that can make a positive difference to men’s health across Scotland.”

The Initiative is delivered by EDX Medical in conjunction with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

Testing takes place at Gogarburn TODAY Saturday 26 September from 0930 – 1700.

Details of other upcoming testing events can be found at:

www.scottishprostate.com/events.

Edinburgh College launches National Centre for Modern Languages and ESOL

Edinburgh College has established a new National Centre for Modern Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), bringing together its expertise in language education to support students, employers and communities across Scotland and beyond.

The Centre will act as a hub for the College’s Modern Languages and ESOL delivery with a focus on developing the language skills Scotland needs for the future.

The College delivers one of the largest and most diverse language portfolios in the UK. Its award-winning online Modern Languages provision spans 95 schools across 20 local authorities, while more than 1,000 students study ESOL at the College each year.

More than 300,000 people in Scotland reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English in 2022, highlighting the scale of the need for accessible language support.

The launch of the Centre brings together the College’s significant ESOL provision, both college and community-based, recognising the role English language skills play in helping people access employment, progress in their careers and participate fully in society.

Earlier this year, the College published a research report – Addressing Language as a Barrier to Work and Progression – which identified a lack of English language skills as an overlooked contributor to economic inactivity.

It is now building on this work through its employment-focused ESOL for Work provision, helping learners to develop the practical English skills they need for the workplace alongside their wider language development.

Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford said: “Language skills are increasingly important to Scotland’s future. They strengthen our workforce, help businesses connect with international markets and enable people from different backgrounds to participate fully in our economy and society.

“Edinburgh College has a strong track record in both Modern Languages and ESOL delivery, and the launch of our National Centre brings that expertise together to create a hub for language education and innovation.

“We want to use our scale, research and partnerships to support language education across Scotland and help ensure learners have the skills they need for further study and employment.”

The Centre’s provision will also support refugees and people seeking sanctuary to access education. The College was awarded College of Sanctuary status in June 2025.

The College also has extensive international experience, having delivered specialist English language teacher training in more than 30 countries over the past decade.

Alongside its work in Scotland, the College will use its international partnerships and experience to support language education globally, building on specialist teacher training.

The new Centre aims to strengthen the role of Modern Languages and ESOL within Scotland’s skills infrastructure and help more people access the opportunities that language learning can provide.

Find out more on the Edinburgh College website.

CCTV appeal following serious assault in Rodney Street

DO YOU RECOGNISE THESE MEN?

Police Scotland has released images of six males officers believe can assist with ongoing enquiries into a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 10.55pm on Saturday, 29 August, 2026, on Rodney Street at the junction with Broughton Road.

A 34-year-old man was injured and required hospital treatment.

The males are all described as aged 16 to 18.

The first one has brown hair and was wearing a black hoodie with a white motif on the arm and chest, black trousers and black and white trainers.

The second is described as having black hair and was wearing a black hooded top and black trousers.

The third has brown hair and was wearing a grey t-shirt, black trousers and black trainers with a white line.

The fourth has blonde hair and wearing black rimmed glasses, a long sleeve grey top, grey shorts and white trainers with a black sole.

The fifth was wearing a black puffer style jacket and black trousers.

The sixth was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.

Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We believe the males pictured can assist with our investigation and we are keen to speak to them.

“I would urge the males, or anyone who knows them, to get in touch with us.

“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3971 of Saturday, 29 August, 2026, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Visually impaired veterans take to the wheel for a thrill of a lifetime

Tyres screeched, engines roared, and confidence soared as a group of visually impaired veterans, all supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, recently took to the track at Driftland in Fife, accomplishing something many thought impossible following visual impairment.

The adrenaline-fuelled day was made possible by disability driving charity Speed Of Sight and Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who generously donated the experience. The event gave veterans the opportunity to get behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment, boosting confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Among the veterans’ taking part was Kim McFarlane, who served with Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Army Medical Corps.

She comments: “I lost my sight following a diabetic stroke, and when I was first introduced to Sight Scotland Veterans two years ago, I had no idea what support was available to me. Since then, I have made great friends, the staff have been amazing, and I’ve learned to do things I never thought I would be able to do.

“When I heard about the driving experience, I was excited to try something completely different. As someone who is visually impaired and had never driven before, it’s not something I ever imagined would be possible. Getting behind the wheel was absolutely brilliant.

“The first time around I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the second run I was really looking forward to it and could not wait to get back out on the track. It was such an adrenaline rush. The instructor kept encouraging me to pick up a bit more speed, and I felt like Nigel Mansell out there. It was brilliant.

“Opportunities like this show that being visually impaired does not mean you have to stop trying new things. With the right support, you can achieve things you never thought were possible.”

Derek Donaldson, who has diabetic retinopathy, who began his military career as an infantry soldier and later became a transport driver, adds: “As a former truck driver, being behind the wheel was a huge part of my life, so losing my sight and having to stop driving was incredibly difficult. Getting the chance to drive again at Driftland was something I never thought I’d experience.

“I’ve got a new car sitting at home that I’ll never be able to drive because of my sight loss, so being back behind the wheel today meant a great deal to me. With the instructor guiding me through the corners and encouraging me to pick up speed, I felt safe, confident, I just loved it and couldn’t really believe what I was doing. It was an incredible feeling.”

Derek adds: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Sight Scotland Veterans for making experiences like this possible. Everything the charity does is about improving people’s lives and helping them live independently and confidently.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities they give to me and so many other veterans. Without their support, I would never have had the chance to get back behind the wheel again.”

Niamh Waldron, Social Impact & Sustainability Director at Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who donated the driving experience to Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We were delighted to offer Sight Scotland Veterans an exclusive track day as part of our 2026 programme and are thrilled to hear how much the veterans enjoyed the experience.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sight Scotland Veterans and Speed of Sight, and to giving many more veterans the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving in the years ahead.”

For more information visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

Football legends join Utilita Energy Hubs for National Football Rebooted Day 2026

Utilita Football Rebooted

Saturday, 3 October 2026 will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.

Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.

Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.

Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.

The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.

“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”

Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.

Event Details

The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.

Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026

Time: 10am to 2pm 

Cost: Free to attend and open to all

Location: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA

For more information about Football Rebooted and how to get involved, visit www.footballrebooted.co.uk.

Dynamic Earth partners with Earthwave to show in real-time if glaciers really are going to disappear

GOODBYE GLACIERS!?

As part of its famous Polar Gallery exhibition, Dynamic Earth has launched a new exhibit in conjunction with Edinburgh start-up Earthwave, who have recently come on board as a Gallery Engagement Partner.

The exhibit, entitled ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’, gives visitors, for the first time in the UK, real-time information on the sad reality of how quickly many glaciers are disappearing across the world. 

The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and marked the 21st March as World Day for Glaciers. ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ is part of a global campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the economic, social and environmental impacts if they disappear completely. 

The ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ signpost represents a real glacier and shows the year scientists expect it could mostly disappear if the world continues with its 2026 climate policies.

Earthwave is a key provider of glacial data structures and satellite tracking of glaciers. Their high-resolution satellite observational data and mass balance calculations are required to accurately predict and visualise when these glaciers will disappear. 

Dynamic Earth’s ‘Goodbye Glaciers?’ signpost includes a QR code linking to the global Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? website, featuring photos and three-dimensional projections that predict the future under 1.5°C and 2.7°C global warming. 

“We are very proud to partner with Dynamic Earth. The message is clear, we must remain on target with ambitious emissions reductions if we are going to preserve glacier volume globally,” said Dr Livia Jakob, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Earthwave.

Helen Chomczuk, Marketing and Fundraising Director, added: “Our data mapping shows how global warming affects glaciers and that they will vanish in the coming decades. We’re delighted to be able to showcase this important work to Dynamic Earth visitors. 

“The Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? exhibit is also produced in partnership with a range of academic institutions, including the University of Innsbruck, further strengthening Dynamic Earth’s close relationship with science and bringing the latest information to Edinburgh.  

“Developing partnerships with the scientific community is a vital part of how we keep Dynamic Earth’s finger on the pulse of the latest global developments. As a world-class science centre and planetarium, we are committed to ensuring that everyone leaves us feeling better informed and inspired, and showing how scientists play a crucial role in helping us protect the natural world.

“Our Polar Gallery has always been a focal point at Dynamic Earth, featuring a real, touchable iceberg and an immersive sensory experience of the Earth’s extreme polar regions – and Earthwave’s work is a perfect example of the vital role that scientists play in helping us better understand these environments.

“We thank them wholeheartedly for their support.”

Picture: Haicoo Photography

GIANT OYSTER DELIVERS MESSAGES OF HOPE FOR SCOTLAND’S NATURE TO FIRST MINISTER 

Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

A selection of thousands of messages from people across Scotland sharing their hopes for the future of nature have been handed over to the First Minister inside a giant papier-mâché oyster.  

WWF Scotland with a group of young nature supporters used the sculpture of the European flat oyster to handover the messages gathered from members of the public during the organisation’s recent ‘It’s in Our Nature’ campaign.  

The messages call for stronger leadership and investment in nature recovery. 

Among the wishes were calls for: 

  • More safe havens for wildlife 
  • Healthier rivers and seas 
  • Planting of more native trees  
  • Greater protection for endangered species 
  • A greener, healthier future for children and communities 
Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “These messages are proof of the growing desire for our government to take more seriously the need to invest in Scotland’s natural world.  They show that people across the country care deeply about nature, how nature helps their mental wellbeing and that they want to see it flourish once again. 

“Whether it’s seeing more wildlife in local communities, protecting our rivers and seas, or ensuring future generations can experience the wonders of Scotland’s natural heritage, the message is clear: people want to see action.” 

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s young climate and nature champions are at the forefront of calling for global climate and nature action, so it was great to see their passion firsthand and hear about the important work done by WWF Scotland to preserve and protect our natural environment. 

“The climate emergency is already causing significant damage to nature and habitats, and tackling it is a Scottish Government priority. We will continue to do all we can to address the biodiversity crisis and help create a more sustainable world.” 

The handover comes at a critical time for Scotland’s nature following a summer of extreme weather and wildfires, and 1 in 9 species already at risk of extinction. 

Scotland’s natural ecosystems – including its peatlands, native woodlands, rivers, and coastal habitats – also play a vital role in capturing carbon, reducing flood risks, and building resilience against extreme weather. 

Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

Catherine from Central Scotland and Lothian’s West wrote: 

“Nature is about all life on this planet and we must protect it. Scotland is well placed to do more from planting trees in the right environment to cleaning up our rivers and reducing pollution. The clock is ticking, we can’t delay.” 

 Stuart from Glasgow added: 

“I have always felt that the Scots have a long history of stewardship of the land, and that is even more important today. If we do not take care of Scotland’s nature in a sustainable and regenerative way we risk losing that which is most important to future generations, the enjoyment of nature.” 

Marion from the Highlands said: 

“We all need and depend on nature for our mental and physical health. It underlies food production, clean water and clean air.  Our future and that of our children depends on our protecting nature now.”