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Former Holyrood Presiding Officer honoured by Edinburgh Napier University

Alison Johnstone receives an honorary doctorate

A former Lothian MSP and Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has been recognised by Edinburgh Napier University for her commitment to democratic inclusivity.

Alison Johnstone was awarded an honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday [Tuesday 27 October 2026].

The award recognises a political career which began in 1999 as an assistant to Robin Harper, the first Green Party politician elected anywhere in the United Kingdom, and culminated in a five-year term as Holyrood’s figurehead.

Throughout her time in politics, Ms Johnstone also served as a City of Edinburgh Councillor and co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, before being elected as a Lothian region MSP from 2011 to May of this year.

During this period, she was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, which seeks to address barriers facing women in politics.

Ms Johnstone’s spell as Presiding Officer, the neutral speaker of the debating chamber, coincided with the unprecedented restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Her stewardship ensured democratic participation remained accessible throughout, including remote engagement and consideration of those with caring responsibilities.

Receiving her honorary degree, Alison Johnstone said: “I’m delighted to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

“It’s extremely special to be awarded alongside so many students celebrating the fulfilment of their hard work.

“The impact of Edinburgh Napier’s teaching and research is recognised globally and I am thrilled to be awarded such an honour by an institution that I hold in the highest regard, and which has such a significant influence on the life of the region I have lived in and represented throughout my working life.

“I first became actively involved in politics when I joined neighbours campaigning to save school playing fields, just a few minutes from ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.

“I have been privileged to serve as a City of Edinburgh Councillor, as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and as Presiding Officer. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with others determined to ensure that all voices are heard and that barriers to equal representation and participation are removed. A thriving democracy demands this.

“This honour will drive me on and I will continue to do what I can to help ensure that those who may struggle most to be heard, have that opportunity.”

Formally presenting Ms Johnstone with her award of Doctor of the University, ENU Strategic Advisor Thomas Feige said: “Throughout her career, Alison Johnstone has demonstrated a profound belief that democracy is strengthened when all voices can be heard.

“Her leadership has helped to foster respectful debate, support democratic accountability and promote a more inclusive political culture.

“In doing so, she has made a lasting contribution to Scottish public life and has become an inspiring role model for future generations, and particularly for women seeking leadership roles in public service.”

Alison Johnstone received her honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 27-30October 2026.

I’m Still Me: Vibrant portrait exhibition raises awareness of breast cancer at Holyrood

A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.

In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.

The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.

Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it.  My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.

“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”

The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.

Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.

“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring.  While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.   

House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”

Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell Scotland assists brain injury charity with production of ‘lifesaving’ ID cards

GLASGOW-based brain injury charity Headway Clyde has launched its ‘lifesaving’ ID cards nationally, thanks to a donation from Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP.

The serious injury specialist law firm donated a card printing machine to sponsor Headway Clyde’s production of uniquely personalised ABI (acquired brain injury) cards for individuals with brain injuries.

Headway Clyde is an independent Scottish charity and part of a UK-wide network of voluntary sector charities and groups supporting people with ABIs and their families.

This new national ABI ID card is a vital lifesaver for people with brain injuries, featuring the ways in which each person’s ABI affects them, personal details and the all-important emergency contact information.

This means that urgent help and assistance is more quickly and easily available. An Acquired Brain Injury can be caused by an event after birth such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, infection, or cancer, but the main causes in Scotland are due to falls, accidents and assault, accounting for 62% of the total number of ABIs. 

Often, others can assume that someone affected by an ABI is drunk, aggressive or deliberately confusing matters – this new ABI ID Card provides that person with a means to prove that they are none of these things. This can make all the difference when using things like public transport and taxis or doing tasks like shopping.

Headway Clyde’s range of services cover Glasgow, the West and Central Scotland, covering a population of over 1.5 million people across nine local authorities and three NHS regions.

Now this hugely important, personalised ABI ID Card is being offered across Scotland.

For Bob Bogle, Chief Executive at Headway Clyde, the personalised cards are a ‘gamechanger’ and says they have been created and offered due to a very real and vocal demand for them from ABI-affected individuals and families.

Bob said: “Within just a few weeks of rolling out the cards in March, there have been situations where these cards have already been used and helped individuals. They’re a real gamechanger.

“At times, they can quite literally be lifesaving, and we cannot thank our long-standing partners at Irwin Mitchell enough for their wonderful support over the years.  Thanks also to the family of life-long campaigner for ABI awareness, Irene Morrice, for her legacy which means we can continue to offer these cards completely free of charge.

“It takes just over £130,000 to run Headway Clyde per year and we really rely on donations and our corporate sponsors to continue this vital free service.  We no longer receive any funding from the NHS or government, but are expected to provide lifelong essential community support for thousands of individuals and families. In Glasgow City, 70% of those people we support live in the 10% poorest areas, so we have to continue to offer all our services free of charge.

“We are now rolling these uniquely personalised ABI cards out across Scotland to ensure equal access to this vital resource for all individuals with acquired brain injuries all around the country. These really make a difference on the front line.”

Kim Leslie, Personal Injury Partner at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, added: “What I really like about this initiative is its simplicity. It responds to an everyday challenge faced by people living with a brain injury and gives them something practical that can make life a little easier.

“Knowing the cards are already helping people is fantastic, and Headway Clyde deserve huge credit for making the idea happen.

“We see how important organisations like Headway Clyde are to people and families across Scotland, so supporting their work feels both important and very worthwhile.”

Amy Gannon, Serious Injury Partner at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, added: “As specialists supporting people affected by brain injury, we know how important it is that individuals have practical tools which help them feel safer and better understood in everyday situations.

“These cards are a simple but powerful way of reducing misunderstanding and ensuring the right support can be accessed quickly when it is needed most.”

The charity canvassed opinions from those who have been using the card, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Cardholders felt it helped to challenge misconceptions; explain issues like poor balance, forgetfulness, slower reaction times or problems with memory to those who may not understand their condition; and the presence of emergency contact details on the cards provided additional reassurance.

One current ABI ID Card user, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve used the card a lot since I got it, and it has been so good. There have been occasions when I’ve fainted, and those who have come to my aid or helped me at the hospital have been able to phone my contact to alert them. 

“It also helps prevent misunderstandings. When my mobility and balance are affected, people can often assume I’ve been drinking, but the card gives me confidence to know they won’t now jump to the wrong conclusion.”

Another said: “It helps my family and people I meet understand if I’m confused, anxious and not communicating in a relatable way.”

Every year, 20,000 people in Scotland will acquire a brain injury with over 400,000 individuals now living with an ABI across Scotland – 6% of the population.

If you or someone you know has an Acquired Brain Injury and would like one of these personalised ID cards then contact Headway Clyde directly on 0141 332 8878 or click on https://idcard.headwayclyde.org/ to access the confidential online application process.

Self Assessment deadline incoming – less than 100 days to go

START NOW TO GET AHEAD

  • The Self Assessment tax return deadline for 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027.
  • People can file their tax returns via GOV.UK and beat the January rush.
  • Support and guidance are available on GOV.UK for those need it.

With 100 days to go until the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging millions of Self Assessment customers to get ahead of the January rush and not put off completing their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year.

Around 12 million people are expected to submit a tax return by 31 January 2027 and submitting tax returns early means customers can:

  • find out how much tax they owe before the deadline
  • give themselves more time to budget 
  • get a refund quicker if they have paid too much tax
  • avoid penalties

Customers can complete and file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 year on GOV.UK. If anyone is unsure about whether they need to complete Self Assessment, they can use the GOV.UK checker tool.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said on Friday: “The Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away so now is the ideal time to get ahead and file your tax return early.

“Guidance and support are available on GOV.UK to help you file your tax return. Just search ‘file my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to start yours today.”

People who are new to Self Assessment must first register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when they complete and file their return. And anyone who needs to tell HMRC that they no longer need to submit a tax return can do so on GOV.UK.

There is a range of support and guidance available on GOV.UK, including: 

Self Assessment customers can also ask a tax agent, friend or family member, or a voluntary organisation to help them.

Those signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax still need to submit their Self Assessment tax return in their usual way and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.

Self Assessment customers with a PAYE income can file online before 30 December and have any tax owed collected via their tax code. 

Criminals often impersonate HMRC to steal money or personal information in someone else’s name.

People should always take time to stop and think if the request is genuine before sharing personal information, never click on links in unexpected messages or share their HMRC sign-in details. Genuine HMRC contact details and advice on spotting scams can be found on GOV.UK by searching for ‘HMRC phishing and scams’.

More information about Self Assessment.

Scottish government funding for nature and wildfire recovery

More than £1 million to restore damaged habitats

Nature recovery projects, including work to restore areas of the Cairngorms damaged by this summer’s wildfires, will receive more than £1 million in Scottish Government funding. 

The package will support habitat, species and river restoration, control of invasive non-native species and deer management across Scotland. 

This includes £150,100 for recovery and nature restoration work following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms, to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires. 

Further funding will be provided to a range of other projects, including:

  • river restoration,
  • support for species restoration, including native oyster restoration at various sites and habitat restoration on Islay for chough – rare members of the crow family,
  • habitat restoration in four National Nature Reserves,
  • additional support for deer management

The funding announcement was made by Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin during her address at the 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at COP17 in Armenia. 

Ms Martin said: “Nature underpins our health, wellbeing, economy and way of life, which is why restoring and protecting it is so important. This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management. 

“It will also help recovery efforts in the Cairngorms following one of the most significant wildfire events in recent years, strengthening the resilience of these landscapes for the future.

“Being here in Armenia alongside subnational governments and cities from around the world is a reminder that nature recovery is a shared global challenge. Scotland is committed to turning its ambitions for nature and climate into action, both at home and on the international stage, and this investment will help deliver real benefits for our environment, wildlife and communities.” 

Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “The wildfire in Glenmore and Abernethy was devastating for nature and wildlife in the area, for neighbouring communities, and all of us who love this place.

“The funding announced today by Ms Martin is a very welcome boost that will help us to kickstart nature recovery in the area. This includes funding work to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires by exploring nature-based solutions. 

“From replacing wildlife monitoring cameras that were damaged in the blaze to restoring a section of the Duack burn that was impacted by the emergency firebreaks, this funding will allow us to step up our work with our partners and enable swift action where it’s most needed.”  

Stuart MacQuarrie, NatureScot Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “This vital funding supports more people across Scotland to take action for nature. From helping to manage land for chough on Islay to supporting the restoration of native oysters and creating meadows for wildlife in our towns and cities, these local efforts combine to create a national drive to save nature.  

“And by working to restore biodiverse habitats, manage deer sustainably and tackle the invasive species that threaten our native animal and plant life, we can look forward with hope, to a future where Scotland’s nature is healthy and thriving.” 

Granton & District Community Council meets on Monday

ROYSTON WARDIBEURN COMMUNITY CENTRE at 6.30pm

A reminder of our monthly meeting this coming Monday 26 October, 6.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

All local residents welcome!

If you’d like to join us remotely on MS Teams, or have an issue you’d like us to raise on your behalf, please email engagement@grantoncc.scot

Appeal after firearms discharge in Edinburgh

POLICE are appealing for information following a report of a firearm discharge in Edinburgh.

Around 9.15pm last night (Friday, 23 October, 2026),  a report was received a firearm had been discharged towards a window at a bar on Gilmerton Road.

One person suffered an injury, which was treated at the scene.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, but no one was traced and an investigation into the circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “I understand that this will be concerning for the community, but I would like to reassure them that extensive enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“At this stage we are treating the incident as targeted but any actions like this are extremely reckless and put the safety of the public at risk.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information, or saw something suspicious in the area, to come forward and speak with officers.

“We would also be keen to speak with anyone who has dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area which captures anything of note.

“A police presence will be in the area as our enquiries progress and anyone with concerns or information is encouraged to approach our officers.

“You can also call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3277 of 23 October, 2026 or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”