A LOCAL opticians has announced its ongoing commitment to the local community, by sponsoring a girls’ and women’s football team in Edinburgh with a three-figure sum.
Specsavers Gyle has contributed £800 to Boroughmuir Thistle FC football team, the largest girls’ and women’s football club in Scotland.
The monetary donation will be put towards the ‘purple pathway’ initiative – the journey and development of players as they progress through the youth academy to adult football, and the most comprehensive and inclusive female football pathway in Scotland.
The ‘purple pathway’ allows the club to continue providing weekly training and access to matches for more than 500 girls and women in and around Edinburgh.
Ian Hobson, store director at Specsavers Gyle, says: ‘We are thrilled to support Boroughmuir Thistle FC. Getting involved with this local team is a great way for us to give back to the community, and help young players develop both on and off the pitch.“
During each game, the ball girls will now wearing branded Specsavers bibs, which they proudly donned during the team’s recent 5-0 home win against St Johnstone.
Gavin Michie, Chair at Boroughmuir Thistle FC, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Specsavers Gyle for their generous support, it’s invaluable – we all couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead!’
Specsavers’ Gyle Centre is located at Unit 49-50 The Gyle centre, Edinburgh EH12 9JT, and is easily reachable by car, foot, or public transport.
For more information about the Specsavers Gyle store, visit:
Former and current trustees at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International lacked oversight and control over charitable funds, a Charity Commission inquiry has found
The charity operates through a large network of individual branches and works to promote Christianity.
The Commission opened an inquiry after financial concerns were identified, including the alleged misappropriation of charity funds.
Key findings
The inquiry found that the charity’s trustees could not demonstrate that they had adequate oversight or control over more than 100 bank accounts operated by individual branches of the charity, with charity money at risk across the organisation’s extensive network.
As a result of serious concerns regarding the trustees’ ability to carry out their duties effectively, the Commission appointed an interim manager in 2019 to work alongside the remaining trustees to implement essential financial controls.
Many of the charity’s financial issues stemmed from its complex structure, which had grown from a handful of branches to over 90 locations nationwide, without the corresponding governance improvements.
Branches operated autonomously, opening bank accounts without central oversight and failing to report income in a timely manner. This created substantial risks to charitable funds and resulted in inaccurate financial reporting.
Additionally, branch offices were making significant financial decisions, including property purchases and lease agreements, without trustee knowledge or authorisation.
This lack of oversight by trustees led to financial losses for the charity – for example, some branches occupied property without first obtaining the necessary planning permission and one of which was subject to costly legal action by a council. Further losses arose because of the former and current trustees’ failure to regularise employment contracts which resulted in payments to settle employment disputes.
Regulatory action
As a result of its findings, the Commission took action to freeze the charity’s assets to prevent further loss.
An interim manager was appointed to implement robust financial controls at the charity and to improve its governance.
The interim manager was discharged in September 2024. The interim manager appointment was lengthy due to the complexity of the reform needed at the charity and the delays caused by legal proceedings.
Following the completion of this work, the Commission issued an order directing the charity to follow a regulatory action plan concerning governance and policy changes. The Commission is now satisfied that the trustees have complied with the action plan.
Amy Spiller, Head of Investigations at the Charity Commission said: “The rapid growth of a charity comes with correspondingly larger potential risks, as our inquiry clearly shows.
“In this case, the trustees’ fundamental failure to maintain financial controls meant donor funds were at serious risk across their entire network.
“Following the intervention of the Commission and the interim manager, the trustees were better able to implement essential reforms, meaning the charity can now operate effectively and focus on delivering its charitable objects.”
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root vegetable soup
Chicken pasta bake
Veggie pasta bake
Garden salad
Carrot cake
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
Scotland’s contribution to tackling global health challenges continues to lead to sustainable, meaningful and lasting impact, First Minister John Swinney said.
In Lusaka, the First Minister visited the Blantyre-Blantyre research lab which has been supported by Scottish Government funding to improve health outcomes in Zambia and Malawi. He announced £125,000 for charity Kids Operating Room to support adapting NASA technology to generate oxygen in low-resource settings.
Ahead of arriving in Malawi today, the First Minister also announced a further £4 million funding over three years to help tackle non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell.
Delivered in partnership with other international donors and the Government of Malawi, this new approach to funding represents a major shift away from fragmented aid – aligning directly with Malawi’s national health priorities, to drive more effective, harmonised, and sustainable health improvements.
The First Minister said: “Over the 20-year period of our development programme, Scotland has a strong history of supporting health systems in our partner countries, with innovative projects between universities, NHS staff and institutions, as well as support throughout the COVID crisis.
“These partnerships have transformed healthcare in many ways – such as launching Malawi’s first dental school and supporting a programme which has trained psychiatrists, established the first dedicated A&E centre, and supported on cancer.
“This latest investment of £4 million for the Malawi Health Service Joint Fund is a new, innovative approach that delivers on our commitment to partner-led development, helping establish life-saving and sustainable healthcare in Malawi.
“The work of Kids Operating Room, supported by Scottish Government funding, has helped open more than 100 state-of-the-art children’s operating rooms in 36 countries, including Zambia and Malawi.
“The charity’s ground-breaking project is another example of how Scotland is demonstrating leadership in tackling global health challenges – helping ensure that children no longer die unnecessary deaths because of a lack of oxygen.”
Kids Operating Room Chief Medical Officer Dr. Maija Cheung said: “This ground-breaking technology has real incredible potential.
At Kids Operating Room, we’re contributing because we believe this innovation could one day transform how oxygen is delivered safely to children undergoing surgery around the world. Oxygen is a vital medicine, yet in many low-resource settings it is unreliable or unavailable – and that makes surgery far more dangerous for children. That’s why this project is so important.”
Whooping cough is serious. The first symptoms include a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat and a slightly raised temperature. For more information on the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, visit http://nhsinform.scot/whoopingcoughsymptoms
Code Concepts, the Edinburgh-based hospitality operator known for its boutique hotels and urban hostels, announces the future opening of The Bindery, a new design-led boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Construction is set to begin on 20 October 2026, with an expected opening in Q1 2027.
The Bindery will occupy the historic Stewart House Book Bindery, offering 84 private rooms including a mix of double, twin, and family rooms, across approximately 24,000 sq ft. Located on Thistle Street Lane, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s golden rectangle and surrounded by some of the city’s finest boutique restaurants, The Bindery will offer premium accommodation alongside a dynamic ground-floor experience.
Guests and locals alike will be able to enjoy a bar, daily food menu, co-working spaces, and flexible event areas, creating a vibrant community hub at the centre of the city. These offerings will be open to both guests and locals, creating a vibrant community hub.
The hotel’s interior has been crafted by award-winning design studio a-nrd, blending contemporary design with a nod to the building’s bookbinding heritage.
The interiors will feature a refined loft aesthetic with exposed features, a mix of vintage and modern furniture, bespoke detailing, and subtle references to the building’s historic past.
The soothing, nature-inspired colour palette draws from the landscapes surrounding Edinburgh, creating a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests.
Sustainability is central to The Bindery’s design, with smart, demand-driven systems set to optimise energy use throughout the building. An all-electric heating and cooling system, intelligent ventilation with heat recovery, and a central management system will minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
Native planting in the rear garden will support biodiversity, while local supplier partnerships and a walkable city-centre location will further reduce the hotel’s environmental impact.
The Bindery marks Code Concepts’ desire to grow into the boutique hotel segment, expanding beyond its capsule hostels into a more premium market.
“With The Bindery, we are responding to the growing demand for unique, design-led hospitality in Edinburgh,” said Andrew Landsburgh, CEO of Code Concepts.
“We are creating more than just rooms, with a focus on an exciting F&B offer, flexible spaces, events, and partnerships with local businesses will differentiate us in a highly competitive market.”
Edinburgh continues to see strong growth in tourism and hospitality, attracting both domestic and international travellers. With increasing competition in the city, hotels must offer distinctive experiences to stand out.
The Bindery’s combination of unique design, community-focused events, and collaboration with local suppliers positions it as a compelling choice for modern, digitally savvy travellers seeking authentic, curated stays.
ST JAMES QUARTER UNVEILS A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS 2025 PROGRAMME
From dazzling parades to hands-on festive fun, the Capital’s most stylish Christmas celebration returns bigger and brighter than ever.
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, is set to sparkle once again this festive season with a showstopping Christmas Programme for 2025 – from a spectacular light switch-on with starry performances, family-friendly experiences, and festive magic on every level.
The St James Quarter Christmas Parade returns again this year – bigger, brighter, and more spectacular than ever.
On Saturday, 8th November, from 4pm, the Galleria will come alive with a joyous celebration of colour, music, dance, and performance, featuring wandering musicians, graceful ballerinas, energetic street-style dancers and, of course, a very stylish Santa making his entrance in true St James Quarter STYLE.
Adding an extra touch of sparkle, Santa will be touring the City in a St James Quarter taxi, inviting Edinburgh locals to join him on his journey to the Quarter before leading the crowds to Register Square for a spectacular finale – a magical light switch-on and Christmas sing-along led by Community favourites, Tinderbox Orchestra, who will be joined by some surprise guests.
From traditional carols to contemporary hip-hop beats, the evening promises an unforgettable fusion of sound and celebration, creating a free, family-friendly night for residents and visitors alike.
The Tinderbox Orchestra, renowned for redefining what an orchestra can be, will fill the Quarter with the sound of Christmas. Combining rappers, singers, strings, brass, and drums, their performances bring together some of Scotland’s most dynamic musicians, delivering unexpected melodies and boundless festive energy.
Families can also look forward to the return of Elf Adventures on Sunday, 16th November and Sunday, 7th December, from 11am to 3pm at the Santa Express on Level 3. Little ones can learn how to be Santa’s little helpers through playful drop-in sessions, including Elf School (age 3+), where they’ll tackle an elf agility course, ; Reindeer Food Making (age 3+), where they can craft their own magical oats to sprinkle outside their homes on Christmas Eve; and Storytime sessions (age 0+), where little ones can settle in for cosy, interactive storytelling with Santa’s elves. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and there’s no need to book in advance.
For those feeling inspired by the sounds of the season, the Tinderbox Orchestra will host a day of interactive music workshops on Sunday, 30th November, from 10:30am to 6pm.
Ticketed via the St James Quarter App, these sessions offer the chance to try an instrument, play alongside the 20-piece orchestra, and even write and perform your own Christmas song.
Open to all ages and abilities, the workshops are a unique opportunity to join one of Scotland’s most exciting musical collectives for a day of festive creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the season, visitors can continue to enjoy the festive spirit across the Quarter. The Santa Express will offer a magical interactive photo opportunity on Level 3, while the Present Tree, in partnership with St James Quarter charity partner Children’s First, will encourage guests to donate gifts and spread goodwill to those in need.
Pop-up choir and dance performances will fill the Galleria with music and movement, and with bars and restaurants open until late and extended retail hours from 16th November, guests can shop, dine, and celebrate long into the evening.
Susan Hewlett, Brand Director at St James Quarter, said: “Christmas at St James Quarter is always something special, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to make it our most magical celebration yet.
“From the dazzling parade and spectacular light switch-on to the creative energy of the Tinderbox Orchestra and the joyful return of Elf Adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We can’t wait to welcome Edinburgh’s residents and visitors to experience the wonder, warmth and togetherness that makes this time of year so special in the heart of the city.”
Whether singing under the lights, dancing to the beat of the Tinderbox Orchestra, or watching little ones graduate from Elf School, St James Quarter is set to be Edinburgh’s ultimate destination for Christmas magic in 2025.
A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.
If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.
It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.
The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botoxinjections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.
Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway.
Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.
“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.
“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”
Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October
Our next volunteer session is this Saturday (11th), 10:30–12:00!
This week’s main task will be preparing the enlarged wildflower meadow for seeding — by removing strips of turf ready for planting later this month.
We’ll also be litter picking and finishing the weeding of the big white steps.
Thanks to Tuesday’s all-day session with SYSTRA volunteers, the old fence around the meadow has been removed and several new wildflower strips are already seeded and protected with wire mesh. The plan is to create 12 strips in total, all safely covered with chicken wire to keep birds off the seeds.
Our big seeding session will take place on Saturday 25th October — we’re hoping for a strong turnout then as there’ll be plenty to do!
And a huge thank you to Lyn, one of our volunteer committee members, for designing our lovely new volunteering poster, which you can see here.
Everyone’s welcome — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!
Lunches for children and young people are available to pick up 12:30 – 1pm
Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.