Uncategorized – Page 3 – The NEN

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.”

Griffins fly to new home in north Edinburgh

Two 19th century Griffin sculptures which stood either side of the entrance gate for Muirhouse Mansion in Granton Waterfront have been beautifully restored after spending over 50 years in storage.

The legendary creatures have been placed near to their original home by the City of Edinburgh Council in their new affordable housing development, Silverlea, to celebrate and provide a link back to the site’s rich archaeological heritage.

Careful conservation and restoration of the Griffins by James Innes & Sons involved the removal of 20^th century concrete repairs and the crafting of missing feet, wings and beaks which had been broken off in the past.

The project marks the last phase of archaeological work on the site which included the excavation in 2024 by AOC Archaeology of part of the grounds associated with the earlier 17^th century Muirhouse Castle.

The Council is in the process of handing the keys for over 100 homes to new residents at Silverlea with another 43 homes expected to be ready for tenants in early 2027.

In January work will be completed upgrading green space between the new homes and the football pavilion.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to celebrate Granton Waterfront’s rich cultural heritage. Placing the sculptures as art in open space near these much-needed new affordable homes, gives residents an opportunity to enjoy their connection to generations of people who lived in the area before them.

“This is one of many important conservation projects we’re carrying out to celebrate the area’s long-standing history. The former Granton Station Building with original platforms is now home to local artists, and the nearby iconic gasworks has become a new city park.

The headquarters for the UK’s first car factory – Madelvic House – as well as Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all also at different stages of being restored and I’m looking forward to seeing them all brought back to life.”

Key facts

Muirhouse Mansion is located to the north of Silverlea on Marine Drive.
Silverlea is part of the Council’s £1.3bn regeneration of the local area to build a new environmentally friendly coastal town.
The Mansion was built in 1830 as a replacement for Muirhouse Castle (built in 1670) which stood partially on this site.
Muirhouse Castle was demolished in 1954 and Marine Drive was constructed.
The Griffins were then placed in storage for restoration work to be carried out.
The work was carried out on the Council’s behalf by James Innes & Sons in 2025.
When the Council’s affordable Housing Development – Silverlea – was approved one of the archaeological conditions was that the sculptures were conserved and put back on site as part on the public space.
As part of the work building new homes at Silverlea, the Football pavilion in the area was replaced by the Council last summer and the team have been enjoying their new club house and are reaching out to more children and creating new teams.

Tackling poverty in Edinburgh: Third Sector Workshops

The City of Edinburgh Council is developing a new £2.5m per annum grants programme for third sector organisations who are working to prevent and mitigate poverty in Edinburgh.

Join us at these workshops to help shape this programme, and makes sure it meets the needs of the third sector in Edinburgh.

We want to hear directly from third sector leaders and workers on:

·How this fund should be used?

·Who should be eligible?

·What a good application process looks like?

·What makes for a well-managed grant fund?

There are six workshop options available:

– Edinburgh Poverty Network (online only) – 3-5, Tuesday 27th October 2026

– Workshop 2 (in person) – Thistle Foundation, 10-12, Friday 30th October 2026

– Workshop 3 (in person) – Norton Park, 2-4, Monday 2nd November 2026

– Workshop 4 (in person) Space@Broomhouse, 12-2, Friday 6th November 2026

– Workshop 5 (in person) North Edinburgh Arts, 2-4, Wednesday 11th November 2026

The workshops will all be the same, so please find the one that works best for you, or contact us directly at policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information on how to get involved.

Applications for South Queensferry ‘Community Chest’ funding for local groups now open

The Community Chest initiative, which is being run by Queensferry & District Community Council (QDDC) and supported by homebuilder Cala Homes, opened to applications on Monday 19 October 2026

A significant financial boost for groups around South Queensferry has been made available through a funding initiative for the third consecutive year.

The Community Chest will see an overall total of £5,000 distributed to local organisations.

The project aims to support the diverse range of voluntary groups that exist within the town, as well as cultural, environmental and sports clubs, with applicants able to apply for up to £1,000 of funding each.

The initiative is being coordinated by QDDC and financially backed by award-winning local housebuilder Cala Homes (East), which has committed the donation through its Community Pledge programme of support for the area.

Applications opened on Monday 19 October 2026, with groups now able to apply to the grant before the deadline on Monday 16 November 2026.

A panel comprising QDCC and Cala representatives will formally review all applications by Monday 7 December, and will announce successful recipients of the funding by Monday 14 December.

Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry & District Community Council, said: “QDCC is delighted to once again support the Cala Community Chest on behalf of the community for the third consecutive year.

“The initiative provides valuable sponsorship to a wide range of local interest groups, with 18 groups benefiting from Cala’s support over the past two years.”

Last year, the Community Chest made donations to groups including Edinburgh Water Sports, Longcraig Scout Centre, Ferry Fair Festival, and Friends of Dalmeny Primary School.

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re thrilled to continue supporting local groups in South Queensferry through the Community Chest initiative.

“This project forms a key part of our Community Pledge for the area, which is designed to bring measurable and meaningful benefit to the town and the people living in it.

“Collaborating with communities on initiatives that really make a difference help us forge even stronger connections with the areas in which we build, and we are excited to be continuing our close work with QDDC on this project.

“We are looking forward to learning about the groups which will benefit from this additional funding and watch them make a real difference to the lives of the people living in the town.”

To apply for a funding grant, visit:

https://www.queensferrycommunitycouncil.co.uk/uncategorized/qdcc-cala-community-chest/.

Cala’s Rosebery Wynd development in South Queensferry is a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes plus one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

To learn more about the range of support initiatives announced for South Queensferry as part of Cala’s Community Pledge initiative, visit:

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/rosebery-wynd-south-queensferry/community-pledge/.

LifeCare: Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for a new volunteer to join our team!

Are you sociable, enthusiastic and want to be apart of a charity that tackles loneliness and isolation? We’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for a new hub greeter to join us on Mondays in our LifeCare building.

LifeCare is a registered charity with an 85 year history of providing uplifting support to older people around Edinburgh. Our hub at the heart of Stockbridge is home to our office, cafe, day club and is a bustling centre where multiple activities take place throughout the day.

You’d primarily be greeting visitors, providing a warm welcome and answering calls. There will be a few weeks of shadowing to get yourself comfortable with the space.

One of our current hub greeters had this to say “My favourite reason for volunteering at LifeCare is quite simply all the wonderful people that make LifeCare the incredibly place that it is.

“It is an absolute joy to be a volunteer here and spend time with everyone.”

To register your interest, or for more information, please get in touch with sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

Food Collection at Easter Road

SUNDAY from 10.30am

We’ll be holding a food collection at Sunday’s home match against Celtic. Supporters are invited to donate food items from the listed provided below, which will be used at our Community Hubs to support those in need across our community.

The collection point will be opposite the club store at the Famous Five Stand from 10:30 before kick-off. We’ll also be accepting cash and card donations

https://hiberniancf.org/food-collection-for-sundays-home…

New Friday Cooking Club at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Join our new Friday Cooking Club!

Would you like to learn some new recipes, share your own cooking skills and meet new people?

Come along to our new Cooking Club at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre!

Fridays, 10am–12pm

We’ll be coming together each week to plan, prepare and cook our Community Lunch. We’ll take turns being ‘head chef’, choosing a meal for the group to make, with everyone pitching in to help with the preparation and cooking.

It’s a great opportunity to:

Learn new recipes and share your own favourites

Build your confidence and try new skills

Meet others and enjoy cooking together

Get support to achieve your Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate, if you’re interested. This could be useful for future employment opportunities or simply as a way to develop your skills.

You can come along every week or just drop in whenever suits you. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a confident cook or just starting out!

Interested or have questions?

Get in touch with Rebecca at rebecca@drylawnc.org.uk for more information.

Independent Age comments on new Benefit Take-Up Strategy

Responding to the Scottish Government’s new Benefit Take-up Strategy, released yesterday, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Today, the Scottish Government published its third Benefit Take-up Strategy. As the charity for older people facing financial hardship, we know firsthand how important income maximisation is for the older people in Scotland that we work with.

“With over £350 million going unpaid every year to older people on low-incomes, improving take-up of social security is essential to tackling poverty in later life. Our research shows that if there was full take-up of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction across Scotland, 30,000 older people would be pulled out of poverty and there would be a £90 million reduction in health and social care spending each year.

“However, our Older People’s Index 2026 revealed that 1 in 5 older people don’t know about Pension Credit, and around 1 in 4 don’t know about Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit, with even lower awareness of support like the Scottish Welfare Fund. So, this strategy and the actions proposed are incredibly important.

“We are therefore pleased to see a greater focus on how agencies can work together to increase take-up across all entitlements including those reserved to Westminster.

“We also welcome moves to better use existing data to help people access their entitlements no matter who administers them and look forward to seeing measurable progress.”

benefit-take-up-strategy-2026-2031 Download

Shop local and support local artists and makers this November

Monday 2nd to Friday 6th November: Over 15 Drill Hall based artists and makers taking part in the Makers Amok pop-up.
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November: Over 30 studio holders at Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios taking part in the Winter Open Studios.

Out of the Blue are delighted to be supporting local artists and makers this November, with a series of special events, featuring a fantastic selection of handmade goods, all created in Out of the Blue Leith-based studios.

Makers Amok Pop-Up

At the Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street, over 15 of the artists and makers based there are busy putting together Makers Amok. It’s a unique pop-up shop, showcasing and celebrating local art with all pieces crafted from the studios at the Drill Hall. What better way to make an early start to your Christmas shopping?

You’re invited to come along between Monday 2nd and Friday 6th November (10am – 5pm) and meet a vibrant collective of Edinburgh makers and explore an eclectic showcase of handmade jewellery, artwork, textiles, and original design.

To celebrate, the Drill Hall based artists and makers are hosting a Closing Event on Friday 6th November (3pm – 5pm) – an exciting opportunity to chat to some of the participating artists and find out more about their work.

Winter Open Studios Weekend

Over at Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios (Easter Road) the resident artists are delighted to be opening their doors to the public for another exciting Open Studios Weekend (their second of the year) on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November, 12noon – 5pm (free entry).

It’s a great chance to see the creative spaces at Abbeymount, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in their studios in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done, or perhaps get an extra treat for yourself, while supporting local artists and makers.

With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone to suit all budgets, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, textiles and photography.

Participating artists include painter Pippa Brown, textile artist Jen Byrne of Studio Nine plus illustrators like Trista Yen.

Out of the Blue Chief Executive, Rob Hoon says: “Out of the Blue support artists to help make Edinburgh a thriving hotbed of creativity all year round.

“Providing space for artists to create and sell their work, means they can earn a living, and people get to own the beautiful hand crafted fruits of the artists’ labour! Makers Amok at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall and the Open Studios Weekend at Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are brilliant showcases of the many participating artists’ talent.”

First Minister receives the first poppy of Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026

Scotland’s First Minister officially became the first person in the country to donate to and receive his poppy for the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026.

John Swinney’s donation on Tuesday came as Poppyscotland officially launched their annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, which is rallying the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder in support of veterans, serving personnel, and their families living across Scotland.

As the country’s largest annual fundraising event, the Scottish Poppy Appeal raises over £2 million each year. These vital funds allow the charity to provide life-changing resources, including custom tailored advice on employment, housing, debt management, and specialised mental health support.

Receiving the first iconic four-petal Scottish poppy of this year’s campaign – traditionally designed without a leaf by Lady Haig in 1926 – the First Minister emphasised the profound importance of the appeal and urged the public to show their generosity.

Following a visit to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney said: “It was a privilege to receive the first poppy of the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal and hear directly from veterans about the difference the appeal’s support has made to their lives.

“This year is especially significant as we mark 100 years since Lady Haig’s factory began producing poppies in Scotland. As we remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms, the poppy remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and Scotland’s enduring respect for those who have served.

“I encourage everyone to support this year’s appeal and join us in honouring the service and sacrifice of our armed forces.”

From now and over the coming weeks a dedicated network of volunteers will be visible on high streets, in shopping centres and train stations distributing around three million poppies across the country.

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.