Here is our week of events for the October holidays! Everything is free and there is no need to book ahead.
Bookbug is on as normal on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.
On Monday, we will get the Virtual Reality headsets out. Enjoy some experiences and games through the power of VR technology!
On Wednesday, we have Explore Learning joining us with a session on telling the time. While this is aimed at ages 5-7, slightly older children looking to improve their skills can enjoy and benefit from this too.
On Thursday, join Andrew for some spooky stories in the children’s area to get in the mood for Hallowe’en.
On Friday, our usual Crafternoon has also been taken over with a spooky theme. Join in from 2pm, best for middle primary school children.
All week, you can play our board games or on the Xbox One, but if you want to meet people to play with, Saturday afternoon is the time to come in! Staff can also help teach you some new board games.
Hundreds of people gathered in central Edinburgh today (10 Oct) to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE.
Sir Geoff, who died in June aged 85, was a renowned scientist, humanitarian, and the former Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.
Widely admired as Scotland’s first black professor, he was a tireless advocate for equality and justice.
The memorial celebration, held at the historic St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town, brought together friends, colleagues, dignitaries, and members of the public to pay tribute to his extraordinary contributions.
The service featured personal reflections, speeches, and musical performances by the University’s Chamber Choir, including an uplifting tribute featuring songs by the legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley.
Speaking afterwards, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “Today’s memorial celebration has allowed us the opportunity to reflect on the life, work and enduring legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer.
“Sir Geoff was more than a distinguished academic. As Scotland’s first black professor, he broke barriers in science and society, pioneering grain and brewing research while inspiring generations of students and colleagues.
“His scientific achievements, including the internationally recognised barley abrasion process and his leadership in brewing and distilling, are matched by his role as a mentor, teacher and advocate for truth and justice.
“In his service as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt, Sir Geoff brought humility, warmth and an unwavering belief in education as a driver of opportunity. He championed inclusion, encouraged ambition, and reminded us that universities must be places of openness and responsibility to society.
“He also challenged us to confront uncomfortable histories with honesty and courage, ensuring that remembrance was not passive but active. That commitment to fairness, respect and humanity remains one of his greatest legacies.
“His life and values continues to inspire our work at Heriot-Watt and far beyond, and we will carry forward his vision of education, scholarship and justice as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life.
“In a lasting tribute to his memory, we have launched the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship to support a student of Jamaican descent or Jamaican citizenship to follow in his footsteps; breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and shaping a fairer future.”
Many of Sir Geoff’s family attended the memorial celebration including his daughter, Catherine Bisset, who said: “We wish to thank everyone who have shared their stories and offered their condolences. We would also like to thank Marie Curie, who looked after him so well in his final weeks.
“Scotland gave our dad a home and a career, so he was dedicated to giving back through education, public service, and the pursuit of justice. He was also extremely humbled and grateful to have been recognised at the highest level for his work, especially for his impact on Scottish and global economies.
“He was focused and worked incredibly hard, but he also had a brilliant sense of humour, and he loved people. Most importantly, he saw humanity in all things, and that is his true legacy.”
The memorial was hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who said: “It was an honour and privilege to offer a short reflection on Sir Geoff’s impact upon our Capital at today’s service.This was a tall order, as he achieved so much, and influenced so many people and places.
“With his gentle manner, Sir Geoff had the ability to persuade policy makers, political leaders, and community leaders alike, of the benefits and richness of equality and diversity – and that we should be able to live in harmony, with mutual understanding and respect for different traditions and heritages.
“In 2022, I was delighted to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.
His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.
“He has gifted our city with a strong legacy, improving our collective efforts on academic research, equality, diversity, and tackling discrimination wherever we find it.
“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations.”
In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour.
The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.
THE city council is looking for your views on their plans to improve provision for walking, wheeling and cycling along Dundee Street and in the wider Fountainbridge area.
The proposed improvements include changes to footways, pedestrian crossings and public spaces along with upgrading the infrastructure along the existing cycle lanes.
The project will also provide an improved connection between the Telfer Subway and the Union Canal via Gibson Terrace, improving the connectivity of the surrounding network.
The consultation commenced on Monday 6 October 2025 and will run until Monday 12 January 2026.
You can give your views on the consultation website or come down to one of the drop-in events at Fountainbridge Library on 12 November and 19 November, from 1pm to 6:30pm.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “This is an important stage in our plans to make Fountainbridge a safer, more accessible, and pleasant place for everyone to move around and spend time in.
“Providing safer conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling alongside improving connectivity are key principles of our City Mobility Plan. Keeping Edinburgh moving means looking effectively at our whole transport network and how we can improve it for the benefit of all.
“I’d encourage everyone to give their views and help shape these ambitious proposals.”
Last year, only 26.5% of those with learning disabilities in GGC who were eligible for cervical cancer screening attended their appointment – 1
October kickstarts Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good opportunity to remind women of the importance of attending their breast screening appointment.
“One in eight women in Scotland will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But when it’s found early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.
“In fact, women are five times more likely to survive. Breast screening alone saves around 130 lives every year in Scotland,” said Heather Jarvie, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Public Health Programme Manager.
“Breast screening helps us detect cancers that are too small to see or feel. That’s why we encourage every woman who receives an invitation to attend. It could be lifesaving.”
Who is eligible for breast screening?
Women aged between 50 and 70 will be invited for breast screening every three years. Those eligible will be invited by NHSGGC via letter, email or post, depending on what they selected as their communication preference with their GP.
Anyone over the age of 70 can make an appointment for breast screening directly via the breast screening service.
Breast screening is also offered to non-binary people whose birth certificate originally said female, who haven’t had breast removal surgery, trans women who are taking hormones, and trans men who haven’t had breast removal surgery.
Don’t miss out
NHSGGC is also taking this opportunity to encourage women who may have missed their appointment, or who cannot make their appointment, to please contact their local breast screening service to rearrange another suitable date. Heather explained:
“We understand that life happens and at times appointments may be missed or dates and times simply don’t work due to conflicting events. Please don’t miss out because of this. Anyone who has missed their breast screening appointment should get in touch.”
West of Scotland Breast Screening Service contact number: 0141 800 8800.
Heather also provided reassurance to anyone who may have nerves about attending. She said: “We also understand that for some attending a screening can feel daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.
“Our team is friendly, professional, and ready to make your experience as easy and reassuring as possible. We suggest that women watch the ‘what to expect’ video ahead of time to set their mind at ease.”
What happens at a screening appointment?
Eligible women living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, will either be invited to the NHSGGC breast screening centre in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow City Centre or to one of NHSGGC’s breast screening mobile units that visit localities throughout the year.
This mobile unit, often called the screening bus, is a welcoming, private, and fully accessible space, designed to make visits as comfortable and supportive as possible.
Each appointment involves a mammogram, four quick X-rays, two of each breast, carried out by a specially trained female mammographer. The process only takes a few minutes, and there’s time beforehand to ask questions or share any concerns.
If you have or care for someone with additional support needs
Heather also explained the reasonable adjustments that can be made to appointments: “We have options available for people who have additional support needs.
“They or their carers can call our breast clinics and request extra support, whether that’s a longer appointment or bringing someone with them. We have easy read booklets too for people with learning disabilities to look through ahead of time so as they can understand what to expect.
“Please remember to contact the breast screening service before your appointment to discuss any support needs you may have”
What all women should do at home
Women are also urged that if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts, they should not wait for their screening. They should speak to their GP right away, even if they’ve recently had a mammogram.
Signs and symptoms to look out for include:
A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
Changes in the skin of your breast (dimpling, redness)
A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
Nipple discharge (not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding)
A change in the appearance of your nipple (inversion, rash)
Picutred: Neil Thompson, RHASS Director and Rev Dr Scott Rennie
RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Scotland’s farmers in a Harvest Thanksgiving service
A John Deere tractor and a seed drill took centre stage outside of Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday (5th October) as the exceptional efforts and hard work of Scotland’s farming community were recognised in a Harvest Thanksgiving service in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).
Conducted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, the service celebrated the tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, while acknowledging the ever-changing weather conditions farmers across the country have faced ahead of this year’s harvest.
Displays of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips and carrots were donated by RHASS Directors for the service from farms across the country to shine a light on the array of local produce grown in Scotland.
RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust) also supported the Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations by creating a display inside the cathedral.
Their exhibit drew on educational resources used in schools to highlight what’s in season, Scottish crops, images of harvesting through the ages, examples of school growing projects, and a seasonal calendar.
This provided visitors with a chance to reflect on Scotland’s food harvest and the work of farmers, while showcasing RHET’s role in connecting young people with food and farming.
The produce on display during the service has since been donated to Edinburgh charities, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and the Salvation Army Hostel, to be made into meals for those in the city who are in need.
RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.
“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us and shared produce in support of local causes.”
Speaking on the Harvest Thanksgiving service, Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer at RHET, commented: “As an education charity, it’s an honour for RHET to be asked by the team at St Giles to be part of this celebration of harvest and to share some of the learning information we create for teachers all about food and farming in Scotland.”
Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director, said: “We are truly thankful for this incredible donation of fresh vegetables again this year.
“Every week, we support more than 230 vulnerable adults who often struggle to access healthy and nutritious meals. Food poverty continues to be a serious issue across our communities, and contributions like this make a real difference to those most affected.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to St Giles’ Cathedral for their ongoing support, and to RHASS and the dedicated farmers whose hard work has made this gift possible.”
Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “In this time when we are more than ever aware of our need of local food production and the vital role that Scottish farmers in bringing the food we need to our tables, we are delighted to partner with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
“There is a particular poignancy to celebrating the Harvest in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, a city filled with tables set for visitors and residents alike. We are reminded of where our food comes from, and the labour in its production. For all this, and more, we give thanks to God.
“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of all of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”
For further information about the work of RHASS, visit: rhass.org.uk
Demand for Neurodiversity Support Continues to Rise
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity that has transformed the lives of more than 30,000 neurodivergent children, young people, and their families since its founding in 2000.
The milestone comes as the charity’s latest impact report reveals a 294% increase in demand for its services over the past five years, highlighting a critical and growing need for accessible support.
Co-founded by Robin and Sophie Dow and inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a rare chromosome deletion, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was built on a foundation of lived experience.
For a quarter of a century, the charity has delivered vital programs, advocacy, and support — from aiding families in crisis to training leaders to build more inclusive workplaces.
“Mindroom was founded on lived experience, and 25 years later, its mission is more urgent than ever,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre. “Neurodivergent children are today’s young people and tomorrow’s workforce.
“The work we do is all about shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.”
The charity’s 2024 impact report, available for download on their website, also reveals the growing pressures on families and the support system:
Families face waiting lists of up to 24 months for assessments.
The number of families seeking mental health support grew by 62% from 2023 to 2024.
Neurodivergent young people are more likely to experience bullying, anxiety, and exclusion than their peers.
“Behind every statistic is a real person and a system under pressure,” Alan Thornburrow added.
“Since I joined in 2022, we’ve worked to scale our impact and think of our mission as a revolution. We want to continue transforming lives for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Beyond its direct services, the charity has also trained more than 7,500 leaders in business, education, and public services, and has played a significant role in advancing neurodiversity as a national priority in Scotland and beyond.
As Mindroom marks 25 years of impact, the message is clear: the need has never been greater, nor has the opportunity. Every child supported, every family empowered, and every leader trained moves us closer to a society where neurodivergent people can thrive.
Lasting change is only possible when we stand together.
To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report
Individual giving from the general public was worth an estimated £1.2bn to Scottish charities in 2023.
But the value of donations has fallen by 30% in real terms since 2018, while fewer individuals are donating to charity – although many who do donate are giving larger amounts.
Most income streams from the general public were hit hard by Covid, and while many of these income streams have now bounced back, they have generally not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Data from the Spring 2025 Scottish Third Sector Tracker suggests that a rising number of voluntary organisations saw positive growth in both donations and fundraising income, suggesting some reasons for cautious optimism despite the challenging financial environment.
The voluntary sector body said the falling value of donations underlines the importance of the Scottish Government’s move towards Fair Funding.
SCVO head of policy, Kirsten Hogg, said: “Individual giving is an important part of the complex patchwork of funding sources that Scotland’s voluntary organisations rely on, and these findings are really concerning – especially when combined with what we know about cuts in public sector funding and the increasing costs and demands that voluntary organisations are facing.
“The cost of living crisis has hit individual giving hard, impacting on people’s ability to put their hands in their pockets – including for legacies, donations, fundraising and trading. Over the same period, we saw a reduction in the number of people volunteering their time, and together these paint a worrying picture about the extent to which people are able to support charities and community groups.
“While we remain hopeful that we may see a slight upturn in both donations and volunteering numbers, the resource difficulties that voluntary organisations are facing mean that many will continue to encounter challenges on a scale we’ve not seen before.
“Scotland’s voluntary sector is a fundamental part of Scottish society, and demand for support is rising. Vital support continues to be delivered to every community in Scotland, and we must do everything we can to protect organisations from the pressures they are facing.”
Claire Stanley, director of policy and communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said: “Charities across Scotland are working harder than ever to support the communities and individuals who need them.
“SCVO’s research highlights the difficult reality facing the sector right now, and we are hearing from our members that demand for services is increasing yearly – yet they are working with fewer resources while trying to deliver more.
“And while it is encouraging to see many supporters giving generously, we know the cost-of-living crisis has hit people hard in recent years, and the overall drop in donations presents a significant challenge. That is why fair and reliable funding for charities is so important, to ensure that communities across Scotland can continue to count on the support they need, now and in the future.”
WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY – MONDAY 6th OCTOBER 2025
Launching for World Cerebral Palsy Day, ‘More Than Palsy’ – created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with award-winning Scottish poet Jack Hunter – highlights the fighting spirit of people living with cerebral palsy.
It is thought that between 17-50 million people globally live with cerebral palsy, and it remains an underrepresented and neglected disability. 1 in 400 births in Scotland result in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. To raise global awareness of the condition and drive donations, Italian charity Fight the Stroke, in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland, has launched the campaign More Than Palsy.
Launched in advance of World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October, More Than Palsy was created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with Scottish actor, playwright and cerebral palsy advocate Jack Hunter, who is living with cerebral palsy himself.
Inspired by Hunter’s slam poem –“You’ve Got to be Ballsy to have Cerebral Palsy” – the campaign paints an authentic picture of the challenges faced by the cerebral palsy community through their own stories: a stark reminder that life with cerebral palsy is not for the weak – it takes strength to be a disabled person in a non-disabled world.
At the heart of the campaign is a two-minute documentary-style film which powerfully conveys the small yet incessant challenges that make up the daily life of a person with cerebral palsy – from the physical frustration at tying one’s shoelaces or trying to use a tampon, to the mental hardship of being bullied.
Raw, powerful and bold, the film aims to both inspire people who have been living with cerebral palsy for years, as well inform future new parents about the existence of this condition and the support that cerebral palsy organisations can offer.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland are the only dedicated cerebral palsy charity in Scotland. Their specialist physiotherapy, speech and language, and psychological therapy services make an incredible difference to the lives of the people they work with.
Attack on Heaton Hebrew Congregation: Statement from Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland, Henry Lovat, President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and Matthew Shaps, Chair, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation (written 2nd October 2025, following the conclusion of Yom Kippur):
“We are devastated by the terrorist attack that took place this morning at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, on Yom Kippur.
The victims, their families, and the entire Manchester Jewish community are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound grief and fear.
This awful attack is a tragic reminder of the manner in which hatred and intolerance towards Jewish people – whether put explicitly as such or directed (nominally) at “Zionists” or other euphemisms – can translate into deadly acts of violence aimed at our community.
Sentiments of concern and condolence from those whose words and conduct have previously increased rather than addressed the fears of our community, will inevitably ring hollow.
Rather, to be meaningful any words of concern must now be matched by substantive action to confront and combat antisemitism in all its forms.
Anti-Jewish sentiment and communal fears in the UK have been stoked by our political leaders’ use of inflammatory and irresponsible language about the ongoing, tragic conflict in Israel and Gaza.
With this in mind, we call on political and community leaders across Scotland to act urgently to stop fanning the flames of hatred, and – once again – to work with and alongside, rather than vilifying and alienating, the Jewish community of Scotland, to support rather than undermine community cohesion across our nation.
We thank Police Scotland for their continued engagement with and support for Jewish communities across Scotland at this extremely fraught juncture.
Last, we would once again urge all members of the community attending synagogues or other community premises to follow all instructions from police and security, and in particular not to congregate outside communal premises and to keep doors closed at all times.”
