We’d like your photos! Still time to enter (closes end of October).
Don’t be intimidated by the standard of international nature photography competitions, we’d like your phone photos, of things you see around you.
The point is together to capture a snippet of some of the amazing species we share our community with. (also prizes for different age categories)
More details here: https://www.grantoncommunitygardeners.org/photo-competition
THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 5 – 7pm
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is giving shoppers a peek behind the wrapping, inviting customers in for a first look at its new festive collections at the Christmas Preview Evening on Thursday 15 October.
To mark the arrival of Christmas at Dobbies, the Edinburgh store will stay open until 7pm, giving customers extra time to explore the new collections, take advantage of special in-store offers and kick-start their Christmas shopping.
These include discounts on selected Christmas trees, string lights and baubles, as well as deals across the pet department.
The evening will also include live demonstrations on planting and attendees can also enjoy product sampling from the food hall as well as the restaurant and coffee shops.
Dobbies’ Best Ever Christmas 2026 across the UK in numbers
Dobbies Head of Brand, Kirsty Rockey, said: “Our customers look forward to our Christmas shop opening each year, and this is set to be one of our best launches yet. With 80% of our Christmas range brand new for 2026, there are even more decorations, homeware and gifts to discover, alongside some fantastic festive deals.
“This year’s Christmas range features five distinct collections: Classic Noel, North Pole, A Country Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Christmas Carnival.
“Alongside a collection to suit every home, Dobbies has everything from eye-catching baubles to playful Christmas characters and gifts for every member of the family.
“We can’t wait to welcome customers to the Christmas Preview Evening to officially launch Dobbies’ Best Ever Christmas.”
To shop Dobbies’ full Christmas and seasonal ranges, visit www.dobbies.com.
To learn more about the Christmas Preview Evening at the Edinburgh store and to book a free ticket, visit dobbies.com/events.
Scotland’s basketball team, Caledonia Gladiators, and global sports brand Reebok have launched a new campaign celebrating the transatlantic connection between basketball’s American roots and the rapidly growing game in Scotland.
Building a Basketball Nation marks the official kit launch for the 2026/27 season, bringing together professional players with young people from the local community to explore how a game born in America has found a home in Scotland.
The campaign comes as Boston and Glasgow prepare to become sister cities, strengthening a long-standing connection between the two cities and their shared sporting and cultural heritage.
Shot within Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena and Glasgow Life’s basketball court in Victoria Park, the film sees the next generation of Scottish players take to the court alongside American and Scottish professional players. It celebrates the moments that make basketball more than just a sport – from the sound of a ball hitting concrete to the squeak of trainers on the court, and the voices of friends, families and teammates coming together.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple message: while basketball was built in America, Scotland is building its own basketball nation.
Bringing together players from different backgrounds, ages and stages of their basketball journeys, the film highlights the role of the game in connecting communities and inspiring the next generation.
The partnership also marks the continued relationship between Reebok and Caledonia Gladiators, united by a shared belief in the power of sport, community and culture to bring people together.
Caledonia Gladiators are celebrating their growing fanbase for the 2026/27 season so far, with a sellout game at the men’s first home game on 21st September and a 128% increase in the women’s season opener from 2025/26.
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, said: “Ultimately, we’re focused on building a basketball nation in Scotland.
“Basketball is one of the country’s most-played sports, from schools and community courts to games in gardens across the country.
“We know American professional basketball is something many people watch and enjoy, but we’re bringing that live basketball experience to our communities here in East Kilbride, Glasgow and further afield.
“Our new campaign celebrates the real shift we’ve seen in basketball in Scotland over the last few years. Our fanbase has grown significantly, we’re engaging with more young people than ever before, and we regularly see fans out in the community wearing our Reebok kit. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“It’s fantastic to continue our longstanding partnership with Reebok. Together, we’re helping to grow the game, connect communities and build a basketball nation.”
John Carden, Managing Director of Sports Hub Brands, teamwear partner of Reebok, said: “Basketball has always been about more than what happens on the court. It creates connections, inspires communities and brings people together through a shared love of the game.
“Building a Basketball Nation captures that perfectly, celebrating the sport’s American heritage while recognising the exciting growth of basketball in Scotland.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Caledonia Gladiators and support their ambition to grow the game, inspire the next generation and build a basketball culture that can continue to grow for years to come.”
As they strive to build a basketball nation, Caledonia Gladiators work closely with Basketball Scotland to build momentum for the sport across the county.
David Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Scotland, said: “The continued growth of basketball in Scotland depends on all parts of the game working together, from our clubs and community programmes through to the professional game.
“We’ve been pleased to work closely with Caledonia Gladiators to help raise the profile of basketball, inspire more young people to pick up a ball and strengthen the connection between grassroots participation and the opportunities people can see at the highest level of the game.
“There is real momentum around basketball in Scotland, and showcasing the sport in our communities and giving young people visible role models can play an important part in turning that interest into lasting participation.”
The 2026/27 Reebok x Caledonia Gladiators kit is now available to purchase within the merchandise shop open on gamedays at Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena at Playsport, as well as online at www.caledoniagladiators.com.
Caledonia Gladiators are Scotland’s professional basketball team, playing at the highest level of basketball within the UK’s Super League Basketball. Tickets start from just £5 for men’s and women’s fixtures. To find out more and book your seat, visit www.caledoniagladiators.com.
To view the full Building a Basketball Nation film, fans can watch via:
HAVE YOU SEEN HERMAN?
*** UPDATE ***
HERMAN HAS BEEN TRACED
POLICE are appealing for information to help trace 36-year-old Herman Alapiki who has been reported missing in Edinburgh.
Herman was last seen in the Easter Dalry Road area around 2.15pm on Saturday, 10 October, and there are growing concerns for his welfare.
He is described as 6ft 3ins, bald, with a tanned complexion. When last seen, he was wearing a black jacket, black trousers, brown boots and a black beanie hat.
Inspector Jordan Kerr said: “Herman is known to like walking all over the city, including the Dean Village, Union Canal path and Corstorphine.
“He also likes walking in the Pentland Hills. However, it is out of character for him to be out of contact for so long.
“There are significant concerns for him and we are appealing for anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 101, quoting incident 2284 of Saturday, 10 October, 2026.”
Dear Editor
TOMORROW, Monday 12th October, landmarks including the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel and Glasgow Science Centre will shine blue for World Arthritis Day. But once the lights go out, the daily pain and fatigue faced by people with arthritis will remain.
Across Scotland, 1.7 million people—around one in three—live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. Arthritis is too often dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing, but that’s not the case. Scotland alone has 48,000 children and young people living with arthritis. It affects people of all ages, disrupting careers, family life and independence.
Awareness matters, but it must lead to action. Thousands have backed Arthritis UK’s call for the First Minister to introduce a dedicated national MSK Action Plan.
That means earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, better access to rehabilitation and support to help people manage their conditions and remain active.
As Arthritis UK marks its 90th anniversary, we are asking the Scottish Government to make a lasting commitment to those living with arthritis and to make MSK conditions a clinical priority.
Scotland’s landmarks are lighting up. It is time for the Government to step up.
Lauren Bennie
Head of Scotland, Arthritis UK
Edward House, 199 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EX
Tickets are now on sale for an exclusive Scottish Book Trust event, with Shirley Manson in conversation with celebrated Scottish author Jenni Fagan.
The event, with the theme ‘How Books Have Changed Your Life’, will take place on Saturday 28 November in Teviot’s Debating Hall, Edinburgh. It’s being organised in partnership with 432 Promotions.
As part of an in-depth conversation, Jenni Fagan will explore Shirley Manson’s love of reading, including the books that have had the most impact on her life. She will also discuss the singer’s approach to writing, including the stories behind the lyrics of some of Garbage’s best loved songs.
After the event, Jenni Fagan will do a book-signing, with copies of some of her works, including Luckenbooth and The Panopticon, on sale.
The event will coincide with Scottish Book Trust’s annual Christmas Appeal, launching on 6 November, which gifts brand new books to children and families across Scotland through local food banks, children’s hospitals and community hubs.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, says: ‘We are incredibly excited to be hosting this unique event. It’s a celebration both of Shirley Manson, one of Scotland’s most inspiring creative figures, and of the power of books.
“The conversation between Shirley and Jenni Fagan is sure to be thought-provoking, entertaining, and unforgettable. At Scottish Book Trust we believe that books have the power to connect people together and to open us up to new ideas, and we can’t wait to hear what Shirley and Jenni have to say.’
Tickets are available here: An Evening with Shirley Manson (of Garbage) & Jenni Fagan Tickets | Saturday 28 November 2026 at 19:00
POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace a 69-year-old man reported missing in Edinburgh.
James Bryson, known as Jim, was last seen in Burnhead Crescent around 6.50am this morning (Sunday, 11 October).
He is described as around 5ft 8ins, with short, greying hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, black tracksuit bottoms and blue trainers.
Jim is believed to have travelled in his green Nissan Qashqai car, registration SK76 BVJ, along Howden Hall Road to Kaimes crossroads and then in the direction of Edinburgh city bypass.
Sergeant Zoe Martin said: “It is out of character for Jim to go missing and we are concerned for his welfare.
“We are asking anyone who has seen Jim or knows where he might be to get in touch.
“Likewise, if you see Jim’s car please also make contact with us.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0739 of Sunday, 11 October, 2026.
Dear Editor,
World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10th October carries a clear message: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”. For Scotland’s children and young people, being heard must lead to getting help.
As organisations supporting vulnerable children, we urge the Scottish Government to give mental health equal priority with physical health, backed by funding, early intervention and timely specialist care.
Young people and their families must have a meaningful say in shaping services. Their experiences should drive improvements, with stronger support in schools and communities before difficulties become crises.
Failing to act can damage education, relationships, and future opportunities, with consequences that last well into adulthood.
Listening matters. Acting on what we hear matters just as much. This World Mental Health Day, we urge ministers to deliver real change. Childhood cannot be put on a waiting list.
Yours faithfully,
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition
Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School
Lynn Black, LOVE Care
Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius
Niall Kelly, Young Foundations
A team of Tesco Express store managers from across Edinburgh have raised more than £2,000 for St Columba’s Hospice Care after taking part in this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
The team completed the 11-mile route from Musselburgh to Murrayfield on Sunday 13 September, walking through the capital to raise funds for the hospice and support the vital care it provides to local people and their families.
Money raised will help St Columba’s Hospice Care continue providing specialist end-of-life care, support and advice to people living with life-limiting illnesses across Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
Jonny Hunter, Store Manager at Tesco Haymarket Express, said: “We are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount for St Columba’s Hospice Care following our participation in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
“It was a brilliant day, bringing colleagues together for an important cause, and we would like to thank everyone who supported us and helped us reach this milestone.”
Amanda Southey, Partnerships Fundraiser at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tesco team members for choosing to support St Columba’s Hospice Care through this year’s Kiltwalk.
“Fundraising like this helps us continue providing compassionate care and support to people and families when they need it most. We cannot thank the team enough for their commitment and generosity.”
For more information on St Columba’s, visit https://stcolumbashospice.org.
A new Breathing Space bench has been unveiled by national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland in partnership with NHS24 and Breathing Space this week, marking World Sight Day (Thursday 8 October) and World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October).
The bench is part of a Scotland-wide network of more than 100 installed since 2018, and will provide a quiet, welcoming space where anyone, including the blind and partially sighted community RNIB Scotland supports, can pause, reflect, or start a conversation about how they’re feeling.
RNIB research shows people with sight loss are more than twice as likely to experience unhappiness or depression than the UK average. Isolation is a major factor: many people who lose their vision find it harder to get out, see friends, or take part in the activities that once supported their wellbeing — and that loss of connection can have a profound effect on mental health.
RNIB Scotland Director James Adams says: “Nobody should have to navigate the emotional side of sight loss alone.
“Whether that’s through our own counselling and wellbeing services, or simply a conversation on a bench like this one, we want people to know that support exists and that reaching out is a sign of strength. We’re grateful to Breathing Space and NHS24 for working with us to bring it here, right at the heart of our community hub.”
The bench was unveiled by local councillor, James Dalgleish and representatives for Breathing Space, RNIB Scotland and the blind and partially sighted community. It is based at Hillside Crescent Gardens, outside RNIB Scotland’s community hub which is home to Café VI, a Product and Advice store, and a range of social and peer-support groups for the blind and partially sighted community.
The bench plaque also features braille, and a scannable QR code so visitors can access mental health support online.
The bench has been jointly funded by RNIB Scotland and Breathing Space, with costs shared equally between the two organisations.
Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for NHS 24’s Breathing Space service said: “Everyone should be able to access information and support in a way that works for them. That’s why we’re proud to support RNIB Scotland in unveiling this accessible community bench on World Sight Day.
“As a service that provides emotional support to people experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress or loneliness, Breathing Space understands the importance of removing barriers and helping people find the right support when they need it.
We hope this bench encourages people to take a moment, connect with their community and know that support is available if they’re struggling.”
