We’re excited to be starting a new Gardening & Wellbeing Group at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
Starting Thursday 15th October, The Garden Kitchen will be a weekly group where adults from Drylaw and Telford can come together, spend time outdoors, grow food, learn new skills and enjoy good food and company.
Every Thursday, 10am–2pm, sessions will include:
• Gardening and food growing
• Cooking and sharing a communal meal
• Learning practical skills
• Peer support and conversation
• Opportunities to gain new qualifications and experience
The group is a welcoming space for anyone experiencing loneliness, poor mental wellbeing or social isolation, and is all about building confidence, making connections and feeling part of the community.
There will also be opportunities to work towards a Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification and develop skills that could lead to volunteering or employment.
If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with the lovely Jane at wellbeing@drylawnc.org.uk
Over 65s go FREE at Dynamic Earth this Silver Sunday!
On 4th October, adults over 65 visit free at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s only Science Centre & Planetarium.*
Explore immersive galleries, uncover the story of our planet and experience a presenter-led show or spectacular dome film beneath our 360° Planetarium.
Whether you’re discovering the forces that shape Earth or exploring the wonders of space, there’s something for curious minds of every age.
Simply visit our Ticket Desk on the 4th of October to claim the offer in person with our team.
SYCAMORE CAFE at D MAINS PARISH CHURCH 10.30 – 12.30
A cuppa, a little creativity and a chance to connect!
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your local community or how you could get involved? Come and find our stall and ask us about what we do!
Come along to our Coffee & Community morning for a chance to meet local groups, discover what’s happening in the area and find out about volunteering opportunities.
There’ll also be some festive fun with gingerbread person decorating on our stall, so why not come along and get creative?
Find out about local events and activities
Meet people who make things happen in our community
Explore volunteering opportunities and ways to help
Enjoy a warm welcome, refreshments and good company
Get involved in some fun gingerbread decorating
You don’t need to commit to anything or have a particular reason to come – just bring yourself and enjoy the morning!
Saturday 3 October 2026
10.30am – 12.30pm
Sycamore Tree Cafe, Davidson’s Mains Parish Church
Pop in, find our stall, say hello and spread the word. We look forward to seeing you there!
8 in 10 workers say that flexible working is important in a job
Acas updates its Code of Practice on flexible working to reflect upcoming new changes to the law
A new survey from workplace expert, Acas, found that nearly 8 in 10 employees (78%) said that flexible working was important in a job.
The YouGov poll asked employees about the importance of flexible working in a job and only 20% said it was not important.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces new changes to the law that employers must follow if staff request flexible working.
If employers are considering rejecting a request, they will have to follow a new process to first consult with their employee. An employer can only then reject a request if it is reasonable to do so.
Acas has launched a consultation on updates to its existing Code of Practice on requests for flexible working to reflect these new law changes and encourage good practice.
Acas Chair, Baroness Maggie Jones, said: “Our poll reveals that flexible working continues to be a popular requirement for employees in a job. When it works well, it can benefit employers, staff and the wider economy.
“Acas’s updated Code will help employers and employees understand the new law, reach fair and effective decisions and prevent disputes. We are keen to get views on whether it is clear and practical.”
The upcoming law changes set out that an employer may only refuse a flexible working request if they feel it is reasonable to do so. Employers will also need to take specified steps to consult with their employee about a request, unless they accept it in full.
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, said: “Flexible working isn’t just about where or when people work. For businesses it’s an important part of retaining talent and building a stronger workforce, and for workers the right flexibility can be the difference between staying in a job or leaving it.
“Next year, we’re helping more workers fit their job around everyday life, providing more protections that mean if flexible working suits them and their employer, they are free to do so without fear of a reasonable request being turned down.”
The revised Code explains how and when employers should consult employees and supports both sides to have constructive conversations about what may be possible. It helps employers reach reasonable decisions based on four principles:
reaching decisions based on evidence
adapting where possible to enable a request
working together to find solutions
acting transparently and consistently
These principles are relevant to organisations of every size and sector, although how they are applied will depend on the circumstances, including an employer’s size, resources and operational needs. The Code is intended to support a fair and reasonable approach, not to prescribe the same outcome in every workplace.
Timewise CEO, Clare McNeil, said: “Acas’s updated Code will be a valuable and necessary step in turning the Employment Rights Act into legislation that works in practice, not just in principle.
“Our work shows that even shift-based and site-based roles have more room for flexibility than employers often realise. The organisations that get ahead of this stand to gain the most through better retention, better wellbeing and thousands more people able to access and stay in work.”
The new changes to the law around statutory flexible working requests are expected to take effect in Autumn 2027.
The consultation on the new draft Code of Practice can be found at:
New Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme come into effect from 1 October 2026.
All vaping liquids manufactured in, or imported into, the UK from 1 October are now subject to excise duty.
New vaping duty stamps to start appearing on retail packaging, which will support the high street by helping to combat illicit trade.
A new excise duty on vaping products has come into force in the UK today (1 October 2026) to reduce the affordability and appeal of vaping, especially to young people and non-smokers.
Vaping Products Duty is charged at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid and will be paid by manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers approved by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It is a commercial decision whether the duty cost is passed on to retailers and consumers.
HMRC has also launched the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme. Once fully rolled out, vaping duty stamps will provide digital traceability throughout the supply chain, enhancing consumer protection, and helping the high street by strengthening the fight against illicit trade.
This will also support the government’s commitment to back legitimate businesses, crack down on rogue operators and create fairer, safer high streets.
To support businesses, HMRC has introduced a six-month grace period meaning wholesalers and retailers can sell any existing eligible unstamped, non-duty liable, stock until 31 March 2027.
But from 1 April 2027, all vaping products sold in the UK must carry a valid vaping duty stamp and consumers should only buy duty-stamped vaping products. Anyone who suspects a vaping product may be illicit can report it to HMRC.
Tobacco duty rates have increased today to maintain the financial incentive for current tobacco smokers to switch to vaping. This is a one-off (pro-rata) increase of £2.20 per 100 cigarettes or per 50 grams of tobacco, in addition to the standard tobacco duty escalator.
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: Our new measures will help get illicit vapes off high streets across the country.
“We’re backing all those retailers who play by the rules by making it easier for law enforcement agencies to take action against those who don’t.”
Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said: “Our public heath advice is clear: while vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adult smokers to quit, children and non-smokers should never vape.
“These measures are an important step in our ambition to tackle youth vaping by reducing the affordability of vaping products, which goes hand-in-hand with the work we are already doing to tackle the appeal and availability of vapes on our high streets.”
Further changes to vaping and tobacco-related products that come into effect today are:
vaping duty stamps will start to appear on retail packaging
new personal allowance rules for travellers bringing vaping products into the UK
A fire starting at night while you’re asleep means less warning to escape.
Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out these simple checks before you go to bed.
Former First Minister is first faculty leader announced for Corridors of Power, a new leadership programme for women in business and politics
Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon is to teach women from around the world how to lead under pressure, in a new masterclass. Launching in Edinburgh next January, the programme will feature several Prime Ministers and global leaders as faculty leaders.
Sturgeon is the first faculty leader announced for Corridors of Power, a five-day leadership programme including created by The Power Diaspora Forum (TPDF), the international platform founded by Scottish entrepreneur Veenoo Sharma to connect women to capital, influence and decision-making power.
Her full-day masterclass, Leadership Under Pressure: Lessons for Women in Power, will draw on her eight years as First Minister to show women in politics and business how to hold their ground when the stakes are highest.
Participants will learn how pressure shapes leadership at every level: in the decisions leaders make, in how they deal with others, and in the extra scrutiny women often face.
The masterclass will explore how political and institutional decisions are really made, the difference between formal authority and informal influence, and how to build coalitions and win over people who fundamentally disagree with you. It will cover negotiation and compromise, including knowing when to concede and when to stand firm, and how to maintain relationships through disagreement.
It will also examine the particular pressures on women leaders: establishing credibility in powerful environments, exercising authority where women are often judged more harshly, and carrying the responsibility of decisions with genuine consequences.
Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister and the first woman to hold the role.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “We need more women in leadership across all walks of life. However, in our traditionally male-dominated world, women aspiring to or holding positions of power face unique challenges.
“I am delighted to be taking part in the Corridors of Power TPDF Masterclass to help a new generation of female leaders overcome these challenges. I am looking forward to sharing the skills and experiences I gained over many years of political leadership, and as well as an insight into the lessons I learned along the way.”
Veenoo Sharma, Founder of The Power Diaspora Forum, said: “Corridors of Power is built on a simple idea: who better to teach women about leadership and power than former First Ministers, Prime Ministers and leaders who have actually led countries?
“These are people who have made decisions at the highest level, navigated crisis, scrutiny and challenging circumstances, and carried the responsibility that comes with leading a nation.
“Bringing that lived experience directly to women is incredibly powerful. At TPDF, we believe women should be empowered through experience, not simply through discussion, and Nicola Sturgeon embodies exactly what this programme is about.”
Corridors of Power is open to women around the world working in, or aspiring to, senior roles in business and politics. Further faculty leaders including Prime Ministers and global leaders will be announced in the coming weeks.
Two Edinburgh-based Scots are among nine recipients of Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) Fellowships supporting international study, research and professional development.
Edinburgh-based researcher Andro Mathewson has been awarded a Fellowship to undertake final-stage doctoral research in Ukraine, while Edinburgh flautist Clio Scott will use hers to continue her advanced musical studies in Vienna.
Andro, who was born in Illinois and brought up in Scotland, is completing a PhD at King’s College London examining unmanned systems in the Russia-Ukraine war. His Fellowship will support a 10-day final-stage research visit to Ukraine, allowing him to undertake research on the ground as he completes his doctorate.
As part of his research, Andro has created the Unmanned Systems Tracker, an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind his research and helping to raise awareness of the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
Andro Mathewson said: “Being funded by the Scottish International Education Trust is a great privilege and honour for me. Beyond the financial award, which will help me to finish my PhD research, including on-the-ground in Ukraine, it means a lot that a Scottish organization is supporting research in the realm of defense and emerging military technologies.
“As part of my research I have already created the Unmanned Systems Tracker (unmannedsystemstracker.com), an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind my research to help raise awareness about the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.”
Clio Scott has been awarded a Fellowship to study for a Master’s in Instrumental Studies (Flute Performance) at MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
The award will help Clio meet the costs of her advanced musical training and allow her to focus on her studies with an internationally recognised teacher in Vienna.
Clio Scott said: “Being given an award by the Scottish International Education Trust feels like a huge vote of confidence in me. Training to be a classical musician is a long, arduous path and is also incredibly expensive.
The assistance offered by the SIET will help me to be able to fully immerse myself in my studies without worrying about financial barriers. I am beyond excited to be beginning the next stage of my education in Vienna, where I’ll have the opportunity to study with an incredible teacher in a city that’s renowned for its classical music as well as its beauty!”
The Fellowships are two of nine awarded by SIET in its Autumn 2026 awards round, supporting Scots to pursue international study, research and professional opportunities.
SIET Chair Nick Bibby said:“We are delighted to support another group of talented Scots as they take the next step in their education, research and professional development.
“What unites our Fellows is not a particular subject or career path, but their ambition, drive and the potential of the international opportunities they have chosen to pursue. We are proud to play a part in helping Andro and Clio take these important next steps in their respective fields, and look forward to seeing where their international opportunities lead.”
SIET Director Ken Thomson said:“Our Fellows demonstrate the many different ways in which international education and experience can change the course of a life.
“These awards are about recognising ability and potential, but also about helping to remove financial barriers that can prevent talented people from taking up exceptional opportunities.
“We wish all nine Fellows every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys, and hope that their experiences overseas will ultimately benefit not only their own careers but Scotland more widely.”
The Scottish International Education Trust was established in 1971 by founders Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart. For more than 50 years, the Trust has supported Scots to access transformative international educational experiences, particularly where financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from doing so.
SIET typically supports postgraduate education overseas, but also funds musicians, artists, craftspeople and other professionals where education involves developing specialist skills outside a conventional academic setting.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) Scotland at Edinburgh University will strike for 25 days over five weeks from today (28 September) in a long running dispute over £140m cuts and 1,800 job losses.
Staff at Edinburgh have already taken multiple days of strike action and participated in a marking and assessment boycott because of the refusal of management to rule out compulsory redundancies. The latest action starts today and will continue through to 30 October.
The dispute centres on £140m cuts announced by the principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, in early 2025 and an estimated 1,800 job losses. The scale of cuts are the largest cut in staff seen in Scottish higher education and is happening at one of the wealthiest institutions in the country and which, earlier this year, confirmed that there was no deficit.
Hundreds of staff have already lost their jobs through hidden redundancies including by fixed term contacts not being renewed as would normally happen and hourly-paid staff having their hours reduced.
Despite 18 months of campaigning and industrial pressure, including three ballots and strikes, the threat to jobs and student education remains while staff continue to face increased workloads because of ongoing restructures.
UCU members voted to undertake the five-week strike earlier in the summer. Since then the union has been pressing senior management to make a serious proposal that could avoid the strike.
The union has called for management to commit to no compulsory redundancies; to address hidden redundancies and workloads; engage in meaningful negotiation to avoid redundancies; and to reconsider the balance between staff and non-staff cuts.
UCU Edinburgh branch co-president Lena Wånggren said: “Our members have been clear that compulsory redundancies must not be the university’s answer to its financial challenges.
“Five weeks of strike action is not what anyone wants, but members are prepared to take action to protect jobs. UCU members are prepared to take action for our colleagues and our students – we want to safeguard students’ education not just for five weeks in Autumn but for the future.”
UCU Edinburgh branch co-secretary Nik Matheou said: “Staff are facing increased workloads, the threat of redundancies, and continuing uncertainty created by restructures and cuts.
“We have given management another opportunity to avoid the strikes. We need a commitment to no compulsory redundancies, meaningful consultation and action to address hidden job losses and increased workloads. We are ready to continue to negotiate and hope management will now come forward with a serious proposal.”
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “The unprecedented cuts and job losses at Edinburgh are forcing members to take five-weeks of strike action.
“I previously called the cuts at Edinburgh ‘academic vandalism’ and nothing I’ve seen during this dispute gives me any reason to change that view. Even at this late stage, it’s not too late for the principal to rule out compulsory redundances, engage meaningfully with the union and take action to end this dispute.”
The Scottish Landscape: Romance to Reality Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT Friday 5th February – Saturday 22nd May 2027
Dovecot Studios and The Fleming Collection present another major new exhibition that unpacks public and private images of Scotland from the 16th century to the present day. Through painting, print, photography, sculpture and textile, The Scottish Landscape: Romance to Reality explores the role artists have played in creating, challenging and changing perceptions of the Scottish landscape.
At a time when 70% of tourists say Scottish scenery is a key reason for their visit, this exhibition brings together more than 80 key works and looks beyond the picturesque to question how contemporary artists are highlighting the impact of capitalism and the climate emergency on the landscape for future generations.
The exhibition features work by Pieter Bruegel, Alexander Nasmyth, J.M.W. Turner and Joan Eardley with contemporary artists Peter Howson, Frances Walker, Thomas Joshua Cooper and Victoria Crowe, among others.
It is the third exhibition in a highly successful partnership between the world-renowned Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh and The Fleming Collection, the finest collection of Scottish art outside public institutions, which saw record breaking visitors to the exhibitions Scottish Women Artist in 2023 and The Scottish Colourists in 2025.
Theo Albano, Director of the Fleming Collection comments: “Few nations have shaped the artisticlanguage of landscape as profoundly as Scotland. From the Enlightenment and Romanticism tocontemporary environmental practice, this new exhibition is an opportunity to question and explore how far artists have created a myth of Scottish beauty or a compelling vision of how ourfuture landscape might evolve.
“The exhibition is organised in six sections: The Birth of a Myth; The Romantic and the Sublime;Whose Land; Changing Tides; Scotland Abroad; and Our Changing Landscape.
“Visitors will beencouraged to bask in the beauty of the Scottish landscape while questioning whether artistshave played, and whether they continue to play, a responsible or a dangerous role in promotingScotland’s untamed beauty.
“Within each broadly chronological section, the curators TheoAlbano and Heather Carroll, Dovecot Exhibitions Manager, juxtapose one or more works fromother periods to highlight recurring themes of environmental change, artistic intervention,political memory and cultural imagination.”
Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, comments: “The Scottish Landscape: Romance toReality exhibition is a rich opportunity to look through the eyes of artists at the detail of our physical surroundings and, through the process of looking, to develop our own imaginative and emotional response.
“This collaboration with the Fleming Collection is an urgent call forengagement with art and landscape, comparing artwork across four centuries and in a range ofmedia, to protect them for future generations.”
The Scottish landscape has seen itself play a starring role in the arts for over 400 years.
From Pieter Breughel’s idealised engraving of the Bass Rock in 1560 to the Highlands setting for the latest reality series of Celebrity Traitors, Scotland’s natural beauty is a calling card to artists, tourists and cinemagoers the world over.
The Scottish Landscape: Romance to Reality exhibition will be accompanied by an events program featuring curator-led tours and talks by artists and historians including James Knox, andAlice Strang.
A fully illustrated book accompanying the exhibition will also be available.
Every Thursday, 10am–2pm, sessions will include:
