MONDAYS 10.30 – 12.30pm
Sunshine Social Club at North Edinburgh ARTS
Man arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man in Edinburgh
WATSON CRESCENT VICTIM NAMED AS ELVIS PALLA
A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of man in Edinburgh.
Around 6.10am on Saturday, 13 December, 2025, we were called to a report of a death at a property in Watson Crescent.
Emergency services attended and a 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 34-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday, 15 December, 2025).
The 34-year-old man who died at a property in Watson Crescent, Edinburgh on Saturday, 13 December, 2025 has been named as Elvis Palla.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the death and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 15 December, 2025.
Flu protection precautions to be introduced at NHS Lothian hospitals
From today, Monday 15 December, NHS Lothian is taking urgent precautions to protect patients & staff against flu.
Visitors are welcome, but please:
– As always, don’t visit if you’re unwell
– Limit visitors to 1–2
– Avoid bringing children under 12
– Consider wearing a mask and use hand gel
REMINDER: Community Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre TODAY!
Functional Fungi: Mycobee Anniversary event on 20 December 🎉
Mycobee turns 6 years old – celebrate with us!
Join MycoBee Mushrooms CIC and discover the power of functional mushrooms and their benefits for our well-being. Explore, learn, and try some mushroom tea.
All events are free to join. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.
20 December, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
IBCA opens first claims for deceased infected and affected people
- First 15 claims for those infected and who have died begin
- First 15 claims for affected people also started on Thursday
- This follows November’s announcement of first living infected but never compensated claims starting.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has opened the service to the first people in the next two groups of compensation claims, bringing in 15 claims for each group initially.
Since being established last year, 3,600 living infected people who are registered with a support scheme have already been contacted to start their claim, and IBCA has offered more than £2.2 billion and paid more than £1.7 billion in compensation.
Last month, IBCA opened the service to the first 60 living infected people who have never been compensated for the harm done to them by the infected blood scandal. Now the first people in each of the next two groups can begin making their compensation claims, before the compensation service scales up further.
These first people to claim have been identified through IBCA’s register your intent service, which opened in early October. They are claims for those infected who are now deceased, and those who are affected by the infected blood scandal (for example parents, partners, siblings, children or unregistered carers of infected people).
Speaking about this next step in IBCA’s compensation process, David Foley, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are committed to paying each and every person who is eligible, as soon as we can.
“We’ve been working with infected blood community members to create a compensation claim service that meets their needs. This next step allows us to work on more types of claims, before we then grow the service further for more people and begin processing claims for all groups in parallel.
“We’ll be prioritising claims for those who are sadly nearing the end of their lives, followed by older age groups, as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry.
“We recognise that the festive period can be a challenging time for many in the community. Receiving contact from IBCA may bring up difficult emotions, and we want to reassure those who have been contacted from the next groups to begin their claim that they can begin their claim at a time that’s right for them.”
Just over one year ago, IBCA opened to the first group of people to begin their claim, starting with small numbers and then growing the service with feedback from the community.
IBCA has now opened the service to some people from every group eligible to make a claim, again starting small before scaling up. The number of claims for each new group will initially be low before increasing, once the claim service is ready to widen out further. IBCA is not processing supplementary claims at this time.
Anyone who intends to make a claim with IBCA for compensation should register now with IBCA’s recently opened register your intent service.
This is an online service open to all groups who intend to make a claim – please follow this link to register so we can contact each person as soon as their claim can begin.
Jeweller gives away free jewellery to shoppers for Christmas
A Fort Kinnaird jeweller has traded treats for festive spirit and gifted lucky shoppers with a free gift card – simply for spreading a little Christmas cheer.
Beaverbrooks, at Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park rewarded festive visitors in each of its 57 stores who showed off their seasonal spirit by wearing a Christmas jumper, bringing mistletoe, or belting out a Christmas classic.
The retailer rewarded up to five festive visitors in each of its 57 stores with a Beaverbrooks gift card worth £50, to be spent on jewellery, diamonds, or watches – perfect for ticking off Christmas shopping lists.
The one-day-only event was designed to bring a little extra magic to Fort Kinnaird in December, encouraging customers to support their local high street and experience the warm, personal service in the Fort Kinnaird Beaverbrooks store which the family-owned jeweller is known for.
For those who may have missed the one-day event, Beaverbrooks is running a Spend and Save offer from Friday 12 December in-store and online, for a limited time only. Shoppers can save £20 off £100 on all full-priced jewellery, using code SAVE20.
Fiona House, Branch Manager at Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird, said: “We love seeing the high street come to life at Christmas, and this year we were delighted to do something that adds even more sparkle to the festive shopping experience.
“Our Christmas Cheer event was all about spreading joy, celebrating the little moments that make this time of year so wonderful – and maybe treating yourself or a loved one to something truly special along the way.
“We loved seeing how our customers got involved and brought plenty of festive fun in-store! The whole day was truly special and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.”
For more information about the Christmas Cheer event, visit:
Seizure that revealed Edinburgh man’s brain cancer saved his life before Christmas
Doctors told an Edinburgh man that if it hadn’t been for the seizure which revealed his incurable brain cancer, he wouldn’t be here to see Christmas.
Jerry Kerrisk, 66, was fit, active, and showing no symptoms when he suddenly collapsed in June 2025 during a seizure. The episode, which happened while visiting his twin sons, Conor and Brendan, 25, led to the discovery of a glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer.
Now, the Kerrisk family are helping to raise awareness of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, which is calling on the public to fund pioneering research and help change the story for brain tumour patients.
More than 100,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term effects of their diagnosis, yet research into the disease remains severely underfunded.
Jerry’s wife, Janice, 62, said: “Jerry has always been a kind, practical man who appreciates all things in life. He loves being outdoors, walking our dog Rua, playing golf, and spending time with family and friends. He is an electrician by trade; hardworking, dependable, and good-humoured. His colleagues often describe him as “one of life’s true gentlemen,” and that could not be truer.
“The morning of his collapse, he seemed quiet and a little distracted. As we were heading out shopping, he suddenly said, ‘We need to write our wills and decide where we’ll put our ashes.’ It was such an odd comment that it stopped me in my tracks, but I thought he was worrying about his prostate cancer, which is under control.
“Less than an hour later, we were visiting our sons when he suddenly roared, lifted his arm towards the sky, and collapsed face down on the grass in a violent seizure. By the time the paramedics arrived, Jerry had suffered two further seizures. He was unconscious, bleeding from his mouth and nose. It was absolutely horrific to watch.”
Jerry was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he experienced a third seizure. Initial CT scans appeared clear, but when he failed to recover fully, doctors ordered further tests.
An MRI scan revealed a brain tumour, and the following week the family were told it was a 4cm glioblastoma, with a typical prognosis of 12 to 18 months.
“The diagnosis was devastating,” Janice said. “I had prepared myself for bad news, but Jerry hadn’t. He thought the surgery would remove it and he would recover. When the consultant said the words ‘grade 4 glioblastoma’, he was in shock.
“He turned to the doctor and said quietly, ‘I feel like I’m a dead man walking.’ I will never forget those words. I sat taking notes while he stared at the floor in silence. We left the hospital numb.”
Jerry underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible and was discharged within days. Further testing showed it was “unmethylated”, meaning resistant to temozolomide – a key drug for glioblastoma.
He began six weeks of radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy following surgery and is now on maintenance cycles of treatment. Despite ongoing fatigue, he continues to walk Rua twice a day, plays golf, and enjoys fishing.
Now, ‘Team Jerry’ have channelled their energy into supporting Brain Tumour Research by completing the 99 Miles in November challenge. Janice, her son Conor, her sister Anne, nephew Niall, and his partner Gordon walked a combined 500 miles, raising more than £15,700, including Gift Aid, for the charity.
The sum is enough to fund more than five days of research, such as that taking place at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. The Centre is focused on developing kinder treatments and finding a cure for glioblastoma, the same type of tumour that Jerry is living with.
Janice said: “What I want most is a breakthrough, for Jerry and for others like him. The prognosis for glioblastoma is so cruelly short.
“I dream of the day when people no longer hear that this diagnosis is terminal. Jerry does not talk much about the future, but every so often he will say something that stops me in my tracks. The other night, after being out with friends for a birthday lunch, he said, ‘I don’t know if I’ll be here next year’. I told him we have to stay positive, because we do. That is how we get through.
“Our lives have changed completely, but our love, our humour, and our faith in one another remain. Jerry is still Jerry – gentle, strong, and quietly brave. I hope we can help make a difference so that, one day, families like ours will have real hope for the future.”
Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Janice and her family have shown incredible strength and positivity since Jerry’s diagnosis. Their determination to raise awareness and fund research is truly inspiring.
“We are so grateful to Team Jerry for supporting our 99 Miles in November challenge and Christmas Appeal, and for helping to fund vital research such as the work taking place at our new Scottish Centre of Excellence. Every step they take brings us closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To support the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, visit:
www.braintumourresearch.org/christmas
To support Team Jerry’s fundraising efforts, visit:
Report underlines public support for finishing Scotland’s land reform journey
More than 96% of respondents say Scotland needs further action on land reform
The Scottish Land Commission has published new research setting out public views on the future of Scotland’s land.
Developed through the ScotLand Futures initiative, the report reflects contributions from more than 1,200 people, with over 96% saying Scotland needs change — indicating strong public support for completing the nation’s land reform journey.
People across urban, rural and island communities described how land continues to influence almost every aspect of daily life, from housing and employment to local environments and community wellbeing.
While recognising progress made over the past 25 years, many respondents highlighted that key issues remain unresolved and that further action is required to make Scotland’s land work more fairly and transparently for everyone.
People across Scotland highlighted concerns about concentrated ownership, absentee landlords and a lack of transparency in how land is managed. Many also pointed to long-neglected sites in their communities and called for earlier involvement in decisions and clearer accountability from major landowners.
The report identified several key themes:
- Around one in 20 people said it is far too difficult to find out who owns land and called for clearer, more accessible information.
- Nearly one in four people highlighted concerns about too much land being held by too few, limiting opportunities for homes, jobs and community development.
- Around one in five people said absentee ownership creates distance and a lack of accountability, and that landowners should be more connected to local communities.
- More than one in 10 people felt locked out of decisions about land use and want earlier, more meaningful involvement in shaping what happens locally.
- Around one in 40 people expressed frustration about derelict or unused land and called for stronger action to bring these sites back into use.
- Almost one in 10 people said tax could be used more effectively to support fairer, more productive and more accountable land use.
Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, explains: “This research confirms that people across Scotland believe the country’s land reform journey is not yet complete.
“The findings highlight a broad desire for greater transparency, a more diverse pattern of ownership, and more meaningful opportunities for communities to shape decisions that affect them.
“People want to see land used productively and responsibly, and they want long-standing challenges to be addressed with greater clarity and purpose. With more than 96% of respondents calling for change, it is evident that continued progress on land reform remains an important national priority.”
A companion publication, Voices from Scotland, provides additional perspectives from community leaders, landowners, young people, campaigners and practitioners, contributing to a broader national conversation about the next steps in Scotland’s land reform journey.
The findings from both publications will help to inform the Commission’s ongoing work and its advice to Scottish Government.
Over the coming months, the Commission will use this evidence to help shape new guidance, develop policy options and support practical changes that improve transparency, strengthen community involvement and make better use of Scotland’s land. This insight will also play a key role in shaping the Commission’s recommendations for completing Scotland’s land reform journey.
REPORTS:
Tenement-focused charities urge immediate action on owners’ associations legislation following release of Law Commission report
Under One Roof and Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) are calling on the Scottish Government to act quickly to enact legislation on compulsory owners’ associations, following the release of the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ association.
Under One Roof and BEFS have welcomed the report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, as a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland and are in a significant state of disrepair.
Owners’ associations, which currently exist in some tenement buildings as voluntary bodies with no legal standing, are critical to ensuring flat owners have the communication, structures, and processes in place to organise repairs in common areas of their building, such as the stair and roof.
The report and draft legislation, proposed by the Law Commission, would in effect create an owners’ association in every tenement building, and place a duty on owners:
- to appoint a manager for the association,
- hold at least one annual meeting;
- approve a repair budget,
- ensure building information is provided to property registers.
The report also calls for the creation of a bespoke form on tenement incorporation, which would allow owners to sign repair contracts on behalf of the association, rather than placing liability on one or two owners, as currently exists.
Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, said: “The condition of Scotland’s tenements is a ticking timebomb.
“This year, as is the case every year in Scotland, there are far too many examples of stonework crashing to the streets from crumbling tenements, or flat owners being displaced due to unstable buildings.
“The introduction of owners’ associations in every building is not a silver bullet for fixing Scotland’s tenement stock; it’s a starting gun. The legislation will make it easier for owners of tenement flats to begin overdue conversations, look closely at what needs to be done and how quickly, and start long overdue repair, maintenance, and retrofit works.
“Political parties and the Scottish Government must work quickly to ensure legislation making owners’ associations in every tenement becomes a reality, as well as move quickly to ensure buildings are inspected every five years, and every tenement in Scotland has a building reserve fund.”
Hazel Johnson, Director of BEFS, said: “Tenement maintenance is a pressing issue across Scotland.
“The connection between Net Zero goals and building condition is indisputable; regular maintenance, repair and wider focus on improving the fabric of homes including tenements, so they are more able to transition to clean heat, is crucial.
“Without this starting point, actions will not result in the energy reductions expected, failing to improve building performance, negatively impacting on occupant health, and failing to meet fuel poverty aims.
“It is within this context that we call for joined up action for tenements in Scotland. Well maintained tenements can deliver for Scotland’s housing needs, net zero, economy, wellbeing, and more – for many years to come. The establishment of owners’ associations is an important milestone on this journey.”
Gillian Campbell, Director of Existing Homes Alliance said: “The publication of this report and draft Bill is a significant milestone on the road to improving the condition of Scotland’s tenements and ensuring flat owners are not left behind in the transition to clean heating and energy efficient homes.
“The proposed legislation is part of a much-needed framework that will help flat owners to work together to maintain their homes, making them more energy efficient and moving towards clean heating.
“The introduction of owners associations for flats has support across the Scottish Parliament and the next Scottish Government now has an opportunity to take this forward, helping to ensure that all flat owners can benefit from living in warm, healthy, affordable to heat homes, with clean heating systems.”
Funding secures theatre’s future
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000
The Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, in North Lanarkshire, has been awarded £150,000 transition funding from the Scottish Government to help secure its future.
The funding will ensure the future of the Theatre as a going concern, so that it can continue its cultural programme and community work, while taking steps to enhance its financial sustainability and operations.
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust was the only was the only organisation to lose regular funding when Creative Scotland announced successful bidders for Multi-Year Funding in January, as a result of its application which was unsuccessful.
A record number of cultural organisations were successful in applying for Multi-Year Funding, following a £34 million increase for culture in the arts in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget. Over half of these organisations were awarded multi-year funding for the first time, and all successful applicants who previously received regular funding got a significant uplift.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Cumbernauld Theatre is an important cultural asset for North Lanarkshire and the wider culture sector in Scotland.
“As a result of its failure to secure Multi-Year Funding, the Trust faced a critical funding gap for 2026-27, which would have required the Trust to consult on redundancies.
“Given the Theatre’s significance to the community and in order to protect the sector-specific skills it provides employment opportunities for, the Scottish Government has agreed to support the Trust with £150,000 in grant funding over 2026-27, and a potential further £150,000 in 2027-28 – subject to the Trust demonstrating its sustainability issues are being resolved.
“This funding should enable the Trust to move beyond a challenging period and take the necessary steps to secure Cumbernauld Theatre’s future.”
Alan Caldwell, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and the Scottish Government for our constructive conversations over the last few months and today’s announcement of its strategic investment in the future of this important cultural organisation.
“Their grant of £150,000 in 2026/27 and a potential further award in 2027/28 allows the Trust time to plan for a long-term sustainable future, while continuing to deliver its valuable work for residents in an area of Scotland which is under-served in terms of cultural and community opportunities.”
Creative Scotland has also agreed to give Cumbernauld Theatre Trust £99,557 in support of a programme of community engagement and work celebrating the town’s anniversary over the course of 2026.
BACKGROUND: