Scottish Approach to Change launch brings together leaders in health and social care

Health and social care services across Scotland are undergoing vital renewal and reform to ensure they remain high quality and person centred.

To support this, Scottish Government has commissioned Healthcare Improvement Scotland to develop the Scottish Approach to Change. The Scottish Approach to Change provides a clear pathway to support everyone to do change well.

On Friday 21 November, we hosted the launch of the Scottish Approach to Change in Edinburgh.

We had almost 100 people joining us in-person and online. We brought together senior leaders from across health and social care to explore how the Scottish Approach to Change can help drive meaningful change.

Caroline Lamb (Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care) (above), Dr John Harden (National Clinical Lead for Quality and Safety), and Joanna Macdonald (National Chief Social Work Adviser and Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency, Scottish Government) highlighted the strategic importance of the approach in supporting health and social care renewal.

Leaders from North Lanarkshire HSCP, Dumfries and Galloway NHS board and HSCP, and NHS Forth Valley showcased real life examples of how the approach is already helping them to deliver transformational change.

The Scottish Approach to Change is supported by a digital resource which was launched in September. It’s available to any health and social care organisation looking to implement change and improve their services.

It brings together a wide range of tools and methods to help people plan and deliver person centred change.

Find out more about the Scottish Approach to Change.

Winter Windows are Back!

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

With the 2025 brief to design a window that captures their vision of winter or the festive season, using any medium and style they wish, Edinburgh children’s 24 winning designs will be on display in West Princes Street Gardens along the top path from Thursday 27th November, each turned into a magical lightbox.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Windows competition is in partnership with Arts & Creative Learning, Lifelong Learning, City of Edinburgh Council.

The judging panel consisted of Unique Assembly directors and City of Edinburgh Council representatives. Each of the 24 winners receives free tickets for a fun day out with their friends and family at Edinburgh’s Christmas – along with having their artwork on display throughout the festive season in one of the capital’s busiest locations!

Winter Festivals

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#edinburghchristmas 

Two arrested and charged following £1 million drugs recovery

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a drugs recovery worth over £1 million in West Lothian.

Around 7.15am on Thursday, 27 November, 2025, officers attended a premises in the Redmill area of East Whitburn.

A cannabis cultivation was discovered within containing between 1000 and 1200 plants with an estimated street value of over £1 million.

A 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection. They were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 28 November.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “This significant recovery underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

SWAP: Edinburgh launches innovative pilot to prevent homelessness

A new pilot aimed at preventing people from becoming homeless has officially been given the go-ahead in the Capital after the Council and partners were awarded funding from the Scottish Government.

The System Wide Approach to Prevention (SWAP) – ‘Ask and Act’ initiative will be piloted in Wester Hailes, providing earlier interventions and practical support to help people at risk of homelessness to remain in their homes.

The launch follows the recent passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 which places new legal duties on public bodies to ask about a person’s housing situation and take action to prevent homelessness before it happens.

Across Scotland, 15 projects are sharing £4 million through the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, administered by Advice Direct Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, to develop and test prevention pilots.

A team will now be created in the Capital which will include public and third-sector partners. They will be trialling new models of working to provide co-ordinated and timely support for individuals and households at risk of homelessness.

The ‘Ask’ and ‘Act’ duties will be embedded in everyday services provided by partners in the Wester Hailes area.

The services working in partnership with the Council to deliver these duties are NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Prospect Community Housing, Social Security Scotland, Scottish Prison Service and Crisis.

This approach will allow them to identify what people need help earlier, offer support directly, and request further help and support via a single point of contact within the Council’s prevention services.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Tim Pogson said: “This is fantastic news, being awarded just over £600k from a £4 million fund for the whole of Scotland is a tremendous endorsement of our proposal, and I’m grateful to the team who brought it together and partners for agreeing to be part of this.

“It will also help us boost our efforts to tackle the housing emergency facing the city. It’s exciting that work is already under way, and I’m confident we’ll see positive results in the new year.

“Preventing homelessness and supporting tenants before they reach crisis point is essential to ensuring as many people as possible have a secure home.

“Last year alone, our homelessness prevention services helped 2,622 households as part of our Local Housing Strategy, the city’s overarching strategy for housing and homelessness.”

Màiri McAllan, the Housing Secretary, Scottish Government, said: “We are determined to end homelessness – and the best way to do this is to prevent homelessness in the first place.

“This investment in prevention pilots will help us test and scale up innovative approaches to help people stay in their homes.

PEP buses vandalised: Appeal

As some of you are aware, almost all of our much loved PEP buses were vandalised over last weekend, having their fuel tanks drilled and emptied.

This sadly resulted in having to cancel our transport commitments, which we are extremely sorry and sad about. Thank you to those individuals, family members and organisations for understanding the need to cancel, which has resulted in many of your vital services being cancelled or delayed and additional pressures experienced.

We will stay in touch with all of those involved as things move forward.

Our amazing team here at PEP sprung into action to create our action plan to get us back up and running, which hopefully won’t be too much longer. We will also be looking for more secure, long term parking facilities, if you know or anywhere, please share!

This vandalism has of course been reported to the police, but if anyone knows any information about who may have done this please do get in touch.

I don’t think they realise the conquences and impact of their actions, after all we are a Charity delivering vital services to many vulnerable people, not to mention the financial impact this has caused.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to support PEP, offering help in many ways. The local community are amazing and we are proud to serve you.

We appreciate that Christmas is just around the corner and wish we were not asking, however any donations to help us recover from the recent vandalism to our buses would be massively appreciated by ourselves as well as the organisations we work alongside 🙏🏻

https://localgiving.org/charity/pep…

#wearestrongertogether

#communityfirst

#helpingpeopletoparticipate

Strong Black Friday at The Centre

MINISO OPENING OFFERS TODAY

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, which has over 150 stores and restaurants including M&S, Flannels, wagamama and Wingstop said: said: “There was a great buzz in the shopping centre today as our shoppers enjoyed the Black Friday sales, snapping up some great bargains ahead of Christmas.  

“The opening of Flying Tiger on the day was an added bonus for fans of the brand who queued for over an hour prior to the launch and were treated to a special goody bag.

“We are also expecting the weekend ahead to be busy especially with the arrival of another new global brand to the shopping centre on Saturday, MINISO, which is renowned for its high-quality and affordable pop culture products and collectibles.”

Global lifestyle retailer MINISO, renowned for its high-quality and affordable pop culture products and collectibles, is delighted to announce the opening of its latest UK store in The Centre, Livingston on 29th November at 12pm.

Opening just in time for the festive season, the new MINISO store is a treasure trove of must-have gifts and goodies. From trending Vinyl Plush and collectible blind boxes to cute plush toys, beauty essentials, lifestyle accessories, and tasty treats, there’s something for everyone, perfect for stocking fillers and all your gift-giving needs this season.

Shoppers can also discover exclusive licensed collections, featuring Hello Kitty & Friends, Sylvanian Families, Harry Potter, and the all-new Disney Zootropolis 2 range, which launched nationwide in all stores on 24th November.

To celebrate the opening, the first 200 customers who spend a minimum of £5 will receive a special goody bag worth £25, while stocks last. 

“Opening our new store at The Centre, Livingston, allows us to connect with the local community and share the MINISO experience with more shoppers,” said Saad Usman, Chief Operating Officer at MINISO UK.

“We look forward to welcoming both loyal fans and first-time visitors to explore our wide range of high-quality, affordable products that brighten everyday life.”

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “The opening of MINISO will be a fantastic addition to our existing diverse mix of retailers at the shopping centre.

“It continues to highlight our commitment to attracting even more global brands to The Centre, Livingston and enhancing the overall customer experience for our visitors.” 

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming MINISO to The Centre, Livingston, which is guaranteed to provide a fun and immersive adventure for our shoppers – both loyal fans and those who are new to the brand.” 

Join the celebration on 29th November and discover the joyful one-stop shop to elevate the ordinary.

‘Deep Concern’ over Flag-Raising

Joint Statement from Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, Jewish Council of Scotland and Board of Deputies of British Jews in Response to Planned Annual Palestinian Flag-Raising In Glasgow:

“We are deeply concerned by the combined Palestine-Saltire flags being flown on council property in Scotland.

“This campaign is politicising public property in way that appears intentionally divisive, causing significant distress to many within the Jewish community, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh.”

“We are also troubled that Glasgow City Council’s 2024 decision to introduce an annual Palestinian flag-raising linked with the UN’s International Day of Solidarity has, in the current climate, contributed to the concerns felt within the Jewish community.

“These developments have highlighted the need for careful, sensitive decision-making in civic spaces.  As we have consistently raised with local and Scottish government, it is vital that the Israel-Palestine conflict is not imported into civic spaces in ways that risk deepening division.  Local authorities should instead prioritise fostering community cohesion and mutual respect.

“Every community in Scotland must have confidence that civic decisions are guided by fairness, balance and a commitment to mutual respect.  We remain committed to working constructively with both councils and the Scottish government to ensure that all communities feel safe and respected.”

TODAY: Fair Saturday Scotland

It’s Fair Saturday Scotland! 🎉

Artists and cultural organisations from Scotland and all around the world will get together in a global festival that puts the arts at the very centre and supports a social project or the community at every event.

At Out of the Blue, we’re excited to be taking part with two events: the November Flea Market at the Drill Hall and the Winter Open Studios at Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios.

🌟 November Flea Market

📆 Saturday 29th November, 10am – 3pm

📍The Out of the Blue Drill Hall

➡️ Browse from over 45 stalls packed with pre-loved items, from clothes and jewellery to books, antiques and other collectibles.

🌟 Winter Open Studios

📆 Saturday 29th November, 12noon – 5pm

📍Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios

➡️ Come and meet over 40 resident artists and makers and browse an exciting variety of works, many of which are for sale. Everything is handmade at the studios.

To find out more about what else is going on throughout Edinburgh for Fair Saturday Scotland, just take a look at their website:

2025-Scotland-Programme-17_compressedDownload

https://fairsaturday.pulse.ly/2apzdou4vu

Supporting regional partnerships to drive growth

Empowering regions to make the decisions that are right for them

Regional economic partnerships can further boost local economies and support jobs across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.

In a speech to the Glasgow State of the City Economy Conference, the First Minister outlined proposed legislation – to be introduced in the next Parliament subject to the election outcome – that would help regional partnerships to unlock new powers and deliver on local priorities.

Speaking in Glasgow, the First Minister said: “Glasgow and Scotland are well placed to flourish in the years ahead.

“It is because we are so blessed that I am all the more determined to deliver on my government’s central economic mission: to increase the wealth and wellbeing our citizens by building a more productive, more dynamic, and more regionally balanced economy  driven by innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

“Therefore capable of achieving the governments aims of eradicating child poverty, enabling our transition to net zero and strengthening our public services, particularly the National Health Service.

“I want our regional partnerships like Glasgow City Region, to have the opportunity to expand their strategic capacities and role, with a package of additional devolved competencies available over time.

“On the table, powers such as skills, economic development and planning.

“That includes empowering Scotland’s regions because working in partnership with national government, it is our regions that are best placed to drive inclusive economic growth in a way that is both local and strategic.”

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Cllr Gail Macgregor said: “As we’ve made clear in our Manifesto, councils can make places thrive, investing in public spaces, transport systems and local economies.

“A place-based approach to policymaking is essential. Looking to the future, we are seeking to maximise the benefits that regional economies can realise, and the First Minister’s announcement today is a positive step in that journey.

“I particularly welcome the place-based flexibility and empowerment suggested, and look forward to working with partners to develop these proposals further.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow City Region is already one of the UK’s biggest collaborative success stories – but we need the backing of both our governments to truly empower us to unlock its extraordinary potential.

“I’m delighted that the First Minister has today recognised our region holds the country’s most compelling opportunity for inclusive economic growth, equity, innovation and transformation.

“His commitment puts the devolution of powers and resources to Scotland’s communities firmly on the national agenda – and Glasgow City Region is more than ready to lead the way.”