Meeting to support Mossmoran workers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is to host a summit following a visit to the Exxon Mobil plant at Mosmorran with Scottish Enterprise’s Chief Executive, Adrian Gillespie, on Tuesday.

This visit and summit follows the Deputy First Minister’s announcement to the Scottish Parliament last week that she will convene a taskforce with Scottish Enterprise

Hundreds of staff have been told that their jobs are at risk as the petrochemical company prepares to close part of the site in February.

The Deputy Fist Minister has already called for the UK Government to take urgent action as ExxonMobil has been clear in its announcement that the current economic and policy environment does not create a competitive future for its site.

The summit will be an opportunity to explore how to ensure everything possible is being done to support workers and secure a future for the site.

Invited to the summit will be unions GMB and Unite, the site owners ExxonMobil, Scottish Enterprise, the UK Government, Fife Council, Fife College, the Scottish National Investment Bank and local MSPs.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Our immediate priority is to explore way to retain employment at the site and support the workforce through this period of uncertainty. 

“I look forward to visiting the site and engaging with workforce representatives and the company. The Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise will join me, so that we can move at pace to explore new investment opportunities.

“Last week, I informed the Scottish Parliament that I would convene a task force to consider new opportunities for the Mossmorran site and to prioritise the workforce. Since then I have engaged extensively with the Unions and Scottish Enterprise.

“I will announce further information about the taskforce imminently. 

“In the meantime, this summit will bring together all the key stakeholders and I am keen that we consider every possible option to support the workforce at this distressing time. 

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are committed to doing all we can to support the people impacted by this and to ensure we do not lose the vital skills base of the Mossmorran workforce in Fife.”

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser, said: “Every possible option to protect the future of this plant must be on the table on Tuesday and  pursued with absolute urgency. 

“Everyone involved in these discussions must share our commitment and determination to protect these workers’ jobs and safeguard their communities in every way possible. 

“Scotland cannot afford to lose the jobs, skills and industrial capability of Mossmorran and these talks must recognise that and then quickly deliver effective action.”

Cliff Bowen of Unite, said: “Unite the Union welcomes this important intervention by the Deputy First Minister to convene a summit to tackle the issues arising as a result of ExxonMobil’s decision to close the Fife Ethylene Plant.

“Both Governments now must take decisive action to support the workforce that mitigate, and hopefully prevent, the consequences of this decision. Unite members need the support of all parties to secure their future.”

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the Season of Giving

Launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects

Three in five adults in the UK received an unwanted gift last Christmas. That equates to around 31 million unnecessary presents, many of which ended up in landfill. In a bid to simultaneously put a stop to this staggering seasonal waste and to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet, one local Community Interest Company is launching a brand-new Re-Gifting Tree project.

Commencing on Monday 17th November, all Leith Collective stores across Scotland will feature a Christmas tree adorned with gift tags. Each tag will bear the name of a gift, from a children’s book or a warm scarf to a box of chocolates or toiletries set.

Visitors to the store can take a tag and drop off the corresponding gift at the store, where they will be collected and distributed to those in need this Christmas. Crucially, the emphasis of this project is on re-gifting good quality, unopened presents, rather than encouraging people to purchase new items.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the Re-Gifting Tree project, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “We live in such a divided society where some people are literally throwing away unwanted presents while many others are struggling to afford basic essentials such as heating and food, let alone Christmas presents.

“By launching our Re-Gifting Tree project, we hope to keep as many unwanted presents as possible out of landfill and instead direct them to people who will truly appreciate them.”

Monday 17th November also saw the welcome return of The Leith Collective’s popular Christmas Tree Exchange project.

Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to struggling families whose budgets can’t stretch to non-essentials such as festive trimmings.

Commenting on the return of the Christmas Tree Exchange, Sara added; “We need to pull together as a community because everyone deserves to enjoy the sparkle and magic of waking up to a Christmas tree with a present beneath it.”

Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Livingston Designer Outlet, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.

Soundhouse Winter Festival Kicks off next week 

Dates: Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December 2025 

www.soundhousewinterfest.com 

There is just one week to go before the Soundhouse Winter Festival kicks off in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

The Festival Programme is packed with big names and up and coming bands from across Scotland including 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; experimental folk band Constant Follower who were longlisted for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; and guitarist Chris Amer and his Sextet (Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Stephen Henderson and Mhairi Marwick) performing music from their new collection Making Peace With What Is. 

The festival’s programme also includes early evening concerts with harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks from her forthcoming album, who will be joined by Toni McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.

Also performing will be multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with Fergus McCreadie (keys) and Corrie Dick (drums); and jazz saxophonist Rachel Duns whose music ranges from blues and soul, to the psychedelic sounds of the 1960s. 

In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performed by Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet led by Fiona Winning on viola with Tom Hanky (violin), George Smith (violin), and Robert Irvine (cello).

Graeme will also be giving a non-participatory masterclass in Developing Concepts for Composition, Improvisation and Practice, for learners to explore creative ways to turn their ideas into compositions.

Milele Collective who will perform as part of this year’s Spotlight concert. This young five-piece includes Alex Handyside (guitar), Zoe Downs (saxophone), bass player Ashwari Panesar, Finlay Mayers-Porras (drums) and Laura Oghagbon (vocals). 

Over the weekend, audiences will also be treated to an afternoon concert from Scottish/Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters who rose to stardom after their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts.

Plus, three emerging artists playing in this year’s Spotlight concert, showcasing the very best up and coming jazz musicians in Scotland.

They include the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves; guitarist and double bass player Timmy Allan who won the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2024 and this year’s Alan McAuley Jazz Award; and The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Roan Anderson on drums. 

In addition, cellist and improvisor Simone Seales will be giving an Improvisation Workshop for beginners on how to make sound without musical notation, open to amateur or experienced instrumentalists, vocalists or musicians from any other discipline.  

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “After last year’s multi-genre celebration of the Scottish music scene, we are delighted to be back for our second annual Soundhouse Winter Festival.

“We’ll be presenting jazz, pop, rap, classical, soul, funk, folk, trad, and many points where those categories intersect. It will be heartwarming, life affirming and a great antidote to the November blues.

“We extend a warm welcome to all: come and be part of Edinburgh’s great music-loving community.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The closes and wynds of the capital are about to come alive as the Soundhouse Winter Festival returns to Edinburgh with another excellent array of rising stars and familiar faces.

“This compact and perfectly curated programme offers plenty of opportunities to discover new talent across an extended weekend in November, with must-see gigs each and every day.

“Organised by the same people as Edinburgh’s rejuvenated Tradfest, the quality of music is guaranteed to be top-level, with something to suit all tastes.” 

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

Man found guilty of serious sexual assault in Princes Street Gardens

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (19 November 2025), a man was found guilty of a serious sexual assault.

James Leckie, 27, was convicted of assaulting and raping a 16-year-old female in Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 16 September, 2023.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “We strongly condemn Leckie’s actions, which caused profound trauma to this young female during this abhorrent crime. Our thoughts are with her, and we hope this conviction offers her some measure of justice.

“We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, and no matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”

Could this small Scottish community lead the way in clean energy engagement?

East Lammermuir’s Pioneering Approach to Energy Projects

Believed to be the UK’s first Energy Projects Partnership Manager, a pioneering initiative in East Lothian is helping the transition to clean energy.

Up to 14 new electricity infrastructure projects are proposed for the East Lammermuir area, and the local community wanted to ensure that, once all new infrastructure is built and operational, the area is left better than it is today. At the same time, some of the developers in the region recognised the need for a more joined-up way of working. As a result, East Lammermuir is at the forefront of a new approach to community engagement. 

Co-ordinating this effort is the Energy Projects Partnership Manager, a unique role  helping balance the needs of the environment, local residents, East Lothian Council, and the many energy developers working in the area. It’s an approach that could shape how other communities and energy companies can work better together in the future.

Energy Projects Partnership Manager Beth Landon has just marked her first six months in post. Beth operates as a bridge between developers, residents, and East Lothian Council, helping all parties navigate competing priorities and complex plans.

Beth said: “For the communities where these developments are taking place, the pace and complexity of change can be challenging. And where multiple projects are happening at once, communities can struggle to stay informed and engaged.

“The construction of substations, grid connections, wind farms, and transmission lines can feel overwhelming, even when residents support the principle of a greener future. As the much-needed transition to clean energy grows, it is vital we learn lessons from the past, bringing communities and developers together early on with an agreed, collaborative approach. 

“I was attracted to this role because I saw an intention for all the partners to combine forces behind the implementation of a community-led vision for East Lammermuir, one in which the community is an equal partner and has genuine agency, which is articulated in their Local Place Plan.

“The potential to carve out a new approach together is incredibly exciting and I feel extremely privileged to be working alongside such a visionary community.”

The post is funded by SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and SSE Renewables, and supported by a wider steering group of energy businesses, East Lothian Council and chaired by East Lammermuir Community Council. 

Beth’s role is hosted and supported by Foundation Scotland, an independent charity already familiar with the area and trusted by local partners, offering both independence and expertise. Foundation Scotland worked with the steering group to develop Beth’s role, and as host, provides her with access to a broad national network of those who work on community benefit and other citizen-led funding models. 

Chris Bruce, Chair of the local Community Council said: “The pace of change proposed in East Lammermuir has heaped lots of additional work on the eight members of the community council.

“Whilst we have tried to step up as volunteers and respond as best we can, having a reliable, almost full-time person working constantly has made a huge difference to what we can achieve in trying to make the best of the unavoidable developments that are happening around us.”

Since starting in post, Beth has made significant progress in building relationships with local residents and ensuring that communication around the various energy projects is clear, timely, and accessible.

Engagement is improving with key local forums such as the Traffic and Biodiversity Groups which play a vital role in connecting community priorities with developer plans. Beth has also supported the Community Council in developing a strategy for managing incoming community benefit funds, ensuring that local investment reflects long-term aspirations. 

Residents from the Community Traffic and Travel forum said: “In just six months, Beth’s calm and purposeful approach has transformed a community frantically battling with a complex tangle of energy development projects and proposals into a well-coordinated programme.

“Beth is an invaluable single point of contact holding regular meaningful meetings with developers and the community alike. Beth provides clear and timely updates that allow the East Lammermuir community to feel that they have a voice that gets heard.  We are moving from firefighting to clear communication management and forward-planning of community benefit projects.”

There is already growing interest in and recognition of East Lammermuir’s model. In a national landscape where energy developments are expanding fast and public trust can be fragile, this small East Lothian community has shown that there is another way forward – one built on dialogue, partnership, transparency, and respect – quietly shaping how communities and industry can work together to power a fairer, greener future.

Shona Robison: “Scotland must not be left as an afterthought yet again in the UK Budget”

Finance Secretary sets out UK Budget hopes

The UK Government must invest in public services, support economic growth and take action on the cost of living, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Ahead of the UK Budget on Wednesday 26 November, Ms Robison is calling on the Chancellor to:

  • deliver more funding for Scotland’s public services, infrastructure, and cost of living support – including actions to lower household energy bills
  • ensure that any major taxation choices do not see Scotland losing out on vital funding
  • completely reform the Energy Profits Levy and replace it with a sustainable system, to support jobs and investment across Scotland’s energy sector

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The UK Budget process has been chaotic and mired in damaging uncertainty. It is disappointing that neither the Prime Minister nor the Chancellor were able to meet with the First Minister in London this week.

“Given the limited time to consider the implications of any major policy changes between the UK Budget and the Scottish Budget on 13 January, this lack of engagement is a particular concern.

“Last year, the UK Government increased employer National Insurance contributions without any consultation, which led to a funding shortfall of around £400 million for public services in Scotland and acts as a tax on jobs.  We cannot see a repeat this year.

“We need to see a change of course from the Chancellor – with investment in public services and infrastructure, which supports industry and jobs and delivers support on the cost of living challenges people across Scotland are facing.

“Energy bills in particular are a source of real worry for people this winter.  While the UK Government promised to cut energy bills by £300, they have actually risen by almost £200 – so this Budget must provide some relief for households who are struggling.

“The UK Government must also listen to industry concerns around the Energy Profits Levy. This was always supposed to be a temporary measure and it is now affecting investment and jobs in Scotland.

“The UK Government needs to set out how a stable and long-term fiscal regime will be used to treat the offshore energy sector fairly, alongside other parts of the UK economy, and deliver business and investor certainty.

“Scotland must not be left as an afterthought yet again in the UK Budget.”

The 2026-27 Scottish Budget will be published by the Finance Secretary on 13 January.

Christmas arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

VISITORS to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season. 

This year marks 100 years since King George V first opened the grand State Apartments to the public, providing the opportunity for visitors to explore the suite of 17th-century rooms in the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.

This festive period, visitors will see two majestic 12-foot-high Christmas trees decorating the atmospheric wood-panelled Throne Room, their branches adorned with sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights, alongside dramatic mantle garlands above the fireplace.

In the Great Gallery, the longest room in the Palace where grand balls were once held, a 15-foot-high Nordmann fir tree features glass ornaments echoing the room’s glittering chandeliers. This Christmas, visitors can take photographs in front of the tree as a special memento of their visit – usually photography inside the Palace is not permitted.

In the Royal Dining Room, first used as a dining room by Queen Victoria, the table is laid with a silver service, sugared fruits and seasonal foliage.

Further highlights include garlands decorating the stone arches in the Quadrangle and adorning the Great Stair.

As part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the royal residences, £1 tickets are available for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Further concessions, including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds, are also available.

The income from visitor admissions and purchases contributes to the care and conservation of the Royal Collection and helps Royal Collection Trust to share it with everyone, wherever they are.

Winter Exclusive Guided Tours

November and December

On select dates in November and December, exclusive guided tours of the State Apartments will reveal the magic of the Palace when it is closed to other visitors.

Festive Events

Carols at the Palace, 9 and 10 December

Over two evenings, visitors will experience the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert of carols in the Great Gallery. Each evening will conclude with a glass of wine and mince pies.

Christmas Activity Day, 13 December

The Palace will host a Christmas activity day with arts and crafts activities and a festive music performance for all the family to enjoy.

Deck the Halls seeks Christmas memories from Edinburgh residents

Event puts nation’s Christmas memories on display at SEC

As Christmas approaches, highly anticipated Christmas fair, Deck the Halls, is inviting Edinburgh residents to share their most cherished festive memories to be showcased on special ‘memories trees’ at the SEC this November.

The memories trees will be a unique nostalgic feature at the event, showcasing cherished Christmas memories from across Scotland. Visitors can explore the displays and reflect on past festive traditions while making new memories at the show.

Memories already submitted for the trees paint a vivid picture of Scottish festivities, including the magic of ice skating at George Square, the thrill of an annual Christmas pantomime, or finding the perfect gift at one of Scotland’s famous Christmas markets.

Deck the Halls is on a mission to collect as many of these heartfelt anecdotes as possible to create a truly immersive and heartwarming display for attendees to enjoy.

Attending the event from Edinburgh are local businesses: Ana Herranz Jewellery; Birlinn; Edinburgh Illustrations; Helen Chatterton Textiles; Made Scotland; Silver Sparrow Jewellery; The Spirit of the Hebrides Upholstery; Victoria Rose Ball; and Woolkind.

In-line with the event’s focus on celebrating Scottish traditions, the memories trees themselves have been supplied by Duff Christmas Tree Farm, one of Scotland’s leading growers.

A family-run business in Stirlingshire with more than 35 years of expertise, Duff Trees provides over 40,000 premium Nordman Fir, Fraser Fir and Norway Spruce trees each year. Their locally grown evergreens will take pride of place at Deck the Halls, forming the centrepiece of the memories trees display and bringing a touch of local craft and festive warmth to the show.

A premium Christmas shopping experience

Running from 28-30 November 2025, Deck the Halls promises to be an upmarket, curated Christmas shopping experience unlike any other. The event will feature over 100 handpicked exhibitors, offering everything from artisan food and drink and unique handcrafted gifts to interactive festive workshops. It’s the perfect destination for visitors seeking to find luxurious, distinctive gifts and embrace the festive spirit in style.

The event marks the exciting launch of the first consumer fair from Springboard Events, a company with 17 years of experience running successful trade shows in Scotland. Deck the Halls is poised to become an unmissable highlight of Glasgow’s 2025 festive calendar.

Speaking about the event and the community focus of the Memories Tree, Springboard Events’ Managing Director, Mark Saunders said: “Deck the Halls promises to be a stunning new addition to Glasgow’s festive calendar, offering a truly upmarket shopping experience alongside unique features.

“The memories tree in particular will be a beautiful display of Scottish Christmas nostalgia, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful festive moments submitted by the community.”

We have an easy way to submit memories here – https://forms.gle/9tn9MJ3rNQnjjH677

Tickets are on sale now from £14 when booked in advance, or £16 on the door.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.deckthehallsshow.com. 

Facebook: /deck-the-halls-show

Instagram: @deckthehallsshow

Culture spending uplift helps sector stability, but may not be driving improved outcomes

Increased Scottish Government investment in culture has had a “positive impact” on confidence and stability in the sector but extra funding may to some degree be being used to help meet ongoing financial pressures, rather than necessarily generating improved cultural outcomes, according to a new report from Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

In a report published yesterday, the Committee recognises that “despite this welcome investment” the sector continues to face significant financial pressures, including increased employment costs such as employer National Insurance contributions, the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and Fair Work commitments.

In its report, published ahead of the Budget announcement in January, the Committee also shares concerns raised by arts and culture organisations that the Scottish Government funding increase may be being offset by funding reductions by local government.

Reiterating concerns

Throughout its pre-budget scrutiny, the Committee has considered evidence and the response of the Scottish Government, over the whole period of this session of Parliament, in order to build a longer-term view of culture funding decisions.

In its report, MSPs ask the Scottish Government to explain why it has not delivered 3-year funding settlements for the organisations it funds directly, despite a commitment in 2021 to do so.

That is one of a number of areas where the Committee is seeking clarity from the Scottish Government on the progress made in the last five years. Others include; a lack of strategic clarity in funding decisions and progress on collaboration with other Cabinet Secretaries to move forward on cross-portfolio working on funding for culture.

It also calls for details on progress made on a recommendation first given in 2022, that the Scottish Government urgently works towards alternative funding models for the sector, as well as for an urgent update on the establishment of a ‘Percentage for the Arts’ scheme and details as to what it would look like in practice.

The initiative was confirmed to be in its “initial stages” in 2022, but despite commitments to do so, the Scottish Government has not provided any further details to the Committee on the establishment of the scheme.

“Acute” skills shortage and infrastructure challenges

Further concerns raised in the report include a lack of skilled staff to maintain Scotland’s historic environment sector, with the Committee asking the Scottish Government how it is responding to this “acute” skills shortage.

It also asks key questions about whether the upcoming Spending Review will include plans to support the refurbishment, retrofitting and upkeep of cultural assets, as well as how the “substantial capital investment” required in the culture and heritage sector will be addressed to meet climate change and net zero ambitions.

Committee convener Clare Adamson said: “The Committee acknowledges the encouraging effect of the government’s pledge to boost funding for the culture sector, which has helped foster greater confidence and stability.

“Nonetheless, persistent financial challenges continue to pose serious difficulties for heritage and cultural organisations.

“We have listened carefully to the voices of those shaping and supporting Scotland’s cultural life and are mindful of the challenging economic context in which increased support has been made available.

“Our report outlines a series of recommendations for the Scottish Government.”

SP-culture-funding-reportDownload

St Columba’s Hospice Care: Light Up a Life appeal

Scottish Hospices are facing a severe funding crisis, with an estimated £16million shortfall across the country.

Many are preparing to cut essential services. We are determined not to let that happen here, but we can’t do it alone.

Your donation to our Light up a Life appeal goes directly towards essential care for local families, it keeps a nurse at a bedside, it helps bring comfort to a family at Christmas and it protects the care our community depends on. Help us keep this vital support shining.

Dedicate a light today at https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/sup…/light-up-a-life-2025