Almost £90,000 raised for Benedetti Foundation in charity gala at Mansfield Traquair

Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company within Sodexo Live! recently supported an unforgettable evening at Edinburgh’s Mansfield Traquair, where the Benedetti Foundation raised an impressive £88,555 during a special charity auction and gala dinner. 

Held on 29th October, the evening combined exquisite food, exceptional music and generous giving to support the Benedetti Foundation’s mission to bring the transformative power of music to people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Mansfield Traquair, often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel’ for its spectacular murals, provided the perfect setting for this celebration of music, education and philanthropy. The historic venue, located in the heart of the city, offered a magnificent backdrop for the Foundation to share its work, achievements and ambitions with friends, supporters and guests. 

Guests were treated to performances from Nicola Benedetti and the musicians currently touring with her, including Plínio Fernandes on guitar, Samuele Telari on accordion and Max Calver on cello. Andrea Gajic, one of the Benedetti Foundation’s Tutors also joined her on violin. Foundation Tutors and Ambassadors then joined Nicola onstage to showcase some of the talented musicians the Foundation supports.

Heritage Portfolio curated an elegant dinner menu showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine, featuring a starter of celeriac and turmeric velouté with a Mull cheddar crouté and rosemary oil.

The main course was roast loin of Highland venison with dauphinoise, candied red cabbage, broccoli and port wine jus. Dessert was an apple crumble and filo tart with cinnamon gel and clotted cream ice cream. 

A total of 106 guests attended the gala, with the auction led by Helena Newman, Chairman of both Sotheby’s Europe and Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide, whose expertise and enthusiasm helped to make the evening a great success. 

The highest bid of the night was for a three-night exclusive stay at Château de Pont Bourguet for up to twelve guests, which achieved a hammer price of £9,000. 

Heritage Portfolio contributed to the fundraising by donating a Champagne Afternoon Tea for two at the Signet Library’s Colonnades, offering a chance to enjoy handcrafted sweet and savoury creations in one of Edinburgh’s most elegant settings. 

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio, said: “Supporting the Benedetti Foundation with this fundraising gala was an opportunity to engage with a wonderful charity, and we were proud to host them within the beautiful space of the Mansfield Traquair.

“Heritage Portfolio created a menu that reflected the quality and creativity of the evening, delivering a dining experience worthy of such an inspiring cause in one of Edinburgh’s most breathtaking venues.” 

Paul Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive, The Benedetti Foundation said: “Mansfield Traquair was the perfect venue for our fundraising gala. The venue’s beauty, atmosphere and remarkable acoustics made it an ideal space for live performance and celebration.

“Every detail ran so smoothly thanks to the professionalism of the Heritage Portfolio team, allowing us to focus on sharing our mission and connecting with guests in a truly special setting.” 

Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live!, is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.

In Scotland, partners include Musselburgh Racecourse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  

For more information see  www.heritageportfolio.co.uk  

ELREC: Make Festive Bookmarks at Leith Library

TUESDAY 27th NOVEMBER from 4.30 – 7.30pm

#theconsiouslivingproject

Join ELREC at Leith Library ELREC, 28-30 Ferry Rd, for a festive bookmarks making workshop supported by Leith Chooses Grants!

We will be making bookmarks while enjoying tea, chats and making crafts 🎨🖌️🖍️

Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/conscious-leith-crafting…

Scotland prepares to boost cyber resilience as plans unveiled for CyberScotland Week 2026

CyberScotland Partnership launches flagship awareness week for 2026 amid evolving cyber threats

Businesses, organisations and community groups are being encouraged to host or sign up to an event as part of CyberScotland Week 2026, which will take place from 23 to 28 February 2026.

The launch of CyberScotland Week 2026 follows a sharp rise in high-profile cyber-attacks over the last year, including incidents affecting Marks and Spencer, the Co-Op and Jaguar Land Rover.

These attacks underline the growing threat posed by cyber-criminals to both large corporations and everyday consumers and highlight the urgent need for organisations of all sizes to strengthen their defences and prepare for potential disruption.

Now in its eighth year, the awareness week will once again bring audiences together from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen resilience and celebrate innovation in cyber security.

The theme for the 2026 event will still focus on “Can’t Hack it?!” and will highlight how everyone in Scotland – from individuals and families to small businesses and large organisations – can take simple, practical steps to improve their online safety and cyber resilience.

The newly published Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland: 2025-2030 highlights that as we embrace new and emerging technologies, government, organisations and the public must be acutely aware of the ever-evolving cyber threats and know how to manage them.

CyberScotland Week is coordinated by the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of key stakeholders brought together by the Scottish Government’s National Cyber Resilience Unit to promote awareness and build a stronger, safer digital Scotland.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “CyberScotland Week is a vital opportunity for organisations and communities to learn, connect and take practical steps to stay safe online.

“As our digital landscape evolves we need to be ready to respond to new challenges and emerging threats. CyberScotland Week 2026 highlights everyone – individuals, businesses and public bodies alike – plays a role in building a digitally secure and resilient Scotland.”

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS and Chair of CyberScotland Partnership, said: “CyberScotland Week is about starting conversations and taking action. From national agencies and universities to small businesses and community groups, everyone has something to contribute to our collective resilience.

“Whether you’re sharing top tips with staff, hosting a training session or running a local event, every effort helps make Scotland more secure online.”

Organisations, community groups and individuals across Scotland are encouraged to host an event of any size during CyberScotland Week 2026. Events could include workshops, awareness sessions, school activities, webinars, or community drop-ins – anything that helps build awareness of cyber security and practical resilience.

To find out more or to register your event, visit the CyberScotland website: 

https://www.cyberscotland.com/cyberscotlandweek/

Remembering your child

Join us for the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People’s Memorial Service on Sunday 30 November.

Doors open 14:15 at Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Edinburgh.

A gentle space for reflection, open to all. Refreshments provided.

Details: https://children.nhslothian.scot/memorial/

Memorial Book

A Memorial Book is kept in the Sanctuary at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. If you would like to have a page created in memory of your child, please contact the Chaplain or Spiritual Care team. Please also feel free to get in touch if you would like to know more about emotional and bereavement support for families.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary offers space for quiet reflection, prayer or meditation with access to a landscaped courtyard which has a labyrinth of large stones. The Sanctuary can be found on the ground floor of the RHCYP, next to Castle Mey Ward. Ritual washing facilities are available.

For more information visit the spiritual care page.

Memorial Service

There is an annual Memorial Service to remember children who have died, held in Edinburgh on the last Sunday in November every year. You are welcome to attend with family and friends of all ages.

Spiritual Care Support

Chaplains are available to offer support to people of any faith or no faith who have experienced the death of a child. Get in touch by telephone or by e-mail:

@LothianChildren

Harnessing data and technology to revolutionise public services

First Minister: “Scotland ready for new phase of digital innovation”

Scotland is taking a major step towards becoming a digital-first nation with plans to join public services together through a digital platform, First Minister John Swinney has said.

The Scottish Government is building technical infrastructure to lay the groundwork for innovations to connect people and public services.

This foundation will support the launch of a new app in 2026 to help people access personalised public services more easily. The app will initially provide alerts on weather and travel disruption, followed by digital proof of age, with further functionality expanded over time.

This announcement follows the publication of the updated National Digital Strategy earlier this week, which aims to deliver sustainable public services and create better opportunities for the people of Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Digital technology is already growing our economy and transforming lives for the better. Scotland is ready to enter a new phase of digital innovation and become a digital-first nation.

“While the corporate world has led the way in making our lives easier through digital technology, my ambition is for digital delivery in the public sector to match the very best of the private sector, in a way that is inclusive for all.

“Innovation will help make public services more efficient, resilient and accessible – while ensuring privacy and security.

“From harnessing data-sharing to help tackle child poverty, to using innovation to support health diagnoses, the potential of technology to improve services and benefit lives stretches across all areas of the public sector. Building this technical foundation will help us develop new ways to grow the economy, end child poverty, improve public services and tackle the climate emergency.”

The Scottish Government is working with tech consultancy Netcompany on this project. Thomas Rysgaard Christiansen, Partner at Netcompany said: “By building the new digital communication infrastructure on our AMI platform, Scotland will benefit from proven technology and domain expertise already applied across Europe.

“Based on re-useable components tailored to local needs, the platform ensures both speed and security in delivery. This approach accelerates Scotland’s digital journey and demonstrates both the scalability and adaptability of our solution to meet varying country-specific needs.

“This is a significant opportunity to help nations digitalise their critical infrastructure and create real value for citizens.” 

Roadmap to Scotland’s digital future – gov.scot

Scotland Star Takes Aim at the Stigma Around Kids Wearing Goggles in Football

Aston Villa and Scotland star John McGinn is calling for greater awareness and acceptance of children who wear glasses or protective goggles whilst playing football – inspired by his young nephew, Jack. 

McGinn’s now-famous ‘goggles celebration’ began as a personal gesture of support for Jack, who was found to have poor eyesight at the age of four and needs to wear glasses daily, and goggles to play football. 

‘Jack is my first-born nephew, and he was really upset when he had his eyes tested at first,’ McGinn explains. 

‘He didn’t want to be different from the others,’ says John. ‘As a wee bit of support, I said I’d do the goggles celebration. I didn’t manage to score at the Euros, so the first time I did it was a few months later for Aston Villa. He was absolutely over the moon.’ 

What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger – a movement helping children around the world feel confident wearing their glasses or goggles with pride. 

John – who has just renegotiated his contract with Aston Villa until 2028 – believes playing in the English Premier League has given the celebration a global platform, raising awareness that eyesight challenges shouldn’t prevent children from enjoying sport. 

‘My celebration gave Jack so much confidence to wear the goggles,” John explains. “He now plays for a little club called Glenvale and all his teammates know Jack is the reason why I do the celebration. 

‘It makes him more comfortable to wear them – and for all children with eyesight issues, you shouldn’t be made to feel different.’ 

McGinn says he has been overwhelmed by the global response from parents and young players, receiving messages from across the world thanking him for raising awareness. 

‘I think it’s amazing, I love being able to be a positive role model. Having an impact on so many kids around the world is a huge reason and motivation to do it. For me, it’s a huge part of my game now and something I’ll keep doing for the rest of my career,’ John adds. 

Super John McGinn also highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to protective eyewear in sport. 

‘The risk of a ball hitting a child wearing glasses is huge. Goggles protect their eyes, and with the technology available now, there’s no reason any child should feel uncomfortable wearing them. It’s about safety, comfort, and enjoyment,’ McGinn explains. 

The 31-year-old hopes he can encourage parents to have their children’s eyesight checked regularly – and that more players will help normalise goggles on the pitch. 

He explains that good eyesight is essential in football – being able to see a defender in your peripheral vision or spot a teammate making a run can be the difference in a game. 

‘It’s great to see players like Andrew Tod in the Scottish Championship wearing goggles and doing their own celebration. There should be more positive messages around glasses and goggles,’ says McGinn. 

Jenny Stephenson, chairperson for Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘John’s story is an inspiration to children across the world, and the very reason Specsavers works so closely with the Scottish FA – it underpins everything we do as opticians.’ 

Specsavers is supporting young athletes by offering a discount on prescription sports goggles for club players under the age of 18. The initiative aims to promote safety and confidence by offering 10 percent off goggles. 

Jenny continues: ‘The new sports goggles campaign is about more than vision – it’s about confidence and inclusion. We want young players and their parents to see sports goggles as a normal, affordable and essential part of the game, so no child ever feels held back from playing the sport they love. 

‘Parents can be reassured by Specsavers’ care and expertise, while players can focus on performance – knowing their eyewear is safe, durable and designed for the demands of football.’ 

John concludes: ‘I would encourage everyone to make sure they’re getting their eyes tested as frequently as possible. The earlier you find out about any issues the better.  

‘Hopefully one day Jack’s out there playing at Hampden for Scotland wearing the goggles – that would be the McGinn legacy.’ 

Edinburgh’s Scottish Thistle Awards national winners toast tourism triumph

A life-saving conference, climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, and a trailblazing up-and-comer have been crowned Scotland’s best at the country’s top tourism and events industry awards.

Attractions, events and individuals from the city received awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow last night (20 November).

After triumphing at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards last month, finalists competed against their peers for a coveted national trophy and earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.

Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.

National winners from across the Capital are:

The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 at EICC which won Best Business Event. 

The conference welcomed over 1,600 delegates from across the globe in November 2024. It brought world leaders in science and healthcare to Scotland, the event advanced research, innovation, and collaboration in tackling HPV and related cancers. 

By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates in schools and communities, its impact extended far beyond the conference centre. Leaving a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses, save lives, and inspire future progress.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive, EICC, said: “Winning the Best Business Event Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a tremendous honour.

“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor.

“By increasing HPV awareness and vaccination uptake, its legacy reaches into communities across the globe, a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses and save lives.

“This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.”

Edinburgh Zoo, who took home the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.

Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.

Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife. 

“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”

Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV. The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.

Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.

As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools’ programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.

Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours – based in Edinburgh.

Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.

He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.

Hugh said: “As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.

“The strong showing from Edinburgh is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the city’s tourism sector.

“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland. 

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include Central and East, the West of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.

This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.

For a full list of winners, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Victims of the infected blood disaster to feature in new Scottish Parliament exhibit

The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.

Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.

It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.

The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.

Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.

She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.

Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.

Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.

The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.

Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.

“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”

Jryna Batters said: “The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.

“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”

Bruce Norval said: “I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.

“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.

“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.

“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.

“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”

Bill Wright OBE said: “The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.

“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.

“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

Insta | FB | Tiktok @edinburghchristmas  

#edinburghchristmas 

The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.

The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott. 

Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. 

From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing! 

The line-up features: 

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

St Andrew’s Day Storytelling for children at LifeCare

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER at 11am – FREE EVENT

LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.

The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.

This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.

No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB

We can’t wait to welcome you!