The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 206 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Support for workplace learning

Strengthening skills development

Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered by trade unions.

The latest round of the Scottish Government’s Union Learning Fund will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to the steel industry.

Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow, access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City Building.

A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.

Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.

“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest commitment builds on more than £30 million which we have provided to date.”

Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital assistance in upskilling Scotland’s workers.

“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning, helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting dynamics within the workplace.

The world of work is changing. Scotland’s workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges and broaden their horizons.

“The learning and development the trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.”

Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.

16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:

UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in social care, schools and across public services, with particular initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and Islands.
Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing redundancy and those in precarious employment, including initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and Islands.
Community – To support skills development for workers in diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial change.

Be a Garden Guide at the Botanics

Become a Garden Guide at the Botanics!

For the first time in years, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead tours at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

If you love horticulture, enjoy meeting people from around the world, and have a passion for storytelling, we’d love to hear from you.

Our popular guided tours run twice a day from April to October. No formal experience is required and full training will be provided.

Apply by 12pm on Monday 1 December:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

Free face-to-face energy support comes to North Edinburgh

Nearly a third of people still don’t seek help when struggling with bills

Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)

In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting.

“Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).

It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter.

“We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The next drop-in events are taking place in North Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at the Resource Centre on Pennywell Road on Tuesday 18^th & Wednesday 19^th of November from 10am – 2pm.

Sarah Boyack leads Holyrood debate calling for more support for Tourette’s

Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack has called for more support for those with Tourette’s as she led a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Thursday.

Ms Boyack used her speech to highlight the struggles her constituents, with Tourette’s, have faced in the education system and beyond as part of a wider campaign to ensure better awareness around the condition.

The debate came after Ms Boyack lodged a parliamentary motion calling for more Tourette’s support and training in the education system, at Holyrood.

The motion gained cross-party support from every major Holyrood party.

The debate was watched from the public gallery by people from the Tourette’s community.

As part of her speech, Ms Boyack highlighted the incredible barriers faced by children with Tourette’s in the education system, including a lack of support and understanding from schools.

She called for the Scottish Government to work with Tourette’s Scotland to establish a national plan, increase funding, support and awareness across education, health settings and the wider public.

The debate comes after the newly released film, I Swear, which follows the novel by the inspiring John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s awareness from the Borders which has exposed the issue to a wider audience.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Boyack commented: “I was honoured to lead this debate on such an important topic.

“Speaking to constituents and watching I Swear, I have heard about how much of a struggle Tourette’s can be.

“I hope this debate can help deliver the change we require to ensure Tourette’s is not a barrier to a quality life.

“The time for the Scottish Government to act is now – I am eager to work with Ministers and achieve the change we desperately need.”

Glow Under The Sea at Edinburgh Zoo as the Giant Lanterns Trail Opens

A dazzling maze of light, colour and imagination lit up Edinburgh Zoo on Thursday (13 November) as Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns officially opened.

As dusk fell, the trail, which has made its glowing return after six years, came to life with towering illuminated sculptures and intricate light displays.

This year’s interactive under the sea experience takes the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) visitors on a luminous journey into the deep, featuring marine wildlife, legendary sea creatures and ocean mysteries. All brought to life by more than 600 hand crafted lanterns, some standing at an impressive 20 feet high.

Open to visitors from now until February 22 2006, the interactive trail includes an enormous 14 meter whale for visitors to walk through, a giant crab and a journey through Atlantis. Over 12,000 LED bulbs light the trail which was created in just three months by Inlight Festival Group (the Zigong Lantern Company).

Locally inspired scenes feature iconic and lesser-known native Scottish species, from the much-loved puffins to the critically endangered flapper skate, one of the world’s largest rays and a focus of RZSS’s conservation efforts.

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said: “After a six-year hiatus we are so pleased to bring back Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before!”

Along the route, visitors can enjoy festive treats such as toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and other seasonal favourites.

Tickets for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns are on sale now from their website edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns.

Ticket prices vary for off-peak, standard and peak nights. Entry is open from 4:45pm with the last entry at 7:30pm.

The VIP package ticket includes a full day of zoo access, an evening meal and direct access to the lantern trail.

Last chance to have your say as Tram Route consultation closes on Monday

ROSEBURN PATH OR ORCHARD BRAE?

A major public consultation on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network closes on Monday (17 November). The consultation began on 25 August and ran for 12 weeks.

The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.

A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.

This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.

The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:

Granton to the city centre:

From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.

For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.

It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.

For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.

This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.

In February 2024, the Roseburn Path was initially identified as the preferred route, however Transport and Environment Committee instructed that the consultation should present objectively the pros and cons of both the Roseburn and Orchard Brae routes.

It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.

The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.

City centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary:

The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.

The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Potential extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian:

We’re working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.

This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).

Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.

Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.

We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.

“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.

“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.

“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.

“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.

“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”

The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.

Residents can give their views until Monday 17 November online on our Consultation Hub.

The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.

£600,000 humanitarian aid for the Occupied Palestinian Territories

UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding

UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding announced by First Minister John Swinney in September, as part of a package of measures in relation to the crisis in Gaza
the funding will support the delivery of life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.

The UNOCHA fund helps to coordinate the humanitarian response by international and national organisations to those in the affected areas.

Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said: “Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship.

“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter.

“I am also pleased to report that following a request from UNICEF, 10 child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland.

“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”

The First Minister announcement of a package of measures in response to the crisis in Gaza – Support for defence companies involved in Israel halted – gov.scot

Ukrainian creativity lights up Holyrood in landmark cultural celebration

THE LIGHT WE SHARE: UKRAINIANS ENRICHING SCOTLAND

The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament came alive last night with The Light We Share: Ukrainians Enriching Scotland, a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community (writes ZHENYA DOVE).

The event brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, artists, and members of the Ukrainian community to celebrate the profound cultural impact Ukrainians continue to make across Scotland.

Over the past few years, Ukrainian creatives have become a visible part of Scotland’s cultural scene. Ukrainian artists have exhibited work at the V&A Dundee, Ukrainian performers have taken the stage at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and performances have brought new energy to the Edinburgh Fringe and other Scottish festivals.

Hosted by Colin Beattie MSP, with addresses from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities of Scotland, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group, the evening showcased how art and creativity can transcend hardship, uniting communities through shared expression.

In her remarks, Kaukab Stewart MSP reflected on the deepening relationship between the two nations: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which Ukrainians are both enriching Scotland’s culture and sharing in our heritage as well.

“The people of Ukraine have become interwoven in Scotland’s story. We now have a shared history that will shape both nations for many generations to come.”

Colin Beattie MSP, who sponsored the event, said: “It’s an honour to sponsor such a landmark event – a moment to celebrate how Ukrainians who sought refuge from war are now shaping and enriching the cultural life of Scotland.”

Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, speaking on behalf of his nation, conveyed his sincere appreciation: “On behalf of Ukraine, I extend my deep gratitude to our Scottish friends for your solidarity, for your warmth and support.

“May this evening strengthen our friendship and inspire us to continue standing together – for culture, for freedom, and for our bright future.”

Zhenya Dove closed the evening with words of gratitude and hope: “Creativity doesn’t just survive the hardest journeys; it transforms them.

“It turns rubble into stages and loss into light. That light, the one that refuses to go out, that’s the Ukrainian spirit. And tonight, it shines here with us.”

The event featured a live performance by students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a cultural showcase curated by the Museum of Ukrainian Craft and Culture Scotland, highlighting the remarkable ways in which Ukrainian artists, educators, and communities have enriched Scottish cultural life.

The event was attended by over 160 guests, including MSPs, members of the Consular Corps, cultural leaders, and representatives from key Scottish and Ukrainian organisations.

Among the distinguished attendees were Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Science and Technology, representatives from the Consulates of China, Japan, Poland, Romania, Germany, Austria and Turkey, as well as leaders from the British Council, Baillie Gifford, Wheatley Foundation, EVOC, the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Museums and Galleries Scotland.

Scotland’s Abortion Law Review

Publication of independent expert group report

An independent report by an expert group set up to review the current law on abortion in Scotland has been published today.

The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned following a Programme for Government commitment for 2023 -24 to independently review the existing law and ensure that abortion services are safe and treated first and foremost as a healthcare matter for women.

The group was chaired by Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion Professor Anna Glasier and brought together lawyers, clinicians, academics, and representatives of women’s organisations to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience were heard. Their work considered current clinical practice, international examples, academic research, and a wide range of stakeholder views from across Scotland.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Professor Glasier and all the members of the Expert Group for their work and for their robust consideration of current clinical practice and research.

“I also welcome the time they have taken to consider a broad range of views from stakeholders across Scotland.

“It is right that we continue to ensure that abortion is treated as a healthcare matter and that women are supported to access safe and timely abortion services.

“The recommendations within the report represent the views of the Expert Group – it is only one part of this review process, and the Scottish Government will now begin its own period of evidence gathering and engagement with a range of stakeholders. We will take time to carefully consider all the findings and respond in due course.”

Chair and Expert Group Professor Anna Glasier said: “I am extremely pleased to see that the Expert Group’s report on the law on abortion has been published today. The Group worked incredibly hard, and benefitted greatly from the input and expertise of a wide range of stakeholders, to develop evidence-based, balanced recommendations.

“The report demonstrates the Group’s view that it is time for an abortion law that reflects the reality of current clinical practice where abortions are safely provided in the best interests of women.

“It is now for the Scottish Government to consider these recommendations and carry out the further engagement required to come to a decision on legislative proposals. I look forward to hearing the Government’s views in due course.”

Today, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) welcomes the publication of an independent report by the expert group established to review Scotland’s abortion law.

The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned as part of the Scottish Government’s 2023–24 Programme for Government to undertake an independent review of the current law and to consider how abortion can be regulated as a safe, modern healthcare service for women.

In response to the report, Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome this report – the proposed changes in Scotland represent an important step towards ensuring that women can access abortion care safely, confidentially and without fear of investigation or prosecution.

“These recommendations also reflect a positive trend across all four nations of the UK towards treating abortion as essential healthcare rather than a criminal issue.

“In England and Wales, MPs have already sent a clear message by voting to remove women from the criminal law – reflecting public opinion that reproductive rights matter. We now urge Peers in the House of Lords to follow suit and back this vital amendment to see abortion decriminalised.

“Abortion is healthcare that around one in three women will need in their lifetime, and it should be regulated and delivered to the same professional standards as any other medical procedure, not through the criminal law.”

Read the full report via the Scottish Government’s website here.

Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group Report – gov.scot

Mons Meg passes her MOT, 550 years after her first battle

Aerial condition check of one of the world’s most well-known medieval cannons shows that she is still being well-conserved

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), working with conservators from AOC Archaeology and the Royal Armouries, has undertaken a condition check of the extensive conservation works that Mons Meg underwent ten years ago.

Mons Meg is one of the biggest cannons ever built and was gifted to James II in 1457. She retired from service around 100 years later, in 1550, and fired her last shot in 1680 to mark a visit to Edinburgh by James Duke of York.

Mons Meg is now part of the Royal Armouries collection and, as part of the UK’s National Collection of Arms and Armour, she spent 75 years on display in England before returning to Edinburgh Castle for visitors to enjoy.

In 2015, Mons Meg underwent extensive conservation works by HES and AOC Archaeology. The paint that had built up on the iron was carefully removed by blasting it with ground-up military buttons, and the soft plastic removed the paint layers but caused no damage to the metal below.

Skilled painters at HES then re-painted her to protect her from corrosion and the elements, while making sure she still looked her best.

Ten years later, this unique cannon was gently lifted into the air so conservators could assess whether the conservation work was holding up as expected. The paint that was put in place is expected to last 20 years, and the check conducted this spring confirms that it is holding up well.

Chloe Allan, Regional Collections Manager at HES, said: “We were pleased to find that Mons Meg is still doing well, and that the system we put in place ten years ago is faring as expected.

“It’s an honour to look after such an important part of Scotland’s history. We carry out an annual condition check of Mons Meg but lifting the 6-tonne cannon is no easy task, so we’re happy to see that she won’t need another full 360° check of this kind for five years.”