Plan for £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline reaches next major milestone

One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward.

The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive local living for residents and people in the surrounding communities will be achieved.

The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space.

This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes.

Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills.

At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility.  

The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities.

The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.

This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December.

Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View.  A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.

At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’.

The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds.

The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way. 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh.

“We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills.

“The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally.

“Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.”

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline.

“Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure.

“Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains.

“This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.”

Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust.

The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities. 

Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040 and the Programme for Government, 2025-2026.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:  “For people living in Granton and north Edinburgh, this investment means real improvements to daily life. Families will have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to heat.

“Young people will get construction training and local job opportunities. Parents will see new safe walking and cycling routes to schools and shops and green spaces where their children can play.

 “Our support for this project is directly tied to delivering outcomes that matter to local people—improving health and wellbeing, creating jobs that go to local residents first and supporting community organisations.”

Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “This innovative outcomes-based Place Accelerator, backed by Scottish Government and partners, is unlocking new opportunities for people in north Edinburgh and delivering benefits for the wider city.

“We believe the Place Accelerator shows how smart funding and collaboration can turn ambition into action, helping create healthier, fairer, and more prosperous communities.”

Granton Waterfront Phase 1 Final Business CaseDownload

Scottish retail workers speak out about violence, threats and abuse

Usdaw highlights the link with shop theft

Retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from its UK-wide annual survey during this year’s Respect Week, which runs from 10-16 November. Usdaw members are raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for retail workers’.

Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months (change from last year):

·       71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse.

·       48% (-5) were threatened by a customer.

·       9% (-1) were assaulted.

Scottish voices from the frontline: 

These are some of the comments Scottish retail workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “I got a knife pulled on me and was cut on the hand holding it away from him trying to stab me.” – “Sexual harassment, threats of violence for challenging theft and abusive behaviour, name calling.”

Glasgow: “Refused a customer alcohol because they were intoxicated – screamed abuse at me, told me I was a jobsworth.” – “Headbutted and pushed by customer.” – “Verbal abuse, called names, threatened to be hit etc.”

Highlands and Islands: “I have been spat on, called a faggot and loads of other names.” – “Pushed and threatened by shoplifter trying to steal spirits.” – “Customer shouting, throwing items and aggressive behaviour.”

Lothian: “Rude language, swearing, raised voices, intimidating behaviour.” – “Punched by an angry customer.” – “Customer threatened to cut us like fish. Every day, we have verbal abuse. Called names – cow, slag etc.” – “Told me to f**k off.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Pushed, verbally harassed, customer gotten in my face.” – “Verbal abuse, cussing, homophobic and threats of harm.” – “Been swore at, sexual comments, followed to car.” – “Aggressive over being ID’d, stock thrown at me.”

North East Scotland: “Called an ignorant b*tch by a customer who was refused a refund.” – “Pushed by a customer in anger over prices.” – “Shouting, swearing, threatened with bottle person was stealing.”

South Scotland: “Coupons ripped up and thrown at me.” – “Hit by item of food. Threatened with a gun.” – “Customers swearing and threatening me when they have no receipt, can’t get a refund, have waited in the queue for too long.”

West Scotland: “Refused underage sale, tried to punch me.” – “Older man shouting at me at night to distract me so someone else could steal.” – “Called awful names, threatened to follow me after work.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Retail workers deserve far more respect than they receive and these experiences from Scottish retail workers make very difficult reading. 

“This year’s UK-wide annual survey interim results show a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers.

“We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end. We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland to make that happen.

“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”

Discover! Creative Careers Week Scotland Kicks Off

Discover! Creative Careers Scotland launches its flagship week of activity today, offering young people across the country the chance to explore the breadth of roles available in the creative industries through a series of in-school, workplace, and online experiences.

Running from 10–14 November 2025, the week forms part of a wider programme of events taking place across Scotland from September 2025 to March 2026, designed to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

Discover! Creative Careers is a government funded, industry-led programme that is working to ensure there is a larger and more diverse intake of talent via a broader range of routes into the creative industries.

The free to access hybrid programme of activities and resources offers meaningful encounters with industry professionals, online tools, training and support throughout the year.

Its annual flagship Discover! Creative Careers event takes place every November, connecting thousands of young people with hundreds of workplaces to give hands-on insight into the creative industries.

An early event took place at Newbattle High School in Midlothian at the end of last week, where students were joined by Into Film AmbassadorFraser Johnston. A former pupil of the school, Fraser returned to share insights into his career and introduce students to the exciting opportunities within the screen industry.

Fraser Johnston said: “Having Callum come and inspire the students was amazing. Not only did they get so much from the SFX demonstration, but they also learned that there are many pathways into the film and television industry.

“With the creative sector booming in Scotland, these are the exact talks and workshops we are needing in schools. Thank you for organising Into Film.”

Throughout the week, young people will have the opportunity to engage with professionals from across the creative sector, gaining valuable insights into careers in areas such as film, journalism, museums, and festivals.

A highlight of the week includes today’s DYW Live event (Tuesday 11 November) at 10:45, where students will hear directly from industry experts.

Join the event here: https://www.e-sgoil.com/dyw-live/events/25-26/scottish-careers-week-2025/

Get Involved:

Follow the campaign throughout the week on social media –

LinkedIn – Discover Creative Careers

Instagram – discovercreativecareers

YouTube – DiscoverCreativeCareers

Discover!, also known as the Creative Careers Programme, was kick-started with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 2018 and has been shaped and supported directly by creative businesses, institutions, trade bodies and individuals.

Since Discover! Creative Careers was relaunched in 2023, the programme has reached more than 62,000 young people via in-person and online activity and industry encounters.

The delivery of Discover! Creative Careers is led by ScreenSkills in partnership with over 25 organisations and through collaboration with industry, education and careers professionals.

Millions of children unite to use their Power for Good

This November, more than 8 million children and young people across the UK are taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2025, running from 10 to 14 November.

Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), the campaign is supported by patrons Andy and the Odd Socks, and Rúben Dias, Manchester City and Portugal footballer.

This year’s theme, Power for Good, celebrates the ability we all have to stand up to bullying, spread kindness, and create safer environments for every child.

Anti-Bullying Week began with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November – a fun, inclusive day, led by the hugely popular Children’s TV Stars, Andy and the Odd Socks, where children and adults wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

A national call for government action

The Anti-Bullying Alliance Advisory Group, made up of leading organisations working with children across the UK, is calling on government to take stronger national action. They are urging ministers to ensure that all schools and those working with young people receive the skills, training, and support they need to:

  • Identify bullying early
  • Respond effectively and sensitively
  • Build inclusive cultures that prevent bullying before it starts, especially those most at risk. 

The group emphasises that bullying prevention must be seen as a core part of safeguarding children and an essential part of promoting wellbeing and equal opportunities.

A week of celebration and action

Anti-Bullying Week will include:

  • Odd Socks Day, encouraging individuality and kindness with a new toe tapping song from Andy and the Odd Socks 
  • A Parliamentary event on Wednesday 12 November bringing together MPs, Lords, ABA patrons, and young people to discuss solutions.
  • The Anti-Bullying School Staff Awards, honouring staff who go above and beyond to support children.
  • Free school resources for schools to embed anti-bullying messages into school life. 
  • Campaign activity in thousands of schools, youth settings, and homes nationwide, including events led by Young ABA, the Alliance’s youth activist group.

Bullying still affects more than one in five children every year 

Despite progress, more than one in five children and young people experience bullying each year. The impact can be devastating, affecting their mental health, confidence, and ability to thrive at school, with the effects often lasting into adulthood.

Rúben Dias, Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “Growing up I saw abuse, exclusion and damage being caused.

“That is why being part of Anti-Bullying week matters to me. I want young people to stand up against it and help each other to be better.”

Andy Day, Andy and the Odd Socks, said: “Music and laughter can open doors to real conversations. By having fun, like Odd Socks Day, we can show that our differences are our gifts, not something to hide.

“For me, Anti-Bullying Week is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard and safe. When I visit schools, I’m always moved by the way children come together to support each other. You can really see the Power for Good young people have when they stand up for one another.”

CHILDLINE:

  • In 2024/25, Childline delivered 291 counselling sessions to young people in Scotland where their main concern was bullying – an average of 24 sessions per month.
  • When contacting Childline about online bullying, young people are telling the service that they’re seeing nasty or hurtful posts about themselves, that bullying is taking place in group chats, that they’re facing peer pressure, and they’re experiencing stalking or harassment.
  • When contacting Childline about other types of bullying, young people say they’re receiving verbal and/or physical bullying, being bullied about being different, being left out or excluded and being part of rumours or gossip.

Lauren Burke, Childline manager in Glasgow, said: “Bullying doesn’t always look the same – it can happen at school, at home, or through screens. But no matter the form, its impact can stay with young people for years, even into adulthood.

“Every day, Childline hears from children across Scotland who are being bullied. Anti-Bullying Week gives us a vital moment to stand together, shine a light on the issue, and show young people they’re not alone. It’s about raising awareness and making sure bullying is challenged wherever it shows up.

“Silence allows bullying to grow. By speaking up and standing beside those affected, we can help keep children safe. Childline is here around the clock – online and by phone – with trained counsellors ready to listen and support any young person, no matter what they’re going through.”

Martha Boateng, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “With so many children turning to Childline for support, it’s clear that bullying continues to have a profound impact on young lives.

“We all have a responsibility to act, from parents and teachers to the government. This Anti-Bullying Week, we’re calling on every adult to use their power for good and help create a society where all children feel safe, respected and included.”

Rachel Talbot, 18,  NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, who grew up in Angus, said: “From the age of three, I was bullied at school — in the classroom, in the playground, and later online.

“It was relentless. I became withdrawn and anxious, and I kept waiting for someone at school to notice and act. But no one did. That silence made me feel like I didn’t matter.

“The bullying continued into secondary school, even after I moved catchment areas. I remember taking part in Odd Sock Day to celebrate difference and being bullied for that too. It only stopped when I left school. Therapy helped me rebuild my confidence and develop ways to cope, but the impact stayed with me for a long time.

“Speaking out has been a turning point. Through the NSPCC, I’ve shared my story publicly to help improve support systems for young people. I want children to know they’re not alone – and that change is possible. Childline is always there, with trained counsellors ready to listen and support anyone who feels unheard.”

Supportive mother comforting sad teenage girl rejected by friends, helping depressed teen daughter to deal with breakup. Upset depressed adolescent child looking at phone at home, waiting for call

Advice for parents

  1. Talk to Your Child: It’s important to choose the right time to talk to your child. When you do, try to stay calm, as they may be feeling scared or embarrassed. You can also let them know who they can turn to for help if they would rather speak to another adult.
  2. Help Them Relax: Bullying can cause children to lose confidence. Encourage them to engage in activities that make them feel good, such as listening to music, playing games, participating in sports, or joining clubs and classes. 
  3. Arrange a Meeting: It is helpful to request a copy of the school’s or club’s anti-bullying policy. Additionally, take notes on what is discussed. This meeting is a good opportunity to ask about the actions the school plans to take and to ensure that you are satisfied with their response.
  4. Report Bullying: In addition to providing emotional support for your child, review their internet privacy settings to ensure they are secure and up to date. Make sure your child knows how to block accounts and report anyone who is bullying them to the relevant platform. Further advice on this can be found on the NSPCC’s online safety hub.

If your child has bullied someone, you may feel a mix of anger and disappointment. However, it’s important to help your child understand what bullying behaviour is:

  1. Explain Bullying: Talk to your child about the impact of bullying on others. Make sure they understand that such behaviour is unacceptable. Children don’t always realise that their actions are bullying and how much it can hurt someone else.
  2. Encourage Empathy: Help your child recognise the feelings of the person they have bullied. Ask them how they think the other child is feeling and encourage them to recall a time when someone was unkind to them. This can help them develop empathy for others.
  3. Decide Next Steps: Discuss what actions you will take next, such as informing their school, and let your child know what you expect from them moving forward. Encourage them to ask questions about why it’s important to change their behaviour.
  4. Monitor Your Child: Keep an eye on your child’s behaviour and maintain ongoing conversations about how they treat others. Praise them when they demonstrate positive behaviour but also reinforce your expectations when necessary.

More information and advice can be found on the NSPCC’s website for adults helping their child with bullying.

Advice for children

  1. Report and Block Individuals: You can report bullying on social media platforms. It’s good to make the report yourself, as this increases the likelihood that the content will be removed.
  2. Keep Evidence: Maintain a record of incidents, noting what happened and when. It’s also helpful to take screenshots of any online messages.
  3. Tell Someone: It’s important to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher, and share the evidence of the bullying. If the bullying is occurring at your school, they have a responsibility to support you.
  4. Practice Assertiveness: Being assertive means standing up for yourself in a calm and confident manner, without being aggressive. This can help you feel more empowered and in control when facing bullying.
  5. Take a Break from Messages: It’s natural to want to see what others are saying when you’re being bullied. However, stepping away from your phone or device for a few minutes can help you feel calmer and more at ease.

More information on Childline’s advice to young people on dealing with bullying can be found here.

A sad girl intimidation moment Elementary Age Bullying in Schoolyard

Snapshots from Childline counselling sessions

“I feel isolated and I’m tired of being bullied. The boy I have a crush on shared our messages with everyone in our class after I expressed my feelings for him.

“Now everyone’s making fun of me for being gay; they blocked me and kicked me out of group chats. I feel so betrayed.” – Boy, 13, Scotland

“The past few weeks I have realised that I’ve become a target of bullying, both physically and verbally. I spoke to my counsellor about it but I’m really nervous that my bullies are going to hurt me for speaking up.

“They are known to do things like this and the last person to tell someone about their behaviour got a fair beating from them and I’m worried I’m next.” – Girl, 13, Scotland

Operation Machinize 2: Thousands of businesses targeted in coordinated crackdown on high street crime

Thousands of premises have been targeted in the second iteration of Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting the criminal exploitation of high street businesses.

Operation Machinize 2, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and conducted in cooperation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), ran throughout October and involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House.

During the operation, the partnership delivered:

  • 2734 premises visited and raided
  • 924 individuals arrested
  • Over £10.7m of suspected criminal proceeds seized
  • Over £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed

These figures include the removal of 70Kg of cannabis from our streets, 111,000 harmful, illegal vapes, 4.5m illegal cigarettes and 622Kg of illegal tobacco (equalling £3.5m of duty taxes evaded). Furthermore, 341 Referral Notices for illegal working and renting were issued meaning businesses could face fines of up to £60,000 per worker with landlords facing fines of up to £20,000 per tenant if found liable, and over 450 companies have been referred to Companies House for further investigation.

This is the largest operation of its kind focused on rooting out the economic crime and grey economy that makes our high streets less safe and prosperous.

The NCA estimates that at least £12bn of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, which is typically smuggled out of the country or integrated into financial systems, often to be recycled back into criminality.

High street businesses such as mini-marts, barbershops, vape shops, nail bars, and car washes are used to make the proceeds of crime appear like the legitimate profits of a trade or service. High street businesses are also being used to sell illicit products and evade tax, and are often linked to other types of criminality such as drugs supply and the serious violence it causes.

Earlier this year, the NCA established Operation Machinize after identifying the criminal exploitation of high street businesses was beyond the scope of any one organisation. Working in partnership with the NPCC, it aims to catalyse a large-scale operational response to a multi-faceted problem.

This approach – coordinated nationally and delivered in our communities – ensures the most effective use of powers and capabilities, capitalising on the strengths and remits of each participating agency.

Machinize was established to target economic crime on the high street with this iteration also focusing on the grey economy. There is a known overlap with the exploitation of high street businesses, illegal working and the evasion of customs and excise duties. This overlap also includes modern slavery and unsuitable living and working conditions, and safeguarding individuals at risk is remains a priority for the partnership.

Rachael Herbert, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, said: “Operation Machinize targets businesses on our high street that are being used as cover for a wide range of criminality, making our communities less safe and less prosperous.

“This second phase of Operation Machinize has set a new standard for what can be achieved through the coordinated action of UK law enforcement. Thousands of officers have been deployed up and down our country, targeting criminal profits and the means of generating them.

“Hundreds of thousands of harmful and illegal products have been taken off our streets, and over £10m in cash, frozen in bank accounts and criminal assets seized.

“Depriving criminals of their source of income has a real impact, limiting the amount of funds they can reinvest in further offending and deterring them from taking spaces on our high street that could be used by legitimate businesses.

“These excellent results demonstrate what can be achieved in partnership and show the determination of UK law enforcement to keep our communities safe. We ask for the public’s support as we move forward and to continue to report suspected criminality to the police.”

Sal Melki, Senior Lead for Machinize 2 at the NCA, said: “Machinize 2 has pioneered a whole-system approach to addressing this problem, with the NCA hosting a joint operational cell where our partners could bring their powers, expertise, and energy to tackling an issue the British public care about.

“Over the course of the month, we have learnt a lot about the threat, the different types of offending occurring on our high street and what tactics are effective in combatting it. We have also learnt that this type of offending is not restricted to any one area, type of shop or demographic.

“The scale of this challenge is significant, but it is also important to remember that the majority of shops on our high streets are not considered suspicious.

“While there is organised crime occurring at the top of the pyramid, we do not underestimate the aggregated effect that thousands of shops engaged in so-called lower level criminality is having on our communities and the criminal supply chains that profit from them. The Machinize model therefore relies on local knowledge and delivery just as much as national coordination and intelligence.

“This phase of the operation has been a big success and is one of the largest operations of its kind. We acknowledge the problem won’t be solved overnight or through disruptive action alone – today’s high street is subject to many socio-economic factors beyond the scope of a law enforcement partnership.

“We are therefore working closely with government to use the learning from this operation to build on and develop long-term solutions.”

Security Minster, Dan Jarvis said: “Criminals are using these dodgy shops as fronts for serious organised crime, money laundering and illegal working, risking the future of the British high street.

“We have intensified our joint efforts with law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks and relentlessly pursue those who use dirty money for personal gain.

“Together we have seized millions in criminal assets, removed harmful drugs from our streets and arrested hundreds of criminals who are undercutting honest business owners. I want to thank every officer who took part in this operation.”

Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams, NPCC Lead Financial Investigation: “This action has seen a huge collective effort from UK law enforcement agencies, working together to tackle organised gangs who exploit cash intensive businesses for criminal gain.

“We’ve seen every force in England and Wales working to build intelligence pictures, ensuring we are targeting people who are laundering illicit cash through businesses. We know this money will have links with other forms of criminality such as the exploitation of workers, people trafficking and the sale of illicit goods.

“Not only are we tackling this activity but through this action, we are gaining information and forming a wider picture on high harm offending. Our message is clear, we are alive to the activity happening and we are identifying and bringing to justice those who misuse businesses on our high streets for illegal gain.”

Kevin Hubbard, Director of Individual and Small Business Compliance at HM Revenue and Customs, said: “We are determined to allow honest businesses to thrive which is why it’s crucial we work closely with our law enforcement partners to take action against any business that we suspect are undermining the tax system.

“The majority pay the tax that is due, but we will pursue those who refuse to play by the rules.”

Living Wage Week: Putting more money in people’s pockets

72,000 Scottish workers receive pay boost

A record 4,000 employers in Scotland are now paying their staff at least the real Living Wage, boosting the salaries of 72,000 employees and supporting them with rising costs.

The milestone has been reached at the start of Living Wage Week, which celebrates the transformative impact the real living wage can have for workers and businesses alike, and encourages employers to sign up.

The Scottish Government has made paying the real Living Wage a requirement for organisations receiving public grants, helping to increase the number of people benefiting from a salary boost.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Ensuring people are paid fairly is crucial to keep people out of poverty. The real Living Wage helps to make sure that salaries keep pace with the rising cost of living – supporting a fairer, more equal society.

“Paying the real Living Wage has significant benefits for employers, including improving staff retention and motivation. It also helps to increase spending in local economies, in turn boosting economic growth.

“I am pleased that we now have now reached a record accredited real Living Wage 4,000 employers, meaning that Scotland has proportionately around five times as many real Living Wage employers compared to the rest of the UK. That is very positive news, and we will continue to encourage more businesses to sign up – recognising the benefits for employers and employees alike.”

The First Minister announced the milestone on a visit to Edinburgh’s Capital City Partnership. The Partnership work to tackle inequalities and support people into employment, recognising the important role of the real Living Wage in this.

Rona Hunter, Chief Executive, Capital City Partnership said: “Capital City Partnerships is committed to the Living Wage as part of our remit to tackle poverty and inequality and raise household incomes. 

“This commitment is also based on our work with supporting employers, where we see how accreditation hugely helps employers to attract and retain staff and improves productivity and staff well-being. The benefits are real and measurable and it supports people and business.”

Living Wage Week is an annual event which celebrates and promotes the real Living Wage. It raises awareness about the difference the rate makes for workers, their families, and communities, and encourages more employers to become accredited by paying the independently calculated wage.

The real Living Wage rate increased from £12.60 to £13.45 an hour in October 2025.

Living Wage Week | Living Wage Scotland

A new focus for Education Scotland

Education Scotland is, as of the first of November, now a curriculum focused organisation. Education Scotland is now centred on the design, delivery and ongoing improvement of the curriculum that is taught in schools and settings across the country.

The inspection function is being removed from Education Scotland and the process of the establishment of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland is underway.

Scotland’s education system is being reformed to improve outcomes for learners of all ages, while ensuring that those delivering education in settings, schools and colleges are better supported. A new sketchnote highlighting the national priorities in education as set out in the National Improvement Framework will soon be available. 

Graeme Logan, Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, said: “I am honoured to be leading both Education Scotland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland through reform.

“As Interim CEO of Education Scotland, I am keen to continue my discussions with colleagues, stakeholders and partners on what this new curriculum focus can achieve and how it can improve support for teachers and other practitioners, and improve learning outcomes. 

“My vision is that educators will be better supported with evidence based curriculum resources and increased opportunity to contribute to our work. In HMIE, we are keen to develop new approaches to school inspections that put children and young people at the very heart.

“We have already carried out extensive engagement with our audiences – from educators, to parents and carers, and this helped inform the consultation on school inspections that was launched recently. This sharpened focus on engagement and stakeholders shaping our work is something that will be embedded in the work of HMIE. 

“The establishment of a new Advisory Council will also be an important part of this approach. I look forward to the Council being set up and the value they will bring to the work of the inspectorate. We will create an environment where educators feel heard, valued and empowered to influence and innovate – and we will shape an organisation that is adaptive, inclusive, connected to and understands the real world of Scottish education. 

“Collaboration will be central to this. We want to ensure collaboration is embedded in everything we do. For example, this will build on our recent approach to working with educators through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle.

“This will help ensure we develop the right support and resources at the right time, communicate more effectively and help develop cohesive practices across the curriculum, learning, teaching and assessment.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the work you do and to encourage you to look out for our new approach to communications over the coming year for both Education Scotland and HMIE. We look forward to working closely with you as the reform continues at pace, and we move in to our new ways of working.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “HMIE’s establishment and the refocusing of Education Scotland are key components of our education reform agenda, enabling them to support our education settings to deliver improved outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.

“The new inspectorate will help increase confidence in inspections and the role it has in driving improvement, while Education Scotland becoming a more curriculum orientated organisation will only serve to better support educators improve the quality of learning our children and young people receive.

“I want to thank Education Scotland and HMIE staff for their work to support the delivery of education throughout this reform process. The incoming changes will better support our educators and, in turn, benefit those in education of all ages across Scotland.”

See the latest news from Education Scotland or follow @EducationScot on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

See the latest news from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland or follow @hmiescotland on X and Facebook.

Vue Ocean Terminal welcomes luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Ocean Terminal customers to experience from 7 November.

To mark its arrival, Vue has worked with The Flash Pack to create a bespoke video booth for customers, to give a taster of the immersive experience they can expect from watching a film in an Ultra Lux seat.

Customers visiting Ocean Terminal on 7 and 8 November tried out the special 360 video booth which was located within the foyer, and took a 360 video of customers sitting in the luxurious seat.

112 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Ocean Terminal’s 12 screens.

Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest and personal table for snacks and beverages, and a back and legs which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Ocean Terminal, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Ocean Terminal and look forward to unveiling it to customers from 7 November. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.

“The interactive video booth is a fantastic opportunity to test out the Ultra Lux and have a fun video to keep and share on social media, which will be emailed to each customer who visits the booth.”

Tickets for Ocean Terminal can be booked online by visiting myvue.com. 

Scottish International Storytelling Festival – most successful yet

TICKET SALES SOARED… that’s the story!

Multiple sell-outs and packed houses were enjoyed by audiences and participants at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival (22 October to 1 November), which is supported by Multi-Year funding from Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund.

The festival’s programme, themed under ‘Lights of the North’, included live storytelling, music, art, and song.  Across the core festival programme, which included 39 live performances and workshops at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, over 93% of all available tickets were sold, and an incredible 77% of all events were completely sold out (30 total).  Ticket income increased by 70%, and the number of festival passes bought doubled from 2024.

Highlights included international guest storytellers from the world’s northern arc, sharing tales of Huldufólk (or the hidden people from Iceland), trolls, and the dark northern winters. Plus, there were tales from Scotland’s Travellers; stories about Vikings and selkies; and as the festival nudged closer to Halloween, there were plenty of dark tales inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s original collection of fairytales, tales of Corpse Roads, spooky stories, and mystic legends to be enjoyed.

Even though the main festival has ended, throughout November the festival’s Go Local programme continues in village halls, churches, castles, and venues across Scotland. 

Plus, at the University of Edinburgh, on Saturday 8 November, Festival Director Donald Smith and playwright Linda McLean, will join Randall Stevenson and Greg Walker the editors of the Oxford Handbook of Scottish theatre, for Religion and Scottish Drama, at the New College Festival of Books and Belief. 

And, also on Saturday 8 and 22 November, Stephen McCabe, who is a storytelling therapist, will be running Folktales for New Scots: Connected with Nature, which are nature-connection walks aimed at migrants and the local community.

These walks, starting from outside the Scottish Parliament also include a printing from nature art workshop with Beetroots Collective’s artists Marta Adamowicz and Robert Motyka.

Online audiences can still continue to enjoy more stories by listening to the festival’s podcast series Another Story, hosted by Daniel Abercrombie, Associate Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, available on all podcast platforms via: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/another-story

Plus, there are Recorded Performances of some of this year’s events available to watch on Youtube at: https://www.sisf.org.uk/home/recorded-performances:

  • The Alan Bruford Lecture ‘A Curious Episode at Balquhidder: Placenames in the North and the Nackens’ with Dr Robert Fell and special guest Shamus McPhee.
  • Storyteller: Martyn Bennett and the Travellers’ Stories with James MacDonald Reid, Gauri Raja, Jess Smith and Gary West.
  • Open Hearth storytelling session with storytellers Grace Banks, Johan Sandberg McGuinne, Jackie Ross and musician Tom Oakes.

Donald Smith, Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival said: “The storytellers and musicians excelled; packed audiences loved it; workshops were full of fresh talent. We all made new friends.

“I’ve worked in a lot of festivals over fifty years, but this one will resonate for years to come – it was the pure drop.”

Catriona Hawksworth, Traditional Arts Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s resounding success is a testament to the richness and diversity of storytelling it brings to audiences – from the heart of Scotland to voices around the globe.

“With vital support from the Scottish Government’s EXPO funding, the festival has flourished as a beacon of international collaboration and socially engaged storytelling. By celebrating intangible cultural heritage, it’s inspiring communities and setting a vibrant example of how traditions can be shared, honoured, and reimagined across Scotland.”

The dates of next year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival are 21 to 31 October 2026.

Christmas Songbook to bring festive cheer to Edinburgh

Scotland’s iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Edinburgh this December. 

With a legendary line up fronted by beloved accordion player Phil Cunningham, dazzling new arrangements, and the same heartwarming charm that has made it a seasonal staple for nearly two decades, this year’s tour is set to be one of the most enchanting yet.

Edinburgh audiences will be treated to three unforgettable performances at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 19th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd December.

For 19 years, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook has been a cherished tradition, blending exquisite musicianship, captivating storytelling and a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes.

Joining Phil on stage is a stellar lineup of some of Scotland’s most celebrated musicians, including the incomparable Eddi Reader, the soulful Karen Matheson, multi-instrumental maestro John McCusker, Orcadian roots sensation Kris Drever, guitar virtuoso Ian Carr, and the ever-versatile double bassist Kevin McGuire. 

Phil Cunningham said: “The Christmas Songbook is my favourite time of year. It’s a chance to bring people together, share music, laughter and a little festive magic.

“From contemporary carols and tunes to a mix of classics, we’ll be bringing the Christmas cheer in spades to Edinburgh and can’t wait to see the smiles on faces and hear people singing along.

“It’s a privilege to share the stage with such incredible musicians and to celebrate the season with audiences at The Queen’s Hall.”

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook takes place across Scotland, 13 – 22 December 2025.Tickets available now at: philcunningham.com/live-shows