The programme protects those most at risk from severe illness
The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh.
Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.
Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.
The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.
First Minister John Swinney qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer. Attending the NHS Lothian centre at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal he said: “I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.
“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk and, with flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.
“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”
Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.
More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform:
Are You Feeling Christmassy Yet? Why not book your space to sell your crafts and wares, or bring your wee one to visit Santa at the LifeCare Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December, 11am–3pm! There’ll be lots of festive stalls, baking, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.
As one happy visitor said, “The best Santa we’ve ever been to!”
And don’t forget — there are still a few spaces left for our renowned Christmas Lunches, featuring trifles from cult bakery Lannan. Only £18 per person, BYO, with a vegetarian option available. Dates still available: 10th, 18th & 19th December.
Book your stall, Santa visit, or lunch today! Call 0131 343 0940 or visit reception to secure your spot for stalls and lunches (use the link above to book in to see the man in the red suit). Payment is required at the time of booking.
ASH Scotland is encouraging expectant mothers in Edinburgh to access new free ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ resources developed by the health charity to increase awareness about the impact smoking and vaping has during pregnancy.
In Scotland, one in 12 women reported smoking at their first midwife appointment.
A new animated video and e-learning module produced by the charity aims to help expectant mothers to understand the links between cigarettes, e-cigarettes and pregnancy, know more about how tobacco and vaping affect the health and development of babies, and increase confidence to quit smoking.
Health damage associated with smoking is felt more intensely by pregnant women who are at higher risk of experiencing illness and complications. Evidence also shows that second-hand smoke poses serious health risks to infants, with exposure leading to an increased chance of developing asthma, respiratory infection and sudden infant death.
The World Health Organization states that foetal exposure to e-cigarette vapour can negatively impact development. Partners or family members who smoke or vape in the home should be encouraged to do so outside during pregnancy and after the birth.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Addiction is not a lifestyle choice – it is a public health concern and a social justice issue and expectant mothers in Edinburgh can give their baby the best start in life by quitting smoking.
“A mother quitting smoking prior to pregnancy reduces the potential of health risks affecting their baby to near non-smoker levels andASH Scotland wants to ensure that they are empowered to seek support to give up.
“We trust that our new ‘Smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ animated video and e-learning module will help inform expectant mothers across Edinburgh about the many benefits of giving up smoking.”
The new resources are available at ASH Scotland’s website here.
‘‘Dreadful’ Climate Plan does nothing for households, workers and communities’
Communities will ‘benefit from cleaner air, warmer homes and new job opportunities’ under draft plans to cut emissions published yesterday.
The draft Climate Change Plan to 2040 sets out actions designed to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and meet our first three carbon budgets, whilst supporting jobs, growth and community regeneration.
Scotland is already over half way to net zero having reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990 – the largest reduction in the UK and faster than the EU average, using comparable statistics.
Climate action is not only essential to protecting our future. When done correctly, it offers one of the greatest opportunities to create jobs and prosperity for our communities.
Our draft Climate Change Plan outlines detailed actions needed to do this up to 2040.
The new plan details over 150 policies and proposals building on this progress, including:
setting a target to decarbonise building heat systems by 2045
phasing out new diesel and petrol cars by 2030
increasing woodland creation so that by 2029/30 18,000 hectares are planted every year, with 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032
increasing peatland restoration by 10% each year to 2030
The independent Climate Change Committee has emphasised the necessity for shared delivery and collaboration between national governments given between 30-60% of the emissions reduction required in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be in areas of policy that are mostly reserved.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Raising awareness of climate action has never been so important, with communities across Scotland and around the world already being affected – through flooding, heatwaves and wildfires.
“This draft plan includes over 150 actions across sectors such as transport, heat in buildings and agriculture that are key to achieving Scotland’s net zero goal while supporting people to make and adjust to the changes required.
“It also describes how we will seize and fairly distribute the opportunities from the transition to net zero – from new jobs, inclusive growth and better infrastructure to improved public services and healthier people – thanks to cleaner air, warmer homes and wealthier communities.
“The plan does not ask the impossible of people. We will not sacrifice people’s health or wealth.
“Through this consultation, everyone has a voice in shaping the final plan to inform future decision making and ensure that we reach our net zero in a way that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us.”
Scotland’s climate coalition has welcomed publication of the Scottish Government’s draft climate routemap. However, it says there are major missed opportunities to reduce emissions in some of the most polluting sectors in ways that deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of people in Scotland.
The Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan (CCP), released today, sets out how it believes the country will reduce emissions in line with national climate targets. The draft will now be scrutinised by MSPs, and the public will have the opportunity to have their say.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) says the final plan must have increased focus on tangible and urgent action that is funded fairly, with reduced reliance on unproven technologies.
Ahead of conducting a full assessment of the plan, Dr Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: “Publication of this long-awaited draft plan represents a step forward but if positive intentions are not matched with urgent delivery the plan risks being meaningless.
“Ministers needed to go much further in the most polluting sectors through things like free public transport, meaningful reform to farming support and legislation to drive changes in the way we heat our homes.
“Projections show the financial benefits of following carbon-cutting measures proposed in the draft CCP are almost 10 times the cost of implementing them – that’s a win-win for people and the planet.
“This plan must now undergo robust scrutiny to test its effectiveness, feasibility and ambition. It needs to be strengthened, with a clearer focus on immediate action that rapidly cuts emissions in ways that address the daily struggles many people are facing and unlock the benefits of fair climate action.
“Scottish ministers must also prove their commitment to funding the final Plan in a way that’s genuinely fair by making polluters pay for their damage.
“There can be no more climate action delays or mis-steps – nor a continued gamble on as yet unproven technology to bail us out.”
‘Dreadful’ Climate Plan does nothing for households, workers and communities
Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth Scotland have reacted to the draft Climate Plan from the Scottish Government saying it “will barely scratch the surface” on climate emissions in the coming years.
The “dreadful” plan contains nothing to help oil workers, people struggling to pay energy bills or communities cut off from bus services, campaigners say.
In 2024, the Scottish Government weakened its climate commitments after years of failure by Ministers to deliver on promises.
Public support for climate action remains high with the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland concerned about climate breakdown.
Climate campaigners along with Palestine solidarity groups, migrant justice organisations and grassroots groups are organising a major climate march through Glasgow on Saturday 15th November. It is part of a Global Day of Action in the middle of the United Nations climate talks in Brazil.
Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance commented: “This is a dreadful plan that will barely scratch the surface never mind get us back on track to meet our climate commitments.
“There is nothing here to help people who are struggling to pay their energy bills, communities cut off by unreliable buses, or oil workers worried about their future.
“Government Ministers have made a decision not to implement any available climate solutions that would help people in Scotland to tackle either the cost of living andor climate breakdown.
“Previous plans to get cars off the road have been completely gutted and buses and trains are treated as an afterthought.
“The carbon capture pipe dream is unrealistic as ever, only pushed slightly further into the future. What are we going to do in 2040 when this technology inevitably fails as it has done for the past fifty years?”
Oxfam Scotland welcomes publication of the Plan, which outlines the policies and actions which the Scottish Government believes will deliver emission cuts consistent with ending Scotland’s net impact on the climate by 2045.
The Scottish Parliament now begins a crucial 120-day scrutiny period.
Oxfam Scotland says that, alongside testing whether the Plan will achieve the emission cuts needed, this scrutiny period must fully stress-test the fairness of the Plan.
With clear evidence that, on average, the richer you are the more you pollute, campaigners say that fairness must be central to the final Plan – including how faster action is paid for.
While recognising that the costs of inaction will be even higher, the Scottish Government estimates the price tag of delivering the Plan, once savings generated are taken into account, to be £4.8 billion, but says little about where the money will come from.
Oxfam Scotland says the upcoming Scottish Budget and multi-year Spending Review must prove that the Scottish Government is serious about funding the Plan fairly
It comes as the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, prepares to travel to Belém in Brazil to attend the UN climate talks, COP30.
Responding, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:“A liveable planet is priceless so Scotland’s new Climate Plan must make an unwavering investment in all our futures, giving us: cleaner air, healthier lives, stable, green jobs and shielding us from extreme weather.
“However, right now, the roadmap on how Scottish Ministers plan to pay for their policy ambitions is little more than a sketch. To succeed, this Plan must be backed by major new public funding, delivered fairly with the biggest polluters and the better off footing the bill.
“It’s time Ministers were straight about where the pounds behind their promises to stop pumping out pollution will come from: Ministers need to show us the money.”
A new ‘cyber observatory’ to help protect Scotland’s public bodies from online threats will be set up as part of a package of measures to promote the country’s cyber-security.
A newly published refreshed Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland details actions and support to help people, businesses and organisations across Scotland, including local authorities, NHS boards and schools to recognise and prepare for inevitable cyber threats and ensure that Scotland stays ahead of the ever-growing cyber risk.
The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s Cyber Observatory will analyse and share early warnings on cyber threats across the public sector, helping to identify emerging risks so organisations can be more proactive in managing the online threat.
As part of the refresh, the Scottish Government will continue to support take-up of cyber security learning opportunities across schools, colleges and universities. We have also pledged £300,000 to the Upskilling Fund to strengthen the cyber security skills of the public sector workforce.
This Framework details a vision to protect Scotland’s digital infrastructure and security by embedding cyber resilience into the design of systems – safeguarding the critical public services that people across Scotland rely on every day.
Justice Secretary, Angela Constance said: “Digital technology is driving Scotland’s economic growth and shaping our future. That’s why cyber resilience and digital safety are more important than ever.
“We all rely on websites, apps, systems, and data in our daily lives – and while they bring great benefits, we must ensure they are safe and secure to use. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it is our shared responsibility to meet the challenges facing Scotland. The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s Cyber Observatory in particular will be vital in alerting organisations to potential threats.
“This strategic framework promotes essential collaboration across government and sectors. Those partnerships are vital to keep our people, businesses, and services safe – and for building a digitally secure and resilient Scotland.”
Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS and Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership said: “A cyber resilient Scotland is built on partnership.
“This framework sets out not just what we need to protect, but how we work together across public, private and third sectors to do it. Our resilience depends on our shared commitment to act, learn and support one another”
Hourglass Charity Warns of 2.6 Million Victim-Survivors with numbers set to increase, as National Summit Convenes
The UK’s older people are losing more money to abuse than was stolen in the largest ever cash heist, with projections showing over 1.5 million people could become victim-survivors annually by 2030, the charity Hourglass revealed today.
The Tonbridge Securitas depot robbery of 2006 – which saw armed criminals steal £53 million – has long stood as the UK’s most audacious cash theft. Yet new analysis from Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated exclusively to ending the abuse of older people, reveals that fraudsters and abusers have stolen that amount from older victims across the UK.
The sobering figures emerge as ministers, safeguarding experts and frontline practitioners prepare to convene virtually for the Safer Ageing Summit 2025 on 12th November, where they will confront what Hourglass describes as “the most under-recognised safeguarding crisis of our time.”
According to Hourglass projections, by 2030, almost 4 million older people across the UK could experience abuse annually – encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic exploitation and neglect. The charity warns that whilst these crimes rival organised heists in scale, they receive only a fraction of the attention, resources, or political priority.
“The reality is stark: abuse of older people is rising, but recognition, resourcing and political attention are still lagging behind,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass. “We can’t keep treating older people as an afterthought in safeguarding policy.
“By 2030, almost 4 million older people could be victim-survivors every single year. That should be a national wake-up call.”
Expert panels will tackle critical issues including: Economic abuse and urgent legal reforms to powers of attorney; the intersection of housing, health, and systemic ageism; the sexual abuse of older people – what experts call “one of the last taboos in safeguarding”.
The summit will feature powerful testimony from Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, founders of the Willie’s Law campaign through their own lived experience, who are championing urgent reforms to prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people through misused powers of attorney.
Hourglass is demanding immediate government action including: Stronger legal protections against economic abuse of older people; mandatory age-disaggregated data collection across all safeguarding services and a coordinated UK-wide strategy to end abuse in later life.
Richard Robinson added: “We hope our Summit will not only remind people of these sobering statistics but drive urgent action to put the abuse of older people at the top of the political agenda where it belongs.”
The top councillors from across Scotland have been recognised at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards which took place last night at Glasgow’s City Chambers.
These are the only national awards dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors in Scotland. No Edinburgh councillors received awards this year.
This year’s competition was extremely tight with nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, dedicating their time and energy to what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.
Winners were chosen by a judging panel of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar – are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partner CCLA.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said:“Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.
“These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across Scotland.”
Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day.
“Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”
Lorna Husband Journalism graduate who tried a new sport every week.
A young freelance sports journalist from Edinburgh is inspiring others to discover their passion for sport through Edinburgh Leisure’s new coaching campaign, Next Big Thing.
Lorna Husband, 25, has spent 2025 challenging herself to try a new sport every week, documenting her journey through a blog, website, and social media channels including Instagram and TikTok. Her mission? To show that sport is for everyone – and that trying something new could be life-changing.
As part of her adventure, Lorna has taken on everything from fly fishing and fencing to flamenco and velodrome cycling – and was delighted to meet Sir Chris Hoy a few days later at an event in Dundee.
Among her most daring experiences was diving at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, where she tackled heights from 1m to the formidable 10m platform, and climbing at EICA: Ratho, Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, alongside her boyfriend who helps film her weekly challenges.
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“As a water-baby, I thoroughly enjoyed my diving challenge,” said Lorna. “My coach Matthew was incredibly patient and encouraging. I hadn’t realised how much leg and core strength diving requires! While I didn’t reach Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix’s level in one lesson, I definitely gained a head for heights.
“Climbing at Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena at Ratho was another highlight – the sheer scale of the arena is breathtaking. It was both physically demanding and exhilarating, and having my boyfriend there to cheer me and compete against made it even more memorable.”
Lorna’s journey began as part of her post-graduate sports journalism course at Napier University, supported by her boyfriend who gifted her a GoPro and helps film her weekly adventures. She’s also launched a website – www.sport-port.co.uk – to help others find a sport they might enjoy or a club to join.
Now, she’s lending her voice to Edinburgh Leisure’s November campaign, Next Big Thing, which aims to encourage children and adults alike to explore new sports through coaching.
“Our campaign is all about sparking curiosity,” said Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure. “Sports coaching helps build confidence, communication skills, and keeps kids active. It’s about fun, skill-building, and learning vital life skills like swimming.”
With only 59% of school-aged children meeting recommended daily activity levels, Edinburgh Leisure is urging families to help their children find their next big passion through sport. Coaching options include swimming, gymnastics, climbing, and more – all delivered by expert instructors in a fun and friendly environment.
Why Join?
Fun and friendly coaching for all abilities
Expert instructors to guide every step
A great way to stay active, make friends, and build confidence
Flexible options across the city
Parents and guardians can explore available sessions and sign up at:
COSLA has launched the ‘Local Government Promise Annual Report 2025.’
2025 marks the halfway point in Scotland’s journey to Keep The Promise – a commitment made in response to the Independent Care Review to transform the lives of babies, children and young people experiencing care by 2030.
This milestone encourages reflection on the achievements over the last 5 years, as well as the barriers to change and what needs to happen next.
Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA’s Children and Young People spokesperson, commented: “2025 marks a key milestone in Scotland’s journey to Keep The Promise.As we reach the halfway point, this report offers a powerful reflection on both the achievements and the realities of delivering change.
“Local Government remains deeply committed to supporting babies, children, young people and families.
“Across Scotland, councils are delivering vital services shaped by strong relationships with local communities and a clear understanding of their needs.
“But pressures on the system, including workforce shortages, financial constraints, and complex policy demands, are real. Despite this, councils continue to lead with dedication and innovation.
“We stand firmly behind our local teams and the communities they serve. To truly keep the promise, ambition must be matched by investment, and policy must be realistic and coherent. Progress has been made, but we must go further and faster.“
The first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Ali Bowden was presented with the Edinburgh Award by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge on Tuesday (4 November).
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople.
Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Ali received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of her handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: It was a pleasure to present Ali Bowden with the Edinburgh Award in honour of her outstanding dedication to promoting and enhancing this city’s rich literary heritage.
“Ali’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and she deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“Ali has done much to promote Edinburgh to the world, celebrating the positive and inclusive impact literature has on this city. Her dedication and passion for literacy and education in our communities, and for our city as a whole, its people, its legacy and its future is an inspiration to us all.”
Ali Bowden said: “It is such an honour to receive the Edinburgh Award and I’m absolutely delighted.
“I’m thankful to the many, many wonderful and gifted people I’ve worked with across the years, the volunteers and professionals, in big institutions and small community groups, across the city and internationally.
“Together we helped shape what it means to be the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and I feel lucky to have been part of that story. I’m proud to live in a city that loves its books, stories and learning, and knows that reading and writing can change lives.”
