SCOTLAND’s Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will continue to push for more ambitious climate action when she attends the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil this month.
In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin’s schedule will include engagements with member representatives from both organisations – to help strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.
Ms Martin will also:
Share learning from Climate Justice Fund programmes, including the often-overlooked non-economic impacts of climate change, such as loss of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge
Take part in panel sessions on climate justice and human mobility with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Meet with youth activists and civil society partners from the global south, including participants in Climate Just Communities Programmes, to hear first-hand how they are being impacted by climate change
Ms Martin said: “We have a unique opportunity as Under2 European co-chair and Regions4 president, to champion the essential work taking place across the globe to support vulnerable communities who are at most risk from the impacts of climate change.
“I will continue to use these leadership positions at COP30 to advocate for accelerated action to tackle the devastating impacts of our warming planet, and for greater inclusion in international climate discussions.
“Scotland’s commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is ambitious, but it is achievable. We will shortly be publishing our draft Climate Change Plan setting out the policies needed to meet our first three carbon budget targets, while supporting people to adjust to the changes required.”
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) Advocacy and Communications Manager Line K. Christensen said: “It is vital that Scotland has a strong voice at COP30.
“The challenges we face are global, and Scotland’s presence ensures that our values of innovation and climate justice are part of the international conversation.
“The Cabinet Secretary’s participation will allow Scotland to continue its leadership on Loss and Damage, and to demonstrate that we are a nation standing shoulder to shoulder with countries around the world on the frontline of the climate crisis.”
Eight young women living in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been included on the tenth annual 30 Under 30 list by The Young Women’s Movement.
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national charity for young women’s leadership and rights, has today announced its tenth annual 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields.
The 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to celebrate young women and girls’ impact in Scotland across a diverse range of experiences. This year’s list includes young women and girls from age 15 to 30, from Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway, who are celebrated for their campaigning, community work, leadership and excellence in arts, sports, and leadership.
From Edinburgh and the Lothians, the list includes:
· Beth Spencer, a community organiser who co-founded FERAL, the city’s first club night for queer women and non-binary people.
· Chloe O’Herlihy, owner of Folk Creative Space – an inclusive salon and community space for the LGBTQ+ community – and advocate on important issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.
· Emma Ahlert, co-founder of Back Off Scotland which successfully campaigned for safe access zones around clinics providing abortions. Emma is also the founder of an international community for practitioners in female and sexual health.
· Kaydi Scottsville, the 19-year-old CEO and founder of Diversified, Scotland’s first youth-led charity supporting autistic young people.
· Rosa Ross, a 15-year-old who uses her own experiences to advocate for young people through the Teenage Cancer Trust advisory group and Girlguiding’s youth steering group.
· Sidrah Hassan, an AI ethicist who works to remove harmful biases within tech systems. She has worked with BBC Scotland and the Ethical AI Alliance to educate people on ethics within AI and advance AI that aligns with human values.
· Tamara Rogovic, an artist who serves as the president of the Scottish Artists Union, campaigning for better pay and working conditions for its members.
· Toni Lee Pryde, a Community Development Worker who works to improve service provision for young mothers. She is also an advocate for youth provisions and opportunities for young people, and has supported over 50 young people to complete their dynamic youth awards.
Emma Hill, Interim CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘This is the tenth year that we have celebrated young women and girls across Scotland through our 30 Under 30 list, and it feels more poignant than ever to be doing so.
“This is a particularly challenging time to be a young woman – gender-based violence and misogyny are rising, and young women tell us that they feel let down by public services and decision-makers.
“The impact these young women are making in light of these challenges is significant and important, and we’re honoured to be celebrating their successes and courage.”
The MOD is announcing its new Defence Housing Strategy, with £9bn to improve over 40,000 military homes.
New government strategy to deliver ‘generational renewal’ to fix UK military housing and get Britain building, backed by £9bn investment.
Biggest upgrade to Armed Forces housing in over half a century with more than 40,000 military homes to be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt – delivering on manifesto pledge to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community who sacrifice so much for our country.
Strategy unlocks one of Britain’s most ambitious housebuilding programmes in decades, with potential to deliver over 100,000 new homes for civilian and military families on surplus Defence land.
Armed Forces personnel and their families will benefit from the most significant transformation of UK military housing in more than 50 years, with more than 40,000 service family homes to be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt.
The Defence Housing Strategy is a major step forward in delivering the government’s pledge to provide high-quality housing for the Armed Forces community.
This initiative forms part of a wider programme to improve service family accommodation, prioritise veterans in housing need, and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant in full. By investing in modern, safe, and secure homes, the government is delivering on its promise to support those who have given so much for our nation.
The £9 billion programme, part of a new Defence Housing Strategy to be published by the Government on Monday, will also turbocharge the use of surplus defence land as part of the Government’s promise to get Britain building the housing we need to boost growth in every corner of the country.
Defence Secretary John Healey has identified the long-term opportunity to build over 100,000 new homes on surplus MoD land – homes for both civilian and military families – driving economic growth and supporting thousands of jobs.
The upcoming Strategy is based on feedback from thousands of service families and led by an expert, independent review team. With a clear and costed plan for the future, the Strategy will mark a decisive break from the past – following years of chronic underinvestment which drove down Armed Forces morale and retention of military personnel.
A 10-year ‘generational renewal’ of service family homes will see tens of thousands of Armed Forces houses modernised or upgraded, with around 14,000 receiving substantial refurbishment or replacement, ensuring homes fit for our forces and their families.
Defence Secretary will announce total investment of £9 billion over the next decade to deliver the Strategy, funded by the Government’s record uplift in defence spending. This builds on the additional £1.5bn in this Parliament, set out at the Strategic Defence Review, to rapidly address the poor state of military housing.
The renewal is made possible following the government’s landmark Annington Homes deal earlier this year, which brought 36,000 properties back into public ownership, saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day – savings which are now being reinvested in fixing forces housing and getting Britain building on defence land.
The Strategy shows that the Government is on the side of our forces and their families and committed to making defence an engine for growth.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our Armed Forces families make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, and they deserve homes that truly feel like home.
“This record investment will deliver modern, safe and comfortable housing for tens of thousands of service families.
“This is a plan for generational renewal that puts forces first, giving those who serve, and those who support them, the security and respect they deserve.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Every day, our British forces personnel – and their families – help to keep us all safe. In this new era of threat, we rely on them more every day. The least they deserve is a decent home.
“Our new Defence Housing Strategy will be the biggest renewal of Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years. This is a new chapter: a decisive break from decades of underinvestment, with a building programme to back Britain’s military families and drive economic growth across the country.
“We are a government that is on the side of our forces and their families. With this historic £9bn investment, we will deliver the modern, quality homes that our Forces and their loved ones deserve.”
Thousands of military homes will receive a complete makeover – new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems – to ensure military families have the homes that they deserve.
As part of efforts to unlock the wider delivery of 100,000 homes on surplus defence land, the Strategy will put forward plans for a dedicated Defence Development Fund – driving a self-sustaining cycle of investment by releasing surplus land for development, with proceeds reinvested into future projects.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Over the past 16 months, we’ve ripped up regulations and slashed red tape to get Britain building the housing this country desperately needs because when Britain builds, Britain grows.
“Our plans to renew military housing and help deliver 100,000 new homes is supporting our security and armed forces, driving economic growth and building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”
The Defence Housing Strategy has been developed by an independent review team chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE. The team provided deep knowledge of the experience of Armed Forces families, housebuilding, property management and the housing industry. The work included a detailed survey of more than 6,000 service families.
Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy review team said: “Our pride in our armed forces must include pride in our military homes. For too long service personnel and their families have had to put up with substandard housing.
“This strategy is informed by a team of housing experts and shaped by the views of thousands of Service families, some of whose homes I have visited to see first-hand the issues that they face.
“Through this new strategy, we are setting out an ambitious programme of renewal. For too long, military housing has been in a terrible state, this strategy seeks to change that by fixing Defence family homes and delivering for the nation.”
LIMINAL: OUT OF THE DRILL HALL until 6 NOVEMBER – FREE EXHIBITION
Liminal, a new exhibition showcasing artwork created by young people who are treated at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, is open for one week in Edinburgh.
Running until Thursday 6 November, the exhibition has been developed through a collaboration between the Mental Health Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), and artist Louise Fraser, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Liminal explores the emotional and physical “in-between” spaces that young people often navigate between childhood and adulthood, wellness and illness, comfort and unease.
The exhibition features imaginative and deeply personal work created by young people who have spent time in hospital settings. They participated in a series of workshops to create their artwork and co-produce the exhibition.
Through drawing, painting, and mixed media, they reflect on identity, transition, and the complexity of growing up while managing health challenges.
Poppy Porteous, age 13 from Linlithgow, is one of the young artists whose work is on display. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 7 years old and has been attending medical appointments at the hospital since.
Poppy said: “Living with a long-term health condition can be scary and frustrating sometimes, so doing art like this really helped me feel better. I got involved in the Liminal project after taking part in a teddy photography activity through the hospital and ECHC.
“I loved being part of Liminal. It was so much fun and everyone was really kind. My artwork shows the creative and messy side of me, especially the wooden block paintings. It felt great to be allowed to try everything and I love seeing my artwork on display”.
Ilayda Balkan,age 15 from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with Polyarthritic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)in April 2024. Her rheumatology nurse at the hospital introduced her to the arts project.
Ilayda said: “My nurse told me about the Liminal project before she retired, it felt like a gift she left me. Taking part was a lovely experience. I met kind, creative people and felt a real sense of empathy, even though we didn’t know each other’s stories.
“The project gave me space to express myself freely, and my artwork reflects that – especially my sunset paintings, which remind me of my family’s home in Turkey. Living with a long-term health condition can be really tough, but projects like this show that your illness doesn’t define you. It’s your kindness and strength that truly shine.”
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, led by the Mental Health Foundation, is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural festivals, and the biggest festival of its kind in the world. It celebrates and encourages using the arts to explore mental health, challenge stigma, and promote wellbeing.
Gill Means, Project Manager at Mental Health Foundation said:“Liminal has been a powerful and moving project to be part of.
“The young people involved have shared their experiences with honesty, creativity and courage, and their artwork speaks volumes about what it means to live with a long-term health condition.
“This exhibition is a celebration of their voices, their imagination, and the strength they’ve shown in expressing themselves through art.”
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) works to transform the hospital experience for children and young people by supporting their health and wellbeing through creativity, play and connection.
Creative projects offer a vital outlet for imagination and emotional resilience and help make hospital a place where children can still be children.
ECHC works in partnership with NHS Lothian to help seriously ill children and their families have a positive hospital experience.
Tonya McMullan, Arts Officer at ECHC, said: “We see firsthand, every day, how creativity gives children in hospital a way to express themselves, have fun and just be children again.
“Art can help them cope with tough days and give them some choice and control at a time when they have very little. “We’re so inspired by all the young people who took part in Liminal. Their artwork is powerful, moving and so inspiring.”
Liminal is on display at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh EH6 8RG until Thursday 6 November 2025. The gallery is open daily, 10am–5pm
Queen Margaret University graduate James Wood is set to champion a new wave of Scottish theatre talent as he leads the fourth annual Gateway Writing Festival across 3 – 5 November 2025.
Founded by James in 2022, the Gateway Writing Festival celebrates bold new writing and supports early-career artists in developing their work for the stage. This year’s event will feature nine brand new plays and engage around 70 emerging creatives, offering a vital platform for collaboration and creativity within Scotland’s theatre community.
James developed the idea for the festival while studying at QMU, where he credits the University’s supportive and collaborative environment for giving him the confidence and skills to bring the project to life.
He also received funding through QMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Fund, the Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Creatives Fund -support that enabled him to establish and grow the festival and his theatre company beyond graduation.
James said: “Without this generosity, the Gateway Writing Festival, a project I started at QMU, or any of my companies’ commissioned shows would not have had a chance to flourish.”
The festival will run from 3–5 November 2025 at Capital Theatres’ Studio Theatre, offering audiences a chance to experience a dynamic programme of new writing and connect with the next generation of Scottish theatre talent.
First Minister highlights support for ECHR ahead of 75th anniversary
Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the First Minister has reiterated Scotland’s commitment to human rights, equality and dignity for all.
The First Minister said: “Signed in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of preventing the atrocities of war happening again in Europe, the ECHR has stood as a pillar to ensure human rights are upheld for the past 75 years.
“In the face of ongoing political attacks against it from some quarters, I want to be clear that I wholeheartedly support the ECHR and membership of the Council of Europe and the vital role it plays to protect human rights.
“If the UK ever left the ECHR, people in Scotland would lose the ability to challenge violations in the European Court, and the UK would be sending an appalling message on the international stage. That is not the future that I want for Scotland, and we must stand firm in championing human rights.
“The ECHR has been critical in securing justice for ordinary people in their everyday lives – including protecting freedom of religion in the workplace and supporting LGBT rights. With some increasingly extreme political voices advocating against these rights, I believe it is vital that those of us who believe in human rights and equality redouble our efforts to stand behind them.”
Cover European Convention – living instrument
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was signed by members of the Council of Europe, including the UK, in Rome on 4 November 1950. The UK was one of the first states to ratify it in 1951.
Ten people are in hospital – nine with life-threatening injuries – after a multiple stabbing attack on the 18:25 train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross last night.
Police were alerted to the incident in a series of calls from passengers at around 7.40pm.
The train then made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, where armed police boarded the London-bound train and arrested two suspects and injured passengers were taken to hospital.
Statement following incident at Huntingdon – Cambridgeshire
In their latest statement, issued at 00:47 this morning (Sunday), British Transport Police said: ‘We can confirm that at 7.42pm today (1 November) British Transport Police were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
‘Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics.
‘Armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people in connection to the incident who have been taken to police custody.
‘Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. One is being treated for non life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities.
‘This has been declared a major incident and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation whilst we work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said:“This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.
“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”
‘Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.’
Updated statement following incident at Huntingdon Station – Cambridgeshire
BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE -STATEMENT 10.45am
A statement from Superintendent John Loveless which was delivered at the scene of Huntingdon station this morning:
“This is a shocking incident and my thoughts are with those who have been injured and their families.
At 7.42pm we were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross
Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics, where armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people within 8 minutes of the first 999 call. The two men remain in police custody.
A 32-year-old man, a black British national, and a 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent, were both arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Both were born in the UK. They remain in police custody this morning for questioning.
Ten people were taken to hospital by ambulance and another person self-presented at hospital later that evening. While nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries, following assessment and treatment, four have been discharged and two patients remain in a life-threatening condition.
We declared a major incident yesterday and Counter Terrorism Policing were initially supporting our investigation however at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident. This is a British Transport Police investigation. We continue work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
The station remains closed, but we expect trains to be passing through the station from this morning. Passengers will see a high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public and respond to any concerns.
I’d like to thank the public for their patience and their cooperation yesterday evening which has already greatly assisted our investigation – as well as the multi-agency response from the emergency services including our colleagues at Cambridgeshire Police, East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Counter Terrorism Policing.
Lastly – I’d appeal for anyone with information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
From October to March we can’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight, so to keep bones and muscles healthy, it’s best to take a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D.
You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies and retailers.
Caitlin went into nursing because of the experience
A newly qualified nurse who was inspired by the hospital care given to her gran feels like her journey has come full circle – as she starts work on the very same ward.
Caitlin Tervit has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University’s BN Adult Nursing course, collecting her degree alongside fellow students from the School of Health and Social Care at the Usher Hall.
It marks the end of a remarkable journey for the 32-year-old from Dunfermline, who cites the treatment that her gran, Margaret (pictured below), received while undergoing a liver transplant as the moment which ignited her passion for nursing.
Caitlin said: “It was a really hard time, but what stood out most was the incredible care the nurses gave her they were compassionate, patient and treated her with such dignity.
“I remember sitting in the side room thinking, ‘I want to be like them.’ I even emailed Edinburgh Napier from the ward to ask how I could get in, as I hadn’t stayed at school for my Highers.
“That moment planted the seed for everything that’s followed.”
Several years after that initial inspiration, Caitlin felt a renewed urge to pursue the idea during the Covid pandemic, when the work of nurses drew widespread public acclaim.
She enrolled on an access course at college, paving the way for her to study at ENU.
Caitlin added: “Seeing how nurses worked with such dedication during the pandemic reminded me why I’d wanted to do this in the first place.
“Getting my offer to study at Edinburgh Napier felt amazing – like it was finally my time.
“The course exceeded my expectations. The support from lecturers and classmates was fantastic, and everything clicked when I was out on placement.
“Each experience, whether in hospital or the community, helped me grow in confidence and develop my own nursing identity. I met so many lovely mentors who have really inspired me and shaped the nurse I’ve become.”
Following the completion of her course, Caitlin’s story took a fitting turn, as she was offered a post on the same ward where her gran was treated – the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – where she had first enquired about studying at ENU.
“Thinking back to that hospital room with my gran, I could never have imagined that I’d actually get here,” she said. “It feels surreal and emotional.
“It’s been challenging at times, but I’m so proud of myself and grateful for the journey.
“It feels incredibly special like everything has come full circle. That ward will always hold a huge place in my heart, and now I get to work alongside some of the nurses who first inspired me.
“It’s an honour to start my career where my passion for nursing began.”
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project in celebration of the leisure and entertainment destination’s Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary this year.
P6 students at St Mary’s RC Primary School were invited to take part in a special design project entitled Sustainable Safari: Guardians of Tomorrow to commemorate the milestone. The Dreaming Spires giraffes, Martha and Gilbert, took centre stage in the artwork, while the background showcased each student’s take on a world where nature and people thrive together.
The OMNi team and Dreaming Spires Artist Helen Denerley attended St Mary’s on Friday 24 October to judge the 52 designs. Artwork elements included trees, animals, clean energy sources, and the use of abstract shapes and colours to show a healthy, sustainable environment.
P6 student, Nathan Glowacki, aged 10 was crowned design project winner for their detailed presentation of the giraffe form and the inclusion of a jumping calf. The design will be turned into an animation for all to see on OMNi’s new digital screen on completion of the centre refurbishment.
As a thank you, the participating students will enjoy a school trip to Edinburgh Zoo to learn about the giraffes and the conservation efforts of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
Earlier this year, OMNi announced a 12-month corporate partnership with wildlife conservation charity RZSS and adopted a resident giraffe at Edinburgh Zoo.
Nicola Kehoe, Head Teacher of St Mary’s RC Primary School, said: “It’s been wonderful to work closely with OMNi on this exciting design project.
“The P6 students were inspired by Helen Denerley’s use of recycled materials and Edinburgh Zoo’s conservation work – and their individual take on this was reflected in the variety of designs created.
“The children are incredibly excited for their upcoming reward trip to Edinburgh Zoo, including a visit to OMNi’s adopted giraffe. The project has created a great start to the new term – combining creativity, fun, and learning for all.”
Eilidh Parker, OMNi Deputy Centre Manager, said: “We were blown away by the creative talent of the P6 students. Each and every design was truly terrific, and we cannot wait to see the winning design come to life on OMNi’s brand new internal digital screen as part of our centre refurbishment.
“Special thanks to St Mary’s and our project partners Edinburgh Zoo and Helen Denerley. An inspiring collaboration, aligning beautifully with OMNi’s evolution towards a vibrant and welcoming destination firmly rooted into the local community.”
The school project brings the sculpture’s 20th celebrations to a triumphant close. Earlier this year, OMNi adorned the giraffe sculptures with tassel party hats and created online excitement during a 4- week social media prize draw.
Over the years, Dreaming Spires sculpture has become a favoured local landmark and a meeting point for friends, families, and visitors.
As the centre undergoes a £5 million refurbishment, Martha and Gilbert remain a symbol of creativity, connection and community – values that are central to OMNi’s vision for the future.
Stay tuned for exciting things to come in the new year. OMNi and its brands remains open and welcomes visitors throughout the centre refurbishment.
Visit the OMNi website for refurbishment updates: https://omniedinburgh.co.uk/
