WEDNESDAY 10th DECEMBER 10am – 12 noon
North Edinburgh Childcare: OPEN DAY at Fort Out-Of-School Club
Fet-Lor closed today
Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.
The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.
We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.
Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.
There will be NO boys club until January.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op celebrates 10 years and 11 million kWh of green energy
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) are celebrating 10 years of generating clean, community-owned electricity in the city: and they are getting ready for their next major solar project.
ECSC have already generated over 11 million kWh of electricity by installing solar PV panels on schools, leisure centres and community buildings in the city, this is estimated to have saved more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted from burning fossil fuels. Their generation last year was enough to power more than 600 homes with electricity.
The solar panels are owned by a community of 600 ordinary people (the majority local) who chose to invest in community shares and receive a fair return each year.
The schools and council buildings which host the solar panels have them installed at no charge, and have benefitted from a cheap rate of electricity – ECSC are estimated to have saved the council over £500,000 in energy costs since launch, helping to redirect funds to essential local services.
Vicki White, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate what we’ve achieved together through our solar panel installations over the past 10 years.
“We’re really proud that we’ve reduced greenhouse gas emissions, saved the council money and funded some really brilliant community projects across the city. Our project is giving people – and the City of Edinburgh Council – a real and practical way to act on climate change.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “These numbers speak for themselves – there’s no doubt the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative has been making a real difference in the Capital over the last ten years, significantly reducing our carbon emissions while saving money in the process, and we’re delighted to be part of this.
“The City of Edinburgh Council has made an ambitious commitment to become net zero by 2030 and initiatives like this are central to our efforts to achieve our goal.”
So far ECSC has installed solar PV panels on 30 sites across the city, including City of Edinburgh Council offices at Waverley Court and 18 schools.
ECSC has another share offer due to launch very soon, when the co-operative will be opening up to new members to help fund a further set of solar installations across the city.
If you would like to be notified when their share offer launches, head to their homepage and click ‘Upcoming share offer: learn more’: www.edinburghsolar.coop/
Winter Welcome: Heriot-Watt University Christmas Concerts
If the winter gloom is getting you down, Heriot-Watt has two events guaranteed to raise your spirits with some festive cheer.
Our ever-popular Christmas Carol Celebration is taking place at the Edinburgh campus on Friday, December 12th. Come to the James Watt Centre at 5.30pm for an unforgettable evening of seasonal music and readings.
Members of the University Choir will be accompanied by the University Orchestra. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine (alternatives available) will be provided before the concert starts at 6.30pm.
Matthew Brown, Heriot-Watt’s Director of Music, has promised a memorable evening: “The Christmas Carol Celebration is a highlight of our year, bringing together the community to share in the joy and beauty of the season through music. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Tickets are free and early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please secure your place through Eventbrite – and mark your calendar!
If you can’t make the Christmas Carol Celebration, why not come to ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday December 10th at 7.30pm?
In the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt Chamber Choir will entertain you with words and music based on the Charles Dickens classic.
Further details and tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ are available through
Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre
A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.
Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.
The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.
Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.
“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.
“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”
Meet your festive film favourites at Fort Kinnaird from today
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
From Buddy the Elf discovering Fort Kinnaird for the first time to the mean, green one causing mischief and the much-loved Frozen sisters greeting shoppers, there’s something to help visitors of all ages get into the festive spirit.
Starting today (Friday), visitors can meet the festive favourites in 30-minute intervals between 12pm and 5pm close to the Christmas Markets.
The line-up includes:
- Friday 5th December – Buddy the Elf
- Friday 12th December – The Mean Green One & Cindy Lou
- Friday 19th December – The Frozen Sisters
Open until 28th December, the Winter Village has transformed the centre into a festive hub, shoppers can explore more than 20 artisan market stalls offering handmade gifts, personalised decorations and festive treats – as well as a range of and family-friendly funfair rides.
Visitors can also enjoy two different circus shows each day under the big top. Santa’s Mystical Christmas brings a festive pantomime twist packed with aerial performances, stunts and audience participation, while Freestyle Circus delivers high-energy acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts, including the famous Globe motorcyclists.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying the Winter Village this year and it’s brilliant to add even more festive fun with the much-loved characters over the next few weeks. I have no doubt they’ll be popular for the whole family!
“Whether you’re here for Christmas shopping, a bite to eat or simply to take in the atmosphere, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and make special memories.”
With more than 70 shops, restaurants and a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Fort Kinnaird offers everything needed for a full festive day out – combining entertainment, food and Christmas shopping all in one place.
For more details and to plan your festive day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Tomorrow: LifeCare Christmas Fair
Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!
Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.
Edinburgh man’s widow launches festive campaign for those grieving a partner this Christmas
- Natalie Bolton has joined forces with three other widows to launch #WidowedAtChristmas, a new Christmas campaign supporting people grieving a partner over the festive season
- Natalie met her late husband Jonathan, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, while the pair were working together in 1998
- Jonathan died suddenly at home on Mother’s Day 2021 from an unexpected cardiac arrest, leaving her to raise their teenage twin daughters alone
- The campaign is being led by Natalie and fellow board members of The Widowed Collective, a non-profit offering free peer support for widows and widowers
A woman whose late husband, Jonathan Bolton, was born and raised in Edinburgh, is joining forces with three other widows this Christmas to ensure no one grieving the loss of a partner feels alone.
Natalie Bolton is launching #WidowedAtChristmas, a new campaign offering solidarity, comfort and community at a time of year that can feel painfully isolating after bereavement.
Natalie, 49, has joined forces with fellow widows Nicky Wake, Heather Smith and Rosie Moss to create the campaign.
They have all endured the heartbreak of losing their partners and the emotional weight of navigating Christmas during grief. United by their lived experience, they have come together to share support, guidance and hope with others who are facing the season without the person they love.
The four women are all board members of The Widowed Collective, the free, peer-to-peer support organisation founded earlier this year.
The group is backing the campaign by sharing the women’s stories, advice and resources throughout December, and inviting widows and widowers across the UK to join the conversation using #WidowedAtChristmas.
Natalie met Edinburgh native Jonathan in 1998. They married in 2002 and welcomed twin daughters in 2007, Amelia and Isobel. In March 2021, on Mother’s Day,
Jonathan died unexpectedly at home from a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving Natalie to raise their girls alone as teenagers. His death came without warning, devastating a family built on laughter, closeness and deep affection.
Natalie, who is now based in Manchester, said: “Jonathan adored being a dad. He was wrapped around the girls’ fingers from day one. Our home was full of laughter, noise and love, and then suddenly it was just gone.
“Our first Christmas without him was something we simply couldn’t face. It was awful, painful in a way I didn’t know was possible. We did the only thing we felt able to do and ran away.
“We went to Mauritius because the idea of being at home without him was unbearable. The grief came with us, of course, but at least there was space to breathe.
“Now, as I approach my first Christmas hosting at home again, I know there will be joy and sadness , and that’s okay. Grief doesn’t take a holiday. You’re allowed to cry one minute and laugh the next.
“You’re allowed to scale things back or create new traditions. Christmas can hold grief and hope at the same time. Widowhood is lonely, misunderstood and full of stereotypes. We’re here to break those open and make sure people feel seen, heard and supported, especially at this time of year.
“My advice to anyone dreading Christmas is allow yourself to feel whatever comes. There is no ‘right’ way to do this. Let people help you. And remember that tiny moments of joy do not erase your grief, they coexist with it.”
Launched earlier this year, The Widowed Collective provides free peer-to-peer support for anyone who has lost a romantic partner.
It offers a moderated online community, practical guidance on legal matters, finances, solo parenting and wellbeing, and a growing programme of online and in-person meet-ups across the UK.
Open to widowed people of all ages, genders, sexual identities and marital statuses, the organisation provides a safe, stigma-free space led entirely by those with lived experience. Its board is made up exclusively of widows and widowers, ensuring every aspect of the organisation reflects the realities of life after loss.
In December, The Widowed Collective is also launching free online weekly drop-in sessions for widows and widowers, taking place every Monday evening, including during Christmas week.
For more information about #WidowedAtChristmas, or to join The Widowed Collective for free, visit www.TheWidowedCollective.com, find The Widowed Collective on Facebook, or follow @TheWidowedCollective on Instagram.
Scottish charity unveil Winners of Global Essay Competition
Global Students Tackle the Future of STEM in TechFest’s STEM NEXT Competition
- Scottish charity, TechFest, has revealed the winners of its essay competition, STEM Next, which saw students aged 16-18 from around the world submit their innovative ideas on the future of industries in energy, medicine and science.
- The competition inspired 715 students worldwide, with winners across a variety of categories and nations including England, Bharain, India and the USA.
- Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “We’re not just watching the next generation take their seats, we’re watching them reshape the table entirely, redefining what’s possible in energy, medicine, and science.”
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Scotland’s leading STEM charity, TechFest has announced the winners of its global essay competition, STEM Next, which saw students competitively discuss topics in energy, medicine, and science.
The individual writing competition invited students aged 16-18 across the world to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addressed one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy & Innovation, Medicine & Psychology and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.
A record-breaking 715 secondary school students from 39 countries took part in this year’s global competition, showcasing TechFest’s growing impact in inspiring the next generation of STEM talent across the UK and beyond. Among them were 612 participants from the UK, with the winners and runners-up in the different categories representing England, Bahrain, Indiaand the USA.
Nine talented students were recognised in the international essay competition, with the top three essays in each category awarded Amazon vouchers: £200 for first place, £100 for second, and £50 for third.
Winners include Vikrant Shetty Tomar, Maximilian Newlands, and Ishan Garg in Energy & Innovation; Yeva Kolobova, Ariane Edwards, and Sanvi Krishnan in Medicine & Psychology; and Louie Francis, Hana Ahmed, and Serah Abraham in Chemistry & Biology.
Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “The calibre of young people taking part in the STEM Next essay competition has been truly inspiring.
“Their drive, curiosity, and passion for science and technology are evident in every submission. The dedication and creativity these young people demonstrate in their essay submissions underscore the strength and promise of the next generation of leaders in STEM.”
The STEM industry is facing huge employment challenges over the next decade due to young people not choosing STEM as a career pathway. TechFest’s inspirational initiatives are making STEM education more engaging and inclusive throughout the nation, with this year’s competition seeing an uptake of 146 secondary pupils.
All participants who competed in the STEM Next competition are also eligible for CREST Awards; providing an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.
In addition, STEM NEXT develops young people’s research and writing skills while connecting them with industry professionals for first-hand insight.
This year’s edition was delivered in partnership with CNOOC International, Serica Energy, SSE, and Thistle Wind Partners (TWP), the programme inspires the next generation of STEM innovators.
Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Engineer at CNOOC, said: “At CNOOC International, promoting safe and sustainable energy goes hand in hand with STEM Next, where this year’s competition revealed innovative solutions from exceptional young talent.”
Mike Seaton, Coire Glas Project Director at SSE, said: “STEM NEXT is shaping the skilled workforce needed to tackle future challenges.
“We are overjoyed we could a part and mentor the young minds who will make up the future workforce in STEM industries.”
Ian Taylor, Project Director at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “Encouraging the next generation in STEM is at the heart of what we do at TWP.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed supporting TechFest’sSTEM Next competition and celebrating the achievements of this year’s winners.”
Elise Murray, Environmental and Compliance at Serica Energy, said: “Serica Energy is committed to driving a responsible energy transition and we believe STEM NEXT has offered remarkable insight through the fresh perspectives of young people.”
Edinburgh College students transform fashion for Cancer Research UK
STUDENTS at Edinburgh College have teamed up with Cancer Research UK on a design project to breathe life into second hand clothes.
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.
Edinburgh College curriculum team manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations. “This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair.
“I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”
HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest.
His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by a student he met while on work placement in Brazil.
Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”
Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.
Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.
“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”
Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia.
The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.
Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour.
“The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”
In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.
Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop.
“The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”
Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit: www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.