THIS week, join us for special Seasonal Sessions of DynaMites and Dynamos – Dynamic Earth’s Sensory Sessions for under 6s where little ones and their grown-ups can discover and explore the natural world together!
Explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction.
DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
24th & 31st October | 10am
Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
This Halloween, Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh to get creative by sharing their best pumpkin designs.
Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children aged 5–14 in Edinburgh to submit pictures of their spooktacular designs for the chance to win a Halloween-themed hamper filled with seasonal treats including frightfully fun crafts and deadly decorations.
Three winning designs from across the country will be chosen, including one in Scotland, England and Wales, with each receiving a hamper to share with friends and family in time for the spooky season.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said:“This competition is a brilliant way to spark children’s imagination and keep them entertained this Halloween.
“At Aldi, we love helping families come together to celebrate seasonal festivities and we can’t wait to see the amazing designs that children come up with – the spookier the better!”
Entries opened Tuesday 14th October 2025 and close Thursday 23rd October 2025. Parents and guardians can submit a photo of their child’s pumpkin via email to pumpkincompetition@aldi.co.uk.
The University of Dundee has agreed to host Scotland’s first national testing and research laboratory for drug-checking, boosting efforts to cut drug-related harm and save lives.
Part of a national pilot and backed by increased Scottish Government funding of more than £1.5 million, the site will analyse samples to help respond to emerging trends such as highly dangerous synthetic substances.
In addition, a proposal for a drug-checking service in Glasgow has been approved by the Home Office. Applications for similar services in Aberdeen and Dundee have been submitted to the Home Office, while a fourth facility in Edinburgh is working on its application. People will be able to submit drugs for testing and receive harm-reduction advice alongside the results.
The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee will provide more complete analysis of samples from the local sites, giving vital information for the national early warning system.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The University of Dundee has a strong reputation for forensic science and reaching this agreement, along with the licence approval for the first drug-checking site, are vital steps in our National Mission on drugs.
“It is particularly important in light of the current dangers posed by new synthetic opioids like nitazenes which raise the risk of overdose and death. Often people who use drugs are not aware of exactly what they contain.
“That is why we have consistently impressed upon the UK Government the importance of giving drug-checking facilities the go-ahead.
“We will now work at pace with local partners in Glasgow and all the pilot cities to get these services up and running as soon as possible.”
LRCFS Director Professor Niamh Nic Daeid said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the Scottish Government’s National Mission to reduce drug-related deaths.
“The National Research and Testing Laboratory will provide information and research about the types of drugs circulating in Scotland that will inform colleagues and communities working to reduce drug deaths across the country.”
Glasgow City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services Councillor Allan Casey said: “We are delighted to have received notification of the Home Office licence approval, having worked on the application and alongside national partners for some time.
“The service will complement other harm-reduction services in operation across the city and provide an opportunity to engage people in conversations about their health and wellbeing, as well as treatment, care and recovery.”
POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.
Around 3.30pm on Tuesday, 14 October, 2025 a 16-year-old boy was approached by two male-youths in Pentland View Park and seriously assaulted.
He was taken to hospital for treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
The first male youth is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with short black hair and clean shaven, wearing a grey tracksuit. The second is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with short dark brown hair and clean shaven, wearing a black top and black shorts. Both are believed to be aged 17-18 years old.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
DC Beverley Burnside, Police Scotland, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and speak with officers.
“We are also appealing to anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage who was driving in the area at the time of the incident to see if they have captured anything that could assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2439 of 16 October, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Young patients in NHS Lothian are preparing for MRI scans by playing with specially designed LEGO sets to help settle their nerves.
The innovative model, developed by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, has already supported over one million children globally. Designed to help young patients understand the MRI process through play, the set includes a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, scanning room, staff figures and medical accessories.
Positive results have already been seen at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and St John’s Hospital in Livingston, where staff have reported calmer, more confident patients.
Ivy, a five-year-old patient from Edinburgh, was introduced to the LEGO MRI Scanner model ahead of her second scan.
Her mum, Rachel, shared how the experience transformed Ivy’s hospital visit: “On the day of her second scan Ivy did really well and was even a bit excited!
“If we hadn’t played with the LEGO MRI model beforehand, I think she would have had a full meltdown and would no doubt have needed general anesthetic. Nobody wants their child to be put to sleep if you can avoid it.
“Ivy is a visual learner and loves LEGO bricks, so seeing and explaining the procedure through play was a game changer. It really helped her to understand what to expect, took away any nerves and made things go plain sailing.
“Coming into hospital can be a stressful experience, but playing with this model made our whole family feel more relaxed, calm and prepared.”
The LEGO MRI Scanner set is part of a global initiative to make hospital experiences less intimidating for children. Research from the LEGO Group shows that 96% of healthcare professionals using the set report reduced anxiety in children, and 46% say it has helped lower the need for sedation or general anesthesia.
Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director Women’s and Children’s, NHS Lothian said: “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of children in our care.
“The LEGO MRI Scanner set has been a fantastic tool for helping young patients feel more comfortable and confident ahead of their scans. It’s a simple but powerful way to support children and families during what can be a challenging time.”
The sets are donated to hospitals and are not available for sale. NHS Lothian received its model through the LEGO Group’s Social Responsibility programme, which partners with organisations such as Fairy Bricks and Starlight Children’s Foundation to distribute the sets worldwide.
For more information about the LEGO MRI Scanner initiative, visit:
World Osteoporosis Day demands end to global neglect of osteoporosis care and treatment
Today, 20th October 2025, QMU proudly marks World Osteoporosis Day, reaffirming its commitment to addressing one of the most pressing yet under-recognised public health challenges of our time – osteoporosis.
In a bold call, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has deemed the response to osteoporosis as unacceptable, asking to end the global neglect in osteoporosis care and treatment.
Osteoporosis means “porous bone”. It is a condition where bones become thinner, less dense, and weaker, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It affects more than 500 million people worldwide, including approximately 250,00 people in Scotland.
Often dubbed the “silent disease,” osteoporosis develops gradually and is frequently diagnosed only after someone has had a bone fracture. Globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. In Scotland, the rate is even higher, with 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 affected. With the UK’s ageing population, the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to rise dramatically, leading to a growing concern amongst health professionals warning of an impending osteoporosis epidemic.
Alarmingly, according to the IOF, awareness of the condition remains low, even among healthcare professionals, and osteoporosis continues to be under prioritised within healthcare systems. As a result, up to 80% of individuals who experience a fracture caused by osteoporosis are never diagnosed with the condition or receive treatment for the underlying disease.
Health professionals and researchers at QMU have been working to change this narrative by promoting bone health and osteoporosis awareness through education, research and community engagement.
The Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project (LOP) at QMU, launched in 2011, continues to lead the way in person-centred research and education. The project aims to transform how osteoporosis is understood and managed in health and social care settings.
Vicki Waqa, Nurse Lecturer with the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project at QMU, said: “In Scotland and across the world, osteoporosis in not treated as a priority.
“The neglect surrounding the condition can lead to devastating consequences, which include:
chronic pain;
disability;
loss of independence;
increased risk of future fractures;
premature death; and
the burden extends beyond individuals to families, healthcare systems, and economies.
“It is important that Scotland fosters a culture of proactive and preventative care that prioritises bone health and reduces the risk of fractures. It is imperative that clinicians do not neglect patients’ bone health, and that young people and adults understand how they can use diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices to create healthy bones and reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis in the future.”
More recently, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project has expanded its outreach across the central belt introducing Osteoporosis Community Cafés at QMU, that warmlywelcome people living with osteoporosis and those who care for them.
Vicki explained: “We were overwhelmed by the demand to attend our first Osteoporosis Community Café this autumn, with most participants confirming that they had experienced a lack of understanding, specialist information and support from health professionals and services.
“The Lydia Osteoporosis Community Café offers a friendly, supportive environment where people can share their lived experiences, learn from one another, build connections and collaborate with the Lydia team to enhance research and education initiatives focused on bone health and wellbeing.
“It was very evident there was a very strong demand for information, connection, and person-centred support from everyone who took part.”
Dr Karen Matthews, Lead for Lydia Plus Osteoporosis Project, confirmed: “The current situation is no longer acceptable. World Osteoporosis Day 2025 is not just about awareness – it’s a real demand for change.
“We are calling on the Scottish Government, GPs and other healthcare providers to recognise osteoporosis as a serious public health issue and to act accordingly. QMU will play an important part in educating future healthcare professionals and existing healthcare staff, but the powers that be must do more to tackle the impending epidemic of osteoporosis.”
During World Osteoporosis Week 2025, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project team has been equipping its nursing students with knowledge and skills needed to effectively prevent, identify, and manage osteoporosis.
This initiative empowers the nurses of the future to play a leading role in reducing fracture risk and improving quality of life across all age groups. They will also share osteoporosis education provision with QMU’s paramedic science, physiotherapy and other allied health professional students.
By embedding bone health education into QMU’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the University is helping shape a healthcare workforce that’s equipped to address the growing global burden of osteoporosis.
Dr Matthews concluded: “On World Osteoporosis Day, we support the International Osteoporosis Foundation call for:
early diagnosis through bone density testing, especially for adults over 50 who experience fractures from minor incidents;
appropriate treatment and follow-up care to prevent future fractures; and
public and healthcare professional education to close the treatment gap.
“QMU is developing the next generation of researchers, nurses, and paramedics who are committed to delivering impactful, person-centred care and innovative solutions that make a real difference to the lives of people affected by osteoporosis.
“However, tackling this preventable crisis requires collective action — all health, research, and policy agencies must work together to prioritise bone health and improve outcomes for future generations.”
On World Osteoporosis Day 2025, we invite you to learn more about the work of the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project by viewing the latest initiatives on the website:
Screen Education Edinburgh is now accepting applications for Through the Lens, our free, hands-on filmmaking course for adults (18+, no upper age limit) living in North Edinburgh – but applications close THIS WEDNESDAY.
Open to beginners, the course offers practical training in screenwriting, directing, producing, camera and sound operation, production design, and editing. Participants will work as a crew to create a short film, which will premiere at the North Edinburgh Film Festival in March 2026.
The programme also includes guest sessions with film and TV professionals, cinema outings, and tailored support for those exploring creative careers. Sessions take place here at Screen Education Edinburgh (30 Ferry Rd Ave, EH4 4BA) every Tuesday, 6–8pm, from 28th October 2025 to 25th February 2026.
It’s FREE to attend, with travel bursaries available for those who require financial assistance.
Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron has welcomed an increase in funding for affordable housing.
A rise in the Scottish Government’s ‘voids and acquisition’ fund, which will double in its second year, means Edinburgh will receive £28.6m, an additional £13.8m compared to 2024/25. This brings the total Scottish Government funding for affordable housing supply in Edinburgh to £73.7m in 2025/26.
The funding is targeted at councils with the highest sustained pressures on temporary accommodation and is focused on the acquisition of existing properties, in particular family-sized homes.
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “I warmly welcome this award of £73.7 million for Edinburgh from the Scottish Government and believe this funding recognises the pressures in Edinburgh in terms of acute housing demand and increased dependence and spend on temporary accommodation.
“Sadly, far too many families in Edinburgh continue to struggle to find affordable places to live and are living in temporary accommodation. This is why we are prioritising acquiring much-needed larger, family-sized homes for residents across the city, helping to reduce further the number of children living in unsuitable accommodation. This funding will go towards that.
“We’re also now fast approaching the two-year anniversary of declaring a housing emergency in Edinburgh, and whilst we are making every effort to deliver more new homes, housing supply simply isn’t meeting Edinburgh’s level of housing demand.
“Much more needs to be done, and much more money needs to come to Edinburgh.”
A mental health campaigner who devoted his career to helping men through difficult times has been named among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) Alumni Awards.
Ian Hounsome (above), who completed both an undergraduate degree and PhD at ENU, has been recognised with the Impact Award for his work with the charity Andy’s Man Club.
Formed in 2016 in honour of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at the age of 23, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide network of support groups for men to speak about their mental health.
Ian first attended a meeting in 2021 after fleeing an abusive relationship. He went on to volunteer for the charity, and is now area lead for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders.
Ian said: “I first came to Andy’s Man Club because I needed help. I was living in a one-bedroom homeless hostel with my teenage daughter and surviving off foodbanks. I was feeling very low.
“I had heard there was a group in Edinburgh for men to talk. I had no idea what it was called but I thought I’d go and have a look from the outside on the way to the pub to drown my sorrows.
“I showed up week after week and began to open up about my problems, and I realised that I was not alone. Understanding that other men have problems really helped me.
“I’m in a much better place now. I’m now clean and sober and have permanent housing with my daughter and we both work full time.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus is now one of dozens of venues that host Andy’s Man Club meetings every Monday evening. It provides men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.
The selection panel for the ENU Alumni Awards praised Andy’s willingness to inspire others through his own vulnerability and his efforts to break down social stigmas.
Ian added: “I’m humbled winning this award, but it’s also validating.I sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, but this shows that I am doing the right thing.
“However, from an Andy’s Man Club point of view, we’re rewarded every time a new guy shows up to a club. When someone turns up and it means they might not take their own life, that’s the best accolade.”
Ian will be presented with his award alongside fellow Alumni Award winners during a ceremony at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 6 November 2025.
Excellence Awards
The 2025 Alumni Awards will also recognise five leading Edinburgh Napier University graduates across fields such as biotechnology, product design and computer science – with each receiving an Excellence Awards.
Angela Scott was part of the history-making team that cloned Dolly the Sheep. Since graduating from ENU in 1992, she has worked on key stem cell projects, including cancer research and stroke treatment, and co-founded TC Biopharm.
Angela said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award because my time at Edinburgh Napier had a big impact. It was a stepping stone to a change in career path that allowed me to do so much more.”
Swapping Merchiston for Hollywood, Product Design alumni Jack Lennie has forged an impressive career in special effects working on a long list of blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and Wonder Woman.
Alongside his wife and fellow ENU alumnus Kate, he also produces the popular We Are Makers magazine and podcast.
Jack said: “It’s really cool because my wife nominated me without me knowing. I tell people all the time to stop and take stock of all the cool things you’ve done, but I have never done it myself until now.”
Ogochukwu Okoye is a kidney disease expert who completed her PhD at ENU in 2024 – and is now a Visiting Professor. She is the founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to support people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.
Ogochukwu said: “My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact.
“It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding.”
Advocate Bilaal Shabbir has achieved notable professional success since graduating from ENU in 2018.
After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023 – and is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket and padel.
Bilaal said: “It feels indescribably special because it’s a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”
Computing science teacher Toni Scullion used her passion for encouraging more girls into the subject to set up award-winning charity dressCode.
She is also co-founder of the Ada Scotland Festival, which champions gender balance in tech and computing.
Toni said: “I’m so overwhelmed. I left Edinburgh Napier with more than a degree – it changed the trajectory of my life.
“The University played such a big part in my journey and receiving this award feels like everything has come full circle.”
Rising Star Award
André Agius, a 2021 alumnus of ENU’s MFA Directing programme, has been named the winner of the, which recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate who is one to watch in their field.
André has already amassed a burgeoning stage CV – putting on shows in his home country for The National Theatre of Malta and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, a four-week run of Philip Ridley play Radiant Vermin in Brussels earned glowing reviews and standing ovations. This year has seen him direct Lysistrata at the Scottish Institute, followed by Chef which toured around Scotland. He is currently in rehearsals for Blood Wedding in Glasgow.
The Alumni Awards selection panel highlighted André’s outstanding career success so far, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Reacting to his award, André said: “I’m very grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for the training they provided me and it’s hugely satisfying as an alumnus to have your work recognised by your alma mater.
“It confirms that I’m going in the right direction.
“I feel like I’m hitting chapter 2 of my career, and this is a good opening sentence.
“The creative industries is an industry of rejection, but ‘no’ is not a closed door. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit somewhere else.
“I grew up watching National Theatre Live broadcasts at my local cinema, and it would be a dream to direct a show at the National in London. The Lyceum in Edinburgh also holds a special place for me – I did an internship there whilst studying at ENU.
“To have my name on a poster as director would be incredible.”
You can read more about all the 2025 Alumni Awards winners here.
UK motorists face £12 million in monthly clean air and low emission zone penalties
Over £627 million has been generated by Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in the UK
On average 200,000 fines are issued to motorists driving through these zones each month
Almost 8 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been issued in London since 2019
On average, UK cities have seen a 39% decrease in penalty charge notices since their introduction
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are designed to improve air quality, by charging drivers of high-polluting vehicles that enter into a specific area. London was the first city to introduce one of these zones, with a number of other cities following suit in recent years.
With this in mind, taxi insurance specialists ChoiceQuote aimed to determine the number of vehicles fined since the introduction of clean air and low emission zones, how much each council has fined drivers in this period and whether these zones are effectively deterring high-pollution vehicles from the area or motivating people to invest in low emission vehicles.
In total, over 11 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) have been issued by councils since their introduction of clean air and low emission zones. However on average, the number of PCN issued has decreased by 39% since their introduction which is encouraging to see.
The study analysed Freedom of Information data from Transport for London and local councils across the UK to identify which areas have issued the most fines and which have experienced the largest decreases in PCN since the introduction of the zones.
How many penalty charge notices have been issued by UK councils?
City
Total PCN
Total £
Avg Monthly PCNs
Avg Monthly £
Aberdeen
33,850
£5,015,160
2,821
£417,930
Birmingham
2,196,729
£100,766,280
47,755
£2,190,571
Bristol
1,045,013
£125,401,560
37,322
£4,478,627
Dundee
16,696
£2,282,340
1,284
£175,565
Edinburgh
51,015
£5,261,520
3,924
£404,732
Glasgow
72,100
£7,267,800
3,005
£302,825
London
7,814,614
£386,293,224
108,536
£5,365,184
Over £627 million has been generated by clean air and low emission zones throughout the UK, with almost 200,000 PCNs given out per month on average, amounting to over 11 million since the zones first began.
London launched its Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019, initially covering inner London, before, expanding to cover all 32 boroughs by 2023[1]. In its five years of operation the capital has received over £386 million in fines during this period, with over 108,000 penalty charge notices being issued each month to drivers.
Birmingham introduced its clean air zone in June 2021 and over a 48 month period, drivers in the city have received over 2 million fines, averaging out at nearly 48,000 per month. This equates to fines of over £100 million, or nearly £2.2 million per month.
Bristol Introduced its clean air zone in 2022 and has issued fines totalling over £125 million, or an average of £3.2 million per month. Despite receiving fewer fines overall, Bristol drivers pay £1.2 million more on average per month than drivers in Birmingham. This suggests a significant presence of repeat offenders in Bristol, which raises the average fine amount from £60 to up to £960.
Which cities have seen the biggest decrease in penalty charge notices?
City
% decrease in PCNs
Dundee*
52%
Edinburgh*
48%
Aberdeen*
35%
Glasgow**
35%
Birmingham**
33%
Bristol**
28%
(London data excluded due to expansion of ULEZ in 2021 and 2023 inflating figures)
* % decrease since the introduction of CAZ and LEZs **Yearly average decreases in number of PCNs
On average, there has been a 39% drop in the number of PCNs handed out to motorists, as more drivers either avoid clean air and low emission zones entirely, or upgrade to compliant vehicles.
Since Dundee implemented its low emission zone in June 2024, the city has experienced a 52% reduction in PCNs. In June 2024, 2,117 charges were issued, with this number dropping to 1,014 by June 2025.
While the number of PCNs issued has decreased by over half, the amount fined has increased by £31,320 to £167,160 in June 2025. This is due to an increasing number of drivers being charged a higher fine for driving through the zone multiple times.
Edinburgh has experienced the second most significant decrease in PCNs. The Scottish capital issued 6,039 fines issued in June 2024, compared to just 3,157 in June 2025.
Aberdeen has seen a 35% reduction in PCNs issued since June 2024. Initially, 3,751 fines were issued in June 2024, but by May 2025, this number had decreased to 2,437. Notably, in May 2025, only 1,727 vehicles were caught driving through low emission zones for the first time, compared to 3,387 vehicles in June 2024.
However, 262 vehicles received their fifth fine within a 12-month period, resulting in a fine of £960, significantly higher than the £60 penalty for a first-time offence.
Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at insurance broker ChoiceQuote, comments:“It’s positive to see that the introduction of low emission and clean air zones within UK cities is working in minimising the amount of high polluting vehicles travelling through congested areas.
“In some areas the number of fines issued has reduced by half! These zones have influenced driving habits, not only by prompting drivers to avoid certain areas but also by encouraging investment in more environmentally friendly vehicles.
“Data indicates that while a high number of people were charged in the first month of low emission and clean air zone introductions people are now aware of which roads to avoid if their vehicle is not compliant. However, if you are visiting a city for the first time is can be tricky to navigate which roads you can and can’t travel on.
“Motorists are advised to look out for signs indicating the boundaries of clean air and low emission zones within a city and do their research on whether their vehicle is compliant before making any journeys through these zones.
“If you are a Google or Apple Maps user, these apps will provide you with alternative routes to avoid restrictions so it’s important to always pay attention and plan your route before setting off on your journey.”
DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
