The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Aldi calls on Edinburgh residents to revive Halloween guising

More than one third of local shoppers fear children are missing out on the once beloved tradition

Aldi is calling on Scots to bring the magic of traditional Halloween guising back to their neighbourhoods, after new research revealed that 60 per cent of people from Edinburgh believe fewer people take part in the tradition now than when they were children.

The research, carried out by ScotPulse, Scotland’s largest research panel, and commissioned by Aldi Scotland, also found that more than one third of people from Edinburgh (38%) believe children are missing out on the traditional Halloween experience.

Less than half of people from Edinburgh (39%) will be opening their door to entertain guisers this spooky season, and less than one-third (29%) of adults from Edinburgh with children or grandchildren aged 11 and under plan to take them trick or treating.

A third of people surveyed from Edinburgh (33%) say they are less likely to answer the door to guisers than they were five years ago.

In response, Aldi Scotland is encouraging families to keep the much-loved tradition alive by dressing up and going guising this Halloween. To add a treat to the trick, the supermarket will give a £10 voucher to ten lucky children who visit an Aldi store in costume and are selected as ‘best-dressed’ winners on Aldi Scotland social channels.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Halloween is such a special time for children, and guising is a big part of what makes it memorable. It’s about more than just collecting sweets; it’s an opportunity for children to get dressed up, have fun and feel part of their local community.

“With our research suggesting that fewer people are taking part in guising, we’re encouraging communities to rally together this year to help keep the tradition alive. Whether that’s getting the costumes ready, stocking up on treats for little visitors or heading out guising with the family, everyone can play a part in making Halloween special for children.”

For those heading out, the research has revealed that a good joke remains the way to win over the neighbours. More than half of Scots (56%) would expect a child to tell a joke when guising, making it by far the most popular performance, ahead of singing a song (11%) or reciting a poem (2%).

Aldi is also encouraging households to prepare for Halloween by stocking up on treats for visiting guisers. While pumpkins have become a familiar fixture of the season, families can also embrace Scotland’s Halloween heritage by carving a neep (a swede), as generations did before pumpkins became commonplace.

Carving pumpkins from £1.69
Swede from £0.62
Sweets from £0.45

Aldi Scotland is giving ten of its best-dressed guisers a £10 voucher to treat themselves this Halloween.

To be in with a chance of winning, parents and guardians should share a photo of their little guiser in spooktacular fancy dress inside or outside one of Aldi’s Scottish stores between 26 and 31 October, tagging @AldiScotland on Instagram or Facebook.

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.

Terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/scotland/terms-and-conditions/competitions

To Be Seen: Granton Youth take over Edinburgh’s billboards

Nine young people from Granton Youth took over Edinburgh’s billboards this week, seeing their bold self-portraits displayed on a giant scale for the first time. Following creative workshops inspired by the National Galleries of Scotland’s Catherine Opie: To Be Seen exhibition, exploring identity and self-expression, the group gathered to see their very own photographs displayed across the city.

This marked a proud moment for the young people whose voices and stories are now impossible to miss. Working with the National Galleries of Scotland and in partnership with BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland, their larger-than-life self-portraits have transformed public spaces across the city into a powerful celebration of youth, identity and visibility.

One of the world’s greatest living photographers, Opie’s exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building in Edinburgh celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, telling stories of identity, family, love, belonging and community.

Featuring 80 striking portraits the exhibition places Opie’s powerful photographs alongside historic works from the national art collection, creating new narratives and challenging audiences to consider who is seen, celebrated and overlooked in art. With only one week left to see this inspiring exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen is open now until 1 November.

Taking inspiration from their own experience in the exhibition, the group from Granton Youth worked with artist Matthew Arthur Williams and supporting artist MV Brown, over six sessions to create their own photographs.

The workshops invited the young people to explore portraiture and identity through both analogue and digital photography. Working in a pop-up photography studio at the National Galleries Scotland: National, participants selected their own props and backdrops, made creative decisions about how they wanted to be represented, and considered how photography can communicate personal and collective stories.

The resulting artworks, brought together under the theme of what it means ‘to be seen’ offer a powerful and authentic reflection of the group’s experiences, personalities and perspectives.

The large-scale installations featuring their portraits are now displayed on BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland poster and billboard sites across the city, sharing their stories and photos.

You’ll find these inspiring self-portraits on billboards at sites including Wishaw Terrace, Dundee Street, London Road (Meadowbank), as well as posters featuring artworks across Edinburgh.

Beda Rose, a participant from Granton Youth, said: ‘It’s amazing seeing the billboards! I think the photos are really artistic and it’s not just photos of people doing nothing.

“It shows photos of people in a way that deserves to be shown.’

Holly Yeoman, Community Development Officer at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘It’s really important for young people’s voices to be heard and for them to be seen.

“We’re living in complex times, and to be able to use the Catherine Opie exhibition as an opportunity to bring young people of different ages and backgrounds together to discuss topics of identity, self-expression, friendship and family through creativity is meaningful.

“Now, these works are in the public, and will catch the attention of people who might not know anything about Catherine Opie, Granton Youth and the National Galleries of Scotland, these intriguing portraits invite people into the worlds of young people and what it truly means ‘to be seen.

“Catherine Opie has been really supportive of a project like this happening, as she knows how important it is to create space for sharing stories, creating connection, and the power of exploring this in through photography.”

Edinburgh scientists shaping international conservation

Scottish scorecard for wild species goes global

A Scottish-developed conservation tool to protect land-based animals and plants has been expanded to include marine species such as fish, dolphin, porpoise, sharks, skate and birds for the very first time.

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot created the low-cost tool for tracking the genetic diversity of wild species, which has traditionally been difficult and expensive to monitor.

It scores how well species threats are being managed, and the conservation actions in place, from the work of land managers to conservation efforts in botanic gardens and zoos.

First published in 2020, the scorecard has already given animals and plants a better chance of coping with changing weather, new diseases and food shortages.

It has since been updated and expanded to cover a wider range of terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and the latest version, reflecting new research, now extends that protection to marine species for the first time.

Maintaining genetic diversity is vital for nature’s survival. Helping species adapt to change helps give us things we need, such as food to eat and materials to build with, and can even help soak up pollution from the air.

The Scottish approach is already being used for species management in South Africa, and in a joint project with the University of Benghazi in Libya. A site-based version has also been developed, working with farmers and land managers in Scotland, Libya, Mexico and Australia.

Speaking ahead of a two-day attendance at COP17 on Biodiversity in Armenia, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin said: “I want to thank the scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot who developed this low-cost tracking tool.

“The fact that this Scottish resource is now being used internationally, and can support marine species for the first time, demonstrates the global value of expertise developed here in Scotland as well as underlining just how impressive Scotland’s scientific community is.

“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, so maintaining genetic diversity is essential if species are to adapt and survive. This innovative tool helps conservationists make better decisions in order to better protect nature.

“The groundbreaking work by Scottish scientists shows we have a strong story to tell, and we should tell it with confidence, using our voice at events like COP17 to push for ambitious biodiversity and climate action.”

Dr Isa-Rita Russo, ConGen Africa, an initiative dedicated to the conservation and genetic management of African wildlife, said: “The scorecard has been a brilliant addition to the wildlife management guidelines used across Africa. It takes complicated genetic science and turns it into something practical that conservationists can actually use day to day.

“Instead of needing specialist genetics expertise, people managing wildlife can now easily understand the genetic health of a population, spot problems early, and decide what action to take.

“This has made genetic diversity far more visible and useful in real-world conservation work across African wildlife and beyond.”

Professor Tarek Mukassabi, University of Benghazi, Libya, said: “The Scottish scorecard has effectively helped in demonstrating genetic biodiversity in Libya. The structure and contents of the scorecard have organised scattered local biodiversity literature and guided national research to build a useful, effective national database.

“This direct, clear scorecard will help us make the right decisions about conserving biodiversity. We are now working with NatureScot to develop a site-based version of the scorecard called ‘GenDivA’.

“In Libya, we have conducted the first trial of GenDivA, assessing the genetic biodiversity of one of the rare native plant species of the south-eastern Mediterranean.

“The procedure was highly organised and focused, and in a short time addressed biodiversity issues that could significantly change conservation policy in the territory.”

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) takes place in Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026, bringing together governments, international organisations, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth and the private sector.

Pupils arrive at new Wester Hailes High School building

Project milestone brings school’s education estate into single state-of-the-art building

Staff and pupils at Wester Hailes High School have returned from the October half term break into their brand new school building this week, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a single, modern education facility.

McLaughlin & Harvey was appointed by the Council to deliver the 800 capacity new building, which has been designed by Architype.

The new school building is designed around a central, bright and open atrium, bringing pupils together while connecting departments and classrooms.

Each floor features a series of breakout and retreat spaces to offer pupils choice on where they want to work, socialise or take time out. Internal spaces have been decorated with warm colours and light woods to create comfortable spaces for learning and coming together.

One of the existing buildings on the site – featuring catering, sports and swimming facilities – has been retained and refurbished. This block will operate as a secure community hub, with easily accessible services for local people while maintaining the safety of users.

Edinburgh Leisure reopened its refurbished leisure facilities at the school earlier this month.

The building also includes a range of different flexible, collaborative spaces to support staff, students and the community. Members of the community will be able to see the new facilities first hand at an open evening on Tuesday 27 October between 5pm and 7pm.

The final phase of the school redevelopment project will see the remaining former buildings demolished, to be replaced with outdoor learning spaces, an urban woodland area (creating natural habitat, play spaces and a learning resource) and a community allotment that will provide growing beds, poly tunnels and picnic benches for use by the local community.

Additional landscaping will also improve secure access to the school site from the Union Canal tow path.

As with other recently opened buildings in the Council’s learning estate, the school has been built to Passivhaus standard, minimising energy consumption and reducing the reliance on active heating or cooling systems, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly construction.

In addition to the Passivhaus design, the new school includes other sustainable features supporting the Council to meet its sustainability commitments. This includes measures to improve the air quality and thermal performance of the building which are vital to achieving Passivhaus certification.

The new school building has been designed in line with the guiding principles of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy and is one of the projects in the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, alongside the recently opened Liberton Community Campus.

Children, Education and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: “Opening this new school building is a major landmark moment for pupils, staff and the wider community in Wester Hailes.

“I’m really impressed with the quality of the spaces, and the building is all set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support young people for generations to come.

“This investment is about more than just education. We’ve created a valuable community asset, bringing together learning, sport and support spaces in one accessible location. Through our Living Well Locally approach, we’re creating a hub that will help strengthen and serve the community for many years ahead.”

Dougie McCusker, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff enjoying the new building. Having been designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, the facility futureproofs the school’s estate for generations to come.

“Operationally, we faced the challenge of building the new facility while the school was still open and in close proximity to the construction works, however, we were able to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.

“The hard work by the whole project team, the designers, consultants and the client was definitely worth it when you see the cutting-edge building in use today.”

Further information about the design of the new Wester Hailes High School can be found on the Future Schools Edinburgh website.

BE READY: Households encouraged to take small, simple steps to stay prepared in an emergency

SCAREMONGERING OR COMMON SENSE?

Advice helps people feel better prepared for events such as severe weather, which can occasionally affect services like power, water, and the internet.
Campaign bolsters UK’s preparedness for emergencies, in line with European peers including France, Ireland and The Netherlands.
Simple steps include actions that are completely free, like signing up to the Priority Services Register, a service helping utility companies identify people most in need.

Households are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to stay prepared if everyday services are temporarily disrupted, under updated advice published by the UK Government yesterday.

The advice is the first stage of a three-year campaign to help households across the UK feel better prepared for events such as severe weather, which can occasionally affect services including power, water, phones and the internet.

The campaign focuses on straightforward things people can do in advance, including signing up to the Priority Services Register – a service that helps gas, water, and electricity companies identify customers that may need extra support in an emergency – and keep a small supply of non-perishable food and bottled water at home.

With storms last winter and the wildfires this summer showing how severe weather events can cause disruption to our everyday lives and impact the services we rely on, from phone signal to water and the internet, launching the campaign brings the UK into line with European peers who all run similar campaigns already.

The government has worked with other countries to learn from their experience and best practice. For example, the advice to be prepared for three days of disruption that is at the heart of the UK campaign is also used by France, Ireland and The Netherlands.

The government has also worked closely with local resilience forums across the UK to root the advice in what works for local communities.

Dan Jarvis MP, Security Minister, said: “Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. By taking simple steps to be ready for everyday emergencies like severe storms, people can reduce pressure on emergency services, helping them prioritise people who need more support in an emergency.

“This is just the sort of community-focused campaign the UK needs to improve our resilience as a nation. It will bring us into line with European counterparts, where advice like this is a normal part of everyday life.”

“The ‘Be Ready’ campaign will build gradually over time. More than five hundred organisations across the UK, from charities to businesses, have already signed-up to share messaging and campaign assets within their networks and communities. Government channels like GOV.UK and social media accounts will also amplify content.

Over the coming weeks and months, social media and radio advertising will help reach audiences who may be particularly at-risk in everyday emergencies: families with young children and older people.

To ensure the updated advice is relevant and accessible to all, the ‘Be Ready’ campaign has been built in collaboration with charities and campaigners that work with groups that are often under-represented, including people with insecure housing and people who use foodbanks.

Many of the simple steps are quick and cost-free, like signing up to the Priority Services Register, and other steps are designed to be as low-cost as possible. The intention is that, if households that can take these steps do, emergency services will be able to prioritise those most in-need if an emergency were to happen.

The Government has published resilience advice for households since May 2024. While the ‘Be Ready’ campaign has seen the previous “Prepare” website updated with new messaging and branding, much of the advice has not changed and remains evergreen for households to follow.

Laura Scott, British Red Cross Director for UK Resilience, said: “We can’t control when emergencies happen, but we can all take some simple steps to be prepared, so that when they do, we are ready to help our friends, families and neighbours.

“We know from our work across the UK that local people know their communities best and want to play a part when a crisis happens. Having clear and trusted advice for people, especially those who may be more at-risk, could help reduce the impact of crises and even save lives.”

Be-Ready-Checklist_English Download

COSLA: Education reform must be led by evidence, outcomes and local democracy

COSLA today commented on education reform as part of the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform proposals.

The First Ministers publication of a proposal to move to fewer regional councils and create many community authorities creates extensive structural reform which carries significant financial, operational, democratic and service-continuity risks, with transition costs and benefits not yet quantified or thought through.

COSLA and Scottish Local Government has long supported reform, but reform that makes the most of the democratic spheres we have. We must recognise the separate roles but collective responsibilities we have to deliver vital public services to the people of Scotland. Doing so creates a Scotland where all children and young people can grow up feeling loved, safe and respected so that they realise their full potential.

The integrated services that councils deliver are essential to achieving this. COSLA is clear that structural reorganisation should not be the starting point. Scotland’s education system must instead focus on improving the curriculum, supporting children and families, attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce, strengthening leadership and ensuring that responsibilities and resources are clear at every level.

Commenting, COSLA spokesperson for Children and Young People, Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Scotland should be ambitious for every child and young person. Reform must close the gap between a good education system and a great one, while recognising that learning is inseparable from family support, tackling poverty, health, housing and the strength of local communities.

“Structural change is not an outcome in itself. Large-scale reorganisation without a clear, costed and independently tested business case could divert money, time and professional capacity away from classrooms, children and families.

“Councils are uniquely placed to connect education with the wider services that help children and young people thrive. We support reform that strengthens teaching, the curriculum, prevention, workforce planning, regional capacity and accountability, while keeping decisions as close as possible to the communities they affect.

“Our preferred approach is practical, proportionate and evidence-led: agree the functions and outcomes, establish the financial and workforce baselines, test stronger collaboration, and scale or legislate only where independent evaluation shows that change will deliver better outcomes, greater equity and stronger public value.”

This Weekend: Big Bulb Blitz at Clermiston Park

Drumbrae Library Hub will be joining Friends of Clermiston Park for The Big Bulb Blitz on Saturday 24th October 2026 at Clermiston Park from 1:30pm.

Come along and join in!

#GoAllIn

#friendsofclermistonpark

LifeCare: Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for a new volunteer to join our team!

Are you sociable, enthusiastic and want to be apart of a charity that tackles loneliness and isolation? We’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for a new hub greeter to join us on Mondays in our LifeCare building.

LifeCare is a registered charity with an 85 year history of providing uplifting support to older people around Edinburgh. Our hub at the heart of Stockbridge is home to our office, cafe, day club and is a bustling centre where multiple activities take place throughout the day.

You’d primarily be greeting visitors, providing a warm welcome and answering calls. There will be a few weeks of shadowing to get yourself comfortable with the space.

One of our current hub greeters had this to say “My favourite reason for volunteering at LifeCare is quite simply all the wonderful people that make LifeCare the incredibly place that it is.

“It is an absolute joy to be a volunteer here and spend time with everyone.”

To register your interest, or for more information, please get in touch with sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

Food Collection at Easter Road

SUNDAY from 10.30am

We’ll be holding a food collection at Sunday’s home match against Celtic. Supporters are invited to donate food items from the listed provided below, which will be used at our Community Hubs to support those in need across our community.

The collection point will be opposite the club store at the Famous Five Stand from 10:30 before kick-off. We’ll also be accepting cash and card donations

https://hiberniancf.org/food-collection-for-sundays-home…

More than one third of local shoppers fear children are missing out on the once beloved tradition

Scottish scorecard for wild species goes global

Project milestone brings school’s education estate into single state-of-the-art building

Our Latest PYCP Newsletter is here…

SUNDAY from 10.30am