Congrats to Fettes’ Tatler Twins!

Twin brothers win Unsung Hero award after 40 years at Fettes College

Twin brothers who have spent their entire working lives looking after the grounds of Fettes College in Edinburgh have won a Tatler Schools Award in the Unsung Hero category.

George and Kevin McNab were announced as the winners in London yesterday (Monday 29th September). They attended the awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel with their wives.

George and Kevin McNab joined Fettes on the same day back in January 1985 when they were only 16. Following in the footsteps of their father, who worked at the school as a joiner for nearly 30 years, they quickly became part of the fabric of Fettes’ life.

The Tatler Schools Guide celebrates the top prep and public schools in the UK and the Tatler Schools Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of UK staff, pupils and school communities.

The Unsung Heroes category shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is totally invaluable to a school and makes a lasting difference behind the scenes. George and Kevin were the only shortlisted nomination from Scotland and beat competition from candidates from four English schools.

Over four decades, George and Kevin have seen a lot of change, from chalk-clogged pitch markers to today’s robot line marker, affectionately nicknamed “Lionel Pitchie” and much more, witnessing thousands of children grow up at the school. But what hasn’t changed is their friendship, humour and loyalty to each other and to the school community.

Over the years, the brothers have shared countless memories at Fettes, including George meeting his future wife in the school dining hall. This moment remains one of their most cherished stories alongside decades of tending rugby pitches and cricket squares in all four seasons.

Head of Grounds Kevin McNab said: “Being nominated for this award is a huge surprise and a real honour and to win is even better.

“We never imagined that our work behind the scenes would be recognised in this way. It’s very humbling to be included alongside so many outstanding people and we are looking forward to attending the Award Ceremony in London.”

His brother George, who is Deputy Head of Grounds, added: “It’s wonderful to have our efforts acknowledged.

“We’ve always loved what we do and to win this award is something we’ll never forget. It feels like a recognition of the whole team, not just the two of us.”

Peter Worlledge, Bursar and Head of Operational Staff at Fettes said: “Everyone at Fettes is delighted for George and Kevin – now nicknamed our ‘Tatler Twins’!

“They are pillars of our school community, who have spent over four decades going the extra mile for students and staff alike.

“Their dedication, care and humour have shaped Fettes in countless ways over the past 40 years and their contributions to our school are innumerable.

“This win is a fitting recognition of everything they have done for generations of students and staff, and we hope they enjoyed the experience of attending this prestigious event.”

The winners of the Tatler Schools Awards 2026 were announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025.

Artist Trevor Jones’ EXPOS3D – Immersive Art Meets AI

ENTER WATCHED. EXIT AWARE: TREVOR JONES UNVEILS EXPOS3D, A RADICAL IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE IN EDINBURGH

12–18 October 2025 | Custom House, Edinburgh

Acclaimed artist Trevor Jones recently announced the launch of EXPOS3D, a groundbreaking immersive exhibition that fuses painting, sculpture, stained glass, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology into an experience unlike anything the art world has seen.

For one week only – from 12 to 18 October – the historic Custom House in Leith will be transformed into a living system of interactive artworks, augmented reality and AI-driven installations.

At its centre is LOGOS, an all-seeing artificial intelligence that challenges audiences to reconsider how we live, think, and rebel in the age of technology.

EXPOS3D explores three defining tensions of our time:

  • Surveillance: the omnipresent gaze of technology that monitors, predicts, and controls
  • Faith: the shift from religious and cultural traditions toward new digital dependencies
  • Rebellion: the human instinct to resist, to question, and to reclaim freedom in the face of control

The result is a multi-sensory exhibition where visitors do not simply observe, but become participants in shaping their own digital world.

Key Works & Experiences

  • Giant AI-animated paintings that evolve in real time
  • LOGOS, an artificial intelligence entity that learns and reacts to viewers
  • The Sacaramemes, seven oil paintings that watch you as you watch them
  • Eyes of LOGOS, interactive installations that follow, recognise, and even call you by name
  • Immersive rewards system, where visitors unlock exclusive digital and physical gifts via the EXPOS3D app

Trevor Jones explains: “This is not an attack on tradition. It’s an observation of how much our world has changed.

“Where once people turned to God for answers, we now turn to machines. As the roots of faith weaken, we must confront what has been lost, what has been gained, and what it means for our future.”

A white lit up sign on a wall AI-generated content may be incorrect.

LED light – LOGOS (I Am The WORD)

A Seismic Shift

EXPOS3D responds to a profound cultural transformation: as religion loses its central role, technology steps into the vacuum, with phones, algorithms, and surveillance systems increasingly shaping human behaviour, choices, and beliefs. The exhibition challenges audiences to confront this shift and ask:

  • What is gained when machines take the place of gods?
  • What is lost when faith and freedom fade?
  • Where can rebellion still be found?

Exhibition Details

  • Dates: 12–18 October 2025
  • Venue: Custom House, 65–67 Commercial Street, Edinburgh
  • Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (1-hour slots, subject to availability)
  • Tickets: Free but ticketed via Eventbrite → EXPOS3D – Book Here

For more details on EXPOS3D, please visit: Trevor Jones Art – EXPOS3D

For more details on Trevor’s work, please visit: Trevor Jones Art

St Columba’s Waterfront Art Walks

WATERFRONT ART WALKS RESTART 20th OCTOBER

Our Waterfront Art Walks are back next month! They’ll be starting from 20th October, and leaving from St Columba’s Hospice Care reception.

Spaces are limited, so contact Emma to book your spot at emma.kelso@funerals.scot

The walks are designed for people who have experienced loss in the past two years, and are gentle, creative strolls designed especially for those navigating grief.

Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection, and connection.

Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.

Support for oil and gas workers

Extra funding for the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund

An additional 100 offshore oil and gas workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into the sustainable energy sector – following a £450,000 increase in Scottish Government funding.

The funding has been awarded to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, a joint Scottish Government and UK Government initiative, in response to demand from oil and gas workers. It means that over this financial year, at least 300 oil and gas workers in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire will be able to access careers advice and funding for training to move into sustainable energy roles.

More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the future.

The funding comes as the First Minister opened Scotland’s largest energy transition skills hub in Aberdeen, which will support 1000 people from the North East and beyond into roles in sustainable energy.

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Today marks the beginning of Scotland’s Climate Week, which gives us a chance to recognise how the skills, experience and expertise of Scotland’s valued oil and gas workers are essential to delivering a fair and managed energy transition.

“This additional funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector.

“The North East has long been a titan in the oil and gas industry and it is only right we support the talented and skilled workforce to move into new roles in the evolving sustainable energy sector.”

Trams to Drylaw: Have Your Say!

PUBLIC MEETING

NORTH – SOUTH TRAMLINE CONSULTATION PROPOSALS

TUESDAY 7th OCTOBER 6.30 – 8PM at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Drylaw Telford Community Council has organised a public meeting to find out YOUR views on proposals to extend the Edinburgh tram network.

It’s your local opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to share your views.

Guest speaker is City of Edinburgh Council Transport & Environment Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson.

ALL WELCOME!

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south

Scottish business confidence falls in September

  • Business confidence in Scotland fell 20 points to 39% in September 
  • Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell 20 points to 45%, while optimism in the economy dipped 18 points to 34% 
  • Overall UK business confidence dipped 12 points in September to 42%. 

Business confidence in Scotland fell 20 points during September to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. 

Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 20 points at 45%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 18 points to 34%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 59% in August). 

Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (44%), evolving their offering, for example by launching new products or services (39%) and introducing new technology (30%).  

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.  

National picture 

Overall, UK business confidence fell 12 points in September to 42%.  

Firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects fell 12 points to 51%, and their optimism in the wider economy fell 11 points to 33%.  

The North East of England was the most confident UK nation or region in September, climbing 13 points to 68%, followed by London (57%).  

Sector insights 

Firms across manufacturing, construction, retail and services all saw confidence fall this month. The biggest change was in manufacturing with a decline of 31 points to 31%, a two-year low. Retail sentiment fell 17 points to 40%, its lowest level in four months.

Similarly, confidence in the service sector fell six points to 47%, the lowest reading since April. Construction continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month, dropping 5 points to 35%. 

Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in confidence, Scottish firms remain focused on growth – planning to invest in their people, evolve their products and services, and explore new technologies.  

“As we head into the busy festive trading period, we’ll continue to support businesses across Scotland as they take the next steps in their strategies.” 

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “While increased market volatility earlier in the month may have impacted confidence,  levels of trading prospects and economic optimism remain above their long-term averages.

“Businesses may find reassurance that the Bank of England is expected to reduce interest rates further in the next six months, while long-term global bond yields have calmed which, if sustained, may have a positive impact on businesses as we move into the last few months of the year.” 

Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business and Commercial said: “While business confidence has returned to levels seen earlier in the year, a range of metrics remain well above the long-term average. 

“Businesses still have opportunities ahead, whether that be upskilling their workforce, evolving their products or exploring new markets.” 

Find What Moves You: Edinburgh Leisure’s Mind & Body Event returns this October

Bookings go live today, Tuesday, 30th September for Edinburgh Leisure’s latest Mind & Body Event, a full-day celebration of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.

Taking place on Saturday, 25th October at Meadowbank Sports Centre, this special event invites both members and non-members to explore the variety of mind/body classes available across Edinburgh Leisure venues.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a moment of calm, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can choose from energising sessions in Studio 1 or calming, restorative classes in Studio 2 and the Cycle Studio, with expert instructors guiding each experience.

Classes include:

Studio 1 – Higher Energy

  • 09:00 – Fitness Pilates (Sterenn L)
  • 10:15 – Shapes: Pilates & Barre Conditioning (Alex S & Krista B)
  • 11:15 – Pilates (Kris F)
  • 12:30 – M1ND: Unwind (Sara K)

Studio 2 – Slow It Down

  • 08:00 – Hatha Yoga: Restorative Flow (Simone B)
  • 09:00 – Vinyasa Yoga: Energy Flow (Cat P)
  • 10:15 – Body Balance (Mari A)

Cycle Studio

  • 11:15 – Ashtanga Yoga: Strength Flow (Mark S)
  • 12:30 – Yin Yoga: Unwind (Zosia R)

Additional classes are still to be confirmed, promising even more opportunities to explore what moves you.

All classes are just £5.25 for non-members and are free for Edinburgh Leisure Members. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious, this is your chance to try something new in a welcoming, relaxed space.

Book via the Edinburgh Leisure app or on the website from 30th September and join Edinburgh Leisure for a day of movement, mindfulness, and feel-good energy.

For more information:  https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/mind-body-fitness-event/

Support for transgender young people at Scotland’s schools

GUIDANCE UPDATED

Guidance to help schools support transgender children and young people has been updated.

The refreshed guidance takes account of recent court decisions while also providing greater clarity for schools on provision of toilet facilities and support for pupils.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has made clear it accepts the Supreme Court ruling and since April has been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling. That work is ongoing.

“The rights of all children and young people must be respected in our schools. We have brought forward updates to guidance to provide clarity and confidence to teachers and staff as they work to support the mental, physical and emotional health of transgender young people in our schools following recent significant legal and policy developments.”

Supporting Transgender Children and Young People: Guidance for schools. 

Prime Minister welcomes Trump’s Middle East peace plan

Starmer statement on the new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza:

‘The new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.

‘We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately.

‘We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality. Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages. 

‘Together with our partners, we will continue work to build consensus to put into place a permanent ceasefire. We are all committed to a collective effort to end the war in Gaza and deliver a sustainable peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in safety and security.’

Scots called upon to come together for a cuppa in SSAFA’s Big Brew Up

Research released by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity ahead of its Big Brew Up in October encourages Scots to share a ‘wee cup of tea’ in support of the Armed Forces community.

New research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity confirms that people in Scotland enjoy a cuppa, with 81% confirming they take a wee cup of tea.

More than half (59%) of Scottish tea drinkers agree that a cup of tea makes having hard conversations easier. But despite this, nearly a quarter of Scots (24%) say they never have a hot drink and a natter with others.

SSAFA has released the insight ahead of its Big Brew Up, taking place throughout October, which invites people in communities across the UK to come together and share a cup of tea while supporting the Armed Forces community.

A “Brew Up” is a term used across the military for coming together for a quick pause over a cup of tea, which is recognised as an important ritual among Armed Forces personnel. Most serving military personnel and veterans that have been involved in a brew up agree that they are important for morale and camaraderie during service (75%) and it makes them feel closer to home (66%).

While a Brew Up is a longstanding pillar of Armed Forces culture, nearly three quarters of Scots (74%) have had a positive experience as a result of a brew up.  

Almost a third (32%) reported feeling calmer afterwards, a quarter (28%) said they felt more connected to the person they had the Brew Up with. Nearly a quarter (23%) said that the Brew Up helped them check in on the other person’s wellbeing.

It’s also backed by science, with research showing that simply holding a warm drink can unconsciously make us feel warmer towards others.

BBU2025-Stats-MilitaryDownload

Dan Thwaites, co-founder at Capuchin Behavioural Science, explains: “Holding a cup of tea can create what psychologists call embodied cognition.

“One study by Williams and Bargh1 showed that the physical warmth of the drink can unconsciously translate into emotional warmth – which probably explains why having a cuppa makes us feel warmer towards the people we are with.”

Amy Bartlett, Head of Volunteer Operations at SSAFA, said: “In the military, the Brew Up is a morale booster and stress reliever. It strengthens bonds, particularly on deployment or after tough days.

“At SSAFA, a Brew Up is often the starting point of offering support. Our volunteers and employees build rapport by sharing a simple cuppa when they first meet a member of our Armed Forces family who needs some support. It can often help to bring people together.

“We’d love to see people across Scotland host and attend Big Brew Up events this October, raising funds to help us support serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families, so they never battle alone.”

BBU2025-Stats-PublicDownload

How to get involved

More information on hosting a Big Brew Up with friends, family, colleagues, or within a community group, is available on the SSAFA website

Register, download the free pack, or donate at www.ssafa.org.uk/bbu