The Leith Collective launches annual Winter Coat Exchangeand hopes to make it more accessible than ever
With the temperature beginning to drop and energy prices continuing to rise, one local Community Interest Company is warning of the extreme measures some Edinburgh families are resorting to just to stay warm.
Last year, The Leith Collective was responsible for redistributing more than 11,000 coats to those in need as part of their annual Winter Coat Exchange.
Many of those who benefitted from this initiative reported having to sleep in multiple layers of coats because they could not afford to switch on their heating. So this year, the team are calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to get behind their campaign to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to even more people struggling this winter.
Launching TODAY on Wednesday 1st October, The Leith Collective is aiming to open official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points right across the country. Here, members of the public will be able to donate good quality coats, and those in need can help themselves – free of charge, no questions asked.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “The number of families struggling to afford even basic essentials such as a warm winter coat is heartbreaking.
“So, this year we want our Winter Coat Exchange to be more accessible than ever. We want to see official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points in every town and city across Scotland so that coats can be kept out of landfill and passed on to those who truly need them.”
One organisation keen to sign up to the scheme once again this year is the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Many people struggling to make ends meet simply can’t afford to travel to pick up a coat, so it’s important that as many organisations as possible sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point to make it accessible.
“We all have an important part to play in the fight against poverty.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.
The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.
POLICE Scotland: Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched.
The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner’s abusive past, with a potential victim.
Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched. The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner's abusive past, with a potential victim. Find out more ➡️https://t.co/OhvClqPPyT DSDAS form ➡️ https://t.co/g8fH5otJkTpic.twitter.com/fKEzfjsiP7
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) is a way to find information about whether a person has an abusive past. This information can be used to prevent someone from experiencing domestic abuse in the future.
You can make a DSDAS application if you:
think you might be at risk of domestic abuse
are worried someone you know might be at risk of domestic abuse
We’ll only make a disclosure after we’ve considered all factors. We’ll assess the threat carefully, and we’ll decide if we need to share information to prevent a person from experiencing domestic abuse.
We may also speak to other agencies to help us make sure a disclosure is the right option.
If you’re making the application on behalf of someone else, we cannot make the disclosure to you. We can only make a disclosure to the person who is at risk to support and help protect them.
The police will act immediately if they think you or someone else needs to be protected from harm.
How to apply:
There are a few ways to apply for a domestic abuse disclosure. You can:
Warm, safe and affordable homes for thousands of families
The number of social homes delivered in the past 18 years in Scotland has passed the 100,000 mark.
Latest statistics on affordable housing show that, since 2007, the Scottish Government has helped deliver 140,346 affordable homes, with 100,064 of those for social rent.
Commenting, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Social homes passing 100,000 is a demonstration of our strong commitment to supporting affordable housing across Scotland.
“Social housing is a key cornerstone in our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and achieve our goal of eradicating child poverty. These numbers show that thousands of families have been provided with a warm, safe and affordable home.
“However, demand is outstripping supply, and these latest quarterly statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges that the cost of living, inflation and Brexit have placed on the housing sector – not least construction inflation having reached an incredible 24% in recent years.
“However, I am committed to turning these figures around. That is why earlier this month I published an ambitious Housing Emergency Action Plan, backed by up to £4.9 billion of investment to deliver a major affordable housing programme.
“This will support around 36,000 affordable homes over the next four years, providing homes for up to 24,000 children. This is additional to the £808m we will spend this financial year to deliver around 8,000 affordable homes.
“I am once again calling on everyone in the public and private sector to urgently pull together and work with us to ensure that everyone in Scotland has a place they can call home.”
“If you don’t look for it, you could miss it”: pavement studs across the UK transform into nipples for October as Breast Cancer UK urges everyone to check their breasts via creative campaign
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, British pavements are bearing all. Pavement studs across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, which often go unnoticed, are being transformed into nipples as part of a bold conversation-starting initiative from Breast Cancer UK.
Designed to stop people in their tracks, the charity is taking its plea for cancer prevention to the streets (quite literally) in a nationwide ode to the importance of early detection.
Breast cancer is estimated to affect 1 in 7 women in the UK in their lifetime, yet studies tell us that at least 30% of these cases could be prevented. Breast Cancer UK is dedicated to prevention, empowering people with the knowledge and tools to reduce their risk, and is championing early detection as a lifesaving step through its new ‘Street Nipples’ campaign.
The attention-grabbing breast stencils that can be spotted across England and Scotland are created with reverse clean graffiti, a technique that uses pressure washers rather than paint to ensure an eco-friendly, chemical-free finish.
Though the head-turning art will disappear naturally over time, the message will continue to resonate long after the artworks have faded away: If you don’t look for it; you could miss it.
An interactive map of the nipple artworks is available here, helping people track down the designs, of which there are 20 in London, 15 in Manchester, and 15 in Edinburgh.
Those who spot and share a snap on social media using #StreetNipples, tagging @breastcanceruk and giving the account a follow will also be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of Breast Cancer UK merch.
Thalie Martini, CEO of Breast Cancer UK, stresses that awareness means empowerment: “We know that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable, but for those that are not, it’s vital to know the signs.
“We are concerned that many women in the UK are forgetting to check what’s right in front of them. That’s why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are taking to the streets to urge women to take their health, quite literally, into their own hands.”
Breast Cancer UK knows that changes to lifestyle and environment could help significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, which is why the charity continues to empower individuals through education, research and advocacy.
These small but powerful changes include having a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, doing regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Whilst prevention is the focus of the charity, it recognises that preventative measures aren’t always enough, and catching breast cancer early through self-examination is critical.
This is why Breast Cancer UK stresses the urgency of recognising when something’s not right. Catching breast cancer early can save lives, but too often, signs go unnoticed – just like the street studs that are being transformed.
Breast Cancer UK’s ‘Street Nipple’ artworks can be spotted across London, Manchester and Edinburgh from 1st October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month until they naturally fade.
‘I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark’
A time capsule has been interred at North Bridge to mark the project’s work for future generations.
Some of the items for the capsule included:
A letter from the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Jane Meagher to the future citizens of Edinburgh.
A paint brush used by the Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson to hand finish the cast iron façade.
A Balfour Beatty high visibility vest.
A Glengarry Cap from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
The school prayer of St Augustine’s High School etched in glass.
A photograph of the Historic Environment Scotland grants team on a site visit.
Three books created as part of the North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme.
Objects were contributed by a number of partner organisations and invited guests.
The Category A listed structure is a key transport link between the north and south of the city. The original North Bridge began construction in 1763 and was then replaced between 1894 and 1897 by the structure which we see today.
According to historical records, at some point between 1894 and 1897 a time capsule was interned inside the structure.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “North Bridge has been a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s cityscape for well over two centuries. This corridor continues to form a vital part of our city’s modern transport network, whilst also serving as a visual reminder of our city’s rich history and building tradition.
“As we gather today to inter our own pieces of history, it’s comforting to think that many years from now future generations will look back at the vital work we’ve been undertaking, just as we have appreciated the work of those before us.
“The complexity and skill of this work cannot be understated, with some areas being repaired and renovated which hadn’t seen the light of day in over one hundred years. I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved with the project.
“We owe it to Edinburgh’s future residents and visitors to make sure that we complete this project to the highest standards. With the bridge on the cusp of being fully refurbished to its former glory, this is a moment that we can all look forward to together with pride and optimism.”
Project Director for Balfour Beatty, Rory McFadden said:“As we welcome guests to mark the placing of this time capsule and celebrate the restoration of Edinburgh’s North Bridge, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken by those involved. It hasn’t been easy.
“When discussions began in 2017, none of us could have anticipated the challenges ahead—especially the bridge’s condition, which was far worse than expected.
“Yet, through determination, innovation, and teamwork, we’ve delivered something truly special.
“We can take immense pride in restoring this historic structure, ensuring its preservation for generations. The past Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President’s comparison to dentistry on a massive scale couldn’t be more fitting, describing the meticulous care and precision required to return the bridge to its former glory.
“Throughout this journey, we engaged with thousands of individuals, many of whom left in awe and became allies of the project. Over 3,000 people contributed on-site, learning new techniques as we delivered the works while respecting our neighbours and keeping this vital north-south link open. Their dedication was instrumental in our success.
“As the scaffolding comes down and the bridge slowly reveals itself, it will stand tall – a testament to our collective efforts. The people of Edinburgh and its visitors will witness the bridge in all its grandeur.
“I think about the future, about those who will open this time capsule years from now. Will they be as impressed by our restoration as we are by its original construction? I believe they will – and I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark.”
Major works are expected to be completed in Spring 2026 with all remaining works to be completed in Summer 2026.
The time capsule interment ceremony was attended by representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis, NBR Legacy Projects: Moving Image Commission (Rachel Mclean & Jonathan Webb), the Super Power Agency, Volker Laser, SCAPE Scotland, Currie & Brown, Invisible Cities, Historic Environment Scotland, Capital City Partnership, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, and pupils from St Augustine’s High School, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Jeda Pearl Lewis (Artist/Author), Estelle Meyer (Cobble Tales).
A full list of the items contributed to the time capsule is below with the contributor in brackets at the end:
A signed copy of Our Storied Town by Donald Smith (Author), Cat Outram (Illustrator) and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge. (Lord Provost)
A letter to the future generations of Edinburgh from the Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher. (Lord Provost and Council Leader)
An Edinburgh 900 programme. (Lord Provost)
An invitation to the Edinburgh 900 Book Launch which took place earlier this year for Edinburgh: A New History by Alastair Moffat & Edinburgh: The Autobiography by Alan Taylor. (Lord Provost)
Paint brush used to hand finish the cast iron façade (Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson)
Copy of a Green Pencil Award and brochure of poems (Central Library)
A signed Hibernian FC strip (Central Library/Hibernian FC)
Leaflets from the Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association (Central Library, Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association)
Glass etching of the St Augustine’s High School prayer and school pennant. (St Augustine’s High School)
A package including a Glengarry Cap, a concise version of the regiment’s history and their tartan. (The King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s Association)
A high visibility vest, water bottle, bolts and rivets from the bridge and construction drawings (Balfour Beatty)
A Lego man and a fifty pence piece (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A letter from a pupil named Archie to the future of Edinburgh (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A photograph of the grants team on a site visit to the bridge with a note. (Historic Environment Scotland)
A copy of North Bridge Where We Travelled – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Jeda Pearl Lewis)
A copy of Stories From The Stones and What’s That About North Bridge – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Super Power Agency)
Legislation to transform homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill will place a duty on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action.
The Bill will also broaden Ministers’ powers to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will ensure landlords promptly address issues that are hazardous to tenants’ health, starting with damp and mould.
The legal measure was named after Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale in north west England. The law will now be implemented in Scotland’s rented sector from March 2026, subject to Parliament’s agreement.
Other measures in the Bill include giving Ministers the power to implement a system of long-term rent controls, keeping rent affordable for tenants.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Passing the Housing (Scotland) Bill is a landmark moment for how we prevent homelessness in Scotland.
“Whilst we already have some of the strongest homelessness rights of any country, we will now go even further to a create a gold-standard homelessness prevention system.
“Passing this groundbreaking legislation, coupled with the Housing Emergency Action Plan published earlier this month, shows just how serious we are about tackling Scotland’s housing crisis.
“Families across Scotland will have the confidence that their rented home will be free from damp and mould as we take forward work to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’. We will now work at pace to lay regulations to implement these protections from March.
“Scotland has already led the way in protecting tenants and providing strong rights when people are homeless and now the Housing Bill will revolutionise homelessness prevention and ensure rents are kept affordable.”
Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications for Crisis Scotland, said: “Today’s vote marks a landmark moment in Scotland’s journey towards ending homelessness.
“We already have strong rights in place for people experiencing homelessness, but as we see from our frontline services, we need to do far more to prevent people losing their home in the first place. That means allowing people entering a housing crisis to get help earlier, so they can get support before it is too late.
“At Crisis we have been calling for new protections to stop people being forced from their homes for years. These new changes, contained in the Housing Bill, hold the potential to create a truly world-leading homelessness system, where everyone has a safe, secure place to live.”
Campaigners Living Rent said: “MSPs voted to pass the Housing bill and with it, rent controls. This bill wouldn’t exist without the work of Living Rent members.
“It caps rent increases between tenancies, clamps down on disrepair, and strengthens joint tenancy rights.”
The Scottish Greens also welcomed the decision: “40 years ago Margaret Thatcher abolished rent controls in Scotland.
“The Scottish Parliament just passed a Bill introduced by the Scottish Greens, which will allow them once more! This will keep rents affordable and offer safety and stability to renters.”
Graham Crocket, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine, has reacted to the passing of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025.
The Bill empowers local councils to designate ‘Rent Control Areas’, capping rent increases to inflation plus 1%, and introduces stricter eviction rules while mandating rent history disclosures.
Grahamsaid: “The implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025 is a turning point for landlords, property buyers and the wider property market. While the government frames this Bill as a step towards fairness and affordability, the ripple effects could be profound.
“With rent controls, enhanced tenant protections and new transparency requirements becoming law, landlords and investors will need to carefully reassess their positions, while first-time buyers could be among those best placed to benefit.
“For landlords, especially those operating in high-demand urban areas, the Bill represents a tightening of margins and a loss of flexibility. The prospect of capped rent growth and longer notice periods may prompt a sell-off of rental housing stock, particularly for older flats and tenements. This shift could flood the second-hand market with properties previously held for investment.
“If this happens, first-time buyers could find themselves with more choice and negotiating power than before. In cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen, where affordability ratios are more favourable, the impact could be especially pronounced. Entry-level homes may see a softening in price, giving new buyers a foothold in markets that have long felt out of reach.
“The Bill’s full impact will depend on how councils implement rent control zones and how landlords respond. For now, the market is watching, and first-time buyers may be wise to do more than just watch.”
Aberdein Considine has produced a short city-by-city forecast on the expected impact of the Housing (Scotland) Bill:
Glasgow: With an average house price of £191,000 and strong rental demand, Glasgow is likely to see moderate investor exits. Flats in areas like Dennistoun and Southside may enter the market, softening prices and improving access for first-time buyers.
Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital faces a declared housing emergency and high property values. Rent controls could be rolled out aggressively, prompting landlord exits in Leith and Southside. However, strong demand may keep prices buoyant, limiting gains for new buyers.
Aberdeen: Long subdued by oil sector volatility, Aberdeen’s market is already cool. The bill may accelerate existing trends, with modest price declines and increased affordability for buyers seeking value.
Stirling: Affordable and well-connected, Stirling could attract buyers priced out of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Investor exits near the university and city centre may boost supply of housing stock, stabilising prices and enhancing accessibility.
Perth: With a quieter market and rural appeal, Perth may see slower changes. However, increased listings of older rental stock could gently ease prices, especially for flats and terraced homes.
Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm with 21 offices and more than 450 staff across Scotland and the north of England. The firm is also Scotland’s largest solicitor estate agent with a national network of high street branches, including in the key cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling.
Edinburgh Leisure celebrates National Sporting Heritage Day (30 September) by spotlighting the Sporting Memories Club at Meadowbank Sports Centre – a lasting legacy of the Edinburgh 900 exhibitions.
As National Sporting Heritage Day (#NSHD2025) shines a light on ‘Collections at Risk’, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to showcase the Sporting Memories Club – a weekly gathering for older adults, including those living with dementia and their carers to share stories and relive sporting moments.
Launched in April 2025, the club was inspired by a one-off Sporting Memories event held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool last year, which coincided with the launch of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions. The success of that event led to the creation of a regular Wednesday session at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
“The club is more than just a chat over tea – it’s a celebration of shared history, community spirit, and the joy of sport,” said Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at the Sporting Memories Foundation.
“Thanks to lead volunteer Bob Irvine, sessions are engaging and inclusive. No booking required – just turn up!”
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply enjoy a good story, the Sporting Memories Club welcomes you.
What: Sporting Memories Club
Where: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, EH7 6AE
When: Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 pm – Free to attend
Who: Open to all, including people living with dementia and their carers
The Sporting Memories Club is one of several legacies from Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900, a City of Edinburgh Council initiative marking 900 years of the city’s history. Over the past year, Edinburgh Leisure delivered three pop-up exhibitions:
25 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Edinburgh Leisure
Great Lengths – Celebrating Edinburgh’s Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool
Teeing Off Through Time – Edinburgh’s golf journey
Hosted across venues including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Glenogle Swim Centre, Meadowbank, and Ocean Terminal, the exhibitions attracted over 12,000 visitors.
“These exhibitions have strengthened community connections and laid the groundwork for future collaborations,” said Kerry Teakle, PR Officer and Edinburgh 900 lead.”
Supporting Heritage Through Community Grants
To mark last year’s National Sporting Heritage Day, Edinburgh Leisure received a £500 micro-grant from the Sporting Heritage Community Grants Programme, funded by National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund.
This supported a small permanent golf heritage exhibition at Silverknowes Golf Course, complementing Teeing Off Through Time and uncovering untold community stories.
The success of this project led to an invitation to present at the Sporting Heritage Study Day at the Heart of Midlothian Museum on 26 September.
Collections at Risk – Can You Help?
This year’s theme highlights the vulnerability of sporting collections. If you have memorabilia related to Edinburgh Leisure venues – such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the ‘old’ Meadowbank Stadium or any of the golf clubs that use Edinburgh Leisure courses – please contact Kerry Teakle, PR Officer at kerryteakle@edinburghleisure.co.uk.
Share your stories: #NSHD2025
Partnerships That Keep the Memories Alive
A collaboration with the Living Memory Association (LMA) has extended the reach of the exhibitions.
Currently, Great Lengths and 25 Things are on display at LMA’s Ocean Terminal space until 28 October, opposite the Wee Museum of Memories.
LMA also runs social history projects, free play areas, and reminiscence groups, and is working with Edinburgh Leisure on a podcast capturing personal stories from Glenogle Swim Centre, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.
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.
