Tour de France trophy comes to Portobello

The Tour de France Grand Départ Trophy visited Portobello yesterday to celebrate the first ever time the race will start in Scotland.

The Tour de France will begin at Edinburgh Castle in July 2027, and ahead of the history-making departure the trophy was brought to Portobello promenade to recognise the work to encourage cycling within Portobello High School.

The school has done incredible work to encourage cycling within it’s community, including the launch of Girls Gone Cycling – a scheme to inspire female pupils to take up cycling.

Ten pupils from the Girl Gone Cycling team are heading to Paris this week to speak at the British Embassy on how they grew the initiative from an idea in June 2026, to within six months, including over 70 pupils and now being replicated in schools across Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.

Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I am really excited and proud to be welcoming the Tour de France trophy to Portobello High School before the tour comes to Edinburgh next summer.

“The Girls Gone Cycling initiative has been incredibly successful in encouraging girls to the sport and, in just a few months, is now being replicated at schools across the East of Scotland.

“The school has been instrumental in encouraging cycling within Portobello and Craigmillar and removing barriers to ensure biking is accessible to all.

“The Tour de France coming to Edinburgh for the first time is very exciting. We are investing £1.7million – money that has been generated from the Visitor Levy – to improve roads for the event and it’s set to bring in millions of pounds for the local economy.

““This will be another event that puts Edinburgh on the worldwide stage and I cannot wait to see the yellow jersey set off with the world famous Edinburgh Castle in the background.”

Headteacher at Portobello High School Greg McDowall said: “Our Pedal Power Porty has been a great success and encouraged so many children to use their bikes. We have a library of bikes for pupils to use so that cycling has no barriers and the older pupils teach basic bike skills and maintenance to the younger children.

“Having the Tour de France trophy come to Portobello is incredible and can only encourage more kids to take up cycling.  I know a lot of our pupils are counting the days until the Grand Départ set off from their home city.”

Women’s Outdoor Cook Club

EQUALITY WELLBEING and BELONGING

WEDNESDAY at 10.30am – GRANTON COMMUNITY GARDEN

Can you feel the shift? We certainly can!

As the long, light-filled days give way to shorter evenings, it’s natural to feel the change. But autumn has so much to offer if we take a moment to notice it. Golden light, spectacular sunsets, crisp mornings, crunchy leaves underfoot, and cosy evenings by candlelight. There’s beauty everywhere, even as we welcome the darker months.

If you’re looking for a way to connect, slow down and embrace the season, why not join us at our Women’s Outdoor Cook Club tomorrow morning?

Meet Nathalie, Sibar and Noor from 10.30am at Granton Community Garden and help create a delicious feast for the community to enjoy from 1pm until the food runs out.

Step outdoors, breathe in the fresh autumn air and connect with your senses.

Enjoy the simple pleasure of being immersed in nature and sharing good food with good company.

We’d love to see you there!

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#womensupportingwomen

#community

#GrantonGoesGreener

Public invited to help shape a lasting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Honouring the Late Queen’s legacy in Scotland

People are being invited to help shape a permanent memorial in Scotland to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

An online engagement portal gives people the opportunity to share ideas on the memorial’s purpose, design, scale and location. A series of community engagement events will also take place this autumn, led by Lord Lieutenants and involving organisations and groups representing the country’s diverse communities.

The portal also invites personal memories and reflections on the Late Queen and her connection to Scotland.

The Scotland Legacy Group is developing proposals for the memorial, supported by £1.4 million in capital funding from the UK Government. Views gathered will help inform options for the memorial including its contribution to Scotland’s cultural, heritage, environmental and community life.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “Queen Elizabeth held a special place in the hearts of many people across Scotland. Her passing in 2022 prompted an outpouring of affection and respect.

“She had a strong connection to Scotland, and it is right that those across the country who would wish to have the opportunity to help shape how that legacy is remembered for future generations.

“We want to hear a broad range of voices, from community and cultural organisations to schools, young people and those with a particular connection to Queen Elizabeth. This memorial should reflect the memories, values and experiences of the people of Scotland, while creating something lasting that future generations can enjoy, use and take pride in.”

Lord Lyon King of Arms and Chair of the Scotland Legacy Group Dr Joseph Morrow said: “The online engagement portal is a key part in the work of the Scotland Legacy Group, and I am delighted that we are now at a stage where it is open for the public to give their views.

“Queen Elizabeth held Scotland and Scottish life in great affection, and the portal is an opportunity for everyone to give their thoughts and ideas which will help shape how we create a fitting tribute to the life of our longest reigning monarch.”

The engagement portal is open until Sunday 13 December and can be accessed online here.

Shocking new analysis reveals the scale of Edinburgh’s Short Term Let legal loopholes

Shocking new analysis carried out by Living Rent and Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council on data obtained by Edinburgh Green Councillor Chas Booth reveals that only three in ten licensed Short Term Lets in the capital have planning permission.

Meanwhile a quarter have withdrawn a planning application and just under a quarter have not even applied for planning consent at all.

The analysis covers secondary lets only – in other words letting an entire property that is not someone’s home, and does not include people letting out a room in their own home. The research was released more than four years after the introduction of Edinburgh’s Short Term Let control area, in September 2022, which declared that a Short Term Let in the city was “a material change of use requiring planning permission”.

The analysis was based on comparing the publicly available register of short term let licences with data on every short term let planning application made in the city since 2018, obtained by Cllr Chas Booth.

This analysis shows that:

1,225 (69.84%) of Edinburgh’s 1,754 licensed Short Term Lets do not have planning permission (secondary letting)

465 (26.51%) licensed Short Term Lets have applied for planning permission and then withdrawn the application before it was determined (secondary letting)

425 (24.23%) licensed Short Term Lets have never applied for planning permission (secondary letting)

Commenting on the analysis, Cllr Chas Booth, who obtained the data, said: “Edinburgh’s short term let control area was meant to ensure every STL in the city had planning permission. Yet four years on from its introduction, it clearly isn’t working. Residents living next to unregulated lets have to put up with the disruption that brings, and every STL is one fewer home in a city with a housing emergency.”

“This analysis shows two things. First, the Council isn’t doing enough to enforce the planning and licensing system, and that must improve. But more importantly, it shows the Scottish Government’s legislation is not fit for purpose. There is a loophole as big as a barn door that hundreds of STL owners are exploiting, and residents are paying the price.

“Ministers need to wake up and smell the coffee and act urgently to close it.”

Booth added: “I’m very grateful to Living Rent and Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council for carrying out this detailed analysis. If community volunteers can establish the scale of the problem, the Scottish Government has no excuse for not acknowledging it and fixing it.”

Jon ‘Geo’ Camp from Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council, who undertook the analysis, said: “Our community council has heard from many residents concerned about short term lets, and this analysis shows why. 

“A significant number of licensed lets have no planning permission, and many of them applied for it and then withdrew before a decision was made. 

“Residents need to know the system that regulates these lets is working properly, and too often they don’t believe that it is. 

“We will keep listening to our community, and keep working with councillors and MSPs to make sure these issues are heard and resolved.”

New Corporate Plan strengthens Education Scotland’s role as National Curriculum Agency

Education Scotland has published its new corporate plan setting out how the organisation will focus its resources, expertise and partnerships over the next five years to support Scotland’s evolving education system.

The publication marks a new chapter for Education Scotland as it strengthens its role as Scotland’s National Curriculum Agency, with a clear vision to co-design and support the implementation of an ambitious and inclusive curriculum for Scotland’s learners.

To achieve this, Education Scotland will work with partners to strengthen practice and develop the curriculum, placing equity, excellence and inclusion at its core while connecting evidence, policy and practice.

The Corporate Plan was shaped with learners at its heart, drawing on their views through research and publications, alongside extensive engagement with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Drawing on these insights, the plan identifies three strategic priorities that will guide Education Scotland’s work as a curriculum agency:

  • Strategic Priority 1 (Coherent, inclusive curriculum): working with partners to develop and deliver a coherent, inclusive curriculum that is clearly understood and confidently put into practice across all stages of learning.
  • Strategic Priority 2 (Leadership of learning and system coherence): building leadership of learning and system coherence through professional learning.
  • Strategic Priority 3 (Organisational performance, culture and impact): improving its own organisational performance and culture to maximise its positive impact across the country.

Donna McMaster, Chief Executive of Education Scotland, said: “Scotland’s education system is evolving and our new corporate plan sets out exactly how we plan to play our part.

“Our corporate plan is focused on empowering practitioners and placing learners at the heart of everything we do. As a former headteacher, I know first-hand how busy our educators are and exactly how valuable their time is.

“We have listened carefully to you, and your expertise and insights have provided us with a strong, stakeholder-informed and evidence-based foundation for delivery.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Education Scotland. We hope that you will view our corporate plan as more than simply a strategy document – it is a launchpad for a stronger, more collaborative future for Scotland’s education system.”

Education Scotland will be sharing reels from Donna McMaster on social media channels as she explores each strategic priority in more detail. Look out for our annual delivery plan soon to see how we intend to put our corporate plan into action.

Burnham puts the brakes on rip-off parking charges and car scams

Drivers to get new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges, alongside crack down on car dealers winding back mileages

Drivers will get new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges under new rules announced today. This includes a guaranteed 5 minutes to decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave once their session ends, and the right to have charges cancelled on appeal for issues they can’t control. 

Under the new Private Parking Code of Practice laid in Parliament today (20 October), charges will be scrapped on appeal for honest mistakes, like stopping briefly to check directions, and for situations like a medical emergency, breakdown or broken ticket machine. 

For smaller slip-ups, like forgetting a parking permit, entering the wrong vehicle’s registration or forgetting to confirm it in the machine when parking, drivers will face a maximum charge of £20 on appeal. 

The Code also freezes the maximum parking charge at £100. Operators who don’t comply risk losing access to DVLA data, meaning that even if they issue a charge, it will be far more difficult to identify the registered owner to pursue payment. 

In addition, unscrupulous second-hand car dealers who wind back odometers to disguise a vehicle’s true mileage will also face tougher action. Known as car clocking, fraudulently selling a clocked car is already illegal, but adding it to the official list of banned practices will make it easier for enforcers to crack down, protecting buyers and backing honest businesses. 

These changes are the latest measures in the Prime Minister’s series of everyday fixes, tackling the frustrations that cost people time and money to give families more room to breathe. 

Today’s action follows moves to stop unfair airline charges, tackle subscription traps, rogue traders, and rip-off school uniform costs. 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Being a few minutes late back to your car or typing one digit of your numberplate wrong shouldn’t end with a hefty fine landing on your doormat. 

“These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I’m putting a stop to them. 

“We are introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams that rip drivers off.”

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: ”Parking should be straightforward, not another everyday hassle.

“These changes mean drivers get a fairer deal, protected time to park and leave without fear of being unfairly charged, and confidence that private parking providers are held to a higher standard.  

“It’s yet another step forward in this government’s plan to take the stress out of everyday life and ease the pressure on people’s pockets.”

Minister for Consumer Action, Kate Dearden, said: “Nobody works hard for their money just to be deceived by a dodgy trader, and this is exactly the kind of everyday rip-off this government is going after. 

“By making it easier to take action against car clocking, we are protecting consumers’ hard-earned money and supporting businesses that play by the rules.”

The UK government has also promised today to go further still, by consulting as soon as possible next year on private parking debt recovery fees, including on whether to cut an existing £70 cap or scrap the fees altogether. 

Data shows just under 17 million private parking charges were issued in the UK last year. In 2025, the government set out proposals to improve standards by consulting on a new Private Parking Code of Practice. 

Today’s response sets out the measures being brought in to protect motorists. Parliament will now have time to scrutinise the new Code, before ministers press ahead to bring it into force as soon as possible. 

This Code brings in, for the first time, a fully independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, and requires operators to share more information with government, giving drivers stronger protections than ever before. 

Since taking office, the government has also launched a review of airport drop-off charges, cut VAT on electricity bills this winter, frozen fuel duty and rail fares, and raised the Minimum Wage, as it continues to take action to ease the cost of living. 

“Golden opportunity” for Scotland’s economy as Swinney goes to India

FM highlights potential for growth ahead of India trade mission

Scotland must strengthen economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth, First Minister John Swinney has said.

Ahead of visiting Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, he hailed the success of Scottish salmon exports as an example of the “golden opportunity” that exists for Scotland’s economy if new international trading opportunities can be unlocked. 

On a visit to Heathrow Airport’s cold storage facility, he will see Scottish salmon being prepared for export around the world. An estimated £300 million of Scottish salmon is exported via Heathrow to international markets each year, supporting Scottish businesses and thousands of jobs.

Mr Swinney said: “India is a growing market, offering a golden opportunity for Scotland’s food and drink businesses, higher education sector, tourism and more. We must strengthen our economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth in every part of the country. 

“This trade mission to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai will support Scottish businesses to build connections and seize opportunities that could support jobs and prosperity in all parts of Scotland.

Supported by a delegation of representatives from different businesses and sectors, including Salmon Scotland, this programme will promote Scotland on the global stage as an attractive place to trade with, invest in, study in and visit.

“As the top food export for the whole of the United Kingdom, Scottish salmon is true success story for Scottish food and drink and is a shining example of what Scottish businesses can achieve when international connections are deepened and opportunities are harnessed.”

Thomas Woldbye, CEO at Heathrow said: “Whether it’s Scottish salmon reaching customers in India and beyond, or Scottish businesses securing new opportunities in global markets, Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting Scotland to the world.

“As Scottish airports go from strength to strength, Heathrow is proud to complement their success by connecting more Scottish businesses and exporters to global markets driving trade, investment and growth across Scotland.”

Former Lib-Dem MSP Tavish Scott, CEO at Salmon Scotland, said: “I am pleased that the First Minister has taken time to view the impressive air freight logistics operation at London Heathrow. This is an important element in how salmon from Scotland reaches customers in 50 countries around the globe.

“The opening of the Indian market as tariffs are removed is a welcome step reinforced by the number of Indian cities that are connected to Heathrow by direct air services. Salmon Scotland are grateful for the First Minister and Scottish Government’s recognition of this and we look forward to serving the Indian customers needs for salmon for many years to come.”

The visit to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai forms part of a wider effort to ‘deepen the relationship between Scotland and India through economic co-operation, cultural exchange, tourism, sport and academic collaboration’.

On his trade mission to India, the First Minister will be accompanied by a delegation of food and drink companies seeking to expand their presence in the Indian market. Their engagements will focus on developing opportunities for Scottish businesses, as well as supporting jobs, investment and economic growth.

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Police appeal for witnesses following Marionville hit and run

POLICE are appealing for information following a two-vehicle crash in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 6.50pm last night (Monday, 19 October, 2026), on Marionville Road at the junction with Marionville Avenue.

The crash involved a bicycle and a red car. The car failed to stop.

Constable Neill Sage said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash to contact us.

“We’d also ask anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage which could assist our enquiries to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3208 of Monday, 19 October, 2026.”

Latest Covid-19 Inquiry report to be published today

MODULE 6 FOCUSES ON THE CARE SECTOR

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish its sixth report, ‘Care Sector’ (Module 6), today (Tuesday 20 October 2026).

The report will be published on the Inquiry website at 12pm. The Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, will present her findings and recommendations in video statements on the Inquiry’s YouTube channel immediately after publication.

Module 6 public hearings took place from 30 June to 31 July 2025.

In total, 57 witnesses gave oral evidence during Module 6 public hearings. Module 6 investigated the impact of the pandemic on the publicly and privately funded adult social care sector in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The report will consider the consequences of government decision-making – including restrictions imposed – on those living and working within the care sector, as well as decisions concerning capacity in hospitals and residents in adult care and residential homes.

It will also address the steps taken in adult care and residential homes to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and will examine the capacity of the adult care sector to respond to the pandemic.

Alongside this, the report will consider the human impact of the pandemic on residents and their families, including deaths in care settings, the use of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions and the restrictions placed on visits from loved ones.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish its seventh report, ‘Test, Trace and Isolate’ (Module 7), on Thursday 19 November 2026.

Covid-19 Inquiry London, UK.

Secretary to the Inquiry, Ben Connah, said: “The Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, will set out her findings and recommendations in both reports. The publication of these reports marks swift progress for the Inquiry.

“All public hearings have concluded and seven of our planned 10 reports will be published by mid-November. All remaining reports will be published in the first half of next year. 

“The Chair expects all recommendations to be implemented without delay and governments across all four nations will be asked to publish their responses within six months of publication. 

“The swift implementation of the Chair’s recommendations is vital to make sure the UK is better prepared for the next pandemic.”

Dynamic Earth invites families on an Arctic Adventure this Christmas

Young explorers can learn about our planet and become Polar Protectors, as they journey to meet Santa at Dynamic Earth

Families are being invited on a unique Arctic Adventure to Santa’s Grotto this December, as Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth brings the magic of Christmas together with science, discovery and a mission to protect our planet.

Returning for the festive season, Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure will see children become Polar Protectors and join Dynamic Earth’s resident Elf on an important Christmas mission – to uncover where a mysterious lost penguin has come from and help get him safely home to Antarctica in time for Christmas Eve.

Taking place on selected dates from Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December, the immersive experience will take families on a guided adventure with festive storytelling and plenty of opportunities for young explorers to discover more about the Earth’s polar regions. 

Rather than simply heading straight to Santa, families will begin in Santa’s Post Room, where they will be recruited as Polar Protectors before setting off to investigate clues and discover more about polar animals along the way.

The adventure finishes at the icy landscape of Santa’s Grotto, where families will meet Santa, reunite a new lost friend with his family, and have an opportunity to capture a festive family photograph. 

Each child will also receive a special gift token to redeem in the Dynamic Earth gift shop following their adventure, allowing them to choose their own cuddly polar protector.

The experience builds on the success of Dynamic Earth’s previous festive offering, which saw strong visitor engagement and sold-out experiences, while introducing a new adventure-led format for 2026 with a greater focus on exploration and storytelling.

This year’s programme has also been created to ensure it’s accessible to all, with relaxed sessions designed for those who would benefit from a calmer adventure featuring smaller group numbers and fewer transitions between locations. A British Sign Language (BSL) session, with two BSL interpreters present throughout, will also take place on December 6th. 

The festive fun goes beyond the grotto, with Dynamic Earth offering a wider programme of seasonal activities throughout December. Young scientists can take part in special winter-themed sessions of Dino’s, Dynamos and Dynamites Science Clubs, while families can settle in beneath the stars for festive Planetarium screenings including Frozen (sing-along), Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Arthur Christmas.

For adults looking for a festive night out with a difference, Planetarium Lates will return for over-18s, combining the immersive surroundings of the Planetarium with screenings of Love Actually, Scrooged, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Stargazing Late & Live.

Together, the programme offers families, young science enthusiasts and adults the chance to experience Dynamic Earth in a different light this winter – bringing together festive atmosphere, imagination and entertainment with a distinctly scientific sense of curiosity.

Suzie Holligan, Director of Visitor Experience and Events, said: “Christmas is all about imagination, curiosity and a sense of adventure, so we wanted to create an experience that captures that magic while giving children the chance to discover something new.

“Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure is much more than a traditional grotto. Our young visitors become Polar Protectors and have an important mission to complete, learning about the Arctic and Antarctic and the incredible animals that call these environments home along the way.

“We’re really excited to welcome families back to Dynamic Earth this Christmas and give them a festive experience they’ll remember – with a little bit of science and discovery along the way.”

Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure runs on selected dates from 5 to 23 December at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. The experience lasts approximately 35 minutes and costs £25 per child, with up to three accompanying adults able to attend free of charge per booking. Admission to Dynamic Earth’s core galleries is not included.

Relaxed sessions will take place on 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, while BSL sessions will take place on 6 December at selected times.

For full dates, times, and to book tickets, visit the Dynamic Earth website: Christmas at Dynamic Earth | Dynamic Earth. Advance booking is recommended.