Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas tree on the Mound was officially lit on Tuesday (18 November) in a special ceremony led by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.
He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, County Mayor of Vestland Jon Askeland, the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.
The event saw Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and County Mayor Jon Askeland come together to switch on the lights of the stunning 18-metre-tall tree. This cherished annual tradition celebrates the strong ties between Scotland and Norway, honouring the Scottish people’s unwavering support for Norway during World War II.
Gifted by Vestland (formerly Hordaland), the tree stands as a symbol of Norway’s gratitude for Scotland’s assistance during its darkest days.
The tradition of gifting the tree began in 1986, and although it has been sourced from Scotland since 2008, it remains a meaningful token of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
Edinburgh’s Christmas officially opened on Saturday 15 November, and following last night’s Mound light night a number of community light switch on events will be taking place across the city.
The wet weather couldn’t dampen festive spirits last night as the Mound Christmas tree lights were officially switched on!
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “The Christmas tree on the Mound is a cherished Edinburgh tradition, marking the start of the festive season and symbolising the enduring friendship between Scotland and Norway.
“The annual gift from Vestland is a heartfelt reminder of the solidarity shared since World War II, reflecting the universal values of friendship, compassion and unity. Sincere thanks to the people of Vestland for their continued generosity, as well as to our partners Field and Lawn for their support and Bernard Hunter for their kind donation of crane services.
“As Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations begin, the tree’s sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city centre. With more community switch-on events planned across the city, residents and visitors are invited to share the joy, hope and goodwill that define this special time of year.”
County Mayor of Vestland, Norway Jon Askeland said: “Every year since 1986, Vestland County has gifted a Christmas tree to Edinburgh Christmas Market as a token of our close friendship.
“It is also seen as a gratitude for the support Scotland gave Norway during the Second World War when Scotland became a safe haven for Norwegian forces, sailors and civilians during the years of occupation.
“This Christmas tree remind us of what we share: resilience, generosity, and a love for community. It stands as a beacon of light and hope – values that unite us in challenging times and joyful ones alike.”
The city council has been awarded the David Kennedy Excellent People Award at the annual COSLA Awards.
This special award recognises the exceptional people who are at the heart of local government excellence. As a finalist nominated in one of the five overall categories, the Council were selected for their outstanding impact while rising to the challenges of day-to-day service delivery.
🌟 Well done to @Edinburgh_CC, winners of the David J. Kennedy Excellent People Award!
The Council’s Construction Skills pathways project was recognised for its work in building brighter futures for young people.
The project is focused on improving outcomes for learners by getting more school leavers into jobs within the construction industry. Not only does this improve attainment through relevant and engaging courses but responds to labour market needs.
The Construction Skills work is raising the attainment of Edinburgh school leavers, with the national benchmarks for school attainment improving across most measures. The number of National Progression Awards achieved by City of Edinburgh School Leavers has increased from 900 in 2023 to 1944 in 2025.
This is achieved through partnership working with Edinburgh College who have expanded their construction courses into school-based sites across Edinburgh, with delivery supported by Kier Construction and Balfour Beatty.
Courses focus on traditional skills, including a National 5 qualification in stonemasonry, matched to local skills shortages. Supported by funding from community benefits and in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Traditional Building Forum, these organisations work alongside teachers to deliver the course. In addition, a partnership with local firm, Compass Roofing, supports delivery of a National 5 roofing qualification.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “This award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the innovative and proactive approach we as a Council are taking to improve outcomes for young people in Edinburgh.
“We want to narrow the gap between the most and least disadvantaged learners in Edinburgh, and our construction pathways work is one of the ways we are doing this.
“The attainment outcomes speak for themselves, with over double the number of National Progression Awards achieved by Edinburgh young people since 2023.
“This work is helping even more learners to see the relevance of their learning in relation to real-world career opportunities and supporting them to map out their journey beyond school.”
Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Tim Pogson writes about homelessness services
As I embark on a new role as Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, I’m all too aware of the severe pressures facing the city.
We’re now two years on from declaring a housing emergency in the Capital and demand for safe, comfortable homes is as high as ever. Edinburgh has the lowest amount of social housing per head of population in Scotland with only 14% social housing compared to a national average of 23%.
Here, 80,000 residents live in relative poverty, including one in five children. There are around 6000 homeless households in Edinburgh being supported in temporary accommodation – approximately 11,500 individuals.
These figures are stark, and as we enter colder winter months the necessity to provide warm, accessible accommodation is particularly urgent. Preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place and helping tenants to avoid reaching crisis point is the best way to make sure as many people as possible have somewhere to call home.
I’ve been really impressed by the range of preventative work already being carried out by Council officers, the third sector and other partners to assist households on the verge of homelessness.
Last year, through homelessness prevention services we helped prevent homelessness for 2,622 households under the umbrella of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, the city’s comprehensive strategy to tackle and eradicate homelessness. The team works tirelessly to intervene early, supporting people to access settled accommodation as quickly as possible, to reduce the number of people sleeping rough and to create better outcomes for tenants.
Our Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP) sets out clear actions to reduce the number of households without settled accommodation and to ease the strain on those most affected by the crisis.
I’m pleased to say we’re making progress in meeting our targets and our continued work to increase affordable housing supply and provide vital support to those at risk of homelessness is beginning to make a real difference.
However, we know this challenge cannot be solved by one organisation alone. A city-wide response is essential. I call on partners across the city from housing associations and charities to community groups, businesses and public services to join us in this collective effort.
Grant funding is critical in the delivery of affordable homes. Whilst we welcome the additional monies that Edinburgh has received over the last few years from the Scottish Government, more is required to truly address the housing emergency. I will not hesitate in advocating to the Scottish Government for Edinburgh to receive both its fair share of affordable housing funding and the investment necessary to tackle its pressing housing needs.
Long term plans like our ambitious housebuilding programme, efforts to acquire new homes directly from providers and bringing empty homes back into use aim to increase our quality housing stock, minimising the need for temporary accommodation.
These kinds of developments give me real encouragement that, while the housing strain can seem bleak, we’re doing everything we can to find solutions and provide residents with the quality of life they deserve. I’m ready for that challenge and look forward to working closely with colleagues and partners across the city to take it on.
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News
A growing number of employers across the capital are committing to paying the Real Living Wage.
New numbers released today to mark Living Wage Week reveal that there are now 790 accredited employers, collectively employing over 221,000 workers across Edinburgh.
Since last year there have been more than 40 new accreditations in the city, resulting in 13,683 workers receiving a welcome boost to their incomes.
The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated rate based on the actual cost of living. It’s paid voluntarily by employers and is updated annually to make sure hourly pay keeps up with the essential costs of housing, childcare, transport, and heating costs.
Living Wage week, which runs from 10 to 16 November, provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the movement to date, recognise its positive impact on workers and communities and to thank employers for maintaining their commitment, despite challenging business conditions.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Fair Work Action Group, said: “I’m delighted that every year an increasing number of employers in Edinburgh are committing to paying the Real Living Wage, meaning thousands more workers are earning a fair day’s pay.
“There are now 790 Living Wage Employers – up more than 40 on last year – and I’d like to thank each and every one for making the effort to sign up.
“More than 80,000 residents in Edinburgh are struggling to make ends meet and earning a fair wage is key to tackling poverty and the rising costs of living. We want to continue working with employers to encourage them to commit to paying the Real Living Wage and Living Wage Week is a great opportunity to highlight this.
“There’s still so much work to do but I’m really encouraged by the great strides made by employers across the city, despite facing their own pressures.”
Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Fair Work Action Group said: “Employers in Edinburgh are continuing to put the wellbeing of their workers first by committing to paying the Real Living Wage. This is despite challenging economic conditions with rising business costs.
“Paying the Real Living Wage is more important than ever. The cost of living continues to rise, and we are seeing persistent levels of poverty in the city, particularly in-work poverty.
“We know that well paid, fair and secure work is one of the best and most sustainable routes out of poverty. By committing to paying the Real Living Wage, employers are doing their bit to support city-wide efforts to reduce levels of poverty.”
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward.
The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space.
This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes.
Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills.
At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility.
The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities.
The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.
This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December.
Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View. A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.
At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’.
The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds.
The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh.
“We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills.
“The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally.
“Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said:“We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline.
“Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure.
“Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains.
“This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.”
Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust.
The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities.
Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040 and the Programme for Government, 2025-2026.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “For people living in Granton and north Edinburgh, this investment means real improvements to daily life. Families will have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to heat.
“Young people will get construction training and local job opportunities. Parents will see new safe walking and cycling routes to schools and shops and green spaces where their children can play.
“Our support for this project is directly tied to delivering outcomes that matter to local people—improving health and wellbeing, creating jobs that go to local residents first and supporting community organisations.”
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “This innovative outcomes-based Place Accelerator, backed by Scottish Government and partners, is unlocking new opportunities for people in north Edinburgh and delivering benefits for the wider city.
“We believe the Place Accelerator shows how smart funding and collaboration can turn ambition into action, helping create healthier, fairer, and more prosperous communities.”
Work on more affordable homes and a new waterfront primary school to begin next year
New investment will enable hundreds of affordable homes to be provided in the first phase of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project.
Funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh.
Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion programme to regenerate Granton Waterfront which will ultimately deliver 3,500 new homes, space for leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The new funding package is being provided to City of Edinburgh Council over a 20-year period. Payment is conditional on the Council meeting targets including creating job and apprenticeship opportunities and investing in non-profit organisations to tackle disadvantage in the north of Edinburgh.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling Scotland’s housing and climate emergencies while supporting communities that need it most.
“By working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, we’re unlocking £220 million in private sector investment to transform Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community with hundreds of net zero homes, a new school and business space.
“Communities in Granton are at the centre of this project and will directly benefit from improved transport links, green spaces and job opportunities as we regenerate this important brownfield site.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I welcome this funding to help us deliver the first phase of this hugely significant £1.3 billion regeneration project at Granton Waterfront in the north of the capital.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is about helping make Edinburgh more inclusive by improving educational attainment, health and well-being, local employment opportunities and eradicating child poverty. I’m really pleased we’ve received this new funding as we’re committed to delivering these important outcomes to create better opportunities for the people living in this area.”
The Scottish Government will provide the City of Edinburgh Council with up to £2.1 million per year over a 20-year period to support the first phase of Granton Waterfront’s regeneration.
Payment is conditional on the council meeting targets related to the delivery of walking and cycling routes, green spaces, construction skills training for local secondary pupils, investment in non-profit organisations and establishing a fund to reinvest developer contributions in jobs and businesses in Granton.
The Scottish Government is providing an additional £16 million towards the first phase of the project through its contribution to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Public sector investment is estimated to leverage a further £220 million of private sector investment in houses and business space.
The new Currie Community High School was officially opened at an official ceremony by Cllr James Dalgleish and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth.
The school in the west of Edinburgh opened its doors to pupils in August 2025 and is one of the first Passivhaus-designed high schools in the country, setting the standard for energy consumption across school estates.
Passivhaus is a rigorous energy standard which reduces the amount of energy needed for heating by up to 90%. It also lowers the total amount of energy used by around 70% and minimises carbon emissions. The new school supports Edinburgh’s aim of net zero emissions by 2030.
The campus has been designed with the needs of learners, as well as the local community in mind. The school includes a four-court sports hall, a gym hall, fitness suite, dance studio, a Passivhaus four lane swimming pool and a 3G pitch.
The main entrance foyer includes the school library alongside informal social and meeting spaces for the community to use. These facilities include a wellness centre, meeting room and café area which has been included with the aim of providing refreshments for community users in the near future.
Aiming to encourage cross curricular and collaborative learning, the school has two large open plan learning plazas that are easily accessed by classrooms on all three floors. Along with classrooms in an Integrated Support Zone, there is a sensory room and nurture room. Breakout and retreat spaces throughout the school offer pupils choice on where they want to work, socialise or take time out.
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 first phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “This is a school to inspire the next generation in more ways than one, and the campus has not only been designed with learners’ needs at its heart, but with their ideas and input integrated throughout the building.
“This campus also stands to benefit the wider community, which is also central to its ethos. The broad range of facilities on offer reflects this – from the state-of-the-art gym, public spaces and of course the swimming pool that are open to the community, as well as pupils.
“The building itself is designed to be fit for the future and support our net-zero commitment. It is a pleasure to see pupils and school staff already enjoying and taking advantage of the opportunities for collaboration and expression that are central to its design.”
High quality learning environments ensure that all pupils are given the chance to succeed in their education.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has been proud to partner with the City of Edinburgh Council and support them with over £22 million of funding to support the building of the new Currie Community Campus.
“We know that high quality school buildings play a key role in supporting children and young people to thrive in their education. Since 2007, the proportion of school buildings in “good” or “satisfactory” condition has increased from 62.7% to a record 92% thanks to Scottish Government investment in the school estate.
“Through this funding from the Scottish Government, the local Council has been able to construct a school that is a modern, flexible and sustainable learning environment, which will be a huge asset to the local area for the years to come.”
Jenny Hutchison, Head Teacher at Currie Community High School, said: “The opening of our new school marks not just the unveiling of bricks and mortar, but of new beginnings, a school where curiosity will be nurtured, talents discovered, and futures shaped for generations to come.
“It has been a whirlwind 12 weeks since our pupils first walked through the doors and it is everything we expected and more.
“We have the most incredible school and it’s been amazing seeing it come to life with pupils and staff in the campus. I want to personally thank everyone involved in the project, which has been such a team effort.
“Together, we will make Currie Community High School not just a building, but a beacon of excellence, hope, inclusion, and inspiration.
New Currie High School Official opening
Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Currie Community High School is a special project that showcases our deep sector expertise in delivering complex, high-performance education facilities. It reflects our passion for creating spaces that not only support learning but also lead the way in sustainability and decarbonisation.
“As the first Passivhaus school in Scotland with a swimming pool, it sets a new standard for low-energy design and long-term value.
“We’re proud to have worked in close partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver a futureproofed school that will benefit generations to come—both as a place of learning and as a sustainable community asset.”
Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have praised Scotland’s communities for their support, following a considerable reduction in serious disorder over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Between 31 October and 5 November 2024, Police Scotland received 1,317 calls requiring either a local, or specialist response. This year, 833 calls across the country were received – a decrease of almost 37 per cent.
There were no significant incidents recorded between 31 October and 4 November 2025, with only minor reports of antisocial behaviour and disorder reported in parts of Edinburgh and Midlothian.
On Wednesday, 5 November, police responded to incidents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clydebank and Blackridge.
At around 5.30pm Public Order Officers responded to calls relating to antisocial behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas. Upon arrival of police, those involved dispersed and no further serious offences took place.
Local officers and members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Netherton Road, Glasgow reported fireworks being directed at their vehicles at around 7.05pm, resulting in the police car sustaining damage and requiring uplift.
Public Order officers then assisted local policing colleagues in Clydebank at around 8pm following incidents of fireworks being directed towards shops and vehicles within Dunbarton Road. One male sustained a minor injury to his shoulder as a result of a rear window of the vehicle he was travelling within being smashed by a firework. He did not require any hospital treatment.
A further report of an SFRS crew being attacked by projectiles was then received at 9.45pm in Blackridge, West Lothian.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.
Two people have been arrested so far, and inquiries are ongoing to identify individuals involved in the offences that took place.
To date, 25 Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh, with a further 20 in Glasgow. Officers in the Capital also carried out 34 stop and searches under the Section 60 policing powers implemented for Bonfire Night.
There have been no reports of injury to police officers or other emergency service personnel over the last week.
Operation Moonbeam is Police Scotland’s public order response to addressing serious disorder over the Bonfire Night period and in 2025, more specialist resource than ever before was dedicated to help protect local communities from harm.
For the first time during Moonbeam deployments, various officers were equipped with Body Worn Video.
Over the past few weeks, police seized more than two tonnes of illegal fireworks that intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the public across Scotland for their overwhelming support of our policing response and for working closely with us to make this a successful operation.
“While police were required to deploy into various areas and address certain incidents arising, there has been a notable and welcome reduction in both the number of serious disorder offences occurring, and the level of violence and hostility directed towards police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance crews.
“There will be follow-up criminal inquiries undertaken in relation to some of the offences that took place, and I want to make it clear again that the criminal use of fireworks will not be tolerated.
“What’s really encouraging is the level of positive engagement we’ve had with communities over the last few months, and this has helped shape our policing plans for Operation Moonbeam, as well as providing vital intelligence that has led to some significant fireworks recoveries in advance of the Bonfire Night period.
“I am grateful to all of the partners and stakeholders who worked alongside us in the planning and delivery of Operation Moonbeam and to each and every officer and member of staff whose dedication and professionalism have made this a successful policing operation.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Prevention, added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, and all emergency responders across Scotland, for their tireless efforts during this busy and challenging period.
“The bonfire season is always our busiest period of the year and presents us with some unique challenges in terms of keeping our staff and communities safe.
“But that is why our preparatory work is so key and I would like to thank our partners for their continued support in this joint effort.
“Thank you also to our communities for following our key safety guidance and for respecting our staff. Their support is invaluable in allowing us to be there for those who need our help the most.”
Following months of hard work, Council Leader Jane Meagher has praised partners and communities for a successful Bonfire Night.
Responding to the success of Operation Moonbeam, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“I’m pleased and relieved that Bonfire Night passed off without serious incident last night and that the vast majority of people celebrated safely and responsibly.
“It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and communities coming together to have fun and enjoy the organised events on offer. It really did feel worlds apart from recent years – and I want to thank our communities for the part they played in that.
“Of course, I’m disappointed by the behaviour of a few mindless individuals and I hope they’re dealt with swiftly and appropriately. However, we only saw a fraction of the issues and disruption we’ve experienced in previous years and it’s such a relief that no one was hurt.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Police Scotland for their swift action on the night and to everyone who played a role in keeping us safe.
“A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone in from by colleagues from across the Council – particularly in our schools – and from Police and blue-light services, Lothian Buses, and many other partners across the city.
“A standout for me was the genuine and constructive engagement with our young people over many months, with last month’s Youth Summit a particular success. It was so heartening to hear the impact this had on our young people and, also, how well attended last night’s activities were.
“To me, this feels like a great return on the investment we’ve made in our young people, many of whom had begun to feel demonised by the events of previous years, and it’s something we must focus on all year round – not just on Bonfire Night.
“Overall, this was a genuine team effort that represents the very best of partnership working in our city – and I know colleagues are already thinking about how we can use the lessons we’ve learned last night, and in the build up to it.
“I’m determined to make sure that every Bonfire Night is as positive and memorable for our residents an communities.”
The Edinburgh Poverty Commission has published a report and action plan for tackling poverty over the next five years.
Five years on from their original report, they have joined forces with the End Poverty Edinburgh citizens’ group, to evaluate what has changed in the city since 2020, what has worked best to prevent people being trapped in a cycle of poverty, and to set out a practical pathway for the next five years.
Unveiled at a conference in the Southside yesterday (Friday 31 October), A Just Capital: 2025 Call to Action acknowledges positive progress has been made to support residents across the city – but reveals poverty rates remain largely unchanged and that the next five years need to be a period of accelerated delivery.
Responding to the findings, City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Since the Commission’s initial report, we’ve declared a housing emergency and experienced an unprecedented cost of living crisis. Withfood prices now 57% higher and electricity costs up 48%,ithas become even more difficult to tackle poverty, but we are making progress.
“The Commission’s calls to action in 2020 have enabled us to focus as a city and to work better together. Our collective efforts have prevented thousands more people from entering poverty and homelessness and have helped many more into secure work. This is alongside putting millions of pounds worth of previously unclaimed benefits into people’s pockets and helping to establish a dedicated poverty prevention fund.
“And yet, poverty rates remain unchanged, and the figures are stark. Nearly a quarter of a million children are experiencing poverty in Scotland, and more than 80,000 Edinburgh residents are struggling to make ends meet, often being forced to choose between heating or eating.
“We cannot address this alone and I welcome the Commission’s latest report, which calls on all levels of government to respond.
“Over the next five years we will focus our efforts on prevention – establishing new neighbourhood prevention partnerships meaning people can get all the help they need in one place. We also need to increase the affordable and social rented housing Edinburgh so desperately needs. We’re determined to take every local action possible to make life fairer for everyone who calls Edinburgh home.
Linda Craik, Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission said: “During this review we’ve heard some quite distressing stories of the impacts and effects of poverty on families and we’ve heard the frustrations of those agencies and individuals who are trying to help them. But we’ve also seen some fantastic examples of collaborative working which is starting to make an impact on the poverty landscape.
“It can be so easy to look at the poverty, housing, health, employment statistics and feel deflated and disheartened, but we, as a city, made a commitment and we are moving forward.
“Just keep listening to the people you are trying to help – they after all just might have some of the answers and the simple solutions that sometimes aren’t as obvious as you’d think they might be.
“End Poverty Edinburgh are such people and we’re more than happy to work with anyone who wants to be part of movement to eradicate poverty in our city.”
Jim McCormick, Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission, said:“We are five years on since the Edinburgh Poverty Commission set out calls to action for the city in A Just Capital. Published between two Covid lockdowns, Commission members could not have anticipated the long shadow of the pandemic on people’s lives, or the impact of the cost-of-living crisis that followed.
“We cannot say things have got better city-wide. Some things have become tougher. Overall, Edinburgh is not on track to solve poverty. Poverty levels appear to have flat-lined.
“At the same time, it is also true that we have seen signs of positive change. Powerful collaborative work is being done at neighbourhood level, while early but decisive steps are being taken to prevent homelessness.
“That this review has taken place at all is a mark of the city’s commitment. For things to improve, this needs to go further. We have found enough determination in the city to believe that the original calls to action can still be achieved by 2030.
“Longer-term and flexible funding, true collaboration between sectors and new forms of accountability are required for these examples to achieve their real impact.
“This is a time for renewed commitment from those we elect at local, Scottish and UK levels, via investment in social housing, education, fair work, social security, equity in education, health and social care and a just transition. There is no sustainable route to ending poverty otherwise.”
SCOTTISH WATER – ‘DRAINING THE RAIN’ ON CORSTORPHINE ROAD
A £3million project to help prevent wet wipes and other sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith at Murrayfield in Edinburgh is nearly complete.
Since June, Corstorphine Road has been reduced to one lane while Scottish Water upgrades a key storm overflow, constructing a new spill chamber and screens.
Earlier this month a giant 20 tonne concrete ‘lid’ was lowered into place, marking a major milestone for the project.
Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “Work has progressed well, despite challenging ground conditions and we are aiming to finish by early December.
“We are extremely grateful to road users and residents who have been patient throughout and have coped well with the disruption on their doorstep.
“We have worked closely with Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh City Council to make sure hundreds of thousands of fans have been able to get safely to major events such as the Oasis concerts.
“Similar arrangements are being made so that supporters should have no problems at the autumn rugby internationals that kick off this weekend.
“These projects can be difficult to deliver but once completed, the benefits will ensure the environment is protected for many years to come.”
The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified 108 high-priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment helps prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).
Customer Manager Jennifer Renton said: “Work has progressed well despite some challenges along the way, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s understanding and patience throughout the process.
“We are proud and grateful to be part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an important investment in enhancing our environment for future generations.”
