Halloween – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Police praise public spirit during Halloween 2026

Police Scotland has thanked communities across the country for making sure Halloween 2026 passed without serious incident.

In total 144 calls relating to fireworks were received on Saturday, 31 October, compared to 160 during 2025 – a reduction of 10 per cent.

Specialist officers were on hand to support local policing teams during their attendance at various reports of antisocial behaviour during the evening, however, there were no offences arising that required a specific public order response.

In Tranent, Bonnyrigg and Glasgow there were reports of fireworks being lit in the street and some were thrown at members of the public. Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing.

Officers in Edinburgh also responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in the Ratho area of the city. This incident was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.

There were no reports of officers involved in tonight’s operation having been injured.

Seven Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh. There were no charges for breaches of Firework Control Zones.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland’s communities have celebrated Halloween in the proper spirit and I’m really grateful for the support of our efforts tonight to deter criminality, respond to reports of disorder and protect the public and emergency services from harm.

“Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public.

“I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences.

“Investigations into these offences will be launched immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, but I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding behaviour and co-operation most of those within our communities have demonstrated tonight.

“Moonbeam resources will continue to support local policing teams all over the country throughout the next week wherever they are required and whenever reports of fireworks-related crime are received, we will respond swiftly and proportionately.”

Spooky season, smarter savings: ScottishPower on hunting ‘energy vampires’ at home

Halloween hunt for hidden ‘energy vampires’ could help families cut winter bills

THIS Halloween, ScottishPower is urging households across the UK to hunt down energy-draining ‘vampire devices’ lurking in every home, and use the spooky season to build energy saving habits as winter sets in.

‘Vampire devices’ are appliances that keep drawing electricity while they’re plugged in, even when they’re switched off or on standby. From TVs and games consoles to microwaves and phone chargers, they can quietly add to household bills without anyone noticing.

By switching off standby appliances and making a handful of simple changes around the home, households could save up to £313 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust.

Following the Ofgem price cap rising in October and with more cold weather on the way, ScottishPower is warning many families could be paying more than they need to simply by not switching everyday devices off.

Switching TVs off standby could save households around £45 a year, while avoiding the tumble dryer could save around £50 a year. Keeping showers brief, to four minutes, could save around £45 a year, and replacing older bulbs with LEDs could save up to £40 a year on annual energy bills.

Rozlyn Brennan, ScottishPower Smart Solutions Director, said: “Most homes are packed with ‘vampire devices’ quietly sucking electricity around the clock, even when they’re not being used.

“With household budgets still under pressure and winter approaching, Halloween is the perfect reminder to hunt them down. From TVs left on standby to chargers plugged in unnecessarily, these small habits can add up to a noticeable difference on your energy bill.”

“Taking just a few minutes to switch things off at the wall could help save money, reduce wasted energy and build good habits for the colder months ahead.”

Common household vampire devices include:

TVs and set-top boxes
Games consoles
Sound systems
Microwaves and coffee machines with digital displays
Phone, tablet and laptop chargers left plugged in

All these electrical appliances can be safely switched off at the wall when they’re not in use, which makes this one of the easiest energy-saving habits.

ScottishPower’s advice is as follows:

Switch off at the wall – don’t rely on the remote. A glowing standby light can be a sign the device is still draining power.
Use a switched extension lead – plug the TV, console and speakers into one lead so you can turn the whole set-up off at once.
Unplug chargers – once phones, tablets and laptops are charged, switch them off at the wall
Know what to leave on – keep fridges, freezers, boilers, smart meters and broadband routers running, and check manufacturer guidance for devices such as set-top boxes that need to stay on to update.

ScottishPower is also encouraging customers to make greater use of smart technology to better understand how and when they use electricity, helping them identify further opportunities to reduce waste and save money.

ScottishPower has its ongoing Power Saver1 initiative rewarding eligible customers for shifting their electricity use away from specified periods, letting them choose 8 one-hour slots of cheaper electricity2 at selected times throughout the whole week.

And for electric vehicle drivers, ScottishPower’s EV Optimise3 can make charging smarter by automatically scheduling charging around the customer’s needs and available charging periods.

For more energy saving tips from ScottishPower, check out the energy efficiency page here and follow @scottishpowercustomers on Instagram.

Energy Savings Trust advice can be found here.

Celebrate Halloween at Historic Scotland sites across Edinburgh!

A range of frighteningly fun activities are happening across the city this Halloween

Halloween shenanigans will descend on Historic Scotland sites across Edinburgh this October with a range of spooktacular and family friendly events taking place across the country’s spookiest city.

Edinburgh Castle will become Edin-boo! Castle on Saturday 31 October with historic characters haunting the nooks and crannies of the castle. Look out for Mary Queen of Scots and James IV waiting to tell their grisly stories and secrets to any visitor brave enough to face them.

Step into a truly enchanting Halloween experience at Craigmillar Castle as it becomes Craig-thriller Castle on Saturday 31 October, giving Edinburgh residents and visitors the chance to meet the Master of Owls, who will introduce a captivating collection of owls set against the castle’s wonderfully eerie backdrop.

Along the way, encounter Ravina, ready to share chilling tales that will spark your imagination. Discover the story behind the legendary jack o’ lantern, and join in with Halloween riddles and songs that are sure to delight all ages. Keep your eyes open… there might even be a touch of magic in the air!

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and haunting tales, so what better way to spend Halloween than by getting stuck in at one of our iconic historic sites, which provide the perfect setting for a frightfully fun day out for all the family.

“Why not dive into the darker stories behind some of Edinburgh’s beloved historical places by meeting historical characters who will be stepping out of the shadows this weekend to share secrets of the past with anyone brave enough to meet them.

“We’re very excited to welcome visitors of all ages this Halloween to our sites where they can enjoy a ghoulishly good time!”

Halloween Shenanigans at Edin-boo! Castle is taking place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 31 October at Edinburgh Castle.

Halloween Shenanigans at Craig-thriller Castle is taking place from 11:30am to 3pm on Saturday 31 October at Craigmillar Castle.

For further information and to plan your visit, head to

historicenvironment.scot/halloween.

Entry to daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members.

The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass also allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over 14 days. Entry to Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, as well as other sites across Scotland, is free for Explorer Pass holders.

Advance booking is required.

Dark Tales for Samhuinn and Halloween

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL CONTINUES UNTIL 31st OCTOBER

As the days get shorter, the stories of Birds and Beasts being told during the remainder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival take a darker turn…

These include:

● The Battle of the Birds: A Darker Tale presented by storyteller Owen Pilgrim,whose rich repertoire includes tales of the fairy folk, Celtic Mythology and Scottish Traveller stories. Owen will be igniting the imaginations of audiences with his retelling of this classic folktale brought to life through trickster tales of the Devil, occult imagery, and Traveller’s tales. With live music from Gordon Cameron.

● Under Your Skin, a workshop co-led with storyteller Ines Alvarez Villa who has worked with the Edinburgh Horror Festival for the last six years, and Deaf storyteller Tania Allan. Participants will explore ghost storytelling techniques and learn how to build suspense and dread through silence, gesture and atmosphere.

● Open Hearth, to close the festival on Halloween night, Scottish folk duo Harp and Carp (Daniel Serridge and Neil Wood), folk-storyteller and this year’s festival exhibition artist Morvern Graham, and Shetlandic storyteller and stand-up comedian Marjolein Robertson will be sharing their own dark tales during this finale event.

Other festival highlights, taking place ahead of the weekend, include:

● The Alan Bruford Lecture with guest speaker Dr Tiber Falzett, Head of Irish Folklore in the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin. Dr Falzett will discuss the fragility of tradition and what happens when voices fall silent because of displacement, migration and the loss of languages and species.

● A reinterpretation of the tale of Dedalus and Icarus presented by Bolona’a Fraternal Compagnia APS in special recognition of the centenary of Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo. The company will also be exploring the roots of their theatre and folk storytelling by introducing audiences to the Italian tradition of Commedia dell’Arte.

● Sruth nan Gàidheal: The Carrying Stream of Gaelic Nova Scotia with Màiri Britton who will share some of the incredible songs and stories she discovered whilst working on the Cainnt is Ceathramhan/Language in Lyrics project. This project created an index of over 7,000 Gaelic songs and re-catalogued and transcribed the Cape Breton Gaelic Folklore Collection. This event will be followed by a song-circle led by Brian Ó hEadhra from the North Atlantic Song Convention (NASC).

● Nuair a Bha Gàidhlig aig na h-Eòin/When the Birds Spoke Gaelic led by Gaelic singer Màiri MacMillan with musicians Alana MacInnes (pipes), Pàdruig Morrison (accordion), Shona Morrison(fiddle) and Gillebrìde MacMillan (voice) who will weave traditional and original songs with bird calls and music.

● Brazilian artists Giulia Drummond (vocals, drums and shruti box) and Mario Caribé (double bass, guitar and foot percussion) presenting a ritualistic performance of music and stories of the Orishas, Yoruba deities who personify the forces of nature and timeless human archetypes. Gira – Songs for the Orishas features jazz arrangements of Afro-Brazilian songs and chants dedicated to the Yoruba Orishas.

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs until 31 October thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund and Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland.

The Festival’s Go Local programme runs throughout October and November and includes over 100 of events taking place in village halls, pubs, cafes and gardens across Scotland, from the Borders to Shetland and the Western Isles.

Festival Director Daniel Abercrombie said: “The final days of this year’s Storytelling Festival are packed with incredible stories from different corners of the world.

“We welcome Bologna’s Commedia dell’Arte players who pay homage to Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo; there is Gaelic music and tales from Cape Breton and our own shores; and we share darker tales and mask-making as the days get shorter and we get closer to celebrating the Samhuinn and Halloween traditions.”

To purchase tickets and browse the full programme, visit sisf.org.uk

Hidden horrors of Halloween: Essential safety advice for families

RoSPA warns families about the risks of trick-or-treating, including dangerous costumes, button batteries, pumpkin-carving injuries and driving in the dark
Safety advice includes always checking costumes and toys for safety markings, only buying from reputable retailers and making sure children are closely supervised
Drivers are reminded to be extra cautious about children crossing the road during darker evenings

As children and families get ready for trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is issuing important advice to ensure the celebrations don’t become scary for the wrong reasons.

The safety charity warns that trick-or-treating in particular involves a combination of potential risks from costumes and toys, as well as crossing the road during darker evenings.

Many Halloween costumes, particularly those from online marketplaces, may present flammability risks, strangulation hazards from cords and drawstrings, and missing safety information on labels. Research by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024 found that over 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven years failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation. Halloween costumes should always be bought from reputable retailers, and RoSPA is also reminding people that homemade costumes or those not tested to recognised flammability standards may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.

Alongside concerns about unsafe costumes, many Halloween decorations, flashing toys and light-up accessories contain button batteries, which can cause catastrophic internal injuries within hours if swallowed.

According to the Institute of Health Visiting, two children die each year as a result of button battery incidents. Parents and carers are being urged to check that battery compartments are secure and keep products containing button batteries out of reach of young children.

Pumpkins are a common sight at Halloween, and unfortunately so are cuts from carving them. To reduce the risk of injury, RoSPA advises using purpose-designed carving tools, working on a stable surface in good lighting and always cutting away from the body. Any children taking part should be closely supervised.

Halloween celebrations also take place as darker evenings draw in. According to the Department for Transport, nearly 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in October 2025. Halloween can be particularly challenging for motorists, with large numbers of children out during the evening peak period when visibility is reduced.

As well as encouraging parents and carers to accompany children and help them cross the road, RoSPA is also reminding drivers to keep an extra cautious eye out for children in residential areas.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.

“We urge parents to buy products from reputable retailers, check safety information carefully and pay particular attention to products containing button batteries.

“And as children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas. A moment’s extra care could prevent a serious injury.

“With a little planning and a few simple precautions, families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while keeping themselves and others safe.”

TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN

Product Safety

Buy costumes, decorations and accessories from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online.
Check for UKCA or CE markings.
Read safety instructions and warnings before use.
Avoid costumes with long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories which could present a strangulation hazard.
Ensure masks do not restrict vision and check for any small parts that may pose a choking risk.

Fire Safety

Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles, fireplaces and other open flames.
Consider battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins and decorations.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Supervise children and pets around any lit candles.

Button Battery Safety

Check that battery compartments are secure.
Keep spare and used button batteries out of reach of children.
Dispose of batteries safely and responsibly.
Seek immediate medical attention if a child is suspected of swallowing a button battery.

Pumpkin Safety

Always cut away from your body and avoid putting hands inside the pumpkin.
Use specific pumpkin-carving kits if available, or a knife with a shorter blade that’s easier to control.
Always carve on a stable surface in a well-lit area.
Make sure knife, hands and pumpkin are dry to reduce the chance of slips.
Never let children carve a pumpkin without close supervision.

Trick-or-Treating and Road Safety

Carry a torch to help children see and be seen.
Add reflective materials to costumes where possible.
Ensure children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Use pavements and designated crossing points whenever possible.
Drivers should slow down in residential areas and remain vigilant for children who may behave unpredictably.

See more Halloween safety advice

RoSPA: Halloween Trick or RISK?

The biggest Halloween dangers aren’t monsters …

Button batteries, naked flames and unsafe products can all cause serious injuries. Halloween decorations, costumes and accessories may look fun, but it’s important to use them safely.

Before celebrating Halloween, take a few minutes to:

• Check products carefully before buying and use reputable retailers

• Keep button batteries out of children’s reach

• Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles and heat sources

Find more Halloween safety advice: https://www.rospa.com/hom…/product-safety/halloween-safety

Find more Halloween safety advice:

https://www.rospa.com/hom…/product-safety/halloween-safety

Aldi calls on Edinburgh residents to revive Halloween guising

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.

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

Tesco Corstorphine Extra to give away free pre-carved pumpkins

TESCO TO STOCK FREE PRE-CARVED PUMPKINS IN STORE THIS HALLOWEEN

Pumpkin carving might be a Halloween tradition, but for busy families, finding the time to wrestle with a giant pumpkin and create the perfect spooky design can feel more trick than treat.

New research shows that despite pumpkin carving being one of our favourite traditions for almost half the population, just over a third (36%) of Brits say they’d appreciate a little help with pumpkin design. In response to this, Tesco is stepping in to help the UK get Halloween-ready.

For a limited time, Tesco will be giving away free pre-carved pumpkins in selected UK stores, meaning shoppers can pick up a Halloween-ready pumpkin while stocking up on everything else they need for spooky season.

From the 22nd – 31st October, a selection of spooky designs will be available for shoppers to take home, carved by Tesco’s very own pumpkin artists in residence.

The help for Britain’s pumpkin carving comes as Tesco research shows that over a quarter (28%) of Brits admit they feel pressure to carve a pumpkin good enough to proudly display on the doorstep while a third (33%) want their decorations to look as good as their neighbours’.

Lack of carving skills (26%), the mess pumpkin carving creates (19%) or simply not feeling creative enough (19%) are putting a dampener on pumpkin carving plans for Halloween lovers. In addition, over three-quarters of parents (78%) agree that they love seeing their little ones’ creativity come to life but over a third (37%) admit they would rather have a more polished pumpkin on their doorstep.

2026’s Most Memorable Moments

Tesco is also giving the Halloween staple a distinctly 2026 makeover by transforming some of the year’s biggest cultural moments into pumpkin art with professional carvers. The collection of designs is inspired by the moments Brits couldn’t stop talking about, based on new research from Tesco.

The four limited-edition designs showcase the most talkable moments of 2026 and have been meticulously sketched onto pumpkins, taking professional carvers over 50 hours. The key moments include:

The Eclipse (38%): Brits were captivated by this year’s eclipse, with the design capturing the moon’s journey across the sun. A playful nod to the nation’s inventive viewing methods, including the iconic glasses featuring within the carving.
Bayeux Tapestry (37%): Inspired by the historic tapestry’s long-awaited visit to Britain, the design celebrates one of the year’s biggest cultural moments. More than half (58%) of Brits agree the tapestry is of great historical importance.
Artemis II (31%): This moment captured the imagination of a third (33%) of Brits and a fifth (20%) admit they still dream of becoming an astronaut.
The summer’s biggest football tournament (62%): This moment spanned living rooms, pubs and fan zones, bringing together communities across the UK, with more than half (53%) saying the communal viewing experience was part of what made it so memorable.

For shoppers looking to pick up a pre-carved pumpkin at Tesco, there’ll be two designs to choose from: the Eclipse and the classic Halloween jack o’ lantern.

The pre-carved pumpkins will be available at 10 selected stores for one afternoon at each store between 22nd – 31st October.

For those who prefer to do their own carving, Tesco has a range of pumpkins available this Halloween, from cute mini munchkin pumpkins, to classic large pumpkins which are perfect for carving, starting at just 55p.

Shoppers can also pick up everything else they need for spooktacular Halloween celebrations, from costumes and decorations to sweets and party food, making Tesco a one-stop-shop for all things spooky.

Participating stores (each store has pre-carved pumpkins for one day only):

Thursday 22nd October: Tesco Risca Extra
Friday 23rd October: Tesco Cheltenham Superstore
Saturday 24th October: Tesco New Oscott Extra
Sunday 25th October: Tesco Nottingham Top Valley Extra
Monday 26th October: Tesco Sheffield Extra
Tuesday 27th October: Tesco Stockport Extra
Wednesday 28th October: Tesco York Tadcaster Road Extra
Thursday 29th October: Tesco Middlesbrough Coulby Newham
Friday 30th October: Tesco Newcastle Upon Tyne Extra
Saturday 31st October: Tesco Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra

More than 37,000 families in Scotland conjure up Hallowe’en savings with Tax-Free Childcare

Latest figures show 37,145 families in Scotland saved up to £2,000 a year with Tax-Free Childcare.
Working parents encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare today to save on the cost of childcare this Hallowe’en.
More than £55 million of government cash added to Tax-Free Childcare accounts in June.

More than 37,000 families in Scotland cast a savings spell and cut their childcare costs with Tax-Free Childcare HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals, as it encourages others to sign up ahead of the spooky school holidays.

Tax-Free Childcare helps working families with their childcare costs by saving up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to aged 16 if the child is disabled.

Latest figures show 37,145 families in Scotland received a share of £55.7 million in government top-ups in June with each family getting an average of £93 added to their Tax-Free Childcare savings pot. For every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Paying for childcare while you work doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your bank balance this Hallowe’en. Tax-Free Childcare can make a real difference. Go to GOV.UK to find out more today.”

Signing up to Tax-Free Childcare today means families can save on whatever Hallowe’en half term childcare plans they need as well as those for the year ahead.

Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs. Savings can be used to pay for whatever approved childcare suits your family’s needs – nursery for younger children, before and after school clubs or activity clubs during the school holidays.

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money can be withdrawn from the account at any time.

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:

have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11^th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16^th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

Full eligibility can be found on GOV.UK.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility.

Granton Library gets ready for Halloween

We’re getting the library ready for Halloween!

We have found lots of spooky books for you to borrow, but our two wee ghosts are quite lonely on the display board!

Will you help us create some ghostly or magical friends for them?

Come along for our craft sessions this weekend!

-Friday 3:30pm

-Saturday 11am