Please stay aware of your surroundings, keep your drinks with you, and check in with friends during your night out. If you or someone else becomes unwell after a suspected spiking, call NHS 24 on 111, or 999 in an emergency, and report any suspected incident to Police Scotland on 101.

Last week, the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee has postponed any decision on Westfield Court, allowing time for full engagement with residents and owners. I welcome this and will continue to support the community as discussions move forward.

Honoured to join the Scot-Study & SWIE Alumni Gala, a beautiful celebration of international students shaping Scotland. Grateful for the chance to speak and moved by the achievements of so many inspiring graduates. Thank you, Scot-Study and Solomon Word International Education.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Address 2025. The event brought together over 650 business leaders to reflect on the challenges ahead and explore the opportunities shaping the future of Scottish business. #SCCBusinessAddress25

So pleased for the residents of Easter Drylaw View, their road has finally been resurfaced! This is a real community win. Huge credit to everyone who kept pushing and to the teams who delivered the work. 🌟🚧 #Drylaw #workingforyou

📢 The Independent Review of Creative Scotland has been published. With 36 recommendations, the review urges: less bureaucracy, stronger regional & grassroots engagement, streamlined funding, clearer long-term strategy, and the need to establish Capital Funding. www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806...

I’ve submitted a motion congratulating Work of Iron CIC in Granton on securing a £24,000 grant from Historic Environment Scotland. Their work preserving heritage craft and local building skills is vital to Granton’s regeneration. Read the motion at: www.parliament.scot/.../votes-an...

Considering the concerns raised by residents of Westfield Court, I have written to the Housing, Homelessness & Fair Work Committee asking them to postpone the vote, and instead meet with residents first, so a genuine, collaborative way forward can be agreed.

With this £25 million of funding, the UK Labour Government is giving green industry the backing it needs to grow, regenerate our communities and bring skilled jobs across the Forth.

Today on #WorldAIDSDay2025, I stand in solidarity with everyone living with HIV and with the organisations fighting for dignity, equality, and compassionate care. I invite all health and social care professionals to visit @waverleycare.bsky.social new online learning hub: www.hiv-informed.scot

This scholarship is a powerful tribute to Sir Geoff’s extraordinary legacy as a champion for anti-racism and the decolonisation of education in Scotland. His work has shaped generations, and this initiative ensures that his impact will continue to open doors for many more.

🎉 Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Creative Edinburgh Awards. Although I couldn’t attend the ceremony in person, I still wanted to share my appreciation for the fantastic work you’ve done.

One of my constituents with Type 1 diabetes had to pay nearly £300 just to keep her family safe. No one should face that burden, which is why I’ve urged Ministers to introduce a discount for people with Type 1 diabetes under 75, so those who need protection most aren’t priced out of it.

Yesterday I asked the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the cost to the NHS and the impact on hospitalisations following the decision to narrow eligibility for the autumn COVID-19 booster. #workingforyou #diabetes #scottishpolitics

Big news for Granton📣 The investment will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading, and connecting the facilities with the wider community. Images © Historic Environment Scotland Read more at: shorturl.at/AzhtR

Yesterday I visited @argonautbooks.bsky.social to hear concerns about Waterstones opening a new branch less than 100 metres away. Owner Adam Barclay highlighted Waterstone's lack of engagement with local traders and the potential impact on the independent businesses that make Leith Walk unique.

There is #NoExcuse for online abuse. This 16 Days of Activism (25 November–10 December), join UN Women for a world where technology is a force for equality – not harm.

Good news for Calderwood: a new East Calder High School is now on the table as part of the pre-consultation review. This is a positive step toward ensuring Calderwood families have the education options they were once promised. I’ll keep following the process and sharing updates.

If the cold’s getting to you, there are warm, friendly spaces open across the city, and finding one is super easy. Use the Warm Welcome online map to find the nearest space to you and see what’s on: www.warmwelcome.uk No one should have to face the cold by themselves🧡

I asked the Scottish Government whether the University is meeting its Fair Work First commitments during the UCU dispute, including giving staff clear channels to be heard. In this uncertain time, I stand with all staff facing compulsory redundancy and call for fairness and accountability.

In recent days, I’ve been contacted by constituents who were dismissed by Rockstar Games and are deeply distressed about the way they were treated. That’s why I’ve written to the Scottish Government. I’ll keep pushing for answers and standing up for those affected. #WorkersRights #RockstarGames

🚧Albion Road Repair Update: @scottish_water started essential repairs at Albion Road on Monday, 17 November. 📅 Repairs are expected to finish before Christmas, depending on progress. Residents nearby will receive letters with more details. www.scottishwater.co.uk/In-Your-Area...

The Jamaican community in Scotland is coming together to support families back home who have been affected by the recent hurricane. Many people have lost homes, belongings, and access to basic essentials, and even a small donation can make a real difference. #SupportJamaica #HurricaneRelief

In this #WorldDiabetesDay I want to recognise those living with diabetes across Scotland. The #StrikeOutStigma campaign reminds us that no one should feel ashamed of living with diabetes. Stigma has no place in our communities or our healthcare system.

New insights on volunteering in Scotland are out! The Scottish Household Survey 2024 Findings Report, highlighted at today’s CPG on Volunteering, has brought us some good news! Check out the full report here: volunteerscotland.net/wp-content/u...

Congratulations to Ali Bowden, the 2025 recipient of the Edinburgh Award! During her time as Director, Ali helped shape Edinburgh’s identity as a literary capital through citywide reading campaigns, writers’ residencies, and community-based projects that brought literature into everyday life.

I recently wrote about the need for real investment and shared responsibility to restore the Drylaw Shopping centre, ensuring it becomes a safer and more welcoming place for the community. 📰 You can read the full article at: nen.press/what-next-fo... #workingforyou #Drylaw

A full list of community firework events across the city is available on: edinburgh.gov.uk/pests-pollut... If you spot any unauthorised bonfires or firework displays, you can report them to the Council on 0131 200 2000, to Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

🎉Great news for Dreghorn! Twelve households are now officially council tenants after the Council secured the future of their homes. Full story: edinburghcoun-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/latest-...

Calderwood was built on a promise of proper school provision, and many parents now worry that this promise is no longer being honoured. That’s why I’ve written to the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council to ask for clarity and a long-term solution that truly supports Calderwood.

More than 9000 hate crimes were recorded in Scotland last year, a figure that should concern every one of us. 📰 Read the full article: www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

Join Scottish Interfaith Week to come together across faiths, cultures, and generations, to listen, connect, and envision a kinder, more compassionate future. Taking place 2–9 November, with events happening across Scotland. ✨ Find out what’s happening near you: www.scottishinterfaithweek.org

Driving safely matters at every age. 🚗 This October and November, Road Safety Scotland is visiting towns and cities across Scotland to speak with mature drivers about how our needs can change as we get older, and the simple steps you can take to stay confident and safe on the road for longer.

West Lothian Council has opened its Budget Consultation! 🗳 This is an opportunity to highlight what services you value most and where future priorities should lie. ⏰ Consultation closes: Sunday 16 November 🔗 Take part and learn more here: yoursay.westlothian.gov.uk

🚴Tour de France 2027 is coming to Edinburgh! Big news the City of Edinburgh Council has approved plans to make sure the world’s most famous cycling event leaves a lasting legacy for our city. Read more at: edinburghcoun-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/latest-...

🚋Have your say on the future of Edinburgh’s tram network, from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond. 📍 Drylaw Neighbourhood Community Centre 🗓 Tuesday 28 Oct ⏰ 4pm–7pm You can also fill the online consultation: consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...

💬 Your chance to be part of the conversation about our local health services! 📅 Monday 10 November 2025 at Mainpoint, 1st Floor, 102 West Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DN, from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. Register to attend and / or submit your question here: org.nhslothian.scot/keydocuments...

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting Trevor Jones and his wife Violetta, who welcomed me so warmly at Custom House for Trevor’s exhibition EXPOS3D.

💼 Great to see Edinburgh Council using its spending power to support local jobs, apprenticeships and community projects. Investing locally means building fairer, stronger communities across our city. Read more: edinburghcoun-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/latest-...

Hate has no place in Scotland. If you witness or experience hate crime, don’t stay silent, report it. 📞 Call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. 💻 You can also report incidents online at the Police Scotland website. scotland.police.uk/contact-us/r... #NationalHCAW

Honoured to attend a beautiful service at St Giles’ Cathedral today in memory of Sir Geoff Palmer, celebrating his remarkable life and countless achievements.

Firework season is here, with Diwali and Bonfire Night coming up! Did you know that even short bursts of fear can lead to long-term stress in dogs? That’s why early preparation matters. Check out @dogstrust.bsky.social research-backed tips to help keep your dog calm and safe this season.

Applications now open for Creative Scotland Culture Collective Fund. 🗓️ Stage 1 deadline: 2pm, 22 Oct 2025 ℹ️ Info session: 13 Oct, 10–11am 💡 Want to apply or learn more? Head to 👉 creativescotland.com/.../target.....

🚋Drylaw & Telford Community Council is holding a public meeting TODAY about the proposed tram extension to the north of the city. This is your chance to hear more and share your views on how the plans could affect your neighbourhood. 📍 Where: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre 🕕 When: Tonight, 6pm

🏘️ Big news for Leith! Cables Wynd House and Linksview House will undergo a £69m transformation, improving safety, warmth and energy efficiency for 300+ families. Great to see this major Council housing investment in our community! Read more: shorturl.at/eRR5t

Did you know over 600,000 people in Scotland live with chronic kidney disease, yet there’s no national plan to support them? 📰 I’ve written about it in the Edinburgh Evening News. Read the full piece here: www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

Albion Road remains closed to enable emergency repairs to a collapsed manhole ⛔🚧 We’re awaiting an update from @scottishwater.bsky.social this week on the progress of repairs and when the road is expected to reopen. More information: www.scottishwater.co.uk/In-Your-Area...

📢 Have your say on the future of Drylaw Shopping Centre! There’s still time to share your views before the survey closes on Wednesday 8 October. 👉 Take part here: shorturl.at/rVBEK

Did you know that learning how to float could save your life? Advice from RNLI has already helped save more than 50 people. 💧Tilt your head back 💧Relax 💧Move your hands and legs Visit and share this advice 👉RNLI.org/FloatGuide #RNLI #WaterSafety #FloatToLive

The SFRS consultation may be closed, but I’ll continue voicing our community concerns. Marionville must not close. It should be rebuilt 👇🔥🚒 #StopTheCuts #SaveOurFireService