New law is a first for Edinburgh MP
Tracy Gilbert MP for Edinburgh North and Leith has backed the first Private Member’s Bill of this session to be passed into law.
The Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Act, the first Private Member’s Bill of the new Parliament, has now received Royal Assent, officially becoming law.
The new legislation will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections, allowing them to do so online.
Ms Gilbert said: “I’m incredibly proud that my Bill has now become law, and as the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament to do so.
It now gives both the Scottish and Welsh Governments the time they need to implement these changes ahead of next year’s Holyrood and Senedd elections, ensuring voters can benefit from this new, more accessible system.”
Euan’s Guide need your help
Euan’s Guide has begun the largest UK disabled access survey and invites everyone to share their experience of what it is like to be a disabled person in the UK.
Over the last 12 months nearly 80 per cent of disabled people said that a trip had been spoiled by poor accessibility. But all too often the experience was marred by not being able to get in – or use bathroom facilities.
That is where Euan’s Guide comes in as it aims to share information with disabled people about the accessibility of places they might want to visit.
Their survey is separate, but an important part of their work, and is backed by the Motability Scheme. It is now running for the 11th year finding out what happens when disabled people go out.
Kiki MacDonald OBE, Euan’s sister and co-founder of Euan’s Guide, said:
“The Access Survey is extremely important in understanding how disabled people
feel about access. It gives us the data and stories we need to show where barriers
remain and to push for improvements.
“Venues, businesses and organisations must do better at sharing their disabled
access information. Simply sharing clear and accurate information makes planning
easier and stress-free, eliminating the ‘time tax’ on disabled people who have to
research and plan every trip. Venues can list their disabled access information for
free on EuansGuide.com to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for
great places to go.
“We are delighted to have partnered with the Motability Scheme again this year to
amplify the voices of disabled people. Please make your voice heard by taking the
Access Survey so we can continue to make a positive difference.”
Endurance running
Scottish endurance runner Jamie Ramsay will relate the story of his recent journey from Vancouver to Buenos Aires in Edinburgh this month which he did on foot.
He has already completed journeys of more than 54,000km including trail running and bike packing. This time he undertook an unsupported run while pushing a baby’s buggy which contained all the essential items he needed for his journey.
He visited 14 countries on the way in this latest personal challenge.
Mr Ramsay said: “I am excited to have this special opportunity to share stories from my adventures with like-minded individuals from Scotland. For me, sharing my experiences is a great way to inspire people to chase their dreams but also a wonderful way to bring them back to life… One of the overarching themes of my Running the Americas adventure is the hugely positive interactions I have had with others. It was a journey that reassured me about how wonderful people are.”
Ramsay will speak at the RSGS Inspiring People talk on 6 November at 40 George Square Lecture Theatre B EH8 9JX. He has published his memoir Running the Americas.
Whisky frightener
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is combining a special screening of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining at the Dominion Cinema, with a guided whisky tasting.
On Thursday film fans and whisky enthusiasts alike are invited to settle in for a chilling evening at the 1938 Art Moderne cinema, where seasonal spirits await in more ways than one.
The experience begins at 8pm with an arrival drink and introduction to the evening’s carefully selected whiskies, before The Shining starts at 8.30pm. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink, cinema snack, and a three-dram whisky flight to savour during the film.
Emily-Jayne Barker Events Co-ordinator at SMWS, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together likeminded horror and whisky fans for a truly memorable evening. There’s something special about sharing a dram while experiencing a classic film like The Shining in such an iconic setting. Whether you’re a seasoned member or trying our whiskies for the first time, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.”
The event is open to both SMWS members and non-members at £40 per ticket, offering a unique opportunity for anyone to experience one of cinema’s most atmospheric horror films alongside Scotland’s finest single cask whiskies – no membership required.
The screening is part of a wider programme of Hallowe’en events hosted by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society across Edinburgh, including:
- All Hallows’ Eve at The Vaults (31 October): An evening of poetry and whisky with acclaimed Scottish folk musician Robin Laing
- Haunted Tasting at Queen Street Members’ Room (31 October): A five-dram tasting with Witch’s brew and Society supper, accompanied by hair-raising storytelling
Event Details:
What: The Shining screening with three-dram whisky tasting
When: Thursday, 30 October 2025, 8pm arrival (film starts 8.30pm)
Where: The Dominion Cinema, 18 Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 4RT
Tickets: £40 per person (open to members and non-members)
Tickets here https://smws.com
How to get the Christmas discounts
More than 8,500 tickets are available for Edinburgh’s Christmas at discounted rates.
This includes the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, West Princes Street Gardens, the LNER Big Wheel, and the Around the World Star Flyer.
Local groups and charities can apply now for tickets to this year’s event which will bring a dusting of Christmas sparkle to the Scottish capital from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. More information on this year’s highlights can be found on the edinburghs-christmas.com website.
The opportunity to apply is now open and the deadline for Community Ticket applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 05 November, and those who apply will hear about their tickets by Friday 07 November. More information and the application form is available at edinburgh-christmas.com.
Residents with an EH postcode remain eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.comwebsite.
Organisations applying for community tickets can also get in touch at [email protected]. Tickets are limited per application and applications should include details of your organisation’s aims and how you would like to use the tickets.
A Spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We’re delighted that so many community groups and charities in the city received free tickets last year and we’re building on that to offer even more Community Tickets this year.
“The work of community groups and charities in Edinburgh is more vital than ever, so offering free tickets to ensure that those most in need of some Christmas cheer can enjoy themselves this year, is hugely important to us. Whether you’re applying for tickets for your own organisation or want to support our wonderful charity partners with a donation, we encourage everyone to give what they can and support those who need it most this Christmas.”
