Fireworks
Tonight is Guy Fawkes Night, but the Firework Control Zones in Edinburgh remain in place until 9 November. The restrictions make it an offence to set off a firework within the zone, and are targeted at controlling anti-social behaviour. Last year in certain areas in the city police and emergency services were attacked by fireworks around this time. Around a dozen buses were also damaged in Niddrie, and there were similar incidents in Sighthill.
Full details of the Firework Control Zones are here.
At Westminster
In Westminster this morning the still relatively new Secretary of State for Scotland the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander will appear before the Scottish Affairs Committee for the first time.
Mr Alexander will make his appearance before the Scottish Affairs Committee at 9.30am.
This evidence session forms part of the committee’s regular scrutiny of the Scotland Office and will be an opportunity for MPs to ask the new Scotland Secretary about wide-ranging areas of interest to the committee.
The cross-party committee will question the new Secretary of State on his long-term priorities for the role, intergovernmental relations between the UK and Scottish Governments, as well as topical issues such as the decisions behind the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund allocation and negotiations with the US on whisky tariffs.
Witnesses at 9:30am:
The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, Scotland Officer
Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Scotland Office
Fiona Mettam, Director, Scotland Office
Castle of Light
10-year-old Brooke enjoyed an exclusive tour from Castle of Light’s enchanting Ice Queen recently, catching a first glimpse at the displays set to transform Edinburgh Castle after dark as the UK’s largest annual projection show prepares to open in a couple of weeks.
Illuminating the capital’s skyline for a sixth year, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice promises audiences “extraordinary installations, interactive moments and atmospheric storytelling, with an all-new show inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice”.
Running for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 21 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026, guests will journey through a fortress of light and encounter mythical creatures, from a mighty dragon soaring across the night sky to the Ice Queen herself in the Great Hall.
In celebration of St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available to all visitors attending on Sunday 30 November making it the perfect opportunity to experience the after-dark spectacular.
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a must-see for locals and visitors alike in the city’s packed festive schedule, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot
Iron Ladies
IRON LADIES is a new documentary about the inspirational women who were the backbone of the 84/85 Miners’ Strike, as told by them. From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle trying to save their communities.
The film features Carol Ross from Cowdenbeath and Linda Erskine from Lochgelly, and they will both be appearing at the Edinburgh screening for a Q&A.
It is playing at Cameo cinema Edinburgh on 21st Nov, plus the Q&A.
Intuitive Art Workshops
On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 10.00 – 12.30 at Cockburn Collective, Leith, through guided exercises, personal exploration and play, you’ll learn to:
Let go, have fun and release judgement.
Understand how colour can boost your energy.
Use art to connect with your intuition – which helps with decision making and your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Create a vibrant abstract artwork.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, boost your energy, or find new ways to support your wellbeing, these light-hearted, hands-on workshops will take place in Vicky Paul’s art studio and are limited to 8 people per workshop.
All supplies and materials provided.
No experience necessary.
Small groups (8 people).
Relaxed atmosphere.
Cockburn Collective, 161 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh
Tickets £50
Limited spaces — book via www.vickypaul.com/workshops
HOW TO GET TO COCKBURN COLLECTIVE
Situated on 161 Constitution Street, Leith, Cockburn Collective is easy to get to by public transport.
