Covid-19 Inquiry
The Chair of the Covid-19 Inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, has issued a statement following the publication of the Module 2 report in the Inquiry.
Baroness Hallett said: “Today I published my second report. It follows an investigation into the responses of the four governments of the UK to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In early 2020, Covid-19 was a novel and deadly virus spreading rapidly around the country. All four governments failed to appreciate the scale of the threat or the urgency of response it demanded.
“When they did realise the scale of the threat, politicians and administrators in the UK government and the devolved administrations were presented with unenviable choices as to how to respond. Whatever decision they took there was often no right answer or good outcome. They also had to make decisions in conditions of extreme pressure. Nonetheless, I can summarise my findings of the response as ‘too little, too late’.
“The Inquiry has therefore identified a number of key lessons learned to inform the response to a future pandemic. In all, I make 19 key recommendations that I believe will better protect the UK in any future pandemic and improve decision-making in a crisis.”
This video which the Baroness recorded relates to Scotland and the way the Scottish Government responded to the pandemic:
Abseil for Spina Bifida next year
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland invite participants to take part in the Port of Leith Distillery abseil on 10 May 2206.
A spokesperson said: “An abseil off the tallest whisky distillery in the world! It’s our best event yet. Anyone taking part would not only love this challenge, but they would be raising much-needed funds for a local charity.
“We are experts in adrenaline-fuelled experiences, and this is a truly unique experience for you to descend the 131ft drop off the Port of Leith Distillery. And, what a view you’ll have, with views across Edinburgh’s skyline and of the historic Royal Yacht Britannia beside you! Standing proudly on the waterfront, the Port of Leith Distillery is the UK’s first vertical distillery, a striking nine-storey tower wedged into Edinburgh’s historic harbour.”
The minimum to raise is £200.00 and there is a £20 registration fee. Participants must be 12 years old and above and under 120kg to take part.
Dates: Sunday 10th May 2026. – https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/leith-abseil/
Niddrie community mural
A Christmas Daytime Disco is being held at the Edmonstone Inn at Danderhall on 6 December from 2pm to raise funds for the Niddrie Community Mural Project.
Art with a charity in mind
The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025 takes place this weekend at Cornerstone Centre at St John’s Church EH2 4BJ, on 22 and 23 November. The show will feature artworks from over 150 local artists with at least fifty percent of the proceeds going to help Macmillan Cancer Support. This year, ‘Misty Night, Glencoe’ from Yulia Allan has been selected as the lead image to promote the show.
The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show was created to raise essential money for a great cause whilst also increasing the exposure of local artists from Edinburgh and across Scotland. It comprises a two-day exhibition at a central Edinburgh venue as well as an online gallery for those unable to attend the show. The event encourages the best in exciting and contemporary original artworks that are designed to be very affordable. The artist decides how much of the price they wish to donate to Macmillan with at least half going to the charity.
Yulia Allan is a professional artist and a modern contemporary landscape and seascape painter. Born in the Ukraine and with close family members still there, she has embraced the land- and sea-scapes of Scotland to incorporate dramatic shifts of light and atmosphere as a central part of her work. Slightly abstract in nature, her work uses layers and textures to accentuate the ever-changing Scottish landscape.
Christmas at the Palace
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table displayto celebrate the festive season.
This year marks 100 years since King George V first opened the grand State Apartments to the public, providing the opportunity for visitors to explore the suite of 17th-century rooms in the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.
This festive period, visitors will see two majestic 12-foot-high Christmas trees decorating the atmospheric wood-panelled Throne Room, their branches adorned with sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights, alongside dramatic mantle garlands above the fireplace.
In the Great Gallery, the longest room in the Palace where grand balls were once held, a 15-foot-high Nordmann fir tree features glass ornaments echoing the room’s glittering chandeliers. This Christmas, visitors can take photographs in front of the tree as a special memento of their visit – usually photography inside the Palace is not permitted.
In the Royal Dining Room, first used as a dining room by Queen Victoria, the table is laid with a silver service, sugared fruits and seasonal foliage.
Further highlights include garlands decorating the stone arches in the Quadrangle and adorning the Great Stair.
£1 tickets are available for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Further concessions, including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds, are also available.
Carols at the Palace, 9 and 10 December
Over two evenings, visitors will experience the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert of carols in the Great Gallery. Each evening will conclude with a glass of wine and mince pies.
Christmas Activity Day, 13 December
The Palace will host a Christmas activity day with arts and crafts activities and a festive music performance for all the family to enjoy.
Tickets and visitor information: www.rct.uk, +44 (030) 123 7306.
