📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
As part of this years #16DaysOfActivism we wanted to highlight Police Scotland's "Don't Be That Guy" campaign that is targeted at men, and stresses the importance of speaking out about gender-based violence when they see friends display it. You can watch the full video at the link below.
Today is #WorldAIDSDay.
I’m proud to join Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland in remembering those we’ve lost, supporting people living with HIV, and standing against stigma.
HIV is preventable and treatable - everyone deserves access to testing, treatment, and care without fear or discrimination.
You can find out more about the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland and Waverley Care at the links below.
Thank you Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith for taking time to recognise and commemorate World AIDS Day As a person living with HIV might I add a few words to your call to encourage folks to find out more. HIV AIDS shook our ground, broke our hearts and took many we loved, yet we stood our ground too. We strengthened our hearts and gave unconditional love to even more people. On the first of December I remember the names of those I knew who did not make it, a long painful list, and I also think of the many others whose names I never knew. I remember the voices as well, the humour we held on to even in the darkest times. And I remember a friend some of you will remember too, who would greet people today with a cheerful and cheeky Happy HIV Day. We lived full lives with our HIV, with a Love me, love my HIV attitude. It may sound flippant to some, but for us it was how we survived, how we kept joy alive, through love, humour and laughter. So remember the loss and the sadness, but do not forget the fun times. There were days that were an absolute blast. Here is a truth I have learned. There is a lot of talk about fighting HIV or being in a battle with it, but for me making peace with it has worked far better. Embracing it as part of my life brought calm and helped me live without the stress of constant conflict. Many never lived long enough to reach that peace. I know I am fortunate. One day I may say goodbye to my HIV, but not before thanking it for making me a better person, more caring, more considerate and more appreciative of every single moment. For now my HIV and I share my body peacefully and life goes on. And I thank my husband, the doctors, the nurses and the friends who helped me find that peace. Love you all. Please support Ben in his call to learn more and to support these outstanding charities.
Our community appreciates your support on such a special time to reflect.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
Today’s #16DaysOfActivism spotlight is Shakti Women's Aid - an incredible organisation within the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.
Shakti Women’s Aid provides vital support to Black and Minority Ethnic women, children, and young people in Edinburgh and across Scotland who are experiencing domestic abuse. They offer a range of services for women in Edinburgh and beyond, from safe temporary accommodation, advice on rights and options, and help with issues such as forced marriage, immigration, and ‘honour-based’ abuse.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 0131 475 2399 or visit
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Is there any connection between housing shortages and profligate immigration policies? I'd hate to think so.
We know community-based youth work changes lives.
That’s why Youth Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government CLD Unit, is distributing the Grassroots Youth Work Fund. With this money, groups will have the opportunity to increase capacity, develop new programmes and provide vital support to young people facing disadvantages.
Find out more: bit.ly/YS-YWFgr
The annual global #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence campaign begins today.
This international initiative highlights the urgent need to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls. While we must work to end gender-based violence all year round, these 16 days provide an important opportunity to reflect, refocus, and strengthen the steps we take as a society.
In 2023, I created 16 actions MSPs can take to help prevent gender-based violence, and I’m proud to have completed all of them again this year. committed to these in my role as your constituency MSP this year also.
Over the coming days, my team and I will also be running a social media campaign spotlighting local organisations and initiatives making a real difference to women’s lives here in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, along with some helpful advice and research.
www.unwomenuk.org/16-days-activism/#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20from%2025%20November,rights%20viola....
16 Days of Activism - UN Women UK
www.unwomenuk.org
It happens everywhere — in homes, schools, workplaces, and online. It affects every community. And here in the UK, it’s been declared a national emergency.📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to highlight that The British Gas Trust has extra support for energy costs and essentials this winter.
The British Gas Energy Trust—an independent charity funded by British and Scottish Gas—has announced an additional £500,000 in funding to support people across Scotland facing financial hardship this winter.
This funding includes:
⚫£250,000 for a new White Goods Scheme providing essential appliances like fridges, cookers, and washing machines
⚫£150,000 for emergency energy vouchers and financial assistance
⚫£100,000 to boost money and energy advice services through the Supporting Communities at Risk Programme (SCARP)
If you or someone you know is struggling with energy bills or in need of essential household items, help is available. Learn more and find support through the British Gas Energy Trust’s partner organisations or via referral from Scottish Gas.
You can read more about the support available here:
Independent fuel debt advice – British Gas Energy Trust
britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Struggling with the rising price of energy? The British Gas Energy Trust can help with fuel and money advice no matter who your supplier is.My latest community update is currently being hand delivered to constituents in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. The update tells you about some of the issues my team and I have been working hard at on your behalf. It can also be viewed on my website using the following link: benmacpherson.scot/reports/
I will continue to focus on the issues that matter most to people living in our part of the city. If there’s anything you would like to raise or discuss with me, please get in touch. I’m always #HeretoHelp
Craigentinny & Duddingston SNP
Forth SNP
Leith Walk SNP
Edinburgh SNP
SNP Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith
Can I ask why you voted against a inquiry into the grooming gangs please
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We would like to announce that Ben Macpherson MSP’s Christmas/Holiday Card Competition 2025 is now open!
We’re excited to invite all primary schools in the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency to take part in this year’s festive card competition.
🖍️ Theme: Helping Others
📅 Closing Date: Friday 12 December
Ben and the team are looking forward to seeing the creativity and kindness reflected in the designs. Please see below flyer for further detail.
Leith Primary Parent Council
Leith Walk Primary School Parent Council
Lorne Primary School
St Mary's Leith Parent Council
Trinity Primary PSA
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight that the Scottish Government have launched a "Draft Circular Economy Strategy: Consultation".
Proposals aimed at boosting job creation and economic growth, while reducing waste, have been published for public consultation.
The draft Circular Economy Strategy outlines plans to keep materials and goods in use for as long as possible by increasing reuse, repair, and recycling rates across key sectors. Highlights include:
• 🧱 Reusing construction materials
• 👕 Supporting sustainable alternatives to fast fashion
• 🔋 Repurposing and recycling EV batteries
• 🍽️ Exploring ways to reduce food waste
Sector-specific roadmaps will be developed for the built environment, net zero energy infrastructure, textiles, and food. Actions for the transport sector will be addressed in the upcoming draft Climate Change Plan.
🗓️ The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 13 January 2026. The final strategy is planned for publication later in 2026 and will include a monitoring and indicator framework to help shape future targets from 2027 onward.
📢 Constituents are encouraged to review the proposals and share their views during the consultation period and do so at the below link:
Draft circular economy strategy: consultation
www.gov.scot
Scottish Government consultation for the Draft Circular Economy Strategy.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Great to launch Careers Week in our area this morning - there are so many emerging local opportunities for our young people. #NoWrongPath
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To gather people’s views, ‘Planning Edinburgh’ have launched a questionnaire asking people ‘what they think about where they live’.
The questionnaire covers the important things that make a good place such as homes, local shops and services, healthcare, public transport, open space, play facilities, community space and jobs
If you live in Edinburgh, you can find out more and fill in the questionnaire at the link below.
There is also a series of drop-in events taking place, including one on Friday 21 November at North Edinburgh Arts Centre (Theatre Suite) from 16:00-19:00.
consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/place/
Over recent years, as the constituency MSP, I’ve been constructively working with The City of Edinburgh Council and others to make the case to The Scottish Government about the potential of Granton - and it’s great to now see significant investment being committed! It’s really uplifting and exciting to see development of this strategic site moving forward purposefully, for our city and country - and, most importantly, the building of more affordable homes for our growing capital and local people.
Announced today: funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh. Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.
Read more: www.gov.scot/news/transforming-granton-waterfront/.
Kate Forbes MSP
Màiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale
Forth SNP
It has been years since I last saw a gas holder shame that they are not in use anymore because any gas from the North Sea could have been stored better than importing gas
Thats great but any new GP surgeries to accommodate all the additional people?
I live in West Granton and looking forward to seeing how it all progresses. Gasholder 1 was a great start ☺️
That money is not from the Scottish gov, it is taxpayers money.
Local chemists loaded to the gills and local doctors too, need the infrastructure in place first, can't get a local dentist either, I don't know about schools but I would imagine they are desperately needed too,
Medical facilities and either a corner shops or a full supermarket are urgently needed. ‘Businesses’ seems v vague. The surgery for Chestnut st is still a wasteland. Please push for these from the developers. Ta
More electoral spin. Predictable.
Selfie Swinney
Here’s the first one
I’ve contacted Ben about issues as a constituent many times. He’s never did anything to help. Most of the time there’s not even any reply. Never seen him at his constituency office. Then there’s an election next year and he’s suddenly posing for photos near local landmarks.
The place needs more than a few houses a school and 14 businesses. What about the places that allow life and culture to happen. FFS Edinburg you learn nothing from what you have. NOTHING about the phenomenology of space.
lol net zero homes . What a lot of utter shite .
When will you start housing local hard working people who pay into the system over illegal criminal immigrants and benefit scroungers though
So Why Is Dim Dum Full Off John Banana Man Swinney The Swindler Going To Court Again So That Men Can Stay In Women's Jails Again Then 🥺🥺
Shame it’s taken all this time. Now NO Visionary projects just the usual dull developer led junk.
What a shame that homophobe Kate Forbes MSP has any connection with this at all.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
Please share with anyone who may benefit from this assistance on Remembrance Sunday.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP:
Bonfire Night brings colour, excitement, and a sense of community to many. But for others, it also brings fear, harm, and real danger.
Last year, parts of Scotland saw serious fireworks-related disorder - including attacks on emergency workers and distress caused to people and animals.
That’s why Fearless, the youth service from the charity Crimestoppers, has launched its Fireworks Campaign 2025 - a response that puts young people at the heart of the solution.
Most young people already make safe, positive choices. This campaign supports them - and helps adults who care for or work with young people to have informed, meaningful conversations.
Information about potential firework misuse can be reported 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
Watch the new film created by Fearless below:
Bonfire Night: Supporting Young People | Crimestoppers
crimestoppers-uk.org
Empower youth and enhance community safety with Fearless Scotland by CrimeStoppers UK. Explore tailored resources and initiatives for professionals committed to making a positive impact on the lives o...
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.✨ Christmas lights for Leith 🎄
Last month, working with local businesses, my team and I helped make the case to The City of Edinburgh Council for festive decorations this year to be put up in Leith - I’m pleased that we have received a positive response!
Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
Leith Central Community Council
Leith Links Community Council
Leith is one of the most vibrant parts of our city — full of superb shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and a great community spirit. But many residents and local businesses have told me they’d love to see more festive cheer to brighten up the darker months. After raising this with the Council Leader, I’m delighted that the Council has agreed to work local partners to bring more sparkle back to Leith this winter. There’s some more work to do but I’m pleased and grateful that the Council is taking this positive approach.
The tree needs brought back to the foot of the walk Ben . It has no impact in Taylor Gdns 😢
Sorry Ben but the council letter is another poor excuse for NOT returning a Christmas tree to the foot of the walk. I was there today when two large vans were parked outside Boots with someone moving into a home. Now if they can do that successfully without the tram network coming to a standstill then you can get a tree back at the Kirkgate. Where there's a will there's a way. Unfortunately council officers lack both. A tree at the Kirkgate is for all Leithers poor and rich. If they stick one down the shore it would smack of gentrification.
Mabey you could fund it with the money saved from your free oasis tickets
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢 :
This week is Adoption Week Scotland, and we'd like to highlight the worAdoption UK - Scotlandtland. They tell us that:
This is a time to raise awareness of adoption, highlight the support available, and recognise the incredible families, individuals and professionals who make adoption possible.
Whether you're an adoptive parent, someone considering adoption, or a practitioner working in this space, there are events and resources available to support you.
Find out more and explore the programme of events here, including family events, online sessions and discussions for adoptive families, adopted people and practitioners:
adoption.scot
Adoption Week Scotland takes place yearly to raise awareness, highlight available support, and build connections in the adoption community.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.📢Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to make constituents aware that Disability Equality Scotland is inviting disabled people to take part in a series of surveys about their experiences with transport. You can find the link below - responses are welcome until 12pm on 3rd November.
Public Transport: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ATFPublicTransport/
People’s Journeys: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ATFPeoplesJourneys/
Hate Crime on Public Transport: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ATFHateCrime/
#AccessibleTravel #Scotland
ATF: Public Transport where You Live
www.smartsurvey.co.uk
Please take a few minutes to take our survey.📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP:📢
We wanted to remind constituents to remain vigilant this winter and be aware of scams relating to winter heating payments.
Social Security Scotland is helping thousands of families heat their homes this winter with automatic payments like:
• Winter Heating Payment
• Child Winter Heating Payment
• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Most people don’t need to apply and payments are made automatically to those eligible.
But scammers are targeting people with fake texts and emails pretending to be from Social Security or other government departments. These messages claim you're missing out on money and ask you to click a link or share personal details.
Things to Look Out For:
• Social Security Scotland will NEVER ask for personal or financial info by text or email.
• Be suspicious of messages asking for passwords, bank details, or urgent action.
• Don’t click links in suspicious messages or download unknown files.
• Always check contact details on official websites like mygov.scot.
• Use the ‘Contact Us’ section to get help or call the helpline directly.
If you think you’ve been scammed: Contact your bank immediately
Report it to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Deadline to apply (if needed): 31 March 2026
Some people may still need to apply—like those who’ve deferred their state pension or have joint benefit awards. You can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 to find out more.
Yea better watch out for energy company's giving you £1200 quid oasis tickets for nothing . But then at least you'll have that for your heating bill this winter .
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
As we head into Fireworks Season, we’d like to share relevant information on the sale and use of fireworks, as well as advice from Dogs Trust to help keep pets safe and settled.
📍 Firework Control Zones
Following a consultation and vote by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Seafield area (within Edinburgh Northern and Leith) will be part of this year’s Firework Control Zones. This means a complete ban on fireworks in that area from 31 October - 9 November.
🛑 Retailers Responding to Concerns
We’re also aware that Asda, Tesco, and Lidl have confirmed they will not sell fireworks in Edinburgh this year, following concerns raised after last year’s events.
🐶 Dogs Trust Guidance
Dogs Trust state that nearly half of the UK’s pet dogs are fearful of fireworks. These fears can lead to serious health and behavioural issues at any stage of life. We've included a helpful infographic below.
You can read more about advice from Dogs Trust and on the Fireworks Control Zones in the links below.
There's been fireworks going off for Diwali how is that not included
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight that this week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
This week is an important opportunity to stand together against hate and prejudice, and to show solidarity with communities affected by hate crime.
People in our communities are telling us they feel unsafe and under pressure. It’s our shared responsibility to listen, respond, and act.
The UK-wide campaign is built around the principles of H.O.P.E.:
• Hate crime awareness
• Operational responses
• Prevention
• Engagement with communities
These principles align closely with Scotland’s Hate Crime Strategy and wider efforts to promote inclusion, equality, and safety for all.
You can find out more at the Scottish Government's National Hate Crime Strategy here:
www.gov.scot
Sets out the Scottish Government's key priorities for tackling hate crime and prejudice in Scotland, and has been developed in partnership with our Hate Crime Strategic Partnership Group and the voice...Proud to have been an active ME champion within the Scottish Parliament for many years, on behalf of my constituents.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.This is bold. It's good to see.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Bit of an ask, given that Israel is holding 4 scots for no other reason other than they were trying to get food to STARVING CHILDREN...
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight some advice from SP Energy Networks in advance of Storm Amy and the associated weather warnings:
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds and heavy rain as Storm Amy moves across parts of Scotland, from Friday into Saturday.
SP Energy Networks has advised that while extreme weather can impact the electricity network, their teams are fully prepared to respond quickly to any disruption.
Planned works are being postponed, emergency control rooms are ready, and materials are being moved to areas likely to be most affected. Contractors are also on standby to assist with tree felling and repairs.
Help your community stay safe and prepared for a power cut:
✅ Save the 105 emergency helpline to your phone or stick it on the fridge.
✅ Keep a battery or wind-up torch handy.
✅ Watch out for fallen power lines – treat them as live and call 105.
✅ Charge your mobile and consider having an analogue phone.
✅ Keep extra blankets nearby and close curtains to retain heat.
If you or someone you know needs extra support during a power cut, please follow the link to check the Priority Services Register:
Priority Services Registration Form
www.spenergynetworks.co.uk
By completing SP Energy Networks’ priority services registration form, customers with special needs receive extra support during power outages. Sign up now!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Danielle Leadbetter
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to highlight that this week is Migraine Awareness Week, as well as the new campaign from the Migraine Trust around challenging the stigma and improving support in the workplace for those who experience migraines. A migraine is more than “just a headache.” It’s a serious neurological condition that affects over 700,000 people in Scotland—that’s 1 in 7 of us.
This new research from the Migraine Trust shows:
🔹 60% of employers would be concerned about hiring someone with migraine
🔹 58% of people with migraine hide their condition at work for fear of judgement
🔹 15% have had to move from full-time to part-time work
🔹 19% have had to leave a job entirely.
If you would like to find out more about the Migraine Trust and Migraine Awareness Week you can do so at the following link:
Grateful & honoured that the First Minister has asked me to rejoin the Scottish Government as Minister (Designate) for Higher & Further Education, including youth work too: www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/minister-for-higher-and-further-educ....
Once approved by the King & the Scottish Parliament, I look forward to undertaking this national responsibility & working collaboratively, diligently & pro-actively with all involved, as well as continuing to work just as hard locally for constituents in Edinburgh Northern & Leith.
News release: www.gov.scot/news/new-minister-for-parliamentary-business-appointed/.
Excellent news! Well done Ben!
Well done Ben
Congratulations Ben 🙌🏻 Delighted for you 💙
Fantastic news, this role was made for you ✌️❤️
Huge congratulations and so well deserved ❤️
What about the cycle lane in the middle of Leith Walk pavements being used by motorised vehicles that are mowing down pedestrians and putting lives at risk.???
Congratulations Ben! So delighted for you and the impact you’ll make serving as a minister in the Scottish Gov
Good one 👍
Congratulations Ben. Best man for the job. xx
Excellent news. You will be perfect for your new role. I wish you all the best going forward.🧡
👍👍👍👍
Congratulations and so your best for Scotland what more can we ask for 🏴
Congratulations Ben and your the man for the job 👏👏👏
Congratulations Ben Macpherson
Congratulations Ben Macpherson, we are very happy to hear that.
Fantastic news Ben, especially as you have taken the time to really understand the issues young people are facing at the moment and the impact all types of Youthwork can have to inspire young people and to give them hope for the future. Cannot think of a better person for this important role.
Congrats Ben!
Congratulations. Great appointment!
Congratulations Ben.
HM the King eh?
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Ben. No more than you deserve! Jim and I are delighted.
Congratulations 🙌
Congratulations Ben
Approved by the king . W.T.F is that all about . So you work for him . Now it all makes sense .
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.For years I’ve believed in the importance of the hospitality industry (as a former bartender) and worked to champion the sector. I was proud to raise their case for support in The Scottish Parliament with the FM, on behalf of the superb Shore businesses collective and others, to press for more support from the UK Government.
#hospitality #Leith #nightlife
Many in your area are struggling because of the roadworks blocking them in and rerouting buses.
Immigration is an important issue and - while calmly and rationally we should of course consider types of systems and levels of controls - let us not forget that in the vast majority of cases immigrants enrich communities and positively contribute to our country, adopting and adding to a collective sense of Scottishness! #onescotland
Recently we discussed immigration in the Scottish Parliament, even though it is completely reserved to/controlled by the UK Government and the UK Parliament. #ScottishPolitics
I took the opportunity to emphasise the impact of people coming to live in #leith. #NewScots
Well said.
Colony of Artists is on this weekend.
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