Garden Centre hosts free mindfulness children’s workshop
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September in its Edinburgh store, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.
This monthly workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and takes place on Sunday 1 September at 11am.
Promising an enriching experience that blends the joys of gardening with the calming practices of mindfulness, this upcoming session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store focuses on Mindfulness in the Garden. Children will get a chance to learn about the benefits of being present in the moment and connecting with nature.
Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store will guide young attendees through mindfulness, explaining what it is and why it’s beneficial. The session will highlight how using the five senses can enhance the gardening experience, encouraging children to notice the vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and soothing sounds of their surroundings.
Kids will discover how mindfulness can be practiced in the garden, helping them relax and focus.
Whether it’s the feel of soil between their fingers or the sight of a blooming flower, these experiences can be incredibly grounding and stress-relieving.
The workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also provide practical tips for practising mindfulness at home, making it easy for families to incorporate these calming practices into their daily lives.
Dobbies’ Horti Expert, Emma Drain, is looking forward to welcoming children along to September’s Mindfulness in the Garden session.
She said: “The Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for children to learn about the natural world and introducing kids to mindfulness through gardening can help them build a positive relationship with nature and their own emotions.”
For more details about the Little Seedlings Club and to book a spot, visit:
WISHING my CITIZEN friends and colleagues good luck as they take to the stage at Edinburgh International Book Festival this evening.
They will be reading their stories about the old Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh Futures Institute, which was built on the grounds of the old Royal off Lauriston Place.
In spring 2024 EIBF called for people from Edinburgh to submit stories about the former Royal Infirmary, to capture and honour the experiences and memories that people connect with the building’s previous life.
Tonight’s local writers readers will joined by special guest Lisa Williams to perform their work and commemorate the building’s rich history.
The event is free – well worth seeing if you can make it along!
As of Thursday 15th August, members of the EIS-FELA trade union at Edinburgh College who are taking part in Action Short of a Strike will be docked (deemed) 100% of their pay.
College lecturers across Scotland are taking part in a protracted dispute over pay and job security, and have had no consolidated pay rise since 2021 despite rampant inflation.
In a recent email to all staff, Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford conceded that staff should be “due a pay award that reflects the issue of pay erosion over a number of years, and reflects the value of what you do”.
She further accepts that the current pay dispute is inextricably linked to the lack of Scottish Government funding of the sector, and that colleges have been left behind compared to other public sector organisations when it comes to cost-of living payrises.
EIS Branch Secretary Dan Holland said: “It is welcome that Edinburgh College leaders now publicly recognise what EIS members have been saying from the outset: that the Scottish Government are providing the barrier for a cost-of-living pay rise in the college.
“However, by choosing to punish staff for participating in Action Short of a Strike and deduct all their salary, this has now escalated the matter locally which will only serve to harm industrial relations.
“Following a local strike last year which damaged these relations, the local EIS branch has worked extremely hard with local management to repair this trust.
“This unconscionable act of deducting all our salary for refusing to complete less than 1% of our job is effectively locking staff out of coming to work, as the Principal clearly stated that any work carried out would be consider voluntary and go unpaid.
“The local branch implores the Principal to withdraw this punitive approach to evidence her commitment to the agreed cultural reset.”
Last year, the Edinburgh College EIS Branch passed a unanimous vote of no-confidence in Audrey Cumberford following an acrimonious redundancy process and complaints of bullying within the college.
Edinburgh College’s own Hive survey, commissioned at the cost of approximately £20k, further highlighted that there are significant cultural issues within the college.
Ironically, an all-staff day tomorrow – Monday 19th August – will be themed around improving the culture of the college will see many EIS members unable to attend due to this de facto lockout without pay.
It’s not over yet: from pop-rock musicals to queer cabaret icons, cult classics to murder mysteries, and even Ghanian acrobatics alongside a cappella anthems
As Week 3 arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an array of talented artists at theSpaceUK are just embarking on their Fringe journey.
From pop-rock musicals to queer cabaret icons, cult classics to murder mysteries, and even Ghanian acrobatics alongside a cappella anthems.
With over fifty new shows gracing the stages this week, seize the opportunity to take a chance and discover something that will entice, excite, and thoroughly entertain you at theSpaceUK.
Here’s a small taste of the new shows you can catch in Week 3 at theSpaceUK:
It’s a Different World When the Music Stops! Glastonbury (theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall) Glastonbury promises a dream of youth, but after the pandemic, the characters return to seek out an anchor to the past but encounter revelations far beyond their expectations under the stars in the yurt enclosure.
A comedy-drama about love, dreams, death, whiskey, flags, wellies and getting old.
Can you take Essex out of the Girl? Trust Me, I’m from Essex (theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall) Lindsay Lucas-Bartlett will take you on a journey through life growing up in notorious Essex, England. . Enjoy this fun-filled journey with laughter, singing, and down-right drama. Trigger warnings: there are themes of an adult nature.
Fresh New One Man Musical! Zac Zac Zoom: A Story of Wheels and (F)eels (theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall) A brand-new musical comedy that was supposed to be about exploring life in a wheelchair… But Zac has something much eelier he’d like to talk about.
A hilarious one-man musical, written and performed by Zachary Loram, will have you asking the question… so, how do eels have sex?
An Electrifying, Intimate, New Play What the F*ck Happened to Love and Hope (theSpace on the Mile) Sixteen-year-old Nina is cheeky and naive, experiencing the thrills of young love at school, until a night out takes a horrific turn when she’s spiked, leaving her to navigate the devastating aftermath. Usually confident and outspoken, Faye insists she’s perfectly okay—definitely.
A Sensory Journey into a Seductive World… Auto/Erotic Tango (theSpace Triplex) Prepare to be taken on an intense, drama-fuelled journey. A heady mix of sensual dance, hypnotic music, lifts, kicks and tricks… After the opening night of their new show Tango Passion, an Argentine dance couple find themselves in a trap of their own creation… away from the shimmery stage lights and social media circus, who are they really?
Carly Gibson: salt-of-the-earth, boss bartender with a freeloading cousin. When her stage mom runs off with her money, Misty is broke, squatting on her cousin’s sofa “up north”, and working behind a posh hotel bar.
A Fragmented Fantasy… NeuroChatter (theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall) Elliott: a defensive yet laid-back aspiring artist. And Host: the reluctant, vulnerable core-self… hiding beneath them both.
Can Host take back her true heart and autonomy, or will she forever remain stuck behind the two dominant alter-egos that steer her mind, fight for her body and control over her life?
A summer like no other… Hot Girl Summer (theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall) Being single in her mid-twenties… how hard can it be? Post-breakup, Tilly jets off on a girls’ trip to Barcelona and impulsively lands a job in London.
Leaving behind her small-town life in Scotland, she dives into her new life, and begins the treacherous journey of navigating life in The Big Smoke.
She plans a summer like no other, but the reality is far from the Pinterest board she has envisioned.
A Laugh Out Loud True Story Blood, Sweat and Beers: How One Man Overcame a Complete Lack of Ability to Represent His Country (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 19-24) As a kid, Mick Colliss always dreamed of playing for Australia. He tried a number of different sports, from rugby union to lawn bowls, but failed at all of them. But then, at the age of 42, a chance discovery on the way to a Wallabies game changed everything. He finally got to wear the green and gold – just not in the way you might think.
Classic Tunes and Delightful Chaos Undecided: A Musical Misadventure (theSpace on the Mile, 19-24) Durham University’s 2 x national musical theatre champions are bringing you a show full of iconic musical songs and beloved musical characters to Edinburgh this summer! Laugh yourself silly as you, the audience, vote for which of your favourite musical theatre characters find themselves in the wrong song, and watch in amazement as our troupe members belt out classic tune after classic tune.
Deep Seated Rivalry… Sammy Blew Up a Toilet (theSpace @ Venue 45, 19-24) The story follows instant best friends Azza and Jake as they are forced to take in Sammy – a teacher’s pet, snitch and all-round strange person. Azza and Sammy become frenemies, kept together by unfortunate circumstances and peacemaker Jake. Jump into a nostalgia-filled world with eccentric characters, childhood shenanigans and an exploding toilet!
It’s Hot Fuzz meets Sweeney Todd. Prime Meat (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 19-24) Prime Meat is a horror comedy that follows Esme and Chris Stockton who, five years ago, moved to the idyllic Cotswold village of Raperton-on-the-Water. While Esme has adapted to village life, Chris is struggling. As Roland and Cherry help them prepare for the imminent community fete, the sinister reality of the village is revealed.
It’s Just Another Day at the Puppet Orphanage. Bucket Head (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 19-24) A closed-down puppet orphanage reopens, leaving resident squatters Ozzie Airwalker and Jim Horgletooth having to deal with new friends and challenges. A feel-good family show for everyone. Inspired by Saturday Morning Cartoons, a show packed with laughs and heart.
Who Knew Life Underground would be this Cosy? Six Feet Under (theSpace Triplex, 19-24) America. The 60s. Nuclear war. Eight neighbours escape to the safety of their underground bunker. Under the dim, flickering lights of their metal coffin, they have no idea how long they’ll be spending in each other’s company – and even less of an idea when rescue will come. They may be tucked safely away from the horrors on the surface, but perhaps the real danger still lurks within.
A Tribute to Sheer Young Adult Confusion. Sent from my Phone, (theSpace Triplex, 19-24) Close yourself in a windowless office with Lola, Penelope and Chad to explore their roots, vices and dreams.
How far will Lola go to get her Visa? How can Penelope do the right thing when everyone is lying to her? Will Chad be able to save the girl he loves from herself? It appears a night of shredding paper is all it takes to find out.
Based on the Hit Reality TV Show… Love Is Blind: The Improvised Musical (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 19-24) If you enjoy exploring human relationships’ ups and downs (and sideways!) through musical comedy, this show is for you!
Characters will be built based on audience suggestions and dates, and some will fall in love without ever seeing each other. The couples will have to decide whether love really is blind at the altar, but which relationships will last until the reunion one year later? And which will tear themselves apart?
CONGRATULATIONS to North Edinburgh’s own community club The Spartans, who yesterday created their own piece of history when they defeated top-flight team Ross County at Ainslie Park.
League Two Spartans hard-fought 1-0 victory sees the local side progress into the quarter finals for the first time in their history.
Blair Henderson’s looping header in the first minute of the second half proved to be the difference between the two teams but the result was no fluke – County manager Don Cowie acknowledged well-organised Spartans thoroughly deserved their win.
With a toothless Hearts losing tamely at Falkirk yesterday and Hibs facing the might of Celtic in Glasgow this afternoon, Spartans are likely to be the only capital club left in the competition.
The draw for the quarter-finals of the @PremSportsTV Cup will take place today after the Celtic v Hibernian tie.
Quarter-final ties are due to be played on the weekend of 21/22 September.
If you’re looking to escape the hubbub of the Edinburgh Festivals, then why not join us in The Hub, on Friday 23rd August for a free, relaxed live music session..
From 2-3pm our friends, Jenny Baxley Lee, Katey Warren and Astro & Stella will be performing a variety of Americana, Country and Folk songs for your listening pleasure.
All are welcome – booking recommended. Please register by emailing arts@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.
A joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy following an update on Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations:
‘We, the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and are encouraged by the constructive approach adopted so far.
‘We welcome the fact that technical work will continue over the coming days, including on both the humanitarian provisions and the specific arrangements relating to hostages and detainees, and that senior officials will then reconvene before the end of next week with the aim of concluding the agreement.
‘We urge all parties to continue to engage positively and flexibly in this process. We underline the importance of avoiding any escalatory action in the region which would undermine the prospect for peace. There is too much at stake.’
Closer to home but Gaza-related, SNP MSP John Mason has been stripped of the party whip after “completely unacceptable” social media posts about the conflict in Gaza.
On Thursday, the independent-minded MSP tweeted: ‘Very pleased to see @AngusRobertson met Israeli deputy ambassador @DanielaGrudsky. I also met her last week. Useful discussion on what Israel hopes to achieve in Gaza. As UK learned in Ireland, to achieve peace we must talk to each other… including to people we disagree with.’
Mr Mason followed this up on Friday: ‘If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed ten times as many.’
Mr Mason said he was “disappointed” by his suspension, which came after he wrote on X that the country’s actions in Gaza did not amount to “genocide”.
Mason’s swift banishment comes after External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson was pictured standing alongside Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky.
Many within the SNP are highly critical of Israel’s actions in the Middle East and the diplomatic encounter has prompted a furious internal backlash. with growing calls for First Minister John Swinney to sack Mr Robertson.
The Besties is a new series of awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals. The Award is a partnership between The Skinny & Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland.
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the second round of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties, in the following categories:
The award ceremony took place on Saturday 17th August at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, hosted by comedian Josephine Lacey whose show Autism Mama is at the Pleasance Courtyard, with performances from Orkney musician Catriona Price who performed earlier this week at Queen’s Hall and Edinburgh New Town Church, celebrating her debut album, Hert.
The Besties award, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter who has recently graduated fromInterior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, uses recyclable plastics gathered at the Festival Theatre Café and leftover wood sourced locally.
Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and responding to the need for a pan-festivals award, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival which started on Thursday 15 August, and others, making them the one of the only awards to celebrate the full spectrum of culture in the city.
Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. The categories will reflect the diversity of the magazines’ coverage and might be different every week.
The third and last ceremony will take place on Saturday 24th August.
