· IMAX FILM FEST TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 20 APRIL
· TICKETS REDUCED TO £3 FOR ALL FILMS, ALL DAY, ONLY IN IMAX
· OFFER VALID ACROSS ALL IMAX CINEWORLD SITES IN THE UK & IRELAND
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its seventh annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 20th April 2024 with tickets on sale now!
IMAX is the world’s most immersive cinematic experience, the special one-day event will give film fans across the nation the chance to catch some of last year’s best movies in IMAX for only £3 a ticket.
For one day only, Cineworld will bring back some of 2023’s biggest hitters including:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie– family favourite with an all-star cast of voice actors including Jack Black as Bowser
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, fun for all ages!
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – prequel to the popular series starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth formatted exclusively for IMAX. Experience up to 26% more picture, only in IMAX.
Oppenheimer – Oscar winning epic shot with IMAX film cameras and the first film to shoot sections on IMAX black-and-white photographic film. IMAX is the format it was intended to be watched in!
The festival will give guests the chance to experience their favourite star-studded blockbusters with the IMAX difference, where crystal clear images and pulse raising audio will make you feel like you’re in the room.
Stuart Crane, VP of Film Cineworld Group, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back the IMAX film festival for the seventh year in a row and look forward to guests experiencing their favourite blockbusters in this revolutionary format for only £3 a ticket.
“We hope guests enjoy the incredible picture and sound of IMAX, there’s no better time to try out IMAX than the IMAX Film Fest!”
Tickets for this spectacular experience can now be purchased from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.
See below from the latest update on the campus. These updates are part of the process agreed in the mediation. They allow us all to see what is happening and to take part in the discussion.
The outcome of the process was a compromise but was thought by those involved and those consulted in open events to be a reasonable one that would get something useful done and provide facilities for the community.
What will be produced is still subject to review and consultation so is not yet fixed, so you have the chance to comment.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (EFFS) is set to develop a new festival hub after the City of Edinburgh Council agreed a long lease for one of its buildings in the city centre.
The EFFS proposals, funded from an award of up to £7m from the UK Government, would see the building completely refurbished and modernised, with an emphasis on access and carbon reduction, as it is transformed into a year-round resource.
Detailed work is ongoing to identify other venues for the current users of South Bridge Resource Centre – the majority are adult education classes with suitable alternative locations already identified – and further detailed and responsive engagement will take place as plans are finalised.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s decision means the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society now has a substantial city centre location for their exciting plans for a new hub.
“The proposals are for a new, year-round space which includes opportunities for local cultural organisations, artists, and communities to use as well as a Fringe Festival home.
“The Council has a vital role to play in ensuring residents have access to creative and cultural opportunities wherever they live in our city.
“We’re committed to regular funding, partnership working, and backing development programmes and projects. By doing this, we can support and facilitate the stability and development of our city’s exceptional array of cultural activities, venues, communities and events at every level.
“As part of the proposals, suitable alternative locations have already been identified for the majority of groups and classes that currently use the building. Further detailed and responsive engagement will take place as we identify venues going forward.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: The Committee’s decision today is an important milestone in the journey towards creating a new Fringe community hub.
“We’re pleased with the decision and excited to move a step closer towards providing a flexible, functional, sustainable and accessible space to bring artists, residents, community groups and the Fringe community together.”
Officers in Leith have seized drugs worth an estimated street value of £46,000 and charged 16 people with drugs offences as part of Operation Elate in Leith.
In response to community concerns, the operation running through March has seen and will see officers focus on tackling drug crime and drug-related harm in the area. This is a partnership initiative dedicated to disrupting the drugs trade while directing vulnerable adults, young people and children to the support they require.
Enforcement, where necessary, has been taking place with 16 people, aged between 15 and 50, charged in relation to drugs offences. Drugs, including Diamorphine and Cocaine have been seized. Intelligence led-searches have also been carried out under warrant at five addresses in the Edinburgh area.
Sergeant Marr of Leith Police Station said: “Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for us and our communities.
“People involved in the supply of drugs make money out of addiction and vulnerability. They risk people’s lives for their own financial gain, and often, use this to fund other forms of serious and organised crime.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling this type of criminality, officers are carrying out additional patrols in the Leith area and engaging with the community to identify local concerns so the appropriate action can be taken.
“We rely on the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information regarding drugs in their communities to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The Scottish Land Commission yesterday welcomed the introduction of the Land Reform Bill by the Scottish Government, which sets out a clear commitment to addressing the challenges of concentrated land ownership.
Commenting on the Bill, Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, explains: “We are pleased to welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s new Land Reform Bill, which draws on our research and analysis.
“This landmark legislation is a meaningful and important step forward in addressing the over-concentration of land ownership, which continues to be a central issue in Scotland’s ongoing journey of land reform.
“Our research has consistently shown the pitfalls associated with such a concentration of land ownership, including the impacts that localised monopolies can have on local economic opportunities and communities.”
One of the key measures proposed within the Bill is a new power for Ministers to require the lotting, or dividing up, of larger land holdings in to smaller areas and a requirement to notify communities prior to sale.
Hamish Trench, Chief Executive of the Scottish Land Commission, added: “Scotland’s land is a resource that people need to be able to use to support jobs, housing, climate action and economic opportunities across the country.
“The proposed measures in the Bill, including a new power for Ministers to require the lotting of large land holdings prior to sale, are significant steps towards a fairer and more dynamic approach to land ownership in Scotland.”
“Our research shows that governments worldwide often regulate land markets to safeguard the public interest and support sustainable development. In so doing Scotland would be operating within a widely recognised and accepted approach to land rights and regulation.”
“We look forward to providing further evidence and advice to support the Bill’s consideration in Parliament”
A 65-year-old man has died in hospital after being seriously assaulted in Edinburgh on the evening of Sunday, 10 March, 2024.
Nashir Ahmed was standing with a 48-year-old man at a bus stop on Ferry Road near to its junction with Great Junction Street and Coburg Street, when they were approached by another man who then attacked them.
Emergency services attended and both men were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The 48-year-old victim was discharged after receiving treatment for serious leg and facial injuries however Mr Ahmed later died in hospital on Friday, 15 March, 2024. His family are aware.
Detectives are treating his death as murder and are renewing their appeal for any information which could assist their investigation.
From enquiries carried out so far, the suspect is described as black, around 30-years of age with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr Ahmed’s family and the other victim and specialist officers are supporting them during this extremely difficult time.
“This was a completely random and unprovoked assault on Mr Ahmed and his friend and it is absolutely vital that we trace the individual responsible for this despicable and senseless crime.
“Ferry Road would have been busy around the time and we would continue to urge anyone who witnessed this attack as well as anyone with dash-cam or private CCVV footage of the area which could be of significance, to please get in touch.
“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern to the local community however we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry and there will continue to be additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.
“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
On Tuesday, 12 March, the charity Trellis and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) arranged for politicians and their staff to visit organisations that demonstrate how horticulture can deliver health and wellbeing benefits to vulnerable people and their communities.
These visits were organised in conjunction with the HTA’s Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, which highlights the link between health and horticulture.
The visits focused on the power of the natural environment as a health-promoting asset and how domestic gardens can provide significant physical and mental health benefits. The benefits of horticulture include recovery from illness, physical activity, weight impact, birth outcomes, and cardiovascular, mental and social health consequences.
After the visits, the HTA hosted the Cross Party Group (CPG) for Gardening and Horticulture for their Annual General Meeting at Holyrood on the same day.
The discussions centred on the health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces and the role of social and therapeutic horticulture in reducing pressure on the NHS.
Trellis discussed the benefits delivered and challenges faced by many practitioners and shared their work to create the UK Professional Association for Social & Therapeutic Horticulture and the UK’s very first accredited qualification for practitioners, developed with Scottish colleges.
Commenting on the programme of visits:
Stan Green, Chair of HTA Scottish Policy Group and Trellis Board member: “It was incredibly powerful to see the work that is going on across Edinburgh that uses the value of plants and gardening to make a difference to so many lives.
“For MSPs and CPG members to learn more about the work of these organisations is an invaluable step in increasing awareness of the tangible benefits horticulture offers. All of the discussions were underpinned by the shared acknowledgement that the benefits of the environmental horticulture sector must be recognised and utilised by policymakers to deliver health, wellbeing, climate, and social objectives.”
Fiona Thackeray, CEO of Trellis:“Trellis supports therapeutic horticulture projects across Scotland to thrive in all public spaces through supporting practitioners.
“These visits allowed us to showcase a small selection of the 500 gardens we work with and some of the incredible work going on in communities.
“It was also an opportunity to highlight to MSPs and CPG members some of the difficulties that are being experienced by organisations who are largely privately funded and whose value is under-recognised by policymakers.”
Rachael Hamilton, MSP, Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG:“It was a privilege to spend time in the gardens with the staff who work so hard for communities across Scotland.
“The visits made it abundantly clear that access to green space and engagement with nature through horticulture can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health.
“By incorporating horticulture into healthcare, social care, and education, the sector can help to reduce pressure on the NHS and contribute to a more sustainable future. The CPG for Gardening and Horticulture is committed to advocating for greater recognition of the benefits of the sector.”
SIX NATIONS SCREENING EVENT – Saturday 16th of March
Six Nations screening event complete with specialist menu for Super Saturday featuring fancy ‘pub grub’ and classic Rugby tipples including Guinness, Innis & Gunn and specially curated Famous Grouse cocktails
Live DJ playing from 13:00 till 19:00 in between game time
Venue: Greyfriars Hall
Menu includes: Chicken wings with Asian dressing and sweet chilli sauce, Smashed burger with sriracha mayo, Chilli dog, Halloumi sticks and Dirty Fries with truffle Parmesan
ST PATRICKS DAYEVENT – Sunday 17th March (12:00 till 20:00)
St Patricks Day event featuring a DJ and live music from band The Carloways to celebrate in true Irish style and dance the afternoon away
Venue: Greyfriars Hall
Drinks available include Guinness, Innis & Gunn, Famous Grouse cocktails
SUPPORT THE MAKERS MARKET – Sunday 24th of March (11:00 till 16:00)
Support the Makers is an organisation that supports independent businesses and local makers by giving them a platform to share their creations, with this pop-up market featuring 28 Scottish, artisan makers with unique products on sale
EASTER BRUNCH – Saturday 30th of March (12:00 till 16:00)
Venue: Eve
Price: £35 per person all inclusive food
Menu includes oysters, fresh prawns, home rolled sushi, cheese & charcuterie board as well as Crispy duck salad with ginger, sesame, orange and soy dressing and Half Scottish Lobster with frites and garlic butter, finished off with a range of desserts
Delight in the elegance of Afternoon Tea in the enchanting Oculus lounge. A refined experience featuring finely brewed teas paired with exquisite pastries, to elevate weekends with a touch of luxury.
Venue: The Oculus Lounge
Priced at £35 per person, + £18.50 for a glass of Champagne
THE CHEF’S TABLE GOES TO GREECE – March (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, is bringing the authentic tastes of Crete to its Chef’s Table this month as part of a series of experiential dining events that aim to takes guests on an international culinary journey. Exclusively for March, Commons Club restaurant has partnered with Head Chef of authentic Cretan restaurant, 1905, Thanos Christakis, to introduce an exclusive menu featuring traditional Greek delicacies and twists on local home-cooked dishes.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families to save money on their childcare costs in time for the school holidays
With the Easter break just weeks away, families yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare could be missing out on annual savings of up to £2,000 per child, or £4,000 if their child is disabled.
Tax-Free Childcare can help pay for approved childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if the child has a disability. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months, which means for every £8 paid into their online account, they will automatically receive an additional £2 top up from the UK Government.
It takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account and can be used to help pay for a child’s nursery, childminder, breakfast or after school club or holiday activity club.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Springtime is a good opportunity to take a fresh look at family finances.
“A quick check online and you can find out how Tax-Free Childcare can help cut the cost of your childcare bills. Every bit of financial support helps – I would urge families to ’hop to it’ and search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK to find out how you could be better off and open your account today.”
Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money immediately, so it is ready to be used whenever it is needed; and unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive tax credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what could fit their family by visiting Childcare Choices.
The UK Government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support, including help with childcare costs, families could be eligible for.
STRUT is a night time performance and projection parade shining a light on 5 talented dancers with a connection to Greater Craigmillar whose personal choreographies reflect the celebratory energy of the town with Highland, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Disco and Breakdance styles in the mix.
These talented movers and shakers were selected from a wide-ranging Open Call, with the help of a community panel. The rotating one-performer parade weaves its way around locations in Craigmillar and Niddrie with spectators watching from the pavement, waving from their windows or following the event and dancing along.
STRUT: Greater Craigmillar takes to the streets on Wednesday 20 March, 7-8pm (Craigmillar) and Thursday 21 March, 7-8pm (Niddrie).
Emiegh – Dancer
Hiya, my name’s Emiegh and I am 17 years old. I have lived in Craigmillar for the past 8 years. I am still in school but dance is a big part of my life whenever I’m not in classes. I do many different styles of dance including jazz, commercial, contemporary and highland.
There are many reasons I love dance, but one of them is that it makes me happy and allows me to express myself in many different ways. Another reason I love dance is the opportunities it gives me, including going to Portugal to dance in the Dance World Cup and dancing in parades in Spain. I also competed at Disneyland Paris in a Highland Dance Competition.
I am very excited to be a part of STRUT as the opportunity to do something in my community is very special to me. Soon I will be going to University to be a nurse and I hope to become a dance teacher alongside my nursing and studies.
Bianka – Dancer
Hi, I’m Bianka and I’m nearly 13 years old. I will perform some contemporary dance as part of STRUT and have created my very own choreography for the performance.
I have recently joined Lyra’s Young Company and have just started to take aerial dance classes with All or Nothing. I love dancing. When I dance I can show other people what hard work is and what it does.
I am excited to do STRUT because I love to perform and show my dance skills. This is my first ever solo performance so it’s a big opportunity for me! I’ve lived in Craigmillar for almost 6 years, and I know the area really well. I was born in London but I really like living in Edinburgh.
Gabriele – Dancer
I am Gabriele, a 25-year-old dancer originally from Southern Italy, now based in Edinburgh, Scotland. My main dance style is Breaking, although in the past few years, I have developed an interest in Afrobeats, House and Hip Hop choreography.
I believe dance connects us on a deeper level, and one dance language is not enough to express yourself. Learning more about different ways you could move is like speaking different languages which allows you to facilitate broader communication.
This is one of the reasons why I love to dance. Dance has also made me a more confident individual and helped surround me with great people, who have the same goals and ambitions, connecting us all as a family (or in my specific case a dance Crew which I am proud to be a part of, called TMRW crew).
I am looking forward to taking part in STRUT mainly because as a street performance it will allow me to connect to the crowd around us. I’d love to inspire more kids in the audience to give dancing a go, or at the very least, just have a great time with everyone in the community during the performances.
My connection to Craigmillar is rooted in a local project where I have performed before. Alley Oop took place at Lyra’s basketball court across two weeks. The innovative dance project, choreographed by Tony Mills and performed by myself and Ursula Manandhar, allowed me to get more involved with the Craigmillar youth community and inspire kids in the audience to give dance a go.
Kieren Gabriel – Dancer
My name is Kieren and I am 11 years old. My style of dance is hip hop and I love dancing because I get to express myself and my feelings in many different ways. I like to look for inspiration from YouTube for my moves and also freestyle.
I am a member of Lyra Dance Troupe, part of their Young Company’s next show. I am originally from the Philippines and I am proud to be a Filipino. My family have recently moved from London to Edinburgh and we have been settling in well, so far.
I’m so excited to be taking part because STRUT is my first ever show. I am also excited to be involved because I love meeting people, connecting with them and making people joyful and happy through dance.
John Mcloughlin – STRUT: Craigmillar MC
Hey, I’m John, 36, from Craigmillar, Edinburgh. I do drag, discos, karaoke and am a born entertainer. I lived in Spain for seven years, running five different gay bars with lots of staff to look after.
I’m excited to be hosting STRUT: Craigmillar as it’s an opportunity to meet new people and see something really different come to the community. I’ve been part of this community my whole life and it’s brilliant to see something like this happen in Craigmillar, especially for young people in the area.
Rita Hu – Dancer
Rita is a dancer specialising in soul, funk and Waacking styles. Born in China, Rita discovered soul dance at just 6 years old, finding Waacking later, in 2014.
She has trained avidly in multiple dance styles over the last 20 years, and also loves old school hip hop, commercial styles and K-pop.
Rita has performed, battled and taught around Asia and the world, including performing at World of Dance. Some of her favourite battles include Summer Dance Forever, Amsterdam, and Old School Night, Japan, and she has won several competitions including the Huawei New Year’s Eve 2v2 freestyle champion in 2018 and the 2020 Changsha Queen of Disco for Waacking.
Before moving to Scotland, she taught regular classes at 227 Studio and Kinjaz China, as well as teaching workshops all over China. Rita now teaches weekly classes in Scotland, has been a judge for UDO (United Dance Organisation) and more, and has taken the Waacking Scotland Team to Greece, Poland, and elsewhere in Europe. Her mantra is simply: keep on dancing!
She says: “Craigmillar is where I had my first flat in Scotland and made tons of great memories and new friends. Now I live ten minutes away and love running through the castle grounds. I can’t wait to be back dancing in my first Scottish neighbourhood”.
