Join us for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People’s Memorial Service.
Families, friends and all who wish to remember and celebrate the lives of children who have died are warmly invited to attend our annual Memorial Service.
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
This special service provides an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection and support.
With many pub owners now facing tough decisions, the insolvency practitioners Liquidation Centre have shared practical steps pubs and hospitality sector businesses can take now to regain control and reduce the risk of closure.
Richard Hunt, Director of Liquidation Centre provides expert insights into the actions pubs and hospitality businesses should consider before pressures become unmanageable.
Five practical steps pubs and hospitality owners can take now to limit insolvency threat:
Carry Out Cost Audits
A cost audit is one of the most vital steps pubs and hospitality businesses can take now to get a grip on their spending. Cost audits can help examine and identify where money is being lost, whether that’s on utilities, stock, or outdated supplier contracts. It is the perfect opportunity to separate essential costs from outdated habits and expenses. By doing this, owners can reduce wasteful spending, refine ordering, and gain a clearer picture of where the business stands.
Richard Hunt, Director of Liquidation Centre adds: “For pub owners, margins are tighter than they have been in years.
“No one opens a pub expecting to worry about insolvency, but the sooner you take a close look at the numbers, the more control you keep. A cost audit can reveal where money is slipping away and fix those pressure points before they spiral.”
Conduct Regular Pricing Strategies
With rising costs continuing to put pressure on the sector, pricing strategies are crucial in ensuring owners are protecting profitability. Regularly reviewing product prices enables pubs to ensure their profit margins align with rising business costs, without alienating consumers.
“Small, meaningful adjustments such as introducing premium menu offerings or rebalancing prices across the menu can boost profitability without impacting every product.
“Pricing strategies that are clear and well executed help pubs respond more confidently to market pressures, rather than reacting too late, when steep price changes could result in damaging customer trust.“
Examine and Renegotiate Leases
Managing fixed costs can be even more important than trying to boost sales, especially at a time when consumer confidence and spending are under pressure. When revenue drops and supplier costs rise, fixed expenses like rent can quickly start to feel overwhelming.
“Taking a close look at lease costs can open the door to renegotiation and give businesses more breathing room.
“It’s a practical step that can ease pressure on overheads and help pubs stay resilient during tougher trading periods, while building a bit of financial headroom.”
Explore Alternative Revenue Streams
Pubs rely heavily on drinks sales, but during times of economic uncertainty, customers tend to spend less, putting pressure on their main source of income. That’s why adaptability is vital. Pubs that are willing to explore and diversify revenue streams stand in better stead to cope with economic pressures.
“Transforming the pub into a space that offers more than just drinks can open up new income streams.
“Quiz nights, daytime co-working offers, lunch deals, or even selling local products can all bring in extra revenue and attract a broader mix of customers.”
Engage Early With Lenders and Advisors
During difficult trading periods, waiting until it is too late to act is one of the most common and biggest mistakes businesses make. Delaying those difficult conversations only increases the pressure and reduces the likelihood of coming out the other side. By speaking to advisors and lenders at the first signs of trouble, more options are likely to remain available, including restructuring support.
Lenders are also generally more willing to work with businesses that are proactive and transparent about their position. Continuing to trade as normal while knowingly facing insolvency can also expose owners to personal liability and reputational damage.
“Insolvency practitioners and advisors can bring experience most operators simply don’t have in-house. From cash flow forecasting to landlord negotiations, the key is knowing whether the business is facing a short-term liquidity problem or if there’s a deeper profitability issue.
“This can help to differentiate between a business that may simply have a temporary liquidity problem, one which may need restructuring, or a business with profitability issues. All of these need to be tackled in a unique and accurate way, making this distinction vital.”
Richard Hunt, Director of Liquidation Centre, shares his advice for pubs struggling to stay afloat:“Pubs are under huge pressure at the moment, so it’s important to look closely at where money is being spent.
“Small changes can make a real difference. Reviewing the menu, cutting food waste and focusing on the drinks and dishes customers actually want can help protect profits without having to put prices up across the board.
“Staffing is another area worth looking at. Making sure there are enough staff for busy periods, without paying for extra hours when trade is quiet, can help keep costs under control. But it’s just as important to maintain good service and give customers a reason to keep coming back.
“Most importantly, don’t wait until things get really bad before taking action. If you’re struggling to pay bills, falling behind on tax or constantly worrying about cash flow, take a proper look at the figures and get advice early.
“The sooner you deal with the warning signs, the more options you may have to turn things around. Leaving it too late can make an already difficult situation much harder to recover from.”
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has approved funding to enable Forth Valley College and Edinburgh College to develop a Business Case examining the potential for greater collaboration between the two institutions.
The funding follows an announcement in June that the Boards of both colleges had agreed to explore whether stronger collaboration could deliver additional benefits for learners, staff, employers and their respective communities.
The Business Case represents an evidence-gathering stage of that process. No decisions have been made about future partnership arrangements.
Work will examine existing areas of collaboration between the colleges as well as opportunities to strengthen these further. Areas considered could include sharing expertise and aligning activity in key growth sectors, while recognising the distinct identity, strengths and local roots of each college.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “This funding enables us to undertake the detailed work needed to understand properly both the opportunities and implications of closer collaboration with Edinburgh College.
“Our priority is to ensure that any potential future proposals are supported by robust evidence and demonstrate clear benefits for learners, staff, employers and the communities we serve.
“Please be assured, that no decisions have been made about what any future arrangements might look like. Staff and student engagement will be central to the process, and we are committed to being open and keeping our college community informed as the work develops.”
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: ““It’s great news that the SFC have recognised the potential of this project and our ambitions and have given us the backing to make progress with it.
“Along with the Scottish Government there is a clear appetite to explore reform in the sector and ensure that we have colleges that are fit for the future.
“I can’t wait to get the process underway and continue the dialogue with staff, students and stakeholders about the potential benefits collaboration between our two colleges could bring.”
Tiffany Ritchie, Director of Finance at the Scottish Funding Council, said: “A willingness and ability to collaborate is one of the defining features of Scottish tertiary education.
“I’m delighted that as part of the Public Service Reform initiatives, we are supportingForth Valley and Edinburgh colleges to explore further areas for joint working and in a way that involves their entire college communities.
“I look forward to the outcome of this exploratory work and to seeing the benefits that could materialise from it.”
The completed business case is expected in Spring 2027, at which point the Boards of both colleges will examine the findings and decide on whether both colleges will take further towards greater collaboration.
ASH Scotland and Scottish dental experts are welcoming a measure under the Tobacco and Vapes Act coming into force on Friday (29 October 2026) making it an offence to sell nicotine pouches to people under the age of 18.
The restriction, which aims to reduce sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to young people, is being welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, the British Dental Association Scotland and an Edinburgh-based paediatric dentist, following growing concerns about impacts on oral health.
A health risk assessment by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that a main risk of using nicotine pouches is the high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system and presents high risks for children.
Dentists in Scotland are also warning that the use of nicotine pouches can cause chronic inflammation and other negative impacts on gum tissue.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said: “ASH Scotland welcomes this long overdue legislation to prevent sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to children.
“Nicotine addiction can have a devastating impact on young people through affecting their cardiovascular system, brain development and mental health.
“This restriction is an essential step in closing legal loopholes and preventing the tobacco and nicotine industry from continuing to generate massive profits at a cost to children’s health.”
Charlotte Waite, Director of the British Dental Association Scotland. said: “Dentists have already seen the impact these pouches can have on the gums of patients barely in their teens.
“It’s absolutely right to take them off the menu for young people.”
Francesca Capaldi, a paediatric dentist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, said: “Emerging evidence is raising concerns about the impact of nicotine pouches on oral health, including burning, pain and changes to the gums.
“We must take steps to protect children and young people from these potential harms and safeguard their oral health and wellbeing.”
In addition to the age of sale restrictions for nicotine pouches, the new law is also making it a criminal offence to provide free samples, discounts or coupons to promote all recreational nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Talented bands from across Scotland are taking part in The Beatles Marathon UK, a day-long musical journey held at Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 14th November 2026, starting at midday. Bands will play all 13 studio albums by The Beatles to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
This is the third Marathon, after hugely successful events in 2023 and 2024 raised over £21,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by late rugby legend Doddie Weir who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017.
Money raised for the Foundation is used to support those suffering from the disease, their families, and ultimately funds research to find a cure.
For co-founders Scott and Stuart McGachan, the Marathon is deeply personal. Growing up alongside their older sister Clare, there was never a moment without music at home. The trio were raised by their parents Pat and Moira on a musical diet of Gerry Rafferty, Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, and – of course – The Beatles.
In 2021, Pat was diagnosed with MND and his health quickly deteriorated. MND affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse with time. There is no cure – only treatments to reduce the impact it has on a person’s life.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Stuart, who had now moved to the US, had hoped to take his father to Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where a single band takes on the entire Beatles catalogue over the course of a day. But Pat’s health meant that travelling to the US was not an option.
It was clear that the Marathon would have to come to Pat, and so Stuart and Scott founded The Beatles Marathon UK, hoping that their father would be able to enjoy all of the hits by the fab four one last time. Sadly, it was not to be, and Pat passed away just weeks before the first event in 2023.
The Beatles Marathon UK now stands as a tribute to Pat and all those fighting MND. Funds raised during the event will empower the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to support individuals like Pat, and provide much-needed assistance to families like the McGachans as they navigate through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.
This year’s event will feature a digital release of Pat’s version of ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’, sung by Pat himself. With parallels to the production of ‘Now and Then’, released by The Beatles in 2023, the McGachan family were able to isolate Pat’s vocals from a 2016 demo he recorded.
Pat’s composition of the 1965 track, which he called the “cowboy version”, has been professionally recorded with a little help from his friends and family who play on the recording.
This process gave those involved one final opportunity to play and sing in harmony with Pat. The result is a beautiful and heartfelt rendition, true to Pat’s vision. The record will be released on streaming platforms in the lead-up to the Marathon, and Scott’s band Unrising Sun will play Pat’s version of ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’ on the night, featuring guest appearances.
Over 11 hours of music by 12 Edinburgh bands, playing 13 albums by The Beatles for charity.
Tickets for this year’s Beatles Marathon UK are on sale and selling fast. They can be purchased through the event’s website at www.BeatlesMarathon.com. The event is family-friendly, with free entry for under 6s and discounted tickets for under 18s. Food and drink is on offer from local vendors, and additional entertainment is available for children.
Bands playing at this year’s Marathon include Sebastian Dangerfield, Broken by Rock, Hard Dave’s Night, The Charles Hawtrey Band, Unrising Sun, Jumbo Gibson, Mountain People, Kings of Marigold, The Bad Eggs, Lollapaloosers, and Eight Arms to Hold You.
Yesterday, Edinburgh City Centre Policing Unit worked alongside Home Office Immigration Officers to tackle the illegal use of electric bikes.
The operation resulted in 7 illegal e-bikes seized riders charged with 20 offences. Two immigration matters were also identified and are being dealt with separately by the Home Office.
We’ll continue working with partners to improve road safety, tackle offending and keep our communities safe.
Following over 140 nominations from across the city’s creative community, 32 individuals, organisations and projects have made the shortlist across eight categories, and tickets to celebrate with them at the 15th anniversary ceremony are now on sale.
Thinking about this year’s milestone Ola Wojtkiewicz, Executive Director at Creative Edinburgh, said: “As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Creative Edinburgh Awards, we’re proud of their role in building the city’s creative legacy – recognising local talent, amplifying ambitious projects and celebrating the people and places making a lasting difference to their communities.
“The Awards are about more than recognition; they bring together artists, communities, organisations and funders, strengthening the connections that help creativity thrive.
“This reflects our commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurship and contributing to Edinburgh’s Culture and Wellbeing Strategy.
“We’re equally proud of the longstanding partnerships that make the Awards possible – a testament to the power of a connected, collaborative city.”
Meet the finalists
Community Award
Pianodrome
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Screen Education
Summerhall Arts
Inclusion Award
Edinburgh Community Performing Arts
HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain with Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care
Out of Sight Out of Mind Exhibition
Screen Education Edinburgh
Collaboration Award
Dementia-Friendly Workshops with Space Beacon Club and Edinburgh International Festival
HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain with Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care
Manipulate Arts & WHALE Arts – Ocho Project
Starcatchers Productions Ltd
Development Award
Darren Wilkie
Fiona Linton
Hannah Ayre
Rachel Barlow
Festivals Award – Sponsored by The List
Edinburgh Arts Festival
Hidden Door
Manipulate Festival
Summerhall Arts
Innovation Award
Heads on Crooked
The Pend
Trevor Jones
Where Are The Disabled Photographers?
Leadership Award – Sponsored by Screen Scotland
Jess Abrams – Lecturer in Community Music at Edinburgh College
Kat Brooks – Leader of The Phoenix Choir
Susie Gray – Executive Director of Premier Scotland
Suzanne Lofthus – Artistic Director of Cutting Edge Theatre
The evening will be opened with a welcome speech from Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, before we crown this year’s winners and celebrate fifteen years of creativity and innovation in the city. Our MC for the evening will be Katie Ailes of I Am Loud CIC, a talented spoken word artist.
When asked to give comment Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s Creative Edinburgh Awards. Reaching the shortlist from over 140 nominations is a real achievement and reflects the depth of talent and ambition within Edinburgh’s creative community.
“For fifteen years, these Awards have celebrated the individuals, organisations and projects that bring culture and creativity to life in our capital, and the partnerships that help that creativity flourish. I’m delighted to join the celebrations this November, and I wish every finalist the very best of luck.”
Tinderbox Orchestra have been commissioned, through a partnership with the National Centre for Music & Dunard Centre, to do two special performances on the night. Tinderbox Collective is a community of young people, musicians, artists and youth workers supporting their members to build confidence, skills, self-esteem, and professional experience. We’re thrilled to have them with us on the night.
The winners’ trophies have once again been designed by students at Edinburgh College who are ongoing collaborators of the Creative Edinburgh Awards. The students’ talent and work ethic never fail to impress, their designs are sure to look fantastic in the hands of this year’s winners.
Ticket holders will also enjoy benefits from our wonderful in-kind sponsors, Dishoom and Thistly Cross Cider.
Dishoom, the much-loved Indian restaurant and bar inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, will be serving a selection of mocktails alongside light sweet bites, while Scotland’s leading independent craft cider producer, Thistly Cross, will have options straight from the East Lothian coast.
Together they are making every ticket go further, with complimentary drinks that let guests toast the finalists, the winners and fifteen years of Edinburgh creativity without reaching for their wallets.
Hungry? Food will be available to buy from Grassmarket Community Project, who catered last year’s Awards and went down a treat with the community.
Get your tickets
Whether you’re cheering on a finalist, catching up with the city’s creative community or joining us for the first time to find out what’s happening in the city, we’d love to see you there. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out and purchase yours today. We have kept the ticket price unchanged over the last three years to make sure that they are affordable for all.
Brian Donaldson, Editor of The List, our Media Partner, said: “Within the vibrant cultural hub of Edinburgh, the Creative Edinburgh Awards play a vital role in highlighting the city’s talent and helping them make a breakthrough in their chosen field.
“The List is delighted to partner with the awards as they mark 15 years of celebrating Edinburgh’s grassroots projects and local artists.”
Need urgent health advice and cannot wait until your GP, pharmacy or dentist reopen
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
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