Book of Shadows unleashed at Edinburgh Fringe in new shadow puppet show

Award-winning Japanese shadow puppet company Mochinosha/Book of Shadowz return to Edinburgh to unleash their latest creation upon the Fringe with the premiere of their brand new show, Book of Shadows – a hilarious occult mystery for grown-ups.

Teenage sceptic Vi is forced to live with her grandmother, who claims to be the 200-year-old mystic and spiritual guru Madam Blavatsky. When Vi’s friends begin to disappear, she reluctantly teams up with Granny to uncover a conspiracy of séances, unhinged cultists and suspiciously interested government agents.

A visually stunning dark comedy based on a possibly true story, Book of Shadows dives into the mysterious world of the occult and mysticism where audiences can draw their own conclusions as to what to believe.

Mochinosha / Book of Shadowz was founded in 2012 by Canadian artist Daniel Wishes and Japanese artist Seri Yanai and are known for their use of colourful hand-crafted shadow puppets to create live analogue shadow animation.

The company has been recognised with awards from festivals around the world, including Critic’s Choice (Orlando Fringe, USA), Outstanding Production (Suginami Theatre Festival, Japan), and The Spookies Jury’s Choice Award (Edinburgh Fringe, UK).

Written by Daniel Wishes and performed together with Seri Yanai, Book of Shadows is a prelude to a larger tale exploring the occult and esoteric. The first chapter premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe 2026, told through Mochinosha / Book of Shadowz’ signature shadow animation and puppetry, with a pitch-black sense of humour that will appeal to those of a weird and surrealist disposition.

Book of Shadows premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe, 18:30 at Underbelly Cowgate’s Big Belly, 05 – 30 August 2026 (no show 19-Aug).

Book of Shadows Mochinosha / Book of Shadowz

18:30 05 – 30 Aug | Underbelly Cowgate, Big Belly
edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/book-of-shadows 

Taking medication this summer? What you need to know about sun and heat exposure

Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.

People taking certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medicines are being reminded to take extra care in warmer weather, as some treatments can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure. 

The advice is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) ‘Summer-proof your health’ campaign, which highlights practical steps people can take to use medicines and medical devices safely during warmer months.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “Some commonly used medicines can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or protect itself from sun exposure. 

For example, diuretics, often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, can increase fluid loss and make dehydration more likely. Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and medicines such as beta blockers may reduce the body’s response to heat stress. 

“Other treatments can increase sensitivity to sunlight, meaning skin can burn faster or more severely than expected. These include certain antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline, acne treatments like isotretinoin and topical retinoids; and antifungal medicines such as voriconazole. 

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and azathioprine, often used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus, can also increase photosensitivity.  

“Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity.” 

“Simple precautions can make a significant difference. Staying hydrated, avoiding the strongest sun during the middle of the day, and using protective clothing and sunscreen can all help reduce risk. 

To reduce the risk of medicine-related problems during the summer, people are encouraged to: 

  • Check the patient information leaflet for advice on sun exposure and hydration. This comes with every medicine and can also be accessed online.  
  • Be aware of signs that the body is struggling in the heat, including dizziness, headaches, unusual fatigue, confusion or reduced urination. Skin that becomes red, sore, blistered or reacts more intensely after sun exposure may also be a sign of increased sensitivity linked to medication. 
  • Do not stop taking prescribed medicines during hot weather without advice. Anyone who is unsure about how their medication may be affected by heat or sunlight should speak to a pharmacist or GP.  

Through the “Summer proof your health” campaign, the MHRA is encouraging people to be aware of the potential risks associated with medicines in warmer weather and to take straightforward steps to stay safe throughout the summer. 

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse about it.

People can also report the side effect directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, to help improve the safety of medicines for everyone. You can now use NHS login to create a new Yellow Card account or access an existing one, providing a secure and convenient way to sign in using credentials you may already use across NHS services.

Free Digital Support Sessions at Central Library!

Need help with everyday digital skills? Join us later this month for free support sessions with volunteers from Lloyds Banking Group.

Tuesday 18th & 25th August

2:30pm – 4:30pm

Central Library (Mezzanine Level)

💻 Bring your own device and get one-to-one help with:

✅ Browsing the internet

✅ Using email and apps

✅ Social media and video calls

✅ Staying safe online

✅ Accessing services and banking

✅ Creating documents and sharing photos

Book your spot or drop in on the day!

Email: getonline@edinburgh.gov.uk

Phone: 07716 702180

#GetOnline

#DigitalInclusion

#EdinburghLibraries

#DigitalSkills

Opposing the US and Israel’s war on Iran is a cost of living priority

UNIONS URGE BURNHAM TO REVOKE PERMISSION FOR US AIR STRIKES

Ten trade unions, including the UK’s largest union UNISON, have called on UK prime minister Andy Burnham to revoke permission for US air strikes on Iran launched from RAF bases:

Read the full release at @TransitionSec

: https://transitionsecurity.org/update/iran-war-cost-of-living/

Opposing-the-US-and-Israels-war-on-Iran-is-a-cost-of-living-priority-1Download

HOPE comes to Film Festival

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the UK Premiere of Na Hong-jin unique and epic sci-fi action thriller HOPE. The film will screen in IMAX at Cineworld Fountainbridge on Sunday 16th August.

Fresh from blazing a trail across Cannes, HOPE is the new film from incendiary filmmaker Na Hong-jin (The Wailing, The Yellow Sea, The Chaser) and stars South Korean talent Hwang Jung-min (The Wailing, Veteran), Zo In-sung (Moving, Smugglers)andHoyeon (Squid Game, Disclaimer)as well as Taylor Russell (Bones and all, Waves), Michael Fassbender (Shame, The Killer) and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider, The Danish Girl).

In the remote South Korea village of Hope Harbor, police chief Bum-seok (Hwang Jung- min) and officer Sung-ae (Hoyeon) are called to find a mysterious creature that has wreaked havoc on the village.

In the nearby forest, a coterie of hunters, including Sung- ki (Zo In-Sung) set out to track the beast and find themselves hunted instead. But all is not as it seems, and perceptions can be misleading. What begins as ignorance plants the seed of disaster, escalating through human conflict into a tragedy of cosmic proportions. 

Delivering action on a thrillingly huge scale, prepare for the biggest action-adventure a screen can handle.

This special screening joins 38 new feature film presentations including 21 feature film World Premieres at this year’s EIFF as well as special presentation screenings of including Anthony Minghella’s iconic film The Talented Mr Ripley, Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, Takeshi Miike’s Visitor Q, Hal Ashby’s Coming Home and Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton’s Little Miss Sunshine.

EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “For almost three hours this spectacularly exciting and unpredictable film from one of the most exciting filmmakers currently working takes us on a breakneck thrill ride through the Korean countryside, via a decimated town, and into dense woodland, as hapless mortals do battle with extraterrestrial forces on foot, on horseback and in cars.

This is big budget, big scale genre filmmaking of the highest order and we are over the moon to unleash its UK Premiere on Edinburgh audiences” 

Press and Industry accreditation is now open for this year’s Festival and available to apply for via the EIFF website.

This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer and closes with Louise Lockwood’s powerful debut documentary feature Bel.

EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media. 

EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and VisitScotland.

The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.

The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie Aftersun; Peter Rice, former chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.

Communist candidates make Gaza City twinning central to Edinburgh by-election campaigns

Richard Shillcock and Peter Olech are launching a campaign featuring Palestinian flag leaflets to challenge UK complicity in the Gaza genocide and the involvement of local arms manufacturers.

Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the Southside/Newington council by-election, has declared that the formal twinning of Edinburgh with Gaza City will be a key issue in the party’s campaign.

Speaking ahead of the 3 September 2026 council by-elections, Shillcock condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis, uniting with fellow Communist candidate Peter Olech (standing in Portobello/Craigmillar ward) to call on all candidates to join a cross-party pledge supporting this international friendship move.

The Communist Party campaign features a unique election leaflet that folds out into the Palestinian flag for window display.

“As a father myself, it breaks my heart to have been protesting against the genocide in Gaza for nearly three years and to have been unable to prevent the murder of some 20,000 children there by the US-backed Israeli state, and the damaging and wounding of untold more children,” said Shillcock.

“I don’t need to describe this further—we’ve seen it on our screens every day.”

The move deliberately revives a contentious local political debate. In 2022, a citizen-led petition and a subsequent motion brought by Green councillors to explore twinning options were rejected by the City of Edinburgh Council following legal objections and administrative delays.

Richard Shillcock and Peter Olech are asking voters to use these elections to overturn that precedent.

In a joint statement, the candidates said: “We welcome other candidates and parties joining the pledge to pursue the twinning issue, whether or not elected to the council. Let’s see a majority of voters choosing candidates who support twinning Edinburgh with Gaza City.”

Richard Shillcock made three points linking Palestine directly to the Scottish capital:

  • Universal Humanity: The crisis is the defining moral issue of our generation.
  • State Complicity: The UK government continues to provide extensive military, economic, diplomatic, logistical, and intelligence support to the Israeli state.
  • Local Financial and Military Links: Corporate entities operating within Edinburgh connect the city directly to the Israeli state and military apparatus: the Leonardo UK arms company and Barclays Bank, a primary trader in Israeli government bonds.

The Communist Party of Britain is urging Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar voters to send a clear message against domestic complicity in overseas conflicts.

Aldi store is one of Edinburgh’s most unexpected Tripadvisor attractions 

Aldi Portobello set to welcome visitors from around the world after being recognised as an authentic food and drink destination, with hundreds of Scottish products on its shelves.

As millions of visitors descend on Edinburgh for this summer’s Fringe, Aldi is preparing to welcome festival-goers in search of an authentic Scottish food experience.

The Aldi Portobello store has become one of the only supermarkets in Scotland to feature among Edinburgh’s top Things To Do on Tripadvisor, putting it alongside many of the capital’s most iconic visitor attractions.

Recognised for its extensive range with hundreds of Scottish food and drink products, the store is becoming an unlikely foodie destination for international and UK visitors keen to taste the very best of Scotland.

In 2026, Aldi topped the National Farmers Union (NFU)’s largest-ever supermarket shelf study for Scottish own-label sourcing, with an average of 65% Scottish-origin products, significantly ahead of other major retailers.

Aldi’s extensive range offers festival-goers the chance to discover produce from some of the country’s best-loved suppliers, including ice cream from Equi’s made with Scottish milk and cream, locally grown berries from Angus Soft Fruits and baked favourites from Brownings, making the Portobello store an unexpected but distinctly Scottish addition to the Fringe itinerary.

To celebrate its new Things To Do status, visitors can also pick up one of Aldi’s limited-edition Edinburgh Fringe postcards for free giving festival-goers a fun way to share their favourite memories and foodie discoveries with friends and family, while inspiring others to experience Edinburgh and its vibrant food scene for themselves.

Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland said: “The Edinburgh Fringe welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year, and for many, trying Scotland’s fantastic food and drink is an essential part of the experience.

“We’re proud to work with so many Scottish suppliers to bring high-quality local produce to our shelves, so it’s fantastic that our Portobello store has been listed as somewhere visitors can enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland.

“Whether people are stopping by to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce, picking up essentials before a show or sending one of our limited-edition postcards home to share the excitement of the Fringe, we’re looking forward to welcoming festival visitors through our doors.”

Aldi Scotland has an ongoing commitment to championing Scottish producers, with the supermarket working with a range of local suppliers and investing millions in Scotland’s food and drink industry every year.

To explore Aldi’s Scottish produce, visit: Best of Scotland | ALDI UK

Visit Aldi’s Tripadvisor page at: ALDI (Edinburgh, Scotland): Address, Phone Number – Tripadvisor

Lord Provost Takes the Salute at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Opening Night

The City of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost marked a special milestone this evening as he took on the prestigious role of Salute Taker at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo opening night, celebrating his final Tattoo in office as Lord Provost. 

Taking his place on the Castle Esplanade, the Lord Provost watched this year’s spectacular show, A Call to Gather, joining thousands of audience members as performers from around the world came together in a celebration of music, military tradition and culture. 

The evening offered a fitting final Tattoo in office for the Lord Provost, whose role has seen him champion Edinburgh on the global stage and celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

Running from 7 to 29 August, A Call to Gather features more than 800 performers from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, the USA and beyond, bringing cultures together on one of the world’s most iconic stages.

Minister visits QMU as Clearing opens opportunities for prospective students

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process. 

The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September. 

While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants. 

Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.

“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students. 

“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support. 

“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.” 

During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar. 

In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.

It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates. 

“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.” 

Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.

They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages. 

Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university. 

Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses. 

As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information. 

The Pencil Case Project: Stationery Appeal

Do you have any unused, new or pre-loved stationery in the run up to back to school? We are working alongside The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, with our donation drop-off boxes in both locations from 12th August – 12th September (writes EILIDH BARR).

I founded The Pencil Case Project when I was 16 during my National 5s and we are a youth-led non-profit organisation that provides schools and children across countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Indonesia with stationery, pencil cases and tools to learn!

I still run the project now whilst at University and have managed to secure charity partnerships with 2 international charities, 7 partner schools as well as working with schools and groups in Scotland and England.

We also have a youth volunteering team and board of trustees made up of young people from across the world!

We accept any stationery including things like jotters and maths equipment which is often difficult for these schools to source. We would love any stationery you have, which will be distributed to our network of partner schools in September.

We would love your help in making education more accessible whilst also supporting the amazing Leith Collective too!