Next Monday, 24th August we will be starting Mindful Colouring In at Blackhall Library. These are casual sessions for anyone to join, no need to book, just come along.
For more information contact Blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
HARBOUR HOMES – NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY AWARDS
There will be more than a few winners on the books at the north Edinburgh Community Awards next month. An evening of prizes, entertainment and local pride will shine a light on the unsung heroes who make Leith one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Leith has no shortage of local champions, whether that is supporting vulnerable residents, bringing people together, improving local spaces or helping to create opportunities for others.
Residents across the north of Edinburgh can nominate people who help make Leith one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and connected communities across the following categories:
Those up for an award will be invited with friends and family to the free community awards night on Wednesday 30 September. This will feature Leith’s Big Bingo Night, a community supper and prizes.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour said: “Leith has always been a place where people look out for one another.
“The Big Bingo and Community Awards are a chance to celebrate that community spirit, recognise the incredible people making a difference, and bring everyone together for a great night out.
“Let’s make it a full house to thank the people who help make Leith such a special place to live, work and belong.”
To nominate a local hero, head over to the Harbour website.
To nominate by phone, call us on 0131 554 0403 during our opening hours.
Nominations close on Sunday 30 August.
THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER 5.15pm – 8.30pm at GRANTON STATION
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ONLINE from WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST
Come and talk to us about our proposals to build a new Primary School and Nursery at Granton Waterfront.
The new proposed building will be able to accommodate a Nursery for 128 pupils between the ages of two and five, and a new two stream (15 classes) primary school with the potential for an Enhanced Support Base (ESB) with four additional classes. The facility will have the ability to expand to up to a three stream (22 classes) primary school in future.
You’ll be able to view the proposals and take part in our public consultation online from Wednesday, 26 August 2026 until Thursday 15 October 2026 at 5.00pm.
First Minister John Swinney MSP, welcomed some of the world’s leading festival directors and cultural leaders to Bute House last night (17 August) as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Global Ink 2026 programme.
The reception brought together 20 international delegates from 15 countries who travelled to Edinburgh from across Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania for Global Ink, the Book Festival’s flagship forum for festival directors.
Attendees represented organisations including Jaipur Literature Festival, Kerala Literature Festival, Adelaide Writers’ Week, Centre for Ideas at UNSW Sydney, Toronto International Festival of Authors, Auckland Writers Festival, San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival,Gothenburg Book Fair, Emirates Literature Foundation and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival among others.
The invitation to Bute House marks the start of a week of networking, industry discussions and public engagement activities embedded within the wider Edinburgh International Book Festival programme, creating opportunities for international delegates to connect with Scottish writers, publishers, cultural organisations and policymakers.
They will be joined by representatives from leading UK festivals and sector bodies including Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cambridge Literary Festival, Bradford Literature Festival, Wigtown Festival, Open Book, Arts Council England, Wales Arts International, Scottish Book Trust, CILIPS, Publishing Scotland, Literature Alliance Scotland and Creative Scotland.
Together, these gatherings position Edinburgh as a unique meeting point for cultural leaders from across Scotland, the UK and around the world, reinforcing the city’s role as an international hub for literary exchange, collaboration and cultural diplomacy.
Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “The relationships built through Global Ink extend far beyond a few days in Edinburgh.
“The conversations and partnerships that begin here have the potential to open doors for Scottish writers and creatives across the world for years to come – supporting cultural exchange and strengthening Scotland’s place within an international community of ideas, literature and creativity.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland for their support through the Festivals EXPO Fund, which has enabled us to expand this work and deepen our international connections.”
Edinburgh’s status as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature reflects the strength of a creative ecosystem that delivers significant cultural and economic value.
A major 2026 impact study found that literature and publishing contribute £50.9 million annually to Edinburgh’s economy, while literary festivals attract more than 256,000 visitors each year and help sustain the city’s global reputation as a centre for ideas, storytelling and cultural exchange.
The wider Edinburgh Festivals are estimated to generate £852 million in economic impact across Scotland annually, welcoming audiences from more than 100 countries and providing an international platform for Scottish creativity.
Thousands of new homes will be built around England’s train, tram and underground stations under new planning rules introduced today (Monday 17 August), helping families to live closer to work, schools and transport.
The ‘common-sense’ changes will fast-track quality homes in well-connected areas, making better use of underdeveloped land around stations while creating jobs, unlocking investment, driving growth and connecting communities. This builds on the priorities set out by the government to ensure that planning decisions give proper consideration to the proximity of public transport links.
Under the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas. It will also prevent excessive gold-plating where there are clear national standards already in place.
It comes as the government passes the quarter-way mark towards its stretching target of 1.5 million homes and goes further to get developments that meet clear standards moving quickly from plans on paper to spades in the ground.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.
“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.
“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “Making it easier for people to buy their own home is about more than a house. It is about security and families feeling they have a place they can truly call their own.
“We want to drive growth in every postcode and help more working people into home ownership. A secure home is the heart of all our lives, helping people put down roots, plan for the future and build a good life for themselves and their families. This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities across the country.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Earlier this year, we published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport. The steps announced today act on a key commitment we made as part of that Strategy, to support densification of development around well-connected stations to create vibrant, sustainable and well-connected homes and places.
“The changes being announced today turn long-held ambitions into reality for our communities. Densification, combined with high-quality walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to jobs and services, and protect important public transport services.”
Pubs and music venues are the lifeblood of communities, local jobs and high streets – and the changes we are making will protect them from being lost without good reason.
The changes will also make it easier for councils to approve developments that create jobs, unlock investment, and deliver the shops, leisure facilities, clean energy and food production local areas need.
They build on measures announced last week to back farmers and rural businesses, including making it easier to deliver reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops.
The government is also cutting unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing blanket consultation requirements that have slowed planning decisions.
Councils will no longer need sign-off from public bodies where specialist advice is not needed, while expert input will be focused on the cases where it adds most value. Sport England will continue to advise on significant cases, and the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust will still be notified of relevant applications so they can play an important role in the planning process.
Together, these reforms are part of the government’s wider overhaul of the planning system – tackling the housing crisis, unlocking investment and driving good growth in every postcode.
We are having some work done in the centre next week w/b 24 August and there are opportunities for local residents to volunteer for a minimum of three days AND earn City and Guilds accreditations.
If you are interested, the contact details are on the poster.
Alan Wake, who poignantly tells his personal story of breast cancer in a stand-up comedy show, Manogram – a man with breast cancer, put on an exclusive performance in The Caves, for Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first bespoke wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer.
Alan’s incredible story is taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and explores a man’s experience of mammograms, mastectomies and hormone therapy, in a light hearted one-man show, which celebrates laughter and love through adversity, while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer.
When Alan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, his wife had already been treated for the disease twice, and having to tell their two boys of a third breast cancer diagnosis in the family was unthinkable and according to Alan; ‘somewhat ridiculous.’
The special show received a standing ovation from the House of Hope community and supporters in the audience, when Alan asked the question; ‘Has anyone here been impacted by breast cancer?’
Alan said: “I was blown away by the support shown for the show and the audience unexpectedly taking to their feet was incredible. It was really moving and very powerful to see the whole room unite against breast cancer.”
House of Hope Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “Alan’s show adds a lot of love and light to people going through a breast cancer journey, which is so important.
“We are thrilled that Alan selected The House of Hope as a charity partner and all donations will go towards improving and enhancing the wellbeing services for people impacted by breast cancer in Scotland and their families.”
Alan continues: “The impact breast cancer had on my wife Julie was totally devastating. While I have lost a breast and have a scar, most people wouldn’t realise I’ve been through breast cancer and that’s just not the same for women, who often lose a part of their identity through treatment and surgery.
“While breast cancer is no laughing matter, I wanted to raise awareness through humour, because that’s what I know best and my show gives a totally different perspective by exploring the weird and often humorous ways men support each other through banter and comradery.”
Manogram – a man with breast cancer – will continue to raise funds for breast cancer charities throughout its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, with shows running until 30th August.
For more information about Alan’s story and the important wellbeing services provided by the House of Hope visit houseofhope.org.uk.
A 35-year-old woman from Glenrothes has been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction and jailed for a minimum of six years for the attempted murder of a child.
Laura Docherty repeatedly administered medication to a child, none of which had been prescribed for them and were not suitable for children. As a result, the child suffered bouts of sickness and was hospitalised on a number of occasions.
These offences occurred over a period of a year from 2022 to 2023.
Concerns were raised by medical staff in February 2023 and an investigation was launched. In May 2023, officers arrested and charged Laura Docherty in connection with attempted murder.
She was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in December, 2025, and sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction with a minimum of six years in prison at the same court today – Monday, 17 August, 2026.
Detective Constable Gemma Warriner said: “This was prolonged and abhorrent abuse of a young child which resulted in numerous stays in hospital. Throughout the investigation, Docherty took no responsibility for her actions and repeatedly blamed others.
“Cases where children are subjected to harm can often be difficult to deal with, however, we are committed to investigating such incidents fully and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the family.”
If anyone has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or partner agencies. Reporting concerns can help us protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
TONIGHT: GROW A ROW WORKSHOP
A wee reminder that this interesting workshop is taking place today at 6pm.
We are delighted to host Hannah from Lauriston Farm for a Grow a Row workshop, focusing on how to harvest and save seeds!
Grow a Row, encourages the local community to dedicate a row, a pot, or a garden bed to growing seeds for the Drumbrae Library Seed Library.
You do not need to have attended the previous session so all are welcome!
This session is suitable for adults, and you do not need a large garden to take part. Whether you have a small garden bed, a few pots, or even a balcony, there are plenty of ways to grow for seed saving in small spaces.
Monday 17th August at 6pm
Free
Adult event, age 16+
EVENTS and ACTIVITIES from 17 – 22 AUGUST
THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has launched the Keep It Fringe US bursary initiative for a second year ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe 2027, which will be the Edinburgh Fringe’s 80th anniversary year.
In 2026, 555 shows from the United States participated in the Edinburgh Fringe, highlighting what an important market this is for the festival.
Keep It Fringe US will provide five artists based in the United States with bursaries of $2,500 to help bring work to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2027. In addition to financial support, successful recipients will receive a tailored support package of marketing, screen development, and industry networking opportunities to help with audience and career development.
Supported by Fringe Ambassador, Brian Cox, Keep It Fringe US was an initiative designed to help reduce the financial barriers faced by US-based artists taking part. Keep It Fringe US was launched in 2025, when five US-based artists each received a $2,500 grant. The fund followed the successful launch of the original Keep It Fringe fund in 2024 by the Fringe Society’s honorary President Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
In 2025, more than 130 artists applied for the five bursaries available through Keep It Fringe US. Keeping in the spirit of the original fund, Keep It Fringe US aims to encourage applications from the widest possible range of artists with professional ambitions. Successful recipients will have the flexibility to use their grants in the way that best supports bringing their work to the Edinburgh Fringe and making the most of the opportunity to perform for a global audience.
Heather and Paul Innella, and Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet, The American born Queen Consort of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria and Edinburgh Fringe performer herself, have confirmed their support to help bring Keep it Fringe US back for 2027.
Through Keep It Fringe 2027, the Edinburgh Fringe Society hopes to continue supporting artists to access the festival and are inviting partners, sponsors and donors to get in touch to see how they can support this important work.
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive Officer of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘I am pleased to announce the return of Keep It Fringe US for a second year.
“Next year will be Edinburgh Fringe’s 80th anniversary, and throughout its history artists, from the United States and beyond, have pushed boundaries and responded to the world around them. I do not doubt that 2027 will continue in that tradition.
“We look forward to receiving applications from artists across the United States when applications open and welcoming many to one of the greatest demonstrations of arts and culture on Earth in Edinburgh next year.’
Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet, The American born Queen Consort of Eti-Oni, Osun State, and Keep It Fringe US 2027 supporter said: “Opportunities for performing artists are crucial to the survival of the arts and to their power to bring people together for the greater good.
“Supporting Keep It Fringe US helps ensure that American artists have the opportunity to bring their stories to the world’s largest arts festival, while strengthening the historic cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.
“Having experienced the Edinburgh Fringe firsthand, I know the extraordinary work, courage and talent not mentioning the financial constraints that could stop artists from being part of it. I want to help ensure that other American artists have that same once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the support needed.”
