Edinburgh Airport announces £500million investment plan

Edinburgh Airport has unveiled the first phase of the largest capital investment programme in its history, with more than £500 million to be invested over the next five years.

The multi-year programme will deliver significant improvements across terminal expansion, airport infrastructure, passenger facilities and operational operations, helping prepare Scotland’s busiest airport for future growth.

First Minister John Swinney visited Edinburgh Airport’s South East Pier expansion site with Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive Gordon Dewar, the first phase development, part of the airport’s £500 million investment programme, is due to fully open in summer 2027.

The landmark programme highlights VINCI Airports’ and GIP’s commitment to Scotland’s busiest airport and the next phase of its strategic ambition to strengthen Edinburgh’s role as a global connectivity hub.

The five-year programme is the first phase of a wider multi-year investment vision for Edinburgh Airport and its campus, with projects including:

  • New gates to support route growth.
  • New aircraft stands to handle more aircraft movements.
  • An expanded check-in hall and departure lounge to improve passenger flow and comfort.
  • A terminal footprint increase of 60%.
  • New and improved retail, food, and beverage areas, offering more choice for passengers.
  • New international arrival facilities and baggage make-up and reclaim areas.

Terminal transformation is at the heart of this first phase, with the wider programme ensuring Edinburgh Airport meets future demand sustainably and efficiently by enhancing capacity and the overall passenger experience.

The investment will support new long-haul and short-haul routes, growing connectivity between Scotland and key markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

The investment also aligns with the airport’s Greater Good sustainability strategy through modernised infrastructure and opportunities to introduce further low carbon enhancements and improvements.

Beyond the terminal, the first phase of investment will include improvements across the wider airport campus, including additional electric vehicle infrastructure, a new access road and other initiatives.

First Minister John Swinney said: “This significant investment will enable Edinburgh Airport to compete with airports around the world. Alongside delivering real benefits to passengers, this boost will support Scotland’s international connections and help drive economic growth.

“Scotland is open for business and we want to maintain and strengthen Scotland’s position as the most attractive place in the UK for inward investment outside of London and the South East. Opportunities like this airport expansion will help make that happen.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is the biggest investment in Edinburgh Airport’s history and comes at one of the most exciting points in its development, adding another important chapter to its story.

“Our growth has cemented our position as Scotland’s busiest and best connected airport, and we know the important role we play in supporting economic growth in Scotland and the UK. This investment will strengthen our international competitiveness by growing Scotland’s connectivity.

“This is the first phase of a multi-year plan that ensures we are building for Our Future, creating the capacity, capability and customer experience we need and want. It’s part of a wider vision that will see us invest in infrastructure, operations and sustainability, ensuring Edinburgh Airport continues to deliver for passengers, airlines, communities and the Scottish economy for decades to come.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport’s owners, VINCI Airports and GIP said: “This £500 million investment underscores our confidence in the airport’s growth prospects and our long-term commitment to supporting its development.

“It will enable us to increase its capacity while delivering an ever higher quality experience for passengers, thereby consolidating Edinburgh’s role as Scotland’s leading international gateway.”

Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s business in Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh Airport plays a vital role in supporting the country’s economy, international connectivity and future growth, and we are proud to be helping deliver the infrastructure needed for its next chapter.

“Operating within highly regulated live airport environments requires specialist expertise, and our teams’ capability has enabled us to safely deliver complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational continuity and minimising disruption for airport users.”

PICTURES: Edinburgh Airport

Dementia charity shines light on vital daycare service amid rising demand

The Eric Liddell Community’s 40 year legacy continues with expanded self-funded and subsidised places to combat isolation and promote active living

With dementia diagnoses in Edinburgh projected to jump 26.5% to over 10,000 cases by 2030¹, The Eric Liddell Community is highlighting the critical need for its specialist Day Care Service.

Over 80% of local people living with dementia reside in the community rather than formal care settings, driving an urgent demand for high quality, local day support.

Open Monday to Friday, the service goes beyond traditional care by offering a highly stimulating daily schedule. Attendees can participate in discussion groups, arts and crafts, dance, baking sessions, and access a multisensory room. Recognising the importance of modern connectivity, the charity also provides one-to-one digital support to help users navigate everyday technology.

Caroline Heenan, Day Care Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, explained the importance of the service: “It has been incredible to hear and see firsthand the impact that the Day Care Service has on the lives of those living with dementia in Edinburgh.

“Our staff and volunteers create such a warm, welcoming, and relaxed environment, ensuring that all service users are supported, and providing activities that help to stimulate the brain whilst promoting a more active lifestyle. 

“We have been blown away by the demand for the service, with subsidised places constantly being filled, and more self-funded places being opened up to ensure that those who need the support are getting high quality care, consistently.”

An unnamed service user described her feelings towards the impact of the service: “It definitely feels there’s a sense of community here. If others want to find a place to come and meet people and do things, this is the place to come.

I look forward to the breakfast and two course lunch because it’s homemade, and always very nice.”

Another service user added: “I’m always telling people how much I love this place. One of the things I love about it is that there are always things for you to do.

“I’m over the moon. Everything is just perfect.” 

This was expanded on by a third service user, who stated: “It is a reminder that we do have company.”

The Day Care Service is at the heart of the charity, offering a warm, structured space for people living with dementia to connect, socialise, and participate in tailored activities alongside dedicated, caring staff.

With both self-funded and subsidised places now open to new service users, The Eric Liddell Community continues to expand its reach, ensuring local families have access to a reliable network of care and support.

To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community and its Dementia Day Care Service, please visit ericliddell.org. 

Deaf Action invites Edinburgh public to explore the city’s deaf history

The world’s oldest deaf charity is inviting the public to visit its Albany Street home during International Week of Deaf People and Doors Open Days

Deaf Action is inviting people across Edinburgh to visit its Albany Street home this September, with a community coffee morning and a weekend of free tours offering a chance to learn more about the city’s deaf history.

Founded in Edinburgh in 1835, Deaf Action is the world’s oldest deaf charity.

To mark International Week of Deaf People, the charity will hold a free community coffee morning in its Blackwood Café & Bar on Thursday 24 September, from 10am to 12pm.

The morning is open to everyone, whether deaf or hearing, BSL users or non-signers. People can drop in at any point for free tea, coffee and biscuits, meet Deaf Action staff and members of the deaf community, and find out more about Deaf Action and the deaf community. Visitors are also encouraged to wear blue on the day, although this is optional.

Deaf Action will then take part in Doors Open Days on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, opening the building to the public from 12pm to 5pm.

Free guided tours will run on the hour in BSL and English, giving visitors a look around the Albany Street building before finishing in the Scottish Deaf Archives.

The archive, cared for by Deaf History Scotland, holds over 200 years of documents, photographs and objects recording deaf life and history in Edinburgh and Scotland.

Visitors will be able to see historic robes and hymn books from the Albany Deaf Church Choir, photographs of deaf clubs, groups and community life, and a replica of Deaf Action’s founding constitution, generously shared for this event by the National Library of Scotland, where the original document is held.

Philip Gerrard MBE, Chief Executive of Deaf Action, said: “Deaf people have been part of Edinburgh’s story for generations, and we have a wonderful collection that helps tell some of that history.

“We want people to come in, meet us and have a look around. You don’t need to know BSL or have any previous connection with Deaf Action. Everyone is welcome.”

Doors Open Days visitors will also receive 10% off at Blackwood Café & Bar during their visit.

Coffee Morning: Thursday 24 September, 10am–12pm. Free, no booking required.

Doors Open Days: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 12pm–5pm. Tours at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Free, no booking required.

Location: Deaf Action, 49 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3QY.

Local community groups reconnect with nature at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Palm Houses

Botanis chior perform a song written by Karine Powart (white top, glasses) to mark the reopening of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm Houses,

Connecting the community to the power of nature was the theme at a special event at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as around 800 guests gathered for a Community Celebration at the newly restored Palm Houses, prior to their public reopening. 

The event was the joyous finale of the Garden’s 2026 Creative Programme for communities. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme brought together community groups from across Edinburgh to explore ways of connecting with nature – empowering individuals to develop their own relationship with the natural world. 

The five groups involved this year – Pilton Community Health Project, Headway East Lothian, Score Scotland Women’s Group, ELREC New Scots Group and ELREC Polish Group – took part in a series of 21 creative sessions at the Garden between March and August.

Working alongside artists, musicians and specialists from the Botanics, participants explored the connections between communities across Edinburgh and the Palm Houses, helping to inspire and engage individuals new to the Garden in the beauty and creativity on offer right on their doorstep. 

As well as exhibiting textile banners, ceramic vessels and a Palm House tea blend created by the community groups throughout the project, the event also welcomed award-winning musician and songwriter Karine Polwart, whose new composition, Māmāku, was inspired by the black tree fern (Sphaeropteris medullaris) native to New Zealand now growing at the centre of the Palm Houses.  

Exploring themes of repair, renewal, healing and resilience, the new composition was performed for the occasion by the Botanics Choir, made up of both members of staff and people from the local community. 

Chiormaster Amy Leach (dark blue dress) Karine Polwart and NLHF Diane Gray (light blue dress)

Professor Julia Knights, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “The Palm Houses have always been places of wonder, discovery and connection. Now, with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project has brought new people, stories, creativity and perspectives into these historic spaces. We are delighted to celebrate that work together. 

“At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, our role goes far beyond science and horticulture. As well as being a global institution tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, we also deliver education and engagement programmes to inspire and engage learners.

“We work with over 120 community groups and welcome visitors from across the world; our Gardens are a place where everyone can come together, share experiences and be inspired.” 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £4.8 million to help save the Palm Houses, helping to support both the renovation of the historic buildings and community engagement work that is already bringing new audiences into the Palm Houses. 

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we have helped support the restoration of these magnificent 19th century Palm Houses, securing the future of the precious plant collection housed within them. 

“This has been an extraordinary heritage project, but it’s also brought together people from communities across Edinburgh and beyond. It has given them the opportunity to share new experiences, develop their creative skills and helped shape how this special place will be understood and enjoyed for generations to come.” 

The Palm Houses will reopen to the public on Friday 2 October 2026 following a major restoration project which has seen all 5,750 panes of glass replaced, 600m² of ironwork fully restored or replaced and 500m² of sandstone repairs carried out, alongside the return of nearly 600 precious plant specimens to their historic home. 

rbge.org.uk/palm-houses 

Cockburn Association: Colouring Competition for Doors Open Days

☀️Do you want to win a fun day out in Edinburgh with your family?

☀️ If so, please pick up a map made by students from @impactarts Cashback to the Future programme (more details below), which shows off some of our fantastic Doors Open Days venues.

Next, grab a packet of our Cockburn coloured pencils and have your child colour in the map, decorating it with lots of bright colours, showing off their enthusiasm for the beautiful buildings of Edinburgh!

🎨 All our family-friendly venues that will hand out maps and pencils are on the Doors Open Days website, indicated by a balloon symbol.

When done, submit your child’s colourful creation using the QR code on the back of the map, and we will choose three winners, whose maps we feel really represent Edinburgh, to win the following prizes:

🏆Prize 1: Tickets to @cameraobscuraedinburgh for the whole family

🏆Prize 2: Gift card to @filmhouse_edinburgh, where you and your family can attend a Wee Filmhouse screening on Sundays

🏆Prize 3: Gift card to the Scottish Cafe and Restaurant at @nationalgalleriesscot – National for afternoon tea

Additionally, all winners are invited to visit the National Galleries of Scotland’s Granton Art Centre with family or friends!

Note about the Impact Arts Cashback to the Future Programme:

Students between the ages of 14-19 visited eight Doors Open Days Venues over five weeks, and as a result, created a selection of artworks that will be exhibited at St Michael’s Parish Church, as well as a booklet to accompany this exhibition.

These talented students also created our Doors Open Days maps, which feature illustrations of several Doors Open Days venues across the city.

We cannot wait to see your submissions! 🖌️

New study looks at why disabled workers face significantly higher rates of conflict at work

Acas stats show 68% of disabled workers experienced workplace conflict, compared to 44% of adults overall

Disabled workers are facing significantly higher rates of conflict than their non-disabled colleagues, with challenges around workplace support, communication and reasonable adjustments identified as key factors, according to new Acas research.

A study by the National Centre for Social Research, commissioned by Acas, explored why disabled staff report disproportionately high levels of conflict.

The findings showed that ineffective support, challenges around reasonable adjustments, communication issues, and overly rigid application of workplace policies were key drivers of conflict.

The research also showed that awareness training, wellbeing services and counselling, along with third-party support from unions and specialist health advisors, were effective in preventing and resolving workplace conflict involving disabled people.

Acas stats also show that 68% of disabled employees whose condition has a substantial impact on their daily activities had experienced workplace conflict, compared with 44% of working-age adults overall.

Julie Dennis, Acas Head of Inclusivity, said: “Disabled workers have told us that the conflict they face at work is driven less by their condition or disability itself, and more by misunderstandings, communication difficulties and challenges in identifying and providing the right support.

“We also know that disabled workers are facing significantly higher rates of conflict than their colleagues, and Acas has seen an almost two-fold increase in disability discrimination cases compared to a decade ago.

“I would urge employers and managers to support disabled workers by identifying pressure points and having conversations as early as possible.  Acas advice and training can provide the skills and knowledge to strengthen working relationships, support disabled workers and prevent disputes.”

Disabled employees described a range of experiences that they felt contributed to workplace conflict, including difficulties obtaining support, rigid responses to disability-related needs, and workplace practices that left them feeling isolated or excluded. Examples included:

        A dyslexic employee said that, after colleagues complained about her reading words aloud to help with spelling, her manager moved her into what she described as a “cupboard”, leaving her feeling isolated from colleagues.

        An employee undergoing cancer treatment said they were threatened with disciplinary action for absences directly related to their condition. Reflecting on their employer’s response, they said: “It was like they’re saying that it was my choice to get a brain tumour, but it wasn’t.”

        A neurodivergent employee working in education said that disabled staff were expected to find their own way through support arrangements.  They said: “You’d put all these provisions in place for the children … But then for the staff, it’s kind of like, go do it alone.”

In 2024 to 2025, Acas received more than 28,000 disability discrimination early conciliation notifications, almost one in five of all cases, up from fewer than one in ten at the start of the decade.

The research suggests that conflict experienced by disabled workers is linked to how workplace support and management processes operate, rather than the health conditions themselves.

It found that difficulties around agreeing and implementing reasonable adjustments, delays in putting support in place, and a lack of effective dialogue about workplace needs were key triggers.

The research highlights the important role line managers can play in preventing conflict. Giving managers the knowledge, confidence and organisational support to handle sensitive conversations effectively can help build positive working relationships and resolve issues early.

Employees described a range of strategies they had experienced that they felt could help resolve conflict. These included:

        conversations with line or senior managers
 

        referrals to occupational health
 

        third party involvement, such as trade union or legal representatives
 

        specialist health and disability support
 

        workplace mediation
 

        changing manager or department

Acting early protects worker wellbeing and saves organisations the cost of lost trust, absence and turnover.

Acas is encouraging employers and managers to work with disabled staff to identify support needs early and create workplaces where concerns can be discussed openly.

Acas guidance, advice and training can help employers agree reasonable adjustments collaboratively, record and implement them consistently, and address concerns before they escalate.

ACAS TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS AND MANAGERS

  • Create conditions in which employees feel safe to discuss their disability or changing support needs.
     
  • Do not assume that the same condition means the same needs. Ask, listen, and explore options collaboratively. 
     
  • Act promptly. Delays, silence and repeated requests can damage trust and make resolution harder. 
     
  • Use early, informal approaches where appropriate while maintaining fair access to formal procedures. 
     
  • Build managers’ disability confidence and conflict confidence through practical training and organisational support. 

To view the full report, please visit the Acas website:

https://www.acas.org.uk/research-and-commentary/workplace-conflict/disabled-employees-experiences-of-workplace-conflict/report

Aldi donates 24,039 meals to Edinburgh charities over school summer holidays

Aldi stores across Edinburgh donated 24,039 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK throughout the recent school summer holidays.

The donations took the number of meals redistributed by Aldi in 2026 from more than 8.8 million before the school holidays to 10.9 million – an increase of 24%.

Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 to redistribute surplus food from its stores to charities and community organisations across the UK.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “There’s no reason for good food to go to waste when it can be put to use by organisations supporting their local communities.

“Our stores redistribute surplus food throughout the year, giving local charities a regular source of food they can use to support the people who rely on them.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “For many of the organisations we work with, summer doesn’t mean demand eases off. The school holidays can bring an additional pressure, as families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.

“Regular surplus food donations give charities something practical they can use straight away, helping them keep shelves stocked and respond to what people in their communities need.”

Shoppers in Edinburgh can also donate food and everyday essentials to local charities, foodbanks and community groups through community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.

Aldi also works with Company Shop to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.

Hobbycraft teams up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for The Big Bedazzle

A WEEK OF GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND CRAFTING

In tribute to the late country music legend, Hobbycraft has teamed up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for a special week of bedazzling workshops across 105 stores, with donations supporting children’s love of reading.

In honour of Dolly’s love of rhinestones and commitment to children’s literacy, Hobbycraft has thrown its support behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by creating a joyful week of bedazzling that’s as unique as she was.

Available exclusively at Hobbycraft, The Big Bedazzle Workshops will take place in several stores nationwide with one workshop per day between 9-5pm (subject to availability), starting from Monday 21st September, and culminating on Give Like Dolly Day, Friday 25th September.

The workshops are £6 per person, with £2.16 donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, covering the cost of funding one book for a child in the UK.

The sessions will be led by Hobbycraft colleagues and Artisans – who are no strangers to the sequin – giving families and local communities the opportunity to come together and support a cause close to Dolly’s heart, helping her legacy live on in rhinestone-studded glory.

Everything can be bedazzled. From sunglasses, cowboy hats, backpacks, phone cases, trainers, denim jackets, or even get a head start on your Christmas jumper. Hobbycraft is encouraging people to simply bring an item from home or pick one up in store, before customising it with DDotz Freestyle Dotz, gems and sequins in a riot of colours. Gem-maxxing is positively encouraged, because when it comes to sparkle, more is more.

Emma Pickworth, from Hobbycraft’s Workshop team comments: “The Big Bedazzle brings together two things we know our customers love – creativity and community – while helping us support the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“For one week, we’re inviting everyone to put on their Stetson, pull up their cowboy boots and channel their inner country star with in-store workshops. The bigger and flashier the better – just think, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?).”

Clare Cook, Fundraising and Communications Director at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library comments: “We’re thrilled that Hobbycraft is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by bringing families and communities together for a week of creativity.

“Every donation will help us put more books into the hands of children and give more little ones the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. We hope everyone gets be-dazzling and, in true Dolly style, adds a little more sparkle to the world!”

Customers can book their place online, via the ClassBento page. Additional donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be available to consumers in-store on Friday 25th September.

Donations will help support the charity’s work providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading and support early childhood development.

Bedazzling ideas to get started:

  • WWDD? (What Would Dolly Do?) – Give an everyday item the ‘Dolly’ treatment. Think cowboy hats, handbags, and sunglasses or even a pair of socks
  • Bedazzle a Dolly-inspired look – Take inspiration from her iconic stage style with rhinestone-heavy collars, cuffs, hems, and accessories
  • 9 to 5, but make it sparkle – Transform a plain workwear piece into something that takes centre stage on the commute Jolene-worthy denim – Bedazzle a denim jacket, jeans or bag with a little extra country glam
  • GemMAXX – Go all-out with the biggest, sparkliest design possible. The more gems, the better
  • Dolly-fy your accessories – Skincare, stationery, phone case, hats, hair accessories… anything goes!
  • Spread the sparkle – Bedazzle something to gift to someone else and pass on a little Dolly-inspired joy
  • What would Dolly wear? – Pick an iconic Dolly-inspired outfit and create your own craft version using gems, sequins, and embellishments

Woven Expressions: Free Weaving Classes at Granton Grows Greener

Some great news for all our weavers and crafters, we now have the dates for our FREE WEAVING CLASSES at Granton Parish Church, Edinburgh / Granton Goes Greener.

The sessions will all take place in the church session room, just walk to the green door of the West Hall and you will find us.

All the classes are ADULTS ONLY drop-ins with all the materials provided, so no need to book.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk