Local favourite, Bangla Kitchen, has scooped the award for Best Indian Takeaway in this year’s Scottish Curry Awards (SCA) held in Glasgow this week.
Run by Abdul Mohit Khan and his wife Naz with support from their families, they’ve been serving up deliciously authentic Bangladeshi food in Davidsons Mains for over 16 years.
No strangers to awards, Bangla Kitchen won the SCA previously in 2014 and 2015, as well as being finalists in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. They also won the Spice Awards in 2023 for Best Indian Takeaway – East.
Speaking about their recent win, Abdul says: “We could not be more proud to win this prestigious award. It’s huge recognition for us and our hard working staff who continue to do their very best to provide the finest quality meals and best service possible.
“We’ve been in business for over 16 years now and are so grateful for the support of so many loyal customers over the years – many who come from all over the city to get food from us – and it’s really thanks to all of them that we’ve won another award.
We are immensely grateful for the support and the opportunities the community gives us to grow more”.
Bangla Kitchen can be found at 67 – 69 Main Street in Davidsons Mains EH4 5AD and are open 7 days a week from 5pm – 11pm.
Order by phone 0131 312 6260 or online at Banglakitchen online.co.uk
An act of violence has been used to justify a dangerous narrative. We reject the weaponisation of fear and the targeting of communities and civil liberties.
Volunteers and staff from Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF) recently visited Newcastle City Council to meet with teams across the local authority and learn more about how tenants can be at the heart of housing decision-making.
During the visit, ETF met with staff from Newcastle City Council’s Housing Services, Safe Living, and Customer Insight and Engagement teams. Discussions focused on sharing processes in scrutiny groups, running tenants’ and residents’ groups, and improving communication between tenants and the council.
Tenants from both cities had the opportunity to exchange ideas, and share best practice around engagement strategies, and their experiences as council tenants in Edinburgh and Newcastle. These conversations highlighted common challenges as well as ideas for innovative approaches to tenant involvement.
The group also attended several estate walkabouts, where tenants and council staff were able to share examples of good practice and discuss how strong communities can be supported and developed.
Betty Stone, Convenor of Edinburgh Tenants Federation, said: “Tenants should get involved in their council’s engagement programmes to ensure their voices are heard. Having a space to be listened to is so important, especially when it comes to housing, which is a basic need and should always be delivered to a high standard.
“It’s been fascinating to compare the experiences of Newcastle City Council tenants with those of tenants in Edinburgh. One of the strongest themes from our discussions was the shared desire for tenants to be included and heard in shaping services across the sector.”
Edinburgh Tenants Federation membership is free. If you’d like to learn more about our work or to get involved, please get in touch at info@edinburghtenants.org.uk.
There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption
summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline
Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.
The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.
While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead.
These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.
Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:
help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes
The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems.
“There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”
The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.
This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.
The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur.
The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.
As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund.
If a flight is subject to a significant delay – at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.
“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.
“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.
“We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: “While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.
“We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.”
If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.
World-renowned inland surf resort Lost Shore is expanding its youth offering ahead of the summer holidays, with the launch of a new after-school club alongside the popular return of its Kid’s Surf Camps.
The move comes as more families look for active, structured activities for children, both during term time and across the long summer break.
Running from June through to early August, the week-long surf camps give children aged 7 to 16 the chance to build confidence in the water while developing core skills in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
Each course runs from Monday to Friday combining on-land coaching with time in the wave pool to help young surfers progress quickly from their first attempts through to riding waves with control and confidence.
The new after-school Kid’s Club offers a more regular way for children to take part. Delivered in four-week blocks on Mondays and Fridays, the sessions are designed to fit around the school week, allowing participants to build skills gradually while surfing alongside others at a similar level.
All sessions are led by qualified instructors accredited by the International Surfing Association, and are suitable for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Those new to the sport will learn the fundamentals, including paddling and standing up, while more experienced surfers can start refining their technique, and develop greater control on the waves.
Unlike the open sea, Lost Shore’s consistent conditions allow surfers to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without the unpredictability of the coast. Each 90-minute session includes all equipment, with camps priced from £200 per child.
For families travelling from further afield, the camps can also form part of a short break. On-site accommodation includes waterfront pods and hilltop lodges for up to 8 people, with dogs-friendly options available, providing families a relaxing base just minutes from the waves.
Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s Managing Director, said: “We’re seeing strong interest from families looking for activities that keep children active, engaged and build confidence over the holidays.
“Surfing offers something different – it challenges young people, helps them develop resilience and gives them a real sense of achievement as they progress. With both the camps and after-school club, we’re creating more opportunities for kids to get into the water regularly and develop those skills over time.”
Located just outside Edinburgh, Lost Shore Surf Resort is home to Europe’s largest wave pool and offers year-round surfing for all abilities, alongside accommodation, food and wellness experiences.
Children at Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare are enjoying weekly visits to the nearby beach and woodland areas, supporting learning through exploration, conversation and shared experiences outdoors.
The visits give children time to explore their surroundings at their own gentle pace, encouraging curiosity and helping them build confidence beyond the nursery environment. Experiences from their adventures are then revisited back at nursery through discussion, further exploration and play.
The approach comes amid growing national discussion about screen use in the early years. Recent UK research reported by Nursery World has highlighted the increasing role screens play in very young children’s daily routines, prompting renewed focus across the sector on real-world, hands-on experiences.
Yvonne, Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Exploring the local area together supports children’s sense of belonging and helps them make sense of the world around them.
“When they return from visits to the beach and forest, they collect natural materials such as shells, leaves and pinecones, alongside ideas and questions to talk through back at nursery.
“This reflects our Nurture Approach, where emotional wellbeing, strong relationships and shared reflection are at the heart of how children learn.”
Practitioners use children’s observations and conversations from these outings to shape learning back at nursery, supporting communication skills, emotional wellbeing and meaningful connections with the world around them.
By prioritising outdoor exploration, time for talk and shared reflection, the nursery aims to offer young children rich learning experiences rooted in relationships and real environments, rather than digital distractions.
Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare is holding an Open Day on 13 June, giving families the opportunity to visit the setting, meet the team and find out more about early education and childcare.
Registrations are now being taken for 2027. Further details are available via the Bright Horizons website.
Talented local musicians Annie and the Jays, Heads Up, Ben Lauder and Cora Manchester are joining forces for a Bands 4 Hope gig at Cold Town House on 9th May, to raise funds for Edinburgh based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated support and wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer.
Inspired by their mum Cat MacLean’s breast cancer journey, Annie (31) and George Liddle (27) – from Annie and the Jays – wanted to give back and say thank you to The House of Hope for the incredible support their mum receives and felt a live music gig was a fitting way to do this, given their family’s musical talent.
Annie and George’s dad, Gordon Liddle, was the drummer in chart topping 1970s band Bilbo Baggins and George followed in his footsteps as the drummer in Annie and the Jays, with Annie as the lead singer.
Mum of three, Cat MacLean aged 59, from Edinburgh was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2013 and went through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a lumpectomy. A keen runner, Cat kept up her training all the way through chemo and successfully ran a half marathon that year.
For the next nine years Cat largely forgot that she’d had cancer; however in 2022 she developed a slight niggle in her back, which wasn’t painful but bothered her from time to time. Following a chest X-Ray, Cat was sent for a CT scan which showed a lesion on her lung and after further examination it revealed a large lesion in her vertebral spine and was eventually given a secondary breast cancer diagnosis.
Cat has spent the last three years undergoing treatment, but is living well and leading a fulfilled life. She can no longer work, but took up jewellery making, choir, and wild swimming, which were absolutely brilliant for her from a mental and physical health perspective.
In 2023 Cat was diagnosed with brain mets and began having regular MRI scans, targeted radiotherapy and then last year she was moved onto oral chemotherapy and is currently managing the challenging side effects of this treatment.
Cat has been using the wellbeing services at The House of Hope since it opened its doors in June 2025, which she describes as ‘a real lifeline and a fantastic space to meet like-minded people and unwind while going through treatment.’
Annie Liddle said: “My mum is a true inspiration and the support she has received from The House of Hope has been fantastic during her treatment, so we wanted to give back and say thank you.
“Music is in our blood, so it was a natural way for us to help raise funds by collaborating with other local talent to put on a live music gig to help raise funds and awareness and celebrate my mum’s courageous journey.”
The Bands 4 Hope gig takes place on Saturday 9th May at Cold Town House and tickets are available on The House of Hope website, with all proceeds going directly to fund wellbeing services for those impacted by breast cancer.
Did you know that May is National Walking Month? While you’re walking or wheeling this month, why not consider contributing details of one of your favourite walks to our Walking Stories project?
Our Community Artist is currently curating a guide of walks across Edinburgh and East Lothian, so if you have a walk that’s helped you, we’d love to hear about it.
Host Claudia Winkleman will welcome ‘an exciting and eclectic mix’ of people and personalities to The Traitors castle
The RTS and BAFTA Craft Award winning The Celebrity Traitors will return to BBC One and iPlayer later this year with its biggest celebrity cast to date.
Made by Studio Lambert Scotland, The Celebrity Traitors will see twenty-one famous faces head to The Traitors castle, ready to play the ultimate game of deception and betrayal in the hope of winning a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
Host Claudia Winkleman will welcome an exciting and eclectic mix of people and personalities. Ranging from BAFTA and BRIT award winners, through to social media stars plus some of the UK’s most cherished actors, comedians, presenters and beyond. As celebrities will question who can they trust, who deserves to be banished and who is secretly plotting murder under the cover of darkness?
Heading to the Scottish Highlands are:
Amol Rajan – Journalist and Broadcaster
Bella Ramsey – Actor
James Acaster – Comedian and Podcaster
James Blunt – Singer/Songwriter
Jerry Hall – Model and Actress
Joanne McNally – Comedian
Joe Lycett – Comedian
Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor
King Kenny – Content Creator
Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer/Songwriter
Maya Jama – Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
Michael Sheen – Actor and Presenter
Miranda Hart – Actor and Author
Myha’la – Actor
Professor Hannah Fry– Broadcaster and Mathematician
Richard E. Grant – Actor and Author
Rob Beckett – Comedian
Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian
Ross Kemp – Actor and Presenter
Sebastian Croft – Musician and Actor
Sharon Rooney – Actor
Series One of The Celebrity Traitors debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in October 2025 and has been a runaway success with an average audience of 14.9m across the run with a peak of 15.4m for the finale.
The series has seen unprecedented growth, making it the top entertainment episode across the whole market since 2016 and the number one series across all genres and platforms in 2025.
Meanwhile the fourth series of The Traitors, which had the nation hooked in January 2026, achieved a 12.5m 28-day average, this is up +22% on Series Three (10.3m).
The majority of viewing has been driven by BBC iPlayer, making up 6.6m of the audience (53%), and increasing +28% on the third series. This is the second biggest series across the market since the start of 2025, only behind The Celebrity Traitors
The Celebrity Traitors will be coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026.
The Celebrity Traitors series two (10 x 60) will be produced by Studio Lambert Scotland for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and has been commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC.
The Executive Producers for Studio Lambert Scotland are Mike Cotton, Sarah Fay, Lewis Thurlow and Katy Fox with Production Executives, Lynette Woods-Reynolds, Gemma Scholes and Faye Donaldson. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Neil McCallum and Michael Jochnowitz.
The Traitors (Dutch title: De Verraders) was created and developed by IDTV in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit. All3Media International is global partner for The Traitors and handles format and tape sales worldwide. Studio Lambert is part of All3Media
Residents and staff at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh were delighted to welcome back furry friends for their annual dog show.
Residents at the home are all keen animal lovers and were delighted to host the dog show a yearly event in the home.
Canine fans at Strachan House were on the edge of their seat as the winners in each category were announced. Residents and staff joined in judging and couldn’t wait to see who won the award for best in show.
Daisy the beautiful Lhasa Apso won this prize but no one was left out with residents also giving away prizes for the waggiest tail, most perfect pedigree and best trick.
Fran Fisher General Manager at the home, said: “Our residents all love animals, we have lots of visits from different therapy pets which always cause a great deal of excitement.
“The dog show is absolute heaven for our canine-loving residents here, they absolutely love seeing all the different breeds and seeing which one comes out on top!”
Resident, Janet commented: “I have always been a huge fan of all sorts of different animals but these dogs are all just so wonderful.”
Janet even gave up her spot on the judging panel as she just loved them all so much!
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, respite care and dementia nursing care for 83 residents.
