Fringe magician Elliot Bibby took to the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday in a bespoke Walker’s Shortbread ‘Magic Taxi’ to surprise festival-goers with free rides, close-up magic, and buttery shortbread.
Serving as an on-the-move venue with a difference, the tartan-clad cab – which features brand ambassador Sir Andy Murray – transported busy Fringe-goers across the city between venues while keeping them entertained and fuelled with shortbread.
Employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline have packed and donated 700 back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland, helping families prepare for the new school year.
The kits were packed by 60 Amazon employees during a dedicated volunteering event at the Dunfermline fulfilment centre. Containing essential school supplies for both primary and secondary school pupils, the kits will be distributed by Multibank Scotland to families across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh ahead of the new academic year.
Multibank Scotland provides essential items to people experiencing financial hardship by working with charities, schools and community organisations across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh. The partnership helps ensure families can access everyday essentials when they need them most.
Natasha Blyth, an employee at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “We’re pleased to support Multibank Scotland with this donation ahead of the new school year.
“Preparing children for a new term can be a significant expense for many families and we hope these back-to-school kits will provide practical support where it’s needed most.”
Grant Barnes, from Multibank Scotland said: “Thank you to Amazon and its employees for this donation of back-to-school kits.
“The cost of school supplies can be a real challenge for many families, and these kits will help ensure hundreds of children have the essentials they need to start the new school year ready to learn.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded Multibank Scotland in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.
This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK.
Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has recorded a year-on-year increase in summer visits, as Edinburgh welcomed visitors from around the world during another busy festival season.
The attraction, located at the top of the Royal Mile, saw overall visits rise in July 2026 compared with the same month last year, alongside significant growth from several international markets.
Spanish visitors recorded the largest increase, rising by 88% compared with July 2025. Visits from the United Arab Emirates increased by 43%, while visitors from Austria and Canada rose by 41% and 23% respectively.
The figures come as Edinburgh’s summer tourism season reaches its peak, with the city welcoming millions of visitors for its festivals and the school summer holidays.
Visitors still have time to make the most of Camera Obscura’s reduced summer ticket prices, available until 1 September as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative. The attraction is passing on the full VAT reduction across advance and walk-up tickets, meaning a family of four can save more than £10 compared with standard admission prices.
Located just moments from Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura features more than 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, alongside panoramic views of the capital from its rooftop. A seasonal rooftop bar is also open throughout the summer, offering soft drinks, snacks and ice cream away from the busiest festival streets.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions also welcomes families of all needs. Visitors with sensory needs can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys. A sensory map of the building is also available to help families plan their visit.
Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “Edinburgh has an incredible international appeal, particularly during the summer, and it has been fantastic to welcome even more visitors through our doors this July.
“The growth in visitors from countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Austria and Canada demonstrates just how far that appeal reaches. The city is at its liveliest during the festivals, and we are proud to play our part in the experience people have while they are here.
“We also recognise that visiting Edinburgh during the summer can be expensive, particularly for families. With reduced ticket prices still available until 1 September, we hope even more people can enjoy everything the attraction has to offer before the summer comes to a close.”
Discounted tickets are available through Camera Obscura’s website and for walk-up admission until 1 September.
To book your tickets, please visit: https://www.camera-obscura.co.
Responding to the latest labour market statistics, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Exploitative zero-hours contracts are endemic in this country, with more than 1.2 million people stuck not knowing how much they’re going to earn each week. That’s why the government must deliver on its promise of a right to guaranteed hours for everyone.
“Employers are addicted to this one-sided flexibility. But the vast majority of insecure workers have struggled to meet their basic living costs because they haven’t been offered enough hours – and one in three face a financial hit of at least £3000 a year from cancelled shifts and incurred costs.
“We need to get young people into work – but it isn’t good enough to push them from unemployment into rampant insecurity. No young person benefits from a race to the bottom – they deserve good, secure employment like anyone else.
“It’s time for the government to double down on its plans to make work pay, expand the youth jobs guarantee, and stamp out exploitative zero-hours contracts once and for all.”
Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan:
The Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable.
The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly.
The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories.
International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This is the position of the international community reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.
At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning.
We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing.
Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.
We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest.
NEW CREATIVE PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
GRANTON Youth is teaming up with National Galleries of Scotland for a brand new creative project for young people aged 12–18 
Inspired by American artist and photographer Catherine Opie’s “To Be Seen” exhibition, we’re going to be exploring photography, identity, and creativity!
We’re looking for young people who are into art, photography, making stuff, being creative or just trying something different.
You don’t need to be an expert photographer. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to make yet!
We’ll be experimenting with:
Portrait photography
What we choose to show / hide about ourselves
Props, clothing & fashion
Shadows & reflections
Creative writing
Identity, belonging & representation
A big group portrait
And loads of space to take things in your own direction
If this sounds like your, or someone you knows thing, DM us or email ryan@grantonyouth.com to get involved!
From part-time store roles to senior leadership, four Scotmid colleagues are marking career milestones that together span more than 110 years.
Their journeys highlight how one of Scotland’s leading convenience retailers continues to grow talent from within, creating long-term career paths across stores, operations, HR and learning and development.
Today, each continues to support colleagues, strengthen the business and help shape the next stage of Scotmid’s growth.
For Lynne MacGillivray, the journey started in March 1991 in what was then known as a ‘shelf filler’ role at Scotmid’s South Queensferry store while she was still at school.
More than 35 years later, Lynne is now a senior member of Scotmid’s HR team, having spent the past two decades supporting and developing colleagues across the business.
Lynne said: “I never expected to stay as long as I have, but Scotmid’s variety of opportunities and strong community values made it somewhere I wanted to build my career.
“Seeing colleagues build confidence, progress and achieve their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Kevin Lowe joined Scotmid in April 2001 as a Regional Business Manager.
Over the last 25 years, he has supported significant change across the business, including major acquisitions, business transformation projects and the growth of Scotmid’s store estate.
Reflecting on his time with Scotmid, Kevin said: “When I first started, we had around 50 stores, four Regional Business Managers and the bones of an expansion plan.
“Today, we have more than 180 stores and a custom-built Head Office. It has been a fantastic growth journey, both personally and professionally, to be part of.”
Following Scotmid’s acquisition of Morning Noon & Night in 2004, Jane Burns joined Airdrie’s Scotmid store as an experienced manager. Since then, she has progressed through compliance, training and learning and development roles and is now a Lead Learning & Development Consultant, helping colleagues build successful careers of their own.
Jane said: “I quickly saw that Scotmid genuinely puts people first. The care, compassion and empathy shown during the transition made a lasting impression.
“What has kept me here is our people. I feel fortunate to support colleagues as they grow, progress and build careers of their own.”
While studying Business and Information Management at university, Lynne Hedger joined Scotmid 25 years ago as a Customer Service Assistant. What began as a part-time job developed into a career spanning store management, change management and major business projects. Today, Lynne is Head of Central Operations and a member of Scotmid’s Retail Leadership Team.
Reflecting on her Scotmid journey, she said: “I did not expect to stay after completing my degree, but I quickly got the retail bug.
“The people, progression opportunities and support within the Society have shaped my career, with numerous mentors guiding and encouraging me along the way.”
Margaret Anne Clark, Chief Operating Officer – Services at Scotmid, said: “All four of these incredible colleagues have each made an outstanding contribution and commitment to Scotmid over many years.
“They have helped serve customers, support colleagues and guide the business through periods of growth and change. Their stories demonstrate the opportunities that exist within Scotmid and the difference people can make when they build a career with us.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate their milestones.”
Together, their stories reflect Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to developing colleagues, recognising loyalty and creating careers that grow with the business.
Belshill-born and now Glasgow-based badminton star Kirsty Gilmour, and Edinburgh-born now Stirling-based Olympic curler Bruce Mouat are among 30 LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies appearing in a new film for LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust, calling for greater support, safer spaces and understanding for LGBTQ+ young people.
The line-up also includes pop icon Dannii Minogue, national treasure Sir Stephen Fry and Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
The Proud Trust, one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ youth charities, has brought together two of Scotland’s biggest sporting names with stars from film, TV, music and sport for a major new celebrity film supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
Kirsty Gilmour, who was born in Bellshill and now lives in Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s most successful badminton players.
She has represented both Scotland and Great Britain, competed at three Olympic Games and became the first Scottish badminton player to win a European title, as well as winning Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow in 2014.
Bruce has also won two Olympic silver medals with Team GB, at the 2022 Beijing and 2026 Winter Olympics. Kirsty and Bruce appear in The Proud Trust’s new #DeserveBetter campaign film alongside 28 other LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies.
The #DeserveBetter campaign launched earlier this summer to highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and call for greater understanding, safer spaces and better support. The new film brings all 30 names together behind one message, that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to feel safe, accepted, heard and able to thrive.
The campaign comes at a time when LGBTQ+ young people continue to face significant challenges. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying because of who they are, almost six in ten have seriously considered suicide, and almost a quarter may never complete secondary school, twice the national average.
The Proud Trust supports thousands of LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups, one-to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes, professional training and its Rainbow Flag Award programme. Following the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, referrals to the charity increased by 171%, underlining the growing demand for specialist LGBTQ+ support.
The film also features singer and presenter Dannii Minogue, actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian Tom Allen, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard and Courtney Act, television favourite Denise Welch, Heartstopper actor Kizzy Edgell, radio presenter Adele Roberts, and author Matt Cain MBE.
Completing the line-up are comedian James Barr, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story actor Cyril Nri, Coronation Street favourites Charlie Condou and Alexandra Mardell, former Lioness Anita Asante, It’s A Sin actor Nathaniel J Hall, Brassic regular Neil Ashton, Smoggie Queens stars Elijah Young and Peter McPherson, Tip Toe actors Shakeel Kimotho and Gabriel Clark, West End performer Rob Madge, former England footballer Lianne Sanderson, England rugby stars Heather Fisher and Meg Jones MBE, British wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker BEM, and further RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Catrin Feelings and Elle Vosque.
Kirsty Gilmour said, “Everyone deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, confident and accepted.
“The Proud Trust is providing life-changing support to LGBTQ+ young people across the UK, and I’m proud to help shine a light on that through #DeserveBetter.”
Bruce Mouat said, “Having a strong support network can make all the difference in life.
“The Proud Trust provides that for thousands of LGBTQ+ young people every year, and I’m proud to stand alongside #DeserveBetter and the incredible work the charity does.”
Rachel Williams, CEO of The Proud Trust, said, “Every young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being debated more than ever, it’s vital that young people know they are valued, supported and never alone.
“We’re incredibly proud that Kirsty, Bruce and the other 28 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part in the film have chosen to stand with us and support #DeserveBetter.
“Their voices send a powerful message that there is a whole community standing beside LGBTQ+ young people, championing their right to be themselves and thrive. #DeserveBetter is a call for all of us to do better, as if we come together we can build a future where every young person gets the support, acceptance and opportunities they deserve.”
For more information about The Proud Trust and the #DeserveBetter campaign visit www.TheProudTrust.org
Watch the campaign film on Instagram at @The_Proud_Trust
We have a small and exclusive number of these excellent zines created by local people in North Edinburgh as part of the Creative Resistance Project partnering with North Edinburgh Arts Centre, National Galleries of Scotland and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
The zine contains poems, collages, drawings and other writings by folks in North Edinburgh – perhaps a familiar name or two!
Congratulations to all involved on a great project. If you would like a copy of ‘100 Years of North Edinburgh Resistance’ you can pick one up here.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced a new pilot fund to help Scotland’s listed places of worship carry out vital repairs and conservation work.
The Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund will support eligible listed places of worship across Scotland by helping them recover VAT costs associated with repair works, helping to protect some of the country’s most valued historic buildings and the communities that use them. The fund is expected to open for applications in autumn 2026.
Historic places of worship form an important part of Scotland’s historic environment. As well as places of worship, many also serve as community spaces, local landmarks, visitor destinations and venues for a wide range of activities and services.
The pilot scheme has been developed in response to the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which helped eligible listed places of worship reclaim VAT costs on repair and conservation projects.
The Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund will operate as a standalone scheme until the end of March 2027, with up to £1 million made available through the existing HES Grants budget. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. The pilot will help assess demand for the scheme in Scotland and provide evidence to inform any potential future funding arrangements.
Katerina Brown, Chief Executive Officer at HES, said: “Scotland’s historic places of worship are an important part of our shared heritage. They contribute significantly to the character of towns, villages and cities across the country, and many continue to play a central role within their local communities.
“The Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund pilot will help organisations caring for listed places of worship undertake essential repair and conservation work by offsetting eligible VAT costs.
“By supporting early intervention and ongoing maintenance, the Fund will help protect historic buildings, sustain traditional skills and support the long-term resilience of significant heritage assets across Scotland.
“This is a pilot scheme for 2026/27. The experience and evidence gathered through the pilot will help inform discussions on any potential future deliveryarrangements.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “Historic places of worship are religious centres, landmarks and important community hubs, offering meeting places for local groups and a lifeline to those in need.
“This new fund will help care for these important buildings and keep them at the heart of community life, since VAT charges on essential repair work can act as a barrier to investment in historic buildings. It shows our ongoing commitment to Scotland’s cultural heritage, and I am glad we have been able to work with Historic Environment Scotland to plug the gap left by the UK Government’s withdrawal of this vital support.”
Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said: “We are delighted to provide an opportunity for listed places of worship to reduce some of the financial pressures associated with caring for historic buildings that are often at the heart of their communities.
“Many organisations eligible for the Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund may also be able to access support through our Historic Environment Grants Programme, and we encourage anyone planning repair and conservation work to explore the support available through HES.
“We look forward to consulting with representatives from places of worship across Scotland in the coming weeks to help shape a Fund that supports the care of these important historic buildings and responds to the needs of the diverse communities that use, value and maintain them.”
HES will review the outcomes of the pilot at the end of the funding period with the Scottish Government and any decisions on future support will be considered separately, following that review.
The new fund will be open to eligible listed places of worship from all faiths and denominations across Scotland. Guidance and application information are being developed in consultation with faith groups and sector stakeholders before launch.
More information on eligibility, application requirements and opening dates will be published on the HES website ahead of the launch of the scheme at the start of October 2026.
