Don’t forget about our INSECT WEEK CELEBRATIONS TOMORROW at Granton Castle Walled Garden.🦋
22-28 June is Insect Week. We are celebrating in the garden as part of our Citizen Science project in collaboration with the National Museums Scotland
The event will honour insect week with a focus on what insects can be seen locally.
Insect experts Ashleigh, Dorothy & Alyx will demonstrate how to identify common insects and how we can support them via recording and encouraging habitat creation.
Join us for a relaxed morning with refreshments and bring all your insect-related questions! No need to book, just show up. Everyone welcome.🪲 📷️ by Alyx
Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating the second Introduction to Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying training for third-sector professionals in Edinburgh (writes TESFU GESSESSE).
In a time when narratives of division, fear, and “otherness” seem to be growing louder, it is more important than ever that we stand up for inclusion, fairness, and community. Advocacy is not just about influencing policy—it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard, challenging misinformation, and helping to build a society where everyone belongs.
What gives me hope is the passion, commitment, and determination of the people in this photo. Their energy reminded me that many individuals and organisations are still working every day to strengthen community cohesion, promote social justice, and bring people together.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Change happens when people come together, organise, and speak up.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a fairer future.
Proposals focus on prevention, reducing reoffending and strengthening community justice
Proposed reforms to ease the high prison population, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and improve public safety have been published for public consultation.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray told Parliament that despite a range of measures taken to reduce numbers and maximise capacity, the prison population is at a critical level and is projected to rise further.
He said further action is necessary to ensure prisons can function safely and effectively, allowing prison staff and others to focus resources on prevention and rehabilitation, helping to reduce reoffending and keeping communities safe.
The plans, which are subject to an eight-week consultation, set out proposed changes to community justice and supervision of long term prisoners on release, with public safety remaining paramount. The Scottish Government will continue to engage with victims’ organisations throughout the process.
The proposals build on the recommendations of the independent Scottish Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission and include:
extending the presumption against short sentences from 12 to 24 months
amending the definition of a short-term prisoner from those serving less than four years to those serving less than five years, more closely aligning with sheriffs’ sentencing powers in solemn cases
making Community Payback Orders more flexible and effective as a robust alternative to short custodial periods
strengthening the bail test in courts to ensure that remand is used proportionately and is focused on protecting public safety
amending release arrangements for some long-term prisoners so they serve a greater portion of their sentence under supervision and licence conditions in the community
As well as the measures outlined in the consultation, work is underway to rapidly develop plans to expand the prison estate, including through consideration of temporary modular accommodation and new houseblocks at existing prison sites.
There will also be continued expansion of the use of Home Detention Curfew and a pilot where GPS-tracking technology is used to monitor individuals on bail curfew as an alternative to being remanded in custody ahead of trial or sentencing, where it is safe to do so.
The Justice Secretary highlighted evidence that community-based sentences and interventions are more effective at reducing reoffending than short custodial sentences – which can lead to the loss of employment, housing and family access that might otherwise provide stability for those at risk of re-offending.
Mr Gray said: “Protecting victims and the public is my top priority, and I am clear that prison will always be necessary.
“It is absolutely crucial, however, that our prisons function safely and effectively. If not, rehabilitation breaks down, reoffending rises and more people become victims. With the sustained population pressures we have seen over recent years, that is the reality we are facing, and that is why we must act.
“The planned reforms build on the recommendations of the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, which recognise that Scotland must rethink its approach to community sentencing and imprisonment.
“Alongside expansion of the prison estate, they will strike the right balance across custodial sentences, community sentencing and the need to robustly protect victims and the public – ensuring prisons house those who pose the greatest risk and rehabilitate them effectively, with the ultimate goal of reducing crime.
“We will consult on our proposals over the summer and engage with victims’ organisations throughout the consultation process and beyond.
“Clearly the best way to tackle the prison population is by stopping crime happening in the first place, which is why we will continue our preventative work to intervene early to steer people away from crime, with a focus on addiction, health, poverty, homelessness and employability, which are all significant contributing factors to offending and reoffending.”
The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code. The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.
This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of beers and permanently slash the price of its house lager to just £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.
To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a massive, week-long celebration from Monday, 29th June to Sunday, 5th July. Throughout the entire week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5. As part of the celebration The Old Chain Pier will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.
The victory arrives at a critical time for the local hospitality sector. Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs.
Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code provides a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.
January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.
“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”
The week-long party promises fun for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. Guests who book a table to dine from Monday, 29th June through Thursday, 2nd July will receive 20% off their food bill.
All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.
As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing Beer (Friday 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (Saturday 4th July) and Campervan Brewery (Sunday 5th July) will take over the beer garden with free pints for the first 20 customers, complete with a garden BBQ serving up hot dogs, chicken kebabs, and more from 6:00 pm each evening.
More events and surprises for the week are still to be confirmed. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the pub’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.
The Leith Legends (aged 60-95) who virtually walked the 3,070-mile distance from Edinburgh to Boston have returned to their starting point at Easter Road Stadium.
Since January the group have been recording their distance walked at locations around the city, attempting to virtually reach Boston before Scotland’s first game at the FIFA World Cup. The group walked their final mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament Building on Thursday 11 June.
The Leith Legends have received hundreds of messages of support from people in Scotland and around the world after completing their ‘March to the Match’ the same day that thousands of football fans flew to Boston.
In recognition of their achievement, the group were invited to a reception at Easter Road Stadium, greeted by a bagpiper as they disembarked from their team bus. The celebration was made more special when the Leith Legends met Hibernian legend John “Yogi” Hughes, who presented them with certificates.
“What an effort by the Leith Legends!” said Yogi. “It’s truly a remarkable achievement to have virtually walked all the way to Boston, and I know people at home and over watching in the States will be incredibly proud of them.
I miss playing football, I miss it every day. But what I miss most about football is the friendship, the band of brothers, the sense of purpose, getting up in the morning, and being a leader. Having met a few of the Leith Legends today and in the last few months, I’ve seen all of these things. Well done on a fantastic achievement.”
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
John Hughes was recently announced as an ambassador for the Hibernian Community Foundation, the official charity of Hibernian FC, and in his role will support at events across Edinburgh and Scotland, championing the services, programmes, and achievements of HCF and its many partners.
Maureen Combe who leads the Sheltered Housing Team at Harbour Homes said: “The enthusiasm and team spirit that our tenants have brought to this challenge is what made it so special.
“They lived up to the name of ‘Leith Legends’ and brought a smile to hundreds if not thousands of people who followed the story of their final mile.”
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
In completing the challenge, the Leith Legends walked a combined distance of just over 3,070 miles in 140 days, at a pace of around 22 miles per day. This equates to a combined total of 17,048,303 steps taken by the group.
Following a series of incidents across Edinburgh on 19 June, the Capital’s Lord Provost has called for the city to unite against hatred:
Speaking at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday, 25 June, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:“We recently saw a horrific attack on five of our fellow Edinburgh citizens. We were all shocked and stunned that such an attack should happen in this safe, welcoming and inclusive city.
“Edinburgh is very proud to be home to many faiths which we respect. Our rich diversity is what makes the city so special and our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
“There is no place in our city for islamophobia, nor will we tolerate any other form of discrimination, and I know that all my colleagues across the Council chamber believe that.
“An attack on any one of us is an attack on us all, so let us unite against those who seek to create division and hatred and show that as a city we stand together with all of our communities.”
More than a dozen events being held across Scotland to mark Armed Forces Day
Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dumfries, Glasgow, and Thurso among those leading Scotland’s celebrations
Around 200 events are planned across the United Kingdom as nation gathers to thank Armed Forces community
Communities across Scotland are today (Saturday 27 June) celebrating Armed Forces Day, joining around 200 events planned across the United Kingdom.
Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to thank the entire Armed Forces community – service personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and military families – for all they do to keep us safe.
Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence announced it would provide up to £500,000 of funding for Armed Forces Day celebrations across the country.
The events – a map of which can be found here – help deliver on the Strategic Defence Review’s call for a whole-of-society approach to defence, strengthening the bonds between society and our Armed Forces.
Almost 10,000 Armed Forces members live and work in Scotland, and the defence sector directly supports nearly 12,000 jobs in the country. Approximately 176,000 veterans live in Scotland.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:“I welcome the whole country uniting for Armed Forces Day to show our support for currently serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.
“Scotland plays such a vital role in the UK’s defence and I am appreciative, and deeply proud of, our service personnel. Their professionalism and bravery to keep us and our allies safe are rightly respected worldwide.
“The UK Government is renewing the country’s contract with our military personnel through initiatives such as a new housing strategy which will make homes fit for heroes, delivering the biggest pay rise for personnel in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law. National security is a top priority for the UK Government and we will always stand up for our Armed Forces.”
Armed Forces Day events are hosted every year by local authorities, veterans’ organisations, schools, places of worship, charities and community groups.
The UK Government is determined to ensure British people can take pride in their communities and enjoy safe and vibrant high streets, with community events like Armed Forces Day an important part of British life.
The Government has also increased defence spending to both support local jobs and keep families safe in an uncertain world.
Scotland is home to the UK’s military shipbuilding industry in Rosyth and the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, which is based at HM Naval Base Clyde.
RAF Lossiemouth operates the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert, which scrambles Typhoon fast jets to monitor suspicious aircraft in the skies above the UK.
EDINBURGH’S CITY CENTRE PARADE CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY
Serving personnel, veterans and their supporters will parade through St Andrew Square in Edinburgh this weekend at a special event being held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
The celebrations will start from 10.30am on Saturday, June 27, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 12 vintage vehicles from the Scottish Military Vehicle Group.
From there they will follow the route along George Street, reassembling in St Andrew Square where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron, followed by a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.
The public will also enjoy tunes from the Lowland and Highland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.
There will also be static displays of vintage military vehicles throughout the day, and members of the public will be able to see some of the kit and equipment used by our Armed Forces over the years.
Dr. Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that it is a time for unity and appreciation for all those who have served, both past and present, and their families. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces every day, highlighting their dedication and commitment.
Dr. Armstrong said: “We hope this event will be a good opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to reunite acquaintances and comradeship and will also be a fitting tribute to everyone who serves in our Armed Forces and will also recognise the continued sacrifices that our servicemen and women make today.”
She encouraged residents of Edinburgh and beyond to attend the event, show their support, and enjoy a memorable day out.
Dr Armstrong added: “We hope you can come along and help us celebrate the Armed Forces community in our capital city in style, whilst also learning about the valuable work of charities Royal British Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”
The number of students learning an instrument has increased by almost 30,000 since the abolition of fees for music lessons in schools.
A new report shows that annual investment of up to £12 million from the Scottish Government to fund free instrumental music tuition has seen participants increase to more than 70,000 since 2021.
Those involved in Scotland’s Instrumental Music Service believed playing a musical instrument supported better attendance, attainment and behaviour in schools.
The We Make Music Now research findings highlights:
an increase in instrumental music learners from 41,594 in 2020-21 to 70,075 in 2024-25 – around 10.1% of the eligible school roll
highest participation between Primary 5 and S1 pupils in many areas, often attributed to large-scale music-making projects
playing an instrument helped young people with social anxiety and other mental health challenges
music departments are viewed as a “safe space” by learners, where they feel supported within school
The Scottish Government funds Grant Aided Schools and all 32 local authorities to support free instrument tuition. The report identified some challenges, including waiting lists in certain local authority areas, lower representation from more deprived areas and fewer performance opportunities for young musicians in rural areas.
Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Scottish Government has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotland’s schools by funding councils to eradicate unfair charges.
“All children should have the opportunity to take part in instrumental music as a core element of education, without being limited by a family’s ability to pay.
“This report reveals the wide-ranging benefits of providing opportunities to all – not only in developing new skills but in growing confidence, supporting mental health and creating a sense of belonging.
“We will continue to work with COSLA and the music education sector to ensure an inclusive approach to music tuition that addresses potential barriers to participation.”
Chair of the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) Board Ian Mills said: “The We Make Music Now research demonstrates the initial successes of the commitment made to ensure the provision of free instrumental music instruction in schools.
“As well as the successes, there are undoubted challenges and areas for growth raised in the work.
“MEPG looks forward to supporting local authority music services and the Scottish Government in considering the recommendations made in the report to ensure that pupils are gaining maximum benefit from the government’s investment in music.”
Come Along and Find Out More About PEP!
North Edinburgh Arts
Wednesday 1st July 2026
9:30am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Wellbeing Groups (Monday to Saturday)
Volunteering Opportunities
Transport Services
Community Sharing Shelf
