Gilded Balloon returns to iconic Teviot home following three year absence

Gilded Balloon has returned to its beloved home at Teviot Row House for the first time since August 2023.

Scotland’s leading producer of live comedy and entertainment year-round and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has opened its doors to the public today across its four venues: Gilded Balloon Teviot, The Gilded Saloon, Gilded Balloon at the Museum, and Gilded Balloon Patter House.

Teviot, The University of Edinburgh’s student union, and the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, reopened its doors in March following a two-and-a-half-year refurbishment. The venue has been home to Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2001.

Gilded Balloon’s exciting 2026 programme features 225 shows spanning comedy, theatre, magic, cabaret, musicals and more from today until Monday 31st August.

Famous faces taking the stage include Graham Norton and Maria McErlane, Gregor Fisher, Rich Hall, Deborah Frances-White, Mariella Frostrup, Gina Bellman, Phil Nichol, Fiona Allen, Fred MacAulay, Jack Docherty, Grace Campbell, Mhairi Black, Jimmy Rees, Paul Black, Jamie Kilstein, Tom Read Wilson, Kim Blythe and many more.

At the heart of the programme are several flagship Gilded Balloon productions and co-productions, showcasing the very best of comedy, theatre, conversation and live events. Highlights include the return of five-star hit Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas; the world premiere of Lois-Amber Toole‘s powerful new play SLAY; acclaimed US comedian Jamie Kilstein’s Can’t Tie Knots; reigning So You Think You’re Funny? champion Madeleine Brettingham‘s debut hour Legend.

Jack Docherty will also return with his eagerly awaited Butterfly; Mhairi Black returns with Difficult Second Album; broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will present Cracking the Menopause; the award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist will take to the stage; iconic Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay’s showcases In Conversation as well as his new stand-up show Good Evening!; Wanging On – Live with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane will have its stage debut; the next generation of storytellers will tread the boards in Story Platform; and the ever-popular Comedy Night at the Museum also returns.

Beloved Gilded Balloon institutions also return to Teviot, with an iconic line-up of comedians taking to the stage every night for Late’n’Live, the legendary late-night showcase that has become a cornerstone of the Fringe. Meanwhile, So You Think You’re Funny? continues its search for the next generation of comedy stars through its competition heats and grand final, as well as celebrating its brightest new talent with Best of So You Think You’re Funny?

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “Coming home to Teviot is a really emotional moment for all of us. It has been at the heart of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe story for more than 25 years, and while we’ve loved creating new homes across the city during that time, there is something truly special about returning to the place where so many unforgettable Fringe memories have been made.

“We’ve spent the past three years looking forward to this moment, and we’re returning with our biggest and most ambitious programme yet.

“We can’t wait to see you all there!”

For full programme listings and tickets, visit gildedballoon.co.uk. 

Letter: Racism Has No Place in Our NHS or Anywhere in Our Society

The NHS is one of Britain’s greatest achievements (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MBE). Every day, it cares for millions of people regardless of who they are, where they come from or what they believe. It is built on the principles of compassion, dignity and equality.

Yet new research has once again exposed an uncomfortable truth. Too many NHS staff continue to experience unacceptable levels of racism and discrimination.

That should concern every one of us.

The NHS depends on the dedication and professionalism of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. They are our doctors, nurses, consultants, pharmacists, porters, receptionists, cleaners, ambulance crews and carers. They work around the clock, often under immense pressure, caring for patients with compassion and professionalism.

Quite simply, without them, our NHS would not function.

Yet many continue to face racist abuse from patients, discrimination from colleagues and barriers to career progression. No one should ever have to endure abuse because of the colour of their skin, their ethnicity, their faith or their background while simply doing the job they were trained to do.

The recent findings reported by Sky News should serve as a wake-up call. Racism in our public services is not just unacceptable. It damages lives, harms staff wellbeing, affects recruitment and retention, and ultimately impacts the quality of care patients receive. When talented professionals feel isolated, undervalued or forced to leave because they are not treated fairly, we all lose.

This is an issue I have dedicated much of my public life to addressing.

As a former Member of the Scottish Parliament, I consistently used my platform to challenge racism, promote equality and press for stronger action against discrimination. I spoke in parliamentary debates on race equality, hate crime and community cohesion, worked with ministers and colleagues across political parties, and supported organisations committed to building a fairer Scotland.

Alongside my parliamentary work, I have been proud to work with the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), an organisation that has spent decades supporting people who experience discrimination, promoting good relations between communities and helping employers and public bodies become more inclusive. Through ELREC, I have worked with schools, local authorities, Police Scotland, NHS organisations, universities, charities, faith groups and community organisations to tackle racism, challenge prejudice and promote equality.

Throughout my career, I have firmly believed that combating racism requires more than statements of support. It requires action, leadership and a willingness to stand alongside those who experience discrimination. Equality should never be viewed as an aspiration. It should be a reality that every person experiences in their daily life.

While Scotland has made significant progress, recent years have also seen a worrying rise in racism and hate incidents across the UK. We have witnessed increasing hate speech online, abuse directed at public figures, hostility towards migrants and refugees, and discrimination affecting people simply because of their race, religion or ethnicity. These attitudes do not remain online. They spill into our workplaces, schools, hospitals and communities.

The NHS should be a place where every member of staff feels safe, respected and valued. Healthcare workers should never have to choose between protecting their dignity and providing care for others.

Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than policies sitting on shelves. It demands strong leadership, effective reporting systems, proper support for victims, accountability when racism occurs and ongoing education that challenges prejudice and unconscious bias. Every employer has a responsibility to create an environment where discrimination is challenged immediately and where diversity is recognised as one of the organisation’s greatest strengths.

Our diversity is one of the greatest strengths of modern Britain.

People from different cultures, languages, faiths and backgrounds enrich every aspect of our society. They bring skills, ideas and experiences that strengthen our economy, improve our public services and enrich our communities. Diversity should never be viewed as a problem to manage. It should be celebrated as one of our greatest national assets.

Tackling racism cannot be left solely to governments, employers or public bodies. Every one of us has a responsibility to speak out when we witness discrimination, support those who experience it and refuse to remain silent. Real change happens not only through legislation but also through everyday acts of courage, kindness and respect.

A fair NHS benefits every patient.

Fair workplaces create stronger public services.

Inclusive communities build a stronger Scotland and a stronger United Kingdom.

Racism has no place in our NHS.

It has no place in our workplaces.

It has no place in our politics.

And it has no place in our society.

If we truly believe in fairness, dignity and equality, then we must move beyond simply condemning racism whenever headlines appear. We must commit ourselves to eliminating it wherever it exists.

That is the kind of Scotland and the kind of United Kingdom that we should all strive to build. It is a future where everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity or faith, can contribute, succeed and feel that they truly belong.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Leading environmental charities call on public to fight alongside nature against climate change

  • UK environmental charities on the frontline of the climate crisis come together to encourage Brits to join nature’s fight against climate change
  • Nearly 7.5 million Brits say the environment and conservation is the cause most likely to inspire them to volunteer, with over 12 million naming volunteering to support animals, as record-breaking heat, wildfires and extreme weather bring the climate crisis closer to home

Leading environmental charities, alongside Royal Voluntary Service and digital volunteering platform GoVo, are calling on the public to join nature’s fight for survival as record-breaking temperatures, wildfires and extreme weather bring the impacts of climate change closer to home.

Research from Royal Voluntary Service reveals that almost 7.5 million adults identify environment and conservation as the cause they would be most likely to volunteer for, while more than 12.3 million adults say supporting animals would most inspire them to give their time. 

Yet despite the appetite, charities are still urgently looking for more support with more than 750 environment, conservation, and animal welfare roles on GoVo still in need of volunteers.

The findings come as leading environmental and conservation charities, including The Conservation Volunteers, Keep Britain Tidy, Marine Conservation Society and  Chester Zoo, unite alongside Royal Voluntary Service and GoVo to urge more people to turn concern into action and support nature’s survival against climate change.

Together, the group of charities are calling on people across Britain to get involved with local projects that restore habitats, protect wildlife and strengthen the natural environments on which people and animals depend. 

The call from the charities coincides with ITV’s ground breaking new natural history series, Force of Nature, which follows wildlife fighting back against the escalating impacts of climate change. ITV and Royal Voluntary Service hope that the series will inspire people to take action to support climate resilience through volunteering.

Love Actually and The Walking Dead actor, and Force of Nature narrator, Andrew Lincoln, said: “I feel privileged to be a part of Force of Nature, it is an extraordinary tv series about the impact of the climate crisis on animal survival. 

“It’s three years in the making and highlights the astonishing ways animals are adapting to extreme weather and how the people working alongside are helping them to survive.

“It gives an important message of hope that every one of us can play a part in making a difference. Across the country charities on the frontline of environmental and animal conservation need help. By stepping forward to volunteer you can become part of the urgent effort to protect our natural world.”

The call follows one of Britain’s most extraordinary summers on record. England recorded its hottest June day ever at 37.7°C, while the month itself became the warmest on record. Temperatures above 35°C have now been recorded in May, June and July within the same year for the first time in weather history and the UK’s ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 2002.  

Major fires have once again scorched British countryside this summer, while England’s rivers last year experienced their second-lowest March to August flows since records began in 1961.

The kind of climate impacts that Brits once watched unfold elsewhere are becoming an increasingly familiar part of life in Britain.

Jo Morison, Volunteer Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Climate change isn’t a distant threat to the species we work to save – it’s wildfires tearing through the Cairngorms, where Scottish wildcats are being released back into the wild, and moorland near Manchester, where we helped bring back a butterfly once lost from the region.

“Nature is resilient, but it needs help fighting back. That’s why volunteering matters more than ever.

“Chester Zoo is already working with nature volunteers across Cheshire through our Networks for Nature project, helping the county to reach its biodiversity targets. We very much encourage anyone interested in volunteering to search online for similar schemes near them, and get involved.”

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, CEO of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “The job to take care of our environment is urgent, and it is everybody’s business to protect the places not only we – but wildlife and marine life – call home.

“I say to any person who thinks the challenge is insurmountable, or that their actions alone cannot make a dint in the problem, that together, person by person, day by day, we can make a huge difference to the environment on our doorstep.”

Catherine Johnstone CBE, CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Throughout history, communities across Britain have come together in response to society’s most urgent challenges. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and volunteering gives people a practical way to be part of the solution.

“Whether it is protecting green spaces, supporting wildlife or helping communities become more resilient, every contribution matters. Small actions, multiplied by millions of people, can create lasting change that will impact our generations to come.”

Sandy Luk, CEO at the Marine Conservation Society, said:“Volunteering for the ocean is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference to the climate crisis. Our ocean is our greatest ally in tackling climate change, but it is under increasing pressure from human activity.

“Whether you’re reporting seaweed types and jellyfish sightings to help scientists understand how our seas are changing, or collecting and recording litter to drive action on the causes of pollution, every contribution helps to protect the ocean we all depend on.”

There are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer and join the global effort by supporting frontline environment, conservation, and animal welfare charities on GoVo, made possible thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players.

GoVo connects people with bite-sized volunteering opportunities that fit easily into everyday life, including:

  • Getting hands-on to preserve and enhance local forests. 
  • Supporting and protecting local wildlife from helping sick or injured animals, to creating habitats.
  • Restoring wetlands and cleaning beaches and waterways. 
  • Monitoring and caring for bats, seals, butterflies, hedgehogs, bees and birds.
  • Joining a green gym combining practical outdoor activities with the benefits of exercise and nature.
  • Organising and supporting community events to engage and inspire more people. 
  • Digital and remote volunteering to raise awareness, advocate for charities and monitor wildlife.

Those inspired to join nature in the fight against climate change can find environmental, conservation, and animal-related volunteering opportunities in their area at GoVo.org.

Osarenkhoe Atutie sentenced for attempted murder of woman in Leith

A man has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for the attempted murder of a woman in Leith.

Osarenkhoe Atutie, 26, previously pled guilty to the violent offence and was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow today – Wednesday, 5 August, 2026.

The incident happened during the morning of Tuesday, 11 November, 2025 in the Duke Street area of Leith.

Atutie approached the 30-year-old woman, who was known to him, and stabbed her repeatedly to her head and body with a knife.

Prior to emergency services arriving at the scene, members of the public helped the victim and also had apprehended Atutie nearby. They held on to him until officers arrived and arrested him at the scene.

The woman was taken to hospital and released following treatment.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “This was a particularly harrowing incident, and my thoughts are with the victim and her family.

“I’d like to thank those members of the public who came to the victim’s aid during the ordeal. Without their intervention and assistance, there is a high chance that the victim would not have survived the attack.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of Police Scotland’s highest priorities and we continue to work with partners to achieve this.

“Violence in any form and the possession of weapons in any environment has no place in Scotland and is entirely unacceptable. Tackling the harmful effects of violent crime, which has a devastating impact on individuals, families and our communities, and supporting victims, remains a priority for our officers.”

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh to Host Hard Rock Rising, Global Music Competition for Emerging Artists

The grand prize: a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000, a Hard Rock Orlando performance and more

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is inviting Scotland’s emerging music talent to take centre stage as it hosts Hard Rock Rising, the global music competition launched by Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola.

Spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, the competition gives singer-songwriters, bands and DJs the opportunity to perform live, build a local following and compete for a career-launching global prize package.

For more than five decades, breakthrough artists and legends have taken the stage at Hard Rock Cafes. Coca‑Cola has built a global platform for musicians through Coke Studio L.A. Live. Now, the two brands are joining forces to help singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs launch their careers. 

Hard Rock Rising unfolds as a series of live performances at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. Local fan votes advance artists round by round. The Coke Studio team then selects one grand prize winner who earns a recording session, $10,000, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and more. 

Artist submissions are open now through August 18th, with four live competition rounds running 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd September. The global winner will be announced 5th October. 

Nick Chiverton, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for championing live music and emerging talent, so we’re thrilled to bring Hard Rock Rising to the city.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for local singer-songwriters, bands and DJs to perform in front of live audiences, grow their fanbase and compete for an incredible global prize package, including a recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and $10,000.

“We can’t wait to discover the next generation of Scottish talent and showcase them on the global stage.”

Multi‑platinum, GRAMMY‑ and Juno‑nominated executive producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team. The Los Angeles facility houses a professional recording studio built for career‑launching sessions, giving the winning singer‑songwriter, band or DJ a genuine industry platform. 

“This partnership taps into Hard Rock’s unparalleled reach and iconic stages while leveraging Coke Studio’s production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists,” said Rettberg 

The competition is amplified by a full Hard Rock Rising lineup, from a limited-time menu with cocktails made with Coca-Cola products for fans watching the live performances, to collectible merchandise available at Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com.  

Extending the competition’s celebration of music and self-expression beyond the stage, Hard Rock is partnering with Cult of Individuality, the streetwear brand renowned for its deep roots in music culture and strong connection to today’s artists and fans. Together, the brands will launch a limited-edition Hard Rock Rising tee and an exclusive co-branded apparel collection, bringing the spirit of emerging music talent into fashion.   

The Search Is On

Every performance is a chance for friends, family and new fans to champion local artists, helping emerging talent build a real following in their own hometowns. 

The competition kicks off in September. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will host up to nine acts across four live rounds, with singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs all welcome. In every round, the audience becomes the judge, voting in real time via a mobile app. Fans score each artist on Musicianship, Fan Support, Vocal Talent, Originality and Stage Presence. 

In the fourth and final round, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will crown a local winner with a cash prize. Every local champion then advances to the global round. There, the Coke Studio team reviews recorded performances from all 64 Cafe winners and names the grand prize winner on October 5th. 

 The selected artist will receive a career-launching package: 

  • World-class recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, including flights and accommodation 
  • Music distribution across all major streaming platforms 
  • Performance at Hard Rock Orlando  
  • Two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 
  • $10,000 cash prize 
  • An exclusive assortment of Marshall amplifiers and accessories  

A Menu to Match the Moment

From August 17th to September 30th, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will serve a limited‑time menu for fans to enjoy while cheering on local artists.

Perfect for bringing a crew to cheer on fan-favourite bands, these shareable bites and vibrant cocktails are designed to bring the excitement of the evening and the victory celebrations that follow. 

  • Thai Peanut Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a ginger and soy gastrique, finished with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame and scallion  
  • BBQ Pulled Beef Sliders: Slow-braised pulled beef piled high on soft buns with tangy coleslaw, crispy onions, pickled Fresno peppers and house BBQ sauce 
  • Lemon & Lime Black Pepper Wings: Jumbo wings glazed in charred citrus, served with pickled onions and fresh cilantro  
  • Barbacoa Beef Queso: Braised barbacoa beef folded into creamy house queso, topped with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and scallions 
  • Cheesecake Dip: A decadent whipped cheesecake dip with a brown-butter graham crumble, served with cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites, seasonal fruit and whipped cream  

The menu also features a selection of exclusive cocktails and mocktails featuring Coca-Cola products, including: 

  • Last Call Guava-rita: A vibrant tequila and triple sec cocktail with dragon fruit syrup, shaken with fresh strawberries and blackberries, topped with Sprite 
  • Orange Cream Soda: A creamy, nostalgic mocktail made with Orange Fanta, vanilla syrup and cream 
  • Spiced Jack & Yuzu Soda: A citrus-forward whiskey cocktail made with Coca-Cola, yuzu purée and spiced brown sugar; also available spirit-free 

34 Countries, One Iconic Tee

Limited‑edition Hard Rock Rising merchandise arrives at select Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com on 17th August. The collection centers on a campaign tee with the Hard Rock logo on the front and all 34 participating country names on the back. It also includes exclusive apparel and a collectible pin. 

Big names announced for Underbelly’s 8th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit

  • Underbelly announces 8 acts for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Nish Kumar, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.
  • Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit takes place on Wednesday 19 August, 7pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square.
  • All box office income (less VAT and commissions) will be donated to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s Lab at The Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge, helping to fund new treatments for the most aggressive forms of brain tumours in children.
  • Underbelly’s Big Brain Benefit shows have to date raised over £200,000, contributing to over £800,000 raised by Underbelly and Ed & Lucinda Bartlam’s Angel Child Fund since its inception.

Underbelly announces a line-up of comedy acts for the 8th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. The event will take place at 7:00pm in the McEwan Hall on Wednesday 19 August.

Starring in this year’s show is critically acclaimed comic Nish Kumar, Mock the Week regular Rhys James, award-winning stand-up comedian Rosie Jones, comic and SNL UK cast member Larry Dean.

They will be joined by Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show nominees, Emmanuel Sonubi (Live at the Apollo) and Irish stand-up comedian and radio host Catherine Bohart (TL;DR, BBC Radio 4). Australian comedian and actress, Felicity Ward (Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here) will also make an appearance. The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian and radio DJ Justin Moorhouse.

The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, three days after the end of the festival in 2019.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “It’s always such a special moment for us to announce the line-up to Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the brilliant comedians and audiences for continuing to generously support this event. This year’s show marks the start of an incredibly exciting new fundraising drive for us, supporting the work of world-leading oncologist Professor Richard Gilbertson and his lab at the Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge.

“Underbelly and our wider Angel Child Fund will be fundraising for two new, groundbreaking projects that Professor Gilbertson and his team are working on to find cures for brain tumours in children. There is genuinely no better person for us (and you the audience!) to be supporting in this field and we’re thrilled to launch this partnership at the show this year.”

Festival goers can purchase tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit today at: underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/events/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-25

PICTURED: Rosie Jones (Top Left), Nish Kumar (Credit: Matt Stronge, Top Right), Rhys James (Credit: Matt Crockett, Bottom Left), Catherine Bohart (Bottom Right).

Location, Location, Location is coming to Edinburgh!

Channel 4’s primetime property programme Location, Location, Location is looking for house hunters in and around Edinburgh for the new series. 

Fronted by presenters and property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer, the pair head all across the UK to help buyers in search for their dream home. Location, Location, Location has been a fixture in Channel 4’s schedule for over 20 years and remains the biggest property buying programme on British television. 

In all that time, property experts, Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer have never tired in their efforts to match the nation’s hopeful house hunters with their perfect home. 

For its next series being filmed this September, Channel 4 are now looking for individuals, families and couples across Edinburgh who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to find their next home – whether they’re upsizing, downsizing, first timers, or looking for a forever home. 

A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: “We are casting for the new series, and we are interested in hearing from chain free (or SSTC) house hunters who would be ready to buy in September this year.

“Applications are now open and we’re looking to spread the word to the community to encourage house hunters to apply and get the help they need. We are looking for individuals, families and couples who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to buy their dream home. 

“Whether applicants are first time buyers; looking for their next dream home; downsizing or relocating – whatever the reason they’re moving, we’d love to hear from them.

“Anyone interested can apply via the Channel 4 website and the following link – https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/takepart/location

“As part of Channel 4’s ongoing commitment to achieving greater inclusivity on screen, we strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply.” 

Your application will be received by a member of IWC Media and they will contact you directly if they wish to take your it any further. IWC Media will process your personal data in accordance with their privacy policy, a copy of which is available on request.

£210,000 worth of drugs recovered after car stopped in Edinburgh

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences in Edinburgh.

Around 8.20pm last night (Tuesday, 4 August), road policing officers stopped a car in Calder Road and heroin and cannabis worth around £210,000 was discovered.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and he is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 5 August, 2026.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: This was a significant recovery which demonstrates our continued commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
 
“We remain committed to disrupting the sale and supply of illegal drugs in our communities of Edinburgh.
 
“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101 or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Scottish Emergency Departments experiencing ‘unsustainable’ summer pressure

Thousands wait more than half a day for treatment

The Scottish Government must make tackling Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding a political priority – as hospitals continue to take a battering in summer.  

That’s the message from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine following the publication of Public Health Scotland’s latest ED performance statistics.  

The figures, covering June 2026, showed that almost one in 20 patients (or a total of 6,023) waited in a major ED more than 12 hours before being discharged, admitted or transferred.  

Meanwhile, the proportion of patients entering and exiting the ED within four hours was the lowest of any June on record.  

Dr Fiona Hunter, Scotland Vice President at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The pressure facing Scottish Emergency Departments this summer is unsustainable. We are seeing overcrowding in the month of June which would have previously been unthinkable.

“Across the country, record numbers of patients are stuck in our departments for hours upon hours because the entire system is clogged.  

“The human cost of this must not be ignored: these are extremely sick and injured people who have come to us at a vulnerable time of need. Many of them need a hospital bed, but what they instead receive is a 12-hour stint on a trolley in a crowded, bright and noisy ED. 

“Our staff have to look patients in the eye every day and explain that they are in for a long stay. It’s an unacceptable and, frankly, embarrassing state of affairs and a far cry from what was promised by the new Scottish Government in its first 100 days in power.” 

The stats also showed that across June, there was a daily average of 1,946 beds being occupied in hospital wards by patients who were medically fit to leave – but who had not been discharged. This represents a lack of improvement on summer 2025, where delayed discharge figures broke records.  

RCEM set out, in its State of Emergency Medicine in Scotland report earlier this year, the links between delayed discharges, ED overcrowding and, ultimately, excess patient deaths.  

“Delayed discharge is crucial to tackling this crisis. If wards could move medically fit patients out of beds in good time, it would significantly ease congestion in A&E. 

“This should be a priority among policymakers but, to date, they have let us down. 

“It’s been almost three months since the election and the government has had plenty of time to act on this year-round crisis in our EDs. Today’s numbers are further proof that the current approach is not working.  

“I call on Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, to engage with us – and other Royal Colleges – to reform the ‘back door’ of our hospitals and, ultimately, save lives.”  

RCEM_SoEM_Scotland_A4_0326Download

Boogie Wonderland! Care Home launches Dementia Disco

On Friday (7th August) from 2.30pm – 3.30pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be dusting off their dancing shoes, leg warmers and glowsticks for the launch of their new Dementia Disco initiative which will take place very aptly during Dementia Action Week. 

Knowing how much their residents living with dementia love to dance and sing, the activities team at Queens Manor care home came up with the genius idea of a dementia-friendly disco.  The team is also inviting along relatives and loved ones, members of the local community and friends of the home to the first official dementia-friendly disco.

If you and your loved ones or community group would like to attend, please contact the home to book a place, email QueensManor@barchester.com /call 0131 339 9653.

The first Dementia Disco will take place on Friday 7th August from 2.30pm within the home’s dementia community and everyone is welcome to attend.

General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson comments: “The Dementia Disco will be a fantastic way to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. 

“We know the power of music brings joy and reminiscence for those living with dementia, their families and caregivers.  Everyone is welcome – we’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community.

“If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”

Queens Manor care home 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. Queens Manor Care Home provides residential and dementia care for 60 of residents from respite breaks to long term stays.