POLICE are appealing for information after the driver of a van failed to stop after colliding with a man standing on the verge off the A720 Edinburgh city bypass near the Sheriffhall roundabout.
The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Sunday, 17 May), following a minor crash at the roundabout.
The occupants were exchanging details when a white van collided with the 29-year-old man at the side of the eastbound carriageway. He sustained an arm injury but did not require hospital treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, described as a Citroen Relay style van, did not stop and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.
Constable Stewart Logan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to find the driver of this vehicle and we are asking anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.
“If you were driving in the area around this time please also check any dash-cam you have to see if it has captured what happened.
“I am also appealing to the driver to get in touch.”
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1833 of Sunday, 17 May, 2026.
Cruden submits planning to transform former Xcite site
Five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted plans for a major new affordable housing development at Almondvale Parkway in Livingston.
The proposals would transform the former Xcite Livingston site into 121 high-quality affordable homes, alongside new landscaping, parking and improved walking and cycling connections through the area.
Located within Livingston town centre, the 1.2-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the popular Bubbles Swimming Pool, which closed in 2023 and was demolished last year. Cruden’s plans would bring the vacant site back into use and create a new residential community in a highly accessible location.
The development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including retirement housing and wheelchair-accessible homes, helping to meet growing demand for affordable and energy-efficient housing in West Lothian.
Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its core, the plans would retain a large area of mature woodland while introducing additional planting, biodiversity features and new green spaces throughout the site. Enhanced pedestrian links would also improve connections between Almondvale Boulevard, nearby cycle routes and the football stadium beyond.
The homes have been designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, with the majority benefiting from south-facing living spaces. The development includes low-carbon technology, including heat pump systems and roof-mounted solar panels.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to West Lothian, Cruden recently completed a 146-home development at Almondvale for West Lothian Housing Partnership, alongside projects at Sydney Street in Livingston and in East Calder.
Andrew Duncan, Land Director of Cruden, said:“Our plans will transform this prominent brownfield site into a high-quality affordable housing development that will bring new life into this part of Livingston town centre.
“The former Xcite site holds strong memories for many local people, and we want to create a development that delivers lasting benefits for the community through much-needed affordable homes and high-quality green space.
“Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme through measures such as woodland retention, active travel connections, and energy-efficient homes that can help reduce running costs for residents.”
The planning application follows a detailed design and consultation process with West Lothian Council and the local community. Subject to planning approval, Cruden intends to begin work on site in early 2027.
Ice Cream is now Sipped! Pepsi® has unveiled its new Ice Cream Zero Sugar Flavour range, with three new delicious cola flavours, made to refresh you with a smooth taste and zero-sugar sweetness—perfect for a summer treat. Should you lick it, bite it, scoop it? No, you sip it!
The new flavours are set to launch exclusively in Tesco from 18th May, with Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour rolling out nationwide from 14th July onwards.
This trio has been meticulously crafted for a generation that has mastered the art of intentional treating. In an era defined by constant hustle, Pepsi is reframing the ‘Treat’ moment.
Pepsi’s unique new flavours double up as the ultimate sweet treat to cool the summer heat. Cold, bold and surreal, the new flavours reimagine and remix the ice cream and Pepsi combination, bringing a whole new vibe to treating yourself – with zero sugar. With a classic Pepsi base, the new flavours add a creamy, sweet kick to the iconic cola recipe, twisting your senses.
Life today is lived in micro-moments, those blink and you’ll miss it victories – like finally hitting “send” on an email, replying to those messages that have been on read for weeks, or simply making it through a long Monday. These quiet wins are the real status symbols of Gen Z culture, and Pepsi is here to make sure they don’t go unnoticed, by redefining the treat moment for a new generation.
The new trio of delectable new zero sugar flavours include:
Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour: A smooth, sweet, and totally indulgent taste sensation
Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour: A tangy, creamy, nostalgic dream – in a can.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Flavour: The ultimate flavour flex. Sweet meets salty in a fizzy, treaty collision!
Natalia Fillipociants, SVP and General Manager Europe International Beverages, PepsiCo , said: ‘’At Pepsi, we know it’s the small moments that can feel like a win and deserve something refreshing.
“Our new ice cream-inspired flavours are made to be a fun, zero-sugar summer treat that’s a little unexpected in the best way. We hope people enjoy cracking one open, trying something different, and making it their go-to refreshment this summer’’.
The new Ice Cream flavours come as an expansion of Pepsi’s Treats range, following the craze surrounding the launch of Strawberries & Cream and Cream Soda flavours last year.
The irresistible new range will be available to buy in four different formats – individual 330ml cans, an 8 can multipack, plus 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles.
For more information on the new flavours and brand news, visit Pepsi UK on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and X.
2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year
People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes.Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.
The accolades recognise and reward the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.
And residents are being encouraged to nominate those who they would like to be named as a High Street Hero – with one being honoured in each of Scotland’s eight Scottish Parliament regions.
People can also put their home area forward for the national accolades of Town of the Year and Innovation in Place.
The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.
Last year’s heroes included Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, recognising more than 50 years of commitment to serving his community.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Remarkable, determined and innovative work is taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians which is making communities better places to live, work and visit. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that.
“We are looking forward to hearing more about the places, projects and people who are leading the way with inspirational action which really does make a difference – and having the chance to celebrate their achievements.”
Now in their sixth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals going above and beyond to make a difference.
They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.
Nationally, awards will be presented for:
Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).
Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/ , where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.
The Royal Highland Centre is set to receive a visit from Hollywood royalty as legendary Scottish actor, James Cosmo MBE, has been unveiled as the Great Chieftain for the British Pipe Band Championships 2026 taking place at the Ingliston venue on Saturday 30th May.
Globally recognised thanks to his roles in Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and Game of Thrones, the iconic actor will preside over the championships, welcoming bands and spectators to one of Scotland’s most prestigious cultural gatherings.
Hosted by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) the Championships bring together premier pipe and drum bands from across the UK for a full day of world-class performances. With grade categories ranging from Juvenile to Grade 1, the event will showcase musical talent at every level and provides a platform for young and emerging musicians to shine, including school pipe bands, and will include performances and workshops.
Last year, over 5,000 competitors and spectators attended, including 60 bands, as the Royal Highland Centre proudly hosted the Pipe Band Championships for the first time.
Mark Currie, Director of Venue at the Royal Highland Centre, said: “We are honoured to be hosting James Cosmo and the British Pipe Band Championships at the Royal Highland Centre.
“Thousands of people joined us last year and we’re expecting another great turnout later this month. There’s so much to see including competitions, drum-major displays and now the chance to spot a legendary actor among the phenomenal pipers. It’s a great day out for all the family.”
James Cosmo MBEsaid: “Pipe bands have always been woven into life in Scotland and right across the Britain. There’s a wonderful sense of tradition and community around them.
“You see the hard work that goes into it the hours of practice, the discipline, the pride people take in performing side by side. And the championships are a fine opportunity to celebrate the very best of that spirit.
“This year, more than 210 bands from across the Great Britain will gather to compete, bringing with them extraordinary talent, commitment and experience. Behind every performance are years of effort and a genuine love for the music and tradition.
“But events like this are about more than competition. They’re about people. Families, friendships and communities brought together through music that has endured for generations and still means so much today.
“To everyone taking part, travelling from near or far, and to all those supporting from the sidelines, I hope you enjoy every moment of what promises to be a memorable championship, filled with all the sights and sounds that make pipe band culture so special.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said: “Having James Cosmo, a man who embodies Scottish spirit on the global stage, as our Chieftain is a fantastic honour.
“He is widely respected, and his presence will add huge excitement to what is already set to be a spectacular day at the Royal Highland Centre.”
Tickets are available now via the Royal Highland Centre website, and early booking is recommended due to high demand. Children’s tickets are £12.50, adults £15 and family tickets £35. Children under five go free.
Find out more about the event and purchase tickets here:
Researchers and people with Parkinson’s in Scotland are joining forces at a new £10 million research centre, in a push to turn decades of discovery into treatments that could transform lives.
The UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre – jointly funded with Parkinson’s UK – launches today and connects research teams at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford and University College London to tackle one of medicine’s most stubborn challenges – why, despite scientific advances, there is still no treatment that can slow or stop the condition progressing.
Together, the teams will investigate why Parkinson’s develops, why it progresses and how cutting-edge science can deliver better diagnosis and treatment.
Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK, including 14,000 people in Scotland. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
The centre is led by Professor Miratul Muqit, a practising neurologist and internationally recognised Parkinson’s researcher based at the University of Edinburgh, whose work has helped reveal how changes in key genes affect the health of brain cells.
Discoveries from this field are helping pave the way for targeted therapies now being tested in early-stage clinical trials.
Professor Miratul Muqit, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre, said:“We know more about Parkinson’s than ever before – but people living with the condition are still waiting for effective treatments that can slow, stop or prevent it.
“This centre is built to change the pace of progress. By connecting leading teams across Edinburgh, Oxford and London, we can bring different parts of the Parkinson’s puzzle together – from genes and brain cells to brain circuits and symptoms.
“Our ambition is to make this centre a beacon for open, collaborative science.”
Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK, said:“For people living with Parkinson’s, better treatments cannot come soon enough. That is why this centre, and the collaborative philosophy at its heart, is so important.
“It puts people with Parkinson’s alongside world-class researchers, helping make sure the science is focused on the questions and symptoms that could make the biggest difference to everyday life.”
People with Parkinson’s have helped shape the centre’s direction from the very beginning – including sitting on the interview panels that appointed its first research leaders.
Shafaq Hussain-Ali, who has Parkinson’s, was part of the panel that selected the centre’s Group Leaders. He said:“It was a privilege to be involved. The new centre recognises that Parkinson’s research cannot happen without the involvement and participation of the Parkinson’s community.
“Hearing from the researchers about their passion for transformative science has filled me with hope about what is to come.”
An Edinburgh business adviser has been chosen to receive a Business Gateway Impact Award for the second year running.
The Impact Awards, which took place at Business Gateway’s recent all-staff conference in Edinburgh, celebrated the exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway’s local staff in supporting business owners across the country.
Lee Briggs was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.
Business owners praised Lee for his “reliable, tailored and encouraging advice”, particularly in helping diverse and neurodivergent founders to refine ideas, access grants and build sustainable businesses with confidence.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said:“The Impact Awards were designed to shine a light on those who empower the local business community in Scotland, helping individuals and organisations navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Lee on receiving an Impact Award. Lee and the rest of the Business Gateway network go above and beyond every day to help businesses thrive, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and the tangible difference they make. We’re delighted to have been able to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”
With around 350 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system.
Available free of charge to anyone looking to turn their idea into reality or grow their business, Business Gateway offers online and in-person support on everything from building the foundations of a strategy to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with marketing and budgeting
In 2025-46, Business Gateway supported over 50,000 customers, managed over 30,000 enquiries and celebrated the launch of over 7,200 new businesses.
For more information on Business Gateway and its services, please visit:
Join us for our next Poetry Across the Seasons event on Wednesday 20th May, from 2-3pm.
This workshop is part of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief Demystifying Death Week and Creativity and Wellbeing Week. This is an opportunity to explore themes of mortality, grief and life through poetry. This session offers a supportive space for reflection, expression and creative wellbeing.
You are invited to join us in writing, sharing your own poems or simply listening to others. No experience is needed; all are welcome to participate in this guided experience.
This is a free but ticketed event, facilitated by our dramatherapist, Sally McRae. Light refreshments will be provided.
This is part of our Poetry Across the Seasons series which will be running throughout 2026 in Edinburgh and North Berwick. Each gathering will explore a different theme – from reflection and remembrance to celebration, change, and creativity
WACL (Women in Advertising & Communications Leadership) brought together some of the UK’s and Scotland’s most influential female leaders last week as the WACL Festival of Talent arrived in Edinburgh for the first time.
The event comes at a pivotal moment for gender equality in business. The mean gender pay gap in Scotland rose to 10% in 2025, up from 8.3% in 2024 and 6.4% in 2023. Female owned businesses already contribute an estimated £8.8bn annually to the Scottish economy, yet the proportion of women led employer businesses has fallen from 23% in 2021 to just 16% today, according to Women’s Enterprise Scotland.
Research also shows female CEO representation across the UK has dropped sharply from 28% in 2022/23 to 19% in 2024, highlighting growing concern around the progression and retention of women in senior leadership roles.
Against this backdrop, the WACL Festival of Talent, taking place at The Hoxton, Edinburgh, brought together senior leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives for a one day leadership accelerator focused on helping women build confidence, resilience, influence and stronger professional networks in a rapidly changing business environment.
Part of WACL’s largest ever national programme marking the Festival’s 30th anniversary, events will take place simultaneously across London, Manchester, Edinburgh and online, with the ambition of engaging more than 650 women nationwide.
The expansion marks a formal commitment from WACL to grow its presence beyond London into Scotland and the North of England for the first time in its 102 year history, reflecting the organisation’s ambition to build stronger regional leadership networks and support female talent across the UK.
Speakers in Edinburgh included Claire Sadler, President of WACL and Chief Marketing Officer at the British Heart Foundation; Corinne Hutton, author and entrepreneur; Sheryl Findlay, international coach; Nishma Patel Robb, Founder and CEO of Glittersphere; Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Head of Commercial Operations at the Advertising Association; Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society; Stef Sword Williams, author; Gemma Atkinson, Chief People Officer; Zoe Howarth, Non Executive Director; Rania Robinson, Co Founder and Partner at Quiet Storm; Emma Isaac, former CMO of Virgin Money; Sam Baker, editor and broadcaster; Melissa Robertson, Non Executive Director; and Georgie Jones, poet.
The Edinburgh event also included speed mentoring sessions with WACL members and senior female leaders, alongside networking opportunities designed to help attendees build meaningful professional connections.
Juliet Simpson, Chair WACL Scotland said: “The reality is that progress for women in leadership is not guaranteed and in several areas we’re seeing signs of regression rather than acceleration.
“Our first WACL Scotland Festival of Talent reflects the changing nature of leadership today, less linear, more complex, and increasingly shaped by influence, relationships and values led decision making.
“It’s about equipping women with the relationships, confidence, language and practical tools that help power and influence compound over time to ultimately drive change.”
Claire Sadler, WACL President added: “Thirty years after the Festival of Talent first launched, the need for spaces that actively support women’s progression remains incredibly urgent.The data shows there is still significant work to do to achieve genuine equality in leadership, particularly at senior levels.
“We are delighted to be bringing the Festival to Edinburgh for the first time as part of WACL’s commitment to growing our influence and support networks beyond London into Scotland and are thrilled with the response we’ve had.
“The Festival exists to help women build confidence, skills and networks at every stage of their careers and to remind the industry that diverse leadership is better for business, innovation and economic growth.”
