A spectacular solar event is coming to Scotland’s skies this August – and Dynamic Earth is here to help you get eclipse-ready with FREE activities and a new Planetarium show!
Ahead of the partial solar eclipse this August, join us on Wednesday 5th August for Get Ready for the Eclipse: a lively day of space science and hands-on discovery.
Drop in for free activities | Find out how solar telescopes work and learn the safest ways to enjoy the eclipse with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
What’s Up: The Solar Show | Step into our 360° Planetarium for a live presenter-led stargazing show with a special solar focus led by our in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Toni Newell.
Meet Professor Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Enjoy a talk and Q&A session with Scotland’s Astronomer Royal following the What’s Up: The Solar Show at 12pm and 2pm.
Bring your questions, discover hands-on activities, and get ready for this summer’s must-see moment in the sky!
We’re looking forward to welcoming colleagues, partners, supporters, parents, families and members of the community to Pilton Youth & Children’s Project’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 5 August at 5.30pm ONLINE.
Our AGM is a chance to look back on the past year’s achievements, celebrate the impact of our youth work, community activities and holiday programmes and share our plans for the year ahead.
We’d love you to join us and hear more about how, together, we’re supporting children, young people and families across North Edinburgh.
Chris Birt leads the Scotland team at Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) that works to find solutions to poverty in Scotland and amplify the voices of people experiencing poverty. Prior to joining JRF, Chris worked for the Scottish Government as Head of the First Minister’s Policy and Delivery Unit.
Louise Hunter is the CEO of Includem, a sector-leading organisation providing intensive support to children, young people and families across Scotland. Louise has worked across the third and public sectors for the past 25 years, supporting the most marginalised groups and lobbying for change. Louise is also a Commissioner as part of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Commission.
Professor John McKendrick is Professor in Social Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University and was appointed Commissioner for Fair Access (to higher education) by the Scottish Government in 2023.
He is also Co-Director of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit in the Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Caledonian University. He co-edited the book Poverty in Scotland 2021 that brought together almost thirty sector leaders to share their thoughts on what must be done to tackle poverty in Scotland.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular meeting of the year has been confirmed as another capacity sell-out, the East Lothian course has announced.
Ladies Day, in association with Champagne Pommery, will welcome more than 8,000 guests on Friday 7 August, with all hospitality packages and general admission tickets sold out with still more than one week to go.
A packed entertainment programme will see rapper, singer and songwriter Tinchy Stryder join the line-up as a special guest, while top DJ and The Voice presenter Reggie Yates hosts the Ladies Day After Party.
Fashion as always dominates the high-summer occasion, with more than £4,000 in prizes available in the Champagne Pommery sponsored Style Awards to the best dressed racegoers on the day, including the first prize of holiday travel and accommodation to the famous Maison Pommery estate in Reims, France.
Stylish men will also take to the main stage to compete in a new Best Suit Award sponsored by Slater Menswear, while Edinburgh milliner Sally-Ann Provan is supporting the Best Hat Award which is always hotly competed.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Ladies Day continues to be a winner with racegoers of all ages and we are delighted to announce the 2026 edition is sold out.
“By continually investing in the experience, entertainment and fashion elements, we’ve created an event that appeals to both returning visitors and first-time racegoers and the stage is set for another fantastic afternoon of competitive Flat racing on track and gorgeous glamour off track.
“Champagne Pommery returns as our headline partner, reinforcing the premium feel of the occasion, and our guests couldn’t be in better hands for celebrating in style. The course and the grounds are in fantastic shape and our staff are ready to put on another day to remember.”
Thanks to an incredible £8.5 million award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re one step closer to making The Art Works a reality.
Coming to Granton, The Art Works will be a brand new free-to-visit home for Scotland’s national art collection, opening up access to more than 130,000 artworks – many of which have never been on public display!
Imagine being able to discover thousands of artworks, watch conservators at work, explore behind the scenes, take part in events and workshops, learn new skills, meet friends for a coffee or simply enjoy the surrounding green spaces. The Art Works will be a place to spend time, discover something new and connect with Scotland’s art in entirely new ways.
It’s also about bringing more opportunities to Edinburgh, creating training, apprenticeships, volunteering and careers in conservation, art handling, digitisation and collections care, while helping artworks travel to communities across Scotland and beyond.
We know the impact art can have – visitors have told us it: “changed my perception of the world” and “makes me feel relaxed.” With The Art Works, we’ll be able to create many more moments like these for people of all ages.
We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for helping make this vision possible, alongside the Scottish Government’s investment.
Construction is planned to begin as soon as possible, and we can’t wait to share more updates as The Art Works takes shape!
A first-of-its-kind project for the UK’s botanic gardens will launch at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this autumn, with the introduction of films demonstrating botanical terms newly developed within British Sign Language (BSL).
The short videos are designed to enhance deaf visitors’ engagement with the Garden’s remarkable Living Collection.
Created in partnership with BSL experts based at the Scottish Sensory Centre, University of Edinburgh, the films tell stories about botanical forms such as palms, ferns and fronds through sign language and will form an integral part of a new multimedia visitor experience when the Garden’s historic Palm Houses reopen following restoration.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Working closely with the Scottish Sensory Centre’s BSL glossary team, we have developed a set of elegant and expressive new signs in British Sign Language to deliver a more meaningful and immersive experience for members of the deaf community visiting the Garden.
“These signs represent just the beginning of this important project. Through this collaboration we will continue to expand botanical vocabulary, ensuring that the natural world is more inclusive and accessible for all.”
Dr Audrey Cameron, Project Lead, Scottish Sensory Centre’s BSL Glossary project added: “At present, very few botanical terms exist in BSL – even for familiar plant species such as daffodils.
“By creating new language designed specifically for the deaf community, this unique project takes an important step forward in widening access to the wonders of plant biodiversity.”
To create the new signs, RBGE scientists and horticulturists worked with BSL experts to define the very essence of a plant or botanical feature. These qualities were then used by a deaf-led team of BSL scriptwriters and signers to create the videos.
Visitors to the Palm Houses will be able to access the content through QR codes positioned throughout the restored 19th‑century buildings.
As part of the Garden’s commitment to accessibility and knowledge‑sharing, the new BSL botanical signs will be shared with organisations across the UK.
Communist Candidate Blasts Underfunding of Local Government ahead of Edinburgh By-Elections
.Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the upcoming Southside/Newington ward by-election, has launched a fierce critique against central government accusing political leaders of prioritising military spending over critical public services.
Responding to voters questioning the link between local council services and military budgets, Shillcock outlined a direct connection between UK defence spending and the decline of local communities.
Skyrocketing Military Spending
Shillcock noted that since the 2022 Edinburgh Council elections, annual UK defence spending has surged from £48 billion to £62 billion, with further increases planned.
He highlighted that during this same period, the UK has committed over £25 billion in support to Ukraine—including £16 billion in weapons—alongside active arms deals with Israel totalling hundreds of millions of pounds.
Shillcock argued that the funds directed toward international conflicts are directly starving local councils of resources.
Richard Shillcock said: “The choice is simple: welfare or warfare. We can invest in people or waste money on war.
“My message to Edinburgh voters is clear—every cut to public services, every council tax rise, every waiting list, every crowded school, every substandard home, and even every pothole could be fixed if we stopped funding war.”
A Challenge to Rival Parties
In a direct challenge ahead of the 3 September by-elections, Shillcock called out rival political campaigns for offering superficial solutions to deep-seated systemic issues.
“Unlike others, the Communist Party of Britain is not going to pretend that performative tinkering with our political system will bring about substantive improvements for working-class people,” Shillcock ssaid.
“Voters should challenge every single candidate standing on whether they prioritise investing in people or wasting money on war.”
Workplace expert, Acas, has today launched a consultation on updates to its Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures to promote early and informal resolution of concerns at work.
The new Code will help employers and workers handle concerns in a fair, transparent and timely way. Employers and workers have rights and responsibilities and handling concerns that come up early and informally can save on costs and stress at work.
Acas research on the annual cost of conflict has found that managing formal disciplinary and grievance procedures is estimated to cost UK employers £2.36 billion a year, while the annual cost of informal resolution is around ten times lower at £250 million.
Acas Chair, Baroness Maggie Jones, said: “Acas research shows that formal processes can be very costly for everyone involved. Effective early intervention in conflict saves money and time as well as promoting staff wellbeing and productivity.
“Our new Code reflects the benefits of handling work issues early and informally. It will help employers and workers handle concerns in a way that’s fair, transparent and timely. I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation.”
Acas statutory Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures was last fully revised in 2009. It currently applies where there is potential for disciplinary action to be taken against a worker or where a worker raises a formal concern or grievance with their employer.
The purpose of the Code is to provide employers, workers and representatives with guidance on handling disciplinary and grievance situations in the workplace.
Employment tribunals must take the Code into account in relevant cases and can increase or reduce an award by up to 25% for unreasonable failure to follow the Code by an employer or worker. Size and resources of the organisation are taken into account.
As well as promoting the benefits of informal and early resolution of conflict, the draft updated Code also seeks views on how to improve handling formal procedures.
Acas has also published a new YouGov poll today, which asked British businesses about what options best help their organisations to resolve workplace conflict informally. The top three picked were:
Having a good working relationship with the other person (58%);
A shared willingness to find a solution (53%); and
A workplace culture that supports open conversations (52%).
The consultation on the draft Code closes on 23 September 2026.
WORK EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE WEEKS
Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.
Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.
Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.
Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.
It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.
These two key features from the 1880’s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.
Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.
Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.
“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.
“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.
It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.
“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.
“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”
Based on the motion picture written and directed by Harry Macqueen and produced by Quiddity and The Bureau.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre production of the world première of Harry Macqueen’s stage adaptation of his acclaimed 2020 film Supernova which starred Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci.
Supernova will be the stage debut as a playwright for writer, filmmaker, and actor Harry Macqueen.
Cast to feature Tony, Olivier, BAFTA and Emmy award winner Alan Cumming (Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director; Host of Traitors US; soon to be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday) and Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars and Black Hawk Down).
Directed by John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,Black Watch and Once) with Movement Directed by Steven Hoggett (Hamlet and Once) and Designs by Jamie Harrison (Stranger Things: The First Shadow)
Supernova isbased on the motion picture written and directed by Harry Macqueen and produced by Quiddity and The Bureau.
Production will run at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 24 July – 21 August 2027 and have its press performance on Friday 30 July 2027 at 6pm.
Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor to star in the world première of the stage adaptation of the film Supernova
Pitlochry Festival Theatre today announces that the award-winning actors Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor will lead the company of the world première of the spectacular new stage adaptation of Harry Macqueen’s beautiful, critically acclaimed 2020 film Supernova.
Adapted for the stage by writer, actor and filmmaker Harry Macqueen and directed by John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Black Watch and Once) the production will open next year at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 24 July until 21 August 2027.
Sam and Tusker have been together for 20 years. But since Tusker’s early-onset dementia diagnosis their lives have changed forever. Now, the two are setting off on a road trip chasing the memories they’ve built, visiting the people they love and dodging the future they can’t outrun.
Macqueen’s profound, intimate story is given new scale by director John Tiffany and movement director Steven Hoggett, the duo behind some of the most visually stunning theatre of the last two decades (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Black Watch).
Supernova is an unmissable, searing examination of what we are willing to do for the people we love.
Supernova’s exciting cast will be led by Tony, Olivier, BAFTA and Emmy award winner and Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming (The High Life – The Musical, Traitors US, X2,Avengers: Doomsday and Cabaret on Broadway) and Emmy and Golden Globe award winning film and stage actor Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Star Wars, Moulin Rouge and Black Hawk Down).
Further casting will be announced later in the year.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming said: “I am so excited to welcome Ewan, a fellow Perthshire home boy, to Pitlochry Festival Theatre for this extraordinary theatre event.
“Harry Macqueen has adapted his beautiful film, and John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett (fresh from their Pitlochry Festival Theatre triumph with Once) join forces with the theatrical wizard Jamie Harrison to create an evening of true magic.
“A love story, a treatise on life and death itself and a visual feast – with two Scottish laddies at its heart. What more could you want?!”
Actor Ewan McGregor said: “I am so delighted to be working at Pitlochry Festival Theatre next summer on the beautiful ‘Supernova’ with my old friend Alan.
“I have been very moved by the work so far on the text by Harry Macqueen who is adapting his own screenplay.
“We are going to be discovering this story with the amazing team of John Tiffany, Jamie Harrison and Steven Hoggett and it’s going to be quite something to throw myself into this role with such an extraordinary group of visionaries.
“I can’t wait to get started and to bring this piece to the stage. I look forward to seeing you all there!”
Written and directed by Harry Macqueen and starring Colin Firth as Sam and Stanley Tucci as Tusker, Supernova had its world première in 2020 at both the San Sebastián Film Festival and the London Film Festival.
The film was short-listed for two BAFTA Awards including ‘Outstanding British Film’ and as ‘Best Film’ at the European Film Awards in 2021. In 2022 it was voted one of the ‘100 Best British Films of the 21st Century’ by critics.
On making his stage debut as a playwright Harry Macqueen said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be able to give this story and these characters new life on stage, and to be doing so alongside such incredible collaborators.
“Supernova engages with some of life’s most challenging questions. With debate about end-of-life choices still raging, perhaps these questions feel more prescient now than ever.”
Joining director John Tiffany in the creative team will be Designer Jamie Harrison (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), Movement Director Steven Hoggett (Hamlet and Once) and Associate Director Sam Hardie (Beautiful, The Carole King Story). Additional creatives will be announced in the coming months.
Director John Tiffany added: “Supernova broke my heart when I first watched it. Working with Alan and Ewan, and a creative team of this calibre, to translate this story to the stage is a dream come true.”
Supernova is based on the motion picture written and directed by Harry Macqueen and produced by Quiddity and The Bureau.
The Pitlochry Festival Theatre production of Supernova will run in the Auditorium from 24 July until 21 August 2027 with press night on Friday 30 July 2027.
Further productions for Alan Cumming’s second season as Artistic Director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in 2027 will be announced later this year.
Priority booking for Patrons and Festival Circle Members opens from Wednesday 29 July, with Festival Friends Members on Wednesday 5 August and on general sale on Wednesday 12 August.
For tickets and further information visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com or call the box office team on 01796 484626.
A spectacular solar event is coming to Scotland’s skies this August – and Dynamic Earth is here to help you get eclipse-ready with FREE activities and a new Planetarium show! 
Drop in for free activities | Find out how solar telescopes work and learn the safest ways to enjoy the eclipse with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
Reminder – PYCP AGM Next Wednesday!
Date: Wednesday 5 August
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Online via MS Teams
To receive the Teams link, email: 
