SATURDAY 27th JUNE at THE MEADOWS 12 – 7pm
Join us Saturday, June 27th for this year’s climate festival at the Edinburgh Meadows from 12 – 7pm 
Come along to enjoy one of our many free performances, workshops, talks and art installations as well as the festival’s stalls and vibrant atmosphere!
You can find out more at edinburghclimatefestival.com
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supported by The University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture
McGill’s Buses is getting behind Scotland’s World Cup heroes by temporarily rebranding one of its electric buses as ‘McGinn’s’ in tribute to midfield favourite John McGinn.
The specially branded Yutong E12 electric bus will take to the streets with a playful twist on the McGill’s name, celebrating Scotland’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup and paying tribute to one of the national team’s most recognisable and much-loved players.
The one-off rebrand comes as excitement builds across the country ahead of Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage, with John McGinn’s passion, personality and commitment making him a firm favourite with the Tartan Army.
The ‘McGinn’s’ bus will operate on the McGill’s N6 service, giving fans the chance to spot it on the road as World Cup fever gathers pace.
Colin Napier, Group Service Delivery Director, said: “Scotland reaching the World Cup is something the whole country can celebrate, and we wanted to mark the occasion in a way that would get people smiling.
“John McGinn has become one of the real faces of this Scotland team. He plays with heart, humour and total commitment, so turning one of our buses into ‘McGinn’s’ felt like the perfect tribute.
“We are proud to back Scotland and we hope the bus helps spread a bit of excitement as supporters get ready for what promises to be a brilliant summer.”
With Scotland’s matches set to bring late nights for supporters, McGill’s is also going the extra mile to help fans get home safely after cheering on the national team.
The operator has confirmed enhanced NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup fixtures, with additional journeys and later departures on key routes to support fans travelling to and from pubs, clubs and city centres for the big matches.
Services including the N3, N4, N6, N26, N38 and N60 will see extra late-night journeys, helping keep supporters moving long after the final whistle as Scotland chase World Cup glory.
Stephen McGinn, former professional footballer and brother of John McGinn, said: “John would probably be equal parts proud and embarrassed to see a bus named after him, but it is brilliant and sums up the excitement everyone is feeling about Scotland getting to the World Cup.
“He has always given absolutely everything for Scotland and the support from fans means a huge amount to him and the players.
“Seeing ‘McGinn’s’ out on the road is a great bit of fun and hopefully it helps build even more excitement as we all get behind the team.”
Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for the ‘McGinn’s’ Yutong E12 on the road and to follow McGill’s social media channels for updates on NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
This Carers Week (9–15 June), Edinburgh charity LifeCare is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of unpaid carers and encouraging more people to access the help available to them.
Every day, thousands of unpaid carers across Edinburgh provide practical, emotional and personal care to family members, friends, neighbours and loved ones. Many do not recognise themselves as carers, yet they play a vital role in helping people remain independent, connected and well within their communities.
LifeCare has been supporting local people for 85 years and, since launching its dedicated carers wellbeing programme in 2022, has welcomed hundreds of unpaid carers through free wellbeing activities, social opportunities and peer support. The charity also provides more than 19,200 hours of respite each year, helping carers take a break from their responsibilities, focus on their own wellbeing and recharge.
As pressure on health and social care services continues, unpaid carers are increasingly carrying greater responsibility for those they care for. LifeCare sees first-hand the impact this can have on carers’ physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections.
Through free activities including exercise, yoga, meditation, creative arts, massage, hairdressing and social gatherings, carers are given the opportunity to do something for themselves while connecting with others who understand the realities of caring.
Recent feedback highlights the difference these activities make. Ninety per cent of carers said the programme gives them something positive to look forward to, 86% said it allows them to do something for themselves, and 81% reported meeting others in similar situations, helping reduce isolation and build lasting friendships.
One unpaid carer said:
“It would not have been possible for me to care without these classes. I have made friends, learned new skills and taken care of myself when I didn’t feel like it.”
Another added:
“Without LifeCare and the classes I would be completely isolated. Most of my friendships have arisen through LifeCare carers classes.”
LifeCare would like to thank the Short Breaks Fund, administered by Shared Care Scotland, whose generous funding has helped make these free health and wellbeing activities possible for local unpaid carers.
To hear directly from a local carer and learn more about the growing importance of unpaid carers, watch LifeCare’s special Carers Week video on social media and discover why these activities have become a lifeline for so many people.
Find Out More
If you regularly help a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness, disability, frailty or a long-term condition, you may be an unpaid carer.
To find out more about LifeCare’s free activities and support for unpaid carers, call 0131 343 0940, visit our website or pop into the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.
This gripping documentary chronicles the legacy and talent of a lost Scottish artist and the efforts to keep her memory and music alive
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that the closing night film of its 79th edition, running from 13 – 19 August 2026, will be the World Premiere of Louise Lockwood’s powerful debut documentary feature Bel.
Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities.
After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.
This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.
Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.
Louise has said: “I never knew Bel but her sister, Leah, is my friend. We live in the same village outside Glasgow, our children go to school together and I witnessed the impact Bel’s death had on her family and friends.
“When she died Bel was still relatively unknown, I want to help Leah change that. The talent was and still is there – hopefully this film will help give Bel a platform to share it from.”
Produced by BAFTA-winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer (Hopscotch Films), Nancy Bornat, and Mark Thomas; and associate producer, the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.
Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and David Harron, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland. The Commissioning Editor is Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and the Commissioning Executive is Shona Thompson.
Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.
EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “From the moment we saw this profoundly moving film we knew it had to be at our Festival.
“Honouring a lost Scottish artist with sensitivity, warmth and nuance, Louise Lockwood’s film, like Bel’s music, is humane, intimate and raw. We can think of no more perfect a way to close the Festival than with this wonderful film.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “This is the perfect platform for Louise Lockwood’s debut theatrical feature Bel, building on her multi-award-winning body of work in Scotland to date.
“It is fantastic to have been able to support this intensely moving film. EIFF has become a vital meeting point between filmmakers and audiences, with conversations that begin in Edinburgh continuing to resonate internationally long after the festival ends.
“Those early connections can shape the trajectory of a film around the world; with each edition, EIFF strengthens its reputation as a launchpad for ambitious new work.”
Associate Producer Jackie Kay has said: “Bel’s time on earth was too short. Her afterlife would surprise her if only she could come back to see.
“Hers was a haunting presence, she was mesmerising to see perform live. With this profoundly moving and insightful documentary, Bel’s legacy is rich, stretching into the unmarked years.”
Sarah Howitt, Hopscotch Films, has said: ‘Telling Bel’s story has been an absolute privilege for all of us.
“It was vital to us as filmmakers to work closely with those who knew and loved Bel to celebrate her extraordinary talent and bring Bel and her work to a wider audience. Her death had a huge impact on so many, but her music will live on and her story will continue to resonate for many years to come.”
This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer.
The full programme for this year’s EIFF will launch on 1 July.
EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
More information will be released about the 2026 Festival in the coming months.
EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland.
The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice
Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join Spirit Song Choir and Friends for an unforgettable evening of soulful music and uplifting vibes at St Vincent’s Chapel, Stockbridge, on Saturday 27 June, in support of the Hospice.
Featuring the internationally travelled Spiritsong Choir from Canada and the USA, this special concert marks the final night of their very first tour of Scotland. Expect an inspiring celebration of community, friendship, and music. 
This event is FREE and there will be a collection for the Hospice on the night, save your seat here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/spiritsong-choir-and…
THE World Cup is coming to Scotland’s most remote village as, thanks to Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Inverie gets its very own fan zone.
The village, which is based in the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, is only accessible by boat or via an 18-hour hike over the mountains.
In 1978, ahead of the World Cup in Argentina, 15 villagers made headlines by digging a four-mile trench and laying a cable just to get a television signal and watch Scotland’s matches.
Almost 50 years on, and with Scotland back on the world stage for the first time in nearly three decades, that same spirit lives on in Inverie. This time, Specsavers is stepping in, transforming the village hall into a big-screen fan zone so the community can come together once again.
A 100-inch screen will be installed, alongside a full-scale production setup, with a metric ton of equipment ferried across to the peninsula – a far cry from the graft and ingenuity of 1978.
Now, with a population of around 100, the entire village is set to rally behind Steve Clarke’s side as they take on Haiti in their opening World Cup match, gathering in the early hours of Sunday morning for a shared moment they won’t forget.
The event will also feature live music and complementary food and drink as the village gets set to host one its biggest events of the year.
There will be one very special Scotland fan in attendance, 66-year-old John Murdo Morrison, who was part of the group who dug four miles uphill to get the village aerial in position for a telly reception back in 1978.
Just 18 years old at the time, John is feeling the same excitement now as he did then ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
John said: “What we did in 1978 was special and the whole village is excited to be watching Scotland at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
“We’re delighted to have Specsavers and their team here to set up the fan zone and we’re glad our digging days are behind us.
“It was an incredible and challenging experience but all worth it to watch Scotland at the World Cup in Argentina.
“Hopefully Steve Clarke and the team can do us proud in America.”
Specsavers’ Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, said: “It was inspiring to hear the story of John and the 15 villagers of Inverie from the 1978 World Cup.
“The lengths Scottish people are willing to go to watch our national team never ceases to amaze me and I just hope we’ve helped made things a little easier this time with our fan zone!”
Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.
The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.
CALL FOR COMMITMENT TO THE ART WORKS IN NORTH EDINBURGH
Research by the National Galleries of Scotland has found that Scotland is on top
when it comes to accessing culture. However, despite promising results for
Scotland’s culture sector, the survey also highlights a concerning 19 per cent gap between the highest and lowest socioeconomic groups feeling like they can easily access museums and galleries.
With an increasingly challenging financial landscape for the arts sector, the National Galleries of Scotland fears that without investment this gap will continue to increase.
The UK wide polling found that 49 per cent of people in the UK felt they have easy
access to cultural space, such as museums and art galleries, compared to 64 per
cent of people in Scotland. The lowest areas were Wales (38 per cent), East
Midlands (38 per cent) and Northern Ireland (46 per cent). Scotland however is
paving the way for making culture more accessible, even beating London (54 per
cent).
Regardless of the positive outlook for overall access to cultural spaces in Scotland
there is an alarming class divide across the whole of the UK. Polling found that 59
per cent of those in the higher socioeconomic group said they felt they have access
to culture versus 37 per cent of those in the lower socioeconomic group.
Even in Edinburgh there was a significant gap between classes, with 87 per cent of those in the higher socioeconomic group feeling they have easy access to art, versus 68 per cent of those in the lower socioeconomic group.
With continuous challenges around funding for the culture sector, the National
Galleries of Scotland fears the gap will only continue to widen if there is not urgent
investment in the arts.
Scotland’s national collection of art is currently already facing massive challenges, with limited storage putting restrictions on how the collection can be accessed, shared and cared for.
Legislation sets out that the National Galleries of Scotland must look after Scotland’s collection of art on behalf of the Scottish Government for the people of the country. However, Scotland’s national art collection is currently at risk due to lack of funding for suitable storage; 97 per cent of the collection is hidden away in full and overcrowded stores with limited access for the public, of which about half is environmentally substandard.
However, the National Galleries of Scotland are yet to receive commitment from the UK or Scottish Government to fund the construction of the new state of the art storage solution, The Art Works: an innovative new c13,000s/sqm building located in an area of regeneration in North Edinburgh, a priority area for the National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Turning the notion of storage inside out, The Art Works will be open to the public and unlock wider access to art in North Edinburgh and importantly across the UK.
The survey’s findings back this, with 86 per cent of Edinburgh respondents believing The Art Works would be accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
The benefits of interacting with art are well cited. In research carried out in 2024, 85 per cent of visitors to one of the three National Galleries of Scotland venues: National, Modern and Portrait felt that their visit had a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Current storage of Scotland’s national collection limits the ability to tour it around the UK and Scotland, due to lack of space to access the art. The Art Works will eliminate the current logistical constraints, enabling loans and touring programmes across Scotland, UK and Internationally.
This would mean being able to take Scotland’s world class art collection to lots of new locations, contributing to reducing the socioeconomic divide. The Art Works will provide best in class museum standard storage spaces.
According to the National Galleries of Scotland survey, 77 per cent of UK residents
believe it’s important to look after art for future generations, yet there is a crisis in art storage.
There is also a financial upside to The Art Works, with a benefit/cost ratio of
1.31, so for every £3 spent, £4 is returned in wider benefits to Scotland.
Anne Lyden, Director – General at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “The
socioeconomic divide in access to culture in the UK is deeply concerning. Not only is our project to create The Art Works vital to the re-generation of Granton in North Edinburgh, it will also act as an enabler that will allow us to share Scotland’s incredible art collection more widely across the UK.
“Our research clearly illustrates that more needs to be done urgently to ensure every adult and child is able to experience culture. We know that the benefits of art go well beyond the financial, with visits to galleries and museums increasingly being prescribed by doctors around the world to treat anxiety and depression.
“While our research shows that people in Scotland have greater access to culture
than the rest of the UK, the reality is that this is not the case across the whole of
Scotland. National Galleries of Scotland cares for Scotland’s art collection for the
whole of the nation; however, we are failing in our duty to make art work for
everyone and share the collection across the nation.
“The Art Works is the solution and will unlock the full potential of the collection, allowing us to share it, giving greater access to everyone across Scotland and the UK, and keeping it safe for future generations. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Benny Higgins, Chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “It is
essential that Scotland does not fall behind in its ability to share and access culture.
The Art Works will provide so many benefits, including improving the accessibility of Scotland’s national art collection, enabling it to be seen by more people than ever
before.
“This incredible building will help us to share the collection across Scotland,
England, Northern Ireland and Wales, in areas who would otherwise never have the
chance to see world-class art.
“Without The Art Works we’re not only risking catastrophic failure by storing the collection in buildings that aren’t fit for purpose, we’re preventing people from having easy access to culture.
“The culture sector has been underfunded for years. It’s a sector wide issue across
all the UK and it is putting our museums and galleries in danger. Without the funding to build The Art Works, our hands are tied. Scotland’s collection is at risk, in cramped and outdated storage.
“The Art Works is a solution that offers the best value for money. We need to invest to save, and we need to do it now.”
The public polling was carried out by Yonder Data Solutions on behalf of the National Galleries of Scotland with 2,405 members of the UK public, weighted to be nationally representative on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity and region.
This included a boosted subsample of 300 respondents from Edinburgh. Fieldwork was conducted from 9 to 16 May 2025
Research by the National Galleries of Scotland has found that Scotland is on top
when it comes to accessing culture. However, despite promising results for
Scotland’s culture sector, the survey also highlights a concerning 19 per cent gap
between the highest and lowest socioeconomic groups feeling like they can easily
access museums and galleries.
With an increasingly challenging financial landscape for the arts sector, the National Galleries of Scotland fears that without investment this gap will continue to increase.
The UK wide polling found that 49 per cent of people in the UK felt they have easy
access to cultural space, such as museums and art galleries, compared to 64 per
cent of people in Scotland.
The lowest areas were Wales (38 per cent), East Midlands (38 per cent) and Northern Ireland (46 per cent). Scotland however is paving the way for making culture more accessible, even beating London (54 per cent).
Regardless of the positive outlook for overall access to cultural spaces in Scotland
there is an alarming class divide across the whole of the UK.
Polling found that 59per cent of those in the higher socioeconomic group said they felt they have access to culture versus 37 per cent of those in the lower socioeconomic group.
Even in Edinburgh there was a significant gap between classes, with 87 per cent of those in the higher socioeconomic group feeling they have easy access to art, versus 68 per cent of those in the lower socioeconomic group.
With continuous challenges around funding for the culture sector, the National
Galleries of Scotland fears the gap will only continue to widen if there is not urgent
investment in the arts. Scotland’s national collection of art is currently already facing
massive challenges, with limited storage putting restrictions on how the collection
can be accessed, shared and cared for. Legislation sets out that the National
Galleries of Scotland must look after Scotland’s collection of art on behalf of the
Scottish Government for the people of the country. However, Scotland’s national art
collection is currently at risk due to lack of funding for suitable storage; 97 per cent of
the collection is hidden away in full and overcrowded stores with limited access for
the public, of which about half is environmentally substandard. However, the
National Galleries of Scotland are yet to receive commitment from the UK or Scottish
Government to fund the construction of the new state of the art storage solution, The
Art Works: an innovative new c13,000s/sqm building located in an area of
regeneration in North Edinburgh, a priority area for the National Planning Framework
(NPF4).
Turning the notion of storage inside out, The Art Works will be open to the public and
unlock wider access to art in North Edinburgh and importantly across the UK. The
survey’s findings back this, with 86 per cent of Edinburgh respondents believing The
Art Works would be accessible to everyone, regardless of income. The benefits of
interacting with art are well cited. In research carried out in 2024, 85 per cent of
visitors to one of the three National Galleries of Scotland venues: National, Modern
and Portrait felt that their visit had a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Current storage of Scotland’s national collection limits the ability to tour it around the UK and Scotland, due to lack of space to access the art.
The Art Works will eliminate the current logistical constraints, enabling loans and touring programmes across Scotland, UK and Internationally. This would mean being able to take Scotland’s world class art collection to lots of new locations, contributing to reducing the socioeconomic divide.
The Art Works will provide best in class museum standard storage spaces.
According to the National Galleries of Scotland survey, 77 per cent of UK residents
believe it’s important to look after art for future generations, yet there is a crisis in art storage.
There is also a financial upside to The Art Works, with a benefit/cost ratio of
1.31, so for every £3 spent, £4 is returned in wider benefits to Scotland.
Anne Lyden, Director – General at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “The
socioeconomic divide in access to culture in the UK is deeply concerning. Not only is
our project to create The Art Works vital to the re-generation of Granton in North
Edinburgh, it will also act as an enabler that will allow us to share Scotland’s
incredible art collection more widely across the UK.
Our research clearly illustrates that more needs to be done urgently to ensure every adult and child is able to experience culture. We know that the benefits of art go well beyond the financial, with visits to galleries and museums increasingly being prescribed by doctors around the world to treat anxiety and depression.
“While our research shows that people in Scotland have greater access to culture
than the rest of the UK, the reality is that this is not the case across the whole of
Scotland. National Galleries of Scotland cares for Scotland’s art collection for the
whole of the nation; however, we are failing in our duty to make art work for
everyone and share the collection across the nation.
The Art Works is the solution and will unlock the full potential of the collection, allowing us to share it, giving greater access to everyone across Scotland and the UK, and keeping it safe for future generations. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Benny Higgins, Chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “It is
essential that Scotland does not fall behind in its ability to share and access culture.
The Art Works will provide so many benefits, including improving the accessibility of Scotland’s national art collection, enabling it to be seen by more people than ever
before. This incredible building will help us to share the collection across Scotland,
England, Northern Ireland and Wales, in areas who would otherwise never have the
chance to see world-class art.
“Without The Art Works we’re not only risking catastrophic failure by storing the collection in buildings that aren’t fit for purpose, we’re preventing people from having easy access to culture.
“The culture sector has been underfunded for years. It’s a sector wide issue across
all the UK and it is putting our museums and galleries in danger. Without the funding to build The Art Works, our hands are tied. Scotland’s collection is at risk, in cramped and outdated storage.
“The Art Works is a solution that offers the best value for money. We need to invest to save, and we need to do it now.”
The public polling was carried out by Yonder Data Solutions on behalf of the National
Galleries of Scotland with 2,405 members of the UK public, weighted to be nationally
representative on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity and region. This included a
boosted subsample of 300 respondents from Edinburgh. Fieldwork was conducted
from 9 to 16 May 2025.
Thousands of young people in Scotland are to be offered free vaccination against meningococcal B disease (MenB) ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and/or septicaemia, is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases.
The transition to university or college – particularly into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for the disease, as close contact with large numbers of new people increases the risk of it spreading.
The programme will start in July 2026 and two doses are essential for full protection. It is open to:
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Protecting the health of young people in Scotland is an absolute priority.
“We know that starting university or college – especially moving into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for this disease, and we are acting now, ahead of the new academic year, following recent outbreaks.
“The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record and the evidence is clear that it works. I want every eligible young person in Scotland to come forward for both doses and take this important step to protect their health as they begin what is for many of them an exciting new chapter in their lives.”
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith said: “MenB can spread rapidly in shared living environments and can lead to serious disease.
“This targeted programme offers strong protection to those most at risk, and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer, especially if you are heading to university or college for the first time.”
Further updates will provide more detail on how eligible people can take up the offer.
The World Cup is an opportunity to showcase what Scotland has to offer as a place to live, work, study, do business and visit, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The First Minister will be in Boston to undertake a series of engagements with business leaders and investors, before joining celebrations to mark Scotland’s men’s national football team’s return to the World Cup, ahead of the match on Saturday.
Mr Swinney will attend the Scotland v Haiti game at the invitation of FIFA, alongside a Scottish Football Association delegation.
A new US Export Plan has also been published to provide guidance for Scottish businesses to navigate US regulations, market competition and trade barriers, with five priority states offering the best potential for growing sales of Scotland’s eight key export sectors.
First Minister John Swinney said: “To our men’s national team, I know I speak for everyone when I say Scotland could not be prouder and the country is right behind you this weekend, and this summer.
“This is a profound moment of national joy. Our long awaited, and much celebrated, return to the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase what Scotland has to offer as a place to live, work, study, do business and visit.
“While I am in the United States, I will be meeting with business leaders and investors to strengthen existing ties and help foster new opportunities to secure further international investment into Scotland.
“Our new US Export plan will also make it easier for Scottish businesses to navigate the US market, setting out where the right customers are, what they are looking for and how to reach them.
“As we head into this weekend, I want to remind everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly and safely. For those lucky enough to travel to the US, please remember to check and follow FCDO advice.
“Come on Scotland. The world is watching. Let’s make history!”
CUP GAME ON SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
Scotland’s first digital, 360° ‘Kick & Play’ football cube, which is used by FC Bayern Munich as an immersive experience at FC Bayern World has arrived in the country for the first time at The Centre, Livingston (today, 12th June), in time for the big game in the World Cup this Sunday, 14th June.
The 16 square metre, hi-tech, skills.lab Cube, featuring interactive LED walls, which is part of the shopping centre’s ‘Kick & Play – Summer of Football’ events programme, is designed to give visitors of all ages the chance to put their skills to the test and enjoy a free immersive football experience.
The skills.lab Cube, which has permanent residency in the Bayern Munich Superstore and previously at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, and also a big hit in fan zones in Germany during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, is operated with a touch screen where players can switch between six pre-set, fun and challenging games.
These include Chase Next and Stroop, with moving, glowing targets, where the aim is to test technical and cognitive skills like passing accuracy, ball control and reaction time in short, high-intensity rounds and get the highest score, which is recorded using laser tracking technology, which provides visual and audio feedback.
It will remain in situ next to Burger King until the 30th July.
The Centre, Livingston, which has been kitted out with hanging football flags covering every nation taking part in the World Cup, will also be running lots of football-related arts and crafts during the weekends in July.
These range from designing a football strip and decorating a football money bank to making keyrings, medals and flags, which are free with donations optional for The Centre, Livingston’s charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which provides palliative care, respite, and family support to babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions.
A ‘Guess the Number of Footballs’ competition, located in a display next to schuh, is also running until the 24th July, where shoppers can enter using a QR code, which directs them to the shopping centre website, to take part. Prizes include Gift Cards from various retailers including New Look and Aerial Adventures.
Lewis O’Connor from Bonnyrigg, who was visiting The Centre, Livingston with his three children and wife and took time out to enjoy a kick about with the family, said: “The football cube is a great idea which our kids really enjoyed.
“We are big Scotland fans and heading out to Miami soon to see Scotland play Brazil, which has been a life-long dream of mine, and feels even more extra special that I’m taking my son who loves his football.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our 360°, digital football skills.lab Cube is a great way for fans to put their football skills to the test during the World Cup tournament.
“The games are great fun and provide the perfect opportunity for everyone taking part to show off their skills and get instant feedback on all their drills, passing power and goal scoring.”
For more information check out The Centre, Livingston social channels, @shopthecentre, and the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com, for competition Terms & Conditions.
