Visually Impaired Duo Step Up for Sight Scotland at Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Bilal Iqbal from Livingston, and Ellen Verth from Edinburgh, who are both visually impaired, have teamed up to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 in support of Sight Scotland.

Bilal, who has been severely sight impaired since birth, and Ellen, who became visually impaired following a brain injury sustained in a cycling accident in 2012, have been friends for several years. Despite her own visual impairment, Ellen retains limited vision on her left side and regularly guides Bilal on outings, trips and at events.

Bilal, 31, who went to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh and now works at the Scottish Braille Press as a Braille proofreader, comments: “I have wanted to take on a fundraising challenge for Sight Scotland for some time.

“Having attended the Royal Blind School, worked at the Scottish Braille Press, and been involved with Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, I have seen first-hand the incredible work the charity does.

“Sight Scotland not only provides vital support to people with visual impairments, but also works tirelessly to improve accessibility, raise awareness, and create opportunities for people with visual impairment across Scotland. Taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk feels like a good way to give something back and help support that important work.

“It’s great to be taking part in the Kiltwalk with Ellen. We have been friends since 2018, and she has been a tremendous support to me, guiding me on days out and to events. We do something together at least once or twice a month. Ellen is truly inspirational. She has been through so much, yet she still finds time to help others. She supports me in so many ways, and I can’t thank her enough.”

Ellen, who also volunteers with Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, comments: “My accident happened in 2012.

“I was on a cycling trip with my partner near Peebles when I crashed. I do not remember the accident itself, but I was in hospital for six months and spent five-and-a-half weeks in a coma. The accident resulted in a severe brain injury that caused both visual and cognitive impairments. I can be forgetful now and sometimes get confused, which can be frustrating.

“However, I also consider myself fortunate because I still have some vision. My sight is hazy, and not good on my right side, and I may also be developing a cataract. But I am still capable, and recently I travelled to Australia and Thailand which was amazing.

“I love being part of Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, it has had a huge impact on my life. It gets me out of the house, keeps me active, and gives me a real sense of purpose. Sight Loss Councils are all about helping people and making the world more accessible for those living with visual impairment.

“Before my accident, I was always busy with work. I ran my own financial consultancy business and regularly travelled to London. Then, after the accident, there were several years when life became much quieter.

“When you are not connected with other people who have visual impairments, it can be easy to feel isolated. Being part of the Sight Loss Councils reminds us that we are not alone. We support one another, challenge misconceptions, and help people understand that we are still capable of living full, active lives and doing the things they enjoy.

“That is one of the reasons it’s so great to be taking part in the Kiltwalk for Sight Scotland. Raising money is important, but just as importantly, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges people with visual impairment face and to highlight the support that is available.”

Sight Loss Councils Scotland are run by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland and are delivered in partnership with the Thomas Pocklington Trust. There are currently three Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway.

Each Council is made up of a group of visually impaired volunteers who draw on their lived experience to address local and national issues and to champion accessibility, inclusion and equality.

For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.

Letter: Battle of Britain Day, 15th September

REMEMBERING THE FEW

Dear Editor,

As we mark the 86th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day on 15 September, we remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the remarkable generation known as ‘The Few’.

During the summer and autumn of 1940, they fought and won against incredible odds in the skies over southern Britain, helping to defend our nation in one of its darkest hours and secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

Their legacy continues to inspire generations that have followed.

This commemoration carries a deeply personal meaning for me. As a former RAF Sergeant and parachute jumping instructor, I know first-hand the challenges military service can bring. During a routine exercise, my main parachute failed and my reserve became tangled, resulting in a 6,000ft fall that left me paralysed.

With the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s longest-standing charity, I was able to rebuild my life, regain my independence and find a new purpose. Today, I am proud to serve as an ambassador, helping others understand that support is available when they need it most.

The men and women who fought during the Battle of Britain faced extraordinary pressures and uncertainty. While the nature of military service has changed over the decades, the demands placed on those who serve remain significant. Around the world, members of the RAF continue to deploy and operate wherever they are needed, often at considerable personal cost to them and their families.

That is why it is so important that we continue to honour our commitment to those who serve. No one who has served their country should face life’s challenges alone. Just as the RAF Benevolent Fund was there to support RAF personnel and their families during and after the Second World War, it remains committed today to providing support when need arises and to strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of the RAF Family, enabling individuals, families, and communities to thrive through all stages of life.  

The Battle of Britain provides a poignant reminder not only of what was achieved through courage and determination, but also of our responsibility to look after those who have served. It is a responsibility that spans generations and remains as relevant today as it was eighty-six years ago.

If you know anyone who could benefit from the life-changing services the Fund provides, you can find more details at rafbf.org, or you can call on 0300 102 1919.  

Yours sincerely,

Bob Greig

RAF veteran and RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador

Bob Greig picture by Ollie Dixon

Battle of Britain crew picture: MOD Crown Copyright

The Real Mary King’s Close celebrates record-breaking summer

Welcoming guests from over 100 nations, visitors from the US, Hong Kong and Mauritius all flocked the 17th-century site this season.

One of Edinburgh’s leading heritage attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has celebrated a record-breaking summer after welcoming 106,477 guests across June, July and August.

Admissions at the historic attraction, located beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, increased by 12% year on year across June and July, with August admissions 6% ahead of the same period in 2025.

The strong performance comes during another busy summer for Edinburgh, as visitors from around the world travelled to the capital during its tourism peak.

The Real Mary King’s Close recorded visitors from more than 100 countries and territories this summer, underlining both Edinburgh’s continued international appeal and growing interest in the city’s hidden history.

The United States was the attraction’s largest identifiable overseas market, with 6,357 visitors, followed by Canada with 1,304 and Germany with 1,037. Strong numbers were also recorded from France, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands and Italy.

Guests travelled from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania, including visitors from locations as far afield as Afghanistan, French Polynesia, Samoa, Mauritius and the Cayman Islands.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Welcoming more than 106,000 guests and achieving a record-breaking summer is a fantastic result for The Real Mary King’s Close and our dedicated team.

“This performance comes against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive tourism market, with visitors understandably more conscious of how and where they spend their money. Our team has worked incredibly hard to achieve these results and ensure that every guest enjoys an experience which offers both quality and value.

“It has been another incredibly busy summer for Edinburgh, and it is encouraging to see visitor numbers continuing to grow. Welcoming guests from more than 100 countries and territories demonstrates the enduring international appeal of the Capital and the appetite for authentic heritage experiences that bring its history to life.

“We are proud to play our part in Edinburgh’s world-class tourism offering and look forward to building on this momentum throughout the remainder of the year.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings, please visit:

www.realmarykingsclose.com

BBC Debate Night looking for Edinburgh residents to join audience

BBC Scotland’s Debate Night is coming to Edinburgh on the evening of Wednesday the 23rd of September – and local people are being invited to take part. 

The programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, gives members of the public the chance to put their questions directly to a panel of politicians and public figures and debate some of the biggest issues facing Scotland. 

Producers are looking for people with a wide range of views and experiences to join the Edinburgh audience – from students and young people to parents, carers, workers, business owners and retirees. 

16.02.22 Tinopolis Factual Group
BBC Scotland Debate Night Series 3 tx1 Stirling
Presenter Stephen Jardine



Contact KATIE COSTELLO
Production Manager
Tinopolis Factual Group

London | 4th Floor, No 1 Smiths Square, 77 – 85 Fulham Palace Road. London W6 8JA
Glasgow | 5th Floor, 5 Morrison’s Court, 20 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 3LH
m. 07811946280
e. graemehunter@mac.com”

Applications are also open here: 

https://eu.castitreach.com/ag/mentorn/debatenight/welcome.html

Sports Clubs at Craigie

Our CCHS extra-curricular sports clubs are up and running for this term. Lots of activities on offer….come along and try something new!

Spaces can be booked by scanning the QR code on the poster.

For more information, contact Paul Murray (Active Schools Coordinator) at paul.1.murray@ea.edin.sch.uk

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Letter: Students flying the nest can struggle to leave the family cat behind

29/08/2-17 – Ciaran McCrickard Photography – Tink, Hero Cat of the Year, from Shrewsbury

Students packing for university aren’t just anxious about Freshers’ Week or locating the best all-day breakfast in a new town. Many face a lesser-known emotional hurdle; parting ways with the family cat.

Leaving home is a massive milestone and feeling a sense of loss when saying goodbye to a companion you’ve shared your teenage years with is a genuine form of homesickness.

Pack a cherished cat photo, a familiar toy or a blanket your cat sleeps on to make your new room feel more like home.

Remember, you won’t be the only one missing a pet. Sharing stories and photos with flatmates is a great way to make friends and support each other. Video calls are another good way to stay in touch, especially since cats love to screen-bomb.

Back at home, cats can be unsettled by change, but a few simple steps can help. Cats thrive on routine and leaving a worn t.shirt in your cat’s favourite sleeping spot provides a comforting scent.

Families should watch for subtle signs of distress, such as changes in appetite or grooming habits, and consult a vet if concerned. But don’t worry, your cat won’t forget you. They’ll probably get over your absence faster than you will.

So, enjoy student life and look forward to the ultimate homecoming. Few things beat a warm, purr and head-bump greeting when you return for the holidays.

To learn about volunteering in your area, visit: 

cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities

Daniel Warren-Cummings

Senior Behaviour Engagement Manager, CATS PROTECTION

Brian Cox returns to The Lyceum stage for one night only fundraising event

Brian Cox, legend of the stage and screen, returns to The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Sunday 8 November 2026 for an evening of conversation and stories, looking back on his remarkable life and career so far.

As one of the founding members of The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in 1965, Brian Cox performed in the company’s first production, The Servant o’ Twa Maisters. Since then, he’s returned to The Lyceum stage in notable productions of The Master Builder (1993), Uncle Varick (2004), and most recently in Waiting for Godot (2015) where he marked the celebration of 50 years of the Company. 

In an extraordinary career, spanning more than six decades, Brian’s journey has taken him from his early years in Scottish theatre to acclaimed roles on stage and screen around the world – including his unforgettable performance as Logan Roy in Succession. His feature directorial debut Glenrothan serves as a love letter to Scotland.

In this one-off event, audiences will have the rare chance to spend an evening in the company of one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors, with a chance to submit their questions for Brian to answer. 

Money raised will go towards supporting the theatre in continuing to provide stand-out productions for Edinburgh audiences year-round and creating vital employment opportunities for creatives across Scotland. 

James Brining, Artistic Director at The Lyceum, said: “Having Brian back on The Lyceum stage is a real treat, not only because he’s one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors, but because he’s played such a significant part in our history. 

Brian’s career is a testament to the power of Scottish theatre in nurturing exceptional talent and to the importance of giving audiences the opportunity to experience the work of Scottish artists through every stage of their creative journey.” 

A limited number of VIP seats are available, which include an invitation to a pre-show reception. Starting at 6pm, the reception will include a welcome drink and a meet and greet with Brian. 

An Evening with Brian Cox is at The Lyceum on Sunday 8 November 2026.

Tickets can be found at lyceum.org.uk.  

PICTURE: David Ho

Tesco brings its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh

Tesco is bringing its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh this month giving shoppers the chance to sample food and win prizes.

The roadshow will be visiting Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra on Tuesday the 22nd of September, giving shoppers the chance to sample the perfect snacks and drinks for an evening at home at a special Best Night In living room set up in the store car park.

Shoppers will also get the chance to take part in an interactive game to win Best Night In prizes from Tesco.

Tesco UK Marketing Director Murray Bisschop said: “As we head into autumn, more and more of our customers will be looking forward to a cosy night in and we want to help shoppers across Great Britain with everything you need to make the most of those autumn evenings indoors.”

As part of the Best Night In activity millions of Tesco Clubcard members have already received free coupons for fresh Tesco Finest pizzas that can be redeemed in Tesco stores and online through its popular Freebie Thursday’s scheme.

Tesco is also offering the chance for 50 shoppers to win a Best Night In tech bundle worth £10,000, including an up to 98” 4K TCL television, a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch 2, a Sony Bluetooth turntable, a £2,500 furniture voucher, and £1,000 to spend at Tesco.

To qualify customers just need to spend in £25 in a qualifying transaction at Tesco in-store or online until October 4th*.

Sign Up for WeeRead26

What are you reading for #WeeRead26? 📚✨

Let’s come together on October 7th to celebrate the power of reading and the vital role libraries play in our lives!

From novels and comics to recipes and poems, every kind of reading matters. This is your chance to pause, pick up something you love, and join a nationwide moment dedicated to the joy of reading – and the positive impact it has on our wellbeing, learning, and everyday life.

Libraries across Scotland are ready to welcome you on your reading journey. By taking part, you’ll be joining thousands of others – schools, libraries, workplaces, community groups, families, and individuals – helping to build a Scotland where reading is valued, shared, and enjoyed by all.

Ready to inspire others? Make your pledge and share what you’re reading! Let’s show the world that Scotland is a nation of readers.

Take part here 👉https://www.weeread.scot/

#ScottishLibraries

#WeeRead

#ChooseLibraries

#ReadingForAll

swim school headline the launch of Westfield St James Quarter 

Designer Charles Jeffrey brings Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to Edinburgh

Rock band swim school headlined a night of live performance, DJ sets and Scottish design at Westfield St James Quarter on Thursday night (10 September), as the centre officially became Westfield St James Quarter with the opening of ten days of cultural programming curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey.

The evening was one of three UK events held on the same night for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, with sister events at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.

In Edinburgh, guests were treated to a headline set from swim school, a performance from drag act Jonbers, a DJ set from Jungle Hussi with guests piped down to the stage by trans piper, Malin Lewis.

Westfield Days centres around Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room, an immersive installation built from his own archive and soundscapes, and his PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products. Guests got a first look at both ahead of the wider ten-day programme, which runs at Westfield St James Quarter until 20th September.

Born in Scotland, Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.

Returning home for the takeover, he said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that inspire my work, on home turf here in Scotland.

“This is ten days of everything that’s shaped me – the music, the people, the chaotic creativity of it all – and I want Edinburgh to feel like it’s part of that story, not just watching it happen.”

Alice Johnson, singer with swim school said: “Headlining the opening night of Westfield St James Quarter was brilliant, and playing alongside everything Charles Jeffrey’s put together for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style made the night feel like something genuinely different for the city.

“Westfield St James Quarter feels buzzing – and we’re proud to have been a part of the launch.”

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said:“This is what the new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter looks like – bold and built around real creative talent.

“Becoming Westfield St James Quarter is an exciting evolution for this destination, and we wanted the launch to feel like that. Ten days of music, fashion and ideas from Charles Jeffrey, one of Scotland’s most exciting creative voices, is exactly the statement we hoped to make.”

Highlights of the Westfield St James Quarter launch included:

  • An exclusive Listening Room and soundscapes built from Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey
  • The opening of Jeffrey’s PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products
  • A headline performance from rock band swim school, alongside drag performer Jonbers, DJ Jungle Hussi and piper Malin Lewis

Guests to Westfield St James Quarter can experience a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances continuing at each centre as part of the wider Fashion Britain initiative.

Highlights include:

  • Fri 11 Sept, 5.30-6.15pm: Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation. Charles Jeffrey and V&A Dundee’s Kirsty Hassard discuss Scottish fashion history, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir. 
  • Sun 13 Sept, 10-11.30am:  Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts. A hands-on session on building a fashion image from concept to shoot, with real models. Ages 16+.
  • Sun 13 Sept, 12-1pm: Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock. An energetic Hip Hop-rooted movement session from the choreographer behind Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. Ages 16+.
  • Wed 16 Sept, 2-2.30pm: Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente. Jade Mordente explores tarot and fashion as parallel tools for self-expression.

Full programme of activity is available to view here.