Do you have fire safety concerns about someone you care for?
Have you noticed:
• burn marks in the home
• cooking regularly left unattended
• poor housekeeping
• an accumulation of possessions that restrict escape routes
Call 0800 0731 999 to book a Home Fire Safety Visit
MONTHLY LITTER PICK AND TIDY UP – THIS SATURDAY
10-11.30am
Meet at the Balfour Street entrance.
We can provide litter pickers and gloves – or bring your own.
We’ll also be doing some path edging and hole filling so please bring a shovel if you have one and want to help with these tasks.
Children are welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has launched a public petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to host a national debate to bolster safeguards for threatened listed buildings
The petition, validated on 6th June 2024 by the Scottish Parliament, calls for an urgent Parliamentary debate to address a gap in legislation that leaves listed buildings across the country vulnerable to demolition.
The current loophole allows councils to demolish listed buildings under emergency public safety powers without providing evidence to justify their actions.
The case follows the highly controversial demolition of Category B listed Ayr Station Hotel by South Ayrshire Council which is still on going.
It has been carried out due to public safety concerns, following a major arson attack last year, but without the reports or surveys to justify the decision being made public and without providing evidence that alternatives to total demolition were robustly explored.
While fully recognising the paramount importance of making dangerous buildings safe, enhanced guidance is needed to address this policy gap, setting out the minimum structural evidence and process before undertaking demolition works to listed buildings on public safety grounds, including when consulting national heritage advisor Historic Environment Scotland. This will ensure only the minimum demolition necessary takes place to make the building safe, avoiding excessive or total demolition.
SAVE’s petition is calling for policy safeguards to ensure that listed buildings like Ayr Station Hotel cannot be demolished without robust and transparent justification.
We are specifically calling for the following policy controls to be introduced alongside existing public safety legislation:
1. Enhanced policy guidance setting out the minimum evidence and processes required by local planning authorities before making decisions on demolition of listed buildings under emergency powers
2. A mandatory policy requirement for local planning authorities to engage conservation-accredited engineers in all cases involving listed buildings
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said: “We see a huge opportunity in bringing this national issue to the attention of MSPs and opening a much-needed debate on the protection of listed buildings across the country.
“These buildings are gifts to the nation from the past – and we should be taking every step necessary to ensure they are protected from unnecessary demolition – as is intended by the legislation.”
Paul Sweeney MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow, said: “This petition addresses a glaring loophole in existing policy. It is not acceptable that councils can demolish listed buildings in Scotland – using so-called public safety powers – without providing evidence to show that there is no alternative to demolition.
“It is my hope that the Scottish Parliament’s petitions committee backs this petition so that we can strengthen protections of listed buildings in Scotland.”
Jocelyn Cunliffe, acting chair of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, said: “The AHSS supports SAVE’s petition to the Scottish Government to provide enhanced safeguards for listed buildings across Scotland.
“Local authorities are empowered to act timeously to save listed buildings and it is imperative that all options be considered and that there are adequate checks and balances before demolition, which should be a last resort, takes place.”
Joe Traynor, director of The Scottish Civic Trust, said: “The Scottish Civic Trust endorses SAVE’s petition which encourages policy makers to respect and boost the protection of Scotland’s historic buildings.
“These need to be protected, reused and celebrated as unique to the make-up of our communities and places.”
Current conflict of interest
In cases involving the use of emergency powers on grounds of public safety, current legislation creates a potential conflict of interest for Local Authorities between the legal duty of Planning Departments to protect listed buildings under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1997 and the duty of Building Control Departments to make any dangerous building safe, including via demolition, under Section 29 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
The drawn-out demolition of large parts of Ayr’s Category B listed Station Hotel by South Ayrshire Council following an arson attack which damaged the building in September 2023, has brought this issue into the national spotlight.
Following the fire, the Council assumed legal responsibility for the site, with Building Control proceeding to demolish the south wing of the building, without publishing detailed evidence to justify its actions, and no requirement to gain approval from Historic Environment Scotland before doing so.
SAVE has remained consistently opposed to the council’s decision to pursue demolition and raised these issues of national heritage importance at a specially convened cross party round table at the Scottish Parliament in November 2023.
A joint letter was subsequently sent to the chief executive of South Ayrshire Council on 23rd November 2023 expressing concerns about listed buildings at risk of demolition across Scotland, including Ayr Station Hotel.
Photos published with this press release show the devastating impact of the demolition of the Station Hotel’s highly ornate south wing – and subsequently much more of the building.
In February, SAVE called for the retention of the listed building’s surviving north wing and tower as a key priority in South Ayrshire Council’s emerging vision for Ayr Town Centre which went out for public consultation in January 2024. These sections of the listed building were far less extensively impacted by the fire in September 2023 and could have formed the foundation for a refurbished modern railway station without tearing the heart out of the town.
However, South Ayrshire Council began demolition of the tower and a substantial portion of the north wing in April 2024, on the grounds of public safety. Yesterday, the council announced that this demolition is “on target” to be complete by 17th June 2024. A Dangerous Buildings Notice has been issued by South Ayrshire Council requiring the owner of the building to make the surviving section of the north wing safe.
SAVE’s petition, which addresses this loophole in legislation which allows councils to demolish listed buildings under emergency public safety powers without providing robust justification, was published on 6th June 2024 by the Scottish Parliament and is now open to signatures.
The next stage will be consideration at an upcoming Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee (CPPPC) meeting, at which point the committee will decide on what action will be taken.
This can include asking for a debate about the petition in the chamber or recommending actions for the Scottish Government. SAVE’s petition has called for an urgent Parliamentary debate.
A 19th century sundial that was accidentally run over by a lawnmower has been restored to its former glory and is on display at Heriot-Watt University Museum & Archive in Edinburgh.
The stone sundial was designed and made in 1829 by Robert Palmer, a local schoolmaster in the village of Currie on the outskirts of Edinburgh, who was also a keen astronomer, with an extensive knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
His intricately engraved sundial includes Roman numerals from 4am to 8pm, astrology symbols, the months of the year and around 50 place names including Quebec, Mecca, Mauritius, London and Waterloo.
Julia Stephen, Curator at Heriot-Watt University, explained: “When the sundial points to these places all over the world, like Calcutta or Jamaica, it means it’s noon in that part of the world.
“The sundial was really an intellectual exercise for Robert Palmer as well as an artistic one. He was almost showing off his knowledge.”
The sundial sat in the centre of the lawn at Riccarton Estate – a 248 acre parkland estate south west of Edinburgh that is now home to Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus – for around 130 years. The sundial was then removed in the 1960s when the Riccarton Estate was sold by the Gibson Craig family, who had owned the estate since the early 1600s.
“So for the last 60 or so years, only the stone base of the sundial has sat in the lawn at Riccarton, with no actual sundial on top of it,” said Ms Stephen.
“Then in 2022, the sundial makes a reappearance, when it is returned to the university by the Sudlow family, ancestors of the Gibson Craig family. But it is in a sorry state.
“At some point, the sundial had been damaged by a sit-on lawnmower, It had cracked in half and was literally in pieces. And it was almost black with surface dirt, so it needed reconstruction and restoration work.”
A specialist team of stone conservators joined the broken pieces back together and fitted a metal plate to the underside of the sundial to hold it together.
To celebrate its restoration, the sundial is on display from today, Wednesday 12June, until the end of May 2025, as part of an exhibition about Robert Palmer in the Heriot Watt University Museum & Archive.
The museum is on the lower ground floor of the Cameron Smail Library at the University’s Edinburgh Campus and is open 2-4pm on Wednesdays or by appointment.
About Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer was originally from Dumfriesshire and started teaching at the age of 17. He was the schoolmaster for 40 years in Currie, where he was also a friend of Sir James Gibson Craig, whose family owned the Riccarton Estate. The two men shared a keen interest in the sport of curling.
“Palmer helped set up the rules for the game of curling and he was a very enthusiastic and really good player,” Ms Stephen explained.
“As well as being the school teacher, he kept records for the local community. He was the local registrar, responsible for recording births, marriages and deaths, and also a kirk session clerk and president of the local Scottish school teachers’ association, so quite a pillar of the community.
“Children came from all around to be boarders in his school, because the standard of education they were getting there was significantly better than the average local school.”
Robert Palmer was also well known locally as a maker of sundials and the sundial he gifted to Sir James Gibson Craig is thought to be one of three he made. When Palmer’s old school was renovated around 1989, star charts were found painted all over the walls.
Heriot-Watt University has owned the Riccarton Estate since 1969, when it was gifted to the University by Midlothian Council, who had acquired the estate from the Sudlow family.
The address of University’s Edinburgh Campus is The Avenue, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS.
For more details about the sundial exhibition, contact heritage@hw.ac.uk.
POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 16-year-old boy reported missing from Edinburgh.
Michael Cleal was last seen around 4.45pm on Wednesday, 5 June, in the Muirhouse Avenue area.
He has connections in the south side of Edinburgh, has links to Aberdeen and is known to use public transport.
Michael is described as slim, around 5ft, with black hair. When last seen he was wearing a black beanie style hat, a black jacket with a hood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.
Sergeant Ian Fraser said: “Concerns are growing for Michael’s welfare and we need to make sure he is safe and well.
“Enquiries are ongoing to trace him and one possibility is that he may have travelled to London, Camden Town area.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who has seen Michael or may know where he is.
“If you can help please call us on 101, quoting reference number 3530 of Saturday, 8 June, 2024
Lead singer of indie-folk band, Tide Lines, Robert Robertson, treated a group of lunch-time go-ers and fans to an impromptu acoustic set in Princes St Gardens yesterday (Tuesday 11th June).
The pop-up gig comes ahead of the band headlining this year’s family-friendly Royal Highland Hoolie on Friday 21st June (presented by Farmers Bash) as part of the Royal Highland Show.
The Highland Hoolie is a celebration of Scottish Music featuring a line-up of fantastic Scottish traditional bands as well as Irish country bands and takes place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June.
For more information and tickets please visit:
https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/hoolie/.
The Royal Highland Show takes place from 20th – 23rd June.
Dear Local Stakeholders,
I am pleased to be getting in touch to inform you about two consultation events for the residents of Granton Medway regarding planned improvements to the Granton Medway Orchard and the Granton Medway Community Park area on Wednesday 26th June.
The City of Edinburgh Council have appointed AtkinsRéalis to look at potential opportunities for improvements to two areas of open space at Granton Medway.
The first site is the area of land between the two rows of housing blocks to the south of Granton Medway. The second site is the larger area of grassland siting to the north of Granton Medway.
At this early stage we are looking to gather local knowledge from the residents to help us inform both developments and shape the improvements for the communities who use them most. These improvements are looking to address accessibility, safety, biodiversity, flood water management, and general landscape improvements.
To facilitate this, we will be holding 2 separate consultation events on Wednesday 26th June for residents to drop in and talk to the team together with The City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing team at the following venues and times:
We would value any help you can provide to raise awareness of these events through your local communication networks to those who live in the area.
A fund to trial new ways of combating child poverty has opened for a second round of applications.
The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund (CPAF) will provide up to £80,000 per grant towards local projects that test and evaluate new approaches which target at least one of the three drivers of child poverty reduction: improving income from employment, supporting people with the cost of living, and increasing awareness and uptake of social security benefits.
Applications can be submitted by local authorities and health boards, who may choose to work with other groups and organisations in the community.
Ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on eradicating child poverty, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the Scottish Government and we must find new and innovative ways to achieve this.
“Measures such as the Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year, but we are determined to go further. The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will support projects that target the root causes of child poverty and create lasting change in our communities.
“Local authorities and health boards are already undertaking transformative work to tackle child poverty and this fund will support them to go further and share best practice, to help make child poverty a thing of the past.”
Applications are open until 5pm on Friday 12 July 2024.
This Carers Week (10th – 14th June) local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is highlighting the support offered to unpaid carers every week of the year
Are you an unpaid carer? Do you support another adult – friend or relative – due to their age, illness or disability? Then this could be for you!
LifeCare Edinburgh understands how important it is for unpaid carers to get a well-deserved break. The charity offers a range of respite services such as their registered day clubs, outreach care, help at home and meals on wheels services. The charity also offers a fantastic range of free drop-in activities designed for unpaid carers to relax, do something for them and meet others in a similar position.
Join LifeCare to try a new activity or get back to something you love. All unpaid carer activity sessions take place in the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street and run through the week at different days and times.
Why not pop along to Zumba on a Monday 6pm, Watercolours on a Tuesday at 11am, Painting and Sculpture for Beginners on a Thursday at 11am or Yoga on Sunday at 5pm? Everyone that joins a class receives a voucher for a free tea or coffee in the charity’s community café CafeLife based within the hub.
Thanks to these activities, carers report feeling supported, connected, valued, refreshed and overall they feel better equipped to continue in their caring role. One carer recently told us “I feel like myself again”
All activities are drop-in, no need to book, and are completely free thanks to funding from The Short Break Fund and LNER Community Fund. You’re welcome to bring along the person you care for.
To find out more drop in to the hub on Cheyne Street, call 0131 343 0940, email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Today, Wednesday 12 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch the official 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme. Once again, the programme celebrates the diverse selection of work at the Fringe, spanning genres and themes.
This year’s programme features work across 3317 shows, with themes tackling some of the most topical issues in the world today. From politics and current affairs to the environment; AI and technology to sport; LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse-led work to capitalism and the female experience; this year’s festival brings together performers from across the world, from homegrown Scottish talent to international artists travelling from near and far.
The Fringe is recognised as one of the most important cultural events on the planet, with performers from 58 countries appearing in Edinburgh this August.
Launching the 2024 Fringe programme, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘Revealing the programme is such an exciting moment for everyone involved in the Fringe, and we encourage audiences to jump right in, book some things that you know you will love, and take a chance on something new.
‘The Fringe programme is bursting with every kind of performance, so whether you’re excited for theatre or cabaret, or the best of comedy, music, dance, children’s shows, magic or circus; get ready to unleash your Fringe this August and experience the creativity, excitement and passion artists bring to Edinburgh every year.’
‘Thank you to everyone who has a hand in making the Fringe happen. To artists, venues, workers, producers, technicians, promoters and support staff, we appreciate you and hope you have a fantastic Fringe.
“Thank you to Edinburgh’s local business community for your support; to Scotland’s residents who come out in their thousands, and to all audiences who keep the Fringe buzz alive by coming to see work. Bring on August!’
In this release
Neurodiversity and neurodiverse led works
Some new shows have been added to the programme since the most recent batch was revealed on 09 May.
Join Macbeth for Bairns (Scottish Storytelling Centre, p 38)for an ‘immersive, sensory, theatrical version of Macbeth complete with bubbles’ or Cyrano (Traverse Theatre p 276) for ‘a big-hearted, irreverent rom-com for our times.’
Head to …and Jazz was born in Scotland… (The Jazz Bar p 198) to celebrate the ‘shared history between jazz and Scottish folk music’ or Ali Affleck presents: 1933 – Wild Women of the Prohibition (Argyle Cellar Bar p 197) to toast ’30 years of pioneering blues and hokum.’ Made in Scotland Gigs presented by Wide Days (La Belle Angele p 215) is the ‘perfect opportunity to connect with the Scottish music scene and get a snapshot of some of the best emerging talent.’
‘Where better to hear Robert Burns’ famous poem Address to a Haggis than at the Haggis Box Café in the Scottish Storytelling Centre!’ Drop into Address to a Haggis (Scottish Storytelling Centre p 242) ‘to hear a different surprise performer each day deliver a rousing rendition of Burns’ ode to the Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race.’
A recipient of the Keep it Fringe fund, FREAK OUT! (Pleasance Dome p 286) is a ‘multi-layered show tells the story of UK communities battling coastal erosion.’ In 45 Degrees of Perspiration (Laughing Horse @ Bar 50 p 46), Ben Harrington explores ‘complexities of climate change and promises to deliver a blend of clever observations, witty anecdotes and funny commentary,’ while Gracie and the Start of the End of the World (Again) (Assembly Roxy p 289) tells the story of ‘an immortal, nerdy, very horny jellyfish looking for love after the end of the world’.
Mother Nature (Greenside p 22) is ‘still pining for dinosaurs but crushing madly on mighty homosapiens’ while giving Planet Earth a pep talk, while ‘young people finding fragile hope in the face of an overwhelming threat’ in no one is coming to save us (Pleasance Courtyard p 312). ‘Hilarious, hopeful, and vaguely educational stand-up about hope, horror, hypocrisy and how to feel OK’ is at Stuart Goldsmith: Spoilers (A Climate Crisis Stand-Up Show) (Monkey Barrel Comedy p 158) and ‘the typical day of a California weather girl descends into a scorched earth catastrophe’ in Weather Girl (Summerhall p 338).
‘One guy attempts to perform 26,000 animals in under an hour’ at Vigil (ZOO Southside p 337) while Things We Will Miss (C Arts p 332) is a ‘meditation on the climate crisis’ exploring ‘the (potential) collapse of the Anthropocene.’ Three Scottish musicians present ‘music written to reflect the changes that are affecting wildlife’s natural habitats’ at Aardvark Trio – Wild Changes (The Jazz Bar p 195) and a ‘multimedia concert experience calling attention to the urgency of the climate crisis through original songs’ is told at The Seas Are Rising: Stories of a Climate in Crisis (Paradise in Augustines p 221).
Tania Kovats’ ongoing series SEAMARKS (Dovecot Studios p 193) is ‘multiple seascapes captured in brushstrokes, drawings and ceramics’. As part of Korean Season presented by AtoBiz Ltd, Sleeper (Assembly @ Dance Base p 180) creates ‘new perspectives on contemporary Korean traditional performing arts.’ Circus Baobab: Yé! (Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows p 172) showcases incredible acrobatics whilst bringing essential environmental issues to the forefront.
Join the ‘supercharged urban circus’ of ‘BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics and drumming’ at 360 ALLSTARS (Assembly Hall p 170). FUFC (theSpace p 286) is a ‘dark comedy and semi-autobiographical play dealing with the consequences of a life-changing moment of a diagnosis of cancer’.
Adam Riches: Jimmy (Summerhall p 257) tells the story of Jimmy Connors, one of the ‘greatest tennis players on Earth’ and his comeback after getting ‘annihilated at the US Open’, while Tennis (Zoo Southside p 180) is ‘an action-packed, poetic hunt for true fighter’s spirit’ at Wimbledon in 1980.
The Ghost of White Hart Lane (Underbelly Bristo Square p 287) tells the story of Spurs and Scotland star John White who was ‘one of the best footballers of the 1960s’ who was ‘was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old’ and ‘Ismail, a British Indian schoolboy, attempts to secure his own cricketing glory’ in the summer of 2005 while England prepares to win the Ashes at Duck (Pleasance Courtyard p 281). Find out the answers to questions like ‘‘Did football originate in Scotland? Does Argentina owe all to the Gorbals? Was the first floodlight a searchlight? Did Scotland really ban women?’’ at ScotlandsFest: We Are Scottish Football – Julie McNeill (Gladstone’s Land p 253).
The Stand Comedy Club is host to In Conversations with Pat Nevin (p 248) ‘broadcaster, author, DJ’, Michael Stewart (p 248) ‘one of Scotland’s most renowned and controversial football pundits’ and Chick Young (p 248) ‘legendary Scottish TV/radio football pundit and journalist’.
Mythos: Ragnarok (Assembly p 311) is ‘Viking mythology performed by professional wrestlers’, while you can ‘grab a pint, pick a side’ and watch ‘the best team win’ at Wrestling with the Champ: Chortle Combat (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Globe Bar p 169) Keep it Fringe recipient Chokeslam (Assembly George’s Square p 273) is a knockout solo show about one woman’s love of pro wrestling.
Join ‘performance-maker and foodie Sean Wai Keung as he gets to the centre of that most enigmatic of after-meal snacks: the fortune cookie’ at A History of Fortune Cookies (Summerhall p 225) or head to My English Persian Kitchen (Traverse Theatre p 309) to see ‘the journey of one-woman’s quest to build a new life around cooking and food.’
Start your day at The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show (Pleasance Courtyard p 267) with ‘brand-new, delicious, rotating “menus” of 10 to 15 minute comedies, eccentricities and dramas, served up with complimentary tea and coffee, croissants and strawberries.’ End it with ‘relaxing classical music by candlelight at Old Saint Paul’s Hot Chocolate at 10 (Old Saint Paul’s Church p 217) or ‘three hand-picked special drams paired with tasty tipsy treats of Scottish delicious canapes’ at Tipsy Midgie Midnight Treats (Tipsy Midgie p 188).
‘Taste each dish cooked before your eyes’ as Australia’s singing cook Michelle Pearson ‘serves up an evening of live music, cooking and comedy’ at Comfort Food Cabaret (Edinburgh New Town Cookery School p 17) or have Shakespeare for Breakfast (C theatre p 324) filled with ‘pentameter, puns and pastries.’
A Fire Ignites (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall p 284)sees a ‘teenage girl in modern-day Iran’ ‘removing her hijab in public ‘and being ‘attacked by the morality police.’ Meanwhile, ‘a captivating tale of recovery from partner abuse’ is told in a boxing ring at Angry Snatch: A Reclamation Job in 15 Rounds (Port O’Leith Boxing Club p 171).
‘Inspired by a grandmother’s incarceration for seeking independence in 1960s Australia’, BATSHIT (Traverse Theatre p 265) is an ‘unexpectedly funny and deeply intimate story of female madness.’ With ‘original songs, music videos from her past and the inside scoop on scams and pedophiles’, hear how Devon tried to be a teen pop star in Devon Drew: Pop Star (ZOO Playground p 82).
Do Not Look Away: The Story of Medusa (Scottish Storytelling Centre p 280) is a ‘moving storytelling performance with live musical accompaniment’ while After Troy (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall p 258) asks ‘what can the fates of the women left behind’ after Troy falls ‘tell us about the survivors of conflict today?’
‘Ever wanted to know what really happens in the VIP room?’ Head to Ask A Stripper: No Holes Barred (Laughing Horse @ Dragonfly p 14). Meanwhile, A Girl Gets Naked In This (Bedlam Theatre p 287) features an all-women cast bringing a ’series of monologues about sex.’
Join Endometriosis as she takes you on a tour of the inside workings of Anna’s body at ENDHOE (Greenside @ George Street p 87). At Good Luck, Cathrine Frost! (Assembly George Square Studios p 289), hear ‘about the universal act of being born, and how Socrates ‘forgot’ to talk about it.’
When accused by her tech-bro fiancé of being ‘too emotional’, overachieving journalist Anya prepares a slide deck to save her relationship at Psychobitch (Summerhall p 318). PALS (Gilded Balloon Patter House p 314) is a Scottish adventure-comedy play featuring ‘four crude, chaotic yet completely normal gal pals as they embark on a camping trek in the west of Scotland.’
A Day in the Life (Greenside @ Riddles Court p 245) is a ‘solo narrative navigating life with neurodiversity’ and Eccentrics Assemble – Guerilla Autistics Year 10 (Laughing Horse @ Bar 50 p 282) introduces ‘legendary outsiders like Emily Dickinson, Spike Milligan, Screaming Lord Sutch and Patricia Highsmith.’
‘Mind-reading and unbelievable trickery abound in this exploration of how autism and magic make anything possible’ in Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet (theSpace on the Mile p 24). Keep it Fringe recipient NeuroChatter (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall p 311) sees ‘one actor taking on the role of three alter-egos in this tragi-comic psychodrama: Mike, an eccentric, scatter-brained academic in training; Elliott, a defensive yet laid-back aspiring artist; and Host, the reluctant, vulnerable core-self hiding beneath.’
Arielle Dundas: Hyperactivity Disorder (Just the Tonic at The Caves p 61) is ‘relatable for people with ADHD’, ‘informative for people without it’ and ‘hilarious for everyone.’ Baby Belle: Young, Dumb and Full of Autism (Greenside @ George Street p 15) is a ‘musical exploration of social versus personal identity from the perspective of a late-identified and diagnosed non-binary autistic person.’ Driver’s Seat: Obsessive Compulsive Disaster (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall p 281) is a ‘twisted ride through OCD, an epic break-up, major breakdown, coming out and (just possibly) learning to drive.’
Joe Wells – Daddy Autism (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth p 107) is a ‘show about wanting to be an autistic dad’ while Josephine Lacey: Autism Mama (Pleasance Courtyard p 108) is exploring a mother helping her autistic son through puberty.
Transhumanist (Assembly @ Dance Base p 181) is a ‘duet between two male dancers who unfold in an alluring universe where the boundaries between artificial and human nature dissolve’ while Long Distance (A Cyber-Dialectic of Falling In and Out) (ZOO Playground p 303) watches two boys fall in love ‘through an exchange of texts over one year.’
Influenced (Greenside @ Riddles Court p 296) follows ‘the rise to power of an insecure YouTuber. In his struggle with truth, trust and toxic masculinity, what will he do with his new empire?’ Meanwhile, in Do You Know What Comes Next? (The Stand Comedy Club 5 & 6 p 245) explores that ‘by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will be impacted by hearing loss’ and ‘reveals how your brain processes and predicts conversations to help develop the hearing aids of the future.’
As part of Korean Season, You & It: The Musical (Assembly Checkpoint p 241) tells a ‘beautiful and sad love story about a human husband and his wife, who dies and come back as AI.’ In Picasso 2033 (C ARTS | C venues | C aquila p 316), ‘dive into a future where AI dominates art, and explore the essence of creativity and identity amidst technology’s tide.’
It’s 225 years ‘After Download’ in Away Went the World (theSpace @ Venue45 p 263) and ‘Sarah lives in OutpostCaanan, apart from the AI-dominated Overworld. When a strange girl arrives in her community, Sarah must decide: protect those she loves, or trust what she cannot understand.’ In Mitch Benn: The World’s Cleverest Idiot (Underbelly, Bristo Square p 129), Mitch considers how artificial intelligence is no match for good ol’ organic stupidity, and (from experience) how actual intelligence can’t save you from being unbelievably cretinous…’
It’s the Economy, Stupid! (Pleasance Dome p 297) attempts to ‘uncover how the economy wins elections, and why the force that dominates our lives is so bloody complicated’ while ‘a team of young co-workers try and get through their day whilst navigating a broken system’ in Badger (theSpace on the Mile p 264). Gamble (Summerhall p 286) is ‘a glittering, glamorous peek into the spectacular world of online gambling’ and explores ‘addiction and its effect on families, friends and communities.’
‘Learn how to outmanoeuvre your colleagues with an obnoxious LinkedIn profile, a passive-aggressive email and the phrase ‘circle back’’ at Wankernomics: As Per My Last Email (Pleasance Courtyard p 166). Meanwhile Art of Selling Out (Greenside @ Riddles Court p 61) will teach you how to ‘sell out your Fringe show in an immersive pyramid scheme parody paired with a side of manipulation and capitalism.’
‘The remnants of Liverpool stand as a testament to the neglect of the UK in dystopian fantasy’ Hoarderz (theSpace @ Niddry St p 292) and ‘America is on fire’ in Maggie Chavez: Letters from America (Laughing Horse @ Downstairs at Betty’s p 121), a ‘hilarious dissection of the American condition.’
A Bee Story (Assembly George Square Gardens p 31) is a ‘unique physical theatre show for children and families’ telling the story of ‘Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must rebuild their hive together, while a professional violinist and cellist performs ‘familiar classical melodies and tells a musical version of The Gingerbread Man’ at Wriggle Around the World (Stockbridge Church p 41).
Join Absolute Improv! (theSpace on the Mile p 50) for ‘spontaneously sparkling family-friendly performances never seen before, and never to be seen again’ or solve a murder mystery at A Brief Case (Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters p 69), with ‘family-friendly fun for everyone, from nursery to nursing homes’.
Uh Oh Spaghetti-Oh! (Pleasance Courtyard p 41) features ‘tracks with catchy lyrics and easy dance moves that celebrate childhood, promising fun and laughter for all’. In both Italian and English, ‘servants Pasta and Pizza are tasked by their master with bringing Commedia dell’Arte masks to life’ in Masquerade Mask (C ARTS | C venues | C aquila p 307).
Knight, Knight (Underbelly, George Square p 114) is a ‘wild romp through a medieval world you thought you knew.’ At The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle (Lauriston Castle p 25), you can ‘travel back in time to a world of clandestine laboratories, hidden passages and secret rooms…’
Puppet Zoo Adventure! (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Little Plaza p 39) blends ‘laughter and learning’ in a show where ‘animals come to life’, and if you’re ‘tired of grown-ups being know-it-alls’ and want to win prizes, head to The Kids Always Win (Gilded Balloon Patter House p 37), a ‘game show where the kids always win.’
300 Paintings (Summerhall p 257) ‘examines 300 paintings created during a five-month long manic bipolar episode’, ‘exploring art, mental health and creativity’ while The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack (ZOO Playground p 246) uses ‘theatre, dance and poetry reading to reveal the connections between mental health, art and pancakes.’
Lost in Wonder (Nicolson Square Park p 186) is an ‘immersive experience of storytelling and spirituality for passers-by to explore’ where you’ll find ‘a moment of connection, encounter and creative meaning-making in the midst of the busy city.’
‘Mentally unwell man Alastair Clark’ takes the hypothesis ‘comedy is therapy’ to ‘its logical conclusion’ in Alastair Clark: And Then He Turned the Fun on Himself (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Slow Progress Cafe and Records p 52), while ‘a man attempts to map aspects of his mental health through perhaps the worst medium possible: poetry’ in Reflections Upon an Ugly Little Soul (Greenside @ George Street p 319).
Love Your Work (Greenside @ George Street p 176) brings ‘the love of minds and the medium of dance together to open conversations on mental health and wellbeing.’
As always, shows are popping up in unique and surprising spaces around Edinburgh and beyond during August. You’re Needy (sounds frustrating) (Buccleuch Terrace p 342) takes place in a bathtub and is for an audience of one, exploring ‘a woman’s retreat from everyday life in pursuit of peace, solitude and ‘wellness’. The Bookbinder (Buccleuch Terrace p 268) ‘weaves shadow-play, paper-art, puppetry and music’ in an atmospheric bookshop.
As well as their new year-round home Hootanannies @ Home Street, Hootenannies have introduced yurts, hosting over 30 shows, including Suchandrika Chakrabarti: Doomscrolling (p 159) with Suchandrika trying to ‘explain chronically-online era to her niece (5), a ‘soothsaying laundry hag, a doe-eyed starlet and the mob’s dry-cleaner’ in Ozzy Algar: Speed Queen (Work in Progress) (p 136)and Femme Fatigue (p 87), one woman’s story living with chronic fatigue.
C alto is a new venue for C Arts at the Quaker Meeting House. Pleasance have introduced a new space, Grotowski Institute at Pleasance at EICC for three shows including Nobody Meets Nobody, ‘a physical theatre of emotions’ (p 312).
The Hibernian Supporters Club, local Edinburgh social club, joins the Fringe as a venue, hosting Athens of The North (p 263), ‘an episodic, interwoven monologue and love letter to the city of Edinburgh’. Mad Dogs and an Englishman, a comedy show about dog training (p 120), takes place in a new venue over in Portobello, The Wash House.
The two musicals Deacon Brodie, about ‘real-life drama in a shadowy world’ (p 230)and FLESH, the ‘real-life drama of Burke and Hare, Scotland’s first serial killers, with a comic twist and original folk rock songs’ (p 232) both take place in new venue The Mackenzie Building.
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Little Plaza is a new space for children’s shows in a year round play café.
No. 11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie is a new venue near Easter Road, offering both A Cup of Tea with George Eliot (p 275) and an exhibition on Pigeon Poo (p 192).
Miriam Margolyes visits Edinburgh with her new show Margolyes & Dickens: The Best Bits (Pleasance at EICC p 306) performing Charles Dickens’ most iconic characters. Adam Kay: Undoctored (Edinburgh Playhouse p 51), the ‘bestselling show of 2023’, returns for one night only.
‘In this election year, only one comedian can kill the mood even further’ in this work-in-progress Nish Kumar: Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Work-in-Progress) (Monkey Barrel Comedy p 133). Joanne McNally is back in Edinburgh with Joanne McNally: Work in Progress (Assembly George Square Studios p 106) after her ‘sold-out global tour with of Prosecco Express.’
‘Fumbling a flute on Would I Lie to You, combusting over a Cork accent on Radio 5 Live, scaring the Traitors’ Diane with a T-shirt of her face’, join Ivo for more at Ivo Graham: Grand Designs (Pleasance Courtyard p 102). Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show (Pleasance Courtyard p 138) is an ‘hour of fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laugh-out-loud surrealism from two masters of comedy improvisation and special guests.’
David O’Doherty: Ready, Steady, David O’Doherty (Assembly George Square p 81) has ‘written a new megaconcert of talking and songs’ while Dara Ó Briain: My Entire Life is a Work In Progress (Work in Progress) (Assembly Rooms p 80) has his ‘first Edinburgh run since 2005, as he prepares for his next global tour.’
Hannah Gadsby is back at the Fringe ‘for the first time since 2017, when they won the Edinburgh Comedy Award (and an Emmy)’ with Hannah Gadsby: Woof! (Underbelly, Bristo Square p 95). ‘After getting a dog, and her dog coming on heat, a series of strange events started to happen in Grace’s life’, leading to Grace Campbell Is On Heat (Gilded Balloon at the Museum p 94).
‘Flippant and fabulous’, ‘wicked sharp and delightfully silly’, ‘gender non-conforming and genre non-conforming’, ALOK makes a return to the Fringe with ALOK (Underbelly, Bristo Square p 56). As seen on I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Shrill, and The Lost City, Patti Harrison returns to Edinburgh with Patti Harrison: My Huge Tits Huge Because They Are Infected NOT FAKE (Pleasance Courtyard p 136).
After a sold-out run at the Fringe in 2023, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK’s Lawrence Chaney’s back with Lawrence Chaney – From Holyrood to Hollywood (Saint Stephen’s Theatre p 116). As seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Taskmaster Australia and Netflix, Rhys Nicholson brings a ‘brand-new, hour-long, stand-up comedy concert’ with Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations! (Underbelly, Bristo Square p 144).
Lucy Porter: No Regrets (Just the Tonic at The Caves p 119) is ‘a well-known TV face (Live at the Apollo, QI), a much-loved radio voice and Celebrity Mastermind Champion of Champions.’ Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? (Pleasance Courtyard p 133) ‘delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a hysterical reality warp.’
Come join comedian Sara Pascoe at Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop (WIP) (Monkey Barrel Comedy p 148) as she ‘reconsiders and reconstructs herself after having two babies and very little sleep’ or join Rosie Jones as she ‘ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between’ at Rosie Jones: Triple Threat (Pleasance Courtyard p 147). At Sue Perkins: A Piece of Work in Progress (Pleasance Courtyard p 159), Sue tells us she ‘is a mess, but because she wears glasses and uses adverbs, people are fooled into thinking she’s together.’
Live podcasts at the Fringe this year include Nish Kumar’s and Coco Khan’s ‘weekly political podcast’ Pod Save the UK – Live! (Monkey Barrel Comedy p 140), No Such Thing As A Fish (Edinburgh Playhouse p 134) celebrating 10 years of podcasting, the live comedy podcasting phenomenon The Guilty Feminist (Gilded Balloon at the Museum p 95) and The Political Party With Matt Forde (Gilded Balloon at the Museum p 141).
Drop Dead Gorgeous: A New Musical (Work-in-Progress Concert Series) (Pleasance Dome p 230) ‘based on the cult-classic film’ features an original score written and performed by Riki Lindhome (Netflix’s Wednesday).
Fringe First Winner Apphia Campbell returns with Through the Mud (Summerhall p 333), ‘two generations of women activists in the struggle for black liberation in America.’ Winner of Best Newcomer, Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2023 Urooj Ashfaq is back with Urooj Ashfaq: It’s Funny To Me (Work in Progress) (Assembly Roxy p 165).
Fringe sell-out show 2022 and 2023, The Kaye Hole Hosted by Reuben Kaye (Assembly George Square Gardens p 21), is back and is ‘queer, messy and f*cking hilarious. The hottest late-night ticket in town.’ Rob Madge’s sell-out, award-winning show Rob Madge: My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do) (Underbelly, Bristo Square p 321) returns to Edinburgh Fringe. Join Rob as ‘they set out to recreate their childhood Disney Parade – and nobody is gonna rain on it.’
There are 354 free shows and 577 Pay What You Can/Want shows in this year’s programme.
10,000 Digits of Pi (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth p 47) ‘blurs the line between audience and performer, and makes you wonder if it’s a play or even a comedy show altogether’ while Comedy Cluedo (Laughing Horse @ Eastside p 75) audiences are ‘guided through Lucy’s personal version of classic murder-mystery game, Cluedo, to uncover the clues and jokes to solve the crime’.
‘Imagine an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman finally in the same bar as a therapist’ and you have Five Mugs, No Tea (Leith Depot p 89). Join Juliette on a ‘journey from cosplay to confidence’ at Juliette Burton: Going Rogue (Laughing Horse @ The Counting House p 109). Steffan Alun and Support: Free Stand-Up, but at What Cost (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth p 157) is Steffan ‘working through his latest identity crisis the only way he knows how – with 40 minutes of excellent free comedy.’
Go to Off With Your Head! (Laughing Horse @ 32 Below p 134) for a show that’s ‘part comedy, part improv, part video game and part choose-your-own-adventure’ or learn about ‘rare, historical, often beautiful and sometimes funny’ ancient coins at Ancient Coins of Forgotten Kingdoms (PBH’s Free Fringe @ Burrito ‘n’ Shake p 31).
The Fringe Society are grateful to their wonderful sponsors Johnnie Walker Princes Street, TikTok, Cirrus Logic, Innis & Gunn, Playbill, JetBlue, Indeed Flex, and Edinburgh Gin.
The Fringe Society are grateful to the UK Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their funding for the Keep it Fringe Fund and their generous support of the new home for the Fringe Society.
They are grateful for funding through the PlaCE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government – through Creative Scotland – the City of Edinburgh Council and Festivals Edinburgh; and to the Scottish Government for Made in Scotland through the Festivals Expo Fund – managed through Creative Scotland.
Many thanks to EventScotland and City of Edinburgh Council for their support of Fringe street events, and to Crowdfunder for supporting artist and venue crowdfunding.
Thanks to Screen Scotland for their support of Screen Fringe, and Bloomberg Connects for their partnership in creating a new digital guide, sharing the history and stories of the festival.
Their thanks also to Fringe Patrons, Friends, the Northwood Charitable Trust, and donors.
The Fringe Society would also like to thank accommodation partners who provide much needed affordable accommodation to artists – Queen Margaret University, the University of Edinburgh, Theatre Digs Booker, Heriot-Watt University and Napier University. Health in Mind are also returning in 2024 to support the delivery of mental health and wellbeing services within Fringe Central. Thanks also to those who provide support in many other ways, including Virgin Hotel Edinburgh and the Kimpton Hotel Edinburgh.
This year, the Fringe Society are delighted to welcome Edinburgh International Film Festival to the Fringe community, in a partnership that will showcase their world-class programme of cinema across the city – including in Fringe venues – and allow audiences to experience work from the Fringe and Film festivals side-by-side.
Supported by £1 million from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) over two years (2024 and 2025), the Fringe Society is supporting 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year. The fund received 749 applications, which were reviewed by 30 independent assessors.
This year’s recipients reflect the diversity and variety that makes up the Fringe. Work covers a range of subjects from immigration to fake news and imposter syndrome to séances, ADHD diagnoses to fortune cookies, and sibling dynamics to addiction, with companies and artists covering nearly every genre in the Fringe programme. Representing a mix of free and ticketed shows, 41% of the successful applicants identify as disabled or have a health condition, and more than one in three come from a working-class background. Read more about the Keep it Fringe recipients this year: Keep it Fringe fund 2024: recipients announced | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Fringe Central this year is at the Grassmarket Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, in partnership with the Grassmarket Community Project. Fringe Central is a fully accessible and inclusive space for Fringe artists, arts industry and media, open between 10:00 and 17:00, seven days a week. This space is for anyone, and everyone involved with the festival.
Artists can access Fringe Society services and take advantage of local mental health charity Health in Mind’s mental health and wellbeing support. Services will include one-hour person-centred support sessions, tailored to the artist’s needs, providing an opportunity to explore any difficulties artists are having while performing at the Fringe.
Industry and media can access Fringe Society ticketing and accreditation services, and meet with Arts Industry and Media teams, while benefitting from a quiet place to work.
The Fringe Society will be hosting a programme of participant-focused events, including discussions of topics relevant to the sector and social/networking meetups, such as workshops on touring, networking, pitching, social media marketing. Read more about the 2024 Fringe Central programme here: Fringe Central events programme 2024.pdf (hubspotusercontent-eu1.net)
The world-famous Fringe street events will take place in their usual home of the High Street and the Mound, and feature international street performers and buskers, mingling with Fringe artists and other festival favourites to provide a fun and varied family-friendly experience. With thanks to Unique Events, who will manage the Mound street events area. The street events will run daily from 02–26 August – you can find out more, including daily listings for street performers and how you can take part, at Fringe street events | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com).
Street performances interpreted in British Sign Language will take place on 11, 17 and 22 August in West Parliament Square. For a comprehensive list of BSL interpreted, captioned, audio described and relaxed performances on offer at the Fringe, please visit Accessible shows | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Through the Community Stage, there will be performance opportunities for schools and community groups from Edinburgh and the Lothians on a Fringe stage on the High Street on 22 and 23 August. Contact: communities@edfringe.com
The Fringe Days Out programme continues for its sixth year with 37 long-term community partners, including four new partnerships for 2024. The scheme provides Fringe vouchers, bus tickets and additional support to people in Edinburgh who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the festival. Since 2017, there have been 16,000 Fringe visits through Fringe Days Out. Find out more: Fringe Days Out returns in 2024 to help Edinburgh communities engage with the Fringe | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Local communities will have the opportunity to enjoy Fringe at… events, running from July to August. Three events will take place with participating organisations: Broomhouse Street Party, Valley Park Community Centre and another to be announced.
Through Community Ticketing Initiative (CTI), participating Fringe artists and companies generously donate free tickets for people in and around Edinburgh who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the festival. Each year, more than 50,000 shows donate tickets. We are incredibly appreciative to these artists. Find out more: Community ticketing initiative (CTI) | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
The Fringe Society remains committed to improving access to the Fringe. Through a number of projects, the ambition is to ensure the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is as accessible to as many people as possible.
60% of Fringe shows in the 2024 programme are accessible to wheelchair users, with 158 Fringe venue spaces currently accessible to wheelchair users.
For more information please visit
https://www.edfringe.com/experience/how-to-plan/access-at-the-fringe
After the success of previous years, the Fringe Society is supporting local schools and teachers to experience the Fringe. This includes our Fringe Days Out – Schools work, which supports three Edinburgh secondary schools: Gracemount High School, Tynecastle High School and St Augustine’s RC High School.
Eight young people from these Fringe Days Out schools have spent the past eighteen months in the pilot project of the Young Fringe Ambassadors. They have been introduced to Fringe venues, learnt about programming, had a session with Artist Services, seen shows at the Fringe, met with creative professionals in a speed networking session, and are now attending monthly workshops at Edinburgh College exploring various aspects of performing arts. Work shadowing opportunities taking place in Fringe venues and events during August.
Schools in North Edinburgh can apply for up to £400 to spend on seeing shows at the Fringe or inviting Fringe artists into their school through the Fringe Be Inspired fund.
Find out more: Schools call-out: apply for the Fringe Be Inspired Fund | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
