The Edinburgh International Festival announces the opening of the Philharmonia VR Experience at Space @ Broomhouse Hub, which will be available for four days of music and discovery from 20th – 24th August.
This 360° experience, which is free to attend and unticketed, brings the classical music experience to Broomhouse with the opportunity to see the UK premiere of the Philharmonia VR Experience’s performance of Vaughan Williams’s iconic piece, The Lark Ascending, performed by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Attendees will wear a VR headset which will allow them to sit right in the heart of the orchestra and experience this profoundly moving performance in astonishing detail. This VR experience will be staffed by graduates and members of Space Station, an entry level skills development course designed to support local people into the hospitality sector.
The Philharmonia VR Experience marks the first Edinburgh International Festival event held at Space @ The Broomhouse Hub which was named as the Edinburgh International Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub earlier this year. Which is an 18-month partnership exploring opportunities for creative collaboration and connection between the Festival and the local community.
Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “This is a wonderful thing to be able to bring to Broomhouse. Despite being in Edinburgh, it can often feel as though big cultural activities are set very far apart from communities like those in Southwest Edinburgh.
“This partnership will allow people to experience things they never have before or take part in things that they simply would never have considered. This is the first event as part of our link with Edinburgh International Festival and we are excited to see what the next 18 months might bring.”
This event is free and unticketed. Each slot is 20 minutes long. Listed below are the times the VR Experience is open.
Wed 21 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.00, 17.00-18.40
Fri 23 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.40
Sat 24 Aug 10.30-11.45, 13.15-14.00, 15.00-16.40
More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here: https://www.eif.co.uk/social-impact.
The Edinburgh International Festival announces the opening of the Philharmonia VR Experience at Space @ Broomhouse Hub, which will be available for four days of music and discovery from 20th – 24th August.
This 360° experience, which is free to attend and unticketed, brings the classical music experience to Broomhouse with the opportunity to see the UK premiere of the Philharmonia VR Experience’s performance of Vaughan Williams’s iconic piece, The Lark Ascending, performed by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Attendees will wear a VR headset which will allow them to sit right in the heart of the orchestra and experience this profoundly moving performance in astonishing detail. This VR experience will be staffed by graduates and members of Space Station, an entry level skills development course designed to support local people into the hospitality sector.
The Philharmonia VR Experience marks the first Edinburgh International Festival event held at Space @ The Broomhouse Hub which was named as the Edinburgh International Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub earlier this year. Which is an 18-month partnership exploring opportunities for creative collaboration and connection between the Festival and the local community.
Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “This is a wonderful thing to be able to bring to Broomhouse. Despite being in Edinburgh, it can often feel as though big cultural activities are set very far apart from communities like those in Southwest Edinburgh.
“This partnership will allow people to experience things they never have before or take part in things that they simply would never have considered. This is the first event as part of our link with Edinburgh International Festival and we are excited to see what the next 18 months might bring.”
This event is free and unticketed. Each slot is 20 minutes long. Listed below are the times the VR Experience is open:
Wed 21 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.00, 17.00-18.40
Fri 23 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.40
Sat 24 Aug 10.30-11.45, 13.15-14.00, 15.00-16.40
More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here:
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Basics of heart health and how you can reduce your risk
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, particularly with the conflicting advice found online and on social media about what is good or bad for your health. Surveys conducted in the UK revealed 33% of men and 31% of women had at least two unhealthy traits that could be harming their health.
Coronary heart disease is preventable. By minimising your risk factors and eating a healthy diet, carrying out regular physical activity, not smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption, you’re helping to keep your heart healthy. In this healthy tip, we ways you can benefit your heart health and basic ways you can look after your health.
Healthy eating
Following a Mediterranean-style diet has been proven to be great for your heart health. This way of eating highlights plant-based foods, lots of fibre and healthy unsaturated fats.
The Mediterranean diet involves consuming lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains including wholegrain pasta and rice and wholemeal breads, nuts and seeds, beans and extra virgin olive oil. Moderate amounts of fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, cheese and yoghurt. Little or low amounts of red meat, processed foods, sweets, butter and sugary drinks.
Physical activity
Carrying out regular physical activity will help to strengthen your heart muscle to reduce your resting heart rate and blood pressure. You should aim to carry out at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week, this will help you to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines and keep you healthy.
If you’re new to physical activity, then make sure you gradually introduce it into your lifestyle and don’t run before you can walk. Try making the activities part of your daily routine and make sure it’s something that you enjoy doing, this way you’re more likely to continue doing it.
Quitting smoking
Seeking support to stop smoking from professionals will help you to improve your heart health. Try setting yourself a date within the next two weeks when you’re going to stop smoking and make sure to remove all your lighters, matches, ashtrays, cigarettes and any other reminders of smoking from your house.
Within six hours of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure will improve and within two to twelve weeks your blood will pump more efficiently through your heart and muscles.
Reducing alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of developing heart disease, increase your blood pressure and cause weight gain. The NHS recommends no more than 14 units per week spread over three or more days, or skip drinking altogether where possible.
If you do regularly consume alcohol, then try to have more alcohol-free days within your week and make sure to choose lower alcoholic or non-alcoholic options where possible. If you need support to help you to reduce your alcohol consumption, seek professional help and advice from your GP.
Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this weekend for a showcase of creative talent.
In what is their debut capital city event, Tea Green Events are holding their first ever market at the beautiful venue from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August, returning with their festive market in November.
The markets’ arrival in Edinburgh is a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking run of summer markets to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Markets have also been held at Aberdeen Art Gallery, The Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, V&A Dundee and Bowhouse in Fife.
Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen who is holding a record 20 markets across Scotland this year, driven by increased demand from independent makers and the public.
Joanne said, “Our arrival at the National in Edinburgh represents a huge milestone for Tea Green Events and is a fitting finale to end our biggest ever summer run of markets which have been absolutely amazing.
“It’s extra special to be working within such a prestigious space in a superb location, a prospect I know the artists and designers are just as excited by.
“Because of the huge number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, it’s a real privilege to be showcasing the very best of Scottish craftsmanship, beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work made by some truly talented individuals.
“We’ll have everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear, letterpress stationery and ceramics, truly something for everyone!”
One of the designers preparing to set out her stall is Fiona McIntosh of Edinburgh-based Tessuti Scotland, who makes a range of hand-dyed and silk-screened accessories.
Fiona, who launched her business in 1985, said, “I’ve been involved with Tea Green right from the beginning and, although I used to exhibit in London, the Tea Green markets have replaced the need to do that. In fact, they have become my main platform for face-to-face selling.
“When you work alone, it’s always brilliant to get out there and meet new people. It also reminds you why you do what you do! As well as positioning me in front of my target audience, they’re a great way to make new business connections and meet other creatives including local stockists who are looking for new lines to sell in their shops.”
Meanwhile, Jo Walker of Jo Walker Ceramics, who originally studied jewellery design at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “Tea Green markets have made a huge difference to the way craft is portrayed in Scotland.
“In the past, art and craft have been viewed as two distinct things, with art on a pedestal and craft seen as something you tinker away with at a kitchen table. The markets have boosted the status of craft and elevated it to a presence it deserves.
“People are starting to see how much goes into making things, how much skill is involved.”
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, “We are so excited to welcome the Tea Green’s Summer Market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.
“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses.
“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people will pop in to browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National!”
The kits of essentials are being distributed by The Big House Multibank, backed by Gordon Brown and Amazon
Employees from Amazon in Edinburgh have come together to pack and donate 2,500 backpacks filled with essential back-to-school items worth more than £30,000 to help ensure local children are equipped for the new school year.
The backpacks which contain essential items for pupils returning to school this month, including stationary suppliers, water bottles, and scientific calculators for secondary pupils, were donated to The Big House Multibank which distributes essential items to families in need across in Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth.
Kirsty Thomson, Chief Executive of The Big House Multibank, said: “The start of a new school year should be an exciting time for families but with the cost of living crippling so many in our communities, it’s become yet another financial worry for them.
“Through the donation of these back-to-school essentials from Amazon, The Big House Multibank hopes to provide children with the quality items they need to start the new school year ready to learn and with a smile on their faces.”
Adele Morgan, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kit packing, said: “I had a great time packing the kits alongside my team.
“It’s a very rewarding feeling when we deliver the kits and see the difference it will make to children and families across Fife and beyond. Thank you, Amazon, for this opportunity!”
The Big House Multibank in Kirkaldy was founded in 2022 by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon and The Cottage Family Centre, together with local businesses and suppliers.
It provides surplus essentials, such as hygiene products, household essentials, school uniforms, and bedding donated by businesses, like Amazon, directly to those in need. Since launch, it has helped to distribute 2.2 million donated products to households in need across East Scotland.
Health Secretary Neil Gray has said that the level of drug misuse deaths remains “hugely concerning”, as the latest statistics showed an increase of 121 deaths compared with 2022.
Figures published by National Records of Scotland found that 1,172 people died due to drug misuse in 2023.
This is the second lowest number of deaths since 2017, with 2022 being the lowest.
During a visit to the ‘The Skylark IX Recovery Trust’ boat-building project which helps people dealing with problem drug use, Mr Gray said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.
” This level of deaths remains hugely concerning and underlines why we we will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths caused by drugs.
“We’re taking a wide range of actions through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, including opening a Safer Drug Consumption Facility pilot, working towards the opening of drug-checking facilities and widening access to life-saving naloxone.
“We will also continue to improve access to residential rehab, where we’re on track to meet our target for additional placements, and drive the rollout of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards to make treatment and support available more quickly.
“Despite this unwelcome rise, I believe that National Mission action has led to much being achieved in a short space of time, with projects delivered on an unprecedented scale making a real difference to people.
“We will intensify our efforts and are also working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.
“We’ve seen a 67% increase in funding from 2014-15 to 2024-25 and made record levels of funding, of more than £112 million, available to Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (ADPs).
“Additional National Mission funding, and support has created momentum in local areas to put services in place to save lives. We’ve now backed more than 300 grassroots projects, including the Skylark IX project in Dumbarton.”
The Dunkirk ‘little ship’ Skylark IX was rescued from the River Leven in 2010, with its restoration leading to a ‘Recovery for Recovery’ initiative helping people from the Alternatives community-based drug project.
Service users now gain hands-on training at its Boatbuilding Workshop in the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton.
Skylark IX Recovery Trust community engagement officer Amy Dobson said: “Our woodcraft workshops, funded through Corra Foundation, have been a huge success, and received with a lot of enthusiasm from those in the recovery community.
“Most people at our workshops haven’t done any woodwork since high school, and they’re now learning the skills to be able to build wooden oars and paddles for our skiffs and canoes, which will then be used within the wider community.
“Although Skylark IX will never sail again, all of our project work relates back to her story and history. Skylark IX saved lives during Operation Dynamo in 1940, and continues to act as a symbol of recovery and resilience today.”
James Currie, a previous volunteer trainee who returned as trust recovery support staff member said: “Since being a part of the Skylark IX team, I have finally found a purpose in giving back to my community and helping others to see their potential.
“When they go away from the workshops smiling and talking about how they had a nice day, enjoyed the workshop, and found connection, it gives me hope that we can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Eight Members of the Scottish Parliament, a third of all eligible Conservative MSPs, have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party.
The MSPs include Douglas Lumsden, Tim Eagle, Roz McCall, Stephen Kerr, Tess White, Maurice Golden, Finlay Carson and Sandesh Gulhane.
Endorsing Tom for Leader, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities.
Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times.
Proud champions of the union, the MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the union, but understood that if Scotland failed, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.
As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China.
As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.
The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries.
Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public.
He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values.
He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.
The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.
At the general election, the MSPs believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery.
As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs are backing Tom as they believe he will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era.
In a joint statement, the MSPs said:
“We are backing Tom Tugendhat to be our next UK Party Leader. We believe – indeed we know – that he is the best person for the job.
“A Leader to create a united party for our United Kingdom. A man of principle, service and duty.
“Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who gets Scotland, is a friend of Scotland, and is an asset to the Party in Scotland.
“We need a UK Leader who will be a help, not a hindrance, to the Scottish Conservatives in the battles ahead – Holyrood 2026 and the local elections the year after.
“We do not need a caretaker leader of the opposition, but someone capable and hungry to be the next Prime Minister for all of the UK.
“That Leader is Tom Tugendhat.“
ALSO supporting Mr Tugenhadt is newMP for Gordan and Buchan, Harriet Cross, who commented:“I am delighted to endorse Tom Tugendhat MP for Leader of our Great Party. As a newly elected MP for the Conservative and Unionist Party, it is my duty to support a Leader who will protect and fight for our Union. With Tom at the helm of the Conservative Party, the Union will always have a champion.
“This is because Tom gets Scotland. He has taken the time to attend multiple Scottish Conservative Conferences, and meet local associations and members. He is someone who cherishes the union and wants all its nations to succeed.
“As part of the new generation of Conservatives, I want a Leader who will take forward traditional conservative values for the Party to unite around, and promise we deliver for all nations. I know that Tom Tugendhat is a man of his word. When he promises something, he delivers. And in ensuring our Party rebuilds trust with the voters of Scotland on a Conservative platform, Tom Tugendhat is the best hope for our Party.”
Welcoming the support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have so many of my Scottish Conservative colleagues backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party today.
“I am thrilled to have their support. Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”
Fisheries management measures proposed in existing Marine Protected Areas to further protect and restore ecosystems
Fisheries management measures could be introduced for 20 sites in Scotland’s offshore waters that are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fulfilling a longstanding commitment to ensure protection for MPAs.
A consultation proposes either zoned or full restrictions on the use of specified types of fishing equipment – demersal mobile and static gear – at 15 sites.
For the remaining five sites, the consultation proposes a full site-wide exclusion of specified gear types where this is the only suitable option to achieve conservation objectives.
Our vision for the marine environment is clean, healthy, safe, productive, & diverse seas, managed to meet the long-term needs of nature & people
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “Scotland has beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems.
“However, the twin biodiversity and climate crises mean we must act now to support the recovery and resilience of our marine environment, and the sustainability of the communities and industries that rely on it.
“Marine Protected Areas already provide focused protection for the species and habitats in our waters. By implementing proposed fisheries management measures, we can further guard against further biodiversity loss, help to restore high priority marine features and make a greater contribution to supporting and maintaining the marine ecosystem, which in turn supports our long-term food security.
“This will help ensure our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our coastal and island communities. These proposals are the result of many years of development and we will continue to consult very closely with industry and coastal communities to hear their views.”
The Scottish MPA network now extends across more than 230 sites for nature conservation and covers 37% of Scotland’s seas.
Each individual MPA has specific conservation objectives for the features the site is designated to protect, which range from deep sea sponge aggregations to ocean quahog – a thick shelled clam which can live for more than 400 years – and cold water coral reefs.
Ellen Last, MPA and Fisheries Advice Manager at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) said: “Scotland’s offshore MPAs protect a range of important habitats and species, which provide a range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and food provision.
“JNCC has provided statutory advice to the Scottish Government, taking into account available scientific evidence on the designated features and potential impacts of activities, to help develop management measures that will contribute towards meeting the conservation objectives of these MPAs so that they can continue to benefit future generations.”
In a celebration of the 100th release of BodyCombat™, Edinburgh Leisure is hosting a day dedicated to this popular workout, loved by many across the city.
Being held on 21st September at Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre from 9.30-11.30 am, entry is free for members or just £5 for non-members.
BodyCombat is a workout combining multiple martial arts disciplines set to music which appeals to all ages and abilities as it is incredibly adaptable to the individuals’ fitness level. One of the oldest and most popular fitness class programmes, it comes sixth in popularity behind BodyPump, RPM, Aquafit, Yoga and Pilates.
Alex Smith, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Last year Edinburgh Leisure hosted 400,000 BodyCombatters across the city and we want to celebrate their commitment to the programme. Even if you’re new to BodyCombat, come along and give it a try to master the moves and feel the movement.”
BodyCombat is available at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Meadowbank Swim Centre, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre and Kirkliston Leisure Centre.
Spaces are limited so make sure you book your place now online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.
