Two FREE open house weekends at Leith St. Andrew’s Trust’s “The Heart of a Community”, a new exhibition at the church, celebrating its history, its role in the community to date and its future potential.
These open days are free and un-ticketed.
“Leith St. Andrew’s Trust invites you to join us in reflecting on the past, learning more about our own local history and helping to shape the future of Leith St. Andrew’s Parish Church at The Heart of the Community.
This event will be a lovely opportunity to see the exhibition space, meet our historian, trustees & volunteers, engage with other community members and enjoy learning more about the cultural heritage of this wonderful building.”
The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has delivered products worth £2,500 to Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The Scot Baby Box Appeal supports families with newborns in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes filled with essential items, alongside supplies for relief efforts and other critical necessities, helping to ensure that every newborn has a safe and nurturing start.
A group of 92 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline packed and delivered the sorted pallets to the charity’s hub in Coatbridge. The donation included essential items such as toiletries, clothing and drinks.
Alongside the delivery of pallets, seven employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline volunteered at the charity’s warehouse to support with the team’s sortation and space management support to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The charity has been supported by Amazon since 2022, with the fulfilment centre team in Dunfermline making donations and volunteering for almost three years.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Scot Baby Box Appeal provides excellent support to families across Scotland and Ukraine.
“Amazon in Dunfermline has a longstanding relationship with the team at Scot Baby Box Appeal and we’re pleased to contribute once again to the efforts of the staff and volunteers with this donation.”
Christina Watson, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “I’m pleased that I can take part in supporting the charity for a second time this year and I can’t wait to see the relationship between Amazon Dunfermline and Scot Baby Box grow even further.”
Gail Maguire, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their continued support with this donation. Their help is always greatly appreciated, especially on the run up to Christmas.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing up for Play & Try coached activities. As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.
Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 17th February – 21st February where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session.
Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.
Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Jump & Dive Skills, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters.
Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Kirkliston Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Warrender Swim Centre and are suitable for babies and toddlers.
For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the February fee waived.*
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.
To celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19th and 20th century Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in partnership with the Sir Patrick Geddes Trust is holding a day of workshops, screenings, talks and discussions as part of Edinburgh’s 900 programme on Saturday, 22 February.
Patrick Geddes by Kenny Hunter on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
The day looks to the future, structured around Geddes’ key sayings including ‘By Creating We Think’ and combining ideas with practical initiatives that can open pathways into ecology, culture and creativity to create a city rich in local, national and international identities.
Speakers include environmental artists Kenny Munro and Claudia Zeiske; Murdo MacDonald who is a leading writer and original interpreter of Patrick Geddes; environmentalist and nature writer Mandy Haggith; Bengali storyteller Neel Debdutt Paul; Samuel Gallacher who is Director of Sottish Historic Buildings Trust and has had close involvement with the ideas and legacy of Geddes; and many other writers, activists and thinkers.
Patrick Geddes was an ecologist and town planner who believed that our future lies in the merging of the natural world with human culture. He also championed the need for science and society to work together, citizen action, creative learning, and the need for green space.
Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Festival and Programmer of ‘By Creating We Think’ said: “Geddes would have loved to be at this event.
“His method was to bring people together and let the ideas and passions flow. Of course in a sense he will be there, and I can’t think of anyone more important to have at Edinburgh’s 900th celebrations.”
Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust said: “Geddes’ revolutionary thinking has influenced more than a century of practice, and yet still, his ideas and methods have still so much to offer to society today as we reflect, as Geddes did in his own time, on our rapidly changing world.”
‘By Creating We Think’ is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of Edinburgh’s 900th year celebrations and The Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust. It will be the final event in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s programme of over 40 community events across the city that have been attended by more than 1600 people.
By Creating We Think Saturday 22 February from 10.30am to 5pm Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
A day of talks, workshops, screenings and lively discussion to celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19thcentury Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes,
The event is ticketed on a ‘pay as you can’ basis.
Introduction and hosting by Andrew Bachell, environmentalist and Chair, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
Re-Naturing a Nation:Mandy Haggith, poet, novelist and nature writer. Greening the City: Bridgend Farmhouse with John Knox and Will Golding.
Think Global, Act Local
Cultures in Conversation: environmental artist Kenny Munro and storyteller/writer Neel Debdutt Paul explore a web of connections between Patrick Geddes and India.
Cultures in Conversation: Tom Hubbard writer and researcher; Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator; and Iliyana Nedkova Curator of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland, explore a web of connections between Geddes, France and Europe.
Place, Work, Folk
Remaking and restoring – a participative session led by Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator.
By Living We Learn
Geddes, Tagore and Education – the work of Stewart A Robertson and Bashabi Fraser introduced by Donald Smith
The Making of Books: By Publishing We Think – Murdo MacDonald, Art Historian and Essayist.
A Geddes Future in Edinburgh’s Old TownSam Gallacher, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
Aldi is looking to recruit over 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, including in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket is welcoming applications for its apprenticeship scheme, with opportunities now live across stores and warehouse roles.
At Aldi, Store Apprentices can earn £8.61 per hour, rising to £12.07. Inside the M25, Store Apprentices can earn £8.84 per hour, rising to £12.72. Meanwhile, those in warehouse roles can earn up to £11.18 per hour.
Successful applicants will be able to gain industry-recognised qualifications while they earn and will have access to a number of additional benefits, including a range of shopping discounts, a bike to work scheme, 28 days’ paid holiday (including bank holidays) and a mortgage advice option where colleagues can seek free mortgage advice and access mortgage education.
Aldi is also one of the only UK supermarkets to offer paid breaks.
Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said:“We have found so many hard-working and ambitious people through our apprenticeship scheme over the years, and we’re excited to welcome the next intake of individuals to join our Aldi community.
“Through the scheme, candidates will gain valuable transferable skills, become experts in their roles, and receive industry-leading pay at one of the UK’s top grocery retailers.
“We’re keen to attract individuals from all backgrounds, and we really encourage anyone who is interested to apply, no matter your level of experience.”
It’s officially time to put down the screens and jump into a world of excitement at Gravity Active Edinburgh.
From February 15th to 23rd, Gravity Active are offering a jam-packed lineup of activities that promise non-stop fun for all ages, perfect for letting kids blow off steam after completing the first term of the year.
Whether you’re bouncing through the air, tackling climbing walls, or dancing under neon lights, there’s truly something for everyone.
Action-packed adventures for all ages
Get ready for thrilling Open Jump sessions, high-energy Daytime Discos, inflatable obstacle courses, and challenging climbing walls. Better yet, with so many activities on offer, parents will never hear “I’m bored” again! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep children fit and active over the break.
The Open Jump sessions give you full access to all activity areas—perfect for showing off your moves or just jumping for fun. For a high-energy twist, the Daytime Discos mix trampolining with a dance party atmosphere. Music, lights, and plenty of bouncing make for a perfect family outing.
Climbing, inflatables and more!
Scale new heights on the Gravity Rocks climbing walls, or race through the inflatable adventure zones for guaranteed laughs and thrills. When the sun sets, the fun continues with After Dark sessions—glow sticks, neon lights, and even more jumping and dancing.
Refuel and relax
To fuel all that energy, the Gravity Active Café offers a selection of delicious snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, giving you the perfect place to refuel and relax during your adventure, while keeping you close to all the fun.
Book your half-term adventure today!
Don’t miss out on the action – book your spot today and get ready to jump, climb, and dance your way through an unforgettable half term.
For more information or to book your session, visit:
Three men arrested in connection with the seizure of Class A drugs in West Lothian have been charged in connection with serious and organised crime and drugs offences.
They are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February, 2025.
It follows an operation on Thursday (6 February 2025) where officers seized drugs worth an estimated ONE MILLION pounds.
Warrants were executed across West Lothian resulting in four people being arrested in connection with organised crime and drugs offences.
The activity was a part of an ongoing investigation, Operation Silhouette and is led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.
Locations visited included Fauldhouse, West Calder, Polbeth and Livingston.
Officers recovered 21.5kg of Cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £1,000,000, and seized around £80,000.
A woman aged 54 and three men aged 29, 35 and 54 were arrested. The woman was released pending further enquiries.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott said: “This is a significant seizure and continues to highlight our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply and protect those in our communities affected by illegal drugs.
“We work every day to protect the public to prevent drugs being circulated on our streets. This is vitally important in addressing the concerns of local people.
“Our operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Information and support from the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about drug activity in their area to contact us via 101.”
We are very pleased to announce an event with author Emily Kenway, on her ground-breaking and unflinching examination of the crisis in care and the experience of caring for a sick or disabled loved one.
We will host Emily in the library on the evening of the 26th of February. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so please speak to a member of staff at the desk, or give us a call on 0131 529 5651 to book your ticket.
This event is likely to be relevant to you if you have experience of giving or receiving care, or may do in the future. Which pretty much covers everyone!
We are excited to announce the screening of “When Fish Begin To Crawl” the Cameo Picturehouse in Tollcross on Tuesday 18th February followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers!
This is an award-winning film, co-directed by composer Jim Sutherland and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Morag McKinnon.
Created during the COVID-19 lockdowns, “When Fish Begin To Crawl” showcases the ecological importance of The Flow Country, the world’s most intact blanket bog ecosystem. Spanning Caithness and Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, this ancient landscape plays a critical role in combating climate change.
Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has urged the Scottish Government to support tenants by maintaining protections that are set to expire next month.
In 2022 the then Green Minister, Patrick Harvie, introduced a temporary cap on most in-tenancy rent increases. Since the end of the cap in March 2024, there has been a temporary rent adjudication system in place, also introduced by Mr Harvie, that has kept rents down for some tenants.
At the time, the Scottish Government said that the system was to support the transition away from the rent cap to a system of permanent rent controls and to protect tenants from excessively large rent hikes.
The Scottish Government has said that these temporary restrictions will not be renewed at the end of next month.
The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Edinburgh is now £1358 which is an increase of 104% since 2010. [1]
Lorna Slater MSP said: “Rents across Edinburgh have skyrocketed. Renters have paid the price, while private landlords have lined their pockets. And whilst there is legislation on the way to introduce permanent rent controls at last, these won’t come into force until 2027.
“Right now, renters are protected by temporary controls that were introduced by the Scottish Greens. But these protections are set to expire in a matter of weeks, exposing households across the city to extortionate rent increases.
“Removing these protections without replacing them would create a cliff edge that risks throwing households and familiesinto financial despair.
“If the Scottish Government is serious about supporting renters then the least they can do is extend these modest measures to help support renters through the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
, co-directed by composer Jim Sutherland and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Morag McKinnon.
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