Day: April 9, 2025

Cineworld announces new Minecraft Screenings for Hardcore Fans

‘Chicken Jockey Screenings’ in 4DX

Whoop, yelp and clap your way through this block-busting adventure

Level up your experience of A Minecraft Movie with Cineworld’s “Chicken Jockey Screenings” – exclusively in 4DX. This special one-day event will be taking place in Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide on Sunday, April 13th.

For these screenings, Cineworld is encouraging fans to dress up, whoop, yelp and clap their way through this block-busting adventure, because every scene in 4DX deserves a standing ovation.

4DX is an extreme cinema experience which is only available at Cineworld, and features motion seats, wind blasts, water spray, aromatic scents, fog, bubbles and more. It pairs perfectly with the raucous experience that fans are demanding – a chance for likeminded Minecrafters to fully immerse themselves in the mayhem with 4DX effects elevating the experience to the next level.

The motion seats will have you bouncing like a baby zombie on a chicken – a ride you’ll never forget.

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld said: “We’ve launched these Chicken Jockey screenings in 4DX for fans who’ve been demanding a more interactive experience – where the action on screen and the energy in the room collide like a TNT explosion.

“This is an immersive, ground-shaking, chicken-bouncing, multisensory rollercoaster ride … with popcorn! Minecrafters will feel every buck, sway and water blast in unison, while whooping and cheering together from the comfort of their moving seats. It’s hands down, the most fun you’ll ever have in a cinema – and probably the only time you’ll ever cheer for a chicken jockey.”

A note from Cineworld (and Steve):

Hey hey hey, blockheads!

We know you’re excited. We’re excited. The whole Overworld is excited! Watching Minecraft on the big screen is meant to be a blast – a cinematic diamond pickaxe to the brain! But even in a world made of blocks, there are some rules we don’t break.

So here’s the deal:

Build excitement? Absolutely. LOL with friends till you’re rolling in the aisles? Totally. But please don’t go full Creeper in the auditorium.

You cannot film anything that’s on the screen – that’s piracy, folks, and unlike lava, we will come after you for it. And remember to leave the cinema looking like a well-built base, not like it got griefed by a bunch of Endermen. No mess please, just good clean fun.

Book your tickets now for A Minecraft Movie – they’ll sell out faster than you can say “CHICKEN JOCKEYYYYY!”

Participating locations for screenings on Sunday, April 13th are listed below:

  • Aberdeen Union Square, Glasgow Renfrew Street, Greenwich O2, Hull, Newport Spytty Park, Wembley – 3.20pm
  • Cardiff, Newcastle, Milton Keynes, Wandsworth, Wolverhampton – 3.30pm
  • Leicester Square – 4.20pm
  • Feltham – 4.50pm
  • Ashford, Ashton, Barnsley, Birmingham Broad Street, Bracknell, EDINBURGH, Ipswich, Plymouth, Rushden Lakes, Sheffield, Stevenage, Swindon Shaw Ridge, Telford   – 5.00pm
  • Basildon, Belfast, Broughton, Cheltenham, Crawley, Dublin, Enfield – 5.10pm
  • Didsbury – 6.10pm

Head HERE to purchase tickets for screenings in the UK and HERE for screenings in Ireland.

Post Office confirms last remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches to be franchised

CWU:’This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door’

POST OFFICE PROMISES ‘NEW DEAL FOR POSTMASTERS’

The Post Office has today (8 April) announced that following a Board decision it is moving to a fully franchised network as part of its commitment to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters.’

Subject to Government funding, the last 108 Directly Managed Branches which are operated by the Post Office will be franchised by the autumn. This means that those communities that currently have a Directly Managed Branch in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services either at, or near to, the same location.

In November 2024, the Post Office announced its five-year Transformation Plan to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’. Subject to Government funding to enable the Post Office to deliver its plan, Postmaster remuneration will increase by an additional £250 million a year by 2030.

The Post Office confirmed in November that the future of its Directly Managed Branch network would be under review. Directly Managed Branches generate a fully allocated loss (including central and support costs) of over £40 million each year.

Following consultation with unions and reviewing options with the Postmaster Consultative Council, a decision was taken by the Post Office Board to move to a fully franchised network in order to help fund increases in the remuneration Postmasters receive.

Nigel Railton, Post Office Chair, said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.

“By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40 million worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters’ remuneration by up to 10%.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with our unions to ensure that we treat our staff working in these 108 branches with care and respect through this transition, consulting with them on proposed changes.

“The 108 Post Offices will either stay in the same location where possible or be located close to the existing location, meaning customers will continue to have access to a full suite of products and services.”

The Post Office remains committed to meeting the current requirement to have a minimum of 11,500 branches across the UK and to meet the six Access Criteria set by Government.

Post Office will work with franchise partners with a clear track record of successfully running Post Office services or similar customer-focused retail to ensure communities in these 108 locations will continue to receive a high quality of service once their Directly Managed branch is franchised.

Further details on proposals will be shared with local communities and stakeholders for individual branches in the coming weeks.

NINE branches in Scotland are at risk of closing, including two in Edinburgh:

  • Edinburgh City
  • Glasgow
  • Haddington
  • Inverness
  • Kirkwall
  • Saltcoats
  • Springburn Way
  • Stornoway
  • Wester Hailes

Responding to announcement of the franchising of the remaining 108 Crown Post Offices, CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “The Horizon Scandal and the damage it did to thousands of individuals and the reputation of the Post Office should have been a wake up moment for the whole company. It should have delivered a complete shift in approach, ethos and engagement with frontline workers.

“The news today that the Post Office will push ahead with the closure of 108 Crown Offices with a loss of 1,000 jobs shows they have learned absolutely nothing from the scandal.

“The Post Office’s claim that these community services will be maintained by their failed franchising model is laughable to anyone who has seen their local Post Office services reduced to the back of a shop. The sell-off of WHSmith last week shows just how fragile and ill thought out this model is.

“This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door.

“The role of the government must also be examined. This is a continuation of the hands-off role played by the Tories. We call on Labour to immediately intervene and examine alternative options. Now more than ever, we need to seriously look at creating a joint venture between Royal Mail and the Post Office – two businesses that should never have been separated.

This is a major test for this government ahead of introduction of the employment rights bill. It is inevitable that the news today will lead to further scrutiny of our relationship with the Labour Party.

“Our members and Branches will see this as a crucial moment ahead that will truly test the link between Labour and the trade unions who created the Party.”

Labour MP Rebeccah Long-Bailey said: “The news that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised is a devastating blow to communities like Salford, and I am extremely angry and disappointed that this has been allowed to happen.

“It is a deal done behind closed doors with no community engagement.”

Festival of Europe lines up top-flight speakers to discuss recent dramatic developments on the world stage

Keeping democracy healthy in Europe is key theme, says organiser

Scotland’s second Festival of Europe is being held at the French Institute, Edinburgh, on 10th and 11th May. Backed by the European Movement in Scotland and a wide range of other organisations, a major theme of the two-day event is  “The Future of European Democracy”.

The Festival comes at a time when far right parties are on the rise across Europe and, as Donald Trump’s administration changes the global order that has been in place since the end of World War 2.

Mark Lazarowicz, one of the conference organisers and a former Edinburgh MP, says: “The world is more unstable today than at any time in the past 80 years. There are powerful political forces at work here, in Europe, the USA and globally that want to tear down the institutions and ideas that have brought freedom, dignity, security and stability to millions.

“We have assembled an outstanding cast of speakers who will explain where we are now and look at how we can keep democracy healthy in Europe.”

Among the issues to be discussed are proposals to revitalise the European project of political and economic integration, how the EU should respond to hard right politics, how political parties and civil society can strengthen liberal democracy and what the prospects for closer ties between Scotland, the UK and the EU.

On the economics front, the recent report on the future of European competitiveness is being seen as a vital blueprint for Europe, a matter made far more urgent by America’s new protectionist trade policy. A conference session will look at how the report recommendations can be implemented the implications for economies across Europe, including Scotland and the UK. 

MSP Clare Adamson and Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, will look at progress on the Face the Music campaign. Brexit has meant that artists, performers and technical specialists who support performers have lost income and bookings across Europe.

To book tickets for The Future of European Democracy Conference and all the other events taking place as part of the Festival of Europe go to

What’s On – Events

Speakers include:

Tanja Bueltmann, Professor of International History at the University of Strathclyde. She specialises in the history of migration and diaspora. She is also a citizens’ rights campaigner and founder of the EU Citizens’ Champion campaign.

Mark Leonard is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, currently the Henry A Kissinger Chair in foreign policy and international relations at the US Library of Congress, Washington DC. 

Sophie Pornschlegel is Deputy Director of Europe Jacques Delors, a Brussels-based think tank. She is also a Policy Fellow with Das Progressive Zentrum in Berlin.

Alyn Smith was an SNP Member of the European Parliament for Scotland from 2004-2019 and SNP MP for Stirling from 2019 to 2024. He was the party’s Westminster lead on Europe until last year.

Sir Graham Robert Watson was a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament between 1994 and 2014. He is a previous leader of the Liberal Group in the European Parliament,

Sandro Gozi MEP sits for France in the European Parliament. He is Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly. He is a former Minister for European Affairs in the Italian government.

Catherine Barnard has been Professor of European Union and Employment Law at the University of Cambridge since 2008. She has also been Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank.

Cecilia Jastrzembska is President, Young European Movement (YEM). She has worked as a senior policy advisor in UK government departments. She has also held leadership roles in the Young European Socialists. She speaks and writes on feminism, climate change and AI, and European citizens’ rights.

Stephen Gethins has been an SNP MP from 2015-2019 and from 2024. He was SNP Spokesperson for International Affairs and Europe at Westminster. He is Professor of Practice in International Relations at the University of St. Andrews. He has worked in the NGO sector specialising in peace-building, arms control and democracy in the Caucasus and the Balkans.

Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Originally from Ayrshire, Alistair Mackie was appointed Chief Executive of the RSNO in 2019. A classical musician before entering management, he was principal trumpet with the London Sinfonietta and a professor at The Royal College of Music.

Clare Adamson MSP is Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. She will talk about the committee’s work and the cross-party parliamentary support for the Face the Music campaign.

What’s On – Events

And more….

The Festival of Europe website contains information on other events being held across Scotland to mark Europe Day. They include Edinburgh performances by award winning singer, Christine Bovill and walking tours in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife that will look at Scotland’s historic ties with Europe.

The Pentland Ukrainian Support Group (PUSG) is holding a Europe-themed party. 

The Citizens Rights Project is holding a conference looking at the issues and challenges facing EU citizens in Scotland.

Improving lives for autistic adults

Fund open to third sector organisations

Autistic adults will be supported to reach their full potential through a £2.5 million, multi-year fund.

The Autistic Adult Support Fund is available to third sector organisations providing services to autistic adults – promoting wellbeing and helping them to understand what neurodivergence means for them.

Since 2023, £1.5 million has been allocated to 15 organisations, including those helping autistic adults enter, remain, and thrive within employment.

This latest round of funding is now open to applications and will provide £2.5 million for the period from October 2025 to end of March 2028.

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd said: “We know the third sector plays a crucial role in improving the lives of autistic people, and this fund will support organisations to help the autistic people they work with lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives.

“The grants will be used to support autistic adults to thrive, helping them access services and improve general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel a part of their community.

“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow, and ensure that the quality of support they provide is as high as it can be.”

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the new phase of the Scottish Government’s Autistic Adult Support Fund.

“We know from working in this area, there is a real need to provide support to autistic adults around diagnosis or to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.

“We look forward to hearing from applicants that meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design and delivery of the activity to improve live chances for autistic adults in Scotland.”

The Autistic Adult Support Fund is open to third sector organisations to apply until Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Over 78,000 People in Edinburgh Set to Benefit from Increase in State Pension

Tracy Gilbert, Scottish Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today welcomed the announcement that 78,393 individuals in Edinburgh will benefit from an increase in the state pension, a significant boost for pensioners in the constituency. 

The rise will help alleviate some of the financial pressures that many pensioners face, providing them with greater security and stability in their later years. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Across the city 78,393 people will see an increase in their state pensions. This is exactly the kind of action that the Labour Government will take to support those who have worked hard.  

When budgets are tight this will be a much-welcomed increase. It is a reminder that Labour will always fight to protect pensioners and ensure they can retire with dignity and security.” 

It’s Out of this World! Edinburgh set for a brand-new galactic experience

Galactic Carnival set to land at the Westside Centre (formerly West Side Plaza) throughout May

A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience will arrive at the Westside Centre (formerly the Westside Plaza), Wester Hailes, this Spring, as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut between 2nd and 25th May 2025.

This family-friendly carnival promises an interstellar adventure packed with thrilling rides, delicious food, and fun for all ages. Featuring more than 20 rides including Ultra Buzz and Air Rado, as well as food stalls and carnival games, the Galactic Carnival will bring a universe of fun for all ages.

a range of rides suitable for both thrill-seekers and younger adventurers, age is no barrier to reaching the stars!

Running seven days a week, Galactic Carnival Edinburgh will offer Unlimited Ride Wristbands, allowing visitors to enjoy four hours of non-stop excitement. Tickets start from £13. Monday to Thursday are off-peak days, and Friday to Sunday are peak days.

A spokesperson for organiser, MT Attractions, said: “We are excited to bring Galactic Carnival to Edinburgh for the first time. The Carnival is an experience designed to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“With something for everyone, we can’t wait to welcome families, thrill-seekers, and the local community to enjoy the magic of the Carnival.”

For information on the Galactic Carnival Edinburgh, please visit:

www.galacticcarnivaledinburgh.co.uk


To buy tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/g/galacticcarnivaledinburgh/ 

Facebook: Galactic Carnival Edinburgh

Instagram: galacticcarnival.edinburgh

Edinburgh boys school wins Tennis School of the Year

Leading Scottish independent school for boys, Merchiston Castle School, was crowned Tennis Scotland’s School of the Year at the organisation’s annual award ceremony.

A momentous accolade, the School of The Year Award celebrates educational institutions that deliver first-class tennis coaching, drive innovation within the game, and inspire further participation to support the continued development and growth of the sport.

Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, a dedicated tennis hub that provides tailored training programmes, one-to-one coaching and professional on-court opportunities designed to enhance player performance and development, is globally recognised for its strong player pathways and unrivalled training facilities. 

Ranked the top school for tennis in Scotland by the LTA, and second in the UK, the Tennis Scotland award is yet another in a lineup of achievements for the Edinburgh boys’ school.

Merchiston’s celebrations did not end there. Tennis Academy coach Callum Lloyd was also recognised at the awards ceremony, walking away with Performance Coach of The Year for his ongoing commitment and dedication to developing young athletes.

Merchiston alumni and current British no.2 in singles, Jacob Fearnley, was also awarded International Player of The Year after a stellar year on the international stage.

Simon Pender, Director of Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, commented: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Tennis Scotland. Their recognition is a testament to Merchiston’s continued commitment to excellence and solidifies our position as Scotland’s leading school for tennis.

“A huge congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Tennis Academy. From our exceptional tennis coaches and dedicated school staff to the catering team, volunteers and supportive families – this award belongs to you all.

“A special shout-out to our very own Callum Lloyd, who received the Performance Coach of the Year award. Callum’s passion for developing young athletes is unmistakable and is truly inspiring to watch. We are privileged to have him as a valued member of our coaching team.”

More information about Merchiston’s award-winning Tennis Academy can be found here.

Appeal following fatal hit and run on the A90 Queensferry Road

Police officers are appealing for information following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh.

Around 11.15pm last night – Tuesday, 8 April, 2025 – officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki KLE650 motorcycle and an unknown car.

Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old male rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car left the scene prior to officers attending and headed in the direction of Edinburgh city centre.

The road was closed to allow for investigations to be carried out and reopened around 6.35am on Wednesday, 9 April, 2025.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace the car and driver.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage in an effort to trace the car and its driver, and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the crash or seen any cars in the area or who may have dash-cam footage which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.

Investing in community safety

Almost £200,000 to support dog control measures

Funding for new police vans and training for officers and dog wardens has been agreed following a Responsible Dog Ownership Summit hosted by the Scottish Government.

Police Scotland has received £166,000 to train officers to identify banned breeds and buy specially-equipped vans to transport dangerous and out of control dogs. The National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) has received £30,000 to train wardens.

The actions were recommended in a report following the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit last September. The summit brought together Police Scotland, local authorities, veterinary bodies, public health and third sector organisations to consider improvements to dog control and public safety measures.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: ““The vast majority of dog owners are responsible but it is important that the public are protected from any dogs who do pose a danger.

“This Scottish Government funding for Police Scotland and the National Dog Warden Association will improve public safety and the control of dangerous dogs. The NDWA training fund will support training for dog wardens who work in our communities to promote responsible dog ownership, advise on dog welfare and enforce legislation.

“I am grateful to those who took part in the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit and I look forward to continuing to work with partners to explore further steps to improve dog safety and control.”

Jim Ferguson, Chair of the National Dog Warden Association said: “The National Dog Warden Association are proud partners of the Scottish Government and our organisation, which represents Scotland’s local authorities dog wardens, welcomed the Scottish Government Responsible Dog Ownership Summit report and recommendations. 

“Building on the summit, the NDWA is committed to working with the Scottish Government and other key partners to look at opportunities to review existing policy and pinpoint any opportunities to enhance and strengthen policy in order to better protect people and pets together.”

Strachan House Care Home presents cheque to local charity

Strachan House care home in Blackhall recently presented PASDA with a cheque for £600. To contribute to the costs of a special afternoon tea outing for the individuals that the charity supports.

PASDA is a charity that offers support to the families, friends and loved ones of autistic adults (over 16).

The grant had been awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with a disability or mental health problems across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community.

The care home welcomed the founder of PASDA, Doctor Jane Neil-McLachlan to a small gathering in the home’s garden to receive the cheque and celebrate being awarded the grant.

Jane, Now a trustee of PASDA,said “It’s really wonderful to have received this cheque, it makes such a significant difference!

“I am a volunteer with Strachan House. So, to be presented with such an incredible donation from Barchester’s charitable foundation, by the lovely people at Strachan House was such a wonderful gesture”

Fran Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House, said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities. It’s been a real pleasure to show our support and appreciation to Jane as one of our volunteers, as well as being a trustee of PASDA, A small charity that makes such an amazing impact.

“We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes.  Please do give us a call on 01313363166 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing, Dementia, respite and residential care for long and short term stays.