Following the visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to The Eric Liddell Community in April this year, local Councillor Marie-Clair Munro brought forward a Congratulatory Motion that received cross-party support.
The motion formally recognises the charity’s vital work, championed by Her Royal Highness, in delivering specialised dementia care across Edinburgh and establishing a welcoming hub to combat loneliness and isolation.
Last Friday (6 June), Councillor Munro visited The Eric Liddell Community to present the motion in person. The recognition was formally handed to Irene Adams OBE, Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, and Paul Drury, Head of Fundraising and Community Services.
Councillor Munro was in attendance as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal made her first appearance at The Eric Liddell Community since becoming the Royal Patron of the charity. Following this event, the local councillor has praised the charity for its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and shining a light on the importance of compassionate, person-centred care.
Councillor Munro said: “I was honoured to be invited along to The Eric Liddell Community in April to be in attendance and meet Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, during her first official visit as Royal Patron of the Charity.
“I have always admired the important work that The Eric Liddell Community does within our local area and further beyond and have had the pleasure of working with the team during a range of events, including as part of The Eric Liddell 100 programme in 2024.
“Following my interaction with Her Royal Highness, I was inspired to write this Congratulatory Motion to mark my support of the incredible work being done, and I am proud to say that this has received cross-party backing, highlighting the esteem in which the organisation is held.”
The Eric Liddell Community is delighted to see the support shown by Councillor Munro and those who backed the motion, local backing is invaluable in enabling the charity to provide help for some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people and families whilst continuing to share the legacy of The Flying Scotsman, Eric Liddell.
Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, Irene Adams OBE, expressed her gratitude, adding:“Everybody at The Eric Liddell Community would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Councillor Munro and her cross-party supporters for presenting us with such meaningful recognition for the work that we do.
“Through working with individuals such as Councillor Munro and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, we have the opportunity to expand our services and provide support to those who need it most.”
This June, The Eric Liddell Community is proud to launch its annual Summer Appeal, with a focus on recognising the vital contributions of unpaid carers.
These individuals provide essential care and support to their loved ones, often without formal recognition or access to resources. At the heart of this year’s appeal is the Community’s Befriending Project, which continues to make a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of those caring for people living with dementia.
By offering emotional support and meaningful connection, the project helps to ease isolation and enhance quality of life for carers, acknowledging the incredible role they play in our community.
Continuing Travelling Gallery’s 2025 programme is a group exhibition exploring ways to connect with our worlds through other-than-human perspectives.
Challenging the boundaries between culture and nature, the exhibition looks to destabilise colonial systems, categories, and hierarchies, that tend to favour scientific theory and marginalise ancestral knowledges and indigenous cosmologies.
Curated with Jelena Sofronijevic, and featuring work by artists Emii Alrai, Iman Datoo, Remi Jabłecki, Radovan Kraguly, Zeljko Kujundzic, Leo Robinson and Amba Sayal-Bennett, the exhibition brings together a variety of contemporary artistic practices, including drawing, printmaking, sculpture and film, that reimagine our collective understandings and visions of places and times.
Common across the works in the exhibition is the use of the seed as a means to think about and connect themes concerning ecologies, environments, and migration. For some, the seed represents a world of its own, a self-contained body or cell, capable of crossing borders.
For others, it serves as a starting point for alternative possibilities and ways of being. Many of the artists have researched specific seeds, in their ‘native’ soils, and displaced in banks and libraries.
The potato is offered as an incidental ‘root’ to many of their works. In the film, Kinnomic Botany (2022), Iman Datoo draws upon research in the Commonwealth Potato Collection at the James Hutton Institute near Dundee, the UK’s largest collection of potato seeds, to challenge dominant taxonomies or ways of classifying lives.
More speculative connections can be made between Remi Jabłecki and Radovan Kraguly’s practices. The former’s futuristic sculptures remind us of the otherworldly, even alien qualities of these most earthly and everyday British crops, with the artist using them as a means to think about transformation and personal growth.
Kraguly’s prints,though as detailed as scientific and botanical illustrations, are similarly cosmic, avoiding categorisation in their ambiguous representations and titles.
Reflecting on relations of control between humans and nature, his works also illustrate the role of different pastoral and agricultural environments in the formation of the artist’s own identity and early adoption of ‘climate politics’, connecting his formative experiences growing up on a farm in the former Yugoslavia, to his later practice in rural Wales.
Amba Sayal-Bennett’s architectural sculptures Kern (2024) and Phlo (2024) are part of the artist’s investigations into rubber, a commodity once so highly demanded its value surpassed that of silver. In a mission facilitated by the British government, Henry Wickham stole and trafficked 70,000 rubber seeds from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil in 1876.
Transported to Kew Gardens in London, they were then dispersed to British colonies for cultivation. Its plural uses and potential for profit led to its proliferation across the globe – yet the soil in India refused to take the seeds, which the artist puts forward as a form of environmental resistance to the colonial project.
Artist Emii Alrai, by contrast, focusses on excavation, exploring archaeology, Western museological structures, and the complex process of ruination.
Scotland has proved fertile land for many of the artists’ practices, yet, for some, SEEDLINGS presents the first opportunity to experience their works in these contexts.
Born in Subotica, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Zeljko Kujundzic lived and worked in Edinburgh between 1948 and 1958, before moving with his partner and frequent collaborator, Ann, and their children, to British Columbia (BC).
His developed, complex work in ceramic sculpture, often featuring the thunderbird, a mythological bird-like spirit widespread in North American indigenous and First Nation cultures and storytelling, is deeply rooted in these early experiences.
Yet his part in Edinburgh’s growing artistic community, and work with artists and writers like Ian Hamilton Finlay, Nannie Katharin Wells, Bernard Leach, and Joan Faithfull, has, thus far, been walked over, in more conventional art histories.
A selection of archive materials concerning his invention of the solar kiln, unearthed from public and private collections across the UK and Canada, are presented here for the first time – the exhibition itself seeking to germinate future research.
The exhibition will also include a newly commissioned essay, How does a tree fit inside a seed?, exploring the artists’ works, both individually, and as constellated in the exhibition, by the curator Jelena Sofronijevic.
The text journeys through the construction and overlapping uses of terms like ‘native’ and, ‘invasive’, ‘indigenous’, ‘naturalisation’, and ‘dispersal’, to challenge binaries between beings, and consider ideas of home, identity, and belonging in the context of diasporas.
Launched in Edinburgh on Calton Hill (outside the Collective Gallery) on Friday 6 June. the exhibition will tour to arts venues, community centres, high streets and schools across Scotland including in the Western Isles, Glasgow, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, North Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders before culminating at Edinburgh Art Festival in August.
It is accompanied by a series of interventions on social media, highlighting the artists’ connections to the places of our tour, and a number of talks, tours, and workshops, including with artist Leo Robinson.
Details of confirmed tour dates and venues can be found on the Travelling Gallery website.
Louise Briggs, Curator, Travelling Gallery said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with Jelena Sofronijevic on this exhibition and to be introduced to the work of a number of artists, many of whom have interesting connections to Edinburgh and Scotland through their work & research as well as their personal & professional lives.
“This exhibition continues to explore our annual theme looking at The Environment and Climate Emergency.
“We hope SEEDLINGS will offer visitors a new way of thinking about our relationship with, and connection to nature and may encourage them to perhaps think about our worlds and our interconnectedness in different ways.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham, said: “The Travelling Gallery is a unique and fantastic example of how art can and should be accessible for all. I’m delighted that, with our support, the Gallery has been able to remove barriers to art by taking powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions into communities across Scotland.
“This year’s exhibition not only invites us to engage with outstanding contemporary works but also encourages us to reflect on the world through different lenses.
“With such a talented group of artists involved, I encourage everyone to visit when the gallery sets off this week.”
Additional thanks go to: All of the exhibiting artists; Nena Kraguly; Family and Friends of Kujundzic; The City of Edinburgh Council; Creative Scotland; City Art Centre, Edinburgh; Government Art Collection; Ingleby Gallery; Carbon 12 Gallery; Palmer Gallery; and the University of British Columbia Library Rare Books and Special Collections, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Television presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant JJ Chalmers is backing Poppyscotland’s upcoming Sportive as the charity celebrates the 10th anniversary of the popular event.
The former Royal Marines Commando and Invictus Games Medallist is encouraging individuals, families, local groups or workmates to support the Armed Forces charity by signing up to take part in the cycle, which will take place this year on Sunday, September 21.
The Sportive is Poppyscotland’s flagship cycling event, featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.
From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Prestonpans.
New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path. This route is largely flat and ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride, or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.
Television personality JJ suffered life-changing injuries after being blown up by an IED in Afghanistan. After months of rehabilitation, he went on to captain the trike team at the Invictus Games, receiving a gold medal in the men’s IRecB1 Recumbent Circuit Race. He also won bronze in the 1-mile time trial and in the 4 x 100 mixed relay race.
JJ is a big supporter of Poppyscotland and is urging people to come out and take part in the 10th edition of Sportive.
He said: “Once again this year I am working with the national charity Poppyscotland, who of course support the Armed Forces community whether that’s serving or veteran or indeed their families, and I would love to encourage you to sign up for their really popular Sportive.
“It’s a cycling event taking place on Sunday 21st September. There are four different routes, so it’s for all abilities and there’s something there for everyone.
“I would encourage you to get your friends, family involved. Maybe get your old oppos (your mates from the military) together and it’s the 10th anniversary so the perfect opportunity to come and join an amazing community. So, if you are interested head over to the website poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive.”
Poppyscotland Events Fundraising Manager, Richard Todd, said: “We’re really excited to celebrate the 10th edition of the Sportive and to grow the event with our new Wee Yin route.
“We hope to mark this anniversary year by raising as much as possible in support of our Armed Forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.
“As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.
“If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!”
Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.
To sign up today, please visit: poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive
Will Edinburgh be the first to roll out Public Diners?
Nourish Scotland has been campaigning to reintroduce public diners in Scotland and the UK.
Public diners were popular in Britain during the 1940s and 50s, and today there are successful international examples in countries such as Turkey. Public diners are community restaurants that provide sustainable and affordable food options.
In Edinburgh, the council will be developing a proposal for a public diner trial. If this goes ahead, Edinburgh will be the first city in the UK to have a public diner
Edinburgh International Book Festival returns in 2025 with a vibrant and relevant programme that showcases world literature and tacklestopics including geopolitics, disinformation, and the climate emergency, putting robust and dynamic discussion on a global stage
Repair is the Book Festival’s core theme for 2025, seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them – from the physical to the political, the emotional to the environmental, and beyond
At a time when UK literacy rates are decreasing, the Book Festival continues to support year-round access to reading through its Communities Programme, and by livestreaming over 100 events to libraries across twelve Scottish local authorities this August.
Literary icons ranging from Maggie O’Farrell to Irvine Welsh, international stars R F Kuang and Asako Yuzuki, political stalwarts Nicola Sturgeon and Diane Abbott, and prominent commentators Naga Munchetty and Ash Sarkar join this year’s lineup, as well as stars of the stage and screen, including Brian Cox, Ruth Jones, Adam Buxton, Viggo Mortensen, and Vanessa Redgrave
Words and music unite in a series of special events supported by the Scottish Government Expo Fund, including a brand-new commission from local indie music legend Hamish Hawk reinterpreting the eccentric work of Ivor Cutler, and performances from Mallachy Tallack, Simone Seales, and Mele Broomes
Brand-newYoung Adults programme curates events especially for those aged 30 and under, inspired by digital publishing and cultural trends, and spanning romantasy, sci-fi, horror, health, food and wellness, and more, responding to a generation increasingly interested in social, cultural and political conversations and exploration
New and dedicatedKids Zone brings much-needed hub for families amongst the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s festival landscape – making it a unique oasis this August – alongside more than 100 dedicated events, including a retrospective from Jacqueline Wilson
The Book Festival’s Spiegeltent will return with exciting poetry, spoken word, and music offerings, giving audiences a chance to discover the magic of live performance
New ticket pricing for Under 30s, and many events priced at £5 for those receiving low-income benefits, to tackle economic barriers to attendance
The Festival returns to Edinburgh Futures Institute, right at the heart of the festival footprint, with 641 writers from 35 countries, across 6 continents
Edinburgh International Book Festivalannounces its 2025 programme with close to 700 events featuring writers from all over the globe, taking place from 09-24 August, as it returns to Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) for the second year, inspiring vital discussion and dissection of the cultural zeitgeist on a global stage.
With a lineup ranging from Yellowface author R F Kuang, who appears as part of the festival’s newly programmed Young Adults strand, which directly responds to topics of social and cultural importance often driven by the digital landscape, to firm festival favourites Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, V E Schwab, and Ali Smith, there is something for every audience to enjoy. In a first for the August Festivals, the Book Festival also unveils plans for a dedicated children’s zone, offering families an oasis away from the bustle of the city this summer.
The key theme this year is Repair, with the Festival seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them. Using informed insights from a range of experts, lessons learned from our ancestors, the richness and connection offered by the natural world, hands-on activities, and our own inherent humanity, the Festival offers a wide range of active opportunities to rebalance the mind, reinvigorate the spirit, reconcile with others, and restore a sense of calm and hope in the face of a world in chaos.
The theme will be explored from every angle including by Robert Macfarlane, Louise Welsh, and ‘barrister for the earth’ Monica Feria-Tinta discussing the beinghood of nature with debate around whether rivers should be granted personhood, and political repair and conflict resolution will be in the spotlight as human rights lawyer Philippe Sands and journalist Steve Crawshaw ask whether ‘justice’ can really be restored. Elsewhere historian Olesya Khromeychuk and journalist Jen Stout honour the legacy of Ukrainian novelist and war crimes researcher Victoria Amelina, who died from injuries caused by a Russian missile attack, and Omar El Akkad, Katie Kitamura and Yiyun Li extol the role that literacy and reading have in maintaining a democracy.
Indigenous Australian writer Melissa Lucashenko,and Anishinaabe journalist and author Tanya Talaga illuminate First Nations perspectives on truth, legacy, and repair, while artist, musician, performer, and writer Siôn Parkinson and mycologist Nicholas P Money champion the infinite potential of mushrooms, and journalist Ash Sarkar will wade right into the middle of the culture wars.
There will also be interactive events such as trying the Japanese art of kintsugi with Halle O’Neal, and exploring ‘multisolving’ with Alex Pearson.
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “This year’s key theme of Repair starts from the belief that the brilliant ideas of writers and thinkers can help us repair a host of seemingly ‘broken’ things in our society, from the cycle of fast fashion and our relationship with the environment, to cultural reparations and the state of our politics. It’s a statement of hope and resilience, and an invitation for our audiences to think about what repair might mean for them.
“At a time when important conversations can feel impossible to have without igniting conflict and anger, we want the Edinburgh International Book Festival to provide a safe place for challenging but considered discussions.
“This year our programme features over 600 writers and artists from 35 countries, who have a wide range of perspectives on topics of personal, social and global importance. We invite you to come and learn something new, feed your curiosity and to broaden your horizons.
“The Book Festival is also a space for play and creativity, and we have an imaginative feast in store for audiences too – from stories from all around the world, to commissions of brand-new music and theatre, a Frankenstein themed cabaret, and a brand-new Kids Zone for our youngest audiences and their families, as well as a dedicated Young Adults programme for the very first time. So we hope people can have a fully rounded experience, all under one roof. We can’t wait to see you there!”
The 2025 programme will hinge around a range of new themes. Hundreds of the world’s best fiction writers, including many of Scotland’s most exciting voices, and dozens of debut authors, will share their new and most notable works in the Brilliant Fiction strand. Leith legend Irvine Welsh continues the antics of the Trainspotting crew through the 1980s and 90s, A L Kennedy exploresthe nature of justice and mercy, and the power of Andrey Kurkov hope and kindness; Judy Murray plays a match of mystery and murder; Bella Mackie brings us a comical mystery of fatal family dynamics; and Girl on the Train author Paula Hawkins introduces her new thriller.
The Festival also gathers some of the most exciting fiction writers working internationally, including Korea’s Hwang Sok-yong, Ukraine’s Andrey Kurkov, Spain’s Javier Cercas, China’s Liu Zhenyun, Brail’s Cacica Juma Xipaia, France’s Laurent Binet, Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Becky Manawatu, and Germany’s Daniel Kehlman.
The recently announced Front List series will return for the second year at McEwan Hall, in partnership with Underbelly, to present an expanded series of exciting events representing the breadth of the Book Festival’s offering, with a star-studded host of authors which includes Maggie O’Farrell, Ta-Nehisi Coates , Nicola Sturgeon,Yulia Navalnaya, Ian McEwan, R F Kuang,Ally McCoist,Ruth Jones, Butter author Asako Yuzuki, Mark Kermode and guest Brian Cox.
Fascinating Non-Fiction will explore everything from moving memoirs to scientific excavations, family odysseys to travelogues. Highlights include Naga Munchetty exposing the misogyny she discovered to be rife throughout the British healthcare system, smash-hit podcaster Adam Buxton rambling on in his inimitable manner with his new memoir, I Love You, Byeee, indefatigable comedian Ivo Graham extolling the benefits of failure, and Labour politician Diane Abbott discusses her inspirational new memoir, A Woman Like Me.
Good Information, brings together a host of trustworthy experts well versed in sifting out hard fact and cutting through murky algorithms to give you an honest account of a diverse range of topics.
Highlights include technology adviser to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Richard Susskind explaining the impacts of AI, Gabriel Gatehouse, Deborah Baker, and Leor Zmigrod exploring why conspiracy theories can be so seductive, and Deborah Frances-White tackling how to have difficult conversations.
New World Orders gathers the most authoritative voices across international and domestic politics, conflict, economics, and law to engage with and dissect current affairs. Vince Cable explores the emergence of new superstates and a host of voices including Avi Shlaim, Ilan Pappé, Pankaj Mishra, Penny Johnson, Raja Shehadeh, Anne Applebaum, Omar El Akkad, and Fady Judah unravel the long and catastrophic history between Israel and Palestine, including the most recent and devastating series of attacks.
Brainwaves holds up a magnifying glass to all things cranial, including mental health, neuroscience, and psychology. A host of scientists, psychologists, technologists, and authors offer their insights into the wonders, and limitations, of what lies between our ears (and beyond), including mathematician Marcus du Sautoy’s exploration of the creativity of numbers, Joseph Jebelli’s treatise for the transformative power of rest, and Lucy Easthope’s framework on how to cope with crisis.
The 2025 Festival will also see the return of some of 2024’s most popular programme themes, including How to Live a Meaningful Life, guiding audiences new and deeper ways of creating connection, resilience and hope, amongst the chaos, and the expanded Table Talks series, with top chefs and food writers taking to the stage – or rather around the table – in intimate gatherings with audiences to enjoy delicious food and make memories together.
Music, Poetry and Performance showcases the very best of the poetry and spoken word sphere at the Festival’s Spiegletent, which will return for the second year, including indie songwriter Hamish Hawk with an original and exclusive homage to Scotland’s pre-eminent poet-eccentric Ivor Cutler, andfresh poetic talent alongside well-established voices like Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Makar Peter Mackay, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Len Pennie and Michael Mullen.
Elsewhere, Olivier Award-winning Harriet Walter gives an overdue voice to the women of Shakespeare, a starry cast including Vanessa Redgrave and Viggo Mortensen perform powerful messages of protest from around the world in The People Speak, and Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood shares the band’s intimate inside story.
Special Editions also brings a selection of quirky and upbeat events including cabaret, live podcasts, and exclusive talks. Val McDermid unveils the world premiere reading of her brand-new play, And Midnight Never Come, Outlander’s Sam Heughan raises a glass to the art of the cocktail and the moments they’ve marked on his incredible journey, Caroline O’Donoghue’s wildly popular Sentimental Garbage podcast returns with another live Book Festival edition, and comedian Tim Key tells of high tales and low moments in Hollywood.
Audiences will have the chance to take an in-depth look at the little details that make a writer’s work really sing or expand on their own creative skills with an exciting range of Workshops. From How to Become a Bookbinder with Rachel Hazell, to exploring the archives of Muriel Spark and Jackie Kay at the National Library of Scotland (the latter with the author herself) and engaging with some of the most knowledgeable minds around, not least Booker Prize-winning novelist and screenwriter Eleanor Catton.
And our wide-ranging Thought Exerciseseriesoffers the chance to engage in deep discussion with figures including Pulitzer Prize finalist Deborah Baker, author and psychoanalyst Josh Cohen, diplomat and former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Russia, Laurie Bristow, and economist John Kay.
The Festival will also debut a brand-new Young Adults programme with events tailored to audiences aged 30 and under (but open to anyone young at heart!). Highlights include Alice Oseman, creator of the smash-hit Heartstopper series, returning to the Festival, model and activist Munroe Bergdorf discussing everything from beauty standards to cancel culture, and Caroline O’Donoghue showcasing her new YA sci-fi fantasy romance.
The strand will also harness the power of the online literary sphere, byincluding a collaboration with the brilliant House of YA, Sad Ghost Club’s Lize Meddings, a special Festival edition of the Bookshop Crawl UK, and the first Scottish edition of the Insta-popular Buffy’s Book Club with Lizzy Hadfield.
Our youngest audience members can enjoy a brand-new Kids Zone, providing a much-needed hub for families amongst the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s festival landscape.
This year’s children’s programme will also include more than 100 exciting events for young readers, including from legendary children’s authors such as Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, and How to Train Your Dragon’s Cressida Cowell.
There are also dozens of free, drop-in events, including the return of the popular Are You Sitting Comfortably? and Bookbug storytimes, a chance to go wild with National Museums Scotland, and the opportunity to meet beloved characters including Pikachu, the Gruffalo, and Supertato.
Community-driven events are also aplenty, with Stories and Scran celebrating the dynamic and thought-provoking work created by communities across Edinburgh and beyond, and Together We Repair challenging local writers and poets to respond to the Festival’s core theme.
During August, the Festival’s Communities team will also facilitate off-site learning events with leading writers in 9 prisons across the city, 3 workshops with patients at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, and 2 interactive sessions with users of Streetreads, the library for the homeless community of Edinburgh.
For the second year, the Book Festival will also present its flagship industry event, Global Ink: Discover the Power of International Collaboration– uniting publishing professionals from around the world for thought-provoking discussion, followed by a vibrant drinks reception to spark new connections.
In addition to the Festival’s main base at EFI, there will be events at McEwan Hall and Elliott’s Studio, as well as special offerings at the National Library of Scotland and Dynamic Earth.
For those who cannot attend in person, 100+ events will be livestreamed and available on demand to audiences across the world to watch wherever and whenever they prefer, including to libraries in twelve Scottish local authorities. And for the first time, in addition to dozens of events being live captioned, the Festival will use AI to bring the number of captioned events to 500, meaning that an additional 400 events will be more accessible than ever before.
As well as reduced ticket prices for students, anyone over 60 and guests with access requirements, the Festival also introduces a special new ticket pricing for Under 30s, and £5 tickets for many events for those receiving low-income benefits, to tackle economic barriers to engagement.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is made possible thanks to the support of a range of funders and supporters including Creative Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, Players of People’s Postcode Lottery among others.
Total levels of property and violent crime have fallen by more than a third since 2008-09, according to the latest Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS).
The 2023-24 official statistics also show that people feel safer in their communities.
The survey of almost 5,000 people across Scotland estimates that since 2008-09:
the volume of property and violent crime, including incidents not reported to police, is 37% lower
violent crime is down 27%
property crime is down 41%
the proportion of people who feel safe walking alone in their local area after dark has increased to three-quarters (75%) from two-thirds (66%)
Those who took part in the survey were asked about their experiences of violent crime and property crime and, for the first time, their experience of fraud and computer misuse. The volume of property and violent crime combined has increased since 2021-22 but remains at similar levels to the pre-pandemic position in 2019-20 and below that in 2008-09.
The survey also asked people about their perceptions of crime, policing and the justice system. Most adults expressed confidence in their local police’s ability to deal with incidents as they occur and to solve crimes.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This flagship national survey indicates that property crime and violent crime is more than a third (37%) lower than 2008-09 and that people feel safer in their local communities.
“These statistics are consistent with other official figures which show that police recorded crime is at one of the lowest levels since 1974. We are making record investments in policing and across the justice system to build on this progress.
“Crime continues to be down significantly over the long term, though the survey does highlight areas of concern and the need for continued action from governments and justice partners. While the levels of crime experienced remain similar to the pre-pandemic position in 2019-20, I am keen to understand what has contributed to the rises in crime identified since the 2021-22 survey.
“I am also concerned about levels of fraud and computer misuse, including bank and credit card fraud, which can cause significant harm to individuals and businesses. A range of action will continue to enhance Police Scotland’s response to fraud, to raise awareness among the public of the potential risks and to help protect individuals and organisations from cyber criminals.
“Overall, and importantly, this survey shows most people do not experience any crime and only a very small proportion are affected by violent crime, but I have been consistently clear that any incidence of violence is one too many. That is why we are taking forward a wide range of actions to prevent, reduce and tackle violence, funded with more than £6 million invested over the past three years on top of our record funding for police.
“This week, I will also chair, with the First Minister, a cross-party summit with MSPs, youth workers and partners to consider what more can be done to address and prevent violence among young people.”
Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo tomorrow (Wednesday 12 June), thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The event is part of Carers Week 2025 and is a chance to recognise the important role young carers play in their families and communities. It offers a space for young carers to take a break, connect with others in similar situations and simply enjoy being young.
This free trip provides a rare break for many of the young carers attending, some as young as five years old who often juggle school, caring responsibilities and everyday life, frequently without recognition or support.
More than one in five (22%) young carers in Scotland say they are unable to take a break from caring, and over half (54%) say having a break would help them manage their role better.
Young carers in Scotland often face greater challenges than their peers – according to the latest survey data, 52% of young carers say they ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feel stressed because of their caring role, and 43% report that caring limits how much time they can spend with friends.
Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol dependency.
This year’s Carers Week theme, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges carers face and for greater inclusion in all areas of life.
A young carer from Glasgow South Carers Centre said: “On 12 June I am attending a young carers event at Edinburgh zoo.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with friends I’ve made at through the YC Connect – South Glasgow Young Carers Group and others that will become friends.“
Becky Duff, Director at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “There are an estimated 30,000 young people providing unpaid care in Scotland, and this number is only set to grow.
“Being a young carer can have a big impact on your education, relationships and identity. Young carers can often feel unseen and unsupported, and at Carers Trust we are determined to change this.
“All unpaid carers have a right to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring roles and to have a break from caring. We are delighted to be partnering with RZSS this Carers Week, to celebrate young carers and give them a chance to connect with peers, take a break from their caring role and have lots of fun.”
David Field, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), added: “It’s a real pleasure to be hosting young carers from across Scotland.
“These remarkable young people take on immense responsibilities and often put the needs of others before their own. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo offers them a valuable opportunity to play, explore and bond with the natural world.
“We know that these moments of joy and discovery spark a lifelong love of animals and nature, which can have a lasting, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.”
As part of the day, young carers will also be invited to share what caring means to them. Their voices and experiences will help raise awareness about what it’s like to be a young carer in Scotland today.
Children First has uncovered a staggering 85% of parents in Scotland feel they have nowhere to turn when bringing up children becomes tough. The charity is urging parents and carers to get in touch with their free support line and webchat service which provides emotional, practical and financial help for families.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, who recently declared a childhood emergency in Scotland, described the findings as ‘extremely troubling’.
Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said, “The fact that almost nine out of ten parents in Scotland don’t know where to seek advice and support when bringing up children gets tough is extremely troubling.
“Every day our teams hear from parents and carers from across Scotland that raising their babies, children and teenagers is harder than ever. Many are at a loss, not knowing where to turn for support. Children do well when families do well, so this must change.
“We are urging parents who are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, have a feeling that something isn’t quite right or who just need to hear a friendly voice to get in touch with our support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk.
“All stages of growing up bring their own unique challenges. Whatever you are worried about we’re here for you. We know being a parent can be tough. Whether you’re concerned about baby milestones, toddler tantrums, social media, bullying, exam stress or mental health you are not alone. Children First is here for children and here for families.”
For over 140 years Children First have been trusted by thousands of parents and carers to help keep young people safe and well. Every year the charity puts millions of pounds back into the pockets of families by helping them claim the benefits and entitlements they are due.
Mary Glasgow continued: “With one in four children living in poverty in Scotland and around 100 referrals a day being made to child and adolescent mental health services, bringing up children is harder than ever.
“Our support line is a lifeline for families who desperately need advice. No child should suffer because the adults in their life don’t have anyone to turn to.”
Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”
Mum Lucy* shared that she “received fantastic support both online and via phone, regarding a concern for my son’s emotional wellbeing.”
Young person Ollie* said: “My Children First recovery worker saved my life quite a few times. Without her I would have been lost. She helped me believe I could get through it.”
The support line is also available for anyone who is concerned a child in their community may be at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.
Ms Glasgow explained, “We all need to look out for children who can’t protect themselves and they need our help to stay safe. If you have concerns about a child’s wellbeing it can be difficult to know what to do.
“Please don’t leave it to chance. Our support line will listen and help you work through what’s best for the child.”
If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.
Families can call the Children First support line for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
Last year, more than two thirds of families contacting the support line were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half rang with concerns about family relationships.
Edinburgh’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Omni Centre, has announced a £5 million refurbishment and works are set to begin this month.
International investment group Triple B acquired OMNi in April 2024 and announced its commitment to enhancing communities and promoting positive experiences through transformative real estate projects. The investment will help OMNi kick-start its journey of evolution, with locals at the heart of the project.
The public realm refurbishment will include improvements to walkways and new flooring throughout the centre, an enhanced main entrance with improved visibility, replacement LED lighting, new seating zones and substantial internal structural work to create inviting spaces for visitors to meet, dwell and enjoy. Works are expected to be completed later this year.
Martin Botha, OMNi Edinburgh Centre Manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce our improvement plans for OMNi, a project that reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our visitors and a bustling environment for our brands.
“This transformation will bring exciting new features, modern amenities, a brand revamp and the introduction of live events and experiences, creating a space that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the 4+ million visitors we welcome each year.
“We’re on a mission to inject a sense of fun and excitement into everyone’s visit and at each brand touchpoint, whether that’s meeting up with friends before venturing out into the city or spending quality downtime in-centre, day or night.
” We look forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter and truly owning the title of Edinburgh’s top leisure destination.”
Thomas Archer Bata, Director at Triple B, said: “Triple B is committed to investing in OMNi to enhance the wider community and support the brands within.
“This refurbishment marks the start of a brand-new phase for OMNi; the physical enhancements, coupled with a new mission to integrate and connect further into the vibrant city of Edinburgh, will deliver a greatly improved and welcoming space for our visitors, whilst enhancing the overall customer experience.”
The centre refurbishment coincides with brand-led refurbishments with more news on this soon. OMNi and its brands will remain open and fully accessible throughout the refurbishment project.
Refurbishment updates will be available throughout via the OMNi website and social media channels. OMNi Edinburgh is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
Parents across Scotland will be able to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area as part of legislation being taken forward by the Scottish Government.
Under the plans, local authorities would be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers may direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable.
Other provisions of the Scottish Languages Bill include:
introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set out the measures on a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She was joined by Scotland’s first Gaelic speaking national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, who is also known as the Makar.
The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary year of Gaelic medium education in Scotland.
Ms Forbes said: “This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic’s continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages.
“Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools.
“To support the growth of Scotland’s indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.”
Dr Mackay said: “It’s fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it’s something we should be very proud of.
“It’s vital that there’s ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland.”
Background
Stage 3 of the Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.
Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 people from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.
The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.
A’ neartachadh foghlam Gàidhlig agus Albais
Reachdas gus taic-chànain a neartachadh.
Faodaidh pàrantan air feadh Alba iarraidh gun tèid sgoil Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh anns na sgìrean aca, mar phàirt de reachdas a tha ga thoirt air adhart le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.
Fo na planaichean, dh’fheumadh ùghdarrasan ionadail measadh a dhèanamh air so-dhèantachd agus reusantachd cosgaisean an iarrtais. Às dèidh dhaibh comhairle a ghabhail, faodaidh ministearan iarraidh air ùghdarrasan ionadail a dhol air adhart le stèidheachadh sgoil Ghàidhlig ùr, ma cho-dhùineas measadh an ùghdarrais gun gabh a dhèanamh.
Am measg chumhachan eile ann am Bile nan Cànan Albannach:
thèid bun-tomhasan foghlaim a thoirt a-steach do Ghàidhlig agus do dh’Albais
thèid Gàidhlig agus Albais a stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil
thèid taic a chumail ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum faod ministearan poileasaidhean a thaghadh nas fheàrr leis an gabh an cànan a leasachadh
faodaidh pàrantan ann an gach ceàrn de dh’Alba tagradh a chur airson àitichean sgoil àraich agus tràth-ìre Gàidhlig fhaighinn dhan cuid chloinne
Chaidh na ceumannan a mhìneachadh leis an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis, ’s i a’ tadhal air Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis. Còmhla rithe bha a’ chiad bhàrd nàiseanta Gàidhlig ann an Alba, an Dotair Pàdraig MacAoidh, ris an canar cuideachd am Makar. Bha iad a’ tadhal aig an aon àm ris a’ 40mh ceann-bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Alba.
Thuirt a’ Bh-uas. Fhoirbeis:
“Tha a’ Bhile seo ag amas air bun-stèidh dhaingeann a thogail gus taic a chumail ri fàs leantainneach na Gàidhlig, às dèidh àrdachadh brosnachail ann an luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba. Chuireadh i gu mòr ri solar foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba, ’s i a’ daingneachadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais mar chànain nàiseanta.
“Tha foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a’ cur beairteas ri coimhearsnachdan agus tha deagh luach an airgid na lùib. Is tric a bhios coileanadh sgoiltean Gàidhlig nas fheàrr na chìthear sa chumantas, ’s cuid a dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail a’ sealltainn chomharran nas fheàrr thar gach ìre teisteanais ged nach eil cosgaisean nas àirde na cosgaisean sgoiltean tro mheadhan na Beurla.
“Gus taic a chumail ri fàs nan cànan a tha dùthchasach do dh’Alba, tha sinn cuideachd a’ toirt seachad £5.7 millean a bharrachd gus Albais agus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh am-bliadhna.”
Thuirt an Dotair MacAoidh:
“Tha e air leth math gum facas mar a dh’fhàs foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig thairis air na 40 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh: bu chòir dhuinn a bhith gu math moiteil à rud mar seo. Tha e riatanach gum bi taic leantainneach ann airson a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail suas agus a leasachadh mar chànan coimhearsnachd air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus anns na h-Eileanan, agus airson gach cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha an cànan ionnsachadh agus a bhruidhinn – agus cuideachd airson luchd-labhairt agus coimhearsnachdan na h-Albais a bhrosnachadh thar Alba.”
Cùl-fhiosrachadh
Thathar an dùil gum beachdaich BPA air Ìre 3 Bile nan Cànan Albannach Dimàirt, an 17mh latha dhen Ògmhios.
Tha àireamhan a’ chunntais-shluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Gàidhlig aig 130,161 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 43,105 neach bho 2011. Tha an cunntas-sluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Albais aig 2,444,659 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 515,215 neach bho 2011.
Tha an dreachd as ùire de Bhile nan Cànan Albannach ri fhaotainn air loidhne.
Forderin Gaelic and Scots education
Legislation tae uphaud the leids
Parents aw ower Scotland will be able tae speir for a Gaelic schuil tae be set up whaur they bide as pairt o legislation bein taen forrit by the Scots Government.
Unner the plans, it wad be necessar for local authorities tae luik intae gin the speirin wis practical and affordable. Efter takkin advice, ministers micht caw upon local authorities tae gang forrit wi the settin up o a new Gaelic schuil if the authority’s ettles shaw it tae be daeable.
Ither provisions o the Scottish Languages Bill include:
settin oot educational staunards for Gaelic and Scots
settin forrit Gaelic and Scots as official leids
uphaudin the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities sae that ministers can better ettle at policies tae uphaud the growin o the leid
allouin parents in ilka pairt o Scotland tae speir efter Gaelic nursery and early years places for their bairns
Depute First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set oot the meisures on a visit tae Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She wis jyned by Scotland’s first Gaelic spikkin national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, wha is kent forby as the Makar. The visit gangs alang wi the 40th anniversary year o Gaelic medium education in Scotland.
Ms Forbes said:
“This Bill ettles tae big strang foonds tae uphaud Gaelic’s ongawin growth follaein a hertenin increase in Gaelic spikkers and lairners aw ower Scotland. It wad forder Gaelic education provision throughoot Scotland and set forrit mair siccarly Gaelic and Scots as national leids.
“Gaelic medium education maks communities mair strang and gies guid value for siller. Gaelic medium schuils aft kythe better-than-average ootcomes, wi some local authorities reportin better grades athort aw qualification levels, for aw that costs are nae mair muckle than English medium schuils.
“Tae forder the growin o Scotland’s hamelt leids, we’re forby pittin forrit an extra £5.7 million tae uphaud Scots and Gaelic this year.”
Dr Mackay said:
“It’s braw tae hae seen the growin o Gaelic medium education ower the last 40 years: thon’s a thing we should be gey prood o. It’s vital that there’s ongawin uphaudin tae heeze up and forder forrit Gaelic as a community leid in the Hielans and Islands and tae gie fowk aw ower the country ilka chance tae lairn and spik it – and forby tae herten Scots spikkers and communities aw ower Scotland.”
Backgrund
Stage 3 o the Scottish Languages Bill is expectit tae be taen tent o by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.
Census statistics report that 130,161 fowk in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase o 43,105 fowk syne 2011. The census reports that 2,444,659 fowk in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase o 515,215 syne 2011.
The latest version o the Scottish Languages Bill is set furth online.
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