Day: June 16, 2025

Honour Lothian’s heroes of the High Street

2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year. Could that community be yours?

People across Lothian are being urged to celebrate their heroes of the high street.

Nominations have opened for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, celebrating the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

As part of the awards, residents across Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian are being encouraged to nominate those they would like to see crowned High Street Hero for the Lothian region.

That accolade last year went to eco warrior Jim Allan, of Bathgate (top), an influential force in West Lothian Litter Pickers and its work to clear hundreds of tonnes of rubbish from the region’s streets and spaces.

People can also put their home area forward for national accolades including Town of the Year.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to back enterprises and organisations in their communities.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Every day, people and organisations go above and beyond to make their communities better and I’ve been lucky to meet a few of them and see what brilliant work they do. The impact of that determination to make a difference should never be underestimated.

“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward that success, celebrating collective and individual achievements. They are a fantastic way to say a special thank-you.”

The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.

Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.

The categories nationally are:

  • Town of the Year
  • Most Enterprising Community
  • Place Leader of the Year

Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions – recognising a person or organisation who make life better in their area.

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday, August 30th 2025. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October. A special reception will take place in Edinburgh in November.

Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fifth year in which the awards have been held.

Seasonal flavours at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Brand new summer menu for customers to enjoy

Dobbies Garden Centres has launched its brand-new summer menu, bringing a variety of seasonal flavours and delicious dishes to customers at its Edinburgh store. 

The special summer dishes lean into what’s in season and have been designed to offer new and light options for customers, while complementing some of Dobbies’ popular main course options for those looking for a hearty meal.  

Lighter lunches include Cheddar cheese and tomato quiche and Goat’s cheese and red onion puff pastry tart, both served with a dressed side salad and slaw, and the chicken ham and leek pie, a hearty favourite, served with seasonal vegetables and a rich gravy. 

Restaurants also have seasonal sweet treats with customers in Edinburgh able to enjoy a tasty new white chocolate and raspberry roulade, a meringue filled with cream, raspberry sauce and white chocolate pieces; a raspberry tart topped with fresh raspberries in a butter crust pastry; or a baked mixed fruit cheesecake with grapes, blueberries, raspberries and kiwi. 

Dobbies’ banana iced chocolate summer drink is back by popular demand for those who like all things sweet and there is an iced salted caramel latte for those who love their coffee. Refreshing iced lemonade coolers are also available as part of the summer menu, with mango, cherry and strawberry to choose from. 

The Heritage Afternoon Tea is also available as part of the summer menu and has been carefully curated in honour of celebrating Dobbies’ 160th birthday. It offers three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, including Dobbies’ famous scones, plus unlimited tea and coffee refills.

The Edinburgh store also has a fantastic line up of events in the coming weeks, including the Fairy Garden Tea Party on 28 and 29 June which includes a delicious children’s afternoon tea. 

Dave Worthington, Head of Food Development at Dobbies said: “Our brand-new summer menu is bursting with flavour, offering customers in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy an array of seasonal dishes using produce that’s in season. 

“The Cheddar cheese and tomato quiche and the goat’s cheese and red onion puff pastry tart are two of our lighter lunches that we’re anticipating being popular.

“We also have brought back our banana iced chocolate milkshake due to popular demand, and hope that the variety in our indulgent drink range has something for everyone, whether it’s a sweet drink or a refreshing fruit cooler.” 

For more information about the new summer menu available and events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com.

Tattoo crowds set to ‘Boogie’ with celebration of Scottish pop music

The Massed Military Bands of the British Army will present a pop medley of Scottish pop classics on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Crowds at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to enjoy a medley of Scottish pop classics this summer performed by the Massed Military Bands of the British Army.

As part of the brand’s 75th anniversary celebrations, this year’s Show The Heroes Who Made Us will feature fan favourites such as “Yes Sir! I Can Boogie” and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.

And with just 50 days to go before the Tattoo’s opening weekend, fans can get their hands on exclusive tickets to this year’s performance at its final dress rehearsal on Thursday 31 July 2025 with prices reduced by 50%.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 12 June 2025 and are available online at edintattoo.co.uk or over the phone by calling 0131 225 1188.

As Lead Service, the British Army will be part of an awe-inspiring showcase of music, dance, and precision performance that encapsulates 75 years of the Tattoo story.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, Alan Lane, said: “Scottish culture has led the way for centuries. From Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations to the work of Ian Rankin and everything in between Scottish cultural thought sets the standard. Nowhere is that more true than the world of pop music.

“So for our 75th anniversary show it’s exciting to include some of the best of Scottish pop music.

“Huge songs from The Fratellis through Simple Minds to Lewis Capaldi, all played by the best of Army musicians. This is one of the many moments in the Show where we combine our proud history with contemporary culture to create something fresh for our audience.  I’d urge everyone to take advantage of these half-price tickets and make sure they’re there in person to see the Show.”

The full list of Scottish pop classics to ring out around the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this year is:

Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis

Don’t You Forget About – Simple Minds

For The Love Of A Princess – Braveheart

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Proclaimers

Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi

Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics

Thorn In My Side – Eurythmics

Why Does it Always Rain on Me – Travis

Yes Sir! I Can Boogie – Baccara

Over 800 international performers will take the stage, representing the heroism and cultural richness of their countries through song and dance.

Music will play a central role in the performance, featuring the famous songs of Scottish national treasures like Skipinnish, whose track “Eagle’s Wing”, performed by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast, will close the Show.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at a discounted rate.

Tickets for the Preview Night will be available from Thursday 12 June at 10am BST at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or via phone at 0131 225 1188.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh ‘Own The Week’ with flavourful offers

The school summer holidays are quickly approaching, starting with the term ending on Thursday, 26th June. Kids are ready to start the fun, but that doesn’t mean adults should miss out on a little break, too.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is spicing things up during the week by introducing  ‘Own The Week’, with a different deal hitting the menu from Monday through Thursday each week, allowing guests to treat themselves without breaking the bank and turn a weekday night into a weekend vibe. 

  • Mega Monday Margaritas start the week right with jumbo versions of the classic, bursting with flavour – perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). At £13.95 each, they’re the ideal way to toast to summer.
  • Tako Tiki Tuesdays lets you pair your choice of two tacos and a tiki drink, for the perfect summer match. Choose from either Baja shrimp, chopped cheese, buffalo chicken or al pastor, paired with a cocktail like the ‘Cheeky Tiki’ or ‘Tiki Tiki Boom Boom’ for just £20. As an extra treat, collective tiki glasses can be purchased for £7.50 – it’s tiki time somewhere!
  • Winning Wednesdays are for the wine lovers. Order a bottle of house wine to receive a complimentary plate of the delicious Tupelo Dippers – crispy hand breaded chicken tenders served with your choice of two dipping sauces.
  • Throwback Thursdays are made for dining on old-school throwbacks, prepared the Hard Rock way. Dive into an iconic classic burger, fries, a side of onion rings and refreshing Coke Float for just £19.71.

For bookings and more information: https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces UK Premiere of eagerly-awaited cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that the UK premiere of Macon Blair’s gloriously outlandish cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER will be the closing night film of the Festival’s Midnight Madness strand.

Before Deadpool and Venom, there was The Toxic Avenger, the original mutant mop-wielding hero that confirmed production company Troma Entertainment as a favourite to cult film fans the world over.

Premiering at Fantastic Fest, Macon Blair’s THE TOXIC AVENGER stars Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Jacob Tremblay (Doctor Sleep), Taylour Paige (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), Kevin Bacon (MaXXXine), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Julia Davis (Gavin & Stacey) and Luisa Guerreiro (Baldur’s Gate III).

When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.

Based on the franchise-spawning 1980s cult classic, THE TOXIC AVENGER is directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore), written by Macon Blair, Lloyd Kaufman (Mother’s Day) and Joe Ritter (The Toxic Avenger 1984), produced by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment, Alex Garcia (Godzilla MonsterVerse) and Mary Parent (Dune Part One, Dune Part Two) of Legendary Pictures.

Signature Entertainment will release the film in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 29 August.

THE TOXIC AVENGER joins Ben Wheatley’s BULK as new films presented as part of this year’s EIFF Midnight Madness strand which runs throughout the Festival and unleashes the very best in new genre cinema from around the world.

Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 14-20 August 2025. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media. 

Paul Ridd, CEO and Festival Director of EIFF, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be hosting the UK Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, which will bring our Midnight Madness strand this year to an extravagantly gory and hilarious close.

“Peter Dinklage’s terrific reimagining of this iconic character in Macon Blair’s genius film, together make for an absolute blast of cult cinematic energy. Bring it on!”
 

Katie Wilkinson, Acquisitions & Development Manager at Signature, said “We couldn’t think of a better place for THE TOXIC AVENGER’s UK Premiere than as the closing film of Midnight Madness at EIFF 2025.

“Genre fans can expect a crazy world of mutated maintenance men, killer chicken brutes and Elijah Wood as you’ve never seen him before.

“Peter Dinklage’s take on the Toxic Avenger will leave audiences forever changed by this fantastically unique hero story.” 

Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.

Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of  BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio. 

More information will be released on the 2025 Festival in the coming weeks.

EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.  

£1bn for renewal of broken bridges, ruined roads and tired tunnels

Chancellor spends £1 billion to enhance and repair run down transport infrastructure and futureproof England’s road network

Package also includes further £590 million to take forward the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing, and follows record £15.6bn investment in city region transport announced ahead of the Spending Review.

Funding will ensure vital upgrades are made to tired bridges, flyovers and tunnels across Britain, supporting highly skilled job opportunities, delivering on the Plan for Change.

Drivers across the UK will benefit from major investments to improve vital road structures, alongside committing cash to finally deliver a new Thames Crossing, working with the private sector.

Across Great Britain, approximately 3,000 bridges are currently unable to support the heaviest vehicles, restricting access for agricultural and freight transport in regions, and slowing down journeys.

And nationally, the number of bridge collapses has also risen – a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to turn the tide on the decade of neglect.

The Structures Fund will inject cash into repairing run down bridges, decaying flyovers and worn out tunnels across Britain, and ensure other transport infrastructure is both more resilient to extreme weather events and to the demands of modern transport – making everyday journeys safer, smoother and more dependable.

The Government is also pledging a further £590 million to take forward the Lower Thames Crossing, the most significant road building project in a generation and a national priority- ending the painfully slow approach seen before.

The new crossing will cut frustrating congestion at Dartford, better linking up motorists and businesses in the Midlands and North with key ports in the South East, and spreading growth throughout the regions as outlined in the Plan for Change.

The Government will look to bring in private finance and expertise to support this major project.

These investments come as part of the new 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which will be published later this week, and sets out clear, achievable and robust vision for projects over the next decade of renewal.

This also comes swiftly after a record £15.6bn was announced at the Spending Review to enable local leaders to build long awaited projects like the Tyne and Wear Metro extension and the West Yorkshire Metro, and more investment to fund the TransPennine Route Upgrade and deliver East-West Rail.

The Government is also delivering direct funding to support growth across the UK – with funding for five new rail stations in South Wales, and financial backing for carbon capture storage in Aberdeenshire.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “When it comes to investing in Britain’s renewal, we’re going all in by going up against the painful disruption of closed bridges, crossings and flyovers, and ensure they’re fit to serve working people for decades to come.

“Today’s investment also goes even further and faster to spread growth by providing critical funding to take forward the Lower Thames Crossing – not just boosting connectivity in the South East, but ensuring a smoother, less congested passage of vital goods from Europe to our regions.

“This is a turning point for our national infrastructure, and we’re backing it with funding to support thousands of jobs and connect communities, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We’re finally getting on with the Lower Thames Crossing — a crucial project to drive economic growth, that has been stuck in planning limbo for far too long.

“This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long term trade with Europe. It will speed up the movement of goods from South East England to the Midlands and the North, crucial to thousands of jobs and businesses.

“Our structures fund will make long-overdue investments to repair ageing structures across the country, speeding up journeys, restoring pride and delivering our Plan for Change to boost the economy and support regional growth.”

Capital investment today will not only address these immediate risks over the next five years, but create skilled jobs in construction, engineering and maintenance, support vital regeneration in local areas by improving connectivity, and boost local economies by improving access to jobs, education and services.

The government will set out more detail about how funding will be allocated shortly. This funding is additional to the funding local authorities will receive for highways maintenance, which will be set out in due course.

Grand celebration as Tumbles at Portobello reopens following refurbishment

Tumbles Soft Play at Portobello has reopened following a refurbishment that has transformed the much-loved venue into a dynamic new world of adventure—Explorer Island.

The reopening was marked with a special celebration attended by friends, family, and the 15 winners of the recent sandcastle photo competition.

These lucky young adventurers were treated to an exclusive party, complete with fun activities, party bags, and the honour of being the first to explore the reimagined play space.

As part of the festivities, the Tumbles team selected 15 “Star Guests”—children from across different age groups—who joined beloved characters Emma, Fox, and Squirrel on their first expedition through the upgraded soft play environment.

“Our Explorer Island is a whole world of fun—an island where anything is possible, and adventure awaits,” said Ashliegh Murray, Manager at Tumbles. “We’re so excited to welcome families back to a space that’s been designed to spark imagination, creativity, and active play.”

The refurbishment is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive spaces for children and families.

Key upgrades at Tumbles include:

  • New light and video features in the baby and toddler zones
  • A reconfigured layout for enhanced play experiences
  • Upgraded versions of favourite features
  • Extended café seating with fixed options
  • New flooring throughout the soft play and café areas
  • A refreshed reception area
  • A redecorated birthday party room for the return of celebration packages

Tumbles is one of three soft play centres operated by Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to helping everyone in the city lead more active, healthy lives. With over 30 facilities across Edinburgh, the organisation continues to invest in spaces that inspire movement, imagination, and community connection.

Open 7 days a week from 09.15 – 17.00, Tumbles offers wonderful adventures for kids aged 0 – 10 with designated baby, toddler and junior play areas.

For more information about Tumbles at Portobello and upcoming events, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/tumbles-soft-play/

UK charity calls for class-based water safety education to save live

New figures show that 249 people accidentally drowned in the UK and Ireland in 2024, with more than 1,600 lives lost in the last five years.

Following the release of new data from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) and Water Safety Ireland, national charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is urging people to stay vigilant when in, on or around water this summer. 

With 141 children known to have drowned from England, Scotland and Wales in the last three years alone, ensuring your family knows what to do in an emergency is vital. RLSS UK is urging everyone to learn the Water Safety Code through its video animation, during its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign, from 14 to 21 June 2025. 

Targeted at young children and families, the national water safety education campaign aims to ensure as many people as possible are equipped with vital lifesaving knowledge to allow them to enjoy water safely this summer.  

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director, said: “Drowning is preventable. As a charity, we believe in the importance of everyone having the opportunity to learn key lifesaving knowledge, including the Water Safety Code, to keep them and their families safe and able to enjoy the water safely.

“We are deeply saddened at every life lost to drowning. We will continue to campaign and advocate for all children to have access to high-quality class-based water safety education, whatever their background.”

RLSS UK has been a long-term advocate for class-based water safety education across schools in the UK and Ireland.

Research has shown this type of learning is proven to increase water safety awareness and water confidence in the long-term, providing a ‘lesson for life’.

Professor Mike Tipton, Chair of the NWSF, added: “Drowning claims many lives each year, often of young people. Education and knowledge underpin drowning prevention which is why events like the RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week are so important and the ‘lessons for life’ it will provide are crucial.” 

In 2024, the campaign saw the charity’s free resources used to educate an estimated 1.25 million children. As part of its ambition to grow this number further, RLSS UK has just launched brand-new materials for children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The charity will be hosting an event with MPs and partners tomorrow (Tuesday 17 June) at Westminster, to draw attention to the urgent need for class-based water safety education and seek support for its formal inclusion in the National Curriculum’s RHSE guidance for England.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water Safety Education, of which RLSS UK is the Secretariat, will also be hosted on the same day.

Where is the Best Community Pub in Edinburgh?

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 Adds Two New Categories and Voting Deadline Extended!



Scotland’s hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened! Two brand new categories have been added to this year’s awards lineup: Community Pub of the Year and Hotel Bar of the Year, recognising the vital role these venues play in Scottish hospitality!

To give these deserving establishments the recognition they’ve earned, voting has been extended until Friday 20th June – giving customers extra time to back their favourites for glory!

With the deadline looming, now’s your last chance to rally behind the venues and hospitality heroes who deserve their moment in the spotlight. Make sure they’re in the running!

From bustling bars and traditional pubs to vibrant restaurants and buzzing late-night venues – plus the bartending talent behind the magic – it’s time to propel your local hospitality heroes onto the national stage.

This year’s stellar lineup includes categories like Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, HOSPO Manager of the Year and Jameson Best Irish Bar – proving there’s a spotlight waiting for every corner of Scotland’s hospitality scene.

Event organiser, Susan Young said, “These category additions reflect the incredible diversity of Scotland’s bar and pub scene. Community pubs are the heartbeat of Scottish towns and villages, while hotel bars deliver world-class experiences that put Scotland on the global hospitality map. Both deserve their moment in the spotlight.

“We’ve been thrilled by the outstanding entries received thus far, and there’s still time to nominate the bars and people who make Scotland’s hospitality scene truly special. It’s time to help us celebrate the incredible talent across the country!”

Marking three decades as Scotland’s premier licensed trade awards, the 2025 ceremony celebrates a milestone 30th year. Judges will once again embark on covert missions across the country, conducting mystery visits from the Highlands to the Borders to uncover Scotland’s hospitality gems.

Voting is easy, just go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com and you can vote in as many different categories as you like. Voting closes on the 20th of June, finalists will be announced, and the winners will be crowned at the glittering award ceremony in Glasgow on the 26th of August!

You can also find a full list of all categories on the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards website and socials.

Deadline for Nominations – 20th June 2024

For a full list of categories and to vote please go to:

www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

Or vote by emailing:

entrysbpa@mediaworldltd.com and tell us your nominations and why they should win.

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/