Day: June 17, 2025

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh coming to Edinburgh this Christmas

  • Scottish premiere of immersive experience which brings Monet’s impressionist masterpieces thrillingly to life
  • Spectacular seasonal treat for art lovers in the Scottish capital

Edinburgh art lovers are being given the opportunity to enjoy not one but two stunning multimedia experiences this Christmas.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh come to the Scottish capital from Saturday, 29 November 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026 – with Edinburgh hosting the Scottish premiere of the experience which brings the works of ‘Father of Impressionism’ Claude Monet to life in thrilling fashion.

The immersive spectaculars will be staged on different days throughout the five-week run at the Royal Highland Centre,

Tickets for both go on pre-sale at 9am today. 

People are being encouraged to sign up for the chance to be the first to secure tickets on www.beyondvangogh.co.uk/edinburgh

General sale opens on Wednesday, 18 June at 10am.

And there are a range of entry ticket options including special family tickets and ‘parent and child’ tickets which offer great savings on individual prices.

The Royal Highland Centre is Scotland’s biggest indoor and outdoor venue. Located at Ingliston to the west of Edinburgh city centre, it welcomes more than one million visitors a year and delivers some of the biggest events in Scotland.

It makes it the perfect location for Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh, with both multimedia extravaganzas featuring an immersive room which is 10,000sq ft in size.

The centre is also perfectly positioned with good transport links including the A8, the motorway network and Edinburgh Airport.

Produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience celebrates the groundbreaking work of the ‘Father of Impressionism’ in mesmerising and colourful fashion.

In the immersive impressionist extravaganza, cutting-edge technology breathes new life into more than 400 of the legendary French painter’s canvases, taking visitors on a spectacular and unforgettable audio-visual journey through his captivating and colourful world.

Beyond Monet brings together some of the artist’s most famous paintings – including Poppies, Impression: Sunrise and his exquisite Water Lilies series – with lesser-known works which all swirl around the space, offering a fresh and exciting new look at much-loved masterpieces and a deeper connection with Monet, his subjects and his innovative technique.

Taking inspiration from Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, the designated home of Monet’s works, visitors can freely roam the Infinity Room where they are transported inside the paintings themselves to the accompaniment of a moving original score.

Meanwhile, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience brings together more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings blended with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists, with people able to wander through iconic works – including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night – as they came alive around them.

This is Annerin Productions’ third visit to Scotland following Beyond Van Gogh at Glasgow’s SEC in 2024 – where it won critical acclaim and was seen by 50,000 visitors, and the same experience’s residency at the P&J Live in Aberdeen this summer.

It is the first time the entertainment company has staged anything in Edinburgh.

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said today: “I’m absolutely delighted we’re bringing Beyond Van Gogh to Edinburgh this Christmas, particularly after the very warm welcome Scottish art lovers have already given the experience in Glasgow and the demand for tickets for this summer’s Aberdeen run.

“I’m also excited to be able to present a very special Scottish premiere – Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience – in the city. Edinburgh was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment and art has always played a hugely important role in its cultural landscape.

“Beyond Monet is a stunning show packed with many of his most important and most powerful artworks, immersing art lovers in his revolutionary impressionist world and accompanied by a wonderfully evocative soundtrack.

“With both experiences running throughout December and into the New Year, they’re an ideal festive gift for the art lover in your life, as well as being a great day out for families looking to do something together in the run up to and over the Christmas holidays.

“The Royal Highland Centre is the perfect venue for both Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet and I’m excited to work with the team there who have been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about our vision.”

Mark Currie, Director of Venue at Royal Highland Centre, said: “Being able to host such unique and immersive events like Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet at the Royal Highland Centre is testament to the truly unique space we have here at Ingliston.

“As Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, we have an extremely versatile space, and we can’t wait to see these art masterpieces come to life in such an exceptional way for those across the city and beyond to enjoy!”

Website –  www.beyondvangogh.co.uk

Facebook – Beyond Van Gogh UK | Beyond Monet UK

Instagram – @beyondvangoghuk | @beyondmonetuk

Man jailed for eight years for serious sexual assault in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in Edinburgh. Valentin Tica, 24, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 to eight years in prison, backdated to November 2023.

He previously pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 20 May, 2025. Tica was also given a non-harassment order for an indefinite period.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Tica will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.

“I would like to commend the victim for her strength during the investigation, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some sense of closure.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violent or sexual offence, regardless of when it happened, to report it to us.

“We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”

New Show Home unveiled at Cruden Homes’ luxury retirement development in Barnton

Cruden Homes has launched a striking new show home at The Avenue, its award-winning luxury retirement development located in the prestigious Edinburgh suburb of Barnton.

Designed exclusively for retirees, this boutique-style community offers discerning buyers the chance to experience the refined lifestyle on offer in one of the capital’s most desirable locations.

Set amid landscaped grounds overlooking the Royal Burgess Golf Course, The Avenue comprises a carefully curated collection of energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas.

Each property features between one and three bedrooms, all finished to a high specification with quality fixtures and fittings as standard. With generous ceiling heights and expansive windows, homes are bathed in natural light and designed to maximise space and comfort.

The newly opened show home – a beautifully appointed two-bedroom apartment – showcases The Avenue’s hallmark blend of understated luxury and thoughtful design.

The interior, styled by Get Fully Furnished, features a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area ideal for entertaining, a spacious master suite with en-suite bathroom, a stylish guest bedroom, and a contemporary main bathroom.

Elegant finishes and premium materials lend the home the sophisticated air of a boutique hotel.

Beyond individual homes, residents benefit from a range of lifestyle-focused amenities including stylish communal areas, established gardens, a residents’ lounge, guest suite for visitors, and a concierge service – all designed to promote ease, connection, and independence.

Further enhancing the living experience, Cruden Homes has partnered with The Senior Move Partnership and Glenmore Mobility to support new residents.

Buyers can access a complimentary two-hour relocation consultation, alongside tailored in-home mobility assessments and product recommendations to ensure continued comfort and accessibility.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique lifestyle for independent retirees, combining the luxury and convenience of a boutique hotel with the independence of your own home.

“It’s been a joy to watch this community flourish. This stunning new show home offers a glimpse of the exceptional design, quality and vibrant community spirit that make The Avenue so special.”

Private viewings of the new show home are now available by appointment.

Alternatively drop-ins appointments are available Tuesday to Friday, from 11am – 5pm.

For further information or to arrange a visit, contact the Cruden Homes sales team or visit: www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

Rise in school leavers in positive destinations

Growing numbers in Higher and Further Education in 2023-24

The number of young people in work, training or further study nine months after they left school has increased.

The proportion of school leavers in a positive destination was 93.1% in 2023-24, up from 92.8%, according to the annual Summary Statistics for Follow-up Leaver Destinations. This is now at a similar level to the pre-pandemic peak of 93.3% in 2017-18.

The increase over the latest year has been driven by increases in school leavers reaching Higher education (from 37.1% to 38.1%) and Further education (from 21.2% to 21.9%).

Over the longer term, the proportion in positive destinations is up from 85.9% in 2009-10.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “These figures show the proportion of Scotland’s young people achieving positive destinations is almost back to pre-pandemic levels and at a near record high.

“The increase among those in Higher and Further Education is hugely encouraging and testament to the hard work of those young people and the extraordinary support provided by Scotland’s teachers, lecturers and other support staff.

“The gap in positive destinations between young people from our most and least deprived communities has more than halved since 2009-10, but this latest data shows we still have more to do. We also know this cohort of young people faced significant disruption to their education during the pandemic.

“A range of support, including from careers advisers and the Developing the Young Workforce network, is available for young people considering their options after school. I am determined to ensure young people can access the right help they need to enable them into a positive destination and this Government will continue to invest in opportunities for young people across Scotland.”

Summary statistics for follow-up leaver destinations, no. 7: 2025 edition – gov.scot

SCOTLAND TO SCRAP THE CAP

Scottish Government scrapping the two child limit to help end child poverty

The Scottish Government will effectively scrap the impact of the two-child limit from 2nd March 2026, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed.

On a visit to Busy Bees Bellfield parent and toddler group in Portobello, Ms Somerville said the introduction of the Two Child Limit Payment will mean 20,000 fewer children will be living in relative poverty in 2026-27, according to Scottish Government modelling.

Speaking ahead of a statement to parliament on the publication of the annual report on Best Start, Bright Futures, the Scottish Government’s child poverty strategy, Ms Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has consistently called on the UK Government to end the two-child cap.

“Reports suggest that they are looking at the impact it is having. But the evidence is clear and families and Scotland can’t wait any longer for the UK Government to make up its mind to do the right thing and scrap the cap once and for all.

“The Two Child Limit Payment will begin accepting applications in March next year. At less than 15 months from when we announced this in the Scottish budget, this will be the fastest that a Scottish social security benefit has been delivered.

“This builds upon the considerable action we have taken in Scotland, including delivering unparalleled financial support through our Scottish Child Payment, investing to clear school meal debts, and continuing to support almost 10,000 children by mitigating the UK Government’s Benefit Cap as fully as possible.

“However, austerity decisions taken by the UK Government are holding back Scotland’s progress. Modelling published in March makes clear that if the UK Government act decisively on child poverty, they could help to take an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty this year.”

The two child limit cap was introduced by the UK Conservative Government in 2017. Since their Westminster victory last year Keir Starmer’s Labour government has refused to scrap the cap.

Resilence Fund support for city’s small third sector organisations

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 4 JULY 1pm

Phase 2 of the City of Edinburgh Council Resilience Fund aims to provide short-term support to small and medium third sector organisations in Edinburgh that work to end poverty.

Grants: Up to £10,000

Deadline: Fri 4 Jul, 1pm

Phase 2 aims to provide short-term support to small and medium third sector organisations in Edinburgh that work to end poverty. The fund helps organisations facing financial difficulties maintain their services and financial stability during 2025/26.

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for this funding organisations must

  • deliver activities which address or prevent poverty and which align with the city’s End Poverty in Edinburgh framework (further details about this can be found in the fund specification)
  • be headquartered in Edinburgh
  • have registered charitable status or be a non-profit distributing organisation
  • have a gross annual income of less than £500k
  • be experiencing financial challenges, for example
    • an unexpected drop in grant funding or other income
    • an unexpected increase in running or delivery costs, or
    • an unexpected increase in service demand
  • not be in receipt of funding from the Council through Phase 1 of the Third Sector Resilience Fund or the Income Maximisation Grant Programme.

Organisations can apply for up to £10,000 from this phase of funding. Funding can be used to support core costs or to maintain service delivery where this is at risk from the loss of expected grant funding, increased costs or unexpected increases in demand.

You will find detailed information in the Third Sector Resilience Fund Specification and a summary in our Frequently Asked Questions.

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online form.

Before submitting your application, you will need to confirm that you have read

Please attach a copy of your most recent years Annual Accounts via email to policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Applications close at 1pm on the 4th of July 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk

BBC ALBA goes on a journey to the end of the world – Patagonia

BBC ALBA follows the Gaelic trail to ‘the end of the world’ in stunning new Patagonia series

BBC ALBA’s breathtaking new two-part documentary, Patagonia – Cuàirt gu Crìoch na Cruinne (A Journey to the End of the World), invites viewers on an extraordinary expedition across South America, retracing the footsteps of Scots who ventured to the remote region of Patagonia more than a century ago.

From the hills and lochs of North Uist to the towering glaciers and open plains of Chile and Argentina, Hebridean crofter, Keith MacDonald, rides his motorcycle deep into the heart of Patagonia – a continent he lived and worked in a decade ago.

What begins as a personal quest soon becomes a powerful story of survival and reconnection as Keith explores the elemental landscapes, genealogical secrets and dramatic history of one of the least known parts of the world.

At every junction Keith uncovers the story of the Scottish pioneers who uprooted their families to emigrate across the Atlantic Ocean, to Patagonia, in search of a better life.

Along the way, Keith learns about how gauchos still have to overcome vast distances and relentless winds to make a precarious living from this unforgiving territory. 

But the journey is more than just an educational one, as he connects with his ancestors, a long way from his home in North Uist, and from their roots in Achmore on the Isle of Lewis.

Episode one sees Keith travel through Chilean Patagonia, reaching Puerto Natales where he joins a traditional sheep drive across rugged landscapes. Under the guidance of a local farmer — a proud descendant of Scottish settlers — Keith learns the time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. But what lessons can he take back to his own croft in Scotland?

While in Chile, he learns to tame wild horses, attempts to capture a rogue bull and ventures into the stunning mountains of Torres del Paine National Park where he tracks elusive pumas and observes baby guanacos up close in their natural habitat. The episode culminates in the remote city of Punta Arenas, in the far south of the continent, where Keith meets his relatives and hears stories about their ancestors’ tough lives.

In episode two, Keith’s journey takes him deep into Argentine Patagonia, where he kayaks to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier — a natural wonder now beginning to show the first signs of retreat due to climate change. At one of the few surviving cattle ranches within the vast Los Glaciares National Park, he swaps his motorcycle for horseback joining a team of gauchos as they round up livestock in the shadow of towering peaks. 

Pushing further south than he’s ever travelled, Keith reaches Tierra del Fuego, a windswept archipelago off the southern tip of the continent.

There, he uncovers the harrowing legacy of Alexander MacLennan — known as “The Red Pig” – a Scottish settler whose brutal role in the genocide of the region’s Indigenous peoples casts a dark shadow over this chapter of Scottish emigration history.

Crofter Keith MacDonald said: “I never imagined, a decade on from my last visit, that I could still be so entranced with South America, but here I am, more captivated than ever. I met some extraordinary people along the way, encountered wildlife in all its natural splendour and travelled through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

“From time to time when you travel, you meet people who have a deep connection to a special place. Our Scottish descendants have an important role to play as custodians of the land and the environment, and it’s important to keep the freedoms and traditions of the Patagonian lifestyle alive.

“I have returned home with new ideas and new friends, and meeting relatives on my mother’s side is something extremely special to me. Only a few generations ago the Scots were true pioneers, a tough experience but one that seemed well worth it. The heart and soul of Patagonia remains as vibrant and enduring as ever.”

Episode one of Patagonia – Cuàirt gu Crìoch na Cruinne (A Journey to the End of the World) premiers on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 18 June at 9pm, (in Gaelic with English subtitles).Watch live or on demand: BBC ALBA – Patagonia – Episode guide

North Edinburgh Tool Library at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

🌱 Exciting News for local gardeners! 🌱

Have you ever wanted to get stuck into some gardening but didn’t have the tools? We’ve got you covered!

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre has launched a Garden Tool Library – a brand new free service to help our local community borrow hand tools and get gardening without the cost of buying them.

🌿 How it works:

– Become a member of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

– Fill out a second quick form to join the Tool Library.

– Bring along proof of address (like a letter or driving license).

– Start borrowing! Tools can be borrowed for up to two weeks at a time.

✅ Free to join

✅ Free to borrow

At the moment we’ve got hand tools only, but we’ll be adding more soon – so stay tuned! 🌼

Pop in and see us or get in touch to find out more.

Swing into Summer with Edinburgh Leisure’s Citywide Golf Campaign

Edinburgh Leisure is inviting locals and visitors alike to “Swing into Summer” with a fresh campaign celebrating the city’s six diverse golf courses and a new exhibition showcasing Edinburgh’s rich golfing heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious beginner, Edinburgh Leisure offers the perfect tee-off point with a choice of six scenic courses across the city. With both 9- and 18-hole options, flexible memberships, and pay-as-you-play access, there’s something for every skill level and schedule.

The “Swing into Summer” campaign aims to boost participation in golf by highlighting the sport’s accessibility, sociability, and health benefits—especially for retirees, young professionals, and casual players looking for a relaxing way to stay active.

It also positions Edinburgh Leisure as the ideal launchpad for summer golf adventures, including the prestigious Scottish Open in North Berwick this July.

Discover the Courses

  • Braid Hills – A historic course with panoramic views and a legacy tied to golfing legends like James Braid and Tommy Armour.
  • The Wee Braids – A family-friendly 9-hole course perfect for beginners and quick rounds, just minutes from the city centre.
  • Silverknowes – A coastal gem with generous fairways and stunning views across the Firth of Forth.
  • Craigentinny – A walkable parkland course with vistas of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, offering a mix of challenging holes.
  • Carrick Knowe – Nestled near Murrayfield Stadium, this mature course blends tradition with modern design.
  • Portobello – A compact and forgiving 9-hole course with tight greens and a memorable finishing hole.

Teeing Off Through Time: A Golf Heritage Exhibition

As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to present “Teeing Off Through Time”, which will be on permanent display at Silverknowes Golf Course.   There will also be an opportunity to visit the exhibition from 9–15 July at St James Quarter, next to Mhor Bakery on Leith Street, where it will be on display as part of Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900.

This free exhibition explores Edinburgh’s pivotal role in the history of golf, showcases the stories behind Edinburgh Leisure’s six courses, and celebrates iconic local tournaments like the Dispatch Trophy and Gibson Cup.

Visitors can also view rare photographs and memorabilia from the Braid Hills and Silverknowes collections, made possible by the Sporting Heritage Grants Programme and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will be on display again at Silverknowes from the beginning of July.

Book Your Round Today

Whether you’re chasing birdies or just enjoying the views, there’s never been a better time to play.

Book your round and explore Edinburgh’s golfing legacy today.

Book online now – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/golf/

Scan here to get a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh Leisure’s golf courses.

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