Prize-winning cattle, sheep, goats and Heavy Horses took centre stage on day three of the Royal Highland Show as sellout crowds gathered in the Grandstand at Ingliston to see lots of different breeds at one time.
Over 150 animals took part in the parade which sees them walking gracefully across the event’s Main Ring. The Grand Parade takes place once again on the Sunday of the Show at 2:30pm.
Awards were also handed out to 15 winners who are leading the way in agricultural innovation. Winners included Graintek UK for their baby portable grain dryer, the smallest mobile dryer in the world and New Holland for their T6 methane power tractor, which offers a more sustainable way of working.
Royal Highland Show, Grand Parade
David Tennant, Head of Show, said: “There has been an incredible atmosphere on site today and the Saturday of the Show is always a really special one with The Grand Parade taking place – it’s such a spectacle for visitors to experience. It’s also been a delight to see lots more families at the Show today enjoying Tractor Ted, Mini Rovers and our Countryside Arena.
“The Sunday of the Show will see our Members Village being opened to the public to showcase a whole host of entertainment, from Edinburgh Military Tattoo artists, magician, Elliott Bibby and live music – it looks set to be a superb Sunday!”
Record culture funding uplift to benefit 14 festivals in 2025-26
Edinburgh Fringe Programme Launch 2025
Fourteen major festivals across Scotland will receive funding increases this year, thanks to a record uplift in the Scottish culture budget.
As part of an overall £4 million increase for festivals in 2025-26 Scottish Budget, this year’s Festival EXPO Fund has awarded a total of £2.8 million across the 14 festivals, up from £1.7 million the previous year.
Festivals Edinburgh will also receive £200,000 via Creative Scotland to support their branding and marketing work to promote the Edinburgh festivals.
Established in 2007, the Scottish Government’s Festival EXPO Fund is designed to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them. The fund is managed by Creative Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland’s festivals are our cultural shopfront to the rest of the world. As well as offering performers and creatives an unrivalled international platform, they also deliver an annual economic uplift to businesses, jobs and livelihoods right across the country.
“This year’s funding increase for the existing EXPO festivals cohort represents an increase of £1 million across the 14 festivals in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the first in 10 years.
“It recognises the success of festivals in shaping and supporting hundreds of commissions, enhancing the ambitions of thousands of Scottish artists and attracting audiences in the millions for EXPO-supported work since the fund’s creation in 2007.
“From this foundation we will expand the reach of the EXPO fund across the whole of Scotland, and I am working with festivals across the country through the Strategic Festivals Partnership to realise this commitment.”
Dana MacLeod, Executive Director of Arts, Communities and Inclusion at Creative Scotland said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to the Festivals EXPO Fund, providing invaluable support for Scotland’s world-class festivals.
“The EXPO Fund enables Scotland’s festivals to commission bold ideas, develop creative collaborations and present high-quality programmes for audiences in Scotland and internationally.”
Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: “Today’s announcement is welcome news for our festivals and for Scotland’s cultural sector, ensuring that the guiding principle of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund – to showcase Scottish talent to the world on the country’s premier festival platforms – continues to successfully support creative careers.”
TWO WEEKS? HE COULDN’T WAIT TWO DAYS TO ATTACK IRAN
The United States of America has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
The overnight attack by ‘our great American Warriors’ has been welcomed by Israel, who initiated the latest conflict with Iran last week.
US President Trump, without a trace of irony, is now calling for peace!
Also calling for peace, but perhaps with more sincerity, is the United Nations – which has once again been found to be impotent when faced with international agression by major military powers.
United Nations general secretary António Guterres said in a statement: “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.
“I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
Some US politicians have also expressed concern that Congress was not consulted over the agression.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said on Twitter: “President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution.“
World leaders, including Great Britain, with our so-called ‘special relationship’, will doubtless call for restraint and urge negotiations this morning, but let’s be honest: Trump, and by association Netanyahu, will do exactly what he wants. And who can stop him?
Predictably, the UK did not condemn the actions of the US.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued this short statement: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
Gifford Community Woodland has received £3,180 to plant 420 native trees in a part of the woodland devastated by ash dieback, a crucial step in restoring the biodiversity and long-term health of the forest.
The woodland, situated just outside the village of Gifford, was purchased by the local community in 2017 after decades of commercial neglect. It was saved from sale to private interests thanks to a determined local campaign.
With support from the Scottish Land Fund, East Lothian Council, Fallago Environment Fund, and a village-wide fundraising effort, the woodland became one of Scotland’s newest community-owned assets, now managed by volunteers for conservation, education, and wellbeing.
“From the start, the message from the community was clear: we want to protect and restore the ancient woodland, and make it accessible for everyone,” said Neville Kilkenny, a fungal ecologist and Project Manager.
“This GreenSkies grant allows us to replant native species in an area badly affected by ash dieback, not just with trees, but with the entire plant communities they support. It’s about recreating a whole ecosystem. Planting the right trees supports the resilience of other diverse communities associated with an ancient woodland ecosystem.”
The pack of trees being planted – including silver birch, hazel, and varieties of oak – have been carefully selected to mirror the natural makeup of the site, creating resilient woodland habitats that can withstand future climate pressures.
The woods have been opened up to the public for the first time through a new path network, including accessible routes to ensure the entire community can enjoy the woodland.
Since taking ownership, Gifford Community Woodland has become a thriving hub for environmental learning and community connection.
Forest school programmes bring local children into the woods to learn about nature hands-on, while volunteer events and guided walks, covering everything from bat monitoring and moth traps to fungi, lichens and bryophytes surveys, help residents build a deeper relationship with the land.
The woodland is also supporting the next generation of conservationists, with young people and students gaining valuable experience in ecological surveying and woodland management.
The ash dieback outbreak, which could result in the loss of 90% of the UK’s ash trees, has had a visible impact on the site. But community resilience has emerged just as strongly.
“We’re not just replacing trees,” Neville Kilkenny said. “We’re restoring the woodland with the community involved at every step. People here are learning how ecosystems function; how fungi, trees, soil, insects and mammals all interact.
“It’s a slow process, but it’s creating something incredibly strong and long-lasting.”
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, established the GreenSkies Community Fund in 2021 to support local sustainability projects across Scotland and beyond. Through the fund, a portion of each ticket purchased contributes to environmental and community initiatives focused on climate resilience and decarbonisation.
Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Gifford Community Woodland is a brilliant example of local climate action in practice. Their approach is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in science and place. This isn’t just tree planting, it’s community-led ecosystem restoration with generational impact.
“Our GreenSkies programme is focused on creating real change on the ground as well as in the air. Gifford Community Woodland embodies the kind of project we’re proud to champion.”
To celebrate World Wellbeing Week, 24th – 30th June, The Centre, Livingston is running various activities including yoga classes to raise funds for its charity partner, Breast Friends and Family on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, who will also have a tranquil pop up with a seating area on both days to help raise awareness.
The charity was founded by Hazel Orr, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, with the help of her sister Mandy, mother Sylvia and daughter Holly to support patients through their breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery with care packages to help make them feel a little bit more comfortable during their treatment. These include mastectomy bras, thermometers and scarves.
At the pop up, which will be located at next to New Look, shoppers will be able to find out more about all of the support they offer and the classes they run at their newly opened premises in Bathgate, ‘The Heart’. These include exercise sessions, meditation, mindfulness and yoga.
The partnership is part of The Centre’s ‘Support in the Community’ initiative, which helps local charities and social enterprises by providing awareness-raising and fundraising opportunities for a period of three months, including free pop up space, a £250 Gift Card donation and marketing support.
In addition to the yoga classes hosted by One Space Livingston, starting at 9am in The Wintergarden, with all donations welcomed, The Centre, Livingston has also partnered with Elevate Acro Gymnastics Club, who lost their venue due to a fire in December 2024. Shoppers will be able to enjoy a spirited performance celebrating their resilience and community support at 2pm near Beaverbrooks.
On the 24th and 26th there will also be the opportunity to win gifts at the Wellbeing ‘Spin the Wheel’ stand, located beside New Look, from retailers including Holland & Barrett, Lush, Boots and One Beyond, and also the chance to enter a competition to win a luxury gift box from Rituals.
Hazel said: “We are extremely grateful to The Centre, Livington for running yoga classes to help raise funds for us and for the opportunity to bring our volunteers in to highlight the services that Breast Friends and Family provide for those with a breast cancer diagnosis in West Lothian.
“We want to raise awareness of the services available not only for those currently going through treatment but also for those who have been through treatment for breast cancer at any time in the past and also for those living with breast cancer.”
Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our charity partner, Breast Friends and Family into the shopping centre on the 28th and 29th June to help them to raise even more awareness about the fantastic work they are doing to support women with breast cancer.
“We are also hoping to help the charity raise funds by inviting people to take part in our Wellbeing Week yoga classes which will be a great way enjoy some ‘me time’ and unwind and also support a fantastic organisation at the same time”
To find out more about the Wellbeing Week event, check out The Centre, Livingston social media channels, @shopthecentre.
Drivers are being told they have been using the air conditioning in their car all wrong as the weather heats up across the UK.
The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have revealed that air conditioning for short car journeys is actually ineffective and have shared six ways to use the feature efficiently.
Using air conditioning on short journeys can actually increase a car’s fuel consumption by up to 10%.*
This is because air conditioning can take a while to circulate properly as the system needs time to cool down the air that is going to be pushed through the vents.
If your car has been sitting in the sun it can take even longer to cool everything down due to the warmer temperatures.
The experts state that when driving at speeds under 40mph on short journeys, rolling down the window is the best and quickest way to cool down in the car and won’t use up any fuel.
Going faster than 40mph with the windows open can create a lot of drag, causing your car to work harder.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “When you turn the AC on in your car it can take a while for the system to get going because it needs to make the refrigerant cold. This is the fluid that is used to cool the air.
“Once the fluid is cool, it’s then blown through the vents to cool the car down but replacing all of that warm air can take some time. It can take even longer if your car has been parked in the sun previously.
“This makes your car hotter and means the air conditioning has to work even harder in cooling the car down which is why it’s best to park in the sun or use sunshades.
“If you’re on a short journey and you’re driving under 40mph, you’re actually better off just opening the window to cool down rather than waiting for the aircon to kick in. It’ll be much more efficient and you won’t be using any more fuel.
“If you’re driving in an area that exceeds 40mph then you’ll want to switch to using air conditioning. Driving at higher speeds with your windows open can create a drag which will make your engine work much harder and will ultimately cause your car to use more fuel.”
6 ways to use your air conditioning efficiently:
Air out the car first
If you have been parked in the sun and your car is particularly warm, consider rolling the windows down for a bit first before putting your air conditioning on. This will cool down the car, which means the aircon will have less work to do and will begin to fill your car with cool air quicker.
Start driving
Aircon works best when your engine is running so start the car up and begin driving for a few minutes before turning it on.
Use the recirculation button
Pressing the recirculation button in your car while the aircon is on will mean that your car will reuse the cool air already inside instead of constantly pulling new, hot air from outside.
Don’t set it to maximum straight away
When you’re hot and bothered, it can be tempting to turn up the aircon on full blast in the hopes of cooling down, but this is actually much less efficient. Instead, start the aircon on medium and gradually increase it.
Keep the windows up
If you’re driving with the aircon on then it’s important to keep your windows closed. Having them open means that all of that cool air is escaping, which makes your aircon less effective and causes your car to use more fuel.
Park in the shade if possible
Where possible, try to park your car out of the sun and in a shady spot instead. This will help keep your car cooler so that when you get into it, the aircon has less work to do. If your driveway naturally gets a lot of sun, consider using a sunshade on your car.
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.
Mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, are being removed from Scottish Government devices as a new policy comes into immediate effect.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes committed to updating the government’s mobile messaging app policy following the publication of an externally-led review by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins in December 2024.
The policy applies to all Scottish Government employees including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and Ministers, and states that mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels will not be permitted on government devices.
A small number of business areas will take part in a time-bound and limited transition period until the end of 2025. This includes areas responding to emergencies such as wildfires or for matters of safety and security.
Ms Forbes said: “We are setting out a clear approach to ending government use of mobile messaging apps, and this will support wider work to deliver on our commitment to openness and transparency.
“The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of such apps.
“This follows on from actions to implement other recommendations from Ms Martins’ externally-led review including updating our hybrid working policy.
“I want to reassure the public that it is a priority of this government to maintain secure and searchable data, ensuring compliance with all records management rules. We will continue to act to ensure our data policies are robust, especially considering technological advances.”
With a UK heatwave forecast for this weekend with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees in some areas of the UK, in classic British style, BBQs are likely to be ready and raring to go.
But while the sun may be welcome, Dog Friendly Retreats is urging dog owners to take care, because what’s fun for us can be unexpectedly dangerous for our four-legged companions.
Barbecue food and extreme heat are a risky combination for dogs, and with pets expected to join in outdoor festivities this weekend, now is the time for awareness and prevention.
BBQ Foods That Can Seriously Harm Your Dog
Cooked bones (especially chicken) One of the biggest BBQ hazards are cooked bones that can become brittle and can splinter into sharp shards when chewed, leading to choking or life-threatening internal injuries. Never give your dog leftovers from the grill.
Skewers and kebab sticks Whether wood or metal, these are incredibly dangerous if swallowed. Dogs can easily grab a half-eaten kebab off a plate or BBQ tray and the stick could puncture their throat or stomach which is not only incredibly dangerous, but could be costly at the vets.
Greasy, fatty meats Sausages, burgers, ribs, and lamb chops may be barbecue staples, but for dogs, they can cause stomach upsets or even pancreatitis, a painful, potentially fatal condition triggered by fatty foods.
Marinated, seasoned, or spicy meat BBQ favourites are often coated in rubs or sauces containing onion, garlic, salt, or spices, all of which are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms from vomiting to anaemia.
Burnt scraps and charred food While you might toss a burnt sausage to the dog as a treat, overcooked meat can be tough to digest and potentially contain carcinogenic compounds. It’s best to keep it away from pets entirely.
Alcohol and BBQ sauce spills Pints on the grass or spilt sticky sauces might not seem like a big deal, but alcohol is toxic to dogs even in small quantities, and many sauces contain ingredients like onion or xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is deadly to dogs).
Hot Weather = Hidden Dangers for Dogs
The barbecue itself isn’t the only risk this weekend. With temperatures set to soar, dogs are at serious risk of overheating, especially breeds with thick coats or short noses like bulldogs, pugs, and spaniels.
Watch out for:
Hot patios and garden decking – Dogs’ paw pads can burn on sun-heated surfaces.
Dehydration – Ensure your dog has access to cool, fresh water at all times.
Heatstroke – Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, confusion, and collapse. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate vet attention.
Cars and conservatories – Never leave your dog in a parked car or enclosed space as temperatures can reach fatal levels within minutes, even with a window cracked.
Josh Williams, owner of Dog Friendly Retreats, comments:
“Barbecues are such a key part of summer, but they come with a lot of hidden hazards for dogs. Between hot weather and dropped food, it only takes a moment for something to go wrong. Whether it’s a skewer left unattended or a guest offering scraps, it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog and educate others too.”
Safe BBQ Snacks to Share with Your Dog
Your dog can still be part of the fun – just safely! Here are a few dog-friendly BBQ options:
Plain, boneless, skinless chicken or turkey – A lean protein treat, as long as it’s unseasoned and thoroughly cooked.
Cucumber or carrot sticks – Cool, crunchy, and hydrating.
Apple slices (no seeds) – A sweet and fibre-rich fruit option.
Blueberries or strawberries – Packed with antioxidants and safe in moderation.
For the opening weekend of the International Festival, Scottish national treasure Dougie MacLean headlines free event The Big Singalong with iconic song Caledonia, joined by a range of community choirs led by choir director Stephen Deazle
Famed Scottish folk musician Donald Shaw leads The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance inspired by the Gaelic ceilidh tradition
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb lead improvisational music sessions alongside up-and-coming young musicians in The Hub
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme to lead performances this August that celebrate the joy of music-making.
Highlights include Scottish music icon Dougie MacLean headlining free event The Big Singalong, celebrated folk musician Donald Shaw leading The Ceilidh Sessions with traditional Gaelic music and dance, and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb leading improvisational sessions featuring emerging young talent.
In a free, outdoor event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most beloved musical figures, Dougie MacLean will lead The Big Singalongon Sunday 3 August.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Princes Street Gardens, the Perthshire-born singer-songwriter and composer behind the iconic anthem Caledonia will start a mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh’s Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at www.eif.co.uk.
The joy of music making continues the next day with The Ceilidh Sessions, also in Princes Street Gardens. Scottish tradition meets Baroque flair, as Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band.
Alongside beloved ceilidh tunes like the “The Gay Gordons” and “Strip the Willow”, Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Both events are presented with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Jazz takes the spotlight at The Hub on the Royal Mile, with acclaimed pianist and composer Joe Webb leading the Up Late Jazz Jam on Friday August 15th.
Originally from Wales and now one of the most exciting forces on the UK jazz scene, Webb brings his distinctive energy and improvisational flair, honed through his work with Kansas Smitty’s and as part of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, with whom he made his Festival debut last year.
The late-night session sees seasoned professionals and fresh talent share the stage for an electrifying night of improvisation and raw creativity in action.
Renowned violinist and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti leads a cohort of the world’s most promising young musicians in Rising Stars: Classical Jam. This spontaneous, informal concert brings emerging and professional musicians together for a dynamic, performance where audiences choose the repertoire. This event is inspired by the behind-the-scenes energy of rehearsal rooms and post-concert jams that classical musicians usually enjoy off stage.
For the third year running, the International Festival’s Rising Stars programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for professional development and performance opportunities.
This year’s performances include the first cohort of vocalists in Rising Stars of Voice on 19 August, Rising Stars of Woodwind with clarinettist Mark Simpson on 8 August, and a return from the original 2023 cohort of Rising Stars in Benedetti and Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin with NFM Leopoldinum on 11 August.
To read more about the Rising Stars selected to perform at this year’s International Festival, see here.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said:“At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience.
“From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean’s iconic anthem ‘Caledonia’ at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance.
“We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.”
Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: “Caledonia has become more than just a song—it’s a reflection of Scotland’s spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far.
“Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. It’s a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger.
“When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that’s what Scotland is all about.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland’s signature events, and we’re proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival’s opening weekend.
“These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy.”
“Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring.
“Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland’s global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.”
Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at www.eif.co.uk.
