With over 46,000 hours of unpaid work time carried out in Edinburgh in the year 2024-25, residents are being asked to share their views on Community Payback Orders (CPO).
CPOs are given by the Court to people to pay for their crimes as an alternative to a prison sentence, with local communities putting forward ideas to their local authority for the unpaid work carried out where they live.
Edinburgh residents are now being encouraged to feed back on the unpaid work that has been carried out in their area and how it has helped the local community. There is also the chance to suggest local community groups or projects that could benefit from unpaid work.
CPOs were set up in 2011 by the Scottish Government as a replacement for community service.
Examples of unpaid work include:
¡ developing and maintaining children’s play areas
¡ recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture.
¡ cleaning beaches, graffiti, litter
We welcome views on the effectiveness of Community Payback Orders as a way to reduce re-offending and we want to know:
¡ Do you have any experience of people doing unpaid work in your community?
¡ Do you think unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for the crimes they have committed?
¡ Do you have any ideas about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support?
¡ Recommendations for groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work,
Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership, said: âCommunity Payback Orders offer a positive alternative to a prison sentence for many people convicted of a criminal offence providing them with the opportunity to serve their sentence in a way that benefits local communities through unpaid work.
“CPOs support participants to learn new skills, gain confidence, and work as part of a team, whilst making a difference in their own life and the lives of those around them
âIn Edinburgh we have several successful projects underway which enable CPOs to be completed, including community clear ups, repainting community centres and the âBrake the Cycleâ scheme, which involves individuals undertaking CPOs repairing bikes for reuse as part of community projects.
“I would encourage local Edinburgh residents to engage with the consultation and share their views to help shape CPO unpaid work in the City.â
A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for assault and robbery in Edinburgh.
Conlan Carr, 27, was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025. He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday (3 June).
In the early hours of Thursday, 11 May, 2023, Carr entered a property on Craigentinny Road, armed with a knife.
He made threats to the two occupants, stealing a mobile phone and a car. A 29-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Detective Constable Euan Chancellor said: “This was a terrifying experience for those involved, and Carr will now face the consequences of his actions. I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims.
“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating violent crime and ensuring those responsible are held to account.”
We are very excited to announce that the former bowling green in Victoria Park is set to become a vibrant community croft.
We are delighted to be attending a gathering at Victoria Park, hosted by @FriendsofVictoriaPark #picnicinthepark
We plan to host a stall and are inviting residents to come along and share their ideas and help shape the future of the space.
Whether youâre passionate about sustainability, education, food, or simply want to make a difference in your neighbourhood, your voice matters and weâd love to see you there.
Charities set for up to ÂŖ5,000 funding from Scottish Building Society Foundation
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
The funding comes via the Scottish Building Society Foundation which awards individual grants of up to ÂŖ5,000 to help an applicantâs cause.
To date the Foundation as granted over ÂŖ150,000 to good causes across Scotland since it launched in 2023.
The grants were awarded to Very Inclusive Play Club, Forth Canoe Club, Ochil Trail Association, Bridgeton Community Learning Campus, The Birks Cinema Trust, Works+, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club and Duntocher Village Hall whom all received donations to support their initiatives in their community.
The Very Inclusive Playgroup in Edinburgh offers an inclusive and compassionate community for families who have a child with additional support needs. Funding will allow expansion of its services to offer more of its structured groups for children under 5, which focus on specific areas in order to support development.Â
Forth Canoe Club, in Edinburgh is a charity set up to encourage more public participation in sport. Funding from the Foundation will support the provision of access to canoeing for local children and their parents.
Ochil Tail Association operates various mountain bike and walking trails across Clackmannashire and will use its funding to support the maintenance of these paths for all users.
Bridgeton Community Learning in the East End of Glasgow will use its grant to further its work supporting local businesses and organisations based in Bridgeton.
The Birks Cinema Trust based in Aberfeldy will use its funding to support a programme of community activities designed to support social inclusion and enhance wellbeing.
Scottish Borderâs based employment charity, Works+ will use the grant to support the work they do to help young people aged 16-24 get into work, further education or training.Â
Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club based in Stirling will be using its grant funding to purchase new equipment and facility hire costs for children across rural Stirlingshire to encourage more kids to get into hockey.
Duntocher Village Hall will use its support to fund essential repair work to the hallâs wooden floor, ensuring it can reopen for community use once again.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Building Society said:Â âAs we welcome members to our AGM this year, it feels fitting to celebrate the incredible work charities do in their local communities, and we are proud to support their efforts through this next round of funding.
âThe Scottish Building Society Foundation is designed to give back to communities and since it began it has supported good causes to make a difference right across Scotland, from Highlands to the Scottish Borders.
âAll the charities and community organisations who have been successful in their applications have a fantastic cause and we look forward to seeing their positive work go further as a result of the funding they have received. By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.â
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland in May 2023 to align with the organisationâs 175th anniversary, with an initial ÂŖ175,000 earmarked for local charities and good causes across Scotland.
Since then it has provided over ÂŖ150,000 shared among 43 charities, with the latest funding coinciding with a successful year for the worldâs oldest remaining building society.
In April the society revealed total assets rose by 17% in the last 12 months, seeing them double since 2020 to ÂŖ866.5m, while its mortgage portfolio grew by 7% and retail savings balances rose by 20% – well above the market average.
Additionally, for the fifth consecutive time, Scottish Building Society was recognised as the âBest Building Societyâ at the 2024 Scottish Mortgage Awards, with Mr Denton also receiving the âLifetime Achievementâ award.
Mr Denton said: âOver the past 12 months weâve seen strong results driven by our commitment to the communities we serve, building loyalty and trust with our members to provide them with the services they need.
âAs a mutual, we make decisions exclusively for the benefit of our members, not shareholders and today, that feels more important than ever.
“Thatâs why we continue to invest in relationship centres, passbook savings accounts, and a personal approach, while at the same time developing our digital tools to give members secure, convenient access to their accounts.â
For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation, visit:Â
A SCREEN ICON RETURNS!SCOTLANDâS FLAGSHIP CINEMA, âFILMHOUSEâ IN EDINBURGH REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON 27 JUNE 2025Â
REOPENING MARKS THE CULMINATION OF A THREE-YEAR âOPEN THE DOORSâ CAMPAIGN THAT HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION AND SUPPORT FROM CINEMAâS FINEST TALENT AND FILM FANS BOTH LOCALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD
THE MUCH-LOVED FILM HUB ENTERS A NEW ERA WITH A NEW OUTLOOK AND NEWLY REFURBISHED SCREENS
This summer marks the long-anticipated return of Scotlandâs leading independent cinema. On 27 June 2025, Filmhouse opens its doors and looks to the future as a home for community connection and cinematic discovery.â¯Â
Following a ÂŖ2 million refurbishment, Filmhouse returns with new leadership, a vision which builds on the venueâs legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.â¯
With, ultimately, a total capacity of 350 seats, the venue will once again be a hub for film enthusiasts, offering aâ¯cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema. Previously a three-screen venue, the new Filmhouse will become a four-screen cinema and will be unveiling a fourth screen with a capacity of 24, allowing for an even more expansive programme, as well as being available for private screenings and hires.
Opening on 27th June are the beautifully refurbished screens 1, 2 and 3 and all the public areas. Screen 4 will open later in July as part of a second phase of work and fundraising also continues for some remaining elements of the project.
Following its closure in October 2022, the reopening of Filmhouse marks the culmination of a three-year long campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Edinburgh, Scotland, and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.
The cinema will relaunch with a programme of films missed during the venueâs two-and-a-half-year closure. Â
The cinema has been brought back to life by a group consisting of Filmhouse Chair Ginnie Atkinson, Head of Programming Rod White, cinema strategist at Mustard Studio, James Rice, Technical Manager David Boyd, and strategic financial consultant, Mike Davidson.
The group is now joined by newly appointed Executive Director Andrew Simpson and a raft of new staff members. The cinema rebuild is designed by Unick Architects and built by Clark Contracts.â¯Â
This next chapter for Filmhouse has been shaped by extensive research, expert consultation, and overwhelming community and industry support that emerged in the wake of its closure â notably through the Open the Doors crowdfunding campaign.â¯â¯
A successful campaignâ¯
With support from Screen Scotland, the reopening of Filmhouse began with the Filmhouse team negotiating with the buildingâs owners, Caledonian Heritable, to lease the building back for a minimum twenty-five-year period as a modern cinema space, before raising capital funding to refurbish the building.â¯â¯
Funding came from a successful âOpen the Doors!â Crowdfunder campaign which launched in September 2023 and has raised over ÂŖ324,000. The project also fitted the criteria for the UK Governmentâs Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund (COF), which has supported community groups to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost. COF granted Filmhouse ÂŖ1.5 Million with other capital funding coming from a raft of donations and from Trusts.
Further project support came from major funder Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council. Â
In July 2024, the cinemaâs 25-year extendable lease was signed, and in February this year contractor, Clark Contracts, began refurbishment work on the cinema.â¯â¯
State-of-the-art facilities in a historic buildingâ¯
Filmhouseâs historic home is a repurposed church on Edinburghâs Lothian Road which has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Originally opening with a single 90-seat screen, the venue expanded over the years to include three screens, a bustling cafÊ-bar and a welcoming front entrance, becoming a cherished gathering place for filmgoers.â¯
Before the relaunch of the cinema, the building has undergone substantial repair work to the roof and stonework alongside an entire refit inside the cinema.â¯
Filmhouseâs technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.â¯
Comfortable seats and a new food and drink offerâ¯
Comfort has been prioritised across the new Filmhouse. Film-lovers can expect extra legroom and comfortable seats across the cinemaâs screens, alongside a completely reworked foyer space.â¯â¯
The Filmhouse Bar has also been completely refurbished and will be able to seat 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for the many communities who enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, and placing an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability. Filmhouse fans will be pleased to know that the cinemaâs world-famous nachos are staying put too.â¯â¯
The cinema will announce new membership offers and multiple-tier ticket pricing over the next few weeks.â¯
A wide-ranging film programmeâ¯
Filmhouse has long been celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and family films to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.â¯
Alongside this, the cinema will also look to screen events such as National Theatre Live and live Metropolitan Opera broadcasts for the first time, with more details to be confirmed in the coming months.â¯â¯
Details of Filmhouseâs involvement with this yearâs Edinburgh International Film Festival are yet to be announced.â¯
Embedded in the community for everyoneâ¯
Filmhouse will continue to prioritise its education and outreach work with facilities to inspire anyone with an interest in film.
A Learning & Engagement Officer has been appointed by the cinema, supported by a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council, and there will be forthcoming collaboration with the National Film and Television Schoolâs Sean Connery Talent Lab, whose graduation shows will take place at the Filmhouse this summer.â¯â¯Â
The stage is set, the screens are ready, and the story of Filmhouse continues.â¯
Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said:â¯âThe love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited.
“The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond.
“We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and weâre excited to welcome people back.ââ¯Â
Patron Jack Lowden said: âFilmhouse is a place utterly dedicated to the promotion and celebration of independent cinema. Films need to be watched, not just made. Now, after months of hard work, the incredible team at Filmhouse have managed to pull one of Scotlandâs few truly independent cinemas back fae the brink.
“To have such a place on the streets of our capital providing the platform to give our world class filmmakers and storytellers the lift off they need, and continue to ask the big questions of ourselves through cinema, is exciting and vital.âÂ
Patron Charlotte Wells has said: âThe Filmhouse was an essential part of my own story and Iâm delighted it can continue to be that for others too through its film and education programming and its role as a public forum for film lovers.Â
David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland said: âReopening Filmhouse has been the mission for many people across the last three years.
“From the moment it closed the Screen Scotland team were working to get Filmhouse back. In the end that effort, our support, became focused around Ginnie, Rod, James and David and it was those four individuals who put in hours upon hours of hard work that made it a reality.
“Edinburgh â and everyone who loves film â owes them and the thousands of people who supported their crowdfunder a huge thank you. The revitalised, reimagined, reborn Filmhouse will bring back all that was lost and much more, and once again be the heart and home for cinema culture in Edinburgh.âÂ
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: âIt is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event.
“This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.âÂ
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years.
“Thanks to ÂŖ1.54 million UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can’t wait to take in a movie there.”Â
The Scottish Parliamentâs Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh has called for action to minimise impacts on Coxâs Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camps following recent International Aid cuts.
Convened by MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, the CPG met on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The meeting featured an update from Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Manchester, who spoke on behalf of the newly appointed High Commissioner, H.E. Abida Islam.
The session drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including members of the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora, students, local councillors, representatives from the Europe Bangladeshi Federation, the North East Bangladeshi Association (NEBA), entrepreneurs, and academics from the Universities of Stirling, Dundee, Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Newcastle.
Mr Hosen provided an overview of the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the ongoing social and economic pressures on host communities as the country enters its eighth year of sheltering over one million Rohingya refugees.
The CPG focused on the deepening refugee crisis, hearing a remote briefing from Maruf Mohammad Shehab, Head of Innovation and Resource Mobilisation Partnerships at ActionAid UK.
Speaking from Bangladesh, Mr Shehab outlined ActionAidâs humanitarian work in Coxâs Bazar, where in 2024 alone, the organisation reached over 901,000 individuals. Their efforts span gender-based violence prevention, youth empowerment, emergency shelter provision, hygiene kit distribution, and psychosocial support.
However, Mr Shehab expressed serious concerns about a growing funding shortfall. The 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya crisis is currently only 43% funded, jeopardising essential services such as safe spaces for women and children, education, and mental health care.
ActionAid warned that deteriorating conditions are fuelling rising violence and eroding community resilience within the camps.
This was followed by a presentation from Geraldine OâCallaghan, Director at the United Nations World Food Programmeâs Global Office in London, who addressed the critical issue of food insecurity. Ms OâCallaghan noted that due to funding constraints, food rations have been drastically reduced, placing the refugee population, already vulnerable, at heightened risk of malnutrition.
Background
Coxâs Bazar currently hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar due to systematic violence and human rights abuses over the past six years. An additional 35,000 are housed on Bhasan Char Island, making this one of the largest protracted refugee crises in the world.
The situation has further deteriorated due to extreme weather events, including monsoon floods and storms that have destroyed shelters and displaced thousands within the camps. Renewed violence in Myanmar has triggered an influx of over 118,000 new refugees as of May 2025, overwhelming an already under-resourced humanitarian infrastructure.
The CPG raised urgent concerns over the lack of sustained international attention and appealed for immediate action, particularly in light of recent USAID funding cuts that have severely impacted vital services, especially for children who make up more than half of the refugee population.
MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, who visited Coxâs Bazar in 2023, spoke of witnessing the magnitude of the crisis firsthand. They emphasised the critical need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vaccination and disease prevention, and called for ongoing international support to meet urgent health and safety needs in the camps.
MSP Foysol Choudhury said: âThe CPG is keen to raise awareness of the Rohingya crisis following the recent USAID cuts. Bangladeshi diaspora have raised their concerns regarding the growing population of Rohingya refugees and lack of action from the international community.
The crisis seems to have been forgotten and needs to be brought back to the forefront of international attention.
“We must ensure that the Rohingya people are not left behind, especially as they face increasing challenges due to funding shortfalls that threaten essential services such as food aid, healthcare, and education.â
He added: “âIt was fantastic to hear the update from the new Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh and commitments of the new Bangladeshi Government to work collaboratively with the CPG to continue to strengthen ties between Scotland and Bangladesh and work on common priorities.
“These include addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, advancing climate resilience, enhancing educational exchanges, and promoting inclusive development. The CPG is committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and partnerships that reflect our shared values and mutual interests.
âWe look forward to continuing this collaboration between Scotland and Bangladesh on the refugee crisis and prioritise areas such as climate change, international development and education.â
Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Rahman Habib also attended the meeting to announce the UKâs first Rohingya Memorial Stone in Bradford which is set to serve as a reminder of the ongoing difficulties faced by the Rohingya people and commemorate the victims and survivors of the Rohingya crisis.
CPG Convenors Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs warmly accepted the invitation to attend the official unveiling of the Rohingya Memorial in Bradford on 25th August 2025.
The meeting concluded with updates from the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora on youth leadership, education, and climate justice initiatives, underscoring the strong and evolving partnership between Scotland and Bangladesh.
The Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh remains committed to championing these shared priorities and continuing its advocacy on humanitarian issues, international development, and the concerns of the Bangladeshi community in Scotland.
Scottish Book Trust has undertaken independent research into the value and impact of public and school libraries in Scotland in partnership with the National Library of Scotland (NLS), the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS).
Scottish Book Trust has undertaken an independent research project, led by our Research and Evaluation Manager ÃadaoÃn Lynch, to report on the value and impact of our public and school libraries â and showcase how they are intrinsic to removing inequity across many intersections of Scottish life.
We work across every local authority, striving to offer an opportunity for all people to tell their stories; as such, we are uniquely positioned to bear witness.
Methods include:
Surveys of public and school librarians
Interviews with public and school librarians
Qualitative feedback from library users
Quantitative data gathering on library opening hours and capacity
The full report, published in June 2025, reveals the vital and diverse role libraries play, while also unveiling the extent of closures and reduced services across Scotland over the past 16 years.
The research explores the profound impact that Scotlandâs libraries have on their communities and the ways they bridge gaps for those facing the cost-of-living crisis and increasing poverty, digital inequality and the ongoing consequences of the Covid pandemic.
Our survey of 2,000 library users across the nation found that:
90% reported their library inspires their love of reading âa lotâ
Over 80% reported their library saves them money âa lotâ
Anyone who suspects that theyâve had an adverse reaction to their weight loss or diabetes medicine or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA.Â
Women taking popular medicines for weight loss and diabetes, sometimes referred to as âskinny jabsâ, are being reminded to use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant. Â
These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.
Effective contraception includes oral (the pill) and non-oral (the implant, coil or condoms) forms of contraception. However, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception. This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase.
This advice, which is already in the patient leaflets that come with the medicine, is just one of the reminders in the latest guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the safe use of âGLP-1 medicinesâ known by the brand names Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza.
The full advice can be found on the regulatorâs website. It comes after concerns from the UK regulator that some people are not using these medicines for weight loss and diabetes safely.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.Â
“Our guidance offers patients a âone stop shopâ for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely. Â
“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process. ”Â
Alongside advice on contraceptive use, the MHRA reminds patients that these medicines should not be bought from unregulated sellersâ¯such as beauty salons or via social media, or taken without a prior consultation with a healthcare professional.
Not only does this expose people wanting to lose weight to serious health risks, it is also against the law to sell these medicines in this way.â¯
The only way to guarantee receiving a genuine GLP-1 medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy. Â
The guidance also reminds patients of the symptoms to look out for in the event of acute pancreatitis which, although uncommon, can be serious.
The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesnât go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help.Â
Summary of advice to patients
You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.â¯â¯Â
Always have a conversation with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medicines before you start taking them.â¯â¯Â
Do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you get pregnant while using them, you speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible.
If you are prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide), use a barrier form of contraception and do not rely on oral contraception. â¯Â
Understand the potential side effects and have a conversation with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.â¯â¯Â
Tell your doctor you take a GLP-1 medicine if you are about to have surgery.â¯â¯Â
Report any adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.â¯â¯Â
After taking the recommended four doses in each syringe, any medicine left in the syringe should not be extracted and the syringe should be disposed of in the bin.â¯Â
Use of these medicines is not a quick fix to lose weight and the MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used by people who do not meet the medical requirements. Â Â
Anyone who suspects that theyâve had an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 medicine, or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. â¯
Immersive showcase of giant prehistoric animals opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on 2 August before moving to Scotland in January 2026
Visitors will encounter awe-inspiring creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs
Exhibition also highlights need to protect current natural giants such as elephants and whales.
To coincide with World Environment Day, Birmingham Museums and National Museums Scotland are delighted to announce the UK debut of Giants, a spectacular touring exhibition developed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and toured by Nomad Exhibitions.
This immersive showcase of giant prehistoric animals will open at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on 2 August 2025, before travelling to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh in January 2026.â
Giants invites visitors on a journey through time, from 66 million years ago to the present day, to encounter the awe-inspiring creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The exhibition features life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons, including the formidable Otodus megalodon, the mightiest shark of all time, the Mammuthus primigenius or woolly mammoth, weighing in at between six and eight tons with long thick fur and imposing tusks and Gigantopithecus blacki, an Asian primate comparable in size to three orangutans.
Interactive elements allow visitors of all ages to step into the shoes of palaeontologists and biologists, engaging with the scientific processes behind fossil discovery and reconstruction.
Immersive projections transport audiences into the natural habitats of these colossal beings, providing context to their existence and eventual extinction.
New giants have emerged since, such as elephants, rhinoceroses and whales, but they are now too under threat of extinction.
The exhibition also serves as a poignant reminder of natureâs fragility and the urgent need to protect these animals for future generations.
The announcement of the exhibitionâs arrival coincides with World Environment Day on 5 June, which this year is focused on ending plastic pollution.
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: âWe are delighted to welcome the Giants exhibition to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. This inspiring installation not only captures the imagination with its monumental scale but also delivers a vital message about sustainability and our shared responsibility to protect the planet.
âBirmingham Museums is committed to using storytelling to engage communities with the challenges of our time and Giants does exactly that in a powerful and accessible way.â
Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: âWeâre really looking forward to bringing Giants to Scotland next year. Popular attention on prehistoric life tends to focus either on dinosaurs or on our own earliest human ancestors, which leaves a relatively neglected gap of around 60 million years of natural history.
âGiants is a striking invitation to us all to think about that period, to see how nature adapts over time, and also to reflect on the ways in which current human activity is denying that time to todayâs endangered giants.â
Exhibition details:
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Opening August 2025
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh: 31 January â 14 September 2026
– The Real Mary Kingâs Close and The Lost Close partner for the first time to reveal a forgotten side of Edinburghâs rich history –
This summer, Edinburgh visitors and locals can delve beneath the cityâs streets and explore not one, but two of its best-kept secrets thanks to a new underground experience that unites The Real Mary Kingâs Close and The Lost Close for the very first time.Â
Launching on Thursday 19th June and running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 30th August, this exclusive dual-site tour invites guests to journey through two unique underground closes.
The experience begins at The Lost Close, where guests gather at the historic Johnâs Coffee House – once a vibrant meeting place for Scottish Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume.
From there, guests will descend into underground vaults and a close sealed off for nearly 200 years following Edinburghâs Great Fire, only rediscovered in 2019. Guided by an expert storyteller, learn about the fascinating journey of coffee in Scotland, from its early trade roots to the rise of the cityâs first coffeehouses and their enduring influence today.
During the tour, guests will enjoy a cup of specialty coffee from local roaster, Common Coffee, before encountering one of the most extraordinary industrial discoveries in recent Scottish history: the worldâs second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine. Originally installed at the Royal Aquarium and later used to ventilate the cityâs police chambers, this rare Victorian relic offers a remarkable glimpse into Edinburghâs innovative past.
Following the 35-minute Coffee Tour at The Lost Close, the journey continues just a few steps away at The Real Mary Kingâs Close, one of Scotlandâs most celebrated heritage attractions. Voted the UKâs best tourist attraction in the TripadvisorÂŽ Travellersâ ChoiceÂŽ Awards – Best of the Best for 2024, the award-winning experience invites guests to step directly into 17th-century Edinburgh.
Led by character guides, guests explore a perfectly preserved warren of underground streets, homes and passageways that once bustled with life above ground. As the Close was gradually buried under the foundations of the Royal Exchange, its stories were sealed in time.
On the immersive one-hour tour, guests will uncover tales of plague, poverty, politics and the perseverance of residents who once called the Close home. Rich in historical detail and theatrical storytelling, The Real Mary Kingâs Close offers an unfiltered look at Edinburghâs hidden past and the people who shaped its future.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary Kingâs Close, said:Â âWeâre delighted to be partnering with The Lost Close to offer a fresh and unique way to experience Edinburghâs hidden history.
“This joint ticket gives our visitors a rare chance to explore two underground closes in one morning, each with its own powerful story. From coffee culture and Enlightenment thinking to industrial innovation and everyday life, itâs a journey through the layers that have shaped the city we know today.
“We expect this to be a highly popular experience and anticipate that tickets will sell out quickly.â
Copyright James Armandary Photography
James Armandary, Tourism Development Lead at The Lost Close, added:Â âThis partnership with The Real Mary Kingâs Close is an exciting first for us at The Lost Close.
“With one ticket, guests can explore two very different underground closes and uncover the rich, hidden history they share – from the story of coffee in Scotland to the everyday lives of people who once walked these streets. Itâs a unique way to experience Edinburghâs past from two fascinating perspectives.â
Tours last approximately 1 hour 45 mins. Tickets are priced at ÂŖ40, including access to both tours and a cup of coffee, making it the perfect experience to start your day. With a maximum of 12 guests per session, availability is limited, and early booking is advised.
Tour Schedule:
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 19th June â 30th August.
09:15 â 09:50: Coffee Tour at The Lost Close
10:00 â 11:00: Guided tour at The Real Mary Kingâs Close
