NHS Lothian Spiritual Care Services has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).
Bereavement can have a profound and long-term effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Within health settings, Spiritual Care Teams support bereavement services and are key in providing specialist spiritual support as part of end-of-life care to both the patient and their family. They support staff and service users to explore a person’s values, beliefs and preferences in relation to end of life care and following a bereavement.
This accreditation is a testament to the services dedication to providing high-quality, human rights-based spiritual and bereavement care. It highlights the team’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.
Over the past few months, the Spiritual Care team attended several training events to support their learning and journey as a service to support people in bereavement.
The award of the Charter mark recognises the unique skills and insights Registered Chaplains can offer to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they are committed to offering support and care particularly for staff who may have experienced a bereavement in their personal life or at work.
Mark Evans, Head of Spiritual Care said: “This is a real testament to the amazing work my colleagues all do to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they bring unique skills and insights to support people who are bereaved and who are coming to terms with the grief they carry.
“This work also supports the organisations objectives of delivering excellent person-centred care and ensuring our workforce feel valued and supported.”
Edinburgh Leisure has expanded its commitment to inclusive fitness by launching a comprehensive new programme of gym sessions and exercise classes specifically designed for adults with additional support needs.
The new “Fit and Active” initiative offers a diverse range of weekly activities across two venues, with all sessions free to attend for cardholders. Classes include seated strength training, danceability sessions, gymability workouts, inclusive circuits, retro dance, and seated cardio options.
“We’re delighted to introduce these new classes that provide accessible fitness opportunities for adults with additional support needs,” said Sara Kemp, Community Development Officer (Equalities) at Edinburgh Leisure.
“Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has the chance to stay active and healthy in a supportive, welcoming environment.”
The programme runs throughout the week at both Meadowbank Sport Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with sessions carefully scheduled to provide regular opportunities for participants. Activities range from traditional gym-based workouts to creative movement classes like danceability and retro dance.
Weekly Schedule:
Monday: 1:1 gym sessions at both venues
Tuesday: Four different classes at Meadowbank including seated strength, danceability, gymability, and inclusive circuits
Wednesday: Danceability class at Leith Victoria
Thursday: Gymability sessions at Leith Victoria
Friday: Retro dance and seated cardio classes at Meadowbank
All sessions are included free of charge with a Fit and Active card.
Interested participants can apply for their card by emailing:
The programme represents Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all members of the Edinburgh community, ensuring that fitness and wellbeing services are accessible to people of all abilities.
For more information about the Fit and Active programme or to apply for a membership card, contact Edinburgh Leisure at:
On 29th May 2025, the Gandhian Peace Society, under the leadership of General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, convened a landmark event at the Fleming Room of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
In an inspiring convergence of values and voices, the Fleming Room at the Scottish Parliament became a sanctuary of peace, non-violence, and unity as the Gandhian Peace Society, led by General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, hosted a landmark event celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
The occasion marked a reflection on Gandhian values but also a celebration of a historic milestone: the first-ever motion passed in Scotland against Hinduphobia, community cohesion, unity, and philanthropy works.
A significant highlight of the event was the unanimous appreciation of the Gandhian Peace Society’s role in building intercultural bridges and promoting peace.
It was attended by cross-party parliamentarians, diplomats, and community leaders, the event underscored the resonance of Gandhian ethics in Scotland’s pursuit of social justice and self-determination. Scottish Parliamentarians, speaking from across party lines, endorsed the relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s turbulent global climate.
“In these divisive times, the teachings of Gandhi offer a path not just to peace, but to purpose,”
The Fleming Room, a space typically reserved for parliamentary committee discussions, transformed into a forum for intercultural solidarity.
The Gandhian Society’s event drew MSPs from the Alba Party, SNP, Labour, and Unionist factions, alongside representatives from the Indian Consulate, the French Consulate, the African Consulate, and members of the House of Lords, as well as very high-profile dignitaries across the UK.
This diverse assembly reflected the universal applicability of Gandhi’s teachings, particularly in a nation navigating the complexities of independence aspirations and multicultural cohesion.
General Secretary Dhruva Kumar delivered a rousing address outlining the Society’s initiatives in promoting social unity, mutual respect, and constructive non-violence.
“Gandhiji’s values are not relics of the past but blueprints for a just and inclusive society. In the Scottish aspiration for independence, there lies a parallel quest for dignity and self-determination that echoes Gandhi’s dream for India,” Kumar said.
Dhruva Kumar, a scholar, educationist-turned-activist, political figure and former Alba Party parliamentary candidate, framed the motion as a testament to Gandhi’s relevance in modern governance.
“Non-violence is not passive acceptance but active resistance to injustice,” he asserted, drawing parallels between India’s independence struggle and Scotland’s constitutional ambitions.
His address highlighted how Gandhian principles, decentralised governance, economic equity, and social harmony align with Scotland’s vision of an inclusive, self-determined future.
The Gandhian Society’s advocacy extends beyond legislative change.
“I was honoured to be invited and say a few words at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament organised by the Gandhian Society to honour the work done, said Christian Albuisson, Conseiller des Français de l’Etranger.
“I was glad to have the opportunity of meeting people of goodwill from so many different backgrounds and to discover the work done by the society. Let’s work together for a better world!”
The 29th May event transcended ceremonial significance, crystallising a broader movement for equity.
As Scotland contends with independence debates and societal fractures, the Society’s fusion of Gandhian philosophy and pragmatic policy offers a cohesive framework. The true measure of progress, as Kumar noted, lies in “translating parliamentary applause into palpable change”, a task requiring sustained collaboration across political, cultural, and economic spheres.
In the spirit of Gandhi’s satyagraha (truth force), Scotland’s journey toward inclusivity and self-determination continues, guided by the conviction that justice, much like independence, is not bestowed but built.”
New munitions factories and long-range weapons to back nearly 2000 jobs under Strategic Defence Review
Procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons and £1.5 billion to build at least six munitions and energetics factories.
Work to create more than 1,000 new jobs and support around 800 more across the UK, driving defence as an engine for economic growth and supporting the Plan for Change.
Delivers the Strategic Defence Review’s focus on warfighting readiness to deter and follows historic uplift in defence spending.
The UK will build at least six new munitions and energetics factories and thousands more long-range weapons to strengthen Britain’s Armed Forces and create new jobs across the country.
Through the Strategic Defence Review – published in the coming days – the UK’s defence and deterrence is being bolstered with thousands of long-range weapons and a new £1.5 billion government investment in munitions and energetics factories.
Together the investment will back around 1,800 highly-skilled jobs across the UK, putting money in the pockets of working people, and supporting the government’s Plan for Change by driving growth in every region and nation.
The SDR recommends creating an ‘always on’ munitions production capacity in the UK allowing production to be scaled up at speed if needed. It says the MOD should also lay the industrial foundations for an uplift in munitions stockpiles to meet the demand of high-tempo warfare.
Taking the lessons from Ukraine which shows that our military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it, the measures will boost British jobs while improving the warfighting readiness of both British Armed Forces and industry.
The additional funding will see UK munitions spend hit £6 billion this Parliament. It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
Commitments include:
£1.5 billion in an “always on” pipeline for munitions and building at least 6 new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. Creating more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing jobs, the factories will produce munitions and energetics, which are key components of weapons, including propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
Up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons for the UK Armed Forces, supporting around 800 defence jobs.The lessons from Ukraine demonstrate the importance of long-range weaponry and boosting our military capabilities.
The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: The hard-fought lessons from Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.
“We are strengthening the UK’s industrial base to better deter our adversaries and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
“We will embrace the Strategic Defence Review; making defence an engine for economic growth and boosting skilled jobs in every nation and region as part of our Government’s Plan for Change.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “A strong economy needs a strong national defence, and investing in weaponry and munitions and backing nearly 2,000 jobs across Britain in doing so is proof the two go hand-in-hand.
“We are delivering both security for working people in an uncertain world and good jobs, putting more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”
The new investments will form an ‘always-on’ approach for priority munitions. They will provide a steady drumbeat of investment to industry sustaining a thriving defence industrial base that drives growth and jobs to deliver on the Plan for Change, while strengthening the UK’s commitment to NATO.
The funding will help transform the UK’s Armed Forces readiness and ability to endure in prolonged campaigns, providing the industrial foundations needed to support our Armed Forces in warfare, as demonstrated by the conflict in Ukraine.
UK to expand submarine programme in response to Strategic Defence Review
UK to build up to 12 attack submarines as part of AUKUS programme in response to the rapidly increasing threats
Builds on £15 billion investment set out for the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme, keeping the UK safe for generations to come and delivering on the Plan for Change
Nuclear investments will transform critical parts of the defence nuclear industry, directly supporting 30,000 highly skilled jobs up-and-down the country and the doubling of apprentice and graduate roles across the next ten years.
The Prime Minister will announce today that the UK’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet will be significantly expanded, with up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS boats to be built.
The increase in submarines will transform the UK’s submarine building industry and, following the £15 billion investment in the warhead programme outlined, will deliver on this government’s Plan for Change, supporting 30,000 highly skilled jobs up-and-down the country well into the 2030s, as well as helping work to deliver 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles across the next ten years.
The announcement comes as the government unveils its new Strategic Defence Review today. The externally-led review is expected to recommend that our Armed Forces move to warfighting readiness to deter the growing threats faced by the UK. The report makes 62 recommendations, which the government is expected to accept in full.
Responding to the report, the government will make significant commitments to its armed forces and deliver greater security for working people through the government’s Plan for Change.
That includes:
A landmark shift in our deterrence and defence: moving to warfighting readiness to deter threats and strengthen security in the Euro Atlantic area;
Increasing stockpiles of munitions and support equipment, ensuring that production capacities can rapidly scale up in response to crises or war;
The procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons for the UK Armed Forces, supporting around 800 defence jobs, and boosting our military capabilities
A new CyberEM Command to put the UK at the forefront of cyber operations, alongside £1bn investment in pioneering digital capability; and
Improving the lives of thousands of British military personnel and their families through more than £1.5 billion of additional funding to repair and renew armed forces housing.
The Prime Minister is expected to say: “From the supply lines to the front lines, this government is foursquare behind the men and women upholding our nation’s freedom and security.
“National security is the foundation of my Plan for Change, and this plan will ensure Britain is secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering a defence dividend of well-paid jobs up and down the country.
“This Strategic Defence Review will ensure the UK rises to the challenge and our Armed Forces have the equipment they need that keeps us safe at home while driving greater opportunity for our engineers, shipbuilders and technicians of the future.”
Alongside the commitment to expand the UK’s conventionally armed attack submarine fleet, the government is securing the future of the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent, backed by a £15 billion investment into the sovereign warhead programme in this parliament and supporting more than 9,000 jobs.
It is the first time the UK has outlined the full scale of its investment plans in its warhead programmes and is further evidence of the Government’s triple lock commitment to the nuclear deterrent: to maintain our continuous at-sea deterrent; to build the new fleet of Dreadnought submarines; and to deliver all future upgrades necessary.
This will see significant modernisation of infrastructure at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston and supporting more than 9,000 jobs at the Berkshire site, and thousands more across the UK supply chain – from Scotland to Somerset.
The nuclear warhead programme includes some of the most advanced and sensitive science, engineering and manufacturing facilities in the UK.
Both the UK’s sovereign warhead programme and the UK’s conventionally-armed submarine fleet will make Britain and NATO safe for decades to come.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our outstanding submariners patrol 24/7 to keep us and our allies safe, but we know that threats are increasing and we must act decisively to face down Russian aggression.
“With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead programme on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering on our Plan for Change with 30,000 highly-skilled jobs across the country.”
Already supporting more than 400,000 skilled British jobs, UK defence is a crucial engine for economic growth, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change – supported by the Government’s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, and the ambition to hit 3% in the next parliament, when economic and fiscal conditionals allow.
Currently the UK is set to operate 7 Astute Class attack submarines, which will be replaced with an increased fleet of up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines from the late 2030s.
The boost to the SSN-AUKUS programme will see a major expansion of industrial capability at Barrow and Raynesway, Derby, with the build of a new submarine every 18 months in the future.
The increase in capacity at the two sites will allow the UK to increase its fleet to up to 12 attack boats, as part of the AUKUS partnership.
To ensure the demands of this expanded programme can be met, government is working closely with industry partners to rapidly expand training and development opportunities, aiming to double defence and civil nuclear apprentice and graduate intakes. This will result in 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles over the next ten years.
The SDR calls for significant investment into the UK sovereign warhead programme this parliament, while maintaining the existing stockpile.
Scotland on track to meet interim peatland restoration target
More than 14,000 hectares of degraded peatlands have been restored across Scotland in the last year, helping to reduce carbon emissions and restore biodiversity.
Peatlands are areas of wet land that support habitats and species that are important for biodiversity, they also protect the wider ecosystem by improving water quality and reducing the severity of flooding.
Covering nearly two million hectares, Scotland is home to two-thirds of the UK’s peatlands. However, nearly three-quarters of Scotland’s peatlands is currently degraded.
The Scottish Government has pledged £250 million to support the restoration of 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030, with an interim target of 110,000 hectares by 2026. A total of 90,000 hectares have been restored since 1990 and 14,860 of those were completed throughout the 2024-25 financial year.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “As we celebrate World Peatlands Day, I am very pleased to report Scotland’s Peatland ACTION partnership has put 14,860 hectares of degraded peatlands on the road to recovery last year. This is a new record in one year.
“Restoring peatland benefits our environment by reducing emissions, reducing risks of flooding and wildfires and improving water quality, it also invests in people and skills, creating green jobs in rural communities.
“This means we have exceeded our 2024 Programme for Government commitment and represents a 42% increase over the 10,360 hectares restored during 2023-24. I thank all of our partners for their sustained efforts and tenacity in delivering another milestone figure.”
Nick Halfhide, NatureScot Interim Chief Executive, said: “As key partners in the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION Partnership, NatureScot has successfully facilitated 65% of the restoration work completed in 2024-25.
“This significant achievement contributes substantially towards the overall target of 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland being put on the road to recovery by 2030.
“Restoring Scotland’s degraded peatlands is essential to addressing both the climate and nature emergencies – it makes a vitally important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing broader benefits for biodiversity and water quality.”
A key delivery partner of the Peatland ACTION Partnership, Forestry and Land Scotland has delivered 1744ha of peatland restoration work across Scotland in the last year surpassing its yearly target of 1500ha. CEO Kevin Quinlan said:
“Forestry and Land Scotland is proud to be supporting the Scottish Government’s commitment to restoring 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030 as a key delivery partner in the Peatland ACTION Partnership.
“Every site we restore adds to the scale of the contribution we make in efforts to transform and restore one of Scotland’s largest degraded ecosystems to create a far healthier landscape.”
NatureScot is due to publish the Peatland ACTION Annual Review 2024-25 this week.
The 2 million vulnerable people who rely on lifesaving telecare alarms to call for help have today been urged to get in touch with their landline providers so companies can provide additional support for them during the switch to digital landlines.
Users of lifesaving alarms encouraged to call their providers to access additional free support with the switchover from copper to digital landlines
During the switchover, telecoms companies will send engineers to help customers and test connections of telecare alarms used by 2 million nationwide
Comes as BT and Virgin Media launch national awareness campaign, supported by the UK government, to ensure no one gets overlooked during vital digital migration
The switch from analogue to digital landlines is being rolled out across the country as copper networks become increasingly unreliable and spare parts are no longer available.
Putting safety at the centre of the switchover, landline companies will send an engineer to carry out the switchover and personally test the telecare alarm, ensuring it continues to work once a household has moved onto the digital network.
Landline providers will also offer vulnerable customers a free battery back-up device so their landline can continue working in an outage.
It comes as a major new campaign funded by BT and Virgin Media and backed by the UK government launches today (Monday 2 June), urging the millions of telecare users in the UK– typically elderly and disabled people – as well as their support network to identify themselves so nobody gets overlooked.
Many local authorities and private telecare operators have already signed data sharing agreements with landline providers to ensure that as many telecare users have been identified as possible. With over two thirds of landlines already migrated, the campaign is the final layer of protection to identify any additional users.
Following a fall last year, Ann, who is in her 90s and from Stockport, became reliant on her telecare device. She is backing the campaign after her provider successfully migrated her landline last year.
Ann said: “The visit with the engineer was most enjoyable and very smooth, they handled everything for me. It’s left me feeling more reassured and confident.
“It’s also given my daughter Vickey peace of mind, knowing that if I need support, my pendant will work as it should. I’d encourage other people like me who rely on a personal alarm to get in touch with their landline provider for support.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “We cannot afford to leave anyone behind during the vital transition to digital landlines.
“I have personally set a strict checklist of safeguards for industry to comply with before they migrate any telecare user.
“This industry-led campaign marks a further step towards keeping people safe as we boost the resilience of our networks for the digital age.
“I urge anyone with a telecare alarm – or anyone close to a user of a telecare alarm – to pick up the phone and contact their provider to access the help that’s available.”
Since 2017, UK operators have been carrying out work to retire the decades old copper home phone network and move customers to digital landline services ahead of the analogue switch-off. Analogue landlines are reaching end of service life, becoming increasingly unreliable and spare parts are no longer available.
Recent Ofcom data reveals faults rates substantially increased by 45% in 2024.
The campaign launched today and builds on the voluntary industry charter signed by BT, Virgin Media and other providers and the checklist agreed in November 2024. The checklist commits providers to complete a strict checklist of safeguards before transferring customers from old analogue phone lines onto a digital network, reducing the risk of them being disconnected during the migration. This includes engineer visits and issuing battery backups.
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “Patient safety is our priority and by supporting this campaign we are making sure that no-one will be put at risk by having to use unreliable devices.
“We are working with communication providers who are delivering the digital phone switchover to make sure no-one falls through the cracks. BT and VMO2 are offering free advice as well as supported installations for vulnerable people.
“Modernising our telecoms infrastructure will make a world of difference for millions of people and help guarantee their safety.”
Claire Gillies, BT Group’s Consumer CEO, said: “Moving customers onto newer digital services is a necessary step as the reliability of the 40-year-old analogue landline technology is increasingly fragile – therefore the time to act is now.
“The Digital Switchover project requires team collaboration, so we’ve been working hard with industry partners and are really pleased to have the support of government in helping us raise awareness and drive action.
“It’s incredibly important that nobody gets left behind, and we encourage telecare users and their carers to contact their provider to ensure a smooth switch.”
Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “This major new campaign marks a significant moment where 2 industry leaders have come together to raise awareness of the digital landline switchover.
“With traditional analogue landlines becoming less and less reliable, the programme is essential step to safeguard services for the future. Inaction would mean putting services at risk.
“Our message is clear: if you or someone you know use a telecare alarm, pick up the phone and talk to your provider. Let us know, and we’ll support you every step of the way.”
Amy Low, CEO at AbilityNet, said: “As a charity our core aim is empowering older and disabled people to use technology, so we’re fully behind this campaign which will raise further awareness to the most vulnerable, as well as their carers, with an urgent message to act.
“With the digital switchover happening it has never been more important that they contact their provider who can offer tailored support and in-home assistance to ensure everything goes to plan.”
Matthew Evans, Director for Markets and Chief Operating Officer at techUK, said: “As the current PSTN system becomes increasingly unreliable – with faults rising 45% in 2024 – we need to ensure a swift transition to a digital network fit for the future.
“With many other countries and many millions of UK households having already completed the migration, it is essential to raise awareness and complete this move.
“We are proud to support VMO2 and BT as well as the UK government as they establish this important campaign and we look forward to continuing to work with the telecoms sector and other parties to ensure the delivery of a safe and sustainable switch.”
Alyson Scurfield, chief executive of telecare advisory body, TSA said: “Landline phone lines are switching to digital, which could stop telecare alarms working.
“However, many people, families and carers just aren’t aware of the impact this could have on life-saving telecare. That’s why TSA is supporting this incredibly important national campaign.
“If you or someone you know uses a telecare alarm, then please call your landline provider. They will make sure your alarm keeps working through the switchover. Please help us spread this message far and wide.”
As we mark Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June 2025), I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding volunteers who contribute towards the work of RNID – the national charity supporting 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Every day, through our community activities across the UK, around 300 incredible RNID volunteers take part in a diverse range of activities.
Whether it’s offering hearing aid maintenance and advice on hearing loss and tinnitus at RNID Near You drop-in sessions – or acting as ambassadors by giving talks to local groups and organisations, raising awareness of our work. These activities simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers who generously give their time to support others.
Over the past year alone, RNID volunteers gave more than 16,000 hours of their time, helping us reach over 47,000 people across the UK. It’s a remarkable achievement.
That’s why this Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to recognise everything our volunteers do and say a huge ‘thank you’. Your time, passion and dedication mean the world to us and make a real difference to people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Hidden Door announces more music acts in festival’s showcase of Scottish talent
Hidden Door Festival 2025 takes place from 11th – 15th June 2025, transforming The Paper Factory, a huge disused industrial space in west Edinburgh, into a vibrant celebration of music, art, dance, spoken word and more.
Last month, Hidden Door launched an Open Call inviting Scottish-based musicians, bands and electronic artists to join the 2025 music programme. With 200 applications received, organisers have sifted through hours of music to select 10 exceptional acts to feature at the festival.
The acts join an ever-growing programme of music, visual art and performances featuring hundreds of creatives. The packed line-up will fill the festival’s largest ever venue for five days of immersive entertainment.
Hazel Johnson, Festival Director of Hidden Door, said: “Hidden Door exists to showcase incredible emerging talent, and our open calls are a key way for us to discover and present that talent to large audiences.
“We had 200 applications to our music open call and the sheer volume and quality of submissions demonstrates the wonderful breadth of creativity that exists across Scotland.
“The selection process was tough and we would have loved to include everyone, but we’re thrilled to reveal some exceptional acts who truly embody the raw energy and diverse talent that we’re known for showcasing.”
The selected acts are:
Eloi – Wednesday 11 June
Eloi are an Edinburgh based 7-piece future-jazz group. Alongside numerous sold-out headline Edinburgh gigs, they have supported bands such as Surprise Chef at Glasgow’s Broadcast, alongside local Scottish groups including Grace and the Flatboys, Dinosaur 93 and Nani.
In 2022, they secured a slot at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival through the Edinburgh-based community radio station EHFM, and also hold a monthly show on the station called Eloi Selects.
Inspired by the likes of Nubiyan Twist, Ezra Collective and Hiatus Kaiyote, their debut EP ‘Maya’ was released in 2022, and the follow up ‘Bloom Again’ was released in 2023.
HENS BENS – Friday 13 June
HENS BENS make pop music in BLOCK CAPITALS. Their live shows aren’t like those by other bands. They incorporate fresh fruit, balloons, archery and power tools.
HENS BENS do not speak between songs, with the band instead relying on computer-generated crowd banter over which they have no control. There are LEDs attached to things. There are costume changes.
Their 2025 album WORLD’S STRONGEST BAND features songs about steroids, revenge, Clint Eastwood’s 1988 film ‘The Dead Pool’, having an argument with the guy from Sleaford Mods, politicians the singer went to school with, Jerry Seinfeld becoming a bit right-wing these days, the band’s great great granddaughters, nuclear war and more.
Humour – Sunday 15 June
Humour live together in Glasgow. They formed across the 2021 lockdowns, writing and recording their material at home, with the music intended as a backdrop to Andreas’ lyrics.
Sometimes they’re about letting people down, sometimes they’re about pets dying, sometimes they’re about trying to say something when you don’t have anything worth saying.
Signing to SoYoung Records off the back of a few rough demos, it was clear Humour had a unique sound. Their first release ‘Yeah, Mud!’ gained critical acclaim from NME, Clash Magazine, DIY, Dork and more.
With two EPs released to date, they have now announced their debut album Learning Greek which is set for release in August 2025.
Nick Dow – Sunday 15 June
Scottish electronic music producer Nick Dow blurs the lines between club, ambient and experimental music, combining cinematic melodies with organic instrumentation and visceral textures, enveloping the listener in a world of surging musical landscapes.
Night Caller – Saturday 14 June
Night Caller is made up of members from established Scottish acts including Callum Easter, Neon Waltz, The Stagger Rats, The Merrylees and more – instantly asserting their experienced presence within the Scottish music scene. Band members have recorded with the likes of Paul Weller, The Coral and The Zombies.
They brand their music as “gutter pop – fun, fast, kinky and chaotic!”. Expect deep vocals and ballad-inspired melodies with a sing-along chorus.
Puppy Teeth – Saturday 14 June
Puppy Teeth is an independent Edinburgh based band composed of singer and rhythm guitarist Anna Trost, singer and lead guitarist Theo Black, bassist Ed Meltzer and drummer Niamh Jordan. The band has been described as heady, dreamy, 90s melodic, shoegaze/grunge with psychedelic, hypnotising female vocals.
Huge influences for Puppy Teeth‘s music are artists such as Men I Trust, Jeff Buckley, Mazzy Star, Big Thief, Sorry and Deftones.
racecar – Thursday 12 June
racecar is an alt-pop trio composed of Izzy Flower (vocals, keys, synthesizer), Robin Brill (guitar, drums), and Calum Mason (bass).
They are based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and formed in 2018. They released their debut album, Orange Car, in 2022.
Their latest album, Pink Car, a bold fusion of nostalgia, coming-of-age themes, and genre-blurring sounds, was released earlier this year. With festival-ready anthems like ‘Zephyr’ and ‘Fall Leave’, the album expands on their signature style with a fresh, dynamic energy.
samwooddoowmas – Saturday 14 June
samwooddoowmas is a musician and visual artist based in Edinburgh. He records out of a DIY studio held together with electrical tape.
He makes sounds using a variety of techniques including tape loops, digital processing and analogue instrumentation. He is known for performing in unusual spaces (such as a urinal) and using instruments in strange ways live, such as a bass guitar played with a bicycle.
San Jose – Sunday 15 June
Their name pinched from a Dionne Warwick song, San Jose wield their forthright, raucous and versatile reputation with a snarled grin. With ever-evolving theatrics and everything you’d expect from a circus with the exception of the caged animals, San Jose, are the only 5 piece band with an average of more than 5 members.
Although falling under the ever expanding umbrella term of “post-punk” San Jose have a dedication to avoid musical confinement, the five piece often incorporate instrumentation uncommon to heavier styles of music, such as brass and accordion, and interweave it with their punk attitude.
With a background in musical theatre, San Jose blur the lines between performance art and concert. With people in bear costumes, auctions, fine dining, plumbing and pantomime levels of audience interaction all to be expected from their shows, the five piece sonically and visually paint a picture of the inherent absurdism that lies within Scottish culture.
Their live performances have been described as “the ideal descent into hell”.
The Era – Saturday 14 June
The Era are a duo from Glasgow consisting of Electric Harp player Lochlann and Singer/Guitarist Cal. Taking as much influence from pop icons such as Sky Ferreira and Charli XCX as they do from indie references like Arctic Monkeys, The Kills & Nine Inch Nails.
The Era are pushing the boundaries of modern pop/rock music by using their USP; unlike any other band on the scene The Era use an electric harp played through a selection of amplifiers and effects pedals to create a face pounding wall of sound.
Recent shows include support slots for 80’s legends Heaven 17 as well as notable slots with GGLUM for Plastic Factory LDN, The Ninth Wave, Vlure as well as a sold out debut headline show in Broadcast, Glasgow – all within their first 8 months as a band.
An inspirational business leader who overcame cancer twice launched Race for Life in Scotland’s capital.
Gail Izat was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, sounding the starter horn to send around 1,300 participants on the courses at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. She was cheered on by her colleagues from Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group and headline sponsors for Race for Life.
More than £201,300 was raised at Race for Life Edinburgh – vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Every year, around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.
Gail, who is Standard Life Managing Director (workplace & retail intermediary), was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2019, just two months after celebrating her 50th birthday.
It was a shock when the disease returned days before Christmas in 2022. Now in remission, mum of two Gail has vowed to do everything she can to help give others more tomorrows with their loved ones.
Gail, from Edinburgh said: “I’ve had cancer twice but I’ve got through it twice thanks to life-saving science.
“When you’ve had cancer suddenly you realise you’re not immortal and actually you have something that might kill you. At first having cancer felt like being admitted to a secret club I didn’t want to belong to. I felt strongly that I didn’t even want to talk to people about cancer until I found out more information about what I was actually facing, until I knew it was curable.
“But as time went on I started to believe I was going to get through the disease. And as I’ve recovered, I’ve found events like Race for Life offer a chance to meet people whose lives have also been touched by cancer. It offers a wonderful support and a sense of community.”
Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK.
Race for Life Edinburgh included a 360 degree photobooth, provided by headline sponsor Standard Life, where participants were able to receive a digital copy of a photo as a reminder of the day. Standard Life fielded a team of 30 staff who completed Race for Life Edinburgh.
A group of 17 pupils aged between nine to 26 from the award winning Sarah Hendry School of Dance in Glenrothes entertained the crowds with Highland Dance moves. Sharon Holgarth from Event Buddies Scotland was at the picnic area offering face painting and a stilt walker circulated to chat to supporters.
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.
Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Edinburgh.
“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.
“We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Edinburgh, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference.”
Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.
Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide.
Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone – a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.
Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.
“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
Gail Izat is in remission from triple negative breast cancer.
Around 15 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease have this type of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancers are cancers whose cells don’t have receptors to the hormones oestrogen and progesterone or a protein called Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER 2).
This means doctors cannot use targeted hormone therapies or drugs that specifically target those receptors, leaving chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy as the main treatment options.
On October 1 2019, Gail had day surgery to remove the tumour and she started chemotherapy treatment on November 30 2019. Gail had eight sessions of chemotherapy in total. After the side effects of treatment meant she lost her long dark hair, her husband Bill McGeoch and their sons, Rory, now 21, and Euan, 19, also shaved their heads in solidarity.
In the spring of 2020 as the UK went in to lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Gail started six sessions of radiotherapy. Treatment was complete by the end of April 2020. Gail steadily recovered and was monitored closely over the next two years.
But in December 2022, the results of her annual mammogram stopped her in her tracks.Gail said: “After I’d had cancer for the first time I couldn’t fully shake off a sense of dread that it might return.
“I’d had a busy few days at work and I remember an O131 Edinburgh number kept coming through to my mobile phone as a missed call. Eventually the hospital left a voicemail asking me to call.
“The doctors had found something and I had to go in the next day for urgent tests. I had cancer again.”
That Christmas was difficult for all the family. But it was a relief in January when tests showed the cancer had not spread. On February 23 2023 at St John’s Hospital, Livingston, Gail endured a 14 hour mastectomy surgery and reconstruction.
She was in the intensive care ward for several days. Early in March, Gail had to return to hospital for seven days for more surgery due to complications.
Gail said: “It took me a good ten weeks to recover from the surgery and it was actually harder than all the treatment I’d had previously.But I was lucky. They’d caught the cancer early and I got through it thanks to the amazing support I had from my family and my colleagues at work.”
Gail had six months of daily chemotherapy tablets which she completed in October 2023. She now has an annual mammogram and a CT scan every six months. She keeps fit by walking every day with the family pet labradoodle, Poppy.
Gail said: “It’s important to live for the moment but also to think of the future.I feel passionate about Standard Life’s work as we make a positive difference.
“We support people to think about how they can be kind to their future selves by pension planning and through long term savings.”
