1 day to go! We’re so excited to be gearing up for tomorrow our Sunday market relaunch.
We’ll be welcoming a wonderful range of traders to delight the senses.
See you between 10am – 4pm!
Tomorrow: Sunday Market returns at Leith Community Croft
Day: July 5, 2025
Tails wagging as new dog park rolls into Edinburgh
Doggy adventure park with a difference set to open its gates
A NEW premium dog park is set to open on the western edge of Edinburgh, offering a rural-feel escape just minutes from the city centre.
Located near the Highland Showground just off the A8 at Gogarburn, the brand new dog park will be the latest venture by award-winning operator Unleash The Dogs, marking its first foray into the capital.
Opening today – Saturday 5th July, final touches are being added in the coming days and bookings are expected to ramp up quickly.
The park forms the first phase of a two-site expansion into Edinburgh, with a second destination set to open near Fort Kinnaird later this summer.
Hailing from a farming background, Craig Gammage and his partner Lauren are on a mission to create the very best places for dogs to visit in Scotland, with seven Unleash The Dogs parks already established across Glasgow.
Boasting equipment and obstacles for canines of all sizes and breeds, the enclosed fields feature doggy friendly sensory gardens, as well as shelters for owners to socialise and escape the Scottish elements.
Craig, 34, said: “This is a huge step for us. Edinburgh has a completely different layout to Glasgow, so we’ve worked hard to find a spot that balances that rural escapism our parks are known for, while staying easily accessible.
“The West Edinburgh field is only about a 15-minute drive from the city centre, yet it is a proper rural escape.
“We wanted to create something truly special here, not just another enclosed space but a destination for dogs and their owners.”
The site is part of a wider rollout from the much-loved brand, which has built a loyal following across Glasgow thanks to its commitment to providing top-tier dog exercise spaces. Each site is designed to Unleash The Dogs’ exacting standards, offering a secure, safe and stimulating environment.
Owners and professional dog-walkers can book their slot for up to eight dogs at a time online, guaranteeing complete private access to the site.
The sites also benefit from regular staffing to ensure the grounds are immaculately maintained, ensuring a safe and clean experience for all visitors.
Craig added: “Our parks are run like five-star resorts. We have regular staff visits, bespoke features, and we never cut corners.
“It’s about keeping standards sky high and creating places that owners are proud to bring their dogs to.
“We’ve developed a strong model in Glasgow, and the response there has been phenomenal. Edinburgh deserves the same standard – and we’re here to deliver it.”
With its premium finish and proximity to the city, the new park is set to become a favourite for dog lovers across the capital.
With the next Edinburgh site in the East already in the works, Unleash The Dogs looks set to make its mark on both ends of the city.
For more information about Unleash the Dogs, the sites and how to book your slot visit www.unleashthedogs.co.uk
Mother and daughter duo crowned Edinburgh’s ultimate Stitch fans
A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird to celebrate the release of the new Lilo & Stitch live-action film.
Yasmin and baby Rosie enjoyed a visit to the centre where they were treated to a VIP screening of the movie at ODEON. Their prize also included a Stitch-themed gift bundle worth over £150, featuring items from retailers including Primark, Smyths Toys, and The Works.
Fort Kinnaird received more than 60 entries for the competition, but Yasmin and Rosie’s heartfelt story stood out. Yasmin shared how the original film brought her joy as a child and now plays a special role in her life again as she watches it with her daughter.
The pair’s impressive collection of Stitch memorabilia – including items Yasmin has treasured for over two decades and baby clothes Rosie has worn since birth – helped cement their status as true superfans.
Yasmin said: “It’s been such a lovely experience to share the new Lilo & Stitch film with Rosie, who might just be the youngest Stitch fan yet!
I’ve loved Stitch since 2002, and now getting to enjoy it with my daughter is so much fun. Huge thanks to Fort Kinnaird for making it such a memorable day.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “It’s fantastic to see so many people get involved in our competition – and shows just how loved Stitch is.
“Yasmin’s entry really stood out for its creativity and heartfelt passion. We’re so pleased to crown her and baby Rosie our biggest Stitch fan and hope she enjoys her well-deserved prize!”
To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/
MPs to investigate children’s TV and video content
A new inquiry will explore the provision of children’s TV and video content in the UK and what can be done to ensure future generations continue to have access to high-quality British-made programming.
- Inquiry: Children’s TV and video content
- Submit evidence to the inquiry
- Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Research from Ofcom shows a structural shift in the viewing habits of young people, with television viewing by children dropping and YouTube now the most used app or site by children of all ages, with 88% of 3 to 17-year-olds using it last year.
The changing ways in which audience consume TV and video, has made it more challenging for public service broadcasters to make original TV content for children and for it to be found. This has a knock-on effect for those in our creative industries who want to make quality UK TV and video for children.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry will therefore examine how to ensure those making original high-quality content can continue and how it can be made easier to find it online.
It will also explore issues relating to parental control of online content, the potential positive and negative effects of how children watch TV and video content on their health and development, and wider issues relating to the sector’s contribution to the economy and its importance to the UK’s cultural identity.
Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “Children’s viewing habits have come a long way, but whether they watch through a smart TV or a tablet, there is still demand for good quality TV and video for children.
“We all want young people to have access to a range of programming, so in addition to cartoons, they also see drama and factual programmes. We want them to be able to be educated and inspired, as well as entertained.
“Changes to the media landscape, particularly the shift in viewing to YouTube, pose huge challenges for the future of children’s programming and the continued production of original content by our public service broadcasters.
“We want to know what prominence means for programmes made for children in the future world of smart TVs, streaming, video sharing platforms and endless choice.
“We have a proud history of high-quality children’s television in the UK. Our inquiry will be showcasing the contribution the sector makes to both our culture and economy and how we can best ensure that content designed for children in all its forms continues to both educate and entertain.”
Terms of reference
The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the following questions:
Children’s TV and video content in the UK
- Who is commissioning and making original, high-quality, TV and video content for children and young audiences in the UK?
- How can they be best supported to continue to make more?
- How does the range of content and genres for children vary between that provided by public service media, subscription channels, and both short- and long-form video sharing platforms?
- Which audiences, by age or other characteristic, are currently being underserved?
- How can we increase the amount of news and factual programming made for children on TV and online?
Finding children’s TV and video content online
- How can it be made easier to find original, high-quality, TV and video content for children online?
- How can the attribution of public service children’s content on video sharing platforms be improved?
- How effective are the tools available for parents to control what children are watching on public service media, subscription channels, video sharing platforms?
Health and child development
- What evidence is there that the TV and video content that children watch, and how they watch it, can contribute:
- Positively to their health, learning and development?
- Negatively to their health, learning and development?
Wider benefits of children’s TV
- How does children’s TV made in the UK contribute to:
- The UK’s culture and identity?
- Our cultural and economic exports?
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh
It’s been a big week for BTS fans around the globe, as the K-Pop sensation announced they will return next spring with a new studio album (their first since 2020’s Be) and an accompanying world tour.
For those itching for new content from the band, arriving somewhat sooner than the reunion is BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom.
Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August, tickets for the screenings are on sale now. Not only that, fans will also be able to buy limited edition merch for the film – a themed reusable drinks cup and popcorn tin.
The film travels the globe, showcasing fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas; a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography; and fans who’ve been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts.
Defying stereotypes of the typical K-Pop fan, BTS Army: Forever We Are Young explores the intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active world of the band’s fans.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Without fail, our BTS screenings have captured the hearts of audiences, with thousands of fans up and down the country coming to Vue to celebrate the K-Pop mega-band.
“This documentary will spin the camera, focusing on the amazing fan base that has made BTS the global sensation they are today – we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”
To book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.
Calling all potential Hyrox athletes: – July taster sessions at Meadowbank
Are you Hyrox curious? Wondering what all the hype is about? Now’s your chance to find out. Edinburgh Leisure is inviting fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike to experience the buzz of Hyrox with two exclusive taster sessions this July.
Taking place on Wednesday 16th and 23rd July at 8:00 am at Meadowbank Sports Centre, these one-off sessions are designed to introduce newcomers to the world of Hyrox in a fun, supportive, and beginner-friendly environment. Tickets are just £5 per person, with only 16 spots available per session – so early booking is essential.
No experience? No problem. These sessions will cover the basics, offering a hands-on introduction to the unique hybrid fitness format that’s taken the world by storm.
Edinburgh Leisure made waves in the fitness scene last September with the launch of their hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club at Meadowbank – the first of its kind from a leisure trust in the UK. Since then, they’ve been at the forefront of the hybrid training movement, offering classes for both beginners and seasoned Hyroxers.
Take the first step towards transforming your fitness journey. Become a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s hybrid gym and take advantage of their exclusive HYROX training programmes with no-joining fee if you sign up on the day. Existing Edinburgh Leisure members can join Evolve hybrid gym as an add-on to their existing membership.
Don’t miss your chance to get a taste of Hyrox – book your spot today and see what the hype is all about.
To book, click here.
Standing Up For Our Community
BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOP IN LEITH
The increase in racial/hate motivated harassment and aggression in the last few years has made it clear that we need to get better at standing up for each other.
Join us Tuesday, July 8, at St James Church (11A John’s Pl, EH6 7EL) for a co-led workshop where we will share our experiences and knowledge to build and practice the skills needed to counter racist, sexist, transphobic and ableist harassment and violence in public spaces.
Hosted by Zionism Free Leith
All the stars align for this year’s East Neuk Festival finale
Composer Sally Beamish, and 16 players from four of the world’s leading string quartets played to a packed concert hall at Bowhouse Farm last weekend, for the world premiere of Field of Stars – the finale at this year’s East Neuk Festival (25-29 June).
The four string quartets (Elias, Pavel Haas, Castalian and Belcea), are firm favourites at the East Neuk Festival and, over the five days, audiences were also treated to their masterful performances of all five of Beethoven’s late quartets, quintets by Mozart and Schubert, and Mendelssohn’s Octet performed by the Belcea and Castalian.
In addition, Beethoven’s septet in E-flat, which is said to have spearheaded the creation of the East Neuk Festival, was performed by an incredible line-up including Alexander Janiczek(violin) and Philip Higham (cello), who played the same piece in Elie Church, 20 years ago.
This earlier performance is said to have inspired festival founder Donald MacDonald to take the plunge and launch the East Neuk Festival with its current Director Svend McEwan Brown the following year.
Over the five days, audiences were also treated to the brilliance of tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby singing Schubert’s song cycles accompanied by pianist Joseph Middleton.
The Festival began and ended with Donald Grant performing East Neuk of Fife, a Scottish fiddle tune played at the opening concert just minutes before the Scottish Chamber Orchestra launched into Larsson on Wednesday night, and again at the closing concert.
Another Scottish tune The Witch of Leanachan, written by Donald Grant, was also used as the music to accompany a new film installation The Light, the Bell & the Burden by multi-disciplinary artist and designer Andy McGregor which was screened in St Fillan’s Cave in Pittenweem during the festival.
This film piece, supported by Event Scotland’s National Events Programme, explored mysteries around belief, folklore and healing through St Fillan and the relics connected to him, and featured Donald Grant performing with cellist Su-a Lee.
Harpist and composer Esther Swift’s festival commission Zulu Voyage was packed with friends and family who came to listen to her new piece performed by local musicians of all ages from St Andrews Music Project, Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and East Fife Community Ensemble.
Plus, there were some sensational one-off concerts from the Tom Smith jazz septet, Euan Stevenson Trio and the legendary Kathryn Tickell.
This year’s 20th festival was packed with multiple sold out shows. The size of the ticketed audience was up by 50% on 2024 and over 90% of events were completely sold out.
Festival Director Svend McEwan Brown said: “I am blown away by the sheer enthusiasm and generosity of everyone at ENF 2025: performers, audience and team alike.
“We wanted to honour the achievement of the past 20 years and hearing that this was incontestably the most successful ENF of all is a real pleasure.”
The festival was made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland, EventScotland and the generosity of all its patrons, partners, trusts and foundations.
The 2026 festival will run from 24 to 28 June. Full programme will be announced in November.
The East Neuk Festival celebrates the joy and power of live music and its potential to transform lives. In the past 20 years the festival has presented over 400 events and welcomed over 3,000 performers and 200,000 people to some of the most unique and intimate venues in the East Neuk of Fife.
East Neuk Festival is made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland, EventScotland and the generosity of its patrons, partners, and various trusts and foundations.
PICTURES: Neil Hanna
Organised crime feud: More arrests
TWO further arrests have been made in connection with Operation Portaledge, the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country. This brings the total number of arrests to 52.
On Thursday, 3 July, 2025, police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with wilful fire-raising to two vehicles on Campion Road and Niddrie Marischal Crescent in Edinburgh on 9 June, 2025. He was released pending further enquiries. This is the second arrest in connection with this incident.
On Friday, 4 July, 2025, around 9.50am, officers executed a warrant in Blantyre and arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with an attempted murder in Pitcairn Grove, Edinburgh on Friday 22 May, 2025. This is the third arrest in connection with this incident.
The 49-year-old has also been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 7 July, 2025.
Social Security Scotland: Support for familes over summer
Our five family payments can help families on low incomes get through the school holidays.
The payments also provide year-round support and at key stages in a child’s life.
Long school holidays can be tough for families with the increased costs for food, clothes and activities. Our five family payments can help families on low incomes get through the school holidays.
The payments also provide year-round support and at key stages in a child’s life and include:
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting families. It’s a weekly payment of £27.15 for every child under 16 years in a household, paid every four weeks.
Scottish Child Payment is not limited to two children. It is available to eligible families with children ages 0 – 16 regardless of how many children there are in the home.
Best Start Foods is a payment of up to £43.20 every four weeks. It helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families and carers with children under the age of 3 to buy healthy foods for their families. People can apply for Best Start Foods as soon as they know they’re pregnant.
The money is provided on a pre-paid card which is topped up every 4 weeks. The card works like a bank card and can be used in local shops and supermarkets that accept card payments.
Early Learning Payment provides £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning, and is paid when a child is aged between 2 and 3 and a half years old. To get this payment your child does not need to go to nursery.
Early Learning Payment is available for multiple children and the money can be used for anything including toys, clothes and trips to new places.
At the end of the holidays, many families will have children starting school for the first time or reaching school age. School Age Payment helps with the costs of starting school and is worth £319.80 per eligible child.
Parents or carers can apply for the current School Age Payment if a child they look after was born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021.
A child does not have to take up a place at school to get School Age Payment, but people still need to apply in the year that a child is first old enough to start school, if:
- you’re deferring when your child starts school
- your child is not going to school