We are honoured to be hosting the Lothians Speak Their Name Quilt in the Centre. The only Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt in Scotland.
This remarkable quilt was made by individuals who all found comfort and solace in making their squares as well as finding a community of similarly bereaved people.
The quilt will be exhibited here until Friday 25 July so please do come along to see it.
New jobs will be created and derelict sites regenerated in Glasgow’s former industrial heartland with the help of funding announced by First Minister John Swinney.
Urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway is to receive £3.5 million to support the continued redevelopment of the former Shawfield Chemical Works site into a hub for high value manufacturing businesses.
It is part of the company’s ongoing plan to develop homes, hotels and business premises on land equivalent in size to 130 football pitches in Rutherglen and the East End of Glasgow.
The First Minister made the announcement ahead of a visit to the Innovation Shawfield, another Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme, where he will see Scotland’s first renewable district heating system of its kind. The site is expected to become one of the largest office parks in the UK and the heating system, which is also capable of cooling buildings, will provide occupants with low-cost energy.
The project has been supported by £660,000 from the Scottish Government and sees power generated from sources including solar and heat pumps.
The First Minister said: “Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th century is an integral part of transforming Scotland’s economy in the 21st and Clyde Gateway is a shining example of what can achieved. Its ambition is creating jobs, improving communities and tackling poverty.
“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to help it continue that work and also to see first-hand this innovative project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses. This part of Glasgow has a proud industrial past and the Scottish Government is determined that it will have a strong economic future.
“I want to see these benefits continue to spread across Scotland and this financial year we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration projects that will revitalise town centres, derelict sites and green spaces.”
Martin Joyce, Executive Director for Regeneration at Clyde Gateway, said: “This £3.5 million investment will accelerate our efforts to transform the East End of Glasgow and Rutherglen.
“Working alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land, supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivered 4,000 much needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities where people can live, work and play.”
The Scottish Government has supported Clyde Gateway’s regeneration programme with more than £200 million since 2007.
We said goodbye to Madge yesterday.
Madge was one of those women who everyone seemed to know; a popular and weel-kent face around Royston and Crewe and the funeral service was packed.
I have known Madge and her family socially for more than forty years, but there are still some things you find out that come as a surprise. And at Warriston I learned that Madge had written a poem:
TWENTY FIVE PAST TWO
AH’M WALKING DOON THE ROAD
CAUSE IT’S TWENTY-FIVE PAST TWO
GAUN TAE GET THE BAIRN …
PAST MOHAMMED’S FIR SOME CHEWS
WHEN AH GET HIM
‘THERE’S YER CHEWS
TIME FIR HAME
CHANGE YER SHOES’
DUMPS HIS SCHOOL BAG …
HE’S OOT THE DOOR
IN THE GAIRDEN
WIE HIS DINOSAURS
A WORLD O’ HIS AIN TAKES O’ER
UNTIL … RAP THE WINDAE: ‘TEA’
“AH DINNAE LIKE THAT”
PICKS HIS GRUB
‘EAT IT OR YE’R IN THE TUB’
IN THE TUB, LOADS O’ TOYS
WHAT A MESS … MIND, BOYS WILL BE BOYS
UNTIL … AH TUCK HIM UP IN BED
TEDDY CUDDLED ROOND HIS HEAD.
A poem by MADGE VENTERS
Scots are generating less waste than ever before and sending less to landfill.
The Scottish Waste From All Sources 2023 Official Statistics, published today (15th July) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), provide details on waste from Scottish households, businesses and public services.
Scotland generated 9.55 million tonnes of waste in 2023 – a 7.5% decrease from 2022 and down 20.2% since 2011. This overall decline reflects a long-term trend towards better waste prevention and reuse across the country.
The amount of waste sent to landfill fell to 1.81 million tonnes, down 21.1% from 2022 to the lowest figure recorded.
Scotland’s landfill rate now stands at 19%, down from over 50% in 2011, signalling significant progress in diverting waste away from landfill.
At the same time the overall recycling rate has remained roughly the same (62.2% down 0.6 percentage points from 2022).
The largest single waste category in 2023 was soils, at 2.76 million tonnes, followed by household and similar waste at 1.92 million tonnes. Encouragingly, household and similar waste generated by Scottish homes and businesses has fallen by 1.2 million tonnes since 2011.
The statistics also highlight a continued rise in energy-from-waste incineration of Scottish waste, which increased by 20.2% in 2023 to 1.74 million tonnes, the highest level to date. This increase underscores the growing role of energy-from-waste facilities in managing residual waste – material that cannot currently be recycled or reused.
David Harley, Acting Chief Officer – Regulation Business & Environment, said: “The statistics for 2023 show that the hard work of communities, councils and businesses is paying off. We’re generating less waste and sending less to landfill than ever before. But they also highlight the scale of the climate challenge still facing us.
“While the figures show clear progress, they also highlight that we must focus on preventing waste in the first place and prioritising reuse and recycling over disposal. As long as non-recyclable waste is produced, energy recovery will remain part of Scotland’s waste hierarchy as a better alternative to landfill, but every tonne of waste avoided or recycled is better for the climate, for communities and for Scotland’s journey to net zero.
“This annual data set gives Scotland an important opportunity to reflect. SEPA’s role is to provide the evidence to support informed decisions by policy makers, industry and local authorities.”
Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “I welcome these statistics from SEPA which show that the overall amount of waste generated in Scotland continues to fall faster than the previous target set, and is at its lowest ever level.
“This highlights the significant, long-term progress we are making towards a circular economy in which fewer resources are wasted. This is not just good for the environment – it will also create new economic opportunities and green jobs here in Scotland.
“The Circular Economy Act and Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, backed by our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, seek to cut waste, create consistent and easy to use waste services across Scotland, whilst driving sustainable resource use.”
Scotland’s approach follows the waste hierarchy – prioritising prevention, then reuse, recycling and recovery, with landfill as a last resort. Much of the progress that has made over the past decade has been driven by policy changes, such as recycling services, duty of care requiring waste producers to separate materials for recycling and reduced residual bin collection frequency.
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with Kids Go Free promotion, running from 30 June to 15 August 2025. Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained.
Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under), making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland.
From ancient kings to, mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages.
Perth’s historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from times gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small prize at the end as a reward.
The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there’s no shortage of fresh air and freedom. The grounds feature an adventure playground, the Murray star- Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate.
Families can take a break in the coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace’s Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there’s something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day.
To make summer visits even more exciting, Scone Palace will host special event days included with the Kids Go Free admission. Visitors can enjoy Falconry Fridays on 11 July and 15 August and join in on the fun at the Circus Workshops taking place 24 July.
The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm between 30 June and 15 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down.
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, solving the Palace treasure hunt, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, Scone Palace is ready to welcome families for a summer of stories, adventure and memories – now with free entry for kids. With its beautiful historic backdrops, blooming gardens and wide-open spaces, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
For more information, and to book tickets:
FORTH AWARDS OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL HEROES
Jack ‘O’ Bryan, Best Restaurant at The Forth Awards 2023
CELEBRATE THE VERY BEST OF EDINBURGH MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS, FIFE AND FALKIRK
Nominate local heroes now via https://bit.ly/FORTHAWARDS25
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has opened nominations for its local hero awards, aiming to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
The star-studded ceremony will return to the Capital’s Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, with awards and performances from huge names in the entertainment world.
Now, Forth 1 and Greatest Hits Radio listeners are being encouraged to recognise individuals and organisations in their community that go the extra mile – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award.
Submit nomination via www.forth1.com – submissions open until 20th August 2025
The nominees will join celebrities being honoured at the ceremony later this year, with previous winners including the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Susie McCabe, Nathan Evans and more. Local hero winners in the past have included selfless teachers who have gone above and beyond for their classes, local kids fundraising for charities or committing small acts of kindness, and family-run businesses and restaurants.
Communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk are now encouraged to submit friends, families and colleagues for the six local hero awards with trophies up for grabs for including best restaurant, best teacher, workplace, visitor attraction, local hero and the traditional Cash for Kids Award.
Listeners are also in with a chance of winning tickets to the Forth Awards ceremony itself if they submit a nomination.
Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager, Hits Radio said: “Every year The Forth Awards celebrate the local heroes that do so much for their communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
“From young kids fundraising for local charities, to workplaces who go over and above to support their staff, and teachers who make a real difference to the lives of the children in their class, there’s countless stories of local people worth recognising.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating these local heroes alongside some of the biggest stars from the entertainment world at the Usher Hall in November, alongside our sponsors Livingston Designer Outlet.”
To nominate friends, family, colleagues and businesses, click here.
The Forth Awards 2025 include:
The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris
The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire
The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room
The Forth Icon Award with The Edinburgh Playhouse
The Forth Fringe Award with Watermans
The Forth Cash for Kids Award with Newtown Décor
The Forth Best Teacher Award with Omni Shopping
The Forth Best Workplace Award with Fuse
The Forth Visitor Attraction Award
The Forth Local Hero Award
NEW 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR EVOC
EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) has published a new 5-year strategic plan, outlining the organisation’s vision to contribute to an equitable, sustainable and resilient Edinburgh, supported by a thriving third sector.
The new plan is structured around three priorities – advocacy, capacity building and collaboration – with all areas underpinned by data gathering and research that will be used to inform policy and decision-making.
Data and research will also be used to make on-the-ground decisions with and for third sector organisations in the city.
Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO, commented: “I’ve been in post for 6 months now, and since day one, we’ve been working towards the publication of this new strategic plan.
“To help us achieve our vision, we’re focused on supporting organisations to make local community-driven change.
“We want to use our networks and forums, which sit at the heart of the dynamic between the third sector, public sector and private sector, to bring the voices of the sector together to develop policies that meet the needs of the communities we all serve.”
Established in 1868, EVOC has been committed to improving the lives of people and communities for more than 155 years.
Over that time, the organisation’s priorities and activities have adapted in line with the needs of the people in the city and the third sector, but this new plan has the same ethos at its heart.
Bruce Crawford continued: “Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with people from across the sector to help inform what’s gone into our strategic plan.
“In 2025, there have been a series of challenges that the sector has faced, including public sector funding cuts and increased running costs.
“We’re looking to create some stability by going back to basics – EVOC doing what is right for the sector. So, we’ll be covering a broad range of areas that come under our three priorities.”
EVOC’s strategic plan for 2025 to 2030 is available to read here and you can hear more from Bruce Crawford here.
Curious about performing and creating a small show this summer? Join our Drama Summer Camp at NEA!
Whether you’re a budding actor, curious about the stage, or just want to try something new, this is a fun, supportive space to explore drama. We’ll play games, try improvisation and stagecraft, and work together to create a brand-new piece of theatre to share with family and friends.
No experience needed — just bring your imagination!
Monday 4 to Friday 8 August
10am–1pm (Friday starts at 10.30am, with a sharing at 12noon)
For local young people (ages 7–14) living in Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw & Telford
FREE – book your place for a whole week or just a few days: https://bookwhen.com/blythwoodtheatre
NEA Drama Summer Camp will be led by Marilyn Blyth Wilson who is a performer, director and acting teacher. She works with various theatre companies and runs her own company Blythwood Theatre, focusing on collaboration with young people to bring new writing and performances that focus on what matters to them.
Marilyn will be with us at NEA as part of EPAD’s Supported Residency programme, which aims to support the creation of new work and to build connections between Edinburgh-based performing arts creatives and venues across the city
An exhibition celebrating Scotland’s libraries has opened at Edinburgh Central Library. ‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ explores the history of libraries in Scotland and how they’ve developed from private book collections to vital spaces at the heart of our communities.
Featuring images from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, the exhibition charts their innovation and growth from the 17th century through their continued evolution in response to the changing needs of society to become the varied public services they are today.
The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the 1925 ‘National Library of Scotland Act’, which saw the establishment of the National Library of Scotland, one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom.
Across the road, The National Library of Scotland has also opened an exhibition to commemorate their centenary. ‘Dear Library’ is described as a love letter to libraries, aiming to give visitors a whole new perspective on how libraries can help you, and how you can help them.
Browse bookshelves in an open reading room filled with recommendations from the public and well-known Scottish figures. See libraries in popular culture, protest banners and badges, vintage film footage, and more.
Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Through this exhibition, we’re shining a light on the vital part libraries play in Scotland’s social history, illuminating the continuing importance of these places in our lives today.
“It’s wonderful to be opening this exhibition at Edinburgh Central Library, a very fitting venue and the first public library building in the city, opening in 1890.
“It’s also just across the road from the National Library of Scotland, so I hope visitors enjoy exploring both of our exhibitions and discovering more about the fascinating world of libraries.”
Martha Burns Findlay, Head of Public Programmes at the National Library of Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Historic Environment Scotland’s new display at Edinburgh’s Central Library will coincide with our own ‘Dear Library’ exhibition across the road at the National Library of Scotland.
“In our 100th year we’re championing the vital role that libraries play in Scotland, so the twinned exhibitions provide a great opportunity for people to rekindle their love of libraries.”
‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ is on at the Edinburgh Central Library from Friday 11 July – Saturday 20 September 2025.
Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required.
For more information, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.
To celebrate the opening of Assembly George Square Gardens for the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival (18–27 July), Assembly Festival is Inviting locals to embrace the magic of the Edinburgh festival season with thousands of £6.50 tickets released this Wednesday 16 July.
The Assembly Festival 2025 programme boasts over 240 shows, so get ready for a wild ride through comedy, cabaret, theatre, music, dance and more. From returning fan-favourites and rising stars to the wonderfully weird, there’s something for everyone at Assembly Festival.
How it works:
This special offer is valid for performances running from 30 July to 3 August – don’t miss your chance to experience world-class shows at a fraction of the price. Grab your £6.50 tickets now and be part of the fun!
T&Cs apply.
Full list of participating shows available on assemblyfestival.com.
