EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION
Visit Edinburgh Interfaith Association’s #Edinburgh900 exhibition “Stories of Belief: Celebrating 900 Years of Faith Communities in Edinburgh” at the St James Quarter from 16 – 23 July.
For more information visit tinyurl/storiesofbelief
With the summer festivals season fast approaching, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Thursday 24 July and Sunday 7 September 2025.
During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for residents, businesses and visitors.
These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.
George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on our website.
There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “As we prepare to welcome the world to Edinburgh for our summer festivals, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed safely and properly.
“We’ve made temporary changes to our city centre streets successfully during this period for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different.
“I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding and patience as we get ready to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary British filmmaker Ken Loach and his longtime creative collaborators, writer Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien, for a special In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.
The trio will discuss the acclaimed films they have created together over the years including Palme D’Or Winners The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). The event takes place on Wednesday 20 August at 11am at Tollcross Central Hall.
This event will then be followed by a special retrospective screening of the filmmakers’ 2006 Palme D’Or winning film The Wind That Shakes The Barley. Starring Cillian Murphy, the film is a heartfelt and stirring epic exploring the rift that emerges between two brothers who find themselves fighting against one another in the conflict over Irish independence in the early 1920s.
Presented from a 35mm print, this screening will be preceded by a special introduction by the filmmakers. The event takes place on Wednesday 20 August at 1.30pm in Filmhouse Screen 1.
Tickets are now on sale for both events via the EIFF website.
EIFF’s In Conversation strand also features a range of other major filmmaking talent who will discuss their creative careers to date including director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, One to One: John & Yoko) speaking with his brother, producerAndrew Macdonald (Trainspotting, Civil War, 28 Years Later), in a wide ranging conversation about filmmaking and their respective careers. Kevin will also present a screening of The Cranes are Flying (1957), a film which has heavily influenced his work.
Trailblazing filmmaker Nia Da Costa will discuss her acclaimed work which spans independent film, horror sequels and major studio comic book adaptations including The Marvels, Candyman and upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Nia will also present a special 4K restoration of Doug Liman’s 90s black comedy Go, a film that was a source of early inspiration for her.
From breakout horror thriller Kill List to EIFF Midnight Madness Opening Film Bulk, via hilarious black comedy Sightseers and many more, filmmaker Ben Wheatley and long time producing partner Andy Starke will discuss their collaborations and their working dynamic.
Award-winning writer and director Andrea Arnold is one of the UK’s most outstanding filmmakers. She will discuss her searing debut feature Red Road (2006), also screening at EIFF this year, which won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut, along with her critically acclaimed work such as Fish Tank, American Honey, Cow and, most recently, Bird.
Legendary producer Jeremy Thomas (Eureka, 13 Assassins, Sexy Beast) will discuss his long and varied career, which includes collaborations with Nicolas Roeg, Takeshi Miike and Jonathan Glazer, in a conversation with filmmaker Mark Cousins (A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things, The Story of Film, The Storms of Jeremy Thomas). Jeremy Thomas will also introduce a special 35mm screening of Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing (1980), one of his earliest films.
Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 14-20 August 2025. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
The Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio.
Paul Ridd, CEO & Festival Director, said: “It is a great honour for us to welcome Ken Loach, Paul Laverty and Rebecca O’Brien for what promises to be a lively and fascinating discussion of their work together, with two Palme D’Ors to their names and a body of work that includes ferociously powerful films produced across decades.
“We are also delighted to be presenting one of their major films THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY from a 35mm print. It is a genuine thrill to be able to add this formidable trio to a roster of speakers at EIFF in a programme of In Conversation events which already includes Jeremy Thomas, Nia Da Costa, Andrew and Kevin Macdonald, Andrea Arnold and Ben Wheatley.”
EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.
BLACKHALL PRIMARY SCHOOL TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FOR THEIR GREEN SPACE FROM DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES
Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the local charities and community organisations set to benefit from its support this year, helping them to create, enhance, or revitalise their indoor and outdoor green spaces — including schools, nurseries, care homes, allotments and community gardens.
Blackhall Primary School has been selected by the Edinburgh store to receive donations and support as part of Dobbies Community Gardens.
The school has outdoor learning classes during the week and would love to start growing their own fruit and vegetables from scratch.
Dobbies’ support will give the school the guidance, tools and seeds needed to bring this grow your own project to life.
Over 600 groups applied to Dobbies Community Gardens when it opened in March. Each Dobbies’ store selected a local project to support from the nominations that were made.
The winning school will now receive a one-on-one session with Dobbies’ Green Team at the Edinburgh store to kick-start the activity.
The team will support Blackhall Primary School throughout their project with products, tools and plants, along with volunteer hours to help bring the green space to life and keep it thriving.
Jenna Bavidge Dobbies’ Edinburgh store General Manager, said: “We are really pleased to have had so many community groups in Edinburgh reach out looking for support with their green spaces.
“We’re committed to supporting the local communities around our Edinburgh store, and the mix of winners showcases the many ways people and communities can benefit from garden living.
“Congratulations to Blackhall Primary School who have been successful in receiving our support this year. We’re looking forward to supporting this school and are excited to see their space flourish.”
To find out more about Dobbies Community Gardens and see this year’s winners, visit www.dobbies.com/community-gardens.
Young people in the capital can call a dedicated helpline offering expert advice to anyone receiving their full Higher, National, and Advanced results on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers – will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day.
The SDS Results Helpline will once again be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice, and guidance.
The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer guidance on colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.
The number for the 2025 SDS Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and will be open:
Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey.
“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.”
Local SDS Careers Adviser Gillian Ross is part of the Results Helpline team who will be taking calls from young people, parents and carers from across the country. Gillian said: “Whether a young person didn’t receive the results they were hoping for, or they exceeded their expectations, we are here to help them navigate the next steps and make the best decisions for their future.”
The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 33 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots.
There’s also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year*.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Young people have so many different ways to achieve their qualifications, with many eagerly anticipating their results coming through next month. It is important that no matter how they do, young people and their families have access to trusted and reliable information on potential next steps. That is what the advisers at the Skills Development Scotland helpline provide.
“I would encourage everyone looking for impartial and expert advice on the options available, whether that is in work, training or further study, to consider contacting the helpline.”
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) helps young people get ready for the world of work by connecting them with employers and supporting them to explore a wide range of career pathways. DYW Co-ordinators are based in secondary schools across Scotland, working alongside SDS careers advisers to support pupils with their next steps.
Michelle Fenwick, Director – DYW National Projects, said: “As results are released, it’s important that young people know there are many routes to success and that support is there for them.
“Through our #NoWrongPath campaign, and in partnership with SDS, we’re helping young people understand that the world of work is full of opportunity.
“Whether a young person is going into further or higher education, training, employment or still considering their options – the Results Helpline is a great way to get guidance, reassurance, and a sense of direction.”
In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you by visiting the Contact Us area of the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.
MENU FOR FRIDAY 18th JULY 
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu today:
Lentil and root veg soup
Fish and chips with herby peas
Veggie chestnut sausages rolls
Apple crumble with custard and garden berry compote
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
This year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.
Last summer, Britain’s butterflies sent an urgent SOS through Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
The wildlife charity declared a Butterfly Emergency after results revealed a marked and deeply concerning decline in butterfly numbers, which were the lowest in the Count’s history.
The 2024 figures followed a pattern of long-term decline as butterflies struggle against a backdrop of habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use.
That’s why this year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.
No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time.
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2025 begins on Friday 18 July, and we’re calling on thousands of everyday heroes, from schoolkids to grandparents, dog walkers, hikers, even office workers on their lunch break, to take part.
Worryingly, 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. These delicate icons of summer respond quickly to environmental change, making their decline a powerful warning sign of a planet in peril.
The good news? There is hope. With just 15 minutes of your time, you can help protect UK butterfly species for future generations.
️ The mission?
Spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.
That’s it. One small action that contributes to a much bigger effort to help save butterfly species and the ecosystems they support.
“This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come,” said Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. “Butterflies are beautiful, yes — but they’re also incredibly important bioindicators. This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it’s too late.
“If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it’s something everybody can do. If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer! – Every count really does make a difference.”
Whether you see a Red Admiral, a Common Blue, or an entire kaleidoscope of Meadow Browns, your sightings provide vital data that help scientists understand where butterflies are thriving, struggling, or shifting due to habitat loss or restoration.
And by taking part, you’re doing more than logging data — you’re standing up for nature. Your observations will help create a live map of UK biodiversity, visible in real-time through the Big Butterfly Count website and free app.
Why It Matters
With over 80% of UK butterfly species in decline, every single sighting counts.
Butterflies are early warning signs of environmental collapse — when they struggle, so do birds, bees, and entire ecosystems.
Together, we can reverse the trend by learning where and why butterflies are struggling and taking action to save them.
What’s the problem?
Butterflies are struggling because their habitat is being destroyed and the climate they thrive in is changing and becoming more unpredictable.
Populations may also be declining as a result of pesticide use, both commercially and in gardens. Even insecticides and pesticides labelled “pollinator friendly” can harm butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Employing more nature friendly gardening methods, such as companion planting and allowing wild spaces to flourish within our gardens are two of the best ways to help butterflies thrive at home.
How to Take Part
This summer, step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the natural world on your doorstep.
Become a citizen scientist. Be part of the comeback. Help bring butterflies and wild spaces across the UK back to life.
Cyclist to ascend equivalent of mount Everest in cycle around Scotland for Samaritans
Meet Neil Beattie, a Shetland-based Council team-leader, who will be taking on an Everest sized cycle and meeting Samaritans volunteers across Scotland’s towns and cities to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity next week.
Neil’s fundraising challenge will take him from Shetland to Selkirk and back again, through some of Scotland’s toughest terrains on a two-week journey. Throughout the (roughly) 1200-mile cycle, Neil will accumulate a climb of more than 30,000 feet, higher than the world’s tallest mountain.
Having completed charity bike rides previously, including from Land’s End to John O’ Groats and in Vietnam, this particular challenge holds a significant place in Neil’s heart. Speaking about Samaritans as his chosen charity, Neil said:
“My mum was previously the Regional Director at Samaritans Scotland, and dedicated numerous years as a volunteer to the charity and their mission to see fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland.
“Sixteen years after first planning this ride, I set off on the 23rd July to raise funds for this wonderful charity and the volunteers that offer people someone to turn to when they feel they have no one.
“Any donation, big or small will help someone with suicidal thoughts get help when they need it most.”
Neil is set to depart Shetland’s Samaritans in Lerwick on the 23rd of July, cycling to the ferry port where he will set sail for the mainland to continue his journey down through the country to the Borders, then heading up to Orkney and finally back to Shetland again, meeting with volunteers all along the way.
A fundraising page has been set up here where you can make a donation to support Neil’s huge effort and the vital work of Samaritans Scotland.
When we feel low, the smallest tasks can feel like a mountain to climb. It can seem like the journey to feeling better is an uphill battle. Neil’s journey shows that when we break our challenges down into smaller stretches, we can make it through. We can keep believing in tomorrow.
By donating to Neil’s fundraiser, you are helping someone with suicidal thoughts to talk to somebody who will listen in their most difficult moments.
Samaritans Scotland’s vision is for a Scotland where everyone can get the right help and support when they need it most, and where fewer lives are lost to suicide. It has provided a vital lifeline for people in crisis and distress for more than six decades since the first branch in Scotland answered their first call for help in 1959.
Anyone can call Samaritans on our free helpline at any time on 116 123 – even on a phone without credit – or email jo@samaritans.org.
In today’s world, where convenience foods are often within arm’s reach, it can be challenging for parents to ensure their children are eating nutritious, balanced meals.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, says: “Children can be quite picky, and dealing with a stubborn child who refuses to eat any vegetables can be a real challenge.
However, making small, consistent changes in how we approach children’s diets can have lasting positive effects on their health, energy levels, and even behaviour.
At the core of a healthy diet are three main principles: eating foods as close to their natural state as possible, limiting processed foods and eating balanced meals.”
Prioritising whole foods
When we talk about whole foods, we mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, a banana is a whole food and banana chips are a processed food; a potato is a whole food, but crisps, which are made from potatoes, are a processed food.
Whole foods should be the foundation of children’s diets as they are full of essential nutrients, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development.
“Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Amie explains. “Fruits and vegetables, for example, are full of antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which support immune function and eye health.
“Wholegrains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide steady energy throughout the day and help maintain healthy digestion.
“Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, contain vital building blocks for muscle and support cognitive function. Including healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and olive oil is important as these fats support brain development and hormone production.”
Childhood is a stage of rapid growth, and it is vitally important that we give their bodies what they need to grow properly. When children regularly eat whole foods, they get the nutrients they need to grow strong and stay healthy, while also developing their taste buds for healthy foods.
Limiting processed foods
Processed foods are foods that were once whole foods or a group of whole foods that have been modified somehow. When this happens, essential nutrients are lost and often, especially with pre-packed foods, ingredients have been added such as salt, sugar, sweeteners, flavourings and unhealthy fats.
Processed foods are everywhere, and they often appeal to children due to their convenience, added flavours and eye-catching packaging. For parents, it can be hard to avoid these, especially as children get older and start noticing food products in the wider world, rather than just what is in their house.
Processed foods include sugary cereals, crisps, fizzy drinks, fast food, ready meals, packet noodles and packaged snacks.
The added ingredients in these products can lead to overeating, energy crashes, and may increase the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health issues, affecting children’s behaviour.
Amie explains: “The key to limiting processed foods lies in focusing on balance and moderation rather than completely banning them. It’s okay for kids to occasionally enjoy these foods, but parents should be mindful of how often these foods are part of daily meals. Try to cook as many meals as possible from scratch and limit your reliance on convenience foods.
“A helpful tip is to make healthier swaps where possible, such as offering water or milk instead of sugary drinks or opting for wholegrain crackers and natural peanut butter as a snack, rather than crisps and chocolate. Start with small swaps and layer them as the weeks go by, so it doesn’t upset your little one too much.”
Creating balanced meals
Thinking about offering balanced meals can help parents ensure they are providing nutrient-dense plates that will keep children nourished and full. A balanced plate typically consists of a variety of food groups such as vegetables and/or fruits, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats.
“A good example of a balanced meal for a child could be baked homemade chicken goujons using whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade sweet potato chips, steamed broccoli drizzled with a little olive oil, and a side of fresh fruit such as apple slices or melon wedges. This combination offers a range of nutrients, including protein, fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats, which are essential for growth and energy. The combination of these foods will help keep children feeling fuller for longer and keep their blood sugar stable, which means steady energy and fewer sugar cravings,” Amie says.
Encouraging kids to eat a variety of colours on their plate is a fun and effective way to ensure they are getting a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different antioxidants and nutrients, so diversity is key. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy. Heart Research UK has created a Rainbow Food Challenge to help encourage your children and yourself to try some new foods, so download your copy now.
Amie advises: “Parents can often feel a sense of failure if their children don’t eat what they make or try tactics to encourage children to eat by offering rewards and treats, which in the long-term don’t help establish healthy eating patterns. Parents cannot control what children will decide to eat on any given day, but they can, to some extent and at least in the home environment, control what foods are on offer, and lead by example and nourish ourselves with healthy food.”
Building healthy eating habits from a young age sets children up for a lifetime of good health, which includes heart health. By focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods, and creating balanced meals, parents can provide the essential nutrients their children need to grow, thrive, and feel their best. It may take time and patience, but with consistent effort, the benefits of a nutritious diet will soon become clear in a child’s energy, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeing.
“Flawless is back – and this time, it’s bigger than ever.
Join them on Saturday 2 August for Past, Present, Future! – a high-energy, feel-good show celebrating 20 years of jaw-dropping street dance and unforgettable moments.
With Fringe by the Sea 2025 shaping up to be our biggest year yet, tickets for this one are going fast.
Don’t miss your chance to see one of the UK’s most iconic dance crews in full flow.
And the best part? It’s all happening in our covered Big Top arena – so you get the summer seaside buzz, without worrying about the weather.
£17.50 / £11.50 under 16s. 11am–12pm. Seated show. Wheelchair accessible. Under 16s must come with an adult.
Just 35 minutes from Edinburgh, with a midnight train return.
Fringe by the Sea returns to North Berwick, 1–10 August 2025 with 200+ events in music, comedy, film, books, family fun and more.
Sign up to our newsletter and be first to hear what’s coming next.”
