Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, explains more:
As measles cases continue to increase across the world, including in England where outbreaks continue, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.
As of 9 July, there have been 27 cases of laboratory confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025.
Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.
Uptake of MMR has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age.
Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to with their employer or occupational health department if they haven’t been fully vaccinated.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS said:“Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people.
“We’ve seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low.
“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area.
“We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.”
Health protection teams and other health professionals can find the latest measles public health guidance here: Guidance for professionals – Measles and find the latest campaign assets here.
Police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh that took place on Clifton Terrace around 12am on Sunday, 2 February 2025.
The man in the image is described as white, in his late 20s to mid-30s and of slim build. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, black jogging bottoms, white trainers, a black Adidas rucksack and a dark coloured baseball cap.
Detective Sergeant Mark Asquith said: “We would encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0034 of 2 February 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Car manufacturers can apply for the Electric Car Grant from tomorrow
new £650 million grant will slash electric car prices, saving UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric
car manufacturers to apply through the Electric Car Grant – speeding up access and cutting costs for drivers and businesses
comes as more than 380,000 zero emission cars were registered last year, delivering the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth and put more money in working people’s pockets
Drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on dozens of new electric car models after the Transport Secretary today (15 July 2025) announced a £650 million grant scheme worth up to £3,750 per car, putting more money back in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change and making owning an electric car a reality for thousands.
Supporting the manifesto commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) will back UK and other manufacturers, with eligibility dependent on the highest manufacturing sustainability standards. Discounts up to £3,750 will be available at the point of sale for new eligible electric cars priced at or under £37,000.
Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero emission cars to be part of the grant scheme from 16 July 2025, with funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.
With drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to adoption, the grant will narrow the upfront cost between petrol and electric vehicles, giving thousands more drivers access to savings of up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs compared to a petrol car. The discount means that zero emission cars are now cheaper to buy and run than ever before and comes on top of preferential tax rates, delivering real savings for working families.
Owning and buying an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars available from under £30,000.
‘Standing firmly on the side of British drivers’, this latest investment is part of the government’s major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and freezing the fuel duty at 5 pence until spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it’ll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.
“And with over 82,000 public chargepoints now available across the UK, we’ve built the infrastructure families need to make the switch with confidence.
“This is our Plan for Change in action. We’re backing British drivers, British jobs and British growth.”
This latest scheme builds on the government’s major £63 million package to support at home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to electric and create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the country.
In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing Britain’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption while helping put more money in people’s pockets. Today, the UK is already a global leader in the transition to zero emissions driving, with the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year.
The latest update also comes as the UK hits over 82,000 public chargepoints nationwide – with one added every 30 minutes – giving peace of mind to drivers that they will be able to charge conveniently at home, work or on longer journeys.
This latest move comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate give industry the certainty, stability and support they’ve been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union following the recent global economic headwinds.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “Within weeks, discounted cars should start appearing at dealerships across the country. And, as the biggest savings will be given to cars with the strongest ‘green’ manufacturing credentials, drivers will be picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too.
“This is further welcome news following last week’s announcement about more funding for pavement gully charging solutions that will enable those without driveways to charge an EV at home. Together, these initiatives should mean more drivers than ever start benefitting from the lower costs of running an electric car.”
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said: “This announcement is brilliant news – for drivers and for the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.
“With a commitment to invest £6 billion through to 2030, the UK’s charging industry has rolled out infrastructure ahead of demand to ensure that when drivers switch, the network is there to make charging as convenient as possible.
“There are now 82,000 public charge points and a new one goes in the ground every 29 minutes on average.
“Hot on the heels of the weekend’s announcement on measures to support charging, including meeting ChargeUK’s calls for improvements to signage on main roads, today’s package is another vital boost to the charging industry, helping it invest with confidence.”
Dan Caesar, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK, said: “A targeted incentive program is a significant step forward in encouraging consumers to buy battery electric vehicles and to make them more accessible. While battery-only EVs are much cheaper to buy and run than most realise, surveys show that cost misperceptions are the primary reason for hesitance.
“A generous grant of this nature gives a new group of interested buyers, who might have thought that going electric was beyond them, a gentle nudge into what is great tech. More than 9 out of 10 battery EV drivers will never revert, and there’s a reason for that.”
John Lewis, CEO, char.gy, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government stepping up to support consumers in making the switch to electric vehicles. This move brings us closer to a future where driving electric is accessible to everyone – not just the privileged few.
“Combined with the introduction of the price cap and the additional funding for on-street charge points, we can get more affordable cars on the road and more people enjoying the benefits of EVs. The outcome will be cleaner air for all and more cash in the consumer’s wallet as they enjoy the long-term savings of driving electric.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s announcement of the return of government support for the purchase of electric vehicles is a clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch.
“Rapid deployment and availability of this grant over the next few years will help provide the momentum that is essential to take the EV market from just 1 in 4 today, to 4 in 5 by the end of the decade.
“This announcement is a welcome response to consistent calls from the industry for more support, which will be in addition to the substantive subsidies already provided by manufacturers.
“Taken with recent announcements regarding infrastructure investments and the Industrial Strategy, the UK has the opportunity to maintain its position as a leader in both the manufacture and sale of zero emission vehicles.”
Brits take a nostalgic look back to the 80s on Live Aid’s 40th anniversary
Survey reveals Brits’ most-loved 1980s songs, shows and memories.
Research also reveals average ticket prices for concert-goers have increased by over 500%.
Simple pleasures like ‘being able to call the doctor directly’ and ‘life without social media’ are much-missed.
Research* conducted by Ambassador Cruise Line has stepped back in time encouraging Brits to reflect on their favourite cultural moments from the 80s and reveal what they miss most about the era.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid on 13 July 2025, the affordable quality cruise line – which is staging a six-night Summer of ‘85 Revisited tribute cruise departing Bristol on Sunday# – asked the nation to share their thoughts on the music, TV and memories that defined a generation*.
From Wham! to Woolworths, caravan holidays to cassette tapes, the results paint a vivid picture of a decade that continues to resonate deeply with the Great British public.
From the silver screen to the radio waves, the 1980s delivered an explosion of creativity that people still just can’t get enough of. When asked to name their favourite entertainment from the era, responses from Brits read like a ‘who’s who?’ of zeitgeist-defining pop culture.
Going for a Song
13 July 2025 is set to mimic 13 July 2025 with blue skies and soaring temperatures, but when it comes to the nation’s most beloved 80s track by a British or Irish artist, it’s Christmas all year round with Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ named the UK’s favourite song according to the research.
There was a four-way tie for second place in the 80s Top 10, with ‘In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins – famed for playing both the Wembley and Philadelphia Live Aid shows – followed by Queen’s ‘A Kind of Magic’, taken from the Album of the same name after a Live Aid-driven ‘renaissance’; Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ (originally written for Meat Loaf); and Chris de Burgh’s ‘Lady in Red’ taking up the remaining spots.
The Nation’s Favourite 80s Songs
1
Wham!
Last Christmas
1984
2
Phil Collins
In the Air Tonight
1981
3
Queen
A Kind of Magic
1986
4
Bonnie Tyler
Total Eclipse of the Heart
1983
5
Chris Be Burgh
Lady in Red
1986
6
Band Aid
Do They Know It’s Christmas
1984
7
George Michael
Careless Whisper
1984
8
Pet Shop Boys
West End Girls
1986
9
Dexys Midnight Runners
Come on Eileen
1982
10
Queen & David Bowie
Under Pressure
1981
TV Gold
On the small screen, the antics of everyone’s favourite wheeler dealers in Only Fools and Horses reigned supreme, with long-running perennial staples like Doctor Who and EastEnders following closely behind.
Gender preferences revealed that men leaned toward action and bawdy comedies like The A-Team and Blackadder, while women preferred dramas and music-based shows like EastEnders and Top of the Pops.
The Nation’s Favourite TV Show of the 80s
1
Only Fools and Horses
1981-2003
2
Doctor Who
1963-1989; 2005-present
3
EastEnders
1985-present
4
Blackadder
1983-1989
5
The A-Team
1983-1987
6
Top of the Pops
1964-2006
7
Dad’s Army
1968-1977
8
The Young Ones
1982-1984
9
Grange Hill
1978-2008
10
The Two Ronnies
1971–1987
Firm Film Favourites
The survey found that the magic of 80s movies hasn’t faded one bit over the last 40 years. Brits are still having the time of their lives with Dirty Dancing (1987), dubbing it their favourite film of the decade – with a notable 18% of women giving it top billing.
Action-packed blockbusters and feel-good favourites also made a strong showing, with Top Gun, The Karate Kid, E.T., Back to the Future and Die Hard proving that the 80s were a golden age for unforgettable storytelling, iconic characters and endlessly quotable lines.
The Nation’s Favourite 80s Movies
1
Dirty Dancing
1987
2
The Karate Kid
1984
3
Top Gun
1986
4
Back to the Future
1985
5
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982
6
Die Hard
1988
7
Ghostbusters
1984
8
The Terminator
1984
9
The Goonies
1985
10
Beetlejuice
1988
Live Aid Memories: Who Wants to Live Forever?
With Live Aid celebrating its 40th anniversary, the survey asked the British public which moment from the day that ‘rock and roll changed the world’ they’d most like to experience again. The most common responses included ‘Status Quo opening it with ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’; ‘Phil Collins on Concorde’; Paul McCartney performing ‘Let it Be’; David Bowie singing ‘Heroes’; and last, but not least, ‘Bob Geldof’s sweary rant’.
However, it will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody that Queen’s ‘electrifying’ performance ‘which showed other bands how to play to a live crowd’ topped the poll by a considerable margin. ‘Freddie had the audience in the palm of his hand’ just about sums up the responses, making it clear there’s one band (and more specifically, one moustachioed maestro often cited as the greatest frontman to have ever lived) that people just can’t break free from…
Top Ten Live Aid Moments – Quotes
1
One of the best live displays ever – the Queen performance and Freddie Mercury having 100,000 people in the palm of his hand. Awesome!
2
Status Quo opening it with Rockin’ All Over the World
3
Bob Geldof’s sweary rant
4
The sense of togetherness for my family and friends
5
When Phil Collins performed in the UK then flew to the USA and performed there
6
The enjoyment of all the bands coming together for the good of others
7
Paul McCartney singing Let It Be
8
U2 – Bono was brilliant!
9
David Bowie’s magnificent set and his emotional rendition of ‘Heroes’ – simply amazing
10
The incredible amount of money raised for a good cause
Counting the Cost of Legends Live
With many Live Aid performers still touring today, Ambassador compared their ticket prices from the 1980s to the 2020s, and the results are staggering.
The comparison shows just how far the music industry has come – and how the era-defining acts of the 80s are still as relevant and popular today as they were 40 years ago, even if a ticket to see them play live has soared in price!
1980s Ticket Prices:
Queen (1986 – Wembley) – £25
U2 (1987 – Joshua Tree Tour) – £15
Genesis (1986 – Invisible Touch Tour) – £15-£20
Madonna (1987 – Who’s That Girl Tour) – £15
Paul McCartney (1989/90 – The Paul McCartney World Tour) – £20
Phil Collins (1985 – No Jacket Required Tour) – £15
Dire Straits (1985 – Brothers in Arms Tour) – £16
Duran Duran (1984 – Sing Blue Silver Tour) – £12
The Rolling Stones (1982 – Tattoo You Tour) – £18
Simple Minds (1985 – Once Upon A Time Tour) – £12
2020s Ticket Prices:
Queen + Adam Lambert (2023 – The Rhapsody Tour) – £100+ – 300% increase
U2 (2023 – The Sphere Tour) – £120 – 700% increase
Genesis (2022 – The Last Domino? Tour) – £80+ 355% increase
Madonna (2023 – Celebration Tour) – £150+ – 900% increase
Paul McCartney (2024 – Got Back Tour) – £110 – 450% increase
Phil Collins (2023 – Not Dead Yet Tour) – £85+ – 467% increase
Dire Straits (2023 – Mark Knopfler Tour) – £100 – 525% increase
Duran Duran (2023 – Future Past Tour) – £75 – 525% increase
The Rolling Stones (2022 – No Filter Tour) – £130 – 622% increase
Simple Minds (2022 – 40 years Of Hits) – £70 – 483% increase
(Prices based on average tickets with two time periods compared to find mean percentage increases)
Get Back! (to where we once belonged…)
Last, but by no means least, when asked what aspects of 1980’s life they’d most like to bring back to today, Brits overwhelmingly longed for the simplicity and personal connections we enjoyed ‘back in the day’.
The most missed element of daily life was the ability to call the doctor directly to book an appointment, cited by 37% of respondents. This was closely followed by a desire to return to a time of greater respect for elders (34%) and life without the pressures of social media (33%). Nostalgia for the high street was also strong, with 29% wishing for the return of staples like Woolworths.
The survey also revealed a deep affection for holidays in the 1980s, which many respondents described as “simple,” “cheaper,” and “more family-focussed.”
Caravan parks, Butlins, and classic UK beach breaks were frequently mentioned, evoking memories of a slower pace and stronger sense of togetherness.
One respondent recalled “less faff in airports, less pressure to ‘go places’,” while another opined, “We loved caravan holidays. We actually spoke to each other.”.
Change for the better happens when we stand together and demand it!
Join this free online meeting to talk about how we can mobilise people in your community for the Scotland Demands Better march.
Are you an activist? Do you want to campaign for a better Scotland?
Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it.
Help us rally Scotland behind Scotland Demands Better—let’s fill the streets of Edinburgh on October 25th!
Scotland needs that change. Too many of us are being cut off from life’s essentials. Too many are frightened of what the future will bring. Too many of us are feeling tired, angry, isolated, and disillusioned.
Scotland Demands Better is a march and festival for all of us. It’s our chance to come together and demand that politicians make the changes we need for a decent society.
We demand better jobs for everyone who needs one, with fair conditions and wages that pay the bills.
We demand better investment for life’s essentials – like affordable homes, good public transport, a safe environment, and strong public services.
We demand better social security so that all of us have a foundation for the future.
We are hosting a series of ‘Get Organised’ meetings to support you to mobilise your communities to stand up and demand change.
This first meeting will be an opportunity to network with others who are supportive of the campaign. We will give an update on the campaign so far, discuss strategies to spread the word about Scotland Demands better and chat about what support we can offer you.
We are looking forward to seeing you there.
This meeting is for people interested in the campaign and activists, rather than organisations.
Housing association calls for pragmatic approach to innovation
EFFORTS to modernise heating systems across Scotland’s housing stock risk failing the very people they are designed to support – unless lived experience is put at the heart of decision-making.
That’s the warning from one of Scotland’s leading housing associations, which is using a combination of technology trials, resident feedback and real-world data to challenge top-down assumptions about sustainable heating.
Hanover Scotland, which operates more than 200 developments across the country, is calling for a more nuanced and realistic approach to heating innovation.
While committed to the transition to net zero, the housing provider says current solutions often don’t account for the unique challenges faced by older residents living in supported environments.
Angela Currie, Chief Executive of Hanover Scotland, said: “Net zero goals must not come at the cost of resident wellbeing. When an 84-year-old is unable to get the level of heat in their home that they need, we’re no longer talking about sustainability, we’re talking about safety.”
At the centre of Hanover’s approach is an honest reappraisal of legacy communal heating systems, once considered reliable and cost-effective, but now increasingly out of step with residents’ expectations for control, transparency and value. It is vital that we consider solutions that limit disruption, avoid stress, and have operating functions that are easy to understand and make sense.
Through a series of live trials, the organisation is equipping homes with performance sensors, enabling data to be collected from multiple flats within a development. This information is then cross-referenced with resident feedback and energy use, helping to expose the gulf between theoretical models and lived experience.
Our survey information and honest and practical feedback from our valued residents will help us to better understand our older residents thinking as their needs are at the heart of every decision we make.
Angela argues that assumptions about efficiency are often based on averages and hypotheticals. She added: “What works on paper doesn’t always work in practice, especially for older residents who may be more vulnerable to temperature changes or who use their heating in traditional ways.
Typically, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) deliver slower heat as the water is heat to an average of between 35 – 55 degrees and provides a more gradual steady heat where electric or gas fuelled heaters deliver instant heat to a higher temperature, often 70 – 80 degrees. All of these variances need to be understood and considered.
“There’s a risk in rushing to adopt solutions that haven’t been designed with our residents or specific housing types in mind.”
Where renewable technologies on new build projects are able to go through a forward planned detailed design and feasibility process, retro-fit projects do not have the same luxury. Often, they have to be more re-active, trying hard to find ways of incorporating new technology into older buildings, this mix is not always feasible, practical or achievable for some of the following reasons:
Older electrical supply infrastructure may need upgrading to support ASHP loads.
Existing heating systems such as electric storage heaters or gas boilers may be incompatible.
Older radiators in existing facilities are often undersized for lower temperature ASHP’s.
Sheltered housing often has limited space externally for ASHP units.
Internal plant room space is restrictive for buffer tanks or hot water cylinders.
Older buildings may have poor insulation making heat pumps less efficient.
Although widely promoted as a silver bullet, heat pumps have emerged as one of the technologies that require a more thoughtful introduction. While low-carbon and efficient in theory, they are designed to maintain a consistent, low-level background heat – a fundamental shift from traditional systems that switch on and off at scheduled times, or offer a ‘boost’ option. Hanover’s trials show that it’s not the technology itself that poses a problem, but the difficulty some residents face in adapting long-held routines and expectations to a very different way of heating their homes.
Designed to maintain a constant low temperature rather than respond quickly to on/off scheduling or boost commands, they can challenge residents’ expectations and habits.
Angela said: “The technology itself is not the issue. The real challenge lies in helping our residents – many of whom have used the same heating routines for decades – to understand and adapt to a completely different way of managing warmth in their homes.
“This isn’t about rejecting progress. It’s about ensuring new systems are introduced with the right support and context. Our sector should not be a passive recipient of technology – it should lead from the front, shaping solutions that genuinely meet the needs of our residents.”
Hanover Scotland has empowered independence for over 40 years by providing safe, secure social housing that allows residents to live fulfilling, independent lives.
Focused on innovation and sustainability, the expert team at Hanover Scotland develops new models of social housing, care, and support while achieving value for money as a trusted, credible partner in urban renewal projects.
After a successful inaugural run in 2024, Edinburgh Fringe venue Gilded Balloon has relaunched its Postcode Pals scheme, offering local residents discounted tickets for some of the Festival’s biggest and best shows.
Over 125 shows will offer £6 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk including Alana Jackson, Caroline Rhea, Jack Docherty in The Chief, Kim Blythe, Rosie O’Donnell and many more.
This year’s programme celebrates Gilded Balloon’s 40th Fringe, with household names returning alongside a lineup of newcomers and fresh talent. And now, Postcode Pals will ensure local residents can grab discounts for the very best Fringe shows for the first few days of the Festival, whether planning a family day out, late night comedy or thrilling theatre.
Postcode Pals runs from now until 6pm Tuesday 29th July for residents in EH, KY and FK postcodes. Valid for select shows from 30th July – 3rd August
Thousands of tickets across Gilded Balloon’s varied programme of comedy, theatre, magic, kids, musicals and more will be discounted for a limited time only. Locals have from now until 29th July to claim their Postcode Pals tickets, with a limited number of tickets available for each performance and subject to availability. This scheme enables local residents to see some of the Fringe’s top shows in the very first few days of the world’s biggest arts festival, with discounted tickets available for performances from 30th July to 3rd August.
Ts&Cs: £6 tickets (plus handling fees) for cards registered to addresses from EH, KY and FK postcodes via Gilded Balloon website only. Offer available to purchase from 12pm 14th July –6pm 29th July. Discounted tickets for participating shows from 30th July – 3rd August, subject to availability. Max 2 per show, max 6 per transaction. Log in to Gilded Balloon website and use PALS25 at checkout to unlock discount.
For the ultimate family day out, locals can enjoy a lineup of fantastic family-friendly entertainment from world-class performers like Lindsey Cole and Mark Thompson, as well as interactive shows like Woody’s Bush Cabaret for Kids and A.L.Ex & the ImproBots: How to Train Your Robot, which are sure to keep the kids (and parents) entertained!
Postcode Pals can secure tickets to some of the Fringe’s top comedians including Jack Docherty in The Chief, Rosie O’Donnell’s first Fringe, TikTok star Kim Blythe, rising star Alana Jackson, local comic Michael Welch and Aunt Hilda herself, Caroline Rhea. They can also enjoy some top-tier comedy from abroad, including New Zealand funny girl Sarah Bradley in Just Like Other Girls and NYC comic Liz Coin’s show Lizzy Sunshine.
For pals who are more on the adventurous side, Gilded Balloon’s interactive shows will keep you on the edge of your seat, and sometimes bring you onto the stage! Some exciting additions to the programme this year are IKEA WARS, which challenges two comedians to build Ikea furniture on stage in a race against the clock, Married at Fringe Sight, a Fringe dating show that ends with a marriage, as well as some show-stopping tricks at 1 Hour of Insane Magic.
Postcode Pals can also bag discounted tickets for some of the most exciting new theatre at this year’s festival, including Gail Watson in Faye’s Red Lines and EastEnders star Michelle Collins in her new show, Motorhome Marilyn. For the musically inclined, Arthur Hull’s FLOP and Midnight at the Palace are two that can’t be missed.
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said, “We’re excited to launch a second year of Postcode Pals and release thousands of discounted tickets for some of our very best shows to ensure local residents don’t miss out on Fringe fun.
“With the world’s largest arts festival on our doorstep, it’s important as locals that we embrace it and we hope Postcode Pals helps local residents to get involved, grab a bargain and see some big names, or maybe take a chance on someone new!
“With £6 tickets running across all three of our venues, there’s shows on offer for all types of Fringe fans – from the littlest members of your family to comedy fans, theatregoers and more.”
Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform all three venues (Appleton Tower, Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland) into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.
Postcode Pals gives local residents even more incentive to start their Fringe wish lists early so they can take advantage of this great opportunity to see some of the biggest shows of the year at the start of their runs.
Join us for the the Quiet Heroes portrait photography exhibition by Chris McCluskie.
This event takes place at granton:hub on August 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM for a captivating display of images that celebrate everyday heroes. Community organisations from across North Edinburgh nominated the folk who keep the community together, without asking for anything back. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and uplifted by the stories behind each image. See you there!
Date: August 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
About photographer Chris McCluskie:
Winner of the Scottish Press Photography Awards – Sports Feature
Scottish Press Photography Awards – Placed Third Overall
“We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.
“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.
“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.
“Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.
“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.
““At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.
“We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
As far as Wallace is concerned, though, everyone else is to blame …
