Residents from Strachan House care home in Blackhall, Edinburgh, were delighted to visit Ratho Canal for an afternoon with The Seagull Trust Cruises.
Residents were able to engage in some nature spotting and enjoy a brief history of the canal, including its bridges and famous aqueduct. Residents were able to spend the day cruising along the canal, and enjoyed an incredible afternoon tea provided by the home’s hospitality team.
Fran Fisher, General Manager of Strachan House, said: “Our residents have enjoyed their day out on the water.
“Trips out in the homes’ mini bus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go. The day was so much fun. Residents were delighted to see such a diverse range of wildlife. ”
Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential, nursing and dementia care for short and long-term stays.
Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield this summer can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
Oasus is set to bring the classic Wonderwall, Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger anthems to the centre for the many fans who tried and failed to get tickets to the Scottish leg of the tour, coming to Murrayfield on Friday 8th August, Saturday 9th August and Tuesday 12th August.
This two-hour live gig will take over Fort Kinnaird’s Summer Stage near Pizza Hut, promising all the swagger, sound and 90s nostalgia of the real deal – minus the ticket fees and stadium crowds. Whether you’re a die-hard Gallagher fan or just fancy a fun Sunday with the family, it’s a brilliant way to soak up the buzz set to sweep the city.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it’s only right that we bring a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act and their free show is the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday – grab a bite, enjoy the music and make a proper day of it with friends or family. Definitely Maybe also pick up an iconic bucket hat while you’re here too!”
The event is just one of the free events running at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences.
This includes character visits between 11am – 4pm from Aloha Alien on Sunday 27th July, and a Wicked Duo on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of August.
With more than 70 shops, a seven-screen ODEON cinema, and dining favourites including Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Nando’s, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re after a day of retail therapy, tasty food, or dancing to your favourite 90s bangers.
The centre is easy to reach too, just off the A1 with 2,600 free parking spaces and good public transport links.
For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Proposed cuts by the EIJB would effectively end community mental health support in the city. This cannot happen.
We know that early intervention and prevention is key to better outcomes. Removing this funding just wouldn’t make sense: meaning more expensive support and longer waiting times elsewhere.
Stafford Centre and other community mental health services are vital for Edinburgh.
Sign the petition and urge the EIJB to stop these cuts:
Fettes College is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Girvan, currently Principal & CEO of the Stephen Perse Foundation, as its new Head from September 2026.
In April, Fettes announced that current Head, Helen Harrison, will be retiring from the role next year, by which point she will have devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years, serving seven years in the position of Head.
Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Sixth Form and is a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently educates young people aged 7 – 18, from September it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Richard’s calibre joining Fettes.
“Our shortlist of potential candidates included experienced and excellent school leaders, all of whom were existing Head teachers. Although all of them would have been a credit to Fettes, Richard stood out from these candidates as an outstanding and visionary leader. We look forward to him building on our proud legacy and bold ambitions to lead our community and shape the future of our school as he takes Fettes forward into this new era.
“Over the next year, Richard Girvan and our current Head, Helen Harrison, both have extensive ongoing commitments leading their respective schools, which they will do to their customary high standards.
“The year we have, before the change, allows for a smooth handover process and opportunities for Richard, his wife Tessa, and their three children: Molly, Ruairi and Finn to return to Fettes and for them to meet parents, students and staff over the coming months and we look forward to welcoming them into the Fettes family.”
Richard will join Fettes from the Stephen Perse Foundation, a group of nurseries, junior and senior schools in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, where he has served as Principal since 2020.
Prior to this, Richard spent eight years as Surmaster (Head of the Senior School) at St Paul’s School in London. He joined St Paul’s directly after graduating from Cambridge, serving as a mathematics teacher, pastoral and boarding house tutor, and coach of athletics and rugby, and later as Director of Sport and Safeguarding Lead.
Originally from Belfast, Richard read Engineering at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he also completed his PGCE. During his time at university, he represented Cambridge in both rugby union and rugby league, earning a Blue and student international caps.
Richard currently sits on the Academy Council at North Cambridge Academy and has previously held board positions, including two as a governor.
Richard said: “My family and I are thrilled and deeply honoured to be invited to join the vibrant, friendly, full boarding community of Fettes.
“We’re beyond excited to become part of a school with such a rich history, in such a wonderful setting, and with such a community-focused spirit.
“I eagerly look forward to leading Fettes into its next chapter — one that builds on excellence and embraces opportunity.”
Chef Dean Banks launches revamped restaurant at the iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
In response to changing consumer demands, Chef Dean Banks has relaunched his signature restaurant in the historic Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street, launching 1925 at Pompadour which opened its doors on Wednesday (23 July).
The new offering will provide diners with a delicious a la carte menu in the heart of the city that showcases the best of local produce, across land and sea. 1925 at Pompadour opens following a change in consumer desires away from multi-course tasting menus to a more accessible dining option that has flavour and creativity at its heart.
Located in the West End, diners can enjoy the new menu at 1925 at Pompadour while taking in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and learning all about the local suppliers Chef Dean Banks works with to create his renowned dishes.
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
To celebrate the launch of 1925 at Pompadour, diners will receive 50% off food until Wednesday 30 July, providing an opportunity to sample the new dishes and explore the revamped restaurant.
Featuring fresh, local, produce, seafood lovers can sample Dean’s signature lobster thermidor, Orkney hand dived scallops with vadouvan carrot, or champagne baked market fish. Diners can also enjoy corn fed chicken with king oyster mushrooms, pomme mousseline and a madeira sauce, or smoked ricotta and egg yolk raviolo, served with leeks and lemon butter.
With starters from £15 and mains starting at £26, and a three-course lunch for just £39.50, 1925 at Pompadour aims to provide a premium food offering at an accessible price point in the heart of the city.
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
Commenting on the launch, Chef Dean Banks said: “Consumers are moving away from multi-course tasting menus, instead preferring restaurants where they can enjoy premium dishes at an accessible price point.
“When considering the future of Dean Banks at the Pompadour, it was important to reflect these changing consumer demands while ensuring the high quality offering we pride ourselves on remains.
“1925 at Pompadour perfectly brings this together, all under the iconic setting of Edinburgh Castle, and we look forward to welcoming diners to experience this next chapter in our restaurant’s history.”
The Pompadour restaurant first opened its doors at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, in 1925, with the new restaurant named as an homage to the venue’s rich history.
For more information on 1925 at Pompadour, or to book your table, visit:
As a son of India who has proudly called Scotland home for decades, and as a former Glasgow South parliamentary candidate deeply invested in our nation’s prosperity, I write to share a watershed moment for Scotland’s economic future.
The newly signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is not merely a diplomatic achievement, it is Scotland’s passport to unprecedented growth. This landmark deal strategically positions our whisky distilleries, renewable energy expertise, world-class universities, sustainable fisheries, and advanced manufacturing at the heart of a £25.5 billion bilateral partnership.
Why This Matters to Scotland:
Scotch Whisky Revolution: Decades of punitive tariffs (150%) have finally been shattered. With duties slashed to 75% immediately and 40% over 10 years, iconic brands like Douglas Laing will access India’s 250M+ premium consumers—unlocking £700M in exports and 2,200+ Scottish jobs.
Fisheries & Green Energy: Our salmon gains duty-free entry to India’s £2.8 trillion market, while offshore wind collaborations position Scotland as India’s clean-energy partner.
Automotive Resurgence: Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce will thrive under reduced tariffs (110% → 10%), revitalising Glasgow’s manufacturing ecosystem.
This is a landmark partnership of equals. India’s gains, including zero tariffs on 99% of its exports, such as textiles and engineering goods, will fuel reciprocal growth. Crucially, 75,000 Indian professionals will contribute to our economy while enjoying social security exemptions, deepening our talent pool.
The road ahead presents challenges, including state-level regulations in India, carbon border taxes, and data policies, all of which require vigilance.
Yet this FTA is a “living bridge” uniting Scottish innovation with India’s dynamism. I urge subnational alliances (e.g., Maharashtra-Scotland green pacts) to accelerate ratification.
Scotland’s distilleries powered the Industrial Revolution. Today, they ignite a partnership redefining 21st-century trade.
With £6B in investments and a £190M GDP boost projected for Scotland, this is our moment to weave tartan and turbans into a shared tapestry of prosperity.
I welcome your coverage to spotlight Scotland’s central role in this historic accord.
Aldi Scotland’s popular Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £310.64 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep is inspired by the legendary gameshow and arrived in Leith on Sunday 20 July. Lucky shopper Alea Ibrahim, who was chosen as the winner of a competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for CHAS.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Alea’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Alea Ibrahim, said:“The Aldi Supermarket Sweep was such a brilliant experience! It’s actually a bit of a family tradition, I’m a second-generation sweeper- my dad won a sweep years ago, so he was ready with some advice (and high expectations!)
“It’s not every day that you get to sprint at full speed into the cheese aisle after closing time. Knowing the funds raised are going to CHAS to support children’s hospices in Scotland made the whole experience even more meaningful. A big thank you to the Aldi team as well who could not have been lovelier and made it such a memorable experience!”
Laura Hart, Senior Charge Nurse at CHAS said:“At CHAS, our priority is to ensure children with life-shortening conditions and their families receive the expert care and support they need, whether that’s in one of our hospices, in hospital or at home.
“We support a number of families in the Midlothian area, providing everything from palliative care and respite to family and bereavement support, helping them make the most of every precious moment together.
“Initiatives like Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep raise vital funds that allow us to continue this work, and we’re so grateful to Aldi and everyone who takes part for making a real difference to local families.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweep holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, and we’re so pleased to bring it back for another year.
“Congratulations to Alea who managed to raise a fantastic £310 for CHAS, while snapping up a whole load of Aldi favourites for herself.
“CHAS is an incredible organisation which does invaluable work for families in Scotland. We are committed to raising as much money as possible so the charity can continue to provide vital hospice care to children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”
For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:
PEACEFUL PROTESTS – ONLY FOUR ARRESTS ACROSS SCOTLAND
Police officers took action at demonstrations and protest events across the country yesterday (Saturday, 26 July, 2025).
In Aberdeen, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with a number of outstanding warrants and will appear at court at a later date.
A 56-year-old man will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following an alleged assault in Aberdeen city centre.
In Glasgow, a 49-year-old woman was arrested in connection with an alleged obstruction of the police following an incident in George Square. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A 50-year-old woman was issued with a Recorded Police Warning in connection with alleged threatening behaviour in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh.
Communities and town centres across the UK set to benefit from a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options
Government to overhaul planning and licensing rules to make it quicker and easier for new cafes, bars and music venues to open in place of disused shops.
New ‘hospitality zones’ will fast-track permissions for alfresco dining, pubs, bars and street parties.
Reforms will also protect long-standing venues from noise complaints by new developments.
Part of the Small Business Plan, which will show how the Plan for Change will rejuvenate smaller businesses and put more money in people’s pockets.
Communities and town centres across the UK are set to benefit from a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options, as the Government slashes red tape to breathe new life into the high street.
The government will introduce a new National Licensing Policy Framework, which will modernise outdated planning and licensing rules—cutting the cost, complexity, and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues, and helping small businesses grow and communities reconnect.
The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues, and protect long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments – ensuring the buzz of the high street can thrive without being silenced.
As part of this, the Government will introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle into national planning and licensing policy – meaning developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they choose to build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.
New dedicated ‘hospitality zones’, will also be introduced where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked – helping to bring vibrancy and footfall back to the high street.
The new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, removing the patchwork of local rules that currently delay or deter small businesses from opening. This means that entrepreneurs looking to turn empty shops into cafes, bars or music venues will face fewer forms, faster decisions, and lower costs.
This transformation is already underway through the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which gives councils the power to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for over a year—bringing empty shops back into use and turning them into vibrant community hubs where people can enjoy a meal, drink, or night out.
The plans come ahead of the launch of the UK Government’s Small Business Plan which will deliver on the Plan for Change by setting out further steps to unlock the full potential of the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs – who collectively contribute £2.8 trillion in turnover and provide 60% of all private sector jobs.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee.
“Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.
“From faster café openings to easier alfresco dining, our Plan for Change will put the buzz back into our town centres and money back into the pockets of local entrepreneurs, because when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it’s cheering on the Lionesses or catching up with friends, our pubs and bars are at the heart of British life.
“For too long, they’ve been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We’re binning them – to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing small businesses and bringing good times back to the high street.”
Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “With the Women’s Euros final bringing communities together to watch and enjoy in our pubs, bars, cafes and community venues tonight, this move is a welcome win for small firms.
“By cutting red tape this enables small business to serve more customers outdoors. Let’s hope this is just the kick-off to a bold, long-term small business strategy.”
All these plans, subject to an initial Call for Evidence in due course, will be delivered as soon as possible as part of the Government’s commitment to reduce the administrative costs of regulation by at least 25%.
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