Month: July 2025

‘Because tomorrow’s too late’: Samaritans Awareness Day challenge urges public to share the weight

A former Samaritans helpline caller and current listening volunteer is urging the public to help him carry his 24.7kg ‘bag of worries’ as part of a series of events to mark this year’s Samaritans Awareness Day.  

The challenge – part of a wider initiative that has seen Andrew Baines Vosper ‘Share the Weight’ with the likes of broadcaster Gabby Logan and fitness coach Joe Wicks, as well as Rylan, Dame Kelly Holmes, Denise Van Outen, Simon Squibb, Adam Woodyatt and Dr Alex George – has involved running at least 7km every day for 24 days in the lead-up to 24th July, all while carrying a 24.7kg weight on his back.

The ‘bag of worries’ serves as a powerful symbol of the emotional burdens many people carry in silence.  

Thursday 24th July 2025 is a moment to highlight the life-saving power of human connection, and to remind everyone that help is always available, 24/7. In the lead-up to the day, supporters are stepping up and taking on inspiring challenges to raise vital funds and awareness for the suicide prevention charity. 

In Scotland, Neil Beattie, a Shetland-based Council team-leader, will be taking on an Everest sized cycle and meeting Samaritans volunteers across Scotland’s towns and cities to raise funds for Samaritans Scotland.  

Neil’s 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.

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.  

“Any donation, big or small will help someone with suicidal thoughts get help when they need it most.”  

Neil is set to depart from 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.  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.  

These challenges over Samaritans Awareness Day spark meaningful conversations and reminds people that life’s burdens feel lighter when shared, and the tough climbs we face are easier when we break them down bit by bit.  

Support for Samaritans Awareness Day is thriving online, too. From 24-26 July, a number of content creators will be going live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube to celebrate Samaritans and raise vital funds. They’ll be connecting with their communities through gameplay, creative challenges, art, and more.  

The line-up includes streams from The Butterflies Stream Team, who are lending their support throughout the event, and popular creator Dawko, who will use his stream on 26 July to kick off his fundraising for the 2026 London Marathon.  

Together, these creators will spark important conversations around mental health and suicide, while raising awareness and funds through personal stories, community engagement, and unique online experiences.  

Neil Mathers, Executive Director at Samaritans Scotland, said: “Not everyone has someone they can talk to about how they’re feeling. That’s why on Samaritans Awareness Day, we are reminding everyone that they are not alone, and they have someone to turn to in us. 

“Our volunteers are here to lend a listening ear 24/7 to anyone in emotional crisis or feeling suicidal. We’re here for people in their darkest hour. Remember you can call our listening service on 116 123, any time of day or night.” 

Danielle Rowley, Head of Policy and Communications at Samaritans Scotland, said: “We know that people across Scotland struggle with suicidal thoughts and feelings and self-harm.  

“That’s why Samaritans Scotland is committed to reducing lives lost to suicide by working with the Scottish Government, COSLA, and partners across the sector as part of Creating Hope Together, the national suicide prevention strategy.” 

Getting involved 

Be it running, streaming, donating, or simply talking to a friend who’s having a tough time, you can help Samaritans be there for the people who need it most.  

This Samaritans Awareness Day, anyone can join in to prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.  

How to get involved:  

‘The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability’

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East Peace Process:

‘My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.

‘A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling suffering of Palestinian civilians.

‘I will make three points.

‘First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.

‘The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.

‘We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid distribution in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

‘And let me reaffirm the UK’s firm and unequivocal support for the UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.

‘We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah. Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.

‘Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz’s proposals of forced displacement to Rafah.

‘Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign to prevent a Palestinian state.

‘We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens to account.

‘We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan, which is a flagrant breach of international law.

‘Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel’s security again.

‘However, the organisation which represents a credible alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being undermined by Israeli actions.

‘Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues, crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to Israel’s security.

‘President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.

‘Next week’s conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region.’

MORE FINE WORDS, BUT CONDEMNATION ALONE WILL NOT SAVE A SINGLE LIFE. OUR GOVERNMENT KNOWS FULL WELL THAT ACTION IS LONG OVERDUE – AND THE UK CONTINUES TO SUPPORT AND PROVIDE ARMS TO ISRAEL.

WE ARE COMPLICIT IN ISRAEL’s WAR CRIMES.

HOW MANY MORE CIVILIANS WILL BE SLAUGHTERED OR DIE THROUGH STARVATION BEFORE NEXT WEEK’S ‘VITAL’ CONFERENCE – Ed.?

‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello: Community project receives backing from the Scottish Land Fund!

Balerno Village Trust has been awarded  £239,005  to acquire a former police station which the group plans to transform into a vibrant community hub that is accessible for all ages and stages of life.

The hub will provide smaller community spaces for hire, after school care, and support for youth activities. 

The grant is one of 10 totaling £1,453,569 announced today by the Scottish Land Fund. 

The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade. 

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said:  “Vibrant community spaces are the lifeblood of our towns and villages- places where people can meet, access services, and simply enjoy being together.

“The latest awards from the Scottish Land Fund will deliver exactly that; welcoming, reliable facilities offering childcare, recreation and wider opportunities for local people. I warmly congratulate each successful project and look forward to seeing the benefits they will bring to their communities in the years ahead.” 

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “The focus of this round of SLF funding has been on providing groups with the funds to secure spaces where they can come together as communities in both rural and urban locations, forging social ties and helping to meet local needs.” 

Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said:“The successful projects announced today across Scotland are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.

“Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust, for example, will acquire the village shop and store building in the village thanks to an award of £92,239.

“This will secure a vital local service, support economic activity, and maintain a much-valued gathering place for residents and visitors alike.  

“All these projects will help retain population, attract visitors and create jobs. Ownership will give community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.” 

Emma Galloway, Balerno Village Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive funding from the Scottish Land Fund that will enable the Trust to purchase Balerno Police Station. 

“Occupying a prominent place in the heart of our village, it is a really important and valuable asset to our community. 

“We are looking forward to renovating it and creating a vibrant community hub with childcare facilities that will make Balerno an even better place to live, work or visit” 

Other groups receiving funding are: 

Alloa Community Shed 

Award  £185,800 

Alloa Community Shed will purchase Marshill House in Alloa town centre to provide a space for people to learn and connect, to improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.  The space will offer lessons in DIY and act as a community hub for local people.  

Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables 

Award  £45,040 

Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables will purchase two churches at Dalavich and Kilchrenan, to operate as complimentary community spaces.  The two hubs will cater for a variety of existing and new community activity and will also form part of a proposed Christian and clan heritage trail. 

Barthol Chapel Community Hub 

Award £100,465 

Barthol Chapel Community Hub will acquire Barthol Chapel Parish Church in Barthol Chapel, Aberdeenshire. The group will develop the building into a flexible multi-use community hub.

The hub will provide venue hire for community groups, sports activities and life events. In addition, there will be a community café, and the group will host exhibitions and concerts in the space. 

Friends of Fearn Abbey 

Award £93,600 

Friends of Fearn Abbey (FoFA) wish to acquire Fearn Abbey. They intend to reopen it as a space for social gatherings, performance, historical interest, reflection and life events. 

Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust 

Award £92,239 

Glenelg and Arnsidale Development Trust (GADT) will acquire a shop with a store building (used for stock) on the main street of Glenelg, Kyle, retaining it for the benefit of the community. 

Glenuig Community Inn Ltd  

Award £352,800 

Glenuig Community Inn Limited will purchase the Glenuig Inn and associated buildings in Glenuig, Lochaber, Highland. GCI have been leasing the inn since March 2025 and will continue to run the inn and develop the site to better meet the needs of the local community.

The group will continue to operate the pub, restaurant and accommodation to create an inclusive community space with events for the community. 

Polmont Community Hub 

Award £82,001 

Polmont Community Hub SCIO (PCH) will purchase Polmont Community Hub and the surrounding greenspace.  The group currently operate the space, and acquisition will allow for continued use by local community groups, a playgroup, and a venue for events.  

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust 

Award  £198,658 

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust will purchase three parcels of land close to the shoreland on Rousay, Orkney, close to the islands’ only pier.

This will enable the group to create a multi-phased project to deliver facilities for the community, promote tourism, visitor accommodation and a community-led island marina. 

Spark 

Award £63,961 

Spark will acquire the former library premises of Beatlie School Campus, Livingston. The group will continue to deliver a service supporting socially isolated people in Craigshill and South Howden.

In addition, they will create a collaborative third-sector hub where organisations share resources and support joint initiatives. 

Councillor convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl

David Graham, a former Labour Party councillor, was found guilty yesterday (23 July, 2025), following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

The Fife councillor, who was suspended by the Labour Party two years ago, will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim.

“He was well-known and in a position of power when the offending took place.

“I would like to thank the female for her assistance in bringing him to justice.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

Portobello and Joppa residents and businesses threaten to sue city council over controversial parking plan

Residents and business owners in Portobello and Joppa have united in a forceful joint objection to the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), issuing a formal legal warning and threatening court action if the scheme moves forward in its current form.

Community momentum is building ahead of the Traffic Regulation Order Sub-Committee’s meeting this autumn, where a decision on whether to proceed with the controversial plan is expected.

In a detailed letter submitted to local councillors, council officers, and members of the Sub-Committee, the group accuses the Council of advancing a “procedurally flawed, substantively unsound, and potentially unlawful” plan.

The residents and traders argue that the proposal lacks public support, is built on unreliable data, and would inflict lasting damage on the local economy.

The objection highlights the Council’s 2021 informal consultation, where a clear majority of respondents expressed opposition to the Controlled Parking Zone. Despite these results, the Council proceeded to the statutory consultation phase, leading to accusations of a pre-determined outcome and disregard for public opinion. 

One of the campaign’s organisers, Nikki Middleton, said: “Not only did the vast majority of people consulted reject the proposals, but the Council ran the consultation during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel and parking patterns were completely unrepresentative. How is that a fair reflection of public opinion?

“The Council also failed to consult Joppa residents at all, despite extending the CPZ boundary to include this area. Drawing lines on a map without considering those communities undermines people’s voices and is not a fair representation. These are not just technical errors – they represent a fundamental disregard for transparency and democracy.”

The group also raised alarm over the Council’s failure to document a public meeting held in May this year at Portobello Town Hall. The meeting was attended by more than 500 residents and business owners, many of whom voiced strong opposition to the plan directly to the Council’s Transport Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.

Despite the turnout and significance of the discussion, no formal minutes were taken, a decision campaigners say further undermines transparency and public confidence in the veracity of the Council’s commitment to meaningful democratic engagement.

Adding to concerns, the Council instructed a new street survey in June this year to inform the Sub-Committee’s forthcoming decision. This was despite traffic levels being unusually high, due to major roadworks which are scheduled to continue into October. The objectors argue that the resulting traffic and parking disruption renders the data entirely unrepresentative. 

Local resident Jane Grant, who is owner of the Velvet Easel Gallery and Chair of the Portobello Traders Association, said: “The surveys were conducted during major roadworks and the height of the tourist season, when Portobello’s popularity as a seaside destination creates unusual, short-term parking pressure. Basing permanent changes on data gathered in such distorted conditions is not only methodologically flawed, it’s legally questionable.”

The community group also criticises the Council for ignoring existing alternatives already in place. Since January 2024, citywide enforcement of pavement parking, double parking, and obstruction at dropped kerbs has been in effect.

In addition, double-yellow lines have been introduced at known pinch points such as Marlborough Street and Regent Street. These measures, they argue, directly address any concerns raised during consultation without resorting to the sweeping restrictions of a CPZ.

Local businesses have voiced particularly strong opposition. Karen Mackay, the owner of Cahoots, an independent store supporting local designers and artisan makers, said: “This scheme is a direct threat to local businesses, it will kill footfall, disrupt deliveries, and drive our customers elsewhere.

“We’ve worked hard to bring life back to the High Street with independent shops, cafés, and services, and now the Council wants to sabotage that progress.

“If these businesses start closing down, it’s not just livelihoods that are at stake – it’s access to essential amenities for local people. We’ve seen the damage these schemes have done in places like Leith. Why is the Council determined to repeat the same mistakes here?”

Legal arguments underpin much of the group’s letter, which sets out a clear intention to seek judicial review if the Council fails to reconsider. They argue the scheme fails the Wednesbury test of reasonableness and cite legal precedents from England, where courts have overturned traffic schemes due to poor consultation and misuse of evidence.

The letter concludes with a list of demands, including an immediate halt to the CPZ proposal, a rejection of the flawed consultation and survey data, and a fresh, legally compliant consultation process that includes all affected areas. The group also calls for full disclosure of the financial, legal, and traffic modelling used to justify the plan.

Letter Portobello and Joppa against CPZ_Cllr Graham 22 July 2025Download

Jane Grant added: “We are not opposed to reasonable parking controls, but this plan has been pushed through with disregard for local voices, credible evidence, or economic impact. If the Council refuses to listen, we are fully prepared to take them to court.

“Portobello has a strong sense of community, with many examples of residents and businesses coming together to fundraise for causes that matter to them. If the Council believes we lack the means or resolve to pursue legal action against blanket measures that will harm our businesses, livelihoods, and make local people poorer, they should think again.”

If the Council fails to respond within 21 days, the group has indicated it will initiate legal proceedings in the Court of Session, seeking to have the Traffic Regulation Order quashed and to recover legal expenses.

A petition opposing the CPZ has already attracted over 1,300 signatures:

. Petition: https://www.change.org/p/stop-parking-fees-for-portobello-residents

Today: Songs of Protest workshop at North Edinburgh Arts

THURSDAY 24th JULY from 10am – 12.30pm

We’ve been doing a summer of resistance programme at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre over the last few months to tie in with Steve McQueen’s  ‘Resistance‘  photography exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.

Its brilliant and couldn’t  have arrived at a better time. 

Anyway as part of our summer programme we have been organising joint sessions with North Edinburgh Arts groups.  The first one is songs of protest tomorrow morning with Penny Stone at North Edinburgh Arts. 

All welcome!

Lynn McCabe

New HMRC service announced for workers to take control of their tax affairs

New PAYE service announced to save around 35 million taxpayers’ time

  • New PAYE service to make tax system simpler and easier for around 35 million workers
  • At least 90% of customer interactions with HMRC to be digital by 2030
  • Reducing post and letters to save £50 million a year – equal to almost 1,500 full time nurses

Workers are set to take control of their tax affairs as the government announces a new online Pay As You Earn (PAYE) service for around 35 million UK taxpayers as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sets out more than 50 measures to transform the UK’s tax and customs system.

The new online service for all PAYE taxpayers will make it simpler and easier to check and update their income, allowances, reliefs and expenses, and will be available via their Personal Tax Account or through the HMRC app.

This service forms part of HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap launched today that sets out ambitious plans to become a digital first organisation by 2030, with 90% of customer interactions taking place digitally.

The roadmap sets out more than 50 IT projects, services and measures that, once delivered, will transform the UK’s tax and customs systems, simplifying processes and making it easier to pay the tax that funds public services and deliver the government’s Plan for Change.

The plans to modernise the tax and customs system, introduce new AI technologies and work with third parties and intermediaries will make it easier for taxpayers, businesses and intermediaries to interact with HMRC.

The digital first approach will see HMRC automating tax wherever possible and offering new digital self-serve options across a number of tax regimes.

Alongside the new PAYE service, HMRC will save £50 million a year – the equivalent of almost 1,500 full time nurses – by moving customer letters and reminders to a digital first approach, reducing the reliance on paper correspondence, by the 2028 to 2029 tax year. Paper post provision will remain for critical correspondence and for the digitally excluded.

Increasing the use and investment in AI will enable customers to meet their tax obligations and allow HMRC to monitor the tax system in near real time. HMRC plans to introduce AI in work areas including:

  • HMRC advisers and caseworkers: using AI capability to automate call summaries and the use of internal GenAI Chat Assistants to support them in their work.
  • Digital assistants: developing new AI-powered features to help customers easily navigate HMRC services and improve the ability to update HMRC’s content and guidance on GOV.UK.
  • Compliance: delivering an automatic document identifier system for HMRC caseworkers to identify fraudulent documents during compliance activities by using a biometric likeness-liveness check.

HMRC will work with developers to create a set of principles which will set out HMRC’s expectations of how third parties use AI in software where it interacts with the department and the tax administration system. These principles will give developers the confidence to introduce AI functionality into their products in the UK and minimise the risk of those products introducing error or non-compliance.

James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are going further and faster to make HMRC fit for the 21st century, including delivering a simpler and easier system for all PAYE workers.

“By 2030, taxpayers can expect a modern and innovative HMRC with cutting-edge AI, industry-leading customer service practices, and a laser focus on delivering taxpayer value for money by ensuring everyone pays their fair share.”

Mr Murray’s key priorities for the department are to improve day-to-day performance and the customer experience, reform and modernise the tax and customs system and to close the tax gap. As announced at the Spending Review 2025, £1.7 billion will be provided to HMRC over 4 years to fund an additional 5,500 compliance and 2,400 debt management staff – to ensure more of the tax owed is paid, to fund public services.

HMRC is focusing on tackling wealthy offshore tax non-compliance, with an additional 400 people set to work on wealthy offshore tax risks. This includes experts in private sector wealth management, who will help find and tackle non-compliance more effectively and train HMRC compliance staff.

JP Marks, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said: “The Government’s ambition is for a simpler tax and customs system and this roadmap sets out how HMRC will deliver a first-class experience that feels different to their customers.

“By 2030, UK citizens will experience a tax administration system that is more automated, more focused on self-service, and better set up to get things right first time so they can fulfil their tax obligations.”

The Transformation Roadmap sets out timescales for delivery and HMRC is committed to reporting on progress. Work is underway to deliver some of the measures set out in the roadmap this tax year, including:

  • extending the rollout of the SMS confirmation service to Self Assessment appeals, complaint cases and some PAYE services.
  • improving Self Assessment registration service and streamlining the exit process for those customers who no longer need to file a Self Assessment tax return.
  • expanding the rollout of the voice biometrics pilot to make customer verification easier when calling HMRC’s helplines.
  • a new service to give employed parents, who are newly liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge, the choice to pay it directly through their tax code without needing to register for Self Assessment.
  • launching an enhanced reward scheme for informants, targeting information on serious non‑compliance in large corporates, wealthy individuals, offshore and avoidance schemes. The new scheme will reward informants with compensation linked to a percentage of any tax taken.

Further measures and projects to be delivered as part of the roadmap include:

  • digitalising the Inheritance Tax service to provide a modern, easy-to-use system, that makes submitting returns and paying tax simpler and quicker.
  • launching a new service to allow agents to digitally submit information which may impact their client’s tax code.
  • delivering a Digital Disclosure Service to allow customers and intermediaries to correct mistakes, pay liabilities and penalties for all taxes and duties.
  • introducing an electronic trade documentation pilot to see how it could improve customs operations.
  • progressing the Verifiable Credentials pilot with US Customs and Border Protection to test the use of new internationally interoperable digital credentials and identity standards.

HMRC wants to incentivise taxpayers to pay their tax on time by simplifying and strengthening penalties. In the 2023 to 2024 tax year, HMRC collected 94.7% of the total tax due. Those who meet their obligations and pay their tax on time should not be disadvantaged by the minority who don’t follow the rules. HMRC will update on modernising behavioural penalties later this year.

New legislation will come into effect from April 2026 to tackle tax avoidance and fraud by umbrella companies. Many umbrella companies operate within the law but the dishonest few can mean taxpayers are left with large and unexpected tax bills. The legislation will make recruitment agencies that use umbrella companies legally responsible for accounting for PAYE on workers’ pay.

Police issue motorcycle road safety advice on tragic anniversary

On Sunday, 23rd of July 2023, Ross Dominick, a father of three, was out riding his motorbike with friends along a popular route at Glencoe.

What began as any other day for an experienced motorcyclist, turned tragic.

A car crossed his path. The impact was fatal. Ross died at the scene.

Ross was one of 269 motorcyclists killed on Scotland’s roads between 2015 and 2024.

Motorcyclists make up 18 per cent of fatalities despite being less than 1 per cent of traffic on Scotland’s roads.

On the anniversary of this terrible day for those involved, Ross’ father Iain has agreed that Ross’ story be should be reshared to highlight the risks faced by motorcyclists and to hopefully prevent another family going through what they have.

View Iain’s story here ➡️

OMNI celebrates 20 years of iconic giraffe sculpture with Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is marking the 20th anniversary of its beloved giraffe sculpture, Dreaming  Spires, with a line-up of colourful celebrations, including playful party hats, exciting giveaways and a  creative community initiative.  

Created in 2005 by renowned Scottish artist Helen Denerley, the towering giraffes – affectionately  named Martha and Gilbert – have become more than just a striking piece of public art.

Sculpted  entirely from scrap metal, they were designed to inspire imagination, spark conversation, and  encourage people to look ahead and think big. Over the years, they’ve also become a beloved local  landmark and a natural meeting point for friends, families, and visitors alike. 

This enduring role as a gathering place has inspired OMNi’s recent brand refresh and new  tagline: ‘Let’s Meet at OMNi’. As the centre undergoes a £5 million refurbishment, the giraffes remain  a symbol of creativity, connection and community – values that are central to OMNi’s vision for the  future. 

To kick-start the celebrations, OMNi has adorned the giraffes with colourful party hats complete with  playful tassels, just in time for the buzz of Edinburgh Fringe. A new information stand beside the  sculpture invites visitors to learn about the giraffes’ story and their place in the city’s cultural fabric. 

Eilidh Parker, OMNi Deputy Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Dreaming Spires’ 20th Anniversary during this exciting time of  transformation.

“As OMNi’s refurbishment gets underway, we’re full of anticipation and excitement for  what’s ahead. Huge thanks to our partners at Edinburgh Zoo and Helen Denerley for making this  moment memorable.

“Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, creativity and collaboration.” 

From today, 23 July, OMNi will launch a 4-week social media competition with four Vue cinema tickets,  four sets of Edinburgh Zoo tickets and giraffe plush toys up for grabs each week, courtesy of the  Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity which runs the zoo.

A  local primary school initiative in August will round off the celebrations with a design project  co-created with Helen Denerley and RZSS.

Helen Denerley, Dreaming Spires Sculptor and Scottish Artist, said: “When I was invited to tender for a sculpture at the Omni Centre, the brief was to relate to the history  of the site. I decided it would be more fun and interesting to look forward to our future and aspirations,  rather than dwelling on the past. 

“I always hoped that the giraffes would create their own history, and twenty years on I am delighted to  see how much they have been taken to heart by locals and visitors alike.” 

Continuing the momentum, OMNi has also announced a 12-month corporate partnership with the  wildlife charity to support conservation efforts at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. As part  of this collaboration, OMNi is adopting a resident giraffe at the Zoo – further cementing its commitment  to wildlife, education, and community engagement. 

Phillip Mathis, Learning Manager at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that OMNi has committed to supporting our wildlife conservation charity  over the coming year. 

“This partnership will not only shine a light on our mission to create a world where nature is protected,  valued, and loved, but also inspire young people across Edinburgh to think creatively about how they  can help wildlife in their everyday lives, recognising the cultural importance of our sites.

“With the  exciting design project launching later this summer, we can’t wait to see the incredible ideas local  primary schools will bring to life.” 

The anniversary celebrations coincide with OMNi’s transformation into a more vibrant, welcoming  space. While the refurbishment is underway, OMNi and its brands remain open and fully accessible.  Visitors can follow progress and updates via OMNi’s website and social media channels. 

OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including  Bank Holidays.

Success for Craigroyston 2012s

Over the weekend our Craigroyston Community YFC 2012’s took part in the Hillfield Swifts 25th anniversary tournament.

There were 6 games in the group stage. Our boys had a great start, going unbeaten first 4 games.

Some great football played- but in the latter games a lot of tired legs and injuries cost them a couple results but they had done enough to compete in the play-off final.

Game finished 1-1 and went straight to pens, with Craigroyston winning 3-2 on pens 💪

Special mention to Anmol

Wee man received recognition from a lot of other players / coaches and referees resulting in 4 MOTM awards and picking up the Player of the Tournament trophy.

Great day all round – a lot of football and a great start to their pre-season.

Well done to all involved, keep up the hard work 🟡🔵🟡🔵

Darren Monaghan