Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched its biggest-ever Tartan Sale, offering customers 17% off flights across its network and potential savings of up to £350 on selected journeys.
The sale runs from 29 August to 9 September 2025, covering a wide range of destinations across the airline’s extensive network of over 70 routes. Travellers can book discounted flights from 22nd September onwards.
Coinciding with the Tartan Sale, Loganair has also released its Summer 2026 schedule, enabling customers to plan ahead and secure reduced fares for next year’s peak travel season. This includes services linking key UK cities, lifeline island routes, and connections to major European destinations.
Through its partnerships with leading international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Aer Lingus, Loganair customers can also take advantage of onward connectivity via hubs such as London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin, all on a single booking with through-checked luggage.
Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said:“Loganair’s Tartan Sale gives customers the opportunity to book ahead and access reduced fares across a wide range of routes.
“The launch of our Summer 2026 schedule alongside the sale means there is more scope than ever for travellers to plan trips in advance, whether that’s for leisure, business, or to connect with friends and family. Our focus remains on providing reliable, convenient services that link communities across our network and beyond.”
Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.
Additionally, the airline was named the most punctual for UK arrivals and departures in Q2 2025 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with 86% of its flights arriving and departing on time.
Customers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard and convenient connections to the wider UK through the airline’s growing network and partner carriers.
Bookings can be made at loganair.co.uk until midnight on 9 September 2025 via this link:
Powerful billboard at multiple locations aims to inspire the next generation of Edinburgh’s dyslexic entrepreneurs
A powerful new billboard at multiple locations including The Edinburgh Arch and The Edinburgh Towers in Edinburgh aims to inspire the next generation of Edinburgh’s entrepreneurs
The billboard is part of a nationwide campaign from Virgin StartUp, Made By Dyslexia and Virgin Unite to celebrate the power of Dyslexic Thinking in entrepreneurship
New analysis reveals that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute at least £4.6bn to UK GDP each year*, supporting more than 60,000 jobs
At least one in three entrepreneurs are dyslexic and Dyslexic Thinking powers some of the world’s most iconic brands
Virgin StartUp has launched a first-of-its-kind business accelerator programme, Momentum, to support dyslexic entrepreneurs in scaling their business
Striking new billboards have appeared in Edinburgh this week, celebrating the power of Dyslexic Thinking and inspiring the next generation of dyslexic entrepreneurs in the city.
The prominent billboard, placed at multiple locations including The Edinburgh Arch and The Edinburgh Towers in Edinburgh, is part of a nationwide campaign from Made By Dyslexia, Virgin StartUp and Virgin Unite, spotlighting the unique strengths of dyslexic entrepreneurs.
Designed to spark conversation and pride in the city’s dyslexic community, the billboard reminds passers-by that Dyslexic Thinking has powered world-changing inventions like the car, the lightbulb and the smartphone.
Dyslexic Thinking is also famously the driving force behind many of the world’s most successful brands including Apple, Ikea, Virgin and Jo Malone.
New analysis from the global charity, Made By Dyslexia, shows that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute a staggering £4.6 billion or more to UK GDP every year whilst supporting more than 60,000 jobs.
At least one in three business founders are dyslexic, suggesting that Dyslexic Thinking skills (skills that dyslexics typically over-index in), such as problem-solving, creativity, visualisation, communication and big-picture thinking, are an excellent match for a career as an entrepreneur.
Edinburgh has been selected as one of 46 locations across the UK where the billboards will appear until 7 September.
To support those who are already carving out a career as a dyslexic business founder, Virgin StartUp – Virgin’s home of entrepreneurship in the UK – is launching a first-of-its-kind, free business programme called “Momentum”, to help dyslexic entrepreneurs scale their businesses, using their unique Dyslexic Thinking skills.
Sir Richard Branson has famously spoken about how his dyslexia has helped him build one of the world’s most recognisable brands; Virgin, which started in 1970 as a mail order business and now has nearly 50 businesses across 34 countries and six different sectors.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group,said: “Much of my success as an entrepreneur comes from my Dyslexic Thinking. It’s my superpower.
“Dyslexic Thinking has enabled me to see the world differently and find new solutions to old problems that businesses were struggling to address.
“The world needs dyslexic entrepreneurs more than ever, so I’m delighted to support this campaign and I am looking forward to hearing the stories behind the dyslexic founders who join the Virgin StartUp programme.”
Kate Griggs, dyslexic social entrepreneur and Founder of global charity Made By Dyslexia added:“Entrepreneurs are the engine of the British economy – and research shows Dyslexic Thinking fuels at least one in three of them.
“To boost growth, create jobs, and move the nation forward, the UK has never needed Dyslexic Thinking more.
“We hope that this campaign will inspire and encourage Dyslexic Thinkers in Edinburgh to consider how they could use their unique skills to build the innovative businesses of tomorrow.”
Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival, running on selected dates from 11th–31th October 2025. With daytime delights for families and breathtaking night-time spectacles, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and most dazzling yet – headlined by the UK’s first-ever laser show over a pumpkin patch!
During Halloween Days (11–12, 18–19 & 25–26 October), families can immerse themselves in a world of seasonal fun. Children and grown-ups can enjoy exploring and picking from the Pumpkin Patch, striking a pose at fearsome photo opportunities, and – for the first time during daytime events – venturing through both the Witches Labyrinth Maze and the Funhouse of Fear Maze.
Little monsters can also meet some spooky characters, take to the dancefloor at the Devilish Disco with special guest stars, and make the most of full Adventure Park access for a jam-packed day of play.
As night falls, Halloween Fireworks Nights (17–18, 24–25 & 31 October) transform Conifox into a spectacular playground of light and thrills.
Guests will witness the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch, a brand-new attraction for 2025 designed to light up the skies in dazzling fashion.
Each evening will include a show-stopping fireworks display, while flame performers bring the heat with jaw-dropping shows at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Visitors can also dare to enter the Witches Labyrinth and Funhouse of Fear Maze, venture into the all-newHowling Forest Maze, and enjoy music, dancing and plenty of pumpkin patch photo opportunities.
Beyond the mazes and shows, festivalgoers can enjoy a range of funfair rides from Taylor’s of Edinburgh, toast marshmallows, transform with frightful face painting, and tuck into monstrous munchies from a hand-picked line-up of street food vendors throughout October.
James Gammell, Director at Conifox Adventure Park, said: “Halloween at Conifox has become a tradition for thousands of families across Edinburgh and beyond.
“This year, we’re raising the bar with our brand-new laser show over a pumpkin patch – a UK first – alongside the return of our fireworks nights, new mazes and pumpkin patch fun. Whether you’re here for family-friendly days or spectacular spooky nights, this will be a Halloween to remember.”
Festival Details:
📍 Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston, Edinburgh 📅 11th-31st October 2025 🎟️ Tickets on sale now at www.conifox.co.uk
The city council will join over 40 European cities in signing the Eurocities Call to Action on Sustainable Culture, reaffirming commitment to environmentally responsible and inclusive cultural development.
Led by the city of Lille in partnership with Eurocities, a network of over 200 major cities across Europe, the call to action urges cities to use culture as a catalyst for environmental and social change and to commit to the development of local cultural policies and events that prioritise sustainability and inclusivity.
The pledge reinforces the Council’s commitment to sustainability and equity in culture, already embedded in both the Event Strategy and City Wide Culture Strategy, both of which prioritise sustainability and local cultural provision.
The 16 priorities and principles outlined in the Call are already being addressed in Edinburgh by Council or grant funded organisations.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Culture is at the heart of what makes Edinburgh unique and we have the responsibility to make sure it thrives in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive.
“Culture has the power to inspire action and connect communities. By signing the call we’re making a clear commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive cultural future in Edinburgh.”
The Lord Provost or a Senior Councillor will sign the Call to Action and it will be presented to the next Eurocities Culture Forum, due to be held in Brno, Czech Republic next month (September 2025).
UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls
UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls
Foreign Secretary calls for a full resumption of aid into Gaza, as women and girls risk pregnancy complications and disease
It comes amid ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with ‘women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering’
Against a backdrop of an appalling humanitarian crisis, the UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands—but only if Israel allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access.
The announcement comes after the Famine Review Committee confirmed famine in parts of Gaza.
The UK reiterates that the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and urges it to take action to improve the situation immediately.
The Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering.
“The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.
“Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated. With ongoing strikes on healthcare centres and most hospitals no longer functioning at all, pregnant women will be extremely anxious about giving birth safely.
“That’s why we’re announcing this support today as part of our sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their new-born babies.
“But this funding can only have maximum impact if the Government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a framework to deliver long-term peace.”
UK funding is set to support some of the 130 women who give birth every day against the backdrop of conflict in Gaza. This £3m funding, delivered through the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is supporting midwives to provide essential lifesaving care for mothers and newborn babies in conflicts and crises.
UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the conflict began, UNFPA has reached over one million people with sexual and productive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response support.
It has also ensured that over 150,000 women and girls have been able to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items to meet their basic needs.
Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director said: “Women and girls are enduring increasingly horrific conditions in Gaza – with widespread malnutrition and disease putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at particular risk.
“This vital contribution from the United Kingdom will support UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“With one in five babies in Gaza born prematurely or underweight, and maternal and neonatal services collapsing from fuel and supply shortages, UNFPA also reiterates its urgent call for unimpeded, sustained and demilitarized humanitarian aid into the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
The FCDO is also working with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi’s zero waste menstrual hygiene products that are suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. In incredibly difficult circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.
Almost 50% of parents feel pressured to throw their baby or toddler a birthday party, even if they won’t remember it
Parents admit to spending up to £250 on their baby’s birthday
Dads feel the most pressure to throw their children the best birthday party
For many new parents, social media feeds are seemingly filled with scenes of extravagant birthday parties other parents are throwing their young children, leading to feelings of guilt and pressure to compete – but how much truth is in what we see online?
Moonpig, the UK’s leading online greeting card retailer, surveyed 1,000 parents of 0-3-year-olds to uncover how we’re really celebrating our children.
Competitive celebrations: Nearly half of all parents feel in competition with other parents to throw the ‘best’ party
The survey revealed that nearly half of all parents (49%) admitted to throwing a birthday party more for the guests and other parents than for the child themselves. Over two-fifths (43%) felt as though they competed with other parents to throw the ‘best’ party for their child.
Interestingly, the research revealed dads feel the most pressure when it comes to throwing the ‘best’ party, with more than half (52%) stating that they feel in competition with other parents, compared to just 39% of mothers. Similarly, half of Gen-Z (50%) were found to feel pressure to throw the ‘best’ party – more than any other age group.
Party pressure: A third of parents now hire a professional party planner for their toddler’s birthday
Almost half (46%) of the parents surveyed admitted to feeling pressure from family and friends to throw a birthday party for their young child. To make sure that the party lives up to expectations, one in three (30%) admitted to using a party planner to plan their toddlers’ birthday parties.
Planning stress: The majority of parents find planning their child’s birthday party a major source of stress
Over half of parents (55%) said they felt stressed when planning their young children’s birthdays, with mums suffering the most – with almost three in five mothers (57%) feeling stressed, compared to 49% of dads.
Picture-perfect parties: Social media influences parents to throw aesthetic birthday parties
Almost three in five parents (59%) felt inspired by social media to throw their young child an “aesthetic” birthday party. Gen-Z and millennial parents care the most about their child’s birthday looking picture perfect on social media, with 44% citing this as a key consideration. 14% went as far as to say the main reason they threw their young child a party was to post about it on social media.
Costly candles: Parents are struggling to stick to birthday party budgets
Brits spend on average £248 to celebrate their baby’s birthday, with 55% of parents revealing they struggle to stick to a budget for the occasion. In addition, almost two-thirds (65%) of parents agreed that birthday parties for babies and toddlers had become too extravagant.
When asked why they throw their young children birthday parties even if they won’t remember it, almost two-thirds (61%) cited that the celebration was to create lasting memories with family and close ones, and so their young child can look back on pictures and videos when they’re older.
Four in five (82%) also agreed that they prioritised creating memorable experiences for their child over an extravagant party.
Modern milestones: How parents celebrate their baby’s birthday
When celebrating their little ones, parents are likely to stick to the classics with traditional party food (66%), creating goodie bags (61%) and supermarket-bought birthday cake (61%), taking the lead on baby birthday party essentials.
Rank
Baby Birthday Essentials
% Who Have Done This
1
Offered traditional party food options (buffet, pizza, sandwiches)
66%
2
Created goodie bags for guests
61%
3
Bought a supermarket birthday cake
61%
4
Bought a custom-baked personalised birthday cake
59%
5
Arranged specific food and drink options just for adults (cocktails, nicer food)
57%
6
Created entertainment for the party myself
52%
7
Arranged activities for the guests to do (bouncy castle, inflatable obstacle course, giant slides)
52%
8
Baked my own birthday cake
46%
9
Given a party a pop culture theme (superheroes, princesses, favourite characters from movies/TV shows)
Sarah-Jane Porter, Moonpig’s Global Design & Licensing Director, comments: “At Moonpig, we champion celebrating milestone moments, and early years birthdays are no exception. With growing pressure to make sure our babies’ earliest celebrations are memorable, it’s unsurprising that parents are going the extra mile to celebrate their young children.
“We know how important it is for these special moments to feel truly unique and personal to the recipient, which is why our range of personalised cards are great for celebrating your little one.
“From sharing milestone pictures and videos or including their favourite characters, our cards are the perfect keepsake for them to look back on in years to come.”
A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a woman in East Edinburgh.
Around 1am on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, Police were called to a report of a disturbance at a property on Restalrig Avenue.
Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where she died a short time later.
Her next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
She can now be named as Ndata Bobb.
The man was taken to St John’s Hospital for treatment. He has since been arrested and charged in connection with the death and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 1 September, 2025.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, however we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Ndata’s death.
“This is a shocking incident and I would urge anyone with any concerns, or information, to contact police.”
Whether you’re looking for quality pre-loved furniture at great prices or just fancy a browse, a cuppa and cake, pop along to our Furniture Centre next Saturday for our exclusive discount day!
Every penny raised through the sale of pre-loved goods goes to support vital hospice care in our community.
