Day: August 4, 2025

Musselburgh man ready to Brave the Bridge for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Kevin Thomson will raise money for Scotland’s largest health charity in honour of his dad Jim who died of a stroke six years ago

A Musselburgh man will take part in an adrenaline-fuelled fundraiser in honour of his dad. 

Kevin Thomson will be one of hundreds of brave daredevils to abseil 165 feet down the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sunday, 28th September to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

The senior playwork practitioner said: “I’ve always wanted to do something for charity and never have.  

“In 2019 following an infection my dad, Jim, died of a massive stroke at the age of 77. That started quite a tumultuous six years in my life and that’s me just getting back onto an even keel now.  

“At the start of the year I was thinking about doing something different. So I emailed CHSS before a date was confirmed for this year but once the date was announced they got in touch and helped me set up my fundraising page. I just want to do it in his memory.” 

Jim had an aortic valve replaced at the end of 2017 but was taken into hospital in June 2019 with an infection. After being moved hospitals from the Western to the General, he became unwell and died of a massive stroke waiting for a procedure. 

Kevin said: “He was my best friend. My mum died when I was 18 so it was me and him through thick and thin. We thought when he had the valve replaced that he’d get a new lease of life. He did all the right things, he looked after himself and this thing just reared its head unfortunately.” 

The 52-year-old added: “When I was thinking about charities, I’d done a little bit of rock climbing in my teenage years, and I remembered abseiling and I thought it sounded quite fun and when it coincided the abseil was to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland it was the perfect opportunity and a great cause.  

“There’s a lot of motivation for me. I think if you’re able bodied you should at least try and do one thing for charity because there’s so many people in a different boat who, if they were able-bodied, would be doing things themselves. 

“He would be laughing at me every step of the way, and I’m actually surprising myself, to be honest. I was speaking to a friend who has done it and she said it’s a totally unique experience doing it off the bridge.” 

To support Kevin’s fundraiser please go to www.justgiving.com/page/kevin-thomson-13. 

If you’re inspired to take part in the abseil yourself this year you can sign up at https://www.abseil.scot.   

Stephanie Wilks, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We thank Kevin for his participation in the 2025 Forth Bridge Abseil and wish him all the best in his fundraising and on the day.  

“Every pound raised through fundraising helps CHSS to support the one in five people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live life to the full.  

“It helps us to provide advice and support through our free Advice Line service, stroke nurses, online health information, support groups, supported self management courses and much more.” 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.

You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk. 

Poppyscotland set to celebrate 10th anniversary of Sportive

CYCLISTS ENCOURAGED TO SADDLE UP!

Poppyscotland is gearing up to celebrate 10 years of their hugely popular Sportive event.

The Armed Forces Charity first saddled up for the cycling event in 2014, taking a hiatus due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, with the flagship fundraising cycle so far raising over £270,000 over the years.

These funds have kindly been donated thanks to the 5650 cyclists who have taken part over the years, covering hundreds of thousands of miles of cycle route, allowing Poppyscotland to support thousands of serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families who need help with issues such as housing, debt, mental health, mobility and more.

With this year’s event taking place on Sunday, September 21, people are being encouraged to sign up now and further support Poppyscotland, whilst enjoying our 10th anniversary celebrations.

Featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).

As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.

From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Prestonpans.

New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path. This route is largely flat and ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride, or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager for Scotland, leading this year’s event, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th Poppy Scotland Sportive in September.

“This event has raised an astounding £273,272 over the years with over 5000 participants hitting the roads. Not to mention the wonderful 380 volunteers and 30 mechanics in the last 10 years who have willingly given up their spare time to help and support on the day.

“Once again, we would love to see as many people as possible sign up to take part this year as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, whether you are a former participant or a first timer we will be sure to give you a warm welcome, with some great encouragement on the day.

“We hope to raise as much as possible in support of our Armed Forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.

“As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.

“If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register, you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!” 

Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.

Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.

To sign up today, please visit poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Electoral Commission seeking views on support for disabled people at polling stations

The Electoral Commission is seeking views on the support available to disabled people at polling stations.

Changes were introduced in 2022 to improve flexibility and choice in how disabled people are supported to vote at polling stations. The changes mean councils are now required to provide equipment in polling stations to help people vote independently and in secret, and to allow anyone who is over the age of 18 to act as a companion to assist a disabled voter.

The Commission’s role is to provide guidance for electoral administrators on how to provide this support at polling stations.

The Commission has looked at how the changes have worked to date and engaged with a range of organisations representing disabled people. Ahead of elections in May 2026, it has reviewed and updated its guidance, and is now seeking feedback on these changes through a consultation, which opens today and runs until 26 October.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “Everyone should be able to vote in secret and without barriers. The Commission’s guidance is intended to support electoral staff in making accessibility arrangements at polling stations that can have a real and positive impact for disabled voters.

“To ensure we are getting the right feedback and information, we will be listening to the advice of the electoral community, electoral administrators, and civil society, charity and third-sector organisations representing disabled people.

“We are keen to hear from voters, so if you have views on the accessibility guidance, please share them with us.”

More information about the consultation and how to respond is available on the Commission website, including in easy read and BSL formats.

The Commission expects to publish its updated guidance ahead of the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections and English local elections taking place in May 2006

Drumbrae Library Hub: Teddy Bears Picnic this Friday

It’s Monday and we’re really excited to meet all your cuddly toys.

Drop off your soft toy any time this week and come along on Friday to our special Teddy Bears’ Picnic Bookbug session at 2pm, collect your teddy bears, sing some songs and listen to a lovely story.

Loganair to reunite distant friends with free return flights

Loganair is calling on the public to help track down some of the country’s longest distance friendships across its network, as the regional airline looks to bring one deserving duo back together with complimentary flights.

Whether it’s childhood best friends who now live hundreds of miles apart, or university flatmates who haven’t seen each other since graduation, Loganair’s latest Season of Connections campaign is a celebration of friendship that endures, no matter the postcode.

The competition, launching this week on the airline’s Instagram and Facebook channels, invites people to share their story and explain why their long-distance friendship deserves a long-overdue reunion. The winning pair will receive return flights to each other’s city, helping bridge the gap.

It follows the huge response to Loganair’s Christmas giveaway, inspired by its festive advert, Loganair, Actually, offering one lucky winner a year of free flights across Loganair’s extensive network.

Now, Loganair hopes to bring another memorable reunion to life, this time between two friends kept apart by distance but still closely connected.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together.

“Whether it’s been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible.”

The competition runs until Sunday, 17 August. To take part, visit Loganair’s Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in bio to submit your story.

The winning friends will be announced later this summer, with their reunion taking place in the autumn.

Loganair’s extensive network of flights allows passengers from across the UK and beyond to explore a wide range of destinations. The airline’s 21kg (15kg hold allowance plus 6kg carry-on bag) ensures passengers can bring all they need for trips to reunite with friends and loved ones.

The UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair connects communities across the UK, from remote islands like Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, to bustling business hubs including Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Codeshare agreements with partner airlines, including British Airways and KLM, open up even more opportunities to connect with friends and family further afield.

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. 

For more information and to enter, visit Season of Connections – Reuniting Long-Distance Friends | Loganair

Edinburgh food trucks come together to fight hunger and loneliness

Three local Edinburgh food trucks served up something special for customers last weekend – teaming up with Scotland’s number one cheddar brand, Galloway Cheddar, to raise money for FareShare and help tackle food poverty and social isolation across the country. 

Food trucks across Scotland are hitting the road to serve limited-edition cheesy creations for one-day-only fundraising events as part of the nationwide Galloway Gathering Project.

The campaign launched on Friday 25 July as Wanderers Kneaded Pizza, Wanderers Kneaded Street Food and Lazeezdished up a bespoke menu made with Galloway Cheddar at Innis & Gunn’s On The Mound site – proving that comfort food really can be a force for good. 

The fundraising day was part of the ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, a nationwide campaign that brings together Scottish cheese brand Galloway and FareShare – the UK’s leading food redistribution charity. Customers were encouraged to donate to FareShare via QR codes at the trucks. 

Mark Morris, Managing Director at Wanderers Kneaded said: “Since starting Wanderers Kneaded in 2018, it’s been amazing to see the way the people of Edinburgh gather around food and socialise.

“By doing something as simple as using Galloway Cheddar on our pizzas and burgers for the day, we’re able to turn that shared love of food into something meaningful – helping raise funds and awareness for those facing hunger and isolation in our communities.”

Following previous years of success, this year’s ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, will see the equivalent of 90,000 meals donated* to those in need. 

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Marketing Director at Lactalis UK & Ireland, said: “The food truck days have become a highlight of the Galloway Gathering Project, with local vendors across Scotland serving up delicious cheesy dishes to support FareShare.

“It’s a simple but powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness of food poverty and loneliness in Scotland’s communities.”

Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Galloway Cheddar for supporting this campaign. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it.

“Every day, food from FareShare is redistributed to a network of charities including homelessness shelters, after school clubs, refuges, and older people’s lunch clubs.

“By donating to FareShare via the food trucks, supporters help power the redistribution of surplus food, supporting essential services that strengthen communities and improve lives. Thank you.”  

As part of the campaign, 800kg of Galloway Cheddar is being donated to FareShare’s partner organisations, and Scottish National Chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean is hosting two cooking events in Dundee, preparing comforting Mac n’ Cheese dishes to be distributed to local charities. 

To donate to The Galloway Gathering Project, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gallowaygatheringproject2025 

To find out more information on The Galloway Gathering Project, please visit

https://www.gallowaycheddar.co.uk/

Application submitted for new neighbourhood on former brownfield site in West Edinburgh

Regeneration specialist, Summix Capital, has submitted a planning application to City of Edinburgh Council for a residential-led, mixed-use development at Edinburgh Gateway, the site of the former Saica packaging facility in West Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Gateway provides a unique opportunity to regenerate this former industrial location on Turnhouse Road, which covers 15.5 acres (6.3 hectares).

This brownfield site is allocated in the Council’s City Plan 2030 for residential-focused redevelopment.

The flagship vibrant new neighbourhood aims to deliver a mix of uses. This includes the delivery of 950+ homes, including 35 per cent affordable homes, plus a new hotel with over 170 bedrooms.

The housing proposed will include tenure blind affordable housing, addressing the city’s well-publicised housing emergency, and including the provision of accessible family homes and Build to Rent (BTR) accommodation. BTR sees homes built specifically for rent, rather than sale.

The development masterplan defines seven development plots. Plots 1 and 2 will deliver private sale housing; Plots 3 and 4 are dedicated to BTR homes; and Plots 5 and 6 contribute to the city’s affordable housing provision. Plot 7 will accommodate the new hotel.

A new network of streets and public spaces will integrate seamlessly with the surrounding area, creating inviting routes and meaningful connections for both existing and future residents.

Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, commented: “We are delighted to be submitting this planning application for Edinburgh Gateway, which represents a significant investment in the capital.

“Our exciting proposals provide a unique opportunity to redevelop one of the last major pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community, supporting the tackling of the housing emergency. 

“This will ensure that Edinburgh Gateway fulfils our vision to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.

“The planning application follows extensive engagement with the local community, and we would like to thank individuals for taking the time to provide highly valued comments and feedback.”

Spain-based paper and cardboard company Saica has relocated to a purpose-built facility at Deans Road in Livingston.  It is active in nine other European countries.

PICTURES: Axson Office

Glimmers films set to spread moments of joy throughout Travfest25

  • Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
  • Partnership with Edinburgh Napier’s Screen Academy Scotland showcases Class Act writers from Scotland, Ukraine, India and Finland
  • First film released is Grandmother’s Pie, performed by Imani Preyor, with further releases to follow each week through August.

Glimmers: micro-moments of positivity that help us to feel joy, safety and connection. It could be a fleeting sense of safety or love, happiness, or hope. But it leaves a positive lingering feeling.

Glimmers are ephemeral, much like theatre: a swift moment of magic, over too soon, but whose impacts can last forever.

This summer TravFest25 shares Glimmers with audiences and visitors. The series of short films have been penned by some of our brightest young voices, nurtured and discovered through the Traverse’s flagship engagement programme Class Act, then filmed within the Traverse Theatre and given a platform at the world’s biggest performing arts festival.

Voices from across the world – including Ukraine, India, Finland, and Scotland come together in Glimmers, supported by the Traverse’s leading mentors and directors including John Tiffany, Douglas Maxwell, Nicola McCartney, Natalya Vorozhbyt and Gareth Nicholls.

Created and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland, these wonderful miniature theatre works have become short films to be shared online and within the Traverse itself throughout August.

The first of the seven films is released today – Grandmother’s Pie, a new piece submitted by former Class Act Finland participant Anastasiia, performed by Imani Preyor.

Further Glimmers will be released through the coming weeks, uploaded to enjoy for free via the Traverse Theatre’s Youtube channel as well as popping up on digital screens within the building throughout the month.

The full set of films is:

1 in 2 by Seren (Class Act Dumfries submitted in 2024) – performed by Eloise King Anderson

Grandmother’s Pie by Anastasiia (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers)– performed by Imani Preyor

One Two Three by Matvey (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Alexander Tait.

More Like Mum by Jules Risingham (Letters to Our Future Government piece submitted in 2024) – performed by Lawrence Boothman.

Ryoko by Kate (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Janette Foggo.

The Light by Alisa (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Eve Buglass and Sydney Mulligan.

Last Chance to Save the Planet by Kayla (Submitted in 2023) – performed by Rebecca Wilkie.

A team of 23 camera, sound, lighting, technical and production staff from Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland honed theatre capture skills in a short residency at the Traverse Theatre in July.

Camera: Grant Deans (him), Owen McCaffrey (him), Natalie Weir (her), Tony Ross (him)

Sound: Liam Stobie (him), Reece Groves (him), Sherbaaz Khan (him)

Lighting: Marcin Maternik (him), Jimmy Kitson (him)

Production: Ruby Holywell-Walker (her), Olivia Mcardle (her)

Technical support: Francis Todd (him) (Napier staff technician)

Support:  Reece Groves (him), Ruby Holywell-Walker (her), Sherbaaz Khan (him), Jimmy Kitson (him), Marcin Maternik (him), Owen McCaffrey (him), Olivia Mcardle (her), Tony Ross (him), Liam Stobie (him), Francis Todd (him), and Natalie Weir (her)

Glimmers films will be available to watch via the Traverse Theatre Youtube channel

Doctors asked for views on future of profession

Future Medical Workforce project launched

Doctors are being urged to share their views about how best to shape and sustain Scotland’s medical workforce over the next 15–20 years.

The Future Medical Workforce project will gather feedback from doctors, residents and senior clinicians to help shape future reforms in training, recruitment and workforce planning.

Over the next two months the Scottish Government is running a series of in-person and online focus groups to help better understand current pressures facing the profession and how best to respond to the challenges of delivering care among a changing population.

These sessions will form the first phase of the project, with a final report being published in autumn, setting out key insights and recommendations. The second phase, beginning in January 2026, will focus on reform, improving recruitment and the redesigning of medical education.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of the medical workforce and create a sustainable, fulfilling career path for doctors in Scotland.

“We know the NHS faces major challenges, and it is vital that those living the reality of what it means to be a doctor today are at the heart of shaping what comes next.

“I strongly encourage doctors across Scotland to get involved in this work. Your voice matters and your insight will help ensure that the future of our health service is informed, inclusive and resilient.”

The focus groups begin this month and will continue through to the autumn. Those interesting in attending can sign up here.

The Poverty Alliance: Challenge Poverty Week events

Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for you to raise your voice against poverty and unite with others in calling for a just and equal Scotland. Join our free online events to get you inspired.

On Thu 7 August our Policy team will take you through our policy asks as #WeDemandBetter ahead of CPW25.

This session is your chance to hear about our policy priorities, learn why they matter, and find out how you can get involved in using them to advocate for change!

On Thu 14 Aug at 10am, our free online training will help you take your first steps in getting the Challenge Poverty Week 2025 messages heard both locally and nationally.

Join the Poverty Alliance team as we go over some of the basics of how decision-making works in Scotland, and as we share simple ways to start building relationships with MSPs.

And on Thu 28 August join our Values First training on how best to place moral values at the heart of effective communications around Challenge Poverty Week.

Click here for Challenge Poverty Week information!