Police Scotland has released a CCTV image of man they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries into a serious assault that occurred on Guthrie Steet, Edinburgh at around 1.30am Monday 14, July 2025.
The man is described as white, of slim build, aged 18-24 years old, with short dark hair. He was wearing a red jumper, dark coloured shorts and dark coloured trainers.
Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston, of Corstorphine CID, said: “We would encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.
“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0344 of 14 July 2025.
“Alternatively, make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Graham Norton is making a triumphant return to Virgin Radio for a one-off Sunday special, and Virgin Red members can be part of it. Broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Sunday 24 August, this intimate event promises to be a highlight of the Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival’s final weekend.
From 10am to 1pm, Graham will step back into his beloved mid-morning slot, hosting a very special show from the vibrant Commons Club Bar. Expect his signature wit and warmth, surprise celebrity guests, and a lively atmosphere to match the energy of the Fringe Festival in full swing.
Graham Norton shared his excitement saying, “I’m so looking forward to catching up with all the Virgin listeners and thrilled that we are going to be celebrating the legendary Edinburgh festival from the heart of the city. The whole thing feels like an end of summer treat!”
This is not just any radio broadcast, it’s an exclusive event for Virgin Red members. A limited number of tickets are available to purchase for 25,000 Virgin Points each, giving members the chance to witness the radio icon in action, up close and personal.
Guests will enjoy delicious food and drink from the acclaimed Virgin Hotels Edinburgh kitchens, all included in the ticket price. This is your chance to see Graham, soak up the festival vibe, and enjoy a luxury weekend experience in the heart of the city.
Tickets are available via the Virgin Red app, but act fast – once they’re gone, they’re gone.
This broadcast marks a world-first for Virgin Radio. This is the first time a show will be hosted from a Virgin Hotel. And where better than Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, a striking blend of history and modern luxury, set within the iconic India Buildings on Victoria Street?
With views of Edinburgh Castle and just steps from the Royal Mile, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the perfect setting for Graham’s big return. The Commons Club Bar, with its plush interiors and buzzing energy, will become the live studio for this one-of-a-kind event.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is famed for its character and comfort. From its 222 Chambers and Suites to its modern dining experiences at Commons Club and Eve. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the Fringe, this hotel is the ideal base to explore Edinburgh’s creative spirit.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to welcome the legendary Graham Norton broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh during the electrifying Edinburgh Fringe Festival! With the city in full swing of creativity, energy, and culture, there couldn’t be a more perfect setting for Graham’s sensational return to Virgin Radio.
“It’s an honour to host such an iconic talent, and we’re beyond excited to treat our guests and Virgin Red members to an unforgettable, up-close experience. Graham’s signature wit and charm are sure to light up the Commons Club Bar, making this one of the standout moments of the entire 2025 festival!”
Virgin Red, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Radio are coming together to create a truly unforgettable moment. All you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy the show.
Edinburgh parents helped develop the book, which supports adults to discuss MS with their children
A free children’s book aimed at supporting families to discuss multiple sclerosis (MS) has been launched by the UK’s leading charity for people affected by the condition.
The MS Society’s ‘What is MS to me?’ book features Tingo, a nerve cell, who helps young children understand MS with kindness, curiosity, and play.
The national charity created the book alongside a group of people living with MS and healthcare professionals including Dr Alison Thomson from Queen Mary University of London. Playful illustrations are provided by Margie Sturton.
There are around 150,000 people living with MS in the UK, more than 17,000 of whom live in Scotland, and 135 people are diagnosed each week. Many of these will have children or go on to have children in the future.
The MS Society found that outside of medical outreach programmes like Digesting Science, there’s was little available for children in the UK to help them understand and accept an MS diagnosis in their family.
Tingo guides readers through what they know about MS and encourages them to ask questions and make notes and drawings. A limited-edition Tingo toy was given away with some of the first books sold after its launch on Monday 28 July. The Tingo soft toy is a safe haven for children to return to during conversations about MS. Readers can pick Tingo up and keep them close for comfort and reassurance.
Robert Oldham, 45, from Greenbank, Edinburgh, was diagnosed with MS in 2005. He was part of the group of people who helped create ‘What is MS to me?’
Robert says:“As the father of three kids I know how important it is to explain MS to children in a simple, non-scary way so that is why I wanted to help create something that fitted this.
“I’ve had MS for 20 years and our eldest is 15, so all the children have grown up knowing that daddy has MS, but that’s just a badge. They don’t necessarily understand what that means. They know that I get tired, and can’t walk that far so being kids, they just accept that.
“The book has been great for my youngest who’s nine. We read it together and then I ask her if she has any questions she wants to ask. She loves to read and found the book engaging and helpful.”
Sian McSorley, 57, from Corstorphine, Edinburgh, was also involved in the production of the new book. She was diagnosed with MS in 2017 and her symptoms include fatigue, pain and cognition issues.
She says: “From my own experience I wasn’t sure how to explain MS to my daughter without frightening the life out of her. I couldn’t find anything that could help me with that.
“Being part of the group was a great opportunity to get Cara-Maria involved too. She was able to help with the information and designs, and it really helped to normalise MS for her a little.
“We talk about MS quite top level, that it’s something that makes me tired and she accepts that. But this book will be great to explain what else can happen in MS. It’s great that we can also share this resource with other people.”
The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by MS. For 70 years it has been at the forefront of support, research, and campaigning to improve the lives of people with MS.
Gavin Atkins, Executive Director of Services and Support at MS Society, says: “We worked with an amazing group of people living with MS to create this book. We found that there was a need for families experiencing MS to have something tactile to help explain and explore the condition.
“Most people are diagnosed with MS in their 30s or 40s and many of those will already have children or be thinking about starting a family.
“We’re proud to have created this free resource to help adults have what can be difficult conversations with the children in their life. We hope this book and Tingo will be something families can come back to time and again to learn more about MS and make it easier to talk about.”
A new digital resource hub is now live to help Scotland’s voluntary sector navigate governance challenges.
The Governance Wiki, developed by Midlothian Community Action (MCA) in collaboration with third sector experts across Scotland, has officially launched during Small Charities Week 2025.
This free user-friendly platform offers accessible, up-to-date guidance for charities, community groups, and social enterprises on a range of governance topics—from legal obligations and board roles to compliance and risk management.
Backed by funding from the Tyne-Esk Community Led Local Development Fund, the Governance Wiki was created in response to increasing demand for governance support, particularly among smaller or volunteer-led organisations that often lack the capacity to access traditional training or keep pace with evolving regulations.
“We heard loud and clear from the sector that governance needs to be demystified and made accessible,” said Dr Lesley Kelly, MCA Chief Officer.
“The Governance Wiki brings together trusted resources curated from across the TSI Network, and also signposts users on to excellent existing resources from organisations such as SCVO and Evaluation Support Scotland.”
Collaborative and Community-Driven
The project was shaped through consultation with Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) and sector stakeholders, with content led by an independent consultant from IBSM Ltd and developed in partnership with Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and CVS Inverclyde.
The platform itself was built by Volunteer Edinburgh, drawing on the infrastructure of its successful Volunteer Wiki. Designed for ease of use, the site features intuitive navigation, mobile accessibility, and powerful search functions.
Looking Ahead
MCA is now working with the wider TSI Network to keep the Wiki current and relevant, with plans to:
– Continuously update and expand the content – Evaluate usage and gather feedback, beginning with an event at the TSI Conference in October – Collaborate with sector bodies to ensure alignment with governance best practices.
For more information or to explore the Wikis, visit:
Children and families at Edinburgh Zoo learned about online safety while playing with LEGO® bricks, thanks to a new partnership between the NSPCC and the LEGO Group.
The event was the first of a series in Scotland as part of the Build & Talk campaign, which encourages important conversations with children on topics such as gaming, managing screentime and being kind online – all while being creative with LEGO bricks.
Other upcoming Build & Talk events were scheduled for Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick and Play Day East Ayrshire in Kilmarnock today (August 6).
NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns team set up a stall at Edinburgh Zoo last week. Dozens of children and families visited the stall to have a go at some of the LEGO Group’s activities and talk about gaming safe online.
At the stall, children were encouraged to take part in challenges such as building their favourite character from the game they were currently playing.
Lou Chauvin, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families engage with online safety in a fun, natural way.
“By combining play and conversation, we’re helping parents and carers feel more confident talking to their children about life online—and children walk away with practical advice in a way they understand.
“Edinburgh Zoo made for the perfect place to start our sessions in Scotland. We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping to spread this important message.”
To find out more about the LEGO Group’s online safety activities and advice, click here, or to discover tips and guidance from the NSPCC regarding speaking to children about online safety, click here.
Edinburgh Leisure Launches Citywide Coaching Campaign to Kickstart the New School Term
With just 59% of school-aged children meeting the recommended daily levels of physical activity, the start of the new school term is the perfect time to get kids moving. Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging families to help their children discover their next big passion through sport by signing up for one of its fun and engaging coaching courses.
With a spotlight on three exciting sports – Diving, Climbing, and Tennis – the campaign encourages children aged P1 and up to try something new, build skills, and have fun in a supportive, expert-led environment.
Whether they’re scaling new heights, making a splash, or smashing their first serve, there’s something for everyone.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We want to encourage parents to give their children a new exciting hobby to look forward to this term and sport could be their next big thing. As the leading provider of sports and leisure facilities, we have a wide range of coaching opportunities available across our venues for all abilities.
“Sports coaching offers so much more than just learning the game or skill – it helps children build confidence, develop strong listening and communication skills, and stay active in line with recommended exercise levels. It’s about nurturing life skills through movement, teamwork, and fun – giving every child the chance to grow both on and off the court, pitch, or pool.”
It is recommended that children and young people aged 5-18 years should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity daily, with some of this activity being bone and muscle strengthening.
Preschoolers, aged 3-5 years, should be active throughout the day, with at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.
In Scotland, it is estimated that approximately 69-71% of children aged 5-15 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, including school-based activities. When excluding school-based activities, this figure drops to about 59%. There’s a notable age-related decline, with younger children (5-7 years old) being more active (around 80%) than older teens (13-15 years old) (around 60%).
Why Join?
Fun and friendly coaching for all abilities
Expert instructors to guide every step
A great way to stay active, make friends, and build confidence
This Playday (6 August), working families are encouraged to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare to save on their childcare bills.
Working families can save up to £2,000 annually when paying for childcare in 75,000 childcare settings across the UK.
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change by putting more money in the pockets of working people.
To mark Playday 2025 (6 August), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging working families to save money by signing up to Tax-Free Childcare and using one of the thousands of facilities accepting it as payment.
Tax-Free Childcare means working families can save up to £2,000 annually for each child up to the age of 11, and £4,000 for a disabled child up to the age of 16, when they’re paying for their childcare.
There are now 75,000 childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare as payment including nurseries, registered childminders, holiday activity clubs and, for when school starts back in September, before and after school clubs.
Playday is an annual celebration of children’s right to play, highlighting the importance of play in their health, wellbeing and development.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Whether your child is interested in football, climbing, crafting or dance, there’s a huge variety of childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare.
“Children can learn something new and have fun with their friends while their parents save on their childcare bills. Visit GOV.UK to sign up today.”
Families yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare can do it now to pay for their summer activities or start paying into it ready for breakfast and after-school clubs when the new term starts.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused payments can be withdrawn at any time.
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it up by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
Have you got tools gathering dust or taking up space that could be used for other things?
We’re open for inventory donations and are happy to provide a new home to your unwanted but working and well looked after tools
Donating your unwanted or no longer needed tools to ETL allows us to give them a new lease of life. We are incredibly grateful for all tools we receive from donations, and the difference they allow us to make, whether that be in our community builds, repair projects and our ever-growing tool borrowing service.
Check out the list of tools we are currently looking for – our tools wishlist at:
Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman and More Announced For Underbelly’s 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit
Underbelly announces 7 acts for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi and Garry Starr with more names still to be added to the line-up.
The only chance for Fringe audiences to see Abandoman in 2025.
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit takes place on Wednesday 13 August, 7.20pm McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square.
Underbellyhasannounced a powerhouse line-up of comedy acts for the 7th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. A gem in crown Underbelly’s 25th Anniversary programme, the event will take place at 7:20pm in the McEwan Hall on Wednesday 13 August.
Starring in this year’s show is British comedy darling and Taskmaster alum Ivo Graham, Irish musical comedy genius David O’Doherty, Emmy nominated stand-up sensation Michelle Wolf, the Fringe favourite hip-hop improv Abandoman in his only Fringe appearance for 2025, French comedy star Celya AB, Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee Emmanuel Sonubi and Underbelly’s own gloriously chaotic (and nude) Garry Starr.
Underbelly is raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity with all ticket income (after box office commissions and any other costs associated with the show) donated to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Once again, all of the amazing comedians are giving their time and their jokes for free.
The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. In the end of August in 2019, Alfie sadly died, aged 7.
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said:“It’s always such a special moment for us to announce the line-up to Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, and even more so as part of our 25th Anniversary. I’m incredibly thankful to the utterly brilliant comedians and audiences for supporting this event that’s now in its 7th year.”
“We have so far raised over £700,000 for our Angel Child fund at the Brain Tumour Charity with all donations going to a specific research project to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of paediatric brain tumours.
“This annual Fringe event is an integral part of a varied range of fundraising events, and an incredible opportunity for audiences to experience some of the best comedy available for the best cause. I look forward to seeing audiences there!”
Sally King, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its seventh show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”
Unacceptable numbers of people are still being exposed to extreme long waits in Scotland’s Accident &Emergency departments, new analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine shows.
The data reveals for major EDs in Scotland in June 2025:
There were 119,383 attendances at major EDs, a 5% decrease from the previous month of May 2025.
69.7% of patients were seen within four hours (78,857) which is a decrease of 1.1 percentage points on May 2025 but up 1.6 percentage points on June 2024.
Those experiencing long waits also increased with more than one in every 10 patients (10.8%) attending waiting more than eight hours.
And almost one in every 20 patients (4.35%) had to endure a stay of 12 hours or more before they were treated, admitted or discharged.
Responding to the latest data RCEM Vice President for Scotland Dr Fiona Hunter said: “These figures clearly evidence that the issues in our Emergency Departments are not caused by too many people attending.
“In June the number of people coming to our departments fell, but yet performance across every measure worsened when compared to the previous month.
“Most worrying is, that despite fewer attendances, thousands of our patients are still enduing extremely long waits. And we know that those who do are more likely to be the most unwell, often with multiple and complex needs. A fact that is unacceptable, and dangerous.
“The crisis in A&E is something our communities are deeply worried about. Politicians should respond to those concerns now and address these issues. Otherwise in a few short months we will be staring down the barrel of another awful winter where patient safety will again be put a risk.”
Graphic representations of today’s data, as well as the long-term trends, are available on the RCEM Website.
