We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:
Root vegetables and split pea soup
Chicken with creamy sundried tomatoes
Creamy sundried tomatoes pasta (Vegetarian)
Both served with herby vegetables
Bread and butter pudding
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
Scotland’s national walking charities urge all political parties to deliver a healthier, cleaner and safer Scotland by stepping up their commitment to everyday walking and wheeling
Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have published ‘The Power of Walking – A Walking and Wheeling Manifesto for 2026,’ which outlines four practical steps the future Scottish Government can take to make walking and wheeling safer, more accessible, and more integrated into daily life:
Put walking and wheeling at the heart of government – with progressive leadership across health, transport, planning and climate agendas.
Invest in walking and wheeling – focusing on long-term funding, behavioural programmes, and better connections to public transport.
Prioritise walking and wheeling in communities – through improved infrastructure, inclusive design, and access to green spaces.
Improve safety for walking and wheeling – by promoting pedestrian-first streets including reduced traffic speeds and enforcement of pavement parking bans.
Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have set out a clear and achievable plan for the next Scottish Government and have called for all political parties to endorse the actions.
The proposals set out are practical, proven measures that reflect what people across Scotland need. By taking these simple four steps, the organisations believe that the next Scottish Government can create a Scotland where walking and wheeling are not just possible, but easy, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
With research showing that 85% of Scots already walk or wheel regularly, and many wanting to do more, the manifesto highlights a clear opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in active, inclusive and sustainable travel.
Putting walking and wheeling first can bring big returns for Scotland by helping people stay healthier for longer, cutting pressure on the NHS, and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Investment in walking and wheeling delivers exceptional value: returning around £6 for every £1 spent and preventing thousands of serious health conditions. It also means cleaner air and more connected, welcoming communities where everyone can get around safely and easily.
Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Walking Scotland, said: “Walking and wheeling are some of the most powerful tools we have to improve health, tackle climate change and bring communities together.
“They’re simple, affordable and accessible, and people across Scotland want to do it more. This manifesto shows how we can make that happen, with practical steps that will help everyone enjoy safer, easier and more active everyday journeys.
“This is why we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to take these four steps – not as a nice-to-have, but as a vital part of building a fairer, healthier and greener Scotland.”
Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “We all deserve streets that are safe and welcoming, so we can enjoy the many benefits that come from walking and wheeling our everyday journeys.
“Many of us want to walk more but need better pavements, better public transport connections and better walking routes to feel safe and confident to do so. A commitment to invest in walking is a commitment to creating a Scotland where people enjoy healthier lives and communities thrive.”
Walking addresses inequality – it is the most inclusive form of physical activity. Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. Accessible, well-maintained paths and pavements, and access to high-quality and sustainable public green and recreational spaces for every community in Scotland are vital to encouraging people to walk and wheel.
Walking Scotland’s 2023 national survey found that improved safety, better paths locally and having someone to walk with were key factors that would encourage people to walk or wheel more often. This is why this Walking Manifesto looks for a commitment to a Path Fund to improve and maintain path networks.
The manifesto is published online, available here:
LifeCare, the Edinburgh-based charity supporting local older people, is proud to announce a new free event in partnership with legal firm Balfour+Manson LLP:
What to Do If You Can’t Do It Yourself – An Introduction to Client Services
Taking place next week at 3pm on Wednesday 27th August in LifeCare’s fully accessible community café, CaféLife (2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB), this informative and friendly session will introduce attendees to the support available when managing daily life becomes more challenging.
The event will showcase Client Support Services – a person-centred approach designed to support older and vulnerable individuals in staying safe, secure, and well cared for. From managing finances and understanding powers of attorney to arranging practical help at home, the service is designed to help people live as independently and comfortably as possible.
Attendees will hear directly from Susan Russell, Client Support Manager at Balfour+Manson, and Catriona Torrance, Partner in the firm’s Private Client Team.
Susan brings a wealth of experience from her background in social work, working closely with individuals to ensure the right help is in place and stays in place.
Catriona is highly experienced in supporting clients with wills, powers of attorney, and planning for the future.
Catriona Torrance, Private Client Partner, said: “Helping clients plan for the future is about more than legal documents — it’s about giving them confidence and control during uncertain times.
“We are really proud to be partnering with LifeCare to run this important event, we aim to empower older people and their families to make informed decisions that protect their wishes and wellbeing for years to come.”
Susan Russell, Private Client Support Manager, said: “What I find most rewarding is seeing the relief and reassurance on our clients’ faces when they realise they’re not alone in managing these challenging transitions.
“Our role is about more than paperwork and services — it’s about supporting people’s dignity and peace of mind, helping them feel secure in their independence and cared for every step of the way.”
This relaxed and welcoming session is ideal for older individuals, their families, and carers who want to understand the practical steps and support available during later life transitions.
The event is free to attend, and complimentary tea and coffee will be served. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about LifeCare’s vital community services.
To secure a place, attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite or call the friendly LifeCare team on 0131 343 0940.
‘Preemark’ signs and window displays appear overnight in all 21 of the retailer’s stores across Scotland.
Scottish shoppers can enjoy the rebrand from today until Sunday 24th August as the retailer marks 50 years on the Scottish high street this summer.
The celebrations were inspired by Primark’s viral Instagram post earlier this year, designed to settle the debate once and for all on how to pronounce its iconic name.
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
To mark 50 years of Primark on Scotland’s high streets in style with both customers and colleagues, the retailer is tipping its hat to celebrate with a ‘Preemark’ rebrand, which has appeared in all 21 of its Scottish stores overnight.
The full ‘Preemark’ store takeovers are now live in Hamilton, Edinburgh Princes Street and Glasgow’s Argyle Street, alongside fun ‘Preemark’ themed window activations in its remaining 18 Scottish stores up and down the country.
Scots can enjoy the retailer’s significant milestone in every store until Sunday 24th August. The celebrations are a ‘wee nod’ to how most Scots pronounce the popular brand name as ‘Pr-EE-mark’.
This comes after the retailer tried to settle the debate about how to pronounce its brand in an Instagram post that went viral earlier this year. The ongoing speculation ranges from how most people know it, ‘Pr-EYE-mark’, to ‘Pr-AYE-mark’ and the favoured Scottish ‘Pr-EE-mark’.
Gavin O’Reilly, Area Manager for Primark Scotland West and Cumbria, who currently oversees Primark’s first store in Hamilton, Scotland, said: “Our loyal Scottish shoppers have been instrumental to our success over the last 50 years, so we thought it was high time we acknowledged it in true Primark style.
“It’s a proud moment for all our stores to be celebrating our milestone together with a fun ‘Preemark’ nod, which is simply what we know our Scottish shoppers and colleagues are calling us every day anyway!”
Today, Primark has 21 stores covering over 755,000 sq. ft of retail space across Scotland’s much-loved towns, city centres and retail parks, and employs over 2,637 retail colleagues nationally.
From day one, Primark was a hit with Scottish shoppers who initially queued up for its “unbeatable” opening offers in its first store in Hamilton, during the summer of 1975, including women’s tweed coats for £9.50, printed crepe blouses for 99p and briefs for 25p.
Across menswear, V-neck Shetland sweaters were sold for £2.85, poly-cotton shirts for 99p and socks for 23p. Children’s clothing highlights included slacks for 99p, ‘car coats’ for £1.99 and pinafore dresses for £1.65.
Over the years, some of its most popular products in Scotland include velour tracksuits – popular in the early 2000s – as well as a gold sequin dress and Saltire beach towels. Made exclusively for Scottish shoppers, the retailer has produced a line of Scottish pyjamas, Edinburgh-themed t-shirts from £3.00 and more recently its Scotland Euros t-shirts.
From its first and smallest store in Hamilton at just 9,300 sq. ft to the largest store on Edinburgh Princes Street, covering 73,900 sq. ft with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Primark has continued to grow in size and scale. Its in-store experience has evolved to now feature beauty studios, nail salons and a wide choice of destination cafes – including its popular evolving cafés in Edinburgh and Braehead.
Over the past three years, Primark has invested over £20 million in its stores which includes significant upgrades to stores in Clydebank, Hamilton, Stirling and Irvine so far this year. It has also introduced self-service checkouts and its popular Click & Collect service to all stores in Scotland.
Now every Primark shopper can access the full range, ordering online and collecting more easily and conveniently from their local store in just two days. Looking ahead, the retailer has confirmed it plans to invest a further £9 million in its Scottish stores over the next two years as it reaffirms its commitment to Scottish retail.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said:“The high streets and fashions have changed a lot over five decades in Scotland, and Primark has been there every step of the way.
“As we’ve evolved to meet this change in demand, our commitment to offering people great quality clothing at affordable prices is stronger than ever. There is such pride in our stores in Scotland and our customers feel it too, so it’s fantastic to be celebrating such an important milestone together.
“Over the last three years we’ve invested more than £20 million in our stores across Scotland and we’ve a further £9 million planned over the next two years to improve our stores and support the future of Scottish retail.”
Across the UK, Primark operates 197 stores, including 21 in Scotland, and employs 30,000 colleagues. Meanwhile, 2.3 million people every week cite Primark as the main reason for visiting their local high street, and for every £10 spent in a Primark, shoppers spend an additional £3.60 which produces a positive economic ripple effect for local high streets*.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
07887554193
info@chriswatt.com
www.chriswatt.com
Preemark Edinburgh
Timeline of Primark’s stores in Scotland
August 1975 – Hamilton, 29 Quarry Street, ML3 7AW
June 1995 – Motherwell, 20-26 Brandon Place South, ML1 1RB
September 1999 – Clydebank, Unit 2, 117 Sylvania Way, G81 2RR
March 2001 – Stirling, Goosecroft Road, FK8 2EA
April 2001 – Braehead, Unit 1a, Braehead Shopping Centre, G51 4BS
May 2001 – Aberdeen, 152 Union Street, AB11 6BH
June 2001 – Dundee, 40 High Street, DD1 1TU
April 2002 – Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3ER
April 2003 – East Kilbride, Unit 4, Plaza Shopping Centre, G74 1LW
June 2006 – Ayr, Unit 8, Taran Walk, Kyle Street, KA7 1TU
September 2006 – Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8AG
October 2006 – Park Head, Glasgow, G31 4EB
October 2006 – Inverness, 16-18 Bridge Street, IV1 1HG
November 2006 – Greenock, Oak Mall Shopping Centre, PA15 1JW
December 2006 – Dunfermline, 127-137 High Street, KY12 7DR
March 2007 – Irvine, Unit 46, Rivergate Centre, KA12 8EH
November 2010 – Perth, 134-148 High Street, PH1 5UH
December 2011 – Livingston, The Centre, EH54 6HR
December 2011 – Edinburgh Princes Street, The Centre, EH54 6HR
December 2015 – Fort Kinnaird, The Centre, EH54 6HR
Performing at the world’s largest arts festival is no small feat. But for blind comedian Jamie MacDonald, just getting to his venue each day reveals a challenge that blind and partially sighted people face every day: getting to work.
Jamie, who is blind due to a degenerative eye condition, is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new show. Navigating busy streets, temporary venues, and the unpredictable festival layout can be difficult without the support that many sighted performers might never need to consider.
“Getting about Edinburgh is already a total nightmare for blind people and folk with mobility issues,” Jamie says. “Medieval folk seem to have been four-feet tall with a love for steep, stone stairs.
“When you add in the road closures, crowds and performers that the biggest art festival in the world brings, moving about becomes lethal!”
With no official assistance service available, Jamie reached out to RNIB, the national charity supporting people with sight loss. Two of the charity’s volunteers, Bill and Iain, stepped forward to support Jamie with getting to and from his venue throughout his run. Although providing one-to-one travel support isn’t within the charity’s usual role, RNIB Scotland was happy to help connect Jamie with volunteers ready to help, coordinated by Community Social Action Manager Jane Coates.
Although Jamie is known for tackling blindness with humour, he’s serious about challenging the way society views disability. As he puts it, being blind seems to automatically make him a “role model,” whether he wants to be or not. He’s using comedy to question why disabled people are expected to be heroes rather than simply being complex, contradictory, or even a bit difficult – just like anyone else.
That same questioning extends beyond attitudes to the practical barriers disabled performers face.
“There must be a tonne of disabled performers who face the same or similar struggles to me,” Jamie says. “It would be sad, but not surprising if it put some people off coming to perform. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone here, I just think there could be more of a focus put on accessibility.”
The Fringe has introduced several accessibility initiatives in recent years such as audio-described and BSL-interpreted performances. However, support and accessibility can vary depending on the venue. The historic layout of Edinburgh, coupled with the festival’s pop-up nature, adds to the challenge.
Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager for RNIB Scotland, says Jamie’s situation reflects a wider issue: “Accessibility shouldn’t come down to individual goodwill,” she says. “We need systemic solutions that make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to access cultural life, as audience members, and as creators and performers too.”
For Jamie, the support from volunteers hasn’t solved the wider challenges, but it’s made all the difference in making the Fringe possible this year.
“Bill and Iain are legends,” he says. “I’m lucky. I’ve got my volunteers in shining armour, Iain and Bill, guiding me through the mayhem.
“Legends without whose help and support would probably see me seriously injured or worse, late for a show. So a heart-felt thanks to them.”
** Jamie MacDonald is performing ‘Toxic Bastard’ at Venue 24: Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 15 – 24 August.
Persimmon’s donation supports Hutchison Vale’s youth trip to Newcastle and new team kits
Persimmon Homes East Scotland has donated £3,000 to Hutchison Vale Football Club, helping to support one of Edinburgh’s most iconic grassroots football organisations.
The donation, made through Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, helped fund a recent trip to Newcastle, where the club’s youth teams competed in a football competition, gaining valuable experience and making memories that will last a lifetime. As part of the support, the Persimmon logo will also feature on the 2015 squad’s kit, worn proudly in the club’s traditional yellow and black colours.
Hutchison Vale FC, based at Ford’s Road in Saughton, was originally founded in 1940 to provide footballing opportunities for boys in the Hutchison area and surrounding communities. Now, the club supports 400–500 boys and girls across 20 teams, with players ranging from under 10s to under 20s, along with a thriving Junior Academy for children aged five to eight.
The club has produced more than 30 Scottish international players and countless others who have gone on to play professionally, including Paul Hanlon, Leigh Griffiths, Allan McGregor, Kenny Miller, and John Collins. Other former players include Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s national rugby coach, and rising boxing star Lee McGregor.
Neil Parry, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “Hutchison Vale has a proud tradition of developing young talent while instilling the values of discipline, teamwork and respect.
“We’re delighted to support their trip to Newcastle and help ensure the next generation continues to benefit from all that the club has to offer.”
Tam Smith, Club Leader, said:“We are very grateful for this generous donation. It will make a huge difference in ensuring our boys have a fantastic experience at their tournament in Newcastle.
“With funding becoming tighter each year, this support is invaluable to our voluntary organisation.”
Persimmon Homes East Scotland donates up to £6,000 every quarter to local organisations and charities through its Community Champions programme, supporting groups that make a real difference in their communities.
To find out more or apply for a Community Champions grant, visit:
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill in Tokyo to champion Scottish produce
Boosting trade and investment between Scotland and Japan are top of the agenda as UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill embarks on a three day visit to Osaka and Tokyo.
The Scotland Office Minister will meet with business leaders and politicians to promote Brand Scotland’s iconic goods and services and encourage Japanese inward investment as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change to boost the economy and put more money in the pockets of working Scots.
While at the Osaka Expo 2025, Minister McNeill will join the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West in meeting leading Japanese life sciences firms for a discussion around opportunities in the UK market following publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan.
Scotland is one of the largest health and life science clusters in Europe, employing more than 41,000 people across 770 organisations and generating more than £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy.
More broadly the Expo – Japan’s biggest international event of the decade, with more than 150 countries taking part and 28 million visitors expected over its six-month span (running from mid-April to mid-October) – provides an opportunity for the UK to strengthen relationships with like-minded partners across fields from defence and security to sustainability and energy transition.
Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Brand Scotland is about selling the best of Scotland to the world and encouraging inward investment to create jobs and opportunities for Scots.
“Scottish companies already export £484 million of goods and £475 million of services annually to Japan and there is scope for so much more. The UK-Japan partnership is closer than it has been for decades, with intensified cooperation across the entire breadth of UK economic growth and security interests, including defence, digital, cyber, science and innovation and trade and investment.
“Trade missions such as this help foster even greater collaboration and I look forward to promoting the very best of Scotland in Japan and embedding Scottish produce, such as seafood, in Japanese gastronomy.
“The UK Government is doing everything it can to help Scottish businesses make the most of opportunities overseas as part of our Plan for Change to grow our economy and put more money in people’s pockets.”
Minister Catherine West said: “The UK-Japan relationship is the closest it has been in decades, from trade to security and defence. As the Emperor said, we are friends like no other.
“And there is no better advert for the UK than taking part in Expo 2025. It’s a chance to show our strengths in areas like science and tech and invite Japan and the world to ‘Come Build the Future’.”
At the Expo, both Ministers will also meet with Lord Mendoza, a member of the UK Soft Power Council’s Europe Committee, to discuss how Scotland’s soft power strengths can be fully utilised.
Then in Tokyo, Minister McNeill will attend the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo where she will meet with Seafood Scotland which is taking a delegation of businesses to the show for a tenth year.
Japan is among the UK’s top export locations for products like mackerel and is a growing market for a range of other British products. Scottish mackerel now accounts for around 20% of all imported mackerel into Japan, up from just 2% in 2019.
The Expo is an important opportunity to help the Scottish seafood sector as it begins to re-establish Scottish salmon in the Japanese market, after many recent years of Norwegian dominance.
Donna Fordyce, CEO, Seafood Scotland said: “We are delighted to have the support of the Scotland Office, the Minister, and Brand Scotland in showcasing the very best of our seafood on the world stage.
“Japan is an important market for Scotland’s premium catch, and this mission provides a valuable platform for our producers to connect with influential buyers, chefs, and media. Together, we are championing the quality, provenance, and sustainability that make Scottish seafood stand out.”
Adam Wing, Head of Trade Marketing (UK, Middle East & Asia), Seafood Scotland said: “Over the past decade, we have worked hard to establish and grow Scottish seafood exports to Japan, building strong relationships with buyers, chefs, and industry partners.
“This year marks our 10th visit to the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the Minister alongside our delegation of seven exceptional Scottish seafood companies.
“We look forward to strengthening these ties and unlocking new opportunities for our world-class mackerel, salmon, and premium shellfish.”
While in Tokyo Minister McNeill will also meet with Sumitomo Electric to discuss progress in the construction of its £350 million subsea cable factory at the port of Nigg in the Scottish Highlands.
The factory – due to be completed in mid-2026 – will contribute significantly towards the UK’s capability to deliver renewable energy to UK consumers. The project is creating around.150 jobs.
And she will meet Eurus Energy to hear about its offshore wind project currently under development in Scotland. The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm will be located 7.5km off the coast of Dounreay in Caithness. The project’s operational lifespan will be up to 25 years, and it will generate enough green electricity to power up to 70,000 homes.
The Minister will also visit Venture Café, Tokyo, where she will announce the opening of a Venture Cafe in Edinburgh in November.
Venture Cafés are hubs which provide a space for entrepreneurs all over the world to come together and innovate.
Mike Jackson, Head of Venture Café UK, said: We are delighted to welcome Minister McNeill to Venture Café in Tokyo and we are grateful for the support of the Scotland Office as we prepare to open our new cafe in Edinburgh, as part of our Activation Partnership with the Advanced Research + Invention Agency’s (ARIA).
“In a world dominated by digital connections, the real magic still happens when people meet in person, especially when they do so regularly.
“That’s what Venture Café is all about. Edinburgh has always been a hub of innovation and is now powering ahead in areas such as AI by being the future home of the new national supercomputer. We’re here to help innovators of all kinds to come together, collaborate and turn the best ideas into reality.”
And Minister McNeill will provide some remarks at a UK music trade mission reception at the British Residence in Tokyo to promote creative industries in the UK.
The Minister will also meet the current His Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, and New Zealand’s ambassador to Japan, Hamish Cooper, who is being posted as High Commissioner to the UK as his next appointment.
