BANNER-MAKING at CORSTORPHINE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Help us celebrate life in Corstorphine.
We want you to join us in making a banner for the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and 900 people procession.
All materials provided, drop in and make your mark!
Prepare for lift-off as Six by Nico, the pioneering restaurant brand known for its ever-evolving tasting menus, unveils its most creative concept yet: SPACE.
Launching on August 25th across Edinburgh and all Six by Nico locations, this cosmic culinary experience invites diners to journey through the galaxies with a six-course menu inspired by the mystery, wonder, and adventure of outer space.
From cosmic textures to planetary plating, each dish on this interstellar culinary voyage is a step on a journey through time, space, and taste.
Following a series of beloved themed menus such as “The Chippie,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “New York,” SPACE marks a bold new frontier for Chef Nico Simeone and his creative team.
The new menu draws inspiration from astronomy, interstellar travel, and the futuristic possibilities of food beyond Earth, resulting in an imaginative, multi-sensory dining experience unlike anything else.
Chef Nico Simeone said: “SPACE is about pushing the boundaries of flavour and presentation. We asked ourselves: what might food look and taste like on a space station, or on a distant planet?
“The result is a menu that’s both playful and thought-provoking – a journey for the palate and the imagination.”
Prepare to be spoon-fed stardust with a six-course tasting menu featuring galactic flavour combinations, innovative textures, and visually stunning presentations that are sure to delight both returning guests and first-time diners.
Each SPACE dish represents a different aspect of space exploration – from liftoff to the lunar surface, and beyond with highlights that includes:
The SPACE menu will be available for a limited 12 weeks only, priced at £45 per person, with an optional wine pairing experience available for an additional £30. The menu is available from August 25th until 16th November 2025.
Join Six by Nico as they boldly go where no menu has gone before. To book visit:
Look at what we have on at Drumbrae Library this coming week!
No need to book, just drop in!
Most of us will remember those black rubber-soled canvas trainers that you wore in primary school PE classes, and nowhere else. But what might be news to some is that what you called the shoe is not what everybody else did.
While ‘plimsolls’ might be the most common term, with 53% of Britons saying it is how they would typically refer to the shoe, YouGov data from nearly 38,000 Britons shows that this term is far from universal, with many regions having their own word for the staple of infant school PE classes.
Plimsolls, the name typically used by 53% of Britons
‘Plimsolls’ might be the most popular name for the trainers by a clear margin, but this is really only the case in half the country. The term is the overwhelming norm in the East of England (83% using it), South East England (79%), East Midlands (72%) and London (67%).
The term also tends to be used in the southern half of South West England, as well as in North East England, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. At the county-level, usage peaks in Norfolk, where 91% typically opt for the term.
Pumps, the name typically used by 23% of Britons
For nearly a quarter of Britons (23%), those black school canvas trainers are known as ‘pumps’, with this the norm in North West England (69%) and the West Midlands (64%), as well as parts of Yorkshire and north Wales.
The counties that gravitate most towards the term are Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Staffordshire, where more than seven in ten (72-75%) refer to the trainers as ‘pumps’.
While the name has some currency in most of the rest of England, it is virtually unused in the south eastern most counties of Britain, as well as in mid Scotland.
Daps, the name typically used by 5% of Britons
Around the Severn Estuary, ‘daps’ or ‘dappers’ are the preferred term for the school hall trainer. While there are several urban legends about the original of the unusual name, it most likely comes from the sound the rubber soles make on a hardwood floor.
Daps is used by around half of people in the Welsh counties of Gwent, Mid Glamorgan and South Glamorgan (47-53%), as well as around four in ten of those across the border in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset (37-42%).
Sandshoes or sannies, the names typically used by 5% of Britons
The shoes themselves were originally known as ‘sandshoes’, a name that has hung on in parts of Scotland, sometimes under the nickname ‘sannies’. The term is particularly concentrated around the river Clyde, with 52% of people in Renfrewshire and 47% of Glaswegians calling them ‘sandshoes’ or ‘sannies’.
The name also sees some use in the north east of England, particularly in the East Riding of Yorkshire: 48% of people in the Hull-centred county refer to the school trainers as ‘sandshoes’, compared to no more than 6% in any of the surrounding counties.
Gym shoes, the name typically used by 6% of Britons
For some, the simpler descriptor of ‘gym shoes’ is enough, with usage most typically found in Scotland. Around 20-24% of Scots in most regions of the country use the term, with this rising to 29% on Tayside and 39% in the north eastern Grampian area.
‘Gym shoes’ also has some popularity as a name in mid Wales, with 20% of people in the county of Powys using it to refer to the primary school favourite.
Other names for school canvas trainers
‘Sandshoes’ and ‘gym shoes’ are far from the only regional specific name the Scots have for rubber-soled school trainers.
For nearly four in ten people in Lanarkshire (38%), as well as 32% of people in Central Scotland, ‘gutties’ is the go-to name for the trainer, a word that derives from a type of rubber once used to make them.
The Lothians are home to one of the most specific regional terms, with 18% of people there referring to the canvas-topped trainers as ‘rubbers’, though ‘plimsolls’ is the most common name for them in the area.
What do people call school canvas trainers in your county?
We always called gym shoes ‘rubbers’ when I was wee! – Ed.
MONDAY at PCHP: BREATHING ROOM and CHAT CAFE
Join Jules for #BreathingRoom on Monday morning at 9.30am. A gentle class that helps you welcome the week with deep rest and seasonal mindfulness.
Afterwards, you’re free to join #ChatCafe a social group that seeks to connect women #Connect#Women with each other and their #Community.
We cook, laugh and learn together, why not join us – we’ll be waiting!
New research reveals children with disabilities are excluded from playgrounds in Scotland. Across the UK, half (50%) of parents of children with physical disabilities surveyed say their child is excluded from play due to playgrounds being inaccessible to them.
In Scotland, parents of children who visit playgrounds are travelling an average of 3.77 miles from their homes to reach a suitable play area. As a result, 32% say they are relying more on screens because there are not enough suitable outdoor play areas nearby.
The research of over 2,000 parents from across the UK, showed that exclusion from play is an issue for disabled and non-disabled children alike. Almost two thirds (65%) of UK parents surveyed say their children are playing out less than they did at the same age, with similar findings reported in Scotland (64%).
Parents say the lack of play is negatively affecting their child’s ability to make friendships, build confidence and develop a sense of adventure, and shockingly over a third (37%) of children in Scotland now prefer to spend time playing indoors or on screens, creating barriers for children accessing outdoor play.
To get the nation playing out again, Barratt Redrow, of which Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland is a part, is making a landmark commitment to prioritise inclusive play spaces across its developments.
This new commitment will see the housebuilder incorporate inclusive and accessible play areas across their new developments in Scotland, working with children and young people to design play spaces that meet the needs of the local community where possible. As the UK’s largest housebuilder this could deliver up to 100 new accessible and inclusive play spaces for parents and children to enjoy each year.
David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, said: “This isn’t just about playgrounds, it’s about building places where families can truly thrive, and that starts by ensuring every child can safely and confidently enjoy the freedom, fun and benefits that outdoor play delivers.
“We want local authorities and other homebuilders to work together to make inclusive and accessible play the standard, not the exception. When we build with all children in mind, we can create places that work better for everyone.”
Alison Condie, Regional Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, said: “Play isn’t a luxury, it’s something that inspires connection, confidence and childhood itself.
“This commitment will make a huge difference to parents and children in Scotland. We want parents and homebuyers to know that when they buy one of our homes, they can be confident that we’re prioritising the right things from day one.”
The New Commitments to Play
As the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Barratt Redrow is ensuring play for everybody is the standard, not the exception. In practice, its new Inclusive Play Guidance will mean communities in Scotland can expect:
1. Every play space being designed by Barratt Redrow will include inclusive equipment, accessible surfaces and be located in safe and easy to access locations for the whole community to enjoy.
2. Designs will allow for active, challenging, imaginative, sensory and quiet play for children and young people, while encouraging social interaction between neighbours and friends.
3. Play spaces will be integrated into high quality landscapes at the heart of our developments, bringing people closer to nature.
4. Wherever possible, Barratt Redrow will work with children and young people to ensure they are continually responding to the needs of the local community.
*Our teams work on planning applications for a period of six months before submission, therefore the new commitment will apply to all new planning applications from January 2026 onwards.
As well as children’s charity Whizz Kidz, the Barratt Redrow Commitments and New Design Guidelines were created with support from industry bodies, including Play Wales, Play England, play expert Tim Gill and children’s psychologist Prof. Helen Dodd.
For more information, visit www.barrattredrow.co.uk/playmaking
A new sculpture to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) has been granted approval by City of Edinburgh Council.
The bronze reclining lion guarding the SCOTS cap badge will be erected in West Princes Street Gardens and unveiled in 2026, marking exactly 20 years since formation.
SCOTS soldiers, veterans and military families have supported local Edinburgh artist, Kenny Hunter, in the design of the statue. It will be cast in six separate sections, representing the unity of Scotland’s six historic infantry regiments that amalgamated to form SCOTS in 2006.
To reflect SCOTS’ deep ties with the city, the lion will take pride of place in the Edinburgh gardens amongst and is intended as a timeless place of quiet reflection for all, with Regimental Headquarters in Edinburgh Castle serving as a fitting backdrop.
Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “This statue will stand as a proud symbol of Scotland’s senior line infantry regiment. It reflects our heritage, honours all who have served, and looks ahead to the next generation. It will provide a fitting place for reflection and recognition, not only for the serving and veteran community, but for all who visit our city and its gardens.
“Edinburgh is our home, and we are deeply grateful to City of Edinburgh and those who supported this project, as we mark 20 years of service at home and overseas.”
Formed in 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army. Today, it consists of three regular battalions, two reserve battalions, and an incremental company dedicated to ceremonial duties.
With 2,300 serving soldiers and more than 9,000 veterans and families, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has been one of the most deployed in the past two decades, acting in almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in.
The unveiling of the statue will form part of The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s year-long programme of events marking its 20th anniversary.
FREE FILM EVENT – SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS 1.30 -3.45pm
Israel is deliberately depriving people of water in Gaza, Palestine, as part of its genocidal campaign – denying Palestinians of life’s necessities, including food, water and healthcare, says Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
After 22 months of Israel destroying and restricting access to critical water infrastructure, the amount of water available in Gaza is wholly insufficient.
Organisations like MSF would be able to increase the amount of safe water in the Strip, however, Israel is blocking imports of critical water treatment items.
Since June 2024, for every 10 import requests of items for water desalination, MSF has had only one approved.
Israel must begin allowing the importation of critical equipment for water supply and distribution, at scale. The Israeli military must stop its destruction of water infrastructure and allow the immediate repair of water systems that have been damaged to ensure people have life-sustaining access to water. Water and other necessities of life must not be used as weapons of war.
Not only is there insufficient water overall for people in Gaza, but the reliance on water trucking means they do not have predictable methods to obtain what is available.
Eighty-six per cent of Gaza is under forced displacement order by the Israeli military, making it unsafe for water trucks to attempt to reach people in those areas. The lack of adequate storage methods in households compounds the problems people face.
The reduction of clean water in Gaza has resulted in an increase of disease, with MSF medical teams conducting over 1,000 consultations for acute watery diarrhoea a week for the past month. Without sufficient water for hygiene, people have been suffering from skin conditions, such as scabies.
Clean water is also essential for hospitals; to reduce the spread of infection and to keep patients hydrated so their bodies can heal from their injuries and illnesses.
“There’s too little water for too many people,” says Mohammed Nsier, a water and sanitation officer for MSF in Gaza. “The amount we can provide is very small compared to the need, and conditions are extremely difficult.”
Israel is creating difficult conditions for the delivery of safe water to people. It has always controlled much of the flow of water into Gaza. There is no naturally available drinking water in Gaza because of salination and contamination of sewage and chemicals, making people reliant on pipelines coming from Israel and desalination plants in Gaza. This infrastructure has been subjected to continuous Israeli attacks.
Israel has repeatedly damaged two out of the three water pipelines into Gaza since October 2023. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the water that goes through these pipes is lost because of leaks in the broader pipeline network, from the damage caused by bombardment. As a result, water must be distributed by water trucking, coming from desalination plants. Of the 196 desalination plants that are publicly- and NGO-run, over 60 per cent are non-functional because of their location or damage.
There’s too little water for too many people. The amount we can provide is very small compared to the need, and conditions are extremely difficult.Mohammed Nsier, a water and sanitation officer for MSF in Gaza
Humanitarian organisations are willing to repair the damaged pipes and plants of the water infrastructure that existed before October 2023, but Israel has repeatedly hindered these efforts by denying access to these sites.
For locations that are reachable, repair efforts use “Frankenstein” techniques, salvaging parts from one generator or broken sites to fix another, and desperate attempts to source parts locally. Such actions are necessary as the supplies required to repair this infrastructure are impeded from entering Gaza by Israel.
When items do come in, they arrive months late because of deliberate blockages.
Seven MSF water treatment units produce enough water for 65,000 people to receive 7.5 litres per day,1 a fraction of what is needed. For months, MSF has been trying to get nine new treatment units into Gaza – which would significantly increase MSF’s water production capacity – but these efforts have remained unsuccessful as Israel has not issued approvals or allowed the units to enter.
When water trucks can reach desalination plants, the next step of distributing it to people also means contending with major obstacles. Reaching people safely is near impossible, as the expansion of military activities and bombardments in so-called safe zones mean distribution points have to be continually re-located.
In 2025, MSF has had to stop providing water at at least 137 water distribution points. To reach distributions, people must walk long distances carrying their heavy jerry cans.
You see how people are struggling, everyone is desperate for water… I don’t know what to tell you—it’s torture.– A woman waiting for a water distribution in Gaza city
“You see how people are struggling, everyone is desperate for water,” says a woman waiting for an MSF distribution in Gaza city. “Honestly, [it’s] very, very hard to get water, even walking a little bit is very difficult. I don’t know what to tell you—it’s torture.”
The dangers of collecting water are compounded by its limitation, with the scarcity creating tension at distributions. People have told MSF staff that they fear collecting water. Our teams see children who get lost after a distribution site has been forced to move by a displacement order or an airstrike, or because extensive damage has made their surroundings unrecognisable.
“As with food, supplies, and healthcare, the Israeli military is restricting access to water to minimal levels,” says Ozan Agbas, MSF emergency manager. “By refraining from cutting off water entirely, they allow plausible deniability while choking Palestinians of their means of survival.”
7.5 litres is the minimum amount of water a person needs per day during a humanitarian emergency, according to the WHO
Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative. The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor.
Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet.
The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024.
Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline.
Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone.
One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police.
“I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”
An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here.
“She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”
The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.
Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen.
When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need, which can increase the likelihood of reoffending.
It is hoped that young people will be more likely to accept a confidential call to Childline when they are in custody, and this could provide the first step towards breaking the cycle of reoffending.
Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow.
“We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland.
“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people. It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”
Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said: “This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time.
“There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.
“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”
During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.
It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow.
The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained. Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.
In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.
The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart.
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
*Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.
