27/08/2025 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Guinness World Records celebrates 70 years of record-breaking achievements

Guinness World Records (GWR), are celebrating 70 years as the global authority on record-breaking achievements. It all started with a pub question “What’s the fastest game bird in Europe?”, a query that inspired the very first Guinness World Records book, compiled in a room above a London gym and published on 27th August 1955.

That single volume sparked worldwide curiosity about extraordinary feats, and GWR has since authenticated thousands of records in sport, technology, the human body, super skills and collections.

To mark the moment, GWR are celebrating record holder achievements and milestone moments over the last 70 years, including a handful of record holders who have been positively impacted by record breaking in their lives:

Liz West (UK): Largest collection of Spice Girls memorabilia – 5000

Elizabeth (Liz) West is an artist from Manchester, UK and has been collecting Spice Girls memorabilia since 1996 when the band first emerged on the pop scene. Initially Liz just collected albums, magazines and sticker books but after a year of chart successes she started buying singles and masses of official merchandise.

Liz’s record was initially approved in 2011, with her extensive collection of Spice Girls memorabilia totalling 2066 pieces earning her a place in GWR history. Since 2011, Liz has continued to build out her collection and on a recount this year she has more than doubled it with a total of 5000.

Liz’s career as a successful artist has some cross over with her collection, with her colour pallet being inspired by the 90’s and the Spice Girls’ era.

Liz said: “Holding the Guinness World Records title has allowed me to continue publicly exhibiting my collection nationally and internationally.

“In the early days of my career, my collection gave me the opportunity and ultimately allowed me to work full-time as an artist, which was always my dream.

“Being part of Guinness World Records 70th anniversary celebrations is wonderful and a huge honour. To be chosen amongst all the records globally ever made is incredibly touching – Girl Power!”

Colin Furze (UK): Fastest pram/stroller – 86.04 km/h (53.46 mph) & Fastest bumper car/dodgem – 161.476 km/h (100.336 mph)

Colin Furze is a self-taught inventor and engineer known online for his ambitious builds in his home workshop. A five-time Guinness World Records title holder and the current holder of two titles, Furze is recognised for bringing bold, unconventional ideas to life.

Colin said: “One of the things I always think is that a Guinness World Records title makes a project, no matter how crazy or weird, it kind of gives it a social relevance and people get behind you and want you to do well.

“I look at the certificates I’ve earned as achievements of the projects I have seen through from start to finish, I thought of it, planned it, built it, drove it and it became record-breaking!”

Zaila Avant-Garde (US): Most bounce juggles in one minute with four basketballs – 255

Zaila Avant-garde, 18, is a student from Louisiana, USA. Zaila began practicing these basketball tricks at age five. When she attempted the record titles at 13, the practice and skill shone through.

After breaking three record titles, she said “It’s empowering to know that you’ve just accomplished something that nobody else in the entire world has ever done before.”

Since breaking those GWR titles, Zaila says her life has “significantly changed.” She recalls: “I was pretty much a random little kid in Louisiana who was a little known on Instagram for juggling basketballs and not much else. At that time, getting the record was simply a personal accomplishment of which I was deeply proud.”

Since achieving her Guinness World Record titles, she has gone on to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, become a New York Times bestselling author with her book “It’s Not Bragging If It’s True”, and was named Sports Illustrated Kids’ 2021 SportsKid of the Year. She says that her GWR titles propelled her to achieve these milestones and she notes that being a record holder adds a “level of spiciness to my life story.”

Najee Richardson (US): Farthest backflip between hanging ropes – 5.79m (19ft), Farthest double backflip between hanging ropes – 3.73 m (12 ft 3 in), Farthest lache (bar to bar) swing – 5.56 m (18 ft 3 in) , Highest lache (bar to bar) swing – 2.286 m (7 ft 6 in) & Farthest distance lache cat leap (bar to wall) – 4.90 m (16 ft 1 in)

Known as Spiderman to his friends and family, former American Ninja Warrior competitor Najee Richardson has the athleticism, passion, and drive of a true superhero. Between years of gymnastics and strength training for the American Ninja Warrior obstacle course, he believed he had what it takes to multiple Guinness World Records titles.

His GWR titles are specific skills he utilizes on the course. Each type of skill involves precision, strength, and determination to get to the next obstacle. In the case of his record attempts, he has achieved the farthest distance of each swing or flip, which requires another level of power and stability combined.

Najee said: “I think it’s really cool just to set a goal for yourself, a seemingly impossible goal that you can set for yourself to achieve.

“Something that pushes you pass your limit and that you can become the very best version of yourself, whatever field you’re in. I think having Guinness World Records title as a motivation is cool, because you’re doing something that no one else has ever done before and how many people can say that?”

Bryan Berg (US): Tallest playing card structure – 7.86 m (25 ft 9 in)

Architect Bryan Berg first achieved the Guinness World Records title for the tallest playing card structure in 1992 and hasn’t stopped leveling up card stacking since. Building every house of cards without glue, wiring, or metalwork, each record he’s achieved defies what was thought possible.

He’s a card-stacking pro. Bryan achieved this title 8 times between 1992 and 2007, taking the title back twice within that time and reaching new heights with each build. His grandfather taught him how to stack cards between matches at card tournaments at age eight. He was inspired to build bigger structures, which continues to fuel his creativity and love for the craft.

Bryan said: “The tallest playing card structure is a testament to a certain kind of engineering that I really enjoy, every card is a strategic placement based on how I want it to look or how it needs to work.

“Back in 1992, when I first achieved the record and got into the Guinness World Records book, it really paved the way for me to be able to basically spend my life doing what I love. I’m really honoured to be a part of Guinness World Records 70th anniversary, we’ve grown old together!”

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday said: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the release of our first edition back in the 1950s, we’re proud to be building on 70 amazing years as the global curator of superlative facts and achievements.

“We’ve seen so many iconic moments, the most amazing feats of strength and skill and endurance from talent across the globe and long may it continue. We’re now looking forward and celebrating the current – and next! – generation of record breakers.

“We want everyone to be part of it, whether that’s using our new record selector tool or having a go at one of our 70 unclaimed records, they are there for the taking!”

To inspire the next wave of achievers, GWR has identified 70 unclaimed record titles that have never been set – all fun, accessible, and open for anyone to claim.

Highlights include:

· Fastest 400 m sack race

· Farthest distance to bounce a coin into a cup

· Farthest distance bottle flip

· Fastest time to build a five-storey playing-card pyramid

· Most high fives in 30 seconds

The full list appears in notes to editors.

GWR is also launching the brand-new Record Selector, a short, dynamic online quiz at guinnessworldrecords.com that will match personality types to record titles they could attempt. Whether you’re a curious thinker, bold performer, focused planner or thrill seeker, there’s a title ready to be broken.

History At A Glance

For 70 years, Guinness World Records has inspired awe and ambition through stories of exception human achievements and extremes of the natural world, documenting everything from scientific discoveries to sporting achievements, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

· Origins (1955): 27 August 1955: First Guinness Book of Records was published

· Publishing Impact: 155 million copies of the book sold worldwide to date

· Beyond The Book: GWR content now spans TV series, live events and digital platforms, reaching billions of views each year

View an 80 second origin story of GWR here: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/about-us/our-story

View our timeline here: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/about-us/our-story/timeline

Ready to learn more about our 70th anniversary celebrations and how you can be part of it and break a record of your own? You can find out more here:

www.guinnessworldrecords.com/gwr70

Official List of the 70 Unclaimed Guinness World Records Titles

· Farthest distance bottle flip

· Farthest distance by leapfrog jumps in one hour (team)

· Farthest distance football (soccer) volley crossbar hit

· Farthest distance swimming in 24 hours (team)

· Farthest distance to bounce a coin into a cup

· Farthest standing jump forwards (female)

· Fastest 10 km three legged (mixed)

· Fastest 10 m holding a balloon between the knees

· Fastest 400 m wearing swim fins (male)

· Fastest 400m sack race

· Fastest 4×100 m egg and spoon relay race

· Fastest hole of golf by a team of two (male)

· Fastest relay 50 x 50 m (mixed)

· Fastest time to arrange a set of Scrabble tiles in alphabetical order

· Fastest time to blow a stamp 10 m

· Fastest time to build a castle in Minecraft survival mode with a mouse and keyboard

· Fastest time to build a five storey playing card pyramid

· Fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos (team of two)

· Fastest time to flip a tyre over 50 m

· Fastest time to flip ten water bottles

· Fastest time to ice/frost 100 cupcakes (individual)

· Fastest time to make a burrito

· Fastest time to make a loom band bracelet

· Fastest time to make a pasta necklace (Under 16s)

· Fastest time to push an orange 100 m with the nose

· Greatest height to drop an egg without breaking

· Greatest height to flip a bottle

· Highest coin toss

· Longest duration to balance a spoon on the nose

· Longest duration to keep a balloon in the air with the feet

· Longest duration to keep five balloons in the air

· Longest duration to keep five balloons in the air (team of two)

· Longest marathon playing air guitar

· Longest paperclip chain in one minute

· Longest paperclip chain in three minutes

· Longest time in a straight arm abdominal plank position (female)

· Longest time to hold the bridge pose (yoga)

· Longest videogame marathon playing Roblox

· Most alternate forehand/backhand hits with a tennis racket against a wall in 30 seconds

· Most anchovies eaten in one minute

· Most balloons blown up in one minute (Under 16s)

· Most cinemas visited in one month

· Most coffeehouses visited in one month

· Most coins balanced and snatched off the elbow (no drops)

· Most crown cap bottles opened with one hand in one minute

· Most drink cans crushed with feet in one minute (female)

· Most drink cans crushed with feet in one minute (male)

· Most eggs cracked in 30 seconds with one hand (team of two)

· Most eggs stacked in one minute

· Most fortune cookies eaten in one minute

· Most hair elastics (bobbles) in a persons hair in one minute

· Most headbands/sweatbands worn at once

· Most high fives in 30 seconds

· Most kisses in 30 seconds by a pair

· Most leapfrog jumps in one hour by a team of two

· Most leapfrog jumps in one minute by a team of two (Under 16s)

· Most origami cranes made in three minutes (Under 16s)

· Most seat drops on a trampoline in one hour

· Most shoelaces tied in a bow in one minute (team of two)

· Most stackable potato based crisps eaten in one minute

· Most table tennis balls held in one hand

· Most treats balanced on a dog’s nose in 30 seconds

· Most T-shirts put on in 30 seconds (individual)

· Most T-shirts put on in one minute (individual)

· Most water moved by the hands in 30 seconds

· Most water moved using a sponge in one minute (team of two)

· Most whoopee cushions sat on in one minute by a team of two

· Tallest stack of dice in one minute (team of two)

· Tallest stack of Guinness World Records books in 30 seconds (individual)· Fastest time to ascend the height of Everest by bicycle

Strengthening support for start-ups

Multi-year commitment made to Scottish EDGE awards

A £3.6 million contribution to the Scottish EDGE Awards is to be made over the next three years, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.

The multi-year pledge goes beyond a Programme for Government 2025-26 commitment to provide £1.2 million this year by committing to deliver the funding level for the next three years. The funding will be matched pound-for-pound by the private sector over the same period.

Since being established in 2012 the Scottish EDGE awards have awarded more than £29 million to more than 700 businesses – with the platform helping many to establish national and international business operations.

To announce the funding, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the headquarters of Ooni Ltd in Edinburgh. Ooni, creator and leader of the at-home pizza oven category, is a past recipient of Scottish EDGE funding and now operates globally, having sold over 2.5 million award-winning pizza ovens worldwide.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I have been consistently clear that entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy – but they need the right support at the right time to ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.

“Since being established by the Scottish Government more than a decade ago the Scottish EDGE awards have become an integral part of the support network for Scottish start-ups, helping and supporting incredible success stories like Ooni on their journey.

“The Scottish Government is investing record funding into Entrepreneurism this year and it is incredibly encouraging to see multiple independent sources indicating our start-up community is thriving. but, However, recognising the importance that consistent support means for the start-up community and its backers, I’m delighted to extend our support for the awards not just for this year, but through to 2028.”

CEO of Scottish EDGE Evelyn McDonald said: “As a founding funder of Scottish EDGE, the Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in the delivery and success of the competition from the outset.

“The accomplishments and global growth of businesses like Ooni, who were relatively early winners, is testament to the wide-reaching impact funding can have on a business in those crucial early stages. Ooni are also an alumnus of Scale Up Scotland demonstrating how our programmes integrate to build world class businesses at scale in the ecosystem.

“We are confident that the benefits to the economy of the Scottish Government’s commitment over the next three years will be felt for a long time to come – not least in helping leverage further, private sector investment in the growth of Scottish businesses, with the likes of RBS and ongoing support from The Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said: “Whether starting out or scaling up, every founder needs the right environment to succeed and keep growing. Fostering a thriving, inclusive and vibrant start-up community is a critical component of a creating healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Now a well-established initiative for identifying and supporting early stage Scottish companies across a broad range of sectors, this longer-term backing for the Scottish EDGE awards enables a more strategic approach to delivering the programme and illustrates public and private sector commitment to driving closer alignment, collaboration and investment in our entrepreneurs.”

Co-Founder Co-CEO of Ooni Darina Garland said: “Since 2012, Ooni has grown from a tiny yet ambitious start-up to the global innovative home cookware company we are today.

“Like any business, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and the support of Scottish EDGE was fantastic in our early years – both the funding we won which helped us kick off our IP journey and the mentorship we received which played a role in our early development, enabling us to innovate and expand rapidly.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Scottish EDGE as a judge and pass on our knowledge and experience to support other entrepreneurs. This multi-year funding pledge will undoubtedly help many more ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs achieve their potential and contribute to the economy.”

The Scottish Government established the Scottish EDGE (Encouraging Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs) Fund in 2012 to boost jobs and growth in the Scottish economy. Originally established in Scottish Enterprise, Scottish EDGE was spun out to a private sector led social enterprise in late 2014.

Acas launches new strategy as polling shows over two in five workers say workplace conflict is rising

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has today launched a transformative five-year strategy to modernise how disputes at work are handled across Britain.

The new Acas strategy will help to support economic stability by reducing the cost of conflict – estimated to be £28.5 billion – through increased prevention, improved management, and earlier resolution of disputes.

This builds on strong results from our previous strategy, which saw record levels of disputes resolved without the need for a tribunal.

This comes as Acas experiences increased demand for its services and ahead of major new employment law reforms.

New Acas-commissioned YouGov polling of over 1,000 employees in Great Britain finds that 44% of workers who knew of conflict in their organisation over the last 3 years said it has increased, compared to just 13% who say it has decreased.
The same survey reveals that pay, working patterns, and capability and performance are now among the top causes of workplace conflict.
Latest figures show Acas handled 117,000 individual disputes in 2024-25, the highest number since the covid-19 pandemic.

The Employment Rights Bill will introduce significant changes to employment law as part of the government’s plan to Make Work Pay.

The new Acas strategy will:

Prevent more disputes before they arise by targeting industries and groups where conflict is most likely
Support employers to manage conflict well with clear guidance, tools and training offers
Equip workers and employers with the skills and confidence to resolve problems earlier, including doubling the number of SMEs Acas is equipping to manage conflict well
Harness technology and data more effectively to focus Acas’s efforts where they can have the greatest impact
Drive innovation in dispute resolution, maintaining Acas’s record settlement rates (70% for individual disputes and 90% for collective disputes) while exploring the use of AI and new digital services to make support faster and more accessible.

Clare Chapman, Acas Chair, said: “The world of work is changing, and this is an ambitious strategy for a landmark period in Britain’s labour market history.

“Over our last Strategy period of 2021-25 Acas successfully changed the ways in which we work. This strategy sets out how Acas will contribute even further to improve British workplace relations.

“We will do more to help prevent conflict arising. If conflict can’t be prevented, Acas will be there to help workplaces manage it by disagreeing well.

“And if conflict continues, Acas will help parties resolve disputes quickly and fairly. Working together, we can deliver lasting improvements to working life and contribute to Britain’s future economic growth.”

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “Britain is a great place to work and grow a business; but we can do even better to ‘disagree agreeably’ in the workplace.

“Our strategy for the next five years will give employers and workers the skills and knowledge they need for the healthy employment relations that prevent conflict.

“By supporting employers and workers to build stronger relationships we will protect productivity, safeguard jobs, and strengthen the foundations for sustainable economic growth.”

Employment Rights Minister, Justin Madders MP said: “Strong workplace relationships are fundamental to the productive, stable employment that drives higher living standards.

“Acas’s new strategy will help prevent workplace disputes before they escalate and provide the skills and tools to resolve conflicts early. This comes as the Government is ensuring employment rights are fit for a modern economy and contributing to economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.”

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: “Acas has an important role to play in supporting the economic growth that is needed to drive up living standards and fund public services.

“Rising employment costs are already colliding with flatlining productivity, forcing firms to make tough trade-offs about jobs, pay and working conditions, putting a strain on the relationships between employers and workers. At the same time, the unintended consequences of the Employment Rights Bill will mean an increase in workplace disputes that need to be resolved.

“Acas has rightly identified that its impartial support and early intervention will be more critical than ever in helping employers and employees navigate these threats and unlock the potential of the UK workforce.”

Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said: “With the Employment Rights Bill set to modernise industrial relations, this Acas strategy is welcome and timely – recognising the importance of good working relationships between unions and employers.”

https://www.acas.org.uk/about-us/acas-strategy-2025-to-2030

Behind the Festival’s Curtains: The Cost to Workers, Residents and Artists

Every August, Edinburgh transforms into the world’s cultural epicentre, with festivals filling every corner of the city (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

This year, however, the stage will be busier than ever. Alongside the usual theatre lovers and comedy fans, the capital will welcome an additional influx of visitors as thousands arrive for concerts by Oasis and AC/DC.

It’s a month that draws global attention and economic opportunity. Yet, beneath the spotlight lies a more pressing truth: a festival economy that, while world-renowned, places intense pressure on the very infrastructure residents rely on year-round.

Nowhere is that strain more visible than in housing. When tourists arrive, hotels and B&Bs fill up fast. For people already living in vulnerability, August can mean being pushed further into homelessness. Shelter Scotland warns that major events create a “bottleneck” in temporary accommodation, with people displaced at short notice to make room for tourists.

However, the pressures do not end with housing. Edinburgh’s cultural season is built on the dedication of stage crews, technicians, hospitality staff, and many others who work tirelessly in the supporting industries.

Yet for many, the reality is long, exhausting hours for very modest pay. Often, those hours come under contracts that offer little or no security. With low wages, unstable work, and the seasonal nature of these jobs, it’s a constant struggle to make ends meet, even as the city’s economy thrives on their efforts.

Emerging artists face similar barriers. Simply being in Edinburgh in August can be a financial gamble; some take on debt to perform, while others are priced out entirely. When workers can’t afford to work and artists can’t afford to perform, diversity shrinks, innovation slows, and the cultural richness on which our festivals rely begins to erode.

The Scottish Government is quick to celebrate record visitor numbers, but slower to address the inequalities behind them. A fair cultural strategy cannot be measured by ticket sales alone. It must guarantee that no one is pushed into unsuitable accommodation and ensure fair pay and decent conditions for festival workers, as well as provide real support for emerging artists so they can take part without risking financial hardship.

Last Friday, I hosted a conversation at the Festival of Politics, “Dreaming of a Fairer Future for Culture,” alongside Culture Counts and a panel of inspiring voices from across Scotland’s creative sector.

Edinburgh’s festivals are a treasure, but pride alone will not protect them. Their future depends on whether we confront the pressures that threaten them and act decisively to safeguard the people and communities who make them possible.

If Scotland is to remain a cultural leader, it must honour not just the art on stage, but the lives and livelihoods that keep the curtain rising each year.

Corstorphine Community Centre: Caring For Carers

THURSDAYS FORTNIGHTLY 10.15 – 11.30am

Are you a Carer?

We know the role is complicated and tiring. Join us fortnightly for a little light relief- maybe even a giggle.

Relax with like minded folks, share experiences, find out about resources and carve some time out for you.

Changes to energy price cap between 1st October and 31 December 2025

Changes to the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge people on default tariffs for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge

Every 3 months Ofgem review and set a level for how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy and daily standing charge, under the price cap.

From 1 October to 31 December 2025 the price for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go up by 2% to £1,755 per year. However, compared to the start of 2023, this is £625 (26.3%) lower than when the energy crisis was at its peak.

For a typical household, their energy bills will increase by £2.93 a month or £35.14 per year. This is 2.2% per year higher than the price cap set for the same period last year, from 1 October to 31 December 2024 (£1,717). But when adjusted for inflation, it is 0.9% lower than the same period in 2024. Based on the current inflation rate, a typical household will pay £102 from October to December instead of £100 per month.

Costs included in the energy price cap

The level of the energy price cap is made up of different costs, for example the wholesale cost of gas and electricity, costs to supply energy on the network and VAT. These costs are split within the energy price cap between the unit rate and the standing charge.

We are consulting on some of these costs which could impact future energy prices. View all our latest consultations and call for inputs related to the price cap.

Read about typical household energy use and how the energy price cap is calculated on our Average gas and electricity use explained page.

View and compare 1 October to 31 December 2025 and 1 July to 30 September 2025 energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region.

Learn more about the costs that make up the standing charge for electricity and gas.

You can also get and compare all the energy price cap (default tariff) levels.

Energy price cap rates 1 October to 31 December 2025

Electricity rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your electricity by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 26.35 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 53.68 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.

Gas rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your gas by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 6.29 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 34.03 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.

Why energy prices have gone up

There have been increases to parts of the costs of transporting energy in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Network operators are adjusting costs based on the level set by the National Electricity System Operator so that electricity supply is secure.

Other costs that go towards government schemes and essential support are also a factor for this increase.

Managing your energy bills and tariff

You are covered by the energy price cap if you are on a default tariff and pay for your electricity and gas by either:

standard credit (payment made when you get your electricity and gas bill)
Direct Debit
prepayment meter
Economy 7 (E7) meter

The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and the type of meter you have.

You could pay less for your energy by changing your energy tariff or payment type. Find out if you can change or fix your tariff and how to switch energy supplier.

Tell your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bills. They must help you if you ask. They could set up a repayment plan or provide you with emergency credit.

What we are doing to help customers

Consumers will have more choice and control in how they pay for their standing charges. Some suppliers are already offering these tariffs. See our update on creating a low or zero standing charge option.

We are reviewing how we allocate costs, and the impact of investments and upgrading infrastructure on customers’ bills. This will help make sure that the costs recovered are fair to consumers and efficient.

Next energy price cap review 

We review and set a level on how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy including the standing charge every 3 months. The levels for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 will be published by 25 November 2025.

Come and have your say about Drylaw Shopping Centre

DRYLAW SHOPPING CENTRE STREETSCAPE CONSULTATION

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER from 4 – 7pm or respond ONLINE

We are progressing designs for improvements to the area surrounding the Drylaw Shopping Centre.

The proposals aim to address existing issues within the shopping centre, such as; sustainability, accessibility, car parking, vehicular movement, aesthetic appeal, sight lines and safety.

The Drylaw Shopping Centre forms part of the wider Drylaw and Telford Masterplan one of the 13 proposed improvement projects that aim to reimagine local streets and public spaces, making them healthier, more accessible, and nature-positive – while also tackling surface water and flooding challenges in the area.

To help refine the concept designs, we will be conducting a drop-in community and business engagement session at the Shopping Centre on the below date.

Please feel free to visit to give your views on the designs:

Location: Next to Farmfoods at Drylaw Shopping Centre, 661 Ferry Road
Date: Thursday 4^th September 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Consultation Hub Online Survey:

In addition to the in person engagement, a survey for the project is now live on The City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub and will run until 8^th October 2025.

Please find a link to the survey here and to find out more:

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/drylaw-consultation/

An exciting and energising Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 comes to a close

The 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially wrapped up on Monday (25 August 2025), with the Fringe Society reporting a strong year for the event.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive, Tony Lankester said: ‘With over 2.6 million tickets issued for 3,893 shows, it is clear that – despite many ongoing challenges facing the Fringe community – it remains the single best platform in the world for artists to showcase their work. It remains a critical step in their professional journey.’

As the largest marketplace and expo for performing arts professional development in the world, this year’s Fringe attracted 1,770 accredited producers, programmers, bookers, talent agencies and festivals from 68 countries, who came to Edinburgh looking for talent. These connections will provide touring and onward opportunities for artists well beyond the Festival Fringe.

301 venues hosted a diverse selection of work across 53,942 performances in August. 62 countries were represented on Fringe stages, with 17 international showcases at the forefront including Denmark, Australia, South Korea and Canada.

The themes and issues explored by artists in the programme included everything from rebellious women to the paranormal; the apocalypse to nostalgia; queer joy to life with illness; rave and club culture to science and technology. Alongside big names, there was strong representation across emerging talent, those from a working-class background, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse-led work.

The highest number of accredited journalists in the festival’s history attended, with nearly 1,090 media professionals from 36 countries accredited for this year’s festival. Over 600 artists also attended the annual Meet the Media event, designed to support performers without professional PR support at the festival.

Often recognised as a key entry point for audiences to experience the arts, Edinburgh played host to 320 of the world’s finest street performers, buskers and street artists, who brought excitement to the Mound and Royal Mile as part of Fringe Street Events.

In addition, over 37 local schools, charities and community groups took part in the Fringe Days Out scheme, ensuring participation in the festival is open to all, whether here for professional reasons or simply for fun and experience.

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘What is clear is that the Fringe remains the most important cultural event in the world. Artists remain at the heart of this joyous festival, and we’re consistently in awe of their creative work which often tackles topical issues and examines them through a creative lens.

“We recognise the many challenges artists, producers and venues face in staging the event, and call on the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government to continue working with the Fringe community to explore ways to alleviate these challenges.

“There are no easy answers to the challenging cost of participating in the Fringe, but we know that the will is there to explore some innovative, high impact solutions, and we look forward to advancing the many conversations we’ve begun with stakeholders and partners.

“This year’s Festival Fringe has felt joyful and exciting, and we thank the artists, the hundreds of venues, promoters, producers, workers and teams that make this fantastic event happen every year.”

The Fringe in numbers

62 countries were represented on stage at this year’s Fringe, including 17 country showcases and spotlights
1,770 accredited arts industry members – e.g. promoters, producers, festival and venue bookers – from 68 countries attended the festival to buy work and support artists beyond the Fringe
1,084 professional media accredited from 36 countries. The majority of these were reviewers (718) attending and reviewing work
More than 300 sensory resources were used by neurodiverse children and adults, to help make their experience of the Fringe more enjoyable
60% of Fringe shows were level access venues and nearly 25,000 tickets were issued via the Fringe Society’s access ticketing service
37 local schools, charities and community groups took part in the Fringe Days Out scheme, which offers Fringe vouchers and Lothian Bus tickets to people who wouldn’t normally get to choose their own experience of the Fringe
An estimated 2,604,404 tickets were issued across the festival, with countless more attending non-ticketed shows and Street Events

Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 07 – 31 August 2026.

‘Honour’-based abuse crackdown in raft of new measures

Victims and survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse will be kept safer and more perpetrators brought to justice in a raft of new measures, as part of the UK government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls and the Plan for Change.

New statutory guidance and a legal definition of ‘honour’-based abuse will be brought in to help the police, social workers and others better support victims and make clear that frontline staff must take these crimes seriously. It will also help stop vital information, which could hold perpetrators to account in a criminal trial, from falling through the cracks.

On top of the new guidance, the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) will work with the police to improve how officers assess the risks posed by ‘honour’-based abuse offenders, so they can step in and support victims as soon as possible. This year, that work will focus on identifying challenges alongside what works to identify areas for improvement.

To unearth the full scale of ‘honour’-based abuse, the Home Office will pilot a prevalence study looking at how widespread this crime is, and a community awareness campaign will be launched to encourage victims to come forward.

Teachers, police officers, social workers and healthcare professionals will also receive more training to help them better spot the signs of ‘honour’-based abuse and know how to deal with suspected cases.

These measures have been backed by the charity Karma Nirvana and 22 other specialist ‘honour’-based abuse organisations. The mother of Fawziyah Javed has also welcomed the changes after her daughter’s tragic murder in 2021. Fawziyah was pushed off Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland by her husband. At the time of her death, Fawziyah was pregnant and she had planned to leave the marriage.

Recent statistics showed that 2,755 ‘honour’-based abuse related offences were recorded by the police in England and Wales. For too long, these devastating crimes which include ‘honour’-motivated killings, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, have been allowed to happen in the shadows.

Today’s measures are the latest step in the government’s efforts to tackle ‘honour’-based abuse. Earlier this year, the joint Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Forced Marriage Unit launched a new mission statement and action plan with the aim of improving all operations so the unit can continue to provide the best possible support to victims of forced marriage and the professionals who help them.

This remains a vital part of the government’s efforts to tackle forced marriage, a debilitating and devastating form of ‘honour’-based abuse, so victims can be supported at home and overseas.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “All forms of ‘honour’-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them. For too long, these offences have often been misunderstood by professionals, resulting in victims not getting the support they deserve.

“Today we are announcing measures to put an end to this and shining a light on this debilitating abuse. This marks a crucial step in this government’s landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade and its Plan for Change.

“Make no mistake – we will use everything at our disposal to make sure perpetrators face justice and victims are protected.”

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said: “These crimes can cause unimaginable long lasting physical and mental pain for their victims. They have no place in our society and we must do everything we can to put a stop to them.

“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law so that the government, law enforcement and the voluntary sector can work hand in hand to give victims the support they deserve.

“It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes in England and Wales. This will enable us and our partners to help make sure that more victims are protected and more perpetrators face time behind bars.

“This is the latest step in our mission to halve violence against women and girls, as part of the Plan for Change.”

Yasmin Javed, mother of Fawziyah Javed, said: “As Fawziyah’s mother, I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for a statutory definition of ‘honour’-based abuse, and that this change has been made in Fawziyah’s memory.

“I hope that this will help many more people affected by HBA and ensure that the multiple perpetrators of this abuse are properly recognised and addressed.”

Natasha Rattu, Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, said: “Today marks a landmark moment in how ‘Honour’-Based Abuse is understood and responded to in this country. For years, Karma Nirvana and survivors have called for a statutory definition, and its introduction is a powerful recognition of their voices.

“This step will mean victims are no longer overlooked but seen, heard, and supported, while professionals are better equipped to act. Alongside investment in awareness, training, and the national helpline, this change, in Fawziyah’s memory, has the potential to save countless lives and protect future generations.”

Payzee Mahmod, survivor and campaigner, said: “I welcome the government’s commitment to introducing a statutory definition of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, alongside multi-agency statutory guidance.

“As someone who has lost my sister, Banaz to an ‘honour’ killing and as a survivor of child marriage and “honour” based abuse myself, I know how vital it is that professionals from the police to social workers and teachers have the clarity and tools they need to recognise this abuse and act quickly to protect those at risk.

“This step represents meaningful progress towards better safeguarding and ensuring that survivors are properly seen, heard, and supported. It is crucial that this commitment is upheld and delivered at the earliest opportunity, so that no one has to suffer in silence or fall through the gaps in our systems.

“I am proud to have campaigned for this change, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside government, statutory agencies, and partners to ensure that survivors are protected and that we move closer to a future free from abuse.”

Assistant Chief Constable Emma James, national policing lead for Honour-Based Abuse, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a complex crime which often happens within community or family networks that many victims find it very difficult to speak out against and can face further threats, violence, or isolation if they do.

“That’s why it’s so important that policing works closely with other agencies to identify abuse and protect victims at the earliest opportunity. We welcome the announcements from the government today that will help policing pay its part in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a devastating crime, often leaving victims terrorised, isolated, and controlled by the very family and community that should be protecting them.

“The introduction of a statutory definition is a welcome and crucial next step in strengthening our collective response to this serious and complex abuse.

“The accompanying package of measures will ensure this crime is tackled in a joined-up way, helping victims access the support they need to flee and stay safe.

“This victory has been hard won by campaigners, families and survivors alike. I applaud their tireless dedication and commend the government for taking this critical step.”

Jaswant Narwal, Crown Prosecution Service National Lead for ‘honour’-based abuse, said: “We welcome the Home Office’s announcement to develop a statutory ‘honour’-based abuse definition.

“When introduced, it will provide clarity, consistency and confidence in the way these crimes are identified and brought through the criminal justice system.

“We are dedicated to working with government agencies, stakeholders, and survivors to improve the way we bring abusers to justice and break the silence against these crimes which are too-often hidden in plain sight.”

This summer will ‘almost certainly’ be warmest on record for the UK

Provisional statistics from the Met Office show that summer 2025 will ‘almost certainly’ be the warmest summer on record for the UK.

It would move 2018 off the top spot and relegate 1976 out of the top five warmest summer in a series which dates back to 1884.

The UK’s mean temperature from 1 June to 25 August currently stands at 16.13°C, which is 1.54°C above the long-term meteorological average. At present, 2018 is the warmest summer since 1884, with a mean temperature of 15.76°C.

Met Office scientist, Emily Carlisle, said: “Provisional Met Office statistics show that summer 2025 will almost certainly be the warmest summer on record. At present, mean temperature is tracking at 16.13°C.

“The current record is 15.76°C, set in 2018. So, unless temperatures are around four degrees below average for the rest of August – which the forecast does not suggest – it looks like the current record will be exceeded.

“This would move 1976 out of the top five warmest summers since 1884, leaving all five warmest summers having occurred since the year 2000.

“Of course, there are still a few days left of meteorological summer to go, but it’s very unlikely anything will stop summer 2025 from being the warmest on record.”

Temperatures look closer to average for the remainder of August, with unsettled weather set to conclude meteorological summer.

What are the current top warmest summers?

The below shows the top 10 UK warmest summers since 1884, with the current (as of today) 2025 mean temperature.

Chart showing top 10 warmest summers in UK

Consistently above-average temperatures

Both June and July delivered consistently above-average temperatures, with England recording its warmest June on record, while Wales and the UK overall saw their third and second warmest Junes respectively. July continued the trend, making it the UK’s fifth warmest July on record.

Four heatwaves so far

Four heatwaves have occurred so far this summer and whilst this may be unusual, each has been short-lived and interspersed with near-average conditions. None of the heatwaves have forced the UK highest maximum temperature of the year to particularly high levels, with the highest temperature recorded to date for 2025 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent. This is well below the UK’s all-time high of 40.3°C set in July 2022.

But it was warmer in 1976?

The summer of 1976 remains one of the most memorable in UK weather history. During this period, multiple locations across England recorded heatwave-like conditions lasting over two weeks. In 1976, there were 16 days in total in which temperatures exceeded 32°C. This compares to nine days recorded in 2025.

But, although 2025 hasn’t had such long-lived high temperature spikes, what is striking about this summer is the consistency of the warmth.

This persistent warmth is driven by a combination of factors including dry ground from spring, high-pressure systems, and unusually warm seas around the UK. These conditions have created an environment where heat builds quickly and lingers.

Both maximum and minimum temperatures have also been significantly above average, with minimum temperatures especially so.

What about climate change?

During the period 1991-2020, the mean summer temperature was 14.59°C, this is over 0.8°C more than the period 1961-1990. Climate projections show that future UK summers are going to become hotter and drier; a trend we are already witnessing.

Climate change has the power to turn previously unremarkable years into record-breaking ones, as baseline conditions steadily rise. This summer’s four heatwaves, which might once have passed as pleasant spells of warm weather, are made more prominent by the heightened backdrop that climate change creates.

Below average, but variable rainfall

So far this summer, rainfall is tracking below average, with 72% of the of the whole summer’s long-term average recorded. At this point in the season, you’d expect 93%. There is of course much regional variation, with central, southern and eastern parts of England and Wales so far especially dry, whilst north-western parts of the UK, especially Scotland, have been much wetter. England is currently tracking as the driest of the UK nations, and Scotland the wettest.

This all comes off the back of England’s driest spring in more than 100 years and the driest January-July period since 1929.

But with some more unsettled weather in the forecast for the end of August, these figures will of course change.

Above-average sunshine

Sunshine amounts are also tracking ahead of average so far, with England especially sunny.

Why has it been so persistently warm?

Several factors have contributed to the persistent warmth, including a dominant high-pressure system and a significant marine heatwave around the UK enhancing air temperatures. Climate change is also playing a role, with the UK warming at a rate of approximately 0.25°C per decade. 2023, 2022 and 2018 are among the UK’s top ten warmest summers in records back to 1884.

The full, provisional August and Summer 2025 statistics will be release by the Met Office on Monday 1 September.