Scotland’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer will lace up her walking shoes on Saturday 6 September, to take part in the final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh.
This will be the last MoonWalk in the capital, before the iconic overnight fundraising event, organised by cancer charity Walk the Walk, leaves Edinburgh after 19 years to go on tour to another city
Professor Carolyn McDonald (pictured), alongside fellow AHP Leaders Helen Moores-Poole and Anne Wallace (Team “Allied Angels”) will take on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenge wearing Walk the Walk’s trademark brightly decorated bras
The Chief AHP Officer leads the national strategy for the 14 allied health professions (AHPs) across Scotland, such as radiographers, physiotherapists, paramedics, dietitians and occupational therapists
AHPs are the third largest clinical workforce within NHS Scotland, playing a huge role in health promotion and also in frontline care, including for thousands of people with cancer.
Scotland’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, Professor Carolyn McDonald said:- “Team ‘Allied Angels’ is very excited to be taking part in next month’s final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh.
“As Allied Health Professions Leaders, we constantly strive to encourage people to walk for health, to build friendships and community and to support one another to improve their physical and mental health.
“This is an approach which we share with The MoonWalk organisers, Walk the Walk. We also support so many people across Scotland on their cancer journeys – just as Walk the Walk has done so brilliantly over the last 19 years.
“We are thrilled to have this wonderful chance to celebrate the incredible impact which The MoonWalk has had over the years and also to say ‘thank you’ “.
People of all ages across Scotland can also get involved in the final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh in a number of ways:-
Signing up for the Half Moon (13.1 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk Scotland. Entries close at midnight on Monday 25th August
Taking part in the 5K ZOOM Walk on the morning of Sat 6th Sept – a challenge for all ages and abilities. Registration available until the day.
Registering as a Volunteer to make both events (starting from Holyrood Park) run smoothly
For more information about cancer charity Walk the Walk and to sign up as a Walker or Volunteer on Saturday 6th September, go to www.walkthewalk.org
All of our clubs are BACK and ready to welcome our awesome young people!!
Please note: There are a few changes to where some groups are running from – Don Bosco will be at the PENNYWELL HUB building THIS WEEK (Wednesday 20th August)!
If there are any questions regarding days/times/venues please contact the team on the MYDG Mobile Number – 07960955667
£150,000 ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign launched
Appeal for ‘fandals’ to support restoration
The original world-famous Elephant House Café, renowned as the birthplace of Harry Potter, is set to reopen following a devastating fire that forced its closure four years ago.
Today, the owners have announced an ambitious restoration plan, including the launch of the ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign to help bring the beloved literary landmark back to life.
A must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans worldwide, The Elephant House Café became famous for being one of J.K. Rowling’s favourite writing spots in the early days of the series.
Fans from across the globe flocked to the café to soak up its magical atmosphere and, in true Potterhead tradition, scrawled messages of admiration, quotes, and artwork in the toilets – a spontaneous tribute that became an iconic feature of the café’s history and a symbol of the love people had for the café and the stories born within its walls.
As part of the fundraising efforts, the café owners are now appealing for the graffiti ‘fandals’ to support the crowdfunder for the opportunity to come back and leave their mark again.
“The Elephant House has always been a home for writers, dreamers, and fans of literature,” said David Taylor, owner of The Elephant House Café. “The fire was a heartbreaking loss, but the passion and enthusiasm from fans have been overwhelming.
“The scale of the devastation caused by the fire in such an historic building in the heart of a world heritage site means restoration is complex. We are determined to bring back this special place, and with the ‘Restore the magic’ campaign, we hope to unite the community and fans worldwide to help us rebuild.”
The restoration project aims to preserve the charm and legacy of The Elephant House while modernising it to create an even more welcoming space for writers, readers, and coffee lovers.
The fundraising campaign will offer multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including exclusive merchandise, sponsorship opportunities, and donation tiers that allow fans to leave their mark in creative ways within the rebuilt café.
Change to benefits payment date for millions of people will help them with their financial planning and providing peace of mind for those on low incomes.
It comes ahead of the new school year, which will allow families and carers to plan their spending with confidence, knowing their support is already in place.
This proactive measure demonstrates the Government’s commitment through its Plan for Change to raising living standards, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring growth is felt by everyone, everywhere.
Applies across the entire United Kingdom (Scotland follows the same principle despite different bank holiday arrangements).
Millions of people will receive their essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 22 August.
The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for the weekend of 23-25 August reach recipients on time.
This proactive measure will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence knowing their support is already in place during what can be an expensive time for households.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.
“This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.
“This is what our Plan for Change is all about – putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future.”
The early payment policy ensures recipients receive their funds before banks and government offices close for the holiday weekend, maintaining the continuity of support that millions depend upon.
The Avenue, an exclusive retirement community by five-star home builder Cruden Homes, is in the running for its third major accolade after being shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2025 Herald Property Awards.
This latest nomination follows an impressive award season for The Avenue, which has already scooped Housing Development of the Year (Small, Private Sale) at the 2025 Scottish Home Awards and Private Development of the Year (Medium) at the 2025 Homes for Scotland Awards.
Located in the leafy suburb of Barnton, just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, The Avenue’s boutique offering includes 48 energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, each built to a high specification.
Designed exclusively for those aged 55 and over, the development combines elegant, hotel-inspired living and thoughtful amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a stylish club lounge and guest suite, and will benefit from a dedicated concierge service. The Avenue’s focus on sustainability, quality and design sets it apart in the retirement living sector.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique opportunity for those aged 55 and over to live in luxurious, peaceful homes, alongside a lovely community of like-minded neighbours.
“We prioritised quality and innovation from the outset, and it is fantastic to see this commitment recognised with our recent award successes and this latest nomination.”
The Herald Property awards, hosted in partnership with Prime Property Auctions, celebrate Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords.
For more information on The Avenue’s luxury retirement living, please visit:
The Ripple Project is threatening to take Edinburgh Intergation Joint Board to court over this year’s controversial funding process.
The Restalrig-based community hub believes the EIJB’s consultation process was too short, key information was withheld and responses were not adequately considered.
They maintain the EIJB’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved after ‘an unfair and unlawful consultation process’.
THE RIPPLE STATEMENT:
“The Ripple Project has formally written with a pre-action letter to the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to challenge the way its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved. We believe the consultation process was too short, key information was withheld, and responses were not properly considered.
“We have asked the Board to withdraw the decision and re-run a lawful, transparent consultation — and we hope they will do so without the need for court action.”
The EIJB has until 27 August to reply. The Ripple would prefer the EIJB to withdraw their decision and ‘run a fair, lawful consultation without going to court’ – but if the Ripple Project finds the EIJB’s response unsatisfactory, they may then lodge a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session.
The date of the EIJB’s next meeting does not currently appear on the organisation’s website.
THE RIPPLE’s PRE-ACTION LETTER TO THE EIJB IN FULL:
Edinburgh-based business owner, Sophie – who runs Premier Broadway alongside her parents – tells her story of success in the local community
Sophie features in a six-part photography and mini docu-series that follows the stories of local corner shop bosses from across Great Britain
The series spotlights local Bosses as you’ve never seen them before – as research shows over a third of Brits consider the corner shop an essential part of their daily life
Shot by award-winning director Ross Bolidai, and photographer Serena Brown, the series celebrates corner shop bosses in a new light
Launching the series to celebrate 125 years in Great Britain, Coca-Cola is also giving back to local communities – with each boss from the series nominating a local cause to receive a five-figure donation
An Edinburgh retailer has been chosen as one of the stars of a major new campaign by Coca-Cola, spotlighting the invaluable role that corner shops – and the real people behind the counter – play in their local communities.
Sophie Williams, who runs Premier Broadway in Edinburgh alongside her parents, is one of six business owners from across the country that will feature in the campaign, including a new portrait and docu-series shot by multi-award-winning director Ross Bolidai and National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown.
The short film reveals Sophie’s multigenerational story of family, community, and resilience. Sophie’s parents – Dennis and Linda – built their shop through decades of change, serving their neighbours with trust and consistency for 41 years.
Now, Sophie – a former theatre professional – is stepping into the spotlight, bringing new energy, social media flair, and fresh ideas to a business that raised her.
As well as being the subject of her own micro-documentary, Sophie’s face will be proudly on display on Out of Home advertisement spots across Edinburgh, signifying the importance of corner shops and their owners to their local communities, as Coca-Cola celebrates 125 years of its products being sold in Great Britain, hand-in-hand with local retailers.
It comes as corner shops play an increasingly important role in daily life despite the struggles of the high street, with over a third (34%) of people across Great Britain saying their corner shop is an essential resource in their everyday life, according to research by Coca-Cola.
Almost a quarter (23%) of Brits said they depend on corner shops more than any other retailer, and despite only recently being recognised as ‘key workers’, corner shop owners have been embedded at the heart of British communities for over a century.
Made in Edinburgh: Sophie’s Story
Founded by Dennis and his parents in 1983, the Williams’ corner shop has been at the heart of their Edinburgh community. Having originally met at the cash and carry Dennis and Linda built something far more meaningful than just a business, testament to the relentless dedication to the people of Edinburgh.
Now their daughter Sophie, an experienced theatrical performer, is bringing fresh energy to the store – from viral TikTok videos to online delivery apps for a new generation of customers.
Although the Williams’ business has grown immensely over its 41 years – what hasn’t changed is their passion, customer service, and unrelenting work ethic.
With Sophie at the helm, she is driven to continue the family legacy – and to show how heritage and innovation can thrive side by side.
Sophie’s role as a Coca-Cola Boss and the content series
Sophie and her family have been immortalised by talented Gen Z photographer Serena Brown, known for her work on bringing the stories of real people to the front of her camera lens. Brown produced a gallery of photos celebrating the commitment, heritage, know-how and personalities behind Britain’s corner shop counters.
Meanwhile, director Ross Bolidai produced the moving mini-documentaries pulling the curtain back on the people we see every day, but perhaps don’t know much about.
Sophie Williams, running Premier Broadway, Edinburgh alongside her parents, said:“For 41 years, Premier Broadway has been more than a store; it’s been a cornerstone of our family and community.
“Our passion goes beyond transaction, embodying a belief that the shop does not just belong to us – but to everyone it serves.
“As we join Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, we are reminded of the dedication my parents have shown since 1983, and the legacy we continue to build in Edinburgh.
“Their expertise, combined with my fresh perspective, social media presence, and innovative ideas, ensures our commitment to keeping the store vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President and General Manager of Great Britain & Ireland at Coca-Cola said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 125 years since Coca-Cola was first served in Great Britain, and with 97% of our products sold here manufactured and bottled here, we’re invested in local communities.
“‘The Bosses’ series is an ode to that, celebrating the businessmen and women ushering in a new era for the vastly underestimated corner shop.
“We’ll continue to champion and mentor community retailers far into the future, and hope they continue to find a sense of camaraderie through our network.”
With a legacy spanning 125 years in Great Britain, The Coca-Cola Company is committed to supporting local communities – with each boss from the series nominating a local cause to receive a five-figure donation.
For more information or to view the content, please visit:
The Battle of Brass Heats Up Ahead of Upcoming UK National Finals
Around 500 bands from across the UK have been taking part in regional heats, all leading up to two final events this autumn with the National Champion Band of Great Britain to be crowned at the Royal Albert Hall
Sections 1-4 National Finals, Saturday 13 – Sunday 14th, Cheltenham RacecourseChampionship Section National Final, Saturday 11th October, Royal Albert Hall, 10am
The culmination of the brass band season is fast approaching as the UK’s top ensembles prepare to compete in two prestigious finals this September and October. Bands from across the country will go head-to-head in a thrilling contest for divisional titles, promotion and the coveted Challenge Trophy – awarded to the band crowned National Champion Band of Great Britain.
Often described as the brass banding equivalent of the Football League, the competition began earlier this year with regional qualifiers involving around 500 bands across eight UK regions: London & the Southern Counties, Midlands, North of England, North West, Scotland, Wales, West of England, and Yorkshire.
Each region is divided into five competitive sections — the Championship Section and Sections 1 – 4. From these regional “heats,” 94 bands have earned a place in one of two national finals; the Sections 1–4 Finals which will take place in Cheltenham this September, where bands will vie for divisional titles and promotion within the structure and the Championship Section Final at the Royal Albert Hall, where the top 19 Championship bands will compete for the prestigious National Challenge Trophy and the title of National Champion Band of Great Britain 2025.
At October’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall final, each band will perform this year’s chosen work Edward Gregson’s Symphony in two movements.
The winner will be decided by three adjudicators who are sealed in a box in the auditorium where they can hear the music but can’t see the bands on stage.
The competition is judged this way to preserve its integrity and to put less pressure on the adjudicators. There is also a prize for the Most Outstanding Player.
Edward Gregson said: “I’m honoured that the National Brass Band Championships have selected my Symphony in two movements as the set work for this year’s prestigious competition at the Royal Albert Hall.
“Although I’ve previously received commissions for this event, this time the panel chose a piece I originally composed in 2012 for two of the UK’s National Youth Bands—music that carries youthful energy, rhythmic vitality, and lyrical expressiveness.
“It’s a bold and contemporary choice, drawing on symphonic traditions from Beethoven to Stravinsky and Prokofiev, while also nodding to the English pastoral style of Vaughan Williams.
“Unlike more programmatic works previously featured, this score demands precision, detail, and stylistic versatility from both conductors and players—combining symphonic brass with the warmth of traditional brass band sound.
“Having 19 of the UK’s finest bands prepare this piece is a great privilege, and I look forward to hearing the results on the day.’’
The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain is one of the highlights of the UK’s banding calendar.
Beginning in 1900, the event in its current format started in 1945 at the Royal Albert Hall, making this year the eightieth anniversary of the competition being held at the venue.
The event blends fierce competition with camaraderie as many long-lasting friendships and relationships have been formed over the years and many musicians have gone on to perform at the highest levels in the wider musical world.
The most successful band in the competition’s history is West Yorkshire’s the Black Dyke Band with 24 titles, and this year’s defending champions is the Flowers Band from the West of England.
The Results Ceremony will be preceded by a Gala Concert where the current National Youth Brass Band champions Northamptonshire’s Youth Brass 2000 will be the featured artist.
They will be joined by an array of former members who have gone on to perform at the very top level including Jordan Ashman (BBC Young Musician of the Year 2022), Siobhan Edwards (Principal Tenor Horn, Black Dyke Band) and Mathew Gee (Principal Trombone, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) as well as current players from top British bands including Cory, Black Dyke – who were featured in the Sky Arts documentary Battle of the Bands in 2019 — and Grimethorpe Colliery, made famous by the film Brassed Off and students from the UK’s top conservatoires, including Royal Academy of Music (RAM), Royal College of Music (RCM), Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), and Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
The Gala Concert has in the past featured incredible musicians such as international euphoniumist David Childs Official, LSO Brass (London Symphony Orchestra), The Bands of HM Royal Marines, The Royal Air Force Squadronaires (RAF Music) Black Dyke Band, Cory Band, Mnozil Brass, Mike Lovatt accompanied by the Whitburn Band and many more.
There is a 25% discount for students and a special offer on gala concert only tickets.
Philip Morris, Managing Director, Kapitol Promotions said: “We are thrilled to return once again to London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall for our flagship event – a true celebration of brass banding at its finest.
“This year is of special significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of the first National Final held at the RAH in its current format. Audiences can look forward to outstanding performances of Edward Gregson’s Symphony in two movements – the composer’s own favourite work for brass band.
“Adding to the occasion, the Gala Concert will feature the current National Youth Champions of Great Britain, Youth Brass 2000, together with a host of exciting alumni as their special guests’’
Kapitol Promotions Ltd is a live music events company based in Penarth (South Wales) and is the current owner and promoter of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
Kapitol Festivals is the other arm of the company and upcoming events include The Armed Man at Brangwyn Hall on 19 Oct 2025 with Sir Karl Jenkins, and RWCMD Festive Brass on 12 Dec 2025 featuring the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama’s Brass Band at the Wales Millennium Centre.
