Cosmetic treatments which do not require surgery, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and liquid Brazilian butt lifts, are rocketing in popularity. Many people might not know that, as yet, the industry is largely unregulated.
All too often we hear of some such beauty treatments going horribly wrong, and people who have suffered severe, and even life-changing, injuries as a result.
Cases include people left with permanent scarring to their faces from botched chemical peels. Multiple cases of the over-use of Hyalase injections to dissolve filler have led to tissue loss and cavities to the face, which then required multiple fat grafting treatments.
The Scottish Government has now said it will forge ahead with legislation this autumn. The sooner this burgeoning industry is regulated, the safer consumers will be.
Gordon Dalyell
Scotland representative, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
The event allowed fans who missed out on tickets to the Murrayfield shows to still join in the fun and the gig saw the group perform classics such as Wonderwall, Live Forever, and Don’t Look Back in Anger
Oasis fans of all ages turned up for the tribute, including families and little ones proudly sporting iconic bucket hats
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it was only right that we brought a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act, and their free show was the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It was a great way to spend a Sunday – with attendees grabbing a bite, enjoying the music, and making a proper day of it with friends and family.”
The event was just one of the free events that took place at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences. The centre also hosted character visits inspired by popular blockbuster films including Wicked and Lilo & Stich.
Unpaid carers in Scotland urged to access respite funding, as 1 in 3 struggle to take a break
The UK’s largest community of unpaid carers is urging hundreds of thousands of Scots providing unpaid care for someone to access vital respite funding. This follows new research revealing that 1 in 3 unpaid carers are rarely able to take a break.
Released as part of a carer-led “protest from home” in July, the Carers Trust research shows that 44% of unpaid carers are not currently accessing government-issued respite care. This echoes previous research conducted by Mobilise in July 2024, which revealed that almost half (47%) of unpaid carers had never taken a break, with many respondents citing a lack of available support as the reason.
It also comes as the Scottish Government introduces a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers under the new Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025.
Now, experts at carer-led community Mobilise are also calling for greater awareness of funding for replacement care services and holiday accommodation, as well as new developments around Scottish carers’ rights to breaks. This support can give unpaid carers desperately needed breaks.
What rights do unpaid carers have to take breaks?
Local Authorities now have a duty, under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to ensure that all unpaid carers are able to take sufficient breaks. This means that all unpaid carers living in Scotland are now legally entitled to take a break.
Anyone in a caring role also has the right to be assessed for an ‘Adult Carer Support Plan’ (or Young Carer Statement, if you’re caring for a child). This can lead to free respite care services, or funding for breaks and activities that offer time away from caring responsibilities – ranging from regular time off to a short holiday.
What respite care funding is available?
Adult Carer Support Plans aren’t the only way to access replacement care services. A number of different funding options are available to give Scottish carers respite breaks (sometimes known as ‘carers breaks’ or ‘short breaks’), depending on the level of care you provide and the needs of the person you are caring for.
Respite care costs can also be covered by:
Local council funding via Social Care Assessments – Depending on where you live, respite care funding may fall under the care plan of the person you care for, which is put in place following what’s known as a Social Care or Community Care Assessment. You can ask your local council’s social care department for help with this.
NHS Continuing Healthcare funding – This funding can provide professional care services for the person you look after, whilst you take a break. Eligibility is based on the health care needs and circumstances of the care recipient. The NHS has more information about this criteria, and your GP can also advise and help you apply.
Local Carers’ Centre funding – Your local Carers’ Centre may have their own respite scheme, offer grants, or be able to offer details of other funding available in your area. Find out more here.
Charitable funds & grants – Other organisations that provide free respite care include:
Turn2Us – This charity offers grants for respite care
The Respite Association – Specialist respite care for disabled, sick, elderly and terminally ill people is available through this charity
HRH Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers – This fund offers grants for replacement care costs as well as group activities, which may offer a short break and/or time to socialise with other carers
Where can carers get free respite accommodation?
Even with respite care services in place, holiday accommodation costs can be prohibitive for carers who often face additional expenses, and may have to drop out of paid roles or reduce their hours. To help break down this barrier to breaks, a number of organisations offer free accommodation for carers. Some also offer support for your cared-for person to join you.
Free respite accommodation options include:
Shared Care Scotland – From accessible hotels that host carers and their loved ones, to home-based respite services and holiday accommodation for carers, this charity helps carers find and fund regular short breaks
Carefree – This charity offers 1-2 night hotel stays, which you can have a companion join you for (someone other than the person you look after, to give you a break from caring)
After Umbrage – Free 4-day cottage breaks are available through this charity for those caring for someone with life-limiting and terminal conditions
Take A Break Scotland – Scottish carers who look after disabled children and young people can apply for cash grants towards short breaks via this charity
The Respite Association – As well as free respite care, if you look after someone with a disability or additional health needs, this charity offers week-long seaside holidays
Disability Grants – If you look after a disabled person, this organisation lists holiday grants, with a ‘supported holiday’ option to make breaks more accessible for you both
To get more help finding and applying for respite care funding and support, you can visit Mobilise’s detailed Guide to Respite. Care support experts are also on hand to help via the Mobilise website.
GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.
The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.
The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.
To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.
“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.
“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”
Local authority area
[NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
[VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now.
Racking up an incredible 158 million views on the streaming platform, with its leading single reaching number one in charts on both sides of the pond, K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm this summer.
Now, for one weekend only, the global phenomenon hits the big screen in full high-definition glory for a sing-along event, taking place 23 – 24 August.
The sing-along event follows a world-renowned K-Pop girl group who find themselves balancing a life in the spotlight with their secret identities as ‘bad-ass demon hunters’. Set against a colourful backdrop of fashion, food, style – and the most popular music movement of the current generation – this special sing-along screening promises to be a summer highlight.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “As the Korean Wave continues to capture hearts worldwide, this special event offers fans of K-Pop the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful animation and chart-topping score with our breathtaking screens and immersive surround sound.
“For younger audiences in particular, we know that visiting the cinema is a way to disconnect from the digital world and nurture real-life connections in a communal setting. With the added energy of a sing-along event, we’re confident this latest K-Pop celebration will attract dedicated fans as well as wider family audiences looking for exactly that.”
The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) has officially reopened its centre on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh. The newly refurbished office offers a modern and accessible space for the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters and staff to use.
The Hillside office had temporarily closed for renovation in November 2023, although many of the charity’s services continued to operate throughout this period. The refurbishment has been part of the charity’s continued work to ensure its support and services are robust, future-facing and consistently meeting the needs of people with sight loss.
The facilities in Abbeyhill now include Café VI – a welcoming café serving the local community, a Product and Advice store offering accessible aids and equipment, and a multi-use community space which hosts various social, leisure and peer-support groups.
Thursday’s launch event welcomed members of the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters, and staff.
The ribbon was officially cut by Kirin Saeed, Chair of the RNIB Scotland Advisory Group, following speeches from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland; Matt Stringer, RNIB Chief Executive; and Sarah Boyack MSP.
Kirin Saeed says: ““Having an accessible space like this in the heart of Edinburgh makes a real difference.
“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting advice on equipment, or meeting with others who share similar experiences, this hub brings people together and supports us in living independently. I can’t wait to meet new and old friends.”
Later in the day, a smaller, private gathering marked the naming of the new Sandra Wilson Boardroom, in memory of Sandra Wilson, former Chair of RNIB Scotland (2015–2021), who passed away in August 2024.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: ““Thanks to Sandra’s leadership Scotland is a more accessible place for blind and partially sighted people than it otherwise would have been.
“Dedicating this space in her name is a small way of honouring her legacy.”
Matt Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RNIB says: ““We’re delighted to open this fantastic new community facility in Edinburgh. It demonstrates RNIB’s ongoing commitment to delivering first-class services for blind and partially sighted people.
“As a charity, we believe the world should be accessible to everyone. This investment reflects our values and our continued determination to help build a more inclusive society.”
This August, St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions – the city’s only FREE music festival.
From 15th August, the Everyman Cinema will host the first evening of the Vinyl Lounge before the music moves to Level 1 Guest Services from 16th-17th and 21st-24th August.
Visitors can browse an eclectic selection of second-hand and new vinyl covering everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Latin, to Ska, Reggae, Dub, World, Experimental, Soundtracks, Bollywood, and Library Music.
The experience will be soundtracked by live DJ sets on old-school vinyl decks throughout opening hours.
The opening weekend (15th–17th August) will be curated by La Beat Soul Club, one of Edinburgh’s most-loved soul nights. For over seven years, the La Beat trio – Brian, Gavin and Ross – have been bringing high-energy soul sessions to venues across the city. Now, they’re bringing their deepest crates and infectious energy to their biggest venue yet at St James Quarter.
The closing weekend (21st-24th August) sees Umbrella Vinyl take over. Since opening their Tollcross store in 2022, founders Laura, Josh and Nick have built a community hub for vinyl lovers, known for its inclusive atmosphere and environmentally conscious ethos. Their carefully curated range spans genres from Afrobeat to Soundtracks, reflecting the founders’ Hong Kong roots and broad musical tastes.
The pop-up Vinyl Lounge is the latest addition to the St James Quarter Sessions line-up. Happening during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the city’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, this year’s St James Quarter Sessions programme sees over 60 acts including The BrandNew Heavies, Bemz, Tamzene, and Cortney Dixon performing across the impressive, canopied development, including the Level 6 rooftop, with panoramic views of Scotland’s capital and castle – providing one of the most unique festival stages in the UK.
Susan Hewlett, Festival Creator at St James Quarter, said:“St James Quarter Sessions is about celebrating music during the Festival, and our Pop-Up Vinyl Lounge is the perfect way to do that.
“Whether you’re a seasoned record collector or simply curious to explore the shelves, you’ll find an incredible mix of music, atmosphere, and community. Partnering with local legends La Beat Soul Club and Umbrella Vinyl means we’re bringing together some of the city’s most passionate champions of vinyl culture – all under one roof.
“We can’t wait for visitors to dig through the crates, discover new sounds, and enjoy the magic of music on vinyl in the heart of the city.”
The Vinyl Lounge is open from 5pm – 10pm in the Everyman Cinema on 15th August and from 12pm to 8pm on the 16th-17th and 21-23rd August before its final day on Sunday August 24th from 12pm – 6pm in the Level 1 Guest Services.
Don’t miss your chance to dig through crates of incredible records, discover hidden gems, and experience the soulful soundtrack of St James Quarter Sessions.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash which happened in Roslin, Midlothian.
The crash happened on the B7003 at Roslin Glen at around 6.50am on Thursday, 14 August, 2025 involving a black KTM 990 Super Duke motorcycle and grey Kia Sportage car.
The rider of the motorcycle, a 43-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a 44-year-old man, was not injured. The road was closed for approximately six hours for collision investigation at the scene.
Road Policing Sergeant Phil Winning said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the motorcyclist who died following this crash.
“I am appealing for any motorist who was on the B7003 and who may have witnessed what happened or had a dashcam device fitted that may have captured the incident or the vehicles immediately prior to the collision.
“Anyone who can assist our enquiries should come forward as soon as possible.”
Those with information or footage should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0604 of 14 August 2025.
The new term’s programme of adult education courses on offer across Edinburgh has been released.
The city has successfully run this programme for over 115 years, providing a variety of daytime, evening and weekend courses from Art, Archaeology and Craft to Languages, Tai Chi and Yoga.
There is something for everyone to try and enjoy and is an excellent opportunity to discover a new interest and learn skills for life.
Courses are offered online, outdoors and in many venues across the city.
The programme ensures that education is accessible, affordable and inclusive to all and would encourage anyone interested to sign up. Have fun learning!
Strachan House care home, in Blackhall, celebrated International Owl Awareness Day with a visit from some beautiful owl species from Owl Adventures UK.
Residents, family, and friends of Strachan House Care Home were delighted to see their new feathered friends flying around.
They enjoyed holding, feeding, and learning about several species, including a majestic barn owl and an impressive great horned owl. Owl Adventures UK, founded in 2011 by Ryan Stocks, prioritizes the welfare and conservation of birds.
The group rescues birds of prey after accidents in the wild and encourages support for endangered birds of prey in the UK.
General Manager Fran Fisher said, “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew the birds of prey would bring fun to everyone, especially those who cannot join many minibus outings.
“We are always looking for new activities, and today we saw how much enjoyment and therapeutic value animals provide.”
Resident Rosemary was very excited by the birds from Owl Adventures UK: “Today was very enjoyable, and it was wonderful that the owls were free to roam amongst us.
“They are beautiful birds, and it was such an honour to hold and stroke them.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential, nursing, and dementia care for short and long-term stays.
