Celebrating 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with the Edinburgh Festival season in full swing, talented drummers from the Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps teamed up with award-winning, high-energy family spectacular The Box Show to bring a vibrant mashup of drumming to Assembly George Square Gardens today.
Attracting global audiences with their rousing performances on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, and dramatic entrances across Edinburgh Castle’s historic drawbridge, the Tattoo Pipes and Drums have been an integral part of the Tattoo since it first launched in 1950.
Turning ordinary junk into extraordinary funk, Australian production The Box Show finished a major tour in China before bringing its all-ages sensation to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, delighting audiences with a performance that promises to be fast-paced, funny and full of surprises.
This exciting Scotland-Australia crossover isn’t only for today, as in February 2026, the Tattoo will be going down under and touring the show across Australia and New Zealand.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade each night throughout this year’s 75th anniversary show, which runs until 23 August.
Sunday’s wildfire at Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, was thought to have been started by ‘human activity’. While this could be a range of things, one possible reason could be discarded litter.
Glass waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk warn locals that discarded litter, particularly glass, left in direct sunlight and near grass, can ignite and spread quickly. To help reduce the risk of more fires, they are urging locals to carefully dispose of empty glass bottles to prevent fires.
What’s the risk?
Wildfires are on the rise, with research finding that by April 2025, the UK had already surpassed records for the area of land burnt by wildfires.
So far this year there have been 175 fires, burning an area of over 40,000 hectares – that’s an area more than twice the size of the city of Glasgow.
Fires like these are becoming more common due to climate change. One study found that human-induced climate change makes the dangerous conditions needed for wildfires at least six times more likely.
Why is glass waste an issue?
Glass waste, specifically any that’s clear or curved like drinks bottles, can act as a magnifying glass in direct sunlight and start fires. The magnifying effect of glass can project the sun’s rays onto dry material like grass, wood, or paper. When this reaches a certain temperature it can ignite a fire. Combine this with dry and windy conditions, and fires spread quickly.
While this may sound an unlikely combination of factors, it’s more common than many people realise. For example, a fire in the Peak District in May was attributed to discarded bottles, and a similar situation was seen on the Isle of Arran in April.
Outside of wildfires, glass also poses a risk in the home. Residents should be careful when disposing of glass into open top bins, especially when combined with other combustible materials found in dry mixed recycling, such as paper and cardboard. Alongside this, a single glass bottle left on dry garden grass could be enough to start a fire.
Beyond the obvious risk to health and life, wildfires, especially those that burn the UK’s moorland, can be ecologically devastating. They can wipe out whole ecosystems and make local areas more prone to future flooding.
How should you dispose of glass?
If you take any glass bottles with you to open outdoor spaces, you should always take them home with you. Never leave glass exposed in direct sunlight for long periods of time, especially alongside dry vegetation and materials like paper and cardboard.
Glass should always be recycled. Waste glass is a valuable resource that can be constantly recycled into new glass products. If glass is sent to landfill, the raw material is lost and more must be mined to create new products. Recycling glass saves up to 30% of the energy compared to making new glass from raw materials.
What to do if you spot a fire
First, ensure you get yourself and anyone you are with to safety. Once you have done so, call 999 to report the fire. Try to give as much detailed information as you can about the location – What3Words can be helpful to pinpoint fires. Never attempt to put out a wildfire yourself, as these types of fires can behave erratically.
What are the consequences if your litter leads to a fire?
If your litter causes a fire, and you left this ‘deliberately’ or ‘recklessly’, this might be classed as arson5 under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. This could result in a criminal record, unlimited fines, and even a prison sentence.
Littering itself can see you issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £500, or a fine in court of up to £2,500.
Graham Matthews, glass waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Many people aren’t aware of the danger discarded glass poses. But as the weather heats up, it’s essential that the public are careful with all waste.
“We know that climate change is only escalating the risk of wildfires across the UK, and we have seen many concerning instances of just a single glass bottle being responsible for burning huge swathes of the countryside.
“We urge people to be responsible and considerate with any glass waste, both in and outside the home. You should always take your litter with you regardless, but the consequences are so much higher in hot, dry weather.
“While leaving glass bottles unattended or littered may seem like a simple moment of carelessness, the lasting impact on our environment can be huge.”
The Real Mary King’s Close launches first-ever sign language tours ahead of Edinburgh Deaf Festival
One of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions is making its own history by launching digital sign language tours for the first time. The Real Mary King’s Close will offer tours in British Sign Language (BSL) and International Sign Language (IS) using a multimedia app, launching to coincide with Edinburgh Deaf Festival which began on 8th August.
The milestone is a significant step in The Real Mary King’s Close’s commitment to making history immersive and more accessible than ever to anyone wanting to step back in time into the fascinating world of 17th-century Edinburgh.
Developed in close collaboration with Deaf Action, the translation is delivered digitally by a storyteller portraying Alexander Blackwood – the founder of the world’s first deaf church and deaf organisation in 1830, whose early meetings were held at nearby Lady Stair’s Close – a stone’s throw away from Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. The historical connection helps root the experience in the city’s wider cultural and deaf heritage.
From initial scripting to on-screen performances, every aspect of the project has been shaped with deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences in mind. The result is a fully accessible and engaging guest experience, allowing more people to step into the streets and understand the stories hidden beneath the Royal Mile.
Paul Nixon, general manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We want everyone to feel the thrill of stepping into Edinburgh’s hidden past. These new BSL and IS options are more than just a translation – they’re a meaningful extension of our storytelling, built in partnership with the deaf community.
“Reprising the Alexander Blackwood character adds an extra dimension to the tours, allowing our guests to connect not only with the history of the Close, but with a pivotal figure in deaf heritage, rooted in Edinburgh. His story belongs here and we’re proud to honour it in a way that makes our experience more accessible, more immersive and more representative of all who shaped this city’s past.”
The idea for these new sign language tours came directly from The Real Mary King’s Close team, who used the expert guidance of Deaf Action to ensure the needs of deaf guests were met. From scripting to filming, every stage was thoughtfully designed to ensure deaf and hard of hearing guests can fully engage with the stories.
Richard MacQueen, commercial manager at Deaf Action, said: “As the world’s oldest deaf charity, established in 1835, Deaf Action is proud to partner with The Real Mary King’s Close to make this iconic Edinburgh attraction accessible in both British Sign Language and International Sign.
“With such a strong shared connection to the city’s history, it’s fitting that two organisations with deep roots in Edinburgh are working together to break down barriers. We applaud The Real Mary King’s Close for taking meaningful steps to ensure deaf residents and visitors can fully experience the fascinating stories hidden beneath the Royal Mile.”
The Close invites the public to experience this new offering and celebrate the launch during the Edinburgh Deaf Festival, which highlights deaf culture, language and creativity.
Guests can access the new tours from The Real Mary King’s Close free language guide app, which also features translations in 11 other languages.
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: www.realmarykingsclose.com
2025 Edinburgh Multicultural Festival brings an eclectic mix of music, dance, poetry and theatre to Lauriston Castle on Saturday, 30 August.
From family cultural experiences at the Edinburgh-Kyoto Friendship Garden, to fun-filled circus workshops for all ages to a unique blend of musical genres and influences on the Main Stage, this year’s programme features local diverse performance artists that will entertain and inspire.
Morgan Njobo and Morgan Withers, festival directors expressed their excitement about this year’s festival: ‘We are delighted to be returning to Lauriston Castle with more music, dance, poetry and even musical theatre!’
Food and drink stalls with a great choice of world tastes and flavours will only add to your great day of a multi-sensory cultural extravaganza at Lauriston Castle.
Supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, the event, which is free to attend, invites all residents from across Edinburgh and beyond to come together for an afternoon of heart-warming, mind-inspiring and soul-satisfying shared experiences for all.
The LIVING FUNGI workshop on 16 AUGUST, 1 – 3PM only has a few spaces left.
Book now to avoid disappointment – the workshop is FREE to join!
To book your place email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book and how many people would like to attend: info@mycobee.org.
The Living Fungi workshop provides an introduction to fungiculture, the fascinating world of fungi, and the art of mushroom farming.
You will learn what mushrooms are and hear about the importance of mushrooms for us and our planet. Community mushroom farming is more than just a sustainable practice. It can be a form of restorative agriculture.
Mycobee’s experts Bea and Mario will share how community mushroom farming can rejuvenate the soil and all ecosystems that rely on it. You will also get to know the different types of fungi to cultivate and how to do so.
Following a sell-out success in March, local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce the return of its popular Afternoon Tea at the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street on Thursday 4th September.
Guests can look forward to a delicious spread of homemade cakes, savoury treats, and endless cups of tea and coffee, all served in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most loved community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, or neighbours – all while supporting a fantastic local cause.
But this event is more than just tea and treats – every ticket sold will directly support LifeCare’s urgent fundraising appeal to keep the Hub running. With rapidly rising costs, the charity is calling on the community to help protect the services so many people rely on.
Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare Hub is a lifeline for thousands across the city. Whether it’s classes for isolated older adults, support for unpaid carers, or just a welcoming place to connect, the Hub brings people together.
“This Afternoon Tea is a chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon whilst helping us secure the Hub’s future.”
The Hub, which first opened in 1975 as ‘Stockbridge House’, now welcomes over 47,000 visits a year, offering 80+ weekly activities for all ages. As a charity, LifeCare works hard to ensure that its services are affordable or free, so no one is left out.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced support for almost 80 organisations delivering regeneration projects, to realise the economic potential of Scotland’s communities.
Edinburgh initiatives to receive Strengthening Communities Programme funding in 2025 – 26 are:
North Edinburgh – R2 Co-ordinator £56,205.00
Rannoch Community Trust £40,295.00
Whale Arts Agency £35,154.00
Ms Forbes confirmed that more than £2.5 million has been allocated from the Strengthening Communities Programme in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin work with a further 15.
The funding will address various challenges across Scotland’s communities such as employability, population retention, a need for housing, tourism and heritage initiatives, and the expansion and development of community food hubs.
Now in its 13th year, the Programme has helped hundreds of local organisations to bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities.
The programme delivered projects including the creation of more housing in remote rural areas, building business units to help small enterprises, and renovating vacant buildings to provide cultural and community centres.
The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to a former vacant department store in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which has been transformed into a community and enterprise hub with the help of Scottish Government funding.
Number 30 The Square now houses a cafe, cinema, retail space, learning and training rooms, event space, a gallery and co-working centre.
Ms Forbes said: “Local communities are best placed to address their own needs, identify improvements in their areas, and realise their own economic potential. That is why community-led regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government.
“From arts and culture projects, training and employment schemes, to bringing new life to disused buildings, hundreds of places across the country are already seeing positive change.
“Number 30 The Square is a shining example of how a community can come together to improve lives locally. And I’m glad to confirm that this kind of work will continue.”
Jamie Wilkinson, Chair of Huntly Development Trust which led the redevelopment of Number 30 and now owns and operates the community asset, said: “Strengthening Communities Programme funding was crucial in the formative years of Huntly Development Trust.
“It gave us the breathing space to focus on developing our vision and strategy, without the normal worry of sourcing income.
“Without this crucial early support, the Trust could not have developed and grown, and over time achieved what it subsequently has. We are delighted that the Scottish Government have chosen to announce a new round of funding at Number 30.”
On 4 September, Scottish Opera’s 2025/26 Season opens at Lammermuir Festival in East Lothian with a performance of two caustic comedies of infidelity: Maurice Ravel’s L’heure espagnole (marking 150 years since the composer’s birth) and William Walton’s The Bear.
This irresistible evening of musical mischief takes place at St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington and is conducted by French opera expert Alexandra Cravero (Thérèse 2022.) Jacopo Spirei, who worked extensively with renowned opera director Sir Graham Vick, directs this new concert staging, reimagining these operas as short, comic television episodes.
Designs are by the award-winning Kenneth MacLeod, who is also working with the Company this Season on Opera Highlights.
This concert continues Scottish Opera’s long-running partnership with Lammermuir Festival and demonstrates its commitment to exploring and championing lesser-known pieces by great composers.
There are further opportunities to see Ravel’s and Walton’s mini masterpieces at Theatre Royal Glasgow in October and Festival Theatre Edinburghin November.
These performances, supported byThe Scottish Opera Endowment Trust,feature former Emerging and Associate Artist and Education Artist-in-Residence Lea Shaw; Chloe Harris and Edward Jowle, returning as 2025/26 Emerging Artists; Company favourite Jamie MacDougall; and 2025/26 Emerging Artists Daniel Barrett and Luvo Maranti. They are accompanied by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Ravel’s Spanish-influenced L’heure espagnole sees a turn from melodramatic to farcical. A clockmaker’s serially unfaithful wife must come up with increasingly creative ways to hide her lovers over 21 fast-paced scenes.
The Bear, a witty one-act opera by English composer William Walton based on a Chekhov play, finds a widow confronting her late husband’s legacy — and serial adultery — when a creditor comes knocking.
While the two composers’ sound worlds are unique, they both examine the workings of imperfect human hearts with wry empathy.
Jacopo Spireisaid: ‘I wanted to explore how two women, one trapped in time, the other in mourning, fight to reclaim control of their own narratives. L’heure espagnole and The Bear may be comedies, but beneath the farce lies a sharp, emotional truth about independence, desire, and transformation.
‘By reframing L’heure espagnole and The Bear as if they were episodes in your Netflix queue, we hold up a screen to modern life, where emotions are edited, stories are bingeable, and even grief gets a promo. But what happens when women stop playing the roles they’ve been given?’
Alexandra Cravero said: ‘L’heure espagnole and The Bear are both about women in love and highlight the differences between Ravel’s French style and the British style of Walton.
“The French style invites us to savour the sensuality of orchestral colour, enhanced with a touch of Spanish elegance. In contrast, the British style surprises with its rhythmic intensity. Though composed 60 years apart, these two works humorously explore the complexities of love, across centuries and civilisations.’
James Waters, co-director of Lammermuir Festival said: ‘Over the last 8 years, our partnership with Scottish Opera has brought festival goers a fantastic variety of works and is always a much talked about highlight of the festival.
“This year, as the centrepiece of our tribute to Ravel in his 150th anniversary year, Scottish Opera’s concert staging of his one-act opera L’heure espagnole is certain to be a huge hit.
“In addition, this double bill promises more with Walton’s one-act chamber opera, The Bear. It’s a great programme, a night of operatic comedy and ravishing music and we look forward to being entertained and wowed once again.”
At the Glasgow and Edinburgh performances of the double bill, tickets start from just £23, and with 50% of seats on sale priced under £40, Scottish Opera ensures world-class opera remains accessible to everyone across Scotland.
In addition,£15 are tickets available for under-26s and students at every performance. Over 800 free tickets have been provided to schools since 2022, often introducing pupils to live opera for the first time, and over 1,600 free tickets have been distributed to New Scots communities across the Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh. Free tickets are also available for schools, colleges, and community groups, with travel subsidies where needed.
In December, Scottish Opera’s Opera is Concert series continues at Usher Hall Edinburgh with Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes. This featuresselections from Eugene Onegin, Iolanta, and The Maid of Orleansconducted byScottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford.
With a cast including Lauren Fagan (Ainadamar 2022), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Don Pasquale 2024), and Natalia Kutateladze and Robert Lewis in their Company debuts, this concert features extended excerpts from three of the iconic Russian composer’s best works, which all centre complex and richly drawn women.
Eugene Onegin is a deeply moving tale of unrequited love and high society life; The Maid of Orleans is a romantic retelling of the story of Joan of Arc; and Iolanta, the last opera Tchaikovsky composed, is a dreamlike fairy tale of a blind princess discovering the world outside her isolated garden home. Allowing audiences to discover his music — which blended French and German influences with Russian traditions — beyond The Nutcracker, this is the perfect winter night out.
L’heure espagnole & The Bear and Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes are supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust and Friends of Scottish Opera.
Tickets for L’heure espagnole & The Bear, and Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes are available from www.scottishopera.org.uk
Double bill creative team
Conductor Alexandra Cravero
Concert Staging Jacopo Spirei
Designer Kenneth MacLeod
Lighting Designer Andrew Burnside
Cast of L’heure espagnole
Concepción Lea Shaw Torquemada Jamie MacDougall Ramiro Daniel Barrett* Don Iñigo Gomez Edward Jowle* Gonzalve Luvo Maranti*
Cast of The Bear
Yelena Ivanovna Popova Chloe Harris*
Grigory Stepanovich Smirnov Daniel Barrett*
Luka Edward Jowle*
*Scottish Opera Emerging Artist 2025/26
Performance Diary
Lammermuir Festival
St Mary’s Church, Haddington
4 September 7.30pm
Theatre Royal Glasgow
18 & 22 October 7.15pm
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
15 November 7.15pm
Pre-show talks – 22 October & 15 November
Audio description / Touch Tours – 22 October & 15 November
) to look forward to!
