Emergency services attended a major fire on Arthur’s Seat yesterday.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said last night: “We were alerted at 4.05pm on Sunday, 10 August, to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of gorse.
“There are no reported casualties at this time and crews remain at the scene.”
Firefighters remained onsite overnight but the fire is now under control.
Thought-provoking Monday events this August will cast a glance forward to the future of Scottish theatre through the lens of pressing issues in playwrighting.
Delivered in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh and Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland
The Traverse Theatre hosts two exciting industry-facing events as part of its Travfest25 programme this August, bringing together artists, academics, and audiences to look into what the future may hold for Scottish theatre.
These Monday discussions and readings will bring together leading playwrights, academic voices, and industry experts to explore critical themes shaping the future of arts and culture in Scotland and beyond.
On Monday 11 Augusta panel event on playwrighting, delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of the Advanced Study of Humanities programme (IASH).
Chaired by Fergus Morgan, The Stage’s Scotland Correspondent and freelance theatre critic, the Scottish Writers Community panel will discuss the shape of contemporary playwrighting in Scotland, and the burning issues that writers can uniquely address on-stage.
Fergus is joined by Gareth Nicholls, the Traverse Theatre’s Artistic Director and a number of the IASH x Traverse Theatre fellows past and present – Isla Cowan (2024) Michael John O’Neill (2025) and Apphia Campbell (2021).
The event will also feature an exclusive first reading of Michael John O’Neill’s work-in-progress play Headland, a result of his 2025 IASH fellowship.
On Monday 18 August, Traverse Theatre and Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland collaborate on their annual event that looks to Scottish theatre’s past to offer a guide for its future. Industry figures will gather to discuss perspectives and insights.
The Traverse Theatre Festival for 2025 runs until Sunday 24 August, featuring 12 productions and 10 premieres, giving audiences the chance to be among the first to see some of the most ground-breaking, quality new theatre in Edinburgh this month.
LISTINGS
Monday 11 August, 4pm (1hr 30mins)
Scottish Writers Community: Panel Discussion
Join a discussion chaired by Fergus Morgan (The Stage’s Scotland correspondent and freelance theatre critic), Gareth Nicholls (Traverse Artistic Director), Michael John O’Neill (2025 IASH x Traverse Playwriting fellow), Isla Cowan (2024 IASH x Traverse Playwriting fellow) and Apphia Campbell (2021 IASH x Traverse Playwriting fellow), to discuss the future of Scottish theatre, contemporary theatre narratives and what writers want to address.
This event will also feature an excerpt reading of Michael John O’Neill’s new work in development, Headland, which is a result of the IASH x Traverse fellowship.
Full price £8
Standard concession £5
Under 30s/Student £3
Low income benefit £3
Monday 18 August, 3pm (1hr30mins)
Traverse Theatre event with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland
Join us for our annual festival event with long-term partners Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland. Expect discussion and insight from industry figures.
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED I traverse.co.uk For more information, interviews, press tickets or images, contact press@traverse.co.uk
The manager of an award-winning charity radio station is keeping it in the family and taking part in Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event.
Kris Wallace, Operations Manager at RNIB Connect Radio, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 14, joined by his wife Fiona and seven-year-old daughter JessicaJane, who inspired the family’s fundraising effort for RNIB. They will also be joined by other family members on the tartan-clad journey.
The Kiltwalk is a popular, multi-city fundraising event where people across Scotland walk for the causes closest to their hearts. For the Wallace family, supporting RNIB was an easy choice.
“It was actually my daughter, JessicaJane who is only 7, who came up with the idea,” Kris explains. “She hears me talk about the impact of RNIB when I get home from work every day and listens to the stories from the blind & partially sighted community broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio when I’m at home.
“Inspired by these stories, she wanted to find a way to raise money for the work RNIB does and decided that the Edinburgh Kiltwalk was a great opportunity. She gathered multiple members of the family to join us, we got our JustGiving pages set up, our tartan kilts and skirts bought… and she now can’t wait to see how much money we can raise!”
Kris has worked for RNIB Connect Radio in various roles since 2011 and says his experience at the station made it an easy decision to get involved.
“I’ve worked for RNIB in different roles for almost 15 years, and in that time I’ve seen how people affected by sight loss have fought for their community with every tool at their disposal, from campaigns to services to fundraising and legacies.
“RNIB has not only given me a career, it has given me lifelong friends who have shown me that sight loss need not be the thing that stops you living a full and independent life.
“RNIB Connect Radio is broadcast 24/7 365 days of the year, and all of our shows are presented by blind or partially sighted hosts who are absolute professionals, who refuse to let sight loss get in the way of following their passion.
I never back away from a chance to raise money for such an incredible charity who put the needs of blind and partially sighted people at the heart of everything they do
As for what they hope to achieve, Kris says: “Jess wants to make a real difference for people affected by sight loss and hopes to smash her fundraising goals.
“Personally I want to raise some serious funds for the amazing work that RNIB does every single day. It’s my way of saying a massive ‘thank you’ and helping RNIB continue their crucial mission.
“Working for the charity I understand that every single donation, small or large, helps RNIB continue their incredible work supporting people with sight loss.
“The generosity of those who take part in Kiltwalks, or any fundraising activity, or provide a gift in their will, or even those who donate a couple of quid in a Sooty Box can fund vital services, provide essential equipment, and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.”
An Edinburgh mum has launched a children’s clothing brand designed specifically for children with disabilities after receiving specialised start-up support from Business Gateway.
Blue Bee Mike, founded by Kasia McGavigan, offers sensory-considerate clothing that supports the needs of children with additional support requirements. It is the only Scottish brand that creates this type of clothing.
The business is named in honour of her son Michael, who lives with autism, and inspired Kasia to create adaptive designs that combine comfort, dignity and practical use. She tests out any designs on Michael.
Through her experience as a mum to Michael, Kasia has seen first-hand how difficult it can be to find clothing for children with additional needs. She spotted this gap in the market and decided to start creating the clothes herself in 2024.
The idea began with the development of a specially designed onesie, created to ease everyday challenges for both children and carers. The onesie is zipped at the back to prevent the child from taking it off if they become distressed and also allows access for a feeding tube if needed.
Every product is designed with comfort, functionality and joy in mind, with the children’s needs at the heart. The clothes allow children to move freely and not be inhibited by their clothing. Kasia’s parents were tailors, so she grew up watching them create clothing and began helping as she got older.
Kasia hopes her brand not only supports children, but also raises awareness about the importance of inclusive clothing design.
As a full-time carer, Kasia had a vision for her business but needed help bringing it to life. She remembered a friend who had worked with Business Gateway in the past and decided to approach them.
Since June 2024, she has worked closely with Business Gateway to develop her idea into a viable business – receiving one-to-one support from Business Gateway adviser Lee Briggs to break down key tasks, prioritise actions and build confidence as she launched her brand.
Kasia has engaged with various Business Gateway workshops, including sessions on marketing, finance and starting a business. With expert guidance, she launched her website and recently accessed Expert Help support to refine her marketing strategy and explore opportunities in international markets.
Kasia McGavigan, founder of Blue Bee Mike said:“Starting Blue Bee Mike has been a deeply personal journey.
“As a full-time carer for my son Michael, I understand how challenging it can be to find clothing that’s both comfortable and practical for children with additional needs. I wanted to create something that genuinely helps families like ours -something designed with love and real-life experience at its heart.
“Business Gateway has given me the support, structure and encouragement I needed to turn my idea into a reality. From helping me work out what steps to take and when, to giving me the confidence to launch my website and start sharing my products, their advice has been invaluable.
“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far and excited about growing the business to support even more families.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser said:“Kasia is truly inspiring. She’s humble, focused and incredibly determined, balancing her caring responsibilities with launching a meaningful business from the ground up.
“Her ability to take on advice, stay organised and put everything into practice has been exceptional. Blue Bee Mike is already making a difference, and we’re proud to have supported her on this journey.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
FREE EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
Last year, through our Words from the Wards project, we asked the people of Edinburgh to share stories about the former Royal Infirmary, to honour the experiences and memories that people connect with the building’s previous life.
Following the success of the project, we worked with Edinburgh College of Art students to illustrate the collected stories.
Join us to view the stories and illustrations side by side in our new festival gallery.
The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
Exhibition runs until 17th August from 10am – 9pmdaily
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties, in the following categories:
The Super Power Award (chosen by the young critics of The Super Power Agency’s summer school) Connor McKenna – Seltzer Boy at Paradise in Augustines
The award ceremony took place on Saturday 9th August at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, hosted by Ayo Adenekan, whose show Black Mediocrity is at Monkey Barrell, with performancesfromCreepy Boys: SLUGS playing at Summerhall this Fringe.
The Besties award, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a recent graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, uses recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.
Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival starting next week.
Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. There will be two further award ceremonies on Saturday 16th and Saturday 23rd August.
Union body accuses Conservative and Lib Dem Peers of “doing the bidding of bad bosses” by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts and allowing employers to sack workers unfairly
TUC urges government to “stand firm” as the Employment Rights Bill is set for parliamentary ping pong
The TUC has told Conservative and Lib Dem Peers to “get out of the way” and “stop trying to block” stronger rights for millions of workers.
The union body is urging the government to “stand firm” in the face of cynical attacks on the Employment Rights Bill, with the Bill set for parliamentary ping pong after Peers tried to dilute key workers’ rights in the Lords last week.
The TUC says the Tories and Lib Dems are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts and allowing employers six months to sack workers unfairly.
Conservative and Lib Dem Peers also voted to attack teaching assistants’ pay and exempt voluntary work on heritage railways from restrictions on employment of children.
The Bill will return to the House of Commons in September for MPs to consider the Lords’ amendments. The two houses will continue to vote on amendments in a process known as “ping-pong” until a way forward is agreed.
The TUC points out that a significant number of the Conservative Peers trying to block stronger rights for workers are Hereditary Peers.
Many of the amendments to the Bill seek to overturn the Labour government’s manifesto commitments, something the House of Lords has traditionally avoided.
Defying their own voters
The TUC says Conservative and Lib Dem peers are defying their parties’ own voters – and the public at large – by attempting to water down the Bill.
A recent TUC mega poll revealed huge support across the country and across the political spectrum – including Conservative voters – over key policies in the Bill.
According to the polling, every Conservative and Lib Dem seat has overwhelming support for banning zero hours contracts and statutory sick pay from day one.
The TUC says this shows “how out of touch” the Peers are.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s time for Tory and Lib Dem Peers to get out of the way and stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers.
“They are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts, allowing bosses to sack workers unfairly and attacking teaching assistants’ pay.
“The sight of Hereditary Peers voting to block stronger workers’ rights belongs in another century. It’s plain wrong.
“Banning zero-hours contracts and protecting workers from unfair dismissal are common-sense protections that the vast majority of the people, including Tory and Lib Dem voters, want to see become law.
“These Peers are not just out of touch, they are actively defying their own voters – and the public at large. The government must stand firm in the face of cynical attacks and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.”
The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps bring USA history to this year’s 75th Anniversary Tattoo
Against the iconic backdrop of the Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle, The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens ahead of their next performance at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Making their Tattoo debut, and wearing uniforms dating back to 1784, the United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps bring a wealth of history to help celebrate the 75th Anniversary Show this year.
As the US Army’s oldest active infantry regiment, their performance pays a special tribute to the US Army’s 250 years of service, proudly honouring the traditions that accompanied the birth of the United States of America.
The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will perform on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade each night throughout this year’s 75th Anniversary Show, which runs until 23 August 2025.
More than 8,000 glamorous racegoers enjoyed a sun-kissed start to the weekend at Scotland’s most stylish race day.
Musselburgh Ladies Day, in partnership with Champagne Pommery, rolled out the red carpet for another sell-out event combining horseracing and high fashion, which was rounded off with an After Party hosted by DJ and former JLS band member Marvin Humes.
The Style Awards fashion show, sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and hosted by River City star and BBC Scotland present Grant Stott, drew huge crowds around centre stage as the best-dressed ladies and gents competed for more than £6,500 in prizes.
Winner Erika Paterson (TOP, CENTRE)was judged to be the best attired and returned home to Peterhead with a £5,000 trip to France to visit the Champagne Pommery Domaine, £1,500 in spending money and a voucher for Tiger Lily Boutique.
The judging panel for the Best Hat Award, sponsored by Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, included the first winner of TV’s hit show The Traitors, Meryl Williams.
The judges put their faith in winner Jayne Kirk from Dundee who collected a £300 voucher for Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, a bottle of Champagne Pommery and a cut, colour and styling session at Edinburgh’s Charlie Miller Salon.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Everyone makes a huge effort for Ladies Day and that was borne out again this year with many stunning racegoers taking the opportunity to dress to the nines.
“So many of our Ladies Day guests return year in year out and that is great testament to the popularity of the event which has sold out for more than 20 years, but we are not complacent and always try to freshen things up and improve the offering.
“Erika was a worthy winner of the Style Awards but the lovely thing is the effort that all racegoers have gone to dress up for the day. It was a hugely successful day and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2026.”
VJ Day 80 celebrations will include flypasts, music and commemorations across the globe
The Armed Forces will lead the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80) with a series of spectacular ceremonies next week.
The military contribution to the commemorations will include:
Flypasts, musicians and a guard of honour at the Royal British Legion’s national commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum
A sunset ceremony and lightshow recognising the contribution of the Commonwealth to the Second World War on the eve of VJ Day
Performances by military bagpipers at dawn on VJ Day to mark 80 years since peace was restored to the Far East
A service of remembrance on board the flight deck of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as the UK Carrier Strike Group continues its deployment to the Indo-Pacific
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.
“The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.
Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation – protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month.
“The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces.
“The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War – in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East – still keep us safe today.”
Around 400 members of the Armed Forces will pay tribute to Second World War veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum for the national commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion (15 August).
The national event in Staffordshire will include a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and flypasts by the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The historic Second World War-era aircraft appearing during the ceremony will include The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.
Gurkhas from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas will also form part of the guard of honour in recognition of the contribution of 120,000 Gurkha soldiers during the Second World War, particularly in Malaya, Burma and Singapore.
The VJ Day 80 commemorations will begin on the evening of 14 August with a spectacular sunset ceremony at the Memorial Gates in London to pay tribute to Commonwealth personnel who served and died in the Far East.
An emotive lightshow projected on to the Memorial Gates, using images and stories from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s digital story-sharing platform For Evermore, will tell the story of people from around the world who served in support of the allies during the Far East campaign.
Lord Boateng, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of HM The King during the ceremony.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Torch for Peace will be lit to close the ceremony, in a reminder of our shared commitment to peace and security.
The Ministry of Defence will also lead a moment of reflection at The Cenotaph, the United Kingdom’s national monument to UK and Commonwealth personnel who died in the world wars.
At dawn on VJ Day itself, military bagpipers will perform the lament Battle’s O’er at The Cenotaph, in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.
The dawn lament will coincide with a remembrance moment at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the Second World War.
The simultaneous performances will be broadcast live in the UK at dawn as the nation gathers to mark 80 years of peace in the Far East and remember those who died during the campaign.
They will be joined in unison by military pipers performing in key locations around the world to recognise the contribution of communities across the Indo-Pacific to the Second World War, including on board HMS Prince of Wales, at sea in the Far East.
This includes performances by UK Armed Forces pipers in Japan, Nepal, Brunei and New Zealand.
The ship’s company of HMS Prince of Wales will hold a short service of remembrance on board the aircraft carrier’s flight deck, led by a Royal Navy chaplain and including a minute’s silence.
The aircraft carrier is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Far East, where the flagship is leading a convoy of 12 allies to demonstrate their operational capability, bolster the UK’s commitment to NATO and to protect peace and prosperity in the region.
Armed Forces personnel on duty in the UK and on operations and exercises around the world will pause to mark the anniversary, remembering those who died and thanking veterans of the Second World War for their service.
