Due to sustained strong gusts of wind Lauriston Castle, the gardens and Mimi’s will be closed on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August.
We will possibly re-open slightly later on Wednesday 6 August to conduct a safety check.
Meningococcal disease is one of the major causes of meningitis.
Make sure you’ve received your MenACWY vaccine.
For more information visit:
http://nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents #Vaccines4Students
We’ve had a GREAT first month of trading at our new Furniture Centre at Bonnington, with lots of pre-loved furniture heading off to a new life in a new home!
For the next month or so, the furniture centre will be closed on Mondays, to allow us to accommodate staff holidays, and sort through the fantastic donations we have waiting in the wings!
The opening hours will be reassessed in September, but until then, the centre will be open 6 days from 10-5 (11-5 on Sundays)!
Thank you for your incredible support so far — we’ve loved welcoming you into our new space and can’t wait to see you again soon! 
Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian is excited to announce the return of its annual Wakeboarding Competition on Saturday 9 August 2025, 1!:00 – 17:00.
This high-energy event will see some of Scotland’s best wakeboarders hit the water, with strong representation from Edinburgh.
Riders of all levels – from rising local talent to experienced riders – will take part in a series of adrenaline-fuelled heats, showcasing big tricks, technical skill, and crowd-pleasing action for spectators of all ages.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our annual Wakeboarding Competition again at Foxlake,” said James Barbour, Director of Wild Shore. “It’s always an incredible atmosphere with top talent on the water, live commentary, and a buzzing crowd of families, fans, and first-timers.”
The competition will feature multiple categories – from youth and amateur riders to experienced pros – with prizes, music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities running throughout the day. Whether you’re a wakeboarding enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out by the water, the event is open to all.
James Barbour added: “This event really showcases the sport and the local wakeboarding scene. And for those who’ve never seen it live – it’s fast, it’s technical, and it’s seriously fun to watch.”
The wakeboarding competition will feature a full day of live music, expert commentary, and an energetic MC to keep the crowd entertained and informed. Judging will be carried out by a panel of experts, including Wild Shore team members Nick Galloway and Cameron Bullen, and Tegan Brady from Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, bringing invaluable insight and experience to the competition.
Tegan Brady, Development Officer at Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, commented: “I’m proud to support events such as Foxlake Adventures Wakeboarding Competition, which plays a huge role in growing the sport across Scotland.
“It’s fantastic to see such strong local talent taking to the water alongside more experienced riders – it really captures the inclusive, grassroots spirit of wakeboarding.
“Competitions like this are vital for building community, inspiring new participants, and showcasing the incredible standard of riding we have here in Scotland.”
One of this year’s highlights is set to be “The Big Air” challenge, where competitors get one chance to launch off a specially designed jump to see who can soar the highest.
In addition to the thrilling action on the water, competitors will also be entered into a large raffle with fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a £50 voucher for Ocean Vertical, an alpaca trekking experience with John Muir Alpacas, £25 voucher and bottle of wine from The Creel, a dryrobe from SkyMonster, bottle of gin from NB Gin, two free sessions at Lost Shore, tickets to Town Loch’s Boat Party, and more.
For more information, to register as a rider, visit https://foxlake.citizenticket.com/events/foxlake-adventures/wakeboarding/, and follow foxlake_adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
Event Details:
Foxlake Adventures, East Lothian
Saturday 09 August 2025
Time: 11:00 – 17:00
All ages welcome
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 14 -20 AUGUST
Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk | UK Premiere
Director: Sepideh Farsi. Documentary Feature. France, Palestine, Iran. 2025. 1hr 50min.
A wrenching and timely documentary composed of video calls with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who documented the horrors unfolding in Gaza before she was killed in an Israeli airstrike. A haunting and deeply personal account of war, journalism, and the human cost of conflict.
Sanatorium | UK Premiere
Director: Gar O’Rourke. Documentary Feature. Ireland, Ukraine, France. 2025. 1hr 31min.
Set in a crumbling Soviet-era health resort in war-torn Ukraine, this humane and quietly powerful documentary captures the surreal coexistence of everyday life and looming violence. A rare and intimate perspective on the psychological toll of war.
Cutting Through Rocks | UK Premiere
Directors: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni. Documentary Feature. Iran, Germany, US, Netherlands, Qatar, Chile, Canada. 2025. 1hr 34min.
Sara Shahverdi, the first female councilwoman in an Iranian village, teaches girls to ride motorcycles and resist child marriage—until her activism is deemed suspicious. A timely and courageous portrait of resistance in the face of systemic patriarchy.
Case 137 (Dossier 137) | International Premiere
Director: Dominik Moll. Narrative Feature. France. 2025. 1hr 55min.
A gripping police thriller that delves into the aftermath of a civilian injury on the streets of Paris. As Internal Affairs investigates, they uncover a web of evasion and institutional cover-ups. A razor-sharp reflection of today’s global reckoning with police brutality and systemic injustice.
Brides | European Premiere
Director: Nadia Fall. Narrative Feature. United Kingdom. 2025. 1hr 33min.
Two disillusioned teenage girls from the UK embark on a dangerous journey to the Syrian border. A bold and emotionally charged exploration of radicalisation, girlhood, and the search for belonging in a fractured world.
About A Hero | UK Premiere
Director: Piotr Winiewicz. Documentary Feature. Denmark, Germany, United States. 2024. 1hr 25min.
An AI-generated version of Werner Herzog narrates a deepfake crime mystery in this eerie and provocative documentary. A surreal and satirical look at the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the blurring of truth in the digital age.
Young Scottish musicians will be centre stage in Germany this week as part of Scottish Secretary Ian Murray’s Brand Scotland campaign.
The event is part of the Secretary of State’s Brand Scotland campaign, which is selling the best of Scotland to the world, and encouraging inward investment to Scotland – creating jobs and putting money in people’s pockets. Part of our Plan for Change, our Brand Scotland work overseas will bring real returns for people back home.
Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) and their guest soloist, Ryan Corbett, will perform at a business and government breakfast event at the British Ambassador’s residence in Berlin. Hosted by the Scottish Secretary and the UK’s Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, the event will put the best of Scotland in front of key business investors, including those from the energy, space, technology, life sciences and food and drink sectors.
While on his two-day trade mission to Berlin the Scottish Secretary will also meet Michael Meister, Minister of State for Federal-State Relations in the German Federal Government. In addition, Mr Murray will visit the Bundersat, the upper house of the German Parliament and meet with representatives from the Lander, the 16 federated states of the German Republic at the British Embassy.
This visit is part of a series of international engagements designed to showcase the very best of Scotland to global audiences and encourage international businesses to invest in Scotland’s economy.
Mr Murray’s visit to Germany comes shortly after the UK and Germany signed a new treaty, which is part of the UK Government’s ongoing work to reset our relationship with our European neighbours. Mr Murray is taking advantage of that reset to drive forward his Brand Scotland campaign.
Later this year he will travel to India and Sweden.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Scotland’s cultural excellence is one of our greatest assets in attracting international investment and driving economic growth. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland represents some of our most extraordinary musical talent. I’m delighted that they are able to join me in Berlin, and this performance will demonstrate Scottish culture at its finest.
“My Brand Scotland campaign is about selling all that is fantastic about Scotland to the world, to encourage both exports and inward investment in Scotland, and I’m very pleased that we have been able to fund this event in Berlin. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, bringing real rewards for people in Scotland.”
The breakfast event is being put on thanks to a £2,700 grant from the Scotland Office Brand Scotland fund. This is the first of a number of world-wide events which will be funded by Brand Scotland through the UK Government’s FCDO network.
Scotland’s national youth orchestra is performing at the prestigious Young Euro Classic festival under the baton of acclaimed conductor Catherine Larsen-Maguire, presenting the European premiere of a new accordion concerto by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld.
On the morning of their performance, members of the NYOS orchestra will join politicians, politicians, diplomats and business investors at the Scottish “Symphony and Sausages” breakfast. Guests will be served a full Scottish breakfast, including smoked salmon, haggis and black pudding, with the embassy chef learning to make potato scones specially for the occasion. Breakfast will be accompanied by Irn Bru and Walkers Shortbread.
The Berlin visit comes just ahead of a major speech on culture which Mr Murray will deliver in Edinburgh. In it, he will outline how Scottish culture drives social connections while contributing significantly to economic growth.
He will highlight the UK Government’s direct investment in Scottish culture, including the recent £1.5 million contribution to the refurbishment of the much-loved Edinburgh Filmhouse.
With Rock ‘n’ Roll stars Oasis arriving in Edinburgh next week, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses, and visitors:
The sold-out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Tuesday 12 August mark the band’s first appearance in the Capital since 2009 and are expected to draw Supersonic crowds of up to 210,000 fans over the three nights.
And we won’t just Roll with it. To keep the city running smoothly for everyone, planning has been underway for some time in collaboration with our partners. There has also been regular engagement with residents, particularly in the Murrayfield area to plan ahead and address any concerns.
As the fans Slide Away, we will be making sure key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will be dedicating extra litter collectors for Roseburn Park too.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Excitement is building in Edinburgh for Oasis Live 25 as it’s our turn to witness rock history. With all of our partners in the city we’ve been planning for this for some time to make sure we’re ready to welcome thousands of Oasis fans over three nights.
“There will be extra trains, trams, and buses to accommodate concert goers, along with those attending our summer festivals. With this in mind we urge you to plan ahead.
“We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after. Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we remember our residents. We’ve had regular engagement with those living near Murrayfield to plan ahead and address any concerns.
“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We’re urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.”
To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts, visit our dedicated events webpage.
Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.
AN END TO SHORT-TERM THINKING?
Stakeholders and organisations have gathered at a roundtable in support of Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack’s Member’s Bill as it aims to put an end to short-term thinking in policy development.
This meeting comes as a consultation has been launched into the bill by the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
Ms Boyack’s bill would create a clear and legal definition of wellbeing and sustainable development and embed those into the decision-making process.
It would also establish a Future Generations Commissioner to ensure public bodies and government are complying with new national outcomes as well as these newly established duties.
Ms Boyack hosted the roundtable alongside representatives from Carnegie.
Commenting on the roundtable, Sarah Boyack said: “It was great to host such a positive and constructive discussion about my Member’s Bill with so many stakeholders.
“I am glad to see such widespread support for my bill among the sustainability and wellbeing sectors.
“I hope that this consultation will lead members of the committee and Parliament to support this bill and implement it into law.
“We have the opportunity to truly imbed long-term thinking into the decision-making process and create a more just and sustainable Scotland for decades to come.”
As pupils across the city await their exam results, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the support offered by the SNP which ‘allows all those seeking further education opportunities to seize them.’
From August 1st, tuition fees in England and Wales have risen to £9,535, with the average debt for students graduating now an eye-watering £53,000.
In Scotland, the SNP made university tuition free for all Scottish students, with tailored support for care experienced students worth up to £11,400.
In addition, there is more than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships with around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities provided to young people across the country since 2008.
Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “In Labour-run England and Wales, tuition fees and student debt are mounting.
“But here in Edinburgh students can attend university for free, with extra support for those who need it as well as funding for alternative pathways.
“We are making more opportunities available to young people while the Labour Party lumps costs on the next generation.
“That’s the difference made with the SNP in government.”
Anime fans are in for a treat this summer as a trio of visually stunning films head to the big screen ahead of tickets going on sale for the most anticipated anime movie of the year, Demon Slayer – The Movie: Infinity Castle.
Landing on 12 September, the eagerly awaited sequel sees demon slayer trio Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke return to face their most harrowing trials yet, in a film that blends heart-pounding action, emotional intensity, and breathtaking animation.
For fans that can’t wait until September for their anime fix, Vue Edinburgh Omni is showing two titles from visionary director Mamoru Hosoda: Summer Wars and Wolf Children. Both films have been newly remastered in 4K, offering both longtime fans and new viewers the chance to witness these classics as never seen before.
Arriving on 3 August, Summer Wars tells the story of a shy math genius who unwittingly unleashes a rogue AI threatening the world’s digital infrastructure.
As he races to fix the chaos, he’s drawn into the turbulent but loving world of his friend’s extended family. Hosoda’s dazzling animation, pulse pounding virtual sequences, and timely message about connection and technology make this re-release a must see on the big screen.
Returning on 17 August is the emotional tale of love, loss, and growing up, Wolf Children. It follows the journey of a young woman raising two children who are half–human, half–wolf. Spanning over a decade, the story captures the challenges of motherhood, identity, and acceptance.
The remastered edition enhances every frame of Hosoda’s heartfelt masterpiece, bringing new depth to its themes and visuals.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing will hit screens on 31 August. In this bold new chapter of the Hatsune Miku phenomenon, fans are introduced to a version of the iconic virtual idol who has lost her ability to sing.
Set in a world where music shapes reality, Miku must rediscover her voice through friendship, creativity, and emotional resilience. Blending vibrant musical performances with a moving narrative, this is an unforgettable cinematic experience for both longtime Miku fans and newcomers alike.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The anime fandom continues to grow here in the UK, and we’re proud to be part of that community.
Studios put their heart into every frame – from the breathtaking animation to the thoughtful scripts, musical scores, and emotional depth – and we recognise that watching anime isn’t just about the visuals on screen; it’s about the atmosphere, the sound, and the feeling of being completely immersed in a story.
“That’s why we’re so excited to be screening these films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.”
Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com
