Day: September 4, 2025

Forever Edinburgh invites visitors to experience a city transformed with new ‘Stay Different’ winter campaign

Forever Edinburgh has launched the winter phase of its ‘Stay Different’ campaign, inviting visitors to discover an entirely different side of the city during the colder months, a season when Edinburgh reveals some of its most atmospheric, authentic and unexpected experiences. 

Building on the year-round message to stay longer, immerse and explore the rich neighbourhoods beyond the city centre, the new campaign celebrates what makes winter in Edinburgh a truly magical time of year, highlighting seasonal specials and winter-exclusive events that make Edinburgh a one-of-a-kind winter destination.

From mist-shrouded, atmospheric strolls through the city’s Gothic and Georgian streets to early sunsets and the city’s icons painted during golden hour.

And from braving the elements to exploring Edinburgh’s wild side to seasonal Scottish flavours and heart-warming drams, cosy escapes in unique and unusual accommodation to toe-tapping events for all the family with some of Scotland’s signature celebrations – the campaign shines a light on the city, inviting everyone to enjoy the magic of winter in Edinburgh. 

Targeting domestic overnight visitors, the campaign highlights experiences that can only be enjoyed, or are at their very best, during the winter months.

Visitors can expect quieter streets, winter offers, thriving wildlife walks within easy reach of the city, the best of Scotland’s seasonal produce and unique events such as Burns Night, alongside the enduring charm of Edinburgh’s year-round heritage, culture and hospitality. 

Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh in winter is like visiting a completely different city, one of striking contrasts, rich atmosphere and authentic local life.  

“Through Stay Different, we want to inspire people to come beyond the festive season and discover what makes these months so special. From world-class dining, art galleries and performances, to invigorating winter walks and surprising outdoor adventures, there is no other season quite like it here.

“By encouraging visitors to explore beyond the familiar, we can support a more sustainable year-round visitor economy for our capital.” 

At the heart of the campaign is an immersive new winter film, capturing the unexpected sides of the city and inspiring visitors to enjoy a truly memorable winter stay. 

Delivered in partnership with local suppliers including BIG Partnership, Union Media and Spirit Media, the integrated campaign features high-impact digital content, advertising including out-of-home, video on demand, radio and PR.

A rolling programme of monthly creative themes will drive story-led web and social media content featuring an array of local tourism experiences, collaborative projects with some of the city’s most-loved businesses, and curated ‘Split Stay Stories’.

These themed long-stay itineraries form part of Forever Edinburgh’s ‘split cities’ concept, which shows how one trip to the capital can feel like several holidays in one. Visitors are encouraged to mix and match experiences, pairing culture with coast, adventure with relaxation, or food with nature, creating a stay that is richer, more diverse and truly memorable. 

Running until 2028, Stay Different is a three-year programme designed to inspire longer, more meaningful stays in Edinburgh by highlighting the diversity of experiences across the capital’s neighbourhoods, supporting the city’s 2030 Edinburgh Tourism Strategy and promoting sustainable, year-round tourism. The campaign is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Plan your winter stay and discover a side of Edinburgh you’ve never seen before. Watch the new winter film at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Ct3w1elc4 and explore itineraries at www.edinburgh.org/staydifferent. 

Forever Edinburgh is also inviting local businesses to get involved with the campaign by showcasing their seasonal specials and unique winter offerings.

To find out more, contact:

https://edinburgh.org/corporate-and-media/stay-different-media/ 

Thousands of sick and disabled people in England to get ‘life-changing support into work’

Thousands of sick or disabled people will be helped into ‘good, secure jobs’ following a major expansion of tailored employment support announced by the Department for Work and Pensions today
  • Hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people will now get the personalised support they need to find good, secure jobs thanks to a major expansion of specialist employment support.
  • New funding will be delivered to fifteen areas across England as part of the Connect to Work programme which helps to break down barriers to opportunity.
  • Comes as part of £3.8 billion employment support package for sick or disabled people, unlocking work and boosting living standards as part of the Plan for Change.

A new £338 million investment into the Connect to Work programme will deliver localised, tailored support to over 85,000 people who are sick, disabled or face complex barriers to work in 15 areas across England.

The scheme provides intensive, personalised help including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.

In all around 300,000 people across all of England and Wales are set to benefit over the next five years. To access support, sick and disabled people and those facing complex barriers to work can self-refer or they can be referred through various routes including healthcare professionals, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners.

With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health – one of the highest rates in the G7 – it’s part of the Government’s plan to get Britain working again and deliver an 80% employment rate by overhauling jobcentres, tackling economic inactivity through local plans, and delivering a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning.

Among those out of work, over one in four cite sickness as a barrier – more than double the 2012 figure of one in ten – highlighting the urgent need for tailored employment support that removes barriers faced by disabled people and those with health conditions.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “For too long, millions of people have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work. It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the economy.

“That’s why we’re taking decisive action by investing millions of pounds so sick or disabled people can overcome the barriers they face and move out of poverty and into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”

The expansion is backed by a £338 million cash injection with the largest interventions announced today including:

  • Up to £71.9 million for Central London Forward – supporting 16,800 people across the City of London.
  • Up to £47.1 million for the Local London Sub-Regional partnership – providing tailored support to 12,350 people across nine boroughs in east and outer London.
  • Up to £35.3 million for South Yorkshire – helping 9,950 participants across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster into work.
  • Up to £30.7 million for Greater Essex – supporting 7,800 people across Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock, and Essex into good jobs.

South Yourkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I want South Yorkshire to be a place where we all thrive. Where poor health doesn’t hold us back. And work plays a huge part. It’s not just about wages – it’s about dignity, pride, and the security that comes from knowing you can support yourself and your family.

“Right now, more than 140,000 people across South Yorkshire aren’t in work. But many of those people desperately want to have a job, want to provide for their families, and contribute to the future of our communities. Which is why I’m proud that South Yorkshire is one of the areas across England and Wales delivering Connect to Work.

“It’s a programme designed to help those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or from disadvantaged backgrounds, into good, secure jobs. And I’m even prouder that Connect to Work is part of the national Pathways to Work project, which we pioneered right here in South Yorkshire.

“South Yorkshire’s at the forefront of tackling these challenges nationally, and we’re increasingly a model for other places across the country.”

Connect to Work is already transforming lives across England, with early delivery areas demonstrating the real difference targeted employment support can make.

In West London, where £42.8 million was allocated earlier this year to support 10,800 people, participants are already finding work with the help of specialist coaches who understand the complex barriers they face.

Awais Ashraf, a Connect to Work participant in West London, said: “My health suffered with the loss of a family member, which led me into a period of depression and anxiety, and meant I lost my employment just under two years ago.“

My JCP Workcoach referred me to Connect to Work. I received a blend of support – from advice and tools in self-managing my health condition to identifying what skills I already had and could be transferred to another role.

“I am now working as a Teaching Assistant & knowing I have my Employment Specialist supporting me while I am in work is also a great reassurance.”

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “The Government’s decision to provide grant funding to councils and mayoral areas to deliver Connect to Work is a positive step.

“Evidence shows that councils are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of their communities, and the LGA has long called for a more local approach to helping people back into employment.”

Connect to Work will enable councils and mayors, working with partners, to design tailored support for people who are currently out of the labour market due to health conditions, disability, or complex needs.

This not only facilitates supporting people move closer to work but also helps reduce wider social and financial pressures on communities and services, which helps reduce long-term welfare dependency, and creates stronger and more productive, resilient local economies.

Today’s announcement comes less than 24 hours after the Universal Credit Bill received Royal Assent.

Coming into force in April next year, it will make the welfare system fairer by rebalancing Universal Credit to reduce the incentives that discourage work and fuel inactivity. It will also increase the rate of the standard allowance of Universal Credit, for around four million households, putting an extra £725 in their pockets by 2030.

The new funding also builds on WorkWell, a joint programme by DWP and DHSC, which went live in October last year, backed by £64m funding.

It is transforming how people with health conditions are supported back into work through better integration between health services and employment support and will reach 56,000 people across the 15 pilot sites by Spring 2026.

This approach prevents people from falling out of work, transforming employment services, and providing specialist support to help the most disadvantaged back into good jobs, the UK Labour government says.

 

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Edinburgh

INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue venues in Edinburgh for a limited run – including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

Just when you thought it was finally safe to go back in the water, the pioneering film is swimming back onto the big screen to mark its 50th anniversary.

Steven Spielberg’s classic tells the gripping story of a town plagued with a giant shark and is often credited as the original summer blockbuster release.

For a more light-hearted action caper, the iconic reboot of Charlie’s Angels blasts back onto the big screen for its 25th anniversary. Starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu as three female detectives, this reboot of the popular TV show of the same name is packed with high-octane action and explosive energy. Charlie’s Angels returns to Vue on 19 September.

A host of family favourites will also return to Vue this year to mark key milestones, including the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire, the 30th anniversaries of Jumanji and Casper, and the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music.

Ian Chester, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “We love showcasing the very best of the big screen entertainment, whether that’s a brand-new blockbuster or a timeless classic.

“2025 marks major milestones for a selection of great films and we’re thrilled to bring these much-loved titles back to Vue for fans to enjoy all over again – and for a new generation to discover for the first time.”

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online. To find out more, visit myvue.com

Back on the Big Screen at Vue

  • Jaws (50th Anniversary) – From now
  • Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire (20th Anniversary) – From now
  • Jumanji (30th Anniversary) – 5 September
  • Charlie’s Angels (25th Anniversary) – 19 September
  • The Sound of Music (60th Anniversary) – 19 September
  • Casper (30th Anniversary) – 26 September

Get Fit For Less


Edinburgh Leisure Waives Joining Fees This September

This September, Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier than ever to kickstart your fitness journey with a £0 joining fee across most of its memberships.

With over 50 venues across the city, including 12 swimming pools, 17 gyms, 32 tennis courts, 141 sports pitches, and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re returning to fitness, trying something new, or looking for flexibility, here are five great reasons to choose Edinburgh Leisure:

  1. Train Your Way Across the City
    With a Full Fitness membership, enjoy unlimited access to all 12 pools, 17 gyms, 1,000+ weekly gym and fitness classes, the Evolve Hybrid Gym at Meadowbank, and running tracks. Mix up your routine and stay motivated.
  2. Young Adults Save More
    Aged 18–24 and back in Edinburgh? Get all the benefits of Full Fitness for just £31.99/month with no joining fee. It’s a great way to stay active, try new activities, and meet new people.
  3. Climb Higher at Ratho
    Experience lead, speed, and bouldering at the Edinburgh Climbing Arena. With a £0 joining fee this September, enjoy access to world-class climbing walls and the new bouldering zone.
  4. Unlimited Golf, Zero Joining Fee
    Whether you’re chasing a handicap or playing for fun, enjoy unlimited rounds at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s six scenic golf courses with a Golf Membership – and pay no joining fee this September.
  5. Flexible Memberships for Every Lifestyle
    Edinburgh Leisure offers more gyms, pools, and classes than any other provider in the city. Choose from Full Fitness or single-activity memberships (gym, swim, or fitness classes) to suit your goals and budget.

Join this September with no joining fee!*

Enjoy member benefits including priority booking, free gym induction, and activity discounts. No contract required – freeze or cancel anytime.

👉 Find out more and join today – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/memberships/

Police appeal following fatal road crash on Cramond Road South

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash in Edinburgh last night (Wednesday, 3 September, 2025).

Around 10.05pm, officers received a report that a Vauxhall Corsa had crashed on Cramond Road South.

Emergency services attended, however, the 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died.

“As our enquiries continue, I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this crash to contact us. I would also urge anyone who was in the area who has dash-cam or personal footage to please review it and get touch if it holds anything which may be relevant.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3584 of Wednesday, 3 September, 2025.

South Queensferry residents celebrate as brand-new Community Directory for the town is launched

  • It comes as applications for a £5,000 yearly funding pot from Queensferry and District Community Council and Cala Homes opens for submissions

People in South Queensferry are now able to get their hands on a first-of-its-kind community directory after it was launched to the public.

The ‘Welcome to Queensferry’ local directory aims to shine a light on a comprehensive list of amenities in the area, including vital services, historic walks, community events, local groups and clubs, places to shop, eat and drink and tourist attractions, as well as the town’s history.

The book has been developed alongside members of the Queensferry community with the support of local homebuilder, Cala Homes (East).

The directory is available for free for people to collect from the town’s Scotmid supermarket and the Rosebery Hall, and has also been shared with all new and existing residents at Queensferry Heights and Rosebery Wynd.

The directory was funded by Cala Homes (East) as part of its Queensferry Community Pledge, an initiative launched in 2022 that goes above and beyond planning obligations by supporting local groups through donations, volunteering hours and providing educational resources about the homebuilding industry.

The homebuilder worked closely with the Queensferry & District Community Council (QDCC) to bring this to life for those living in the area.

Community representatives – including council members, local groups, Cala residents, and businesses – gathered at Cala’s Queensferry Heights development before joining councillors Lewis Younie and Norman Work at Port Edgar to celebrate the launch of the directory and be among the first to receive a copy.

The group also enjoyed part of the Heritage Trail, which is outlined in the book, ideal for those looking to learn more about the history of Queensferry or for those who have just moved to the area and area looking to explore.

Keith Giblett, Chairperson of the Queensferry and District Community Council (QDCC), added: “This directory is a real celebration of spirit of the Queensferry community. It’s been shaped by local voices, for local people, whether you’re new to the area or have called it home for years.

“Projects like this remind us just how much we have to be proud of here.

“We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Cala Homes through their Community Pledge, and their support has been invaluable in bringing this idea to life.

“It’s a great example of what can be achieved when the community comes together and we’re excited to continue working in partnership with them as the Pledge activity continues to roll out.”

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re proud that, through our Community Pledge, we’ve been able to work alongside the people of Queensferry to bring this to fruition.

“This will be such a useful resource for everyone in the area – whether you live here or are just visiting – helping people find great places, businesses and local treasures.

“For us, it’s all about supporting the community and celebrating everything that makes this town so special, and making sure it continues to thrive for years to come.”

Simon Round, General Manager at Outboard by Scotts – which is one of the businesses listed within the directory – added: “This new directory is a fantastic asset for local businesses, giving us the chance to reach more people and showcase everything South Queensferry has to offer.

“We’re really proud to be part of something that shines a spotlight on the town’s thriving business scene and helps encourage more people to shop, eat and spend time locally.”

The launch comes as applications for this year’s QDCC and Cala Community Chest open, with local groups invited to apply for up to £1,000 of funding for projects.

The scheme, which will see a total £5,000 distributed to local organisations this year alone, aims to support the diverse range of voluntary groups that exist within the town, as well as cultural, environmental and sports clubs.

Applications are open now, with groups able to apply to the grant scheme before the deadline on Friday 3 October 2025.

To apply for a funding grant, visit the application form link on the QDCC website.

Chancellor announces date for Budget

Budget to address economy that’s “not working well enough for working people”

The Chancellor has confirmed that the date of the Budget will be Wednesday 26 November. 

In a video message posted yesterday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “Britain’s economy isn’t broken. But I know it’s not working well enough for working people. 

“Bills are high. Getting ahead feels tougher. You put more in, get less out. That has to change. We’ve got huge potential – world-leading brands, dynamic industries, brilliant universities, and a skilled workforce. We’re a global hub for trade. 

“Fixing the foundations has been my mission this past year. 

“We raised the minimum wage for three million people. 

“Cut NHS waiting lists. 

“Started tearing up planning rules to build 1.5 million new homes. 

“Promised billions more for the country’s infrastructure. 

“Secured trade deals with the US, India, and the EU. 

“And changed Treasury rules so investment reaches every part of the country. 

“But I’m not satisfied. There’s more to do. 

“Cost of living pressures are still real. And we must bring inflation and borrowing costs down by keeping a tight grip on day to day spending through our non-negotiable fiscal rules. 

“It’s only by doing this can we afford to do the things we want to do. If renewal is our mission and growth is our challenge. Investment and reform are our tools. 

“The tools to building an economy that works for you – and rewards you. More pounds in your pocket. An NHS there when you need it. Opportunity for all. 

“Those are my priorities. The priorities of the British people. And it is what I am determined to deliver.“

Finance Secretary @shonarobison has responded to the UK Government announcing the UK Budget will take place on 26 November.

She said the date presents challenges for @scotgov to bring forward its Budget before the end of the year.

TechFest continues its mission of inspiring Primary Schools across Scotland 

TechFest, Scotland’s leading STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop programme, including the TechFest Dome, one of its most immersive STEM experiences. 

The charity invites primary school pupils across Scotland to join its interactive workshops that aim to make STEM fun and engaging through hands-on activities and demonstrations. 

These initiatives support TechFest’s mission to aim to ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics among young learners. 

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

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TechFest, the leading Scottish STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop Programme, alongside The Dome, TechFest’s mobile planetarium, which is one of TechFest’s most immersive and popular STEM experiences. 

Coinciding with the start of the new academic year, TechFest gives the chance for primary school pupils across Scotland to explore a wide range of STEM opportunities, all designed to ignite imaginations and foster a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Through the Primary Outreach programme, TechFest offers a diverse selection of interactive workshops that bring STEM subjects to life in classrooms across the country. Each session is designed to engage pupils via hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges. These activities allow young learners to experience STEM in a fun, accessible and inspiring way. 

The workshops explore a range of topics from how magnets and circuits work, to discovering gravity and forces, solving maths puzzles, exploring renewable energy and understanding how our bodies function. 

Complementing the workshop initiatives is the TechFest Dome, sponsored by the Apache Corporation, an immersive experience delivered inside TechFest’s state-of-the-art inflatable dome, which transforms school halls into a captivating window to the universe.  

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We’re delighted to relaunch our Primary Outreach programme and bring back the Dome for another year, as part of our mission to make STEM learning more exciting, engaging and accessible for children across Scotland.  

“We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

“When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

Using Digitarium Zeta projection technology, the TechFest Dome brings astronomy and space science to life for pupils of all ages.

Younger pupils can discover where the Sun goes at night and how it moves across the sky through the seasons, while older pupils enjoy a guided tour of the constellations and planets, learning how the night sky changes and uncovering myths like the story of Perseus and Ursa Major. 

These initiatives align with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by developing programmes rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, inspiring young people pursue a future in STEM. 

For more information about the Primary Outreach and The TechFest Dome, please visit the links. 

Weekly Farmers Market Stall at Lauriston Farm

🌿 When: Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
🌾 Where: Lauriston Farm, Edinburgh (EH4 5EX)

Get your fresh, farm-grown produce straight from Lauriston Farm! Each week have a variety of freshly picked veggies from our Market Garden, plus a fantastic range of products from our wonderful stall partners:

  • 🍄 Mushrooms and tinctures from Rhyze Mushrooms
  • 🌱 Herbal remedies from Grass Roots Remedies
  • 🍞 Fresh bread & pastries from Granton Garden Bakery
  • 🥚 Free-range eggs from Croft Organics
  • Wildflower plants from Lauriston Wildflowers
  • 🌿 Open-pollinated veg & herb seeds from Seeds of Scotland

We offer a selection of seasonal produce, and while the offerings may vary week to week, we promise there’ll always be something fresh and exciting to browse.

Whether you’re picking up a few veggies, a loaf of bread, or just popping by for a chat, we’d love to see you there!

Payment: Cash and card accepted.

Accessibility: The stall is outdoors on a rough stone path with level access from the car park, suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Getting Here: The market is located in the farmyard, right in front of the ‘Welcome’ portacabin.

Access is through the gate at the back of the Toby Carvery car park (EH4 5EX).

We can’t wait to see you there – come for the produce, stay for the good vibes! 🌿