TODAY (Saturday, 6 September) marks ten years since the first passenger services began on the Borders Railway.
It was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 9 September 2015.
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the line, Gordon Smith, VisitScotland’s Destination Development Director for the South of Scotland, said: “The opening of the Borders Railway was a milestone for tourism in the region.
“Not only did it connect communities between Waverley and Tweedbank, and boost sustainable travel for residents and visitors, but it was also the catalyst for many major developments that have shaped tourism across the south of Scotland.
“The creation of the South of Scotland Enterprise, the development of a regional economic strategy, and the creation of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, all came in its wake, driven by a collective desire to transform the wider visitor economy. It has further supported our work to make Scotland a sustainable tourism destination.
“We know visitors look for sustainable travel options, with rail travel a key part of the journey for international visitors.
“The Borders Railway has no doubt helped visitors reach some of our fantastic attractions such as Abbotsford House, the Great Tapestry of Scotland and the National Mining Museum Scotland.”
We’re excited to share the launch of our new free breakfast club on the 18th of September, that will run on a Thursday and Friday morning from 7am.
This will be for members who actively attend FetLor, P3 upwards and secondary have the option to drop in on the way to school.
We have 15 spaces for Primary young people, if you are interested please fill in the below link. We will also drop the Primary young people off at school afterwards.
I just love tutoring this class which has been running for several years now (writes FREDA O’BYRNE).
It is relaxed, focused on friendship and social interaction, and uses drama as a way of having fun together.
We are looking for new members to join us, it is a drop in class, free to attend and focussed very much on the social aspects of meeting up, having a blether and working on creative ideas together.
It always involves a cuppa and some biscuits, a catch up chat at the start and the activities are different each week.
It is run on a drop-in basis in case people have appointments, or other events or responsibilities, or even just fancy a week off.
Road safety expert Sarah Jenkins from My Car Reg Check urges motorists to “ignore the siren and keep driving safely” as nationwide phone alarm test is scheduled for TOMORROW – Sunday 7 September at 3pm.
On Sunday 7 September at 3pm, millions of phones across the UK will emit a loud, siren-like tone and vibrate as part of a Government Emergency Alert test. The system is designed to warn the public of life-threatening situations, such as severe flooding or wildfires.
But road safety expert Sarah Jenkins, from My Car Reg Check, is warning motorists that the test could catch drivers off guard — and that touching a phone during the alert could lead to hefty fines and penalty points.
What drivers need to know
Do not touch your phone while driving. The alarm may be startling, but it is illegal to handle a mobile device at the wheel for any reason, including dismissing alerts.
Penalties are severe. Drivers caught using a phone face a £200 fine and 6 penalty points. For new drivers, this means automatic licence revocation. In court, fines can rise to £1,000 for cars and £2,500 for lorries or buses, with possible disqualification.
Applies even when stationary. The law still applies if you are at traffic lights or in congestion. Only genuine 999/112 emergency calls where it’s unsafe or impractical to stop are exempt.
Sarah Jenkins, Road Safety Specialist at My Car Reg Check, said:“Emergency Alerts are there to save lives — but behind the wheel, the safest response is no response.
“If you hear the siren, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Don’t risk a fine, points, or worse, an accident. Wait until you’re parked safely with the engine off before checking your device.”
Can you turn the alerts off?
Yes, but you should decide in advance.
On iPhone: Settings → Notifications → scroll down → toggle off Severe Alerts and Extreme Alerts.
On Android: Settings → search Emergency Alerts (or Wireless emergency alerts) → toggle off Severe Alerts and Extreme Alerts.
Note: Alerts are intended for serious emergencies. Before switching them off, consider whether opting out could put you at risk of missing vital warnings.
Safety checklist for 7 September
Expect the alarm at 3pm – stay calm and don’t touch the phone.
If using satnav, ensure your device is mounted legally and set before moving off.
Passengers can dismiss it – but the driver must not.
If startled, pull over safely, park and switch off the engine before interacting with your device.
New drivers – remember six points within two years means your licence is gone.
Campaigners in Edinburgh joined a nationwide day of action calling on the government to reject Rosebank, the UK’s largest untapped oil field.
The action in Edinburgh saw a vibrant and determined protest outside the UK Government building on Sibbald Walk, as part of a coordinated effort across the country to send a clear message to Prime Minister Keir Starmer: pull the plug on the toxic Rosebank oilfield for good.
Rosebank, owned primarily by Norwegian state oil giant Equinor, would produce more CO2 than the annual emissions of the world’s 28 lowest-income countries combined.
The vast majority of its oil will be sold on the international market for export, doing nothing to lower energy bills or increase energy security here in the UK, with the taxpayer set to pick up the bill for most of its development costs.
Worse, the potential megapolluter could send over £250 million towards Delek Group – an Israeli fuel conglomerate that has been flagged by the UN for human rights violations in Palestine.
Equinor is currently under investigation by the Norwegian Consumer Authority for failing to conduct proper due diligence over these links.
The UK government is expected to make a final decision on Rosebank in the coming months, after Equinor resubmits its application for development.
Today’s demonstrations are happening in 18 locations across the UK, with Scottish demonstrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Shetland. This highlights the breadth of public opposition to the field and the demand for a fair, fast transition away from oil and gas.
Juliet Dunstone from Stop Rosebank Edinburgh said: “We are here today, standing united in Edinburgh, because the future of our planet, and the livelihoods of communities across Scotland and beyond, are at stake.
“Rosebank is a climate disaster waiting to happen, and it offers no solutions to the energy crisis faced by ordinary Scots. We urge the government to listen to the voices of its people and make the right choice for our future.”
A year of community fundraising delivers vital support sessions across Edinburgh
Scotmid and Maggie’s announced that their year-long charity partnership has raised an incredible £288,000 to support people with cancer and their family and friends. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and generosity of everyone involved.
Over the past 12 months, Scotmid colleagues, members and customers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England have joined forces to raise funds for Maggie’s, which provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone affected by cancer.
The funds raised will help Maggie’s deliver support sessions at its centres in Edinburgh, offering a vital lifeline to individuals navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Colleagues from across the Scotmid family – including Scotmid Funerals and Semichem – embraced the cause wholeheartedly, taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities, from a daring Jailbreak Challenge to a sponsored abseil down The Kelpies.
Alongside fundraising, the partnership placed a strong focus on raising awareness of the exceptional work Maggie’s does for individuals and their families. Throughout the year, Maggie’s ‘Support Squad’ volunteers visited Scotmid and Semichem stores to speak directly with customers, while Maggie’s-branded merchandise – including limited-edition pin badges and air fresheners – helped keep the cause front of mind.
Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive at Maggie’s said: “This partnership has helped us reach more people than ever before.
“The support we have received from Scotmid has been incredible, from the creativity of fundraising challenges to the warmth of staff, members and customers who welcomed our teams into stores.
“The money raised has, and will, make a real and lasting difference.”
Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer at Scotmid, said: “It’s been an honour to work with Maggie’s this year.
“I am grateful for the dedication of our colleagues, members, and customers in supporting their work. Thank you to all who contributed to this fundraising total and successful partnership.”
Scotmid has now raised over £1.53 million across its last five charity partnerships, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading retail fundraisers.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marked its 125th anniversary in style on Friday, 5 September, with a historical celebration attended by the Lord Provost, Tracey Gilbert MP, staff, members and residents.
Affectionately known as ‘Glennies’, the Victorian swim centre in Stockbridge welcomed guests from 10:30 am for a morning of festivities that honoured its rich history and enduring community spirit.
The Lord Provost was greeted by Glenogle Manager Fiona Blacklock and PR Officer Kerry Teakle before joining the celebration, which included:
A welcome speech and cake cutting by the Lord Provost and Operations Supervisor, Ailsa Smith.
The burial of a time capsule in the beautiful Glenogle garden, curated by Sam Machin of Glenogle Café, featuring contributions from local residents.
The unveiling of a commemorative bench at the Saxe-Coburg garden entrance, recognising the efforts of community gardeners Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon.
A plant stall hosted by Mahboob Ditta, King’s Award for Volunteering recipient, offering horticultural advice.
The event also showcased Glenogle’s artistic and historical legacy:
An art competition involving local primary schools, themed Past, Present and Future, organised by Operations Supervisor and artist Johnathan Elders.
A community exhibition curated by leisure attendant Isla Miller, featuring historical research and memorabilia.
Works by artists inspired by Glenogle’s architecture, including Soo Burnell, Teresa Sumerfield, Dave Thompson, and Rose Cook.
As part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 celebrations, the Great Lengths exhibition was on display at Glenogle and will move to The Living Memories Association’s new space at Ocean Terminal from 9 September.
A Living Memories podcast is also in development, capturing stories from Glenogle’s past and present, supported by a vintage memorabilia stall.
A Story of Resilience
Glenogle’s history is one of resilience. In the early 2000s, it faced closure, prompting a passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie Mantle and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures.
George Woodcock, then a postman, collected signatures on his round. “I learnt to swim here over 40 years ago,” he told the Stockbridge Gazette in April 2007. “It’s a scandal the pool might close.”
Thanks to community efforts, a £5.7 million refurbishment was secured, and the baths reopened in 2010.
Like Edinburgh Leisure’s other Victorian pools – Warrender, Leith Victoria, Dalry, and Portobello – Glenogle blends historic charm with modern amenities, including upgraded heating and energy-efficient systems.
Originally opened on 7 September 1900, Glenogle was designed by architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846. It has since evolved into a hub for sport, recreation, and community connection.
Looking Ahead
Johnathan Elders, Operations Supervisor at Glenogle said: “Glenogle holds a special place in so many people’s memories. Our celebration honoured the past 125 years and looked to the future, with the time capsule capturing life in 2025 for generations to come.”
A week-long programme of events will follow, including gym challenges and fun pool sessions for kids and families.
The new Maybury Primary School was officially opened at a special ceremony by Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish.
The school in the west of Edinburgh opened its doors to its first P1 pupils in January 2025 and has capacity for up to 630 school-aged learners and 124 children in its early learning and childcare setting.
The new primary school is the first in Edinburgh to share a campus with a medical centre, Barclay Medical Practice, as part of Maybury Community Hub. It has been delivered for the Council by Morrison Construction and designed by Architype to Passivhaus standards.
With sustainability, inclusivity, and flexibility at its core, Maybury Primary School supports The City of Edinburgh Council’s 2030 net-zero goals by significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption.
The school incorporates modern, flexible, and creative learning spaces with open-plan and agile classrooms, double height atrium voids featuring artwork and facilities that can be shared with the community such as the sports hall and activity studios.
The new primary school is part of the ‘Maybury Community Hub’ which will maximise the use of its buildings, allowing local residents to access services close to where they live in line with the ’20 minute neighbourhood’ strategy.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:“It’s important that all our schools and early years settings offer the best possible learning environment for our children and young people, and the new Maybury primary school has been designed with learners’ needs at its heart.
“The building itself is designed to be fit for the future, with innovative and sustainable design features that meet the needs of pupils and staff, offers facilities that benefit the wider community and supports our net-zero commitment.
“It is a pleasure to officially ‘open’ the school and to see pupils and school staff really making the most of the school environment.”
Susan Imrie, Head Teacher at Maybury Primary School, said: ““It has been fantastic to see our pupils and staff alike settling in and enjoying the new state of the art school environment.
“The new building sets us up to provide high quality teaching and enriching school experience for all our learners.”
David Wilson, Operations Director for Morrison Construction’s Building Central business, commented:“We are proud to have delivered Maybury Primary School in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.
“Designed to Passivhaus standards, the school combines sustainability with innovative learning spaces that will benefit both pupils and the wider community for generations to come, and we are delighted to see the school already making such a positive impact.”
Policing plans are in place this weekend for planned protests and as part of this, we would like to outline our approach and explain what people can expect from us.
The position on how protests are handled by policing in Scotland has not changed.
Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. We want to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest and counter protest. Every week we have Police Liaison Teams who work with various protest groups across Scotland who engage with us, and we help them understand protest activity that can be done within the law. Engagement and communication is crucial.
We are proud of our approach and feel it’s important to be clear on what becomes unlawful behaviour.
Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest.
There has been recent focus on the proscription of Palestine Action Group as a terrorist group under the Terrorism Act.
The decision to proscribe a group is a matter for UK Government. The role of policing is to enforce the law.
In Scotland, we do this in a proportionate way in conjunction with advice from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) who oversee prosecutions in this country. The legal system in Scotland is unique.
We know there are strong feelings towards the situation in Palestine and people continue to express their views about that through protest and demonstrations without breaking counter terrorism laws.
The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group as it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of a proscribed organisation or to invite or express support for them.
This includes wearing clothing or carrying any item in public in such a way as to arouse suspicion that they are a member of, or a supporter of, a proscribed organisation.
People should understand this and recognise our responsibility to uphold the law. Any use of enforcement powers by officers will be proportionate and in line with Uk legislation and guidance from COPFS. Every situation is unique and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.
