THURSDAYS 3.45 – 4.30pm
Who wants to be a rockstar?! We have a new guitar group starting in Muirhouse Library, on Thursday afternoons in September and early October!
Bring along your own guitar or borrow one from our fantastic musical instrument library!
A Fort Kinnaird jewellery retailer celebrated International Charity Day with a landmark achievement for charitable giving, after donating £25 million from company profits to charities and communities since 2000.
Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird located in Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park has contributed to the total by supporting a variety of fundraising activities – including Payroll Giving, with every donation matched by the business to amplify the impact.
The store team has also taken part in volunteering for local charity, Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home. Alongside this, each colleague receives £100 each year to donate to a cause close to their heart.
As part of Beaverbrooks’ core purpose of enriching lives and making a difference, the business donates 20% of its retained profits each year and has supported more than 500 charities over the past 25 years.
It also leads the way in Payroll Giving, with 45% of colleagues regularly donating through their pay – far above the national average of 6% – which has earned Beaverbrooks a Diamond Quality Award for the past seven years.
Fiona House, Store Manager at Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re so proud to be part of this £25 million milestone. Giving back is what Beaverbrooks is all about – and our Fort Kinnaird team love supporting causes that really matter in our community.
“Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or simply lending a hand, it’s amazing to see the difference we can make together.”
To mark the occasion, Beaverbrooks stores will be offering fizz and sweet treats from Friday to Monday, with a special thank you for customers who join the Beaverbrooks Club – including £25 off when spending £100 or more.
To find out more about Beaverbrooks’ charity and community work, visit:
October Family Films! 
Start your morning with monsters, myths and movies!
This October, we’re bringing you early-morning screenings of family favourite films.
Enjoy your favourite monstrous movies in our state-of-the-art Planetarium for only £6 per person.
How to Train Your Dragon
Monsters Inc.
Brave
Shrek
Scooby Doo! Frankencreepy
Films are showing at 10am on selected dates in October.
Find out more and book your ticket:
We are looking for new members to join our pool of community football coaches – especially those who have weekend availability.
Read full role description and details using the link below:
MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have voiced their alarm at the extent of “legal aid deserts” in Scotland, which are significantly impacting on people’s access to justice.
The Committee has been exploring civil legal assistance, commonly known as legal aid, in response to concerns raised about access to justice. Legal aid deserts can refer to geographical areas, or elements of law, where there is a lack of legal practitioners available.
During the inquiry the Committee heard of the challenges that people had in finding a legal aid solicitor, with some organisations making 50, or more, phone calls, or individuals needing to travel hundreds of miles to access a solicitor who can provide civil legal assistance.
Low fees for legal aid work and administrative complexity are identified as the key drivers behind the shortage of practitioners. The Committee’s report calls for the Scottish Government to take action to improve the situation immediately.
Reform of the legal aid system has been proposed for several years. An independent review of legal aid in 2018 called for reform to ensure greater focus on the needs of clients and simplification of rules.
However, despite committing to bringing forward legislation, the Scottish Government has not introduced a Bill to reform legal aid in the current parliamentary session. The Committee finds this highly unsatisfactory, given the overwhelming calls for change.
The report also recognises that eligibility is a key issue in access to legal aid. The Committee heard that many people who cannot afford to pay privately for a solicitor are unable to claim legal aid due to rules around disposable income and disposable capital. The Committee does not believe that this is tenable and that the figures used to set this should increase in line with inflation since 2011.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “A shortage of legal aid solicitors and ongoing challenges with access are seriously undermining people’s ability to exercise their rights.
“The consequences can be devastating. Victims of domestic abuse can be left without the support they urgently need, and many people find themselves struggling to access safe and secure housing.
“The case for reform is already clear, and we urge the Scottish Government to move forward with changes that will make a real difference.
“Fee reforms, reducing administrative burdens, and widening eligibility are all vital steps to ensure civil legal assistance is fit for purpose and that people across Scotland can get the justice they deserve.”
Please Click Here for the BSL format
National charity deafPLUS has launched an initiative to tackle fuel poverty in the Deaf community in partnership with energy network SGN.
energyPLUS will deliver tailored, accessible services in British Sign Language (BSL) and provide resources to help Deaf households stay safe, warm and informed.
Rising energy costs and a shortage of accessible support means Deaf households are at greater risk of unsafe or unaffordable living conditions. deafPLUS’s survey found 64% of BSL users in south east England have difficulty accessing qualified interpreters for essential services.
Without tailored help, too many Deaf people are left behind.
The partnership will support Deaf communities across SGN’s Scotland and southern networks and aims to:
· Deliver one-to-one personalised energy safeguarding advice via deafPLUS’s BSL Adviceline, video calls, and face-to-face sessions in community hubs.
· Distribute accessible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms with strobe lights and vibrating pads to households most at risk.
· Provide Deaf awareness training for SGN customer-facing teams.
· Support vulnerable households to sign up for the Priority Services Register.
· Refer households for home energy assessments and income maximisation services.
· Reach 20,000 people through a social media campaign on energy safety, CO awareness, and efficiency.
Running until March 2026, direct support will be provided to 1,250 vulnerable households, helping them to reduce fuel poverty and energy debt, improve energy efficiency and protect themselves from the risks of CO.
Funded by SGN, they’ll also have access to trusted financial and wellbeing support, gaining confidence to manage their energy needs.
Deaf communities across SGN’s Southern network will be supported including those in Berkshire, Dorset, East Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Kent, London, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and Wiltshire, as well as their network in Scotland.
Reg Cobb, Chief Executive Officer at deafPLUS, said: “No Deaf person should be left behind when it comes to energy safety and affordability.
“This partnership will breakdown barriers that have excluded Deaf people from essential energy advice and safety information. Together with SGN, we can ensure Deaf households are supported to stay safe, warm, and informed.”
Janet Duggan, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said: “Working with quality trusted partners like deafPLUS ensures we can reach communities who need our help the most.
“We’re proud to support the delivery of accessible, life-changing energy advice and safety resources for Deaf people.
“Working with deafPLUS means we can deliver life-changing energy advice and resources to communities who need them most.”
On Thursday, 18 September, 2025, a 22-year-old man was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison for sexual offences at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Jack Reid was convicted on Tuesday, 12 August, 2025 of the offences which took place between 2017 and 2022 in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and involved a man, a woman and two children.
Detective Constable Sara Duncan said: “It’s difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering Reid caused those involved in this case. I hope today’s sentencing offers them some closure.
“He will now face the consequences of his actions in prison.
“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to.”
SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 1 – 2pm
Does a bee choose which flower to visit, or does the flower choose its preferred pollinator?
Why do plants produce flowers with different colours, patterns and aromas?
Do roots have relationships with other species too?
Join us in this unique workshop where gardening becomes practice of connection, care and relationship!
An exciting new charity partnership will help take action against dementia across Scotland and beyond with a giant inflatable brain tour as part of an innovative brain health programme.
Alzheimer Scotland has been selected as the Charity Partner for 2025/26 by Scotmid, which is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and includes Semichem, Lake & Dales Coop, Scotmid Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors.
Studies indicate that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable, often through making simple lifestyle changes.
As part of its ambitious plans for the 12-month partnership, Alzheimer Scotland will spread this prevention message by investing in a giant, walk-through inflatable brain – named Babs the Brain in honour of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
”Babs” will embark on a Big Brain Tour of Scotland, visiting stores as well as community venues.
At each stop, people can step inside the inflatable to learn how different areas of the brain work, enjoy interactive activities, and make their own personal brain health pledge.
The partnership will raise vital funds for brain health initiatives across Scotland, while Alzheimer’s Society will provide support to reach communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The partnership was officially launched at Scotmid’s HQ in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where colleagues and pupils from Hillwood Primary School were among the first to experience Babs the Brain.
Dame Barbara’s widower Scott Mitchell attended the event and has given the project his full support.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be embarking on this charity partnership with Scotmid. We see this as the start of a shared mission to empower people of all ages to protect their brain health, reduce their risk of dementia, and help make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to expand the work we do by finding creative ways to empower communities across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland to look after their brain health.
“Not only will we raise vital funds, we will also leave a lasting legacy beyond this partnership of healthier habits, stronger connections, and better awareness of dementia prevention.”
Karen Scott, Scotmid’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re truly delighted to join forces with Alzheimer Scotland. This partnership isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about coming together with our communities to create real, positive change.
“By working hand in hand, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia across Scotland.”
Scott Mitchell, who was appointed People’s Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, said: “Babs the Brain and the brain health prevention work Alzheimer Scotland will be doing alongside it is a wonderful legacy for Barbara and something she would be proud to put her name to.
“I have no doubt she would have treated us to one of her famous giggles for the name alone!”
Other initiatives planned for the coming year include in-store ‘brain healthy’ shopping experiences, from recipe cards to highlighting ‘brain-boosting choices’.
Funds raised will also support Alzheimer Scotland’s STARS: My Amazing Brain schools project, which brings brain health education to children and families nationwide.
Hundreds of work placements, apprenticeships and local jobs have been created thanks to Council contracts – with over a quarter of a million pounds secured in community benefits.
In a report considered by the Finance and Resources Committee yesterday (Thursday 18 September), Councillors heard how the city’s procurement programme is helping to boost community wealth building in the city.
The Annual Procurement Report confirms contracts awarded by the Council last year brought in £253,954 in community benefits, supporting 316 work placements, 84 apprentices and 91 local jobs.
With a focus on supporting fair work and local business, almost half of Edinburgh’s spending power has been with SMEs (49%), with support for local suppliers also above the Scottish average (36%). That is alongside 93% of all Council suppliers committed to paying the Living Wage.
Community benefits delivered over the last year include:
Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We’re using our spending power to create local job opportunities and support Edinburgh-based businesses as far as we can. This is bringing fantastic community benefits, helping us to address issues like poverty and climate change while creating good places to live.
“This latest report shows just how much progress has been made. The difference we can make when we work together with contractors and other community organisations is huge.
“I’m keen to build on this even further to keep spend local and with Living Wage suppliers, to create even more good quality jobs and local opportunities.”
John McKinney, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We have been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to coordinate community benefit activities in construction to maximise their long-term impact for the benefit of young people and businesses in the city.
“We have made significant progress in the last year with the creation and delivery of a construction pathway piloted in schools and using community benefits. We have been working on developing and delivering this programme for the last three years and are looking forward to working with the Council to roll it out across the city.”
Julia Grindley, Trustee on the Board of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, said: “Donations facilitated by community benefits have significantly aided Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged families by supporting the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank to provide school uniforms and essentials, helping children overcome barriers to education, inclusion and participation.“
