Local charity LifeCare is shaping its plans for the future — and the team wants your ideas to help guide the way.
They’ve created a short survey with just three quick questions to learn what matters most to people in the local community and those connected to LifeCare.
Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian showcased plans for a £1.5m, elements-themed, woodland adventure play trail and learning area, entitled ‘Eldbotle Wood’, at a public exhibition, which is set to create 20 new jobs for the local area.
The hospitality, retail and leisure destination, which was built in 2013, is part of Archerfield Estates Limited, owned by sisters Elly and Annie Douglas-Hamilton, whose family bought Archerfield Estate in the 1960s.
Today, the family, who employ 65 staff, retain around 250 acres of land surrounding Archerfield Walled Garden, which includes regeneratively farmed fields and woodlands managed for native wildlife.
Archerfield Walled Garden, which has continued to expand over the years, currently features a garden café, a lifestyle store, food market, gardens, an outdoor event space and extensive grounds which include a pond, labyrinth, willow and fairy walk.
Ahead of planning being submitted for ‘Eldbotle Wood’, a public exhibition was held at Archerfield Walled Garden recently to unveil the plans, which include a children’s adventure trail with four play zones and an outdoor learning area available for local schools and community groups to use, all inspired by an elements theme.
Award-winning adventure play designers, CAP.CO, who have been commissioned to design and develop the unique attraction, also attended the event to highlight the overall concept.
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited said: “We are delighted that the feedback we’ve already received for our plans to create a magical outdoor play experience, which have been in development for a number of years, has been really positive, especially from local schools and community groups.
“We have worked closely with CAP.CO who completely understood our vision from the very beginning to design a unique woodland adventure trail, rooted in imagination and nature, and are very excited about bringing it to life.”
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has announced tickets are now on sale for listeners and fans to join the star-studded ceremony this autumn.
Taking place at The Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, the awards show will feature performances from top names in music and entertainment, whilst honouring and celebrating community heroes.
Tickets now on sale from £28.60 via forth1.com and The Usher Hall Box Office
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
One of the biggest nights in Edinburgh’s music calendar, The Forth Awards honours local heroes and organisations going over and above for their community, as well as a top-secret line-up of celebrities from across music and entertainment.
Previous winners and performances include Lewis Capaldi, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald, Erasure and Simple Minds, with the line-up kept secret until the day itself.
Hosted by Boogie and Arlene from Forth 1’s breakfast show, the afternoon show is the perfect start to winter festivities, with fans, listeners and guests packing out the Capital’s Usher Hall to enjoy music, comedy and musical theatre performances.
Plus, the awards panel reviews hundreds of listener nominations for categories that recognise those who go the extra mile in communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award.
Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager from Hits Radio Scotland said, “We are so proud that The Forth Awards at The Usher Hall is back again and we can’t wait to reveal a stunning line up and, of course, some wonderful winners.
“Tickets are selling fast as always so if people want to come and join in the fun, they should act now.
“It’s always a spectacular afternoon filled with fun and laughter, and amazing celebrations of outstanding achievement from Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
The Forth Awards 2025 Categories
The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris
The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire
The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room
£4.5 million a year to address long-term health effects
New year-on-year investment in specialist services will help address long-term effects caused by COVID-19 and other similar health conditions.
The Scottish Government is allocating £4.5 million to health boards this year and in future years on a recurring basis, to recruit skilled staff and develop sustainable services. Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and similar conditions will also be eligible for referral.
Services could include managing fatigue or breathlessness, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
During a visit to services at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I recognise the significant impact which the symptoms of long COVID and ME/CFS can have on those most severely affected. I want to ensure these patients are listened to and receive appropriate assessments and referrals.
“Being able to meet professionals involved in Astley Ainslie Hospital’s existing long COVID service, I am heartened to hear first-hand how our funding so far has allowed people living with the condition to be given advice and support to improve their quality of life.
“Recurring funding will enable health boards to develop new support on a sustainable basis and help the retention and recruitment of the skilled members of staff required for the delivery of these services.”
Director of Allied Health Professions at NHS Lothian, Dr Heather Cameron, welcomed the recurring funding and added: “In Lothian, we are taking a holistic approach to supporting people with long-term health conditions such as ME, CFS and Long Covid.
“Our clinical teams work collaboratively across a range of services, including medical, psychology, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, to provide care and support people to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
“This funding is vitally important, and it means that we are able to further develop our services in the longer term to ensure that established care pathways are available when people need it most.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber is highlighting National Eye Health Week by visiting local opticians, ClearVue Opticians, on Lanark Road West.
She is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.
Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, says: “I’m proud to support National Eye Health Week and highlight just how important regular eye examinations are.
“In Scotland, these checks are free for everyone and play a vital role in spotting eye conditions early, as well as identifying wider health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
“I would urge people to book an appointment with their local optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently if recommended.”
National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, and Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 22 to 28 September 2025 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: “Regular eye tests are vital, not just for protecting sight but also for detecting a range of wider health conditions at an early stage. We’re encouraged to see more people coming forward for eye examinations, but it’s important that everyone feels confident and comfortable accessing them.
“At RNIB Scotland, we’re here to support anyone who is experiencing changes in their vision and may be worried about what this means. Together with other charities, we can offer advice and guidance to help people make informed choices about their health. No one should face an eye condition diagnosis without the right support.”
Optometry Scotland, says: “During National Eye Health Week we are pleased to collaborate with RNIB to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.
“As part of our commitment to public health in Scotland, we want to remind everyone that NHS-funded eye exams are available and accessible to all.
“Eye examinations not only check vision, but also play a crucial role in detecting eye and general health conditions early to support overall wellbeing. We’re also proud to work with RNIB in facilitating MSP visits across the country which help to spotlight the value of eye health at both local and national levels.
“Together, we can ensure more people understand the importance of these services and take proactive steps to protect their sight.”
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the beloved Broadway phenomenon, Vue is bringing the award-winning Hamilton to the big screen this September.
From 26 September, for three days only, the global stage sensation heads to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh, telling the story of one of America’s foremost founding fathers Alexander Hamilton. The screening brings the show straight from the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway and features the original cast.
Created by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, the production first hit stages back in 2015 and since has toured the world, winning over worldwide audiences with iconic and award-winning songs such as Alexander Hamilton and My Shot.
This groundbreaking musical, which packs a score of more than 40 songs in total, can be experienced on the big screen, allowing theatre fans to enjoy all of their favourite moments in this fully immersive experience, all from the comfort of their local Vue.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Since it rocked the theatre world over 10 years ago, Hamilton has gone on to be a legendary musical that fans always eagerly want to see.
“At Vue this month, we’re thrilled to provide audiences a fantastic way to watch this iconic production, complete with the original Broadway cast, up on the big screen for a limited time.”
Alexander Middleton’s 90 Mile Challenge for MND Scotland
For some people the daily commute to work is a routine part of life. But for Alexander Middleton, a 32-year-old solicitor from Edinburgh, it became an opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that supports individuals and families dealing with a motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis.
Over the course of five days during September, Alexander walked from his home in South Queensferry to his office in Edinburgh. This was a round trip of approximately 18 miles each day with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Scotland’s motor neuron disease charity, MND Scotland.
Alexander is a lifelong rugby player and has seen the devastating impact of MND on figures like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater. He wanted to take on the challenge to help raise funds for families in Scotland affected by the brutal disease.
Alexander said,“I’m young, I’m healthy, and while I can do it, I want to try and raise as much awareness as possible.
“I just feel for people that are suffering from it. If I can do something that helps them, then hopefully that’s me doing something good. For me, I see the challenge as short-term suffering- it’s nowhere near as challenging as MND. That’s what keeps me going”.
Each day, Alexander walked approximately five hours, starting at 5:30am and ending with another long trek home after a full day’s work.
Regardless of the weather, he kept going, driven by the thought of those who no longer have the ability to walk, let alone work: “I’m in a privileged position where I can do it. I can walk and I can speak to my partner. I’m not suffering from the disease.”
There are around 480 people in Scotland currently living with MND. On average almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland. The average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.
MND Scotland is the only charity dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends across Scotland.
“Health is wealth. It’s opened my eyes to what’s important and not letting things bother you”, Alexander said.
The challenge became a community effort. Friends and family joined him on different parts of the walk, including his 64-year-old mum who trained to take part. Local businesses stepped up too – Rogue Bros in South Queensferry donated pizzas for the final day celebration, and nutrition brand ELEAT provided high-protein snacks to fuel Alexander’s challenge.
His passion doesn’t stop there. He’s already planning his next challenge for 2026. Alexander aims to organise a four-day run from Edinburgh to Newcastle, covering the distance of four marathons. He hopes to engage colleagues from both offices, raise even more funds, and continue building awareness around MND.
“I’d love for Walk to Work to become popular,” he said. “If people are inspired by my challenge and decide to do something themselves, that’s a bonus.”
Alexander believes that small actions can lead to big change. His efforts mirror the commitment of other MND champions like Kevin Sinfield, whose fundraising efforts have inspired thousands, including Alexander.
He added:“If someone’s inspired by my challenge, then that’s a bonus. You never know what’s around the corner, so go and do that holiday, or go and fundraise, do something silly, because you just never know what’s coming.”
Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We would like to thank Alexander for taking on his incredible “Walk to Work Challenge”.
“MND Scotland is supporting more people in Scotland who are facing MND – and the descent into the unknown – than ever before. The support from people like Alexander means that people in Scotland won’t have to face the unknown alone.
“Whether you decide to follow in Alexander’s ‘footsteps’ by encouraging your workplace to take on a walking challenge in support of MND Scotland or come up with a unique quirky idea of your own, everything you do will be helping to support people affected by MND in Scotland.”
Alexander’s “Walk to Work for MND,” has already surpassed his fundraising target and has raised over £3,800. If you would like to donate to his JustGiving page, please visit:
Join us at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 5 October to celebrate Silver Sunday.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK.
Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.
Chart topping singer-songwriter Cammy Barnes performed hits Tiree Sun and Caledonia as 2.1 million poppies began their journey to the four corners of the country this week.
The occasion marks Poppyscotland’s ‘National Uplift’ ahead of the charity’s 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, the country’s largest fundraising campaign which takes place annually in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday in November.
Cammy, who is currently riding high in the Top 40 with Whiskey Roll, which he also performed to staff at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory has previously shown his support for the charity. In May, he took to the stage as part of a special VE Day commemoration concert at the Usher Hall, when, together with Royal British Legion Scotland, the nation celebrated 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Hailing from Fife, Cammy has enjoyed huge success with multiple singles charting in the UK Top 20 and number 1 entries on the Singer-Songwriter & Country/Alt iTunes Charts, and he was delighted to be asked to be a part of this key milestone in the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, encouraging the supporters to go the extra mile this year in their fundraising efforts.
He said: “It was a pleasure to be at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today to witness the 2.1 million iconic four-petalled Scottish poppies being loaded on to the lorry and begin their journey.
“It’s a momentous occasion for Poppyscotland that marks the start of what, I have no doubt, will be another hugely successful appeal.
“The poppy is our national symbol of Remembrance, and I urge people across Scotland to donate to the charity and wear their poppy with pride and show the Armed Forces community that their service is appreciated.”
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager for Scotland said: “The national uplift marks the culmination of a year of hard work by our veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and means our biggest fundraiser is just around the corner.
“Every single penny raised helps us to continue our vital work supporting the Armed Forces community by providing mental health support, financial support, and the other essential welfare services that make a life-changing difference to those who have given so much for all of us.”
The Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, which employs a team of 36 Armed Forces veterans with a range of disabilities, was set up by Lady Haig – wife of Field Marshall Earl Haig – in 1926.
Today, the team of disabled and vulnerable ex-service men and women manufacture tens of thousands of wreaths, Remembrance symbols and long-stem poppies each year.
Between them our staff have seen service in every military campaign since the early 1970’s.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Monkeys: Our Primate Family Until 30 Nov 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Science Saturday 27 Sep 10:30-15:30 Hawthornden Court, Level 1 & Event Space, Level 2 Free, drop in
Celebrate Maths Week Scotland at the museum with crafts, games and puzzles. Unleash your creativity with our maths challenges. Build a Scottish wild animal with LEGO® or design and draw your own animals adapted to suit different climates.
Legends, Myths and Maths: A Journey Through Scotland 28 Sep 11:00-12:00 Auditorium Level 1 Free, booking required
Join author David Macphail to explore the myths, legends, wildlife and landscapes of Scotland, with hidden maths. A fun and interactive talk for families presented by Maths Week Scotland.
In Conversation: Peter Ross and Fraser Hunter 28 Sep 15:00-16:00 Auditorium Level 1 Tickets from £7.50
Join author Peter Ross in conversation with Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, as they discuss Peter’s new book ‘Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland‘, which explores the enduring mystery of ancient sites and objects and considers the ways in which they continue to hold significance for people now.
The book includes a number of items in National Museums Scotland’s collections, including the strange and fascinating Ballachulish Figure.
Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife 4 Oct 11:00-16:00 Tickets from £45
Take a fresh look at our Scottish wildlife collections. These informal creative workshops will focus on helping you to better understand and engage with these fascinating animals in new ways. Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world.
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 5 Oct 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Special Exhibition Gallery 1 Tickets from £13
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced. A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.
Relaxed Morning 7 Sep 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Printmaking workshop with Nkem Okwechime 5 Oct 14:00-16:00 Learning Centre Free, booking required
Enjoy a practical printmaking workshop with Scottish-Nigerian artist Nkem Okwechime. Explore how the Museum’s collections have inspired his work and try screen printing techniques to create artwork to take home.
Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 7 Oct 14:00-15:00 £3, £2 Members & Conc.
Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.
The first exhibition of its kind to show primates behaving as they would in the wild, ‘Monkeys: Our Primate Family’ brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Six Long Legs 15-17 Oct 10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00 Auditorium, Events Space, Level 2 Performance fee, workshop £2
Join us for three days of insect-themed family fun inspired by the National Museums Scotland’s entomology collection. Enjoy a colourful show featuring dressing up, puppetry and mischievous anarchy. Then get creative and build your own bug in a playful and collaborative workshop.
Wild Wings of Hope 15-17 Oct 10:30-16:00 Grand Gallery, Living Lands gallery Free
Explore the extraordinary journeys of migratory birds and insects with storytelling and craft. This three-day event celebrates the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Scotland and Africa.
Curiosity Club: Wild Wings 25 Oct 10:30-12:00 Learning Centre, Level 4 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life 30 Sep 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
October Half Term: Make Do and Mend 11 Oct-19 Oct Drop-in daily from 10:00-15:00
Try knitting, repairing and re-using clothes, following advice from a Second World War publication.
Make Do and Mend was a government campaign during the Second World War to teach people how to repair and reuse existing clothing to help them get through the clothing shortage. During October half term, take part in family activities that will introduce you to some of these skills.
Science Sunday 2 Nov 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission.
Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.
Conservation Hangar Talks Until 29 Mar 2026 14:00-15:00 Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
