Open at Plaza News, Unit 23-26 Upper Ground Floor Level, Westside Plaza, Edinburgh, EH14 2SW
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm
51 hours of Post Office service per week
Branch now open on Saturday afternoons
Experienced postmasters
Dr Scott Arthur MP for Edinburgh South West “cut the ribbon” (17/10) to mark the official opening of Wester Hailes Post Office at its new location – Plaza News, Unit 23-26 Upper Ground Floor Level, Westside Plaza, Edinburgh, EH14 2SW.
Experienced postmasters are father and son, Mohammed and Aamir Arshad have run Plaza News, a hardware and convenience store, since 2016. Previously they ran Whitecraig Post Office and off-licence store in Musselburgh for six years.
Dr Scott Arthur MP said: “I want to thank Mohammed and Aamir Arshad for taking on Wester Hailes Post Office inside their well-established store, close to the previous branch, meaning customers are already familiar with the shopping centre, parking and bus routes.
”This Post Office fits in well with the store design. The layout is spacious and accessible, and with Mohammed and Aamir’s experience running a previous Post Office, they’ve hit the ground running.”
Wester Hailes Post Office had been directly managed by Post Office. As part of Post Office’s wider commitment to deliver a “New Deal for Postmasters” with increased remuneration, the Post Office is franchising all remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches which will create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices across the UK.
This branch in Wester Hailes is the first of the 108 to relocate. It remains within the same shopping centre. There is a car park at the shopping center with dedicated disabled parking bays on upper level where the new branch is located.
Wester Hailes Post Office has two open plan serving positions, neatly added to the line of retail counters. The store has wide aisles, designed to make it easier for people with mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walking frames, pushchairs or prams to manoeuvre.
Postmaster Aamir Arshad said: “Our existing customers were really pleased that we were taking on Wester Hailes Post Office under one roof. We have had lots of people saying that they are very grateful that the branch is here and we have also had thank you cards.
“People are happy with the spacious layout in the aisles, so there is room for someone in a wheelchair and a pushchair to pass side by side.
“We are also seeing lots of new customers who we had not seen before, who have also been impressed with our existing retail offer in our hardware and convenience store, so those sales have increased too.
“We are giving everyone a warm welcome. People are surprised to hear about my previous experience of running a branch. I was only young when I started with my Dad. Now my 20-year-old brother Adam, has just joined us too, so he is about my age when I started. He’s taken to it really well.
“Extra staff are also being Post Office trained ready for the really busy Christmas period.”
Opening hours are: Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm. This is an extra 5 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week including Saturday afternoon and earlier opening on a Tuesday morning, making it more convenient for customers to visit.
The same range of Post Office services are available, including an internal ATM. Customers have the choice of Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DPD and Evri services to buy in branch, drop offs and collections. It’s very easy for people to do their personal and business banking, bill payment and a full range of currencies on demand.
There is passport check and send, vehicle tax ID verification services and Western Union international money transfers.
From Strathaven to the Isle of Skye, 46 employers fined over £400,000 for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage.
Across the UK, around £6 million put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its Plan for Change.
Enforcement of workers’ rights is set to be beefed up through new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who flout the law.
46 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named (Friday 17 October) as the Government takes direct action to Make Work Pay.
Around 700 workers in Scotland have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling over £400,000 for breaking the rules.
This strong enforcement doesn’t just protect workers; it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut. By taking swift action against these employers, the Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.
Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said:“This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they’ve earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones.
“We are proud to have delivered a strong minimum wage and enforcing it thoroughly is crucial in our mission to put pounds back in your pocket.
“I know this news will be welcomed by brilliant businesses across the country, those who know that happy well-paid staff are at the heart of building a successful company.
“With our new Fair Work Agency and the coming Employment Rights Bill, this government is keeping our promise to Britain to make work pay again”
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:“Every Scottish worker deserves the pay they are entitled to. Our government is delivering real change for working people – boosting the minimum wage for 200,000 of Scotland’s lowest-paid workers and taking action against employers who break the rules.
“We are bringing in the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation and we will not tolerate employers who short-change their staff.”
This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million, or half of all UK, workers.
As well as ensuring hard work is properly rewarded with fair treatment and decent pay, from April 2026 the Employment Rights Bill will also establish a new Fair Work Agency with more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay.
Today’s announcement follows significant increases to National Minimum Wage rates earlier this year. From April, millions got a pay rise with those on the National Living Wage who work full-time seeing their families supported by an extra £1,400 per year.
· If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
· Workers can also call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or visit their website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HMRC at Pay and work rights helpline and complaints
· The minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK.
· HMRC consider all complaints from workers, so workers are being reminded to check their pay with advice available through the Check your pay website
· National Living Wage and National Minimum wage rates:
2024 rate
2025 rate
National Living Wage (21 and over)
£11.44
£12.21
18 to 20
£8.60
£10.00
Under 18
£6.40
£7.55
Apprentice
£6.40
£7.55
Educational bulletin
We are committed to educating employers and have released an educational bulletin today to increase awareness of National Minimum Wage legislation and inform companies on how to make sure they’re paying workers correctly.
List of employers:
Crieff Hydro Limited, Crieff, PH7, failed to pay £33,992.50 to 131 workers.
J. Puddleducks Childcare Limited , Aberdeen, AB21, failed to pay £30,057.05 to 62 workers.
Mr James D Oakden & Mrs Frances I Hay Smith, Cupar, KY14, failed to pay £28,379.95 to 7 workers.
Stena Line PTE Ltd, Glasgow, G3, failed to pay £20,585.44 to 11 workers.
Seada Uaine Ltd, Isle of Jura, PA60, failed to pay £11,190.12 to 18 workers.
Little Me Nursery Limited, Glasgow, G20, failed to pay £7,841.61 to 15 workers.
Windscreen Services (argyll) Ltd, Oban, PA34, failed to pay £7,191.37 to 3 workers.
David Bryson & Sons Limited, Prestwick, KA9, failed to pay £6,766.94 to 25 workers.
Rompers Private Nursery Limited, Montrose, DD10, failed to pay £6,311.47 to 5 workers.
Peebles Hydro Limited, Peebles, EH45, failed to pay £4,328.91 to 28 workers.
J S K Retail (GLW) Ltd, Alloa, FK10, failed to pay £4,007.92 to 1 worker.
K & P Cooper Ltd, Annan, DG12, failed to pay £3,920.18 to 1 worker.
Ballathie House Hotel Company Limited, Stanley, PH1, failed to pay £3,445.15 to 33 workers.
Wright Hardware Limited, Prestwick, KA9, failed to pay £3,279.84 to 77 workers.
Mr James D Oakden & Mrs Sarah Oakden, Cupar, KY14, failed to pay £3,191.72 to 2 workers.
Driveline Holdings Limited, Grangemouth, FK3, failed to pay £3,055.00 to 3 workers.
Mackay Hotel Company Ltd, Wick, KW1, failed to pay £3,051.03 to 3 workers.
The Daisychain Nursery Kirkcaldy Ltd., Kirkcaldy, KY1, failed to pay £2,825.67 to 14 workers.
ABY Autos Ltd, Hamilton, ML3, failed to pay £2,630.57 to 1 worker.
Ms Anne Myles, Miss Stacey Myles & Miss Teri Devine, Dundee, DD4, failed to pay £2,511.75 to 5 workers.
Sinclair Nursery Limited, Glasgow, G42, failed to pay £2,501.34 to 2 workers.
Gemmell Hammond Limited, Arbroath, DD11, failed to pay £2,422.76 to 1 worker.
Spring Engineering Services Limited, Livingston, EH54, failed to pay £2,222.96 to 3 workers.
Cinemaattic Productions CIC, Edinburgh, EH8, failed to pay £2,029.46 to 2 workers.
Mr Edward Phillips, Coatbridge, ML5, failed to pay £2,019.00 to 2 workers.
Kingswellies Nursery Limited, Aberdeen, AB15, failed to pay £1,928.05 to 4 workers.
MacPhails Coaches Limited, Shotts, ML7, failed to pay £1,879.85 to 12 workers.
Thistle Alterations Ltd, Aberdeen, AB10, failed to pay £1,874.47 to 2 workers.
Seaforth Hotels Limited, Helensburgh, G84, failed to pay £1,807.14 to 5 workers.
MJM Builders Limited, Glasgow, G68, failed to pay £1,773.07 to 1 worker.
The Three Chimneys (Scotland) Limited, Isle of Skye, IV55, failed to pay £1,527.83 to 7 workers.
Mrs Anna K Bednarz, Isle Of Skye, IV49, failed to pay £1,520.00 to 1 worker.
Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited , Bishopton, PA7, failed to pay £1,482.59 to 4 workers.
Crinan Hotel (Argyll) Limited (The), Crinan, PA31, failed to pay £1,317.86 to 24 workers.
Bar Aldo Limited, Alloa, FK10, failed to pay £1,268.63 to 11 workers.
Abby Cleaning (Scotland) Ltd, Glasgow, G22, failed to pay £1,002.80 to 49 workers.
Orchard Grove Nurseries Limited, Paisley, PA1, failed to pay £834.33 to 1 worker.
Pace & Bene Limited, Kilwinning, KA13, failed to pay £814.59 to 1 worker.
Crofthead Holiday Park Limited, Ayr, KA6, failed to pay £763.43 to 1 worker.
Mr Alexander Stuart, Mrs Freda Thomson Stuart, Mrs Emma Jane Stuart, Mr Grant Reid, Dunning, PH2, failed to pay £741.43 to 1 worker.
Event Evolution Limited, Port Glasgow, PA14, failed to pay £686.67 to 4 workers.
The Rissco Collection Limited, Strathaven, ML10, failed to pay £680.25 to 25 workers.
Ubiquitous Chip Ltd, Dunbar, EH42, failed to pay £675.13 to 47 workers.
Mackie’s Limited, Rothienorman, AB51, failed to pay £568.13 to 2 workers.
New Inn Hotel Limited, Ellon, AB41, failed to pay £538.71 to 15 workers.
Mazaj Dundee Limited, Dundee, DD1, failed to pay £529.65 to 16 workers.
A design by Leonardo da Vinci for a fantastical dragon costume is one of more than 80 drawings by 57 different artists that are now on display as part ofthe widest-ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings for over half a century in Scotland.
Drawings by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and more are among 45 works going on display in Scotland for the first time as part of Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Following a critically acclaimed showing in London, the exhibition explores the variety and range of drawings in this period, from preparatory studies for paintings and altarpieces to designs for sculpture and elaborate drawings which were made as gifts.
Drawings were often discarded after they had served their purpose, with only a small proportion surviving, but the works on display have been carefully preserved in the Royal Collection for centuries, allowing them to be enjoyed almost as vividly as when they were created.
Lauren Porter, curator of the exhibition, said ‘This is a remarkable opportunity to share so many of the Italian Renaissance drawings from the Royal Collection, with over half being shown in Scotland for the first time.
“As works on paper cannot be permanently displayed for conservation reasons, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to view these drawings up close, giving a unique insight into the minds of the great artists who made them.’
Reflecting the continued importance of drawing today, the Gallery is hosting its first artist residency, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art.
Edinburgh-based artists Phoebe Leach and Dette Allmark, both alumni of the School, will respond to the masterpieces on display by drawing in the Gallery throughout the exhibition. Their creations will form a changing display for visitors, who are encouraged to take inspiration and try drawing themselves, with materials freely available.
A highlight work on display is an example of one of Leonardo’s anatomical studies drawn from a real-life dissection. The double-sided drawing which shows the muscles of a man was created in c.1510–11 and shows his detailed, personal notes in his left-handed ‘mirror-writing’.
Perhaps lesser known are the anatomical studies of Michelangelo, who reportedly conducted human dissections as a young man.
On display for the first time in Scotland is his study of a male torso in pen and ink, which was likely drawn from a wax model made by the artist, which shows his ongoing interest in human anatomy later in life. This can also be seen in his highly finished black chalk drawing of the resurrected Christ, with the artist capturing the energy of the muscular figure rising from his tomb.
Other striking figure studies on display include two works by Raphael: a vigorous drawing of Hercules slaying the many-headed Hydra, and a red chalk study of The Three Graces that was – unusually for the period – drawn from a nude female model.
Scenes from mythology were common subjects for Italian Renaissance artists and are well-represented in the exhibition. They include drawings by lesser-known artists including Paolo Farinati’s design for a fresco showing the goddesses of fruit and agriculture.
The drawing, which has not been on display before in Scotland, is inscribed with instructions for the artist’s assistants on the height of the figures, telling them they should be around three-feet-high but to ‘do it as you fancy when you are on the scaffolding.’
Other highlights on display include a drawing attributed to the Venetian artist Titian of an ostrich, believed to have been drawn from life, and Leonardo’s design for a dragon costume, which appears to house two men, in the manner of a pantomime horse.
A series of portrait drawings and head studies show therange of subjects, materials, functions and coloursof Italian Renaissance drawings.
The distorted and tormented face of a grotesque mask sketched by Michelangelo, possibly a design for a sculpture, contrasts with the classical features of Leonardo’s red and black chalk drawing of a curly-haired young man which is displayed nearby, with both works on show for the first time in Scotland.
After almost 120 hours of conservation work by Royal Collection Trust conservators ahead of the London exhibition, Bernardino Campi’s cartoon for an altarpiece of the Virgin and Child is on show for the first time in Scotland.
The cartoon, a large-scale drawing made of four pieces of paper joined together, was originally used to transfer the drawing onto a painting’s surface. The conservation work involved painstakingly removing the drawing from its deteriorating canvas backing and supporting sections where the paperhad become as delicate as lace.
The Italian Renaissance saw the range and purpose of drawing greatly expand, resulting in some of the finest works of art in any medium.
Michelangelo’s meticulous drawing A children’s bacchanal marks a highpoint of Renaissance draughtsmanship and is in perfect condition, allowing us to see Michelangelo’s mastery of the art of drawing.
Following a successful launch in 2024, The King’s Gallery will offer £1 tickets for the exhibition to visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.
Further concessionary rates are available, including discounted tickets for young people, half-price entry for children (with under-fives free), and the option to convert standard tickets bought directly from Royal Collection Trust into a 1-Year Pass for unlimited re-entry for 12 months.
In a boost for our great British boozers, rural pubs across the UK will benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for communities
Rural pubs to receive funding to help broaden their services
As part of the Plan for Change, projects include community cafes, village stores and play areas
For every £1 invested in these projects, over £8 social value is generated, new data shows
In a boost for our great British boozers, rural pubs across the UK will benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for local communities. Projects will include creating community cafes, village stores, and play areas, and will help pubs bring residents and families together.
The projects have been identified by Pub is The Hub – a non-profit organisation supporting local pubs to diversify their services. Their Social Value Report spotlit more than 40 pub projects currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding.
In response, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has committed £440,000 to help Pub is The Hub deliver these projects.
From North Yorkshire to Ceredigion and Cornwall, funding will help support local jobs and opportunities whilst increasing community cohesion as part of the Plan for Change.
Kate Dearden, Minister Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, said: “Rural pubs are hubs of their communities and this government wants to support these vital community assets, creating jobs, supporting local economies and providing residents with a place to socialise and come together.
“That’s why, as part of the Plan for Change, we’re keen to help secure their future with this funding, alongside measures to slash red tape, modernise licensing and to create a fairer business rates system.”
New research by Pub is The Hub shows that for every £1 invested in the provision of new services or activities, there is a return in social value of over £8.
So far, the organisation has supported hundreds of diversification projects and aims to help 1,000 more pubs over the next three years, creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 services for over one million residents.
John Longden OBE and Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “We would like to thank the Department for Business and Trade for recognising the important role that pubs and publicans have in rural and deprived areas.
“Publicans with their individual pub businesses have a vital social role in supporting local communities and helping people to overcome social isolation and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
“They have a significant social value that is beyond economic impact. They are crucial in helping to bring people together and inspiring the provision of lost services and amenities.”
To mark the launch of the funding, Kate Dearden, Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, met with John Longden, Chief Executive of Pub is the Hub, Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the APPG Beer Group, and Molly Davis from the British Institute of Innkeeping to discuss the positive impact funding will have, as well as the Government’s wider support offer for the hospitality industry.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said: “We are pleased to be long-term supporters of Pub Is The Hub, which works so hard to help pubs with practical advice in extending their community services.
“No one can underestimate the huge social and economic value of pubs. Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink – they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness.
“Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.”
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “British pubs are the beating heart of our communities, and we know people want to see them thrive.
“From bringing forward more funding, to giving communities first dibs to take over beloved bars through our new Community Right to Buy, we’re making sure they are protected for generations to come.”
Three males have been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across central Scotland.
The offences occurred in the Fife, Stirling, Glasgow and West Lothian areas between 26 September and 1 October, 2025.
On Thursday, 16 October, 2025, officers executed arrest warrants at three properties in Edinburgh.
A 35-year-old man was arrested from Ferry Road, a 20-year-old man was arrested from Wester Drylaw Drive. Both have been charged in connection with several offences, including housebreaking, vehicle theft and road traffic offences.
The men were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday (Friday 17 October).
A 17-year-old male was arrested from Broomhouse Grove. He was charged with theft and released to appear at court at a later date.
Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.
“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”
‘In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.
‘I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
‘With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.
‘As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.’
This year at the Salvation Army. We are looking for donations if anyone can help with anything.
We need raffle prizes, tombola items and alcohol for our pick a bag stall. If anyone has anything lying about nothing is too big or too small it’s greatly appreciated
Scottish acting legend Gregor Fisher invites audiences to an intimate evening of memories, laughter and the kind of behind-the-scenes tales you won’t find on IMDb.
Joined on stage by long-time friend and director Nigel West, Fisher promises “an evening of reminiscences, stories and things you’ve never heard before” with a wink, a grin and maybe a few surprises he probably shouldn’t tell.
From Rab C. Nesbitt to Para Handy, from Mr Squeers to Love Actually, Fisher’s career has spanned decades, genres and wigs. Expect reflections on the highs, the lows and the “probably best forgotten” moments of a life spent in the wonderfully unpredictable world of show business.
“We’ll be talking about everything from adoption to acting, from The Baldy Man to Mr Bumble, from cocaine to Christmas movies (the cocaine’s a lie, by the way, but I’m trying to sell tickets),” says Fisher.
“It’s not a grand performance, more of a friendly chat. There’ll be stories, laughs and maybe a few moments that make you think, ‘I did not know that about him.’”
Far from a formal retrospective, this is Fisher at his best: candid, sharp and effortlessly funny. A night where the stories come with a pint’s warmth, the humour lands close to home and the man himself reminds us why he remains one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring screen personalities.
Celebrated for his versatility and comic talent, Fisher has built a career that balances heart and humour with ease. His credits include the iconic Rab C. Nesbitt, Michael Radford’s Merchant of Venice, 1984 (1984), Naked Video (1986), The Railway Children (2000), Love Actually (2003), Oliver Twist (2007) and The Cockfields (2019). Known for his distinctive wit and grounded performances, he continues to bring warmth and humanity to every role. Most recently, he completed filming the second series of BBC One’s Only Child, following rave reviews for his performance in the first.
Relaxed, honest and a bit daft at times, the evening promises laughter, nostalgia and a genuine peek behind the curtain of a life in this mad old business.
What the press have said about Gregor Fisher
“Fisher’s a great storyteller” – The Scotsman
“This is a man who could make reciting the alphabet uproarious” – The Guardian
Join us for a FREE spooky crafting evening where we will make Halloween spider decorations with beads or pipe cleaners! Perfect activity for the kids.
Date: Thursday 30th October
Time: 6 – 8PM
Location: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
No experience needed! Our friendly volunteer crafter, Sylvia, will guide you step-by-step. All materials provided – just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Limited spaces – do get in touch to book your spot.
This weekend at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work ofAlfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.
From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs ever taken, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques in the darkroom paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.
Free to visit at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, this will be the first major exhibition dedicated to Alfred Buckham and can only be seen in Scotland.
This exhibition will bring together over 100 photographs and objects including popular works from the Scottish national collection, alongside extensive archival material generously loaned by Alfred Buckham’s grandsons, Richard and John Buckham. Thanks to the support of the Buckham family, personal objects including letters, photographs and even the passport Alfred Buckham used will be put on public display for the first time.
A maverick of early aviation, Alfred Buckham (1879-1956) created his own unique style of photography by combining daring exploits in the air with innovation in the darkroom.
Born in London, Buckham learned his craft by teaching photography before joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916, a predecessor to the Royal Air Force.
Hailed as an exceptionally skilled flyer, he combined his talent for aviation with his passion for photography, resulting in remarkable endeavours and trailblazing images.
Based for most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, central Scotland became a natural playground for Buckham to refine his photographic techniques and let his imagination soar.
Unknown
Daredevil Photographer will chart his phenomenal story from his early photographic experiments in Scotland to exciting adventures in South America and look closer at the skilled and inventive ways he created his work.
Explore Scotland from the air and get a new perspective of well-known sights, just as Buckham himself would have. Daredevil Photographer celebrates the impact Scotland had on Buckham’s work through his images of recognisable landmarks including St Andrews Golf Links, Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument in Stirling.
The exhibition will also feature several images of the Forth Rail Bridge, Buckham’s most photographed landmark. The iconic bridge was the subject of one of his first composite photographs and appeared on the 1918 RAF Turnhouse Christmas card, which will go on display alongside the original photography.
Daredevil Photographer will delve into the darkroom and uncover more about the creative processes used to bring Buckham’s unique images to life. After the First World War, Buckham began experimenting with composite photography; a technique where several negatives are used to create one photographic print.
While this wasn’t a new concept, composite photography added a layer of creative freedom to Buckham’s work, much like a very early form of Photoshop.
From his vast collection of glass negatives – he had over 2000 cloud images alone in his ‘cloud library’ – Buckham had the means to create images which became immersive, giving a unique sense of flying alongside these incredible aircraft while viewing the world below.
It was through the technique of composite photography that some of Buckham’s most famous works were born, including the iconic aerial view of Edinburgh (about 1920). This striking photograph shows a bi-plane hovering amongst wispy clouds above Edinburgh Castle, with Arthur’s Seat visible through the mist in the background, and the bustling city below.
For the first time, Edinburgh will be displayed alongside the camera and original glass negatives Buckham used to capture and create this much-loved image. Visitors will also be encouraged to get inspired and try their hand at creating their own composite creations through interactive exhibits.
Telling Buckham’s story through his own wordsand memories, Daredevil Photographer allows visitors to meet the courageous and humorous man behind the camera. Firsthand accounts of his incredible exploits in the air and ingenious creative methods on the ground will enhance his story and highlight his adventurous spirit:Ah! One was a rare daredevil in those days! (Alfred Buckham, The New York Times, 1930).
A free and unique immersive audio experience will bring Buckham’s world of flight and imagination to life through his own words. Hear Buckham’s grandson Richard give a voice to his grandfather’s memories and reflections on his daredevil persona.
Daredevil in every sense of the word, Buckham went to incredible feats to capture the perfect shot, which the exhibition will explore.
His preferred methods included standing in an open cockpit while mid-air, with his leg tied to the seat as a nod to safety. As a result, he experienced no less than nine crashes in his lifetime, one ending in a serious throat injury that cut his military career short.
However, he would not be deterred, describing his eccentric photography methods in a surprisingly relaxed way:
“It is not easy to tumble out of an aeroplane, unless you really want to, and on considerably more than a thousand flights I have used a safety belt only once, and then it was thrust upon me. I always stand up to make an exposure and, taking the precaution to tie my right leg to the seat, I am free to move rapidly, and easily, in any desired direction; and loop the loop; and indulge in other such delights, with perfect safety” – Alfred Buckham, The Camera, January 1927.
Daredevil Photographer will celebrate Buckham’s skill in the air through a range of his mesmerising photographs.
Encounter stunning images of the leading aircraft of the day, such as the Bristol Fighter, a two seated bi-plane designed for aerial reconnaissance, and the bizarre airships of the 1920s. See them soaring through the skies in all weathers, amongst an array of remarkable landscapes.
The exhibition will include one of his most well-known works, The Heart of the Empire (1923), on loan from the V&A Museum in London and displayed in Edinburgh for the first time.
The photograph follows a bi-plane as it glides across the London skyline, with landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the River Thames in view. Exhibited by the Royal Photographic Society in 1925, The Heart of the Empire secured Buckham’s position as one of Britain’s leading aerial photographers.
Experience the golden age of travel through Buckham’s portfolio of images spanning across the globe.
In 1931, a commission from Fortune Magazine took Buckham on an epic fifteen-week trip across the Americas, covering 19,000 miles and setting a world record.
Starting in New York City and taking the opportunity to capture the newly built Empire State Building, Buckham photographed his intrepid journey from the United States to the tip of South America to share with the world.
Daredevil Photographer will chart Buckham’s incredible journey, from expansive views of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and the snowy caps of the Andes Mountains to perilous scenes of smoking volcanic creators in Guatemala and Mexico.
Through his death-defying adventures and stunning photographs, Buckham expanded public understanding of the world, creating an exciting legacy which continues to capture imaginations today.
Louise Pearson, curator of photography at the National Galleries of Scotland says: “Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching photograph of Edinburgh is one of the most popular artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland collection.
“This enthralling image becomes even more intriguing when you learn that it is a darkroom jigsaw – a composite photograph made through a combination of technical skill and creative vision.
“Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the remarkable story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer via numerous loop the loops.”
Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer isa free exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, opening on 18 October 2025.
– Our annual Christmas fair!
HALLOWEEN CRAFTING 
Date: Thursday 30th October
Time: 6 – 8PM
Location: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
