Join Mary’s Meals for an uplifting fundraising Christmas Choir Concert at the city’s St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
This Christmas, Edinburgh residents can give the gift of hope to hungry children – by joining Mary’s Meals for a lively celebration of Christmas through song.
The event takes place on Wednesday, 17 December from 19:00 to 21:00, and will include a fantastic selection of joyous carols, uplifting music and inspirational songs, sung by Voices and Sister Sister – two local community choirs. Guests will also get to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, a glass of mulled wine and mince pies.
Proceeds from the event go towards providing nutritious school meals for hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. These meals attract children into the classroom where they can gain an education that can be their ladder out of poverty.
The Scotland-based charity reaches an incredible three million children every school day, across 16 countries – including Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe.
Tickets for the event start at £8 and can be secured by visiting:
Sally Davidson, Mary’s Meals Supporter Engagement Officer for East Scotland, says: “It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year – or just 10p a meal.
“Help us turn hunger into hope for children still waiting for our life-changing meals by joining us for a night of joy, connection, and purpose.”
Give hope this Christmas – and with Double The Love, your donation can go twice as far! From 10 November, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million.
The gift matching will end when we reach the £1.1 million pot. Together, through Double The Love, we can transform the lives of many more desperately hungry children waiting for Mary’s Meals.
What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?
The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.
The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.
Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said:“Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.
“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.
“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?
“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”
Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.
Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.
Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.
Agreement reached with key stakeholders on the unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill
ANOTHER MANIFESTO PLEDGE DITCHED?
The UK Government convened a series of constructive conversations between trade unions and business representatives.On the basis of the outcome of these discussions, the Government will now move forward on the issue of unfair dismissal protections in the Employment Rights Bill to ensure it can reach Royal Assent and keep to the Government’s published delivery timeline.
This will mean delivering day one rights to sick pay and paternity leave in April 2026 as well as launching the Fair Work Agency. Reforms to benefit millions of working people, including some of the lowest paid workers, would otherwise be significantly delayed if the Bill does not reach Royal Assent in line with our delivery timetable. Businesses too need time to prepare for what are a series of significant changes.
The discussions concluded that reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from 24 months to 6 months (whilst maintaining existing day one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair grounds for dismissal) is a workable package. It will benefit millions of working people who will gain new rights and offer business and employers much needed clarity.
To further strengthen these protections, the Government has committed to ensure that the unfair dismissal qualifying period can only be varied by primary legislation and that the compensation cap will be lifted.
As a result of these constructive conversations, tabling of the necessary amendments, and a commitment by the Government to a robust process to ensure full, fair and transparent consultation and discussion on the detail and application of the secondary legislation, businesses and unions agree that the Bill can progress.
This will enable the Government to deliver the necessary consultations and implementation in line with its timetable and manifesto commitments to Make Work Pay.
The Government was pleased to facilitate these discussions and to set an example of the benefits of working together, and remains committed to continue engaging with trade unions, business and employers to make working lives better, support businesses and, vitally, deliver economic growth and good job creation.
The Government is particularly aware of the need to support small businesses in the effective adoption of these changes. Constructive dialogue and full consultation with business, employers and unions will continue beyond the passage of the Bill.
The TUC said: ‘Government will reduce the qualifying period for full protection from unfair dismissal from two years to six months. There’ll also be no statutory probation period.
“The Employment Rights Bill is essential to better quality, more secure jobs for millions of workers. The absolute priority now is to get these rights – like day one sick pay – on the statute book so that working people can start benefitting from them from next April.
“Following the government’s announcement, it’s now vital that Peers respect Labour’s manifesto mandate and that this Bill secures Royal Assent as quickly as possible.”
Independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland in partnership with Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has launched a national campaign to help tackle the growing problem of organised theft and sale of stolen goods from Scotland’s shops.
With increasing reports of theft, violence and abuse targeting retail workers, the campaign aims to empower communities and the industry to report incidents anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.
Scotland’s retail sector has seen a rise in theft linked to organised crime gangs.
Police Scotland figures show that between April 2024 and October 2025, goods worth an estimated £3.6-£5 million were reported stolen through shoplifting, which accounts for almost 40% of all recorded acquisitive crime across the country.
It is thought that organised crime groups are responsible for around a third of these thefts. Retail groups, believe the true cost is far higher, with losses across Scotland exceeding £170 million a year.
In response to the ongoing rise in retail offences, Police Scotland received a funding allocation of £3m for the year 2025/26 and used this capital to launch the Retail Crime Taskforce.
The unit is dedicated to ensuring police, retailers and stakeholders can work together to try to stop retail crime through crime prevention and deter people becoming involved in such offences through education and diversionary support.
Where retail crime occurs, the Taskforce seeks to help mitigate the impact by improving processes such as reporting of offences to Police Scotland and conducting regular enforcement activity to bring those responsible to justice.
Since April, dedicated Taskforce officers and operations supported by the Taskforce have helped detect more than 2000 retail offences within Scotland.
In addition to the financial impact of shoplifting, the human cost of retail theft is incalculable. As part of the Crimestoppers initiative, the charity spoke to the public and retail staff about the impact of theft from the shops they worked in.
Many said they felt ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ at work. Several who witnessed crimes were left unable to return to work. Some smaller, local businesses were considering closing because of the daily threat of thefts.
Two recent incidents shared by Retailers Against Crime underline the human impact:
A man was stopped by -staff, and this caused him to produce a large kitchen knife before threatening them with it. The male then fled the premises, and the store called the police. He was stopped, arrested and the knife was retained.
Another worker was assaulted after confronting a man who had left a store without paying for items. The offender later returned and physically attacked the security guard.
Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “Our charity wants to empower communities and retail staff to pass on information anonymously about WHO is behind, organised shop theft.
“Your information could help prevent serious abuse and violent incidents and help Scotland’s shop workers feel safer at work. You will never be asked for your name or any personal details, and your information could make a real difference.”
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government recognises the harm caused by retail crime to businesses and those that work there.
“Our budget for 2025/26 has made an additional £3 million available to Police Scotland to help tackle the issue, which has led to the establishment of their Retail Crime Taskforce.
“Alongside our partners we want to prevent such incidents and pursue those responsible. I commend Crimestoppers, Police Scotland and all involved for raising awareness of this important issue as we approach the festive season, and their continuing efforts in this area.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Strategic Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “We recognised that retail offences were contributing to the overwhelming majority of acquisitive crimes taking place across Scotland and having a significant impact on businesses and retail staff.
“In response, and through engagement with the Scottish Government, we set out a strategy for addressing this.
“Thanks to a £3m funding allocation for the year 2025/26, we were able to establish the Retail Crime Taskforce and since April, this dedicated unit has supported local policing divisions across Scotland to address retail crime, work closely with those in the retail sector to consider and enhance their security measures and bring offenders to justice.
“We also know that partnership work, such as this campaign, helps raise the profile of retail crime, so all relevant groups and individuals can reflect on the role they can play in tackling offences of this nature.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Knight from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “Our mission statement could not be simpler. We must reduce retail crime in all its forms and ensure that we work closely with the retail sector and retail workers to mitigate against the devastating impact of retail crime on those affected.
“Enforcement plays a key role and over the last seven months, thousands of offences have been detected by dedicated Taskforce resources supporting their local policing colleagues.
“However, Police cannot solve this problem alone and that is why we are collaborating with Crimestoppers to raise awareness around the impact of Retail Crime on retailers, their staff and local communities, and urge those who have information about individuals committing retail crime, or those selling and buying stolen retail property to report it. Retail crime is not victimless and together we can make a difference”
Lucy Brown, Retail Industry Leadership Co Chair, said, on behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Group (RILG) “I am pleased to see the progress the Retail Crime Task Force is making, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure its continued success.”
Stephanie Karte, CEO Retailers Against Crime: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence and partnership working is key to tackling the growing threat faced by retailers and their staff.
“At Retailers Against Crime, we are seeing a sharp rise in incidents across our member network, with offenders becoming increasingly bold and organised. By working together in partnership, we can address this problem more effectively.
“We are stronger together and we urge the public to report any activity that may help identify or deter those responsible. The more eyes and ears we have, the greater our ability to disrupt criminal behaviour and make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.”
EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY REVEALS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP & ARTIST EXCHANGE PROGRAMME WITH BASQUE COUNTRY
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.
The announcement finalises a vibrant citywide celebration on 1 January, with homegrown talent and visiting artists transforming the Capital into a free, open-air music trail.
For the first time, Scottish electronic-trad sensations Valtos will host a musical and cultural exchange with acclaimed Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte at Greyfriars Kirk, as part of a new international partnership between Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Fair Saturday Foundation, supported bythe Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland.
This new partnership with Fair Saturday Foundation welcomes the first international artists to perform as part of the First Footin’ programme, and provides a platform to raise the profile of Scottish artists to international audiences.
The new collaboration celebrates the creative ties between Scotland and the Basque Country – two regions with strong cultural identities and deep musical traditions.
The partnership began this autumn, when Valtos performed in Bilbao at the Fair Saturday Foundation’s Ura Bere Bidean festival at Bizkaia Arena on 24–25 October. They opened each night of the event, performing to sold out audiences of over 20,000 across both dates.
On New Year’s Day, Valtos will host an afternoon of spectacular live music and collaboration at Greyfriars Kirk from 2pm – 6pm, welcoming all three Basque artists to the stage. Music fans can enjoy the meeting of two rich musical cultures within one of Edinburgh’s most historic venues.
Maren brings a blend of minimalism, psychedelia and roots influences, using the universal language of music to connect with audiences of all backgrounds. She will perform alongside Navarre-born Olaia Inziarte, who fuses traditional and avant-garde sounds for her striking “dark pop” style.
Rounding out the programme is acclaimed Basque musician Mikel Urdangarin with a special performance marking 25 years of his influential career. Together, the artists are set to spotlight the richness of contemporary Basque music.
Martyn Macdonald of Valtos said: “We were absolutely delighted to be asked by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to return to Greyfriars Kirk for First Footin’ on the 1st January 2026.
“The event was one of our highlights last year and we’re excited to be bringing the full band this time. It’s an iconic venue and to be able to share it with, and showcase it to, our new friends from Bilbao makes us extremely proud, and we hope they love Edinburgh as much as we do.”
Maren said: “I’m really excited to travel to Edinburgh to perform for the first time! It’s wonderful to connect our cultures through music, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with these amazing artists.I’m sure it will be a very special experience.”
Also announced today, and expanding the First Footin’ programme with both Scottish and international talent, are:
Wide Days Presents brings a showcase of homegrown voices to Virgin Hotel’s Greyfriars Hall, featuring indie Edinburgh-born indie-folk duo Quiet Houses, three-piece alt-rock outfit Her Picture, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Goodnight Louisa and energetic Gourock six-piece Slix.
Leith Arches welcomes a wave of soul and funk sounds as homegrown High Fade are set to deliver a groove-driven set, joined by Highlands singer-songwriter Tamzene, whose music blends soul, funk, R&B and reggae.
Fruitmarket Gallery hosts an energetic ‘Day Rave’ led by electronic innovator and DJ Neil Landstrumm of legendary Edinburgh club night Pure, set within the immersive sculptural world of artist Jamie Cooper’s Levelling Up installation.
Brand new venue Gilded Saloon is set to host an afternoon session from acclaimed Americana songwriter Cahalen Morrison and award-winning Australian folk duo Rain of Animals. The two acts will come together later in the day to perform a unique collaboration set.
Also at Leith Arches, Scotstown Dance Band will bring their modern take on traditional folk to audiences in search of a Scottish party.
The Scottish Cafe will set the stage for an acoustic performance from indie duo Logan’s Close.
The elegant Eve Edinburgh at Virgin Hotel welcomes classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi to an already stunning line up of music from Justin Beverly and Theo Bleak
At Portobello Town Hall, families can kick-start 2026 with a lively afternoon of ceilidhs led by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, with free sessions running throughout the afternoon.
Previously announced, St Giles’ Cathedral, will host a carnival of sound as Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra set up residence, joined by special guests Kathryn Joseph, James Emmanuel and Rachel Sermanni throughout the day. The orchestra’s explosive combination of rappers, singers, strings and thundering drums will fill the cathedral from 2–6pm, transforming the space into an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration.
A spellbinding collaboration between Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddler Aidan O’Rourke continues the party at New College’s Rainy Hall.
Plus, the music continues into the evening with the First Footin’ Session with Cold Town Beer, a foot stompin’ programme of free traditional and contemporary live music in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs, to keep the party going into the night.
Made possible with funding from the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, First Footin’ transforms some of Edinburgh’s most beloved venues on 1 January into a citywide celebration of music, words and community – with a line-up of free eventsinviting audiences to start the year with some of the country’s best musical talent.
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, said: “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way for people of all ages and interests to ring in the New Year.
“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.
“The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.”
Jordi Albareda, Founder & President of Fair Saturday Foundation said: “We are so proud to collaborate with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on this new cultural partnership, bringing a taste of the Basque Country to Edinburgh with some incredible artists performing alongside Valtos for the people of Scotland.
“The Basque Country has long had strong links to Scotland, and to further connect our passion for music and creativity at this world-famous festival is the beginning of something special.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh has always been a city that knows how to celebrate, and there’s no time of year that shows it better than Hogmanay.
“I’m delighted to welcome Valtos and Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Intziarte to Edinburgh as new additions to our brilliant First Footin’ programme.
“With plenty of performances by Scottish and international artists in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces, this year’s First Footin’ programme is not one to miss.”
With performances spanning music, spoken word, and family events, First Footin’ 2026 invites audiences to cross the threshold into a new year surrounded by creativity, friendship, and shared celebration, from the streets of Grassmarket to the atmospheric spaces of St Giles’ and Greyfriars Kirk.
Tickets for all events, including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession, and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel, as well as further event information and times, are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook and Instagram.
A PARTNER who leads the Specsavers Home Visits team across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders has placed the mental health of her team and customers front and centre by completing a mental health first aid qualification.
The Specsavers Home Visits team provides essential care to customers who, due to a multitude of reasons, are unable to pay a visit to a high street store to receive eye health and hearing services.
Speaking about the training, Lynne says: ‘As we work remotely most of the time and are not always in each other’s company, it can be sometimes difficult to spot when someone is struggling.
“With this new qualification, I now feel like I have the skill set to promote open and honest conversations with my colleagues if they need to confide in someone.
“It’s also going to be useful for our patients, as many of the people we see experience depression, loneliness and isolation. Sometimes, it’s just good to have someone who can listen without judgement and who can also signpost that person to other groups who can provide the support they need.”
Following Lynne’s completion of the Mental Health First Aid course, the remainder of the team will also undergo mental health first aid training, enabling the entire Home Visits team to provide key mental health support when visiting customers.
For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit:
This winter, Leith comes alive with creativity! We’re excited to be taking part again this year with our Winter Arts Markets.
It’s your chance to explore 20 inspiring creative venues filled with markets, open studios, exhibitions, workshops, talks, and pop-up events celebrating Leith’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Come and join us from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December where over 120 handpicked local artists and makers will be selling their work.
With everything from clothes and textiles, glass and ceramics to paintings, prints and illustrations (and lots more), there’s something for everyone.
As well as the bustling market, there will be food and drink from the fully licensed Drill Hall Cafe (including mulled wine).
The perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift and support local artists at the same time.
In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in Scotland, will be 200 years old. An independent artist-led organisation with links to every part of Scotland and beyond, the Royal Scottish Academy is planning a unique celebration involving hundreds of artists, partners, galleries and institutions.
The full programme is revealed today, with events taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians in 2026.
Set to be the widest reaching project ever of its type in Scotland, Celebrating Together features over 100 cultural partners coming together to mark the occasion with their own tailored events, exhibitions, performances, talks and collection rehangs across multiple venues.
A series of major exhibitions will also take place at the RSA in Edinburgh, from new solo shows to group exhibitions that showcase the RSA and its Members (Academicians) and New Contemporaries then and now in a series of new and enlightening ways.
Throughout the year, the RSA will also open up its Collections to partners across the network, with 100 artworks on loan to over 30 galleries, museums and cultural venues. Celebrating Together is supported by Museums Galleries Scotland.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Jessica Harrison RSA, Jasperware vase and cover with Pegasus finial and with reliefs of Apollo and the Muses, made at the factory of Josiah Wedgewood, Etruria, Staffordshire, ca.1790, 2015. On display in Origin Stories.
At the RSA in Edinburgh, the year opens with a number of exhibitions which look towards the legacy and impact of the institution. Origin Stories (24 January – 8 March) focuses on art tutors and teachers, and the web of artistic relationships that have evolved over the last two hundred years, tracing lines of influence from the nineteenth century to the present day.
Generation (24 January – 8 March) will trace the connections and routes of sixteen architects who formerly worked at the practice of Richard Murphy RSA, and have since gone on to establish their own practice. The Scottish Society of Artists (SSA) will highlight historical links between the society and the RSA within their 127th Annual Exhibition (11 January – 8 March).
Michael Agnew RSA, Three Scottish Owls for Megan Boyd, c. 2017.
Courtesy of the artist. Showing in A Real kind of Fiction at Linlithgow Burgh Halls.
Linlithgow Burgh Halls celebrates with two solo exhibitions, starting with Species Morphology – A Living Archive (23 January – 17 May).
Coming from a family of landworkers and game keepers, Stuart Mackenzie RSA’s exhibition explores the characteristics of nature and species, embedded in painting, drawing and printmaking. A Real kind of Fiction by Michael Agnew RSA (18 September – 24 January 2027) rounds off the programme.
Combining recent and retrospective work, Agnew captures the ‘Anina Mundi’ reflected in the owl as an archetype, alongside subtle and overt critiques of the contemporary world of ‘fast media.’ The programme will also include Homecoming by Leo du Feu ( 22 May – 13 September).
In February, the Scottish Society for Art History and the Royal Scottish Academy present a two day conference in Edinburgh – Scottish Art and the Academy (5 – 6 February 2026).
The conference aims to celebrate, explore and interrogate the RSA’s history and showcase new research on artists connected to it. It also aims to cast an enquiring eye over the idea of the Academy and its ‘official’ status, looking at those who may have been excluded from it or reacted against it at different times.
Ilana Halperin RSA, From Coral to Marble, 2014. RSA Diploma Collection.
Showing as part of What is Us and what is Earth at Fruitmarket.
Edinburgh’s Fruitmarketwill mount a major solo exhibition by Ilana Halperin RSA, titledWhat is Us and what is Earth (27 February –17 May). Halperin’s artwork explores the relationship between geology and daily life via media, writing, performance, printmaking, sculpture, drawing, and film.
At Dovecot, a show highlighting the work of Dame Elizabeth Blackadder RSA opens in time for Summer (opens 20 June). Blackadder was the first woman elected to both the Royal Scottish Academy (1972) and the Royal Academy of Arts (1976).
The breadth of her work in oil, watercolour, and printmaking techniques has long been celebrated for its new perspectives in contemporary art.
Blackadder collaborated with Dovecot across five decades to create over 30 tapestries and hand-tufted rugs. This exhibition will not only shed light on her illustrious career but also showcase her work in the context of the world-famous Studios.
Arthur Melville RSA, Homeward, 1880. Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.
Showing as part of Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy at the City Art Centre.
Work that is gifted through a bequest (after someone’s death) is important to the story of Scottish art. There are many links to the RSA through these collections at institutions around the country that will be celebrated in 2026.
At the City Art Centre, Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy runs across Spring and Summer (16 May – 4 October). Jean Fletcher Watson (1877-1974) was an Edinburgh resident who had a significant impact on the city’s cultural heritage.
During the 1960s and 1970s she presented a series of financial donations to the City of Edinburgh to develop a collection of Scottish art. Since then, the Jean F. Watson Bequest Fund has enabled the acquisition of more than 1,000 artworks.
Among the artists represented are many with links to the Royal Scottish Academy, including Anne Redpath RSA, Joan Eardley RSA, Leena Nammari RSA, and Alison Watt RSA.
Hill and Adamson, Ramsay and Rutherford from The Fishermen and Women of the Firth of Forth Portfolio, 1843-1847. The work will be displayed in an exhibition on Hill and Adamson at Studies in Photography, Edinburgh.
In May, an exhibition on Hill and Adamson will open at Studies in Photography, who will also host a seminar and book launch to coincide with the exhibition. As Secretary of the Royal Scottish Academy from 1836 to 1869, photographer David Octavius Hill shaped the institution’s identity and legacy. His partnership and work with fellow photographer Robert Adamson was a defining moment in the development of the photographic portrait.
Their work will be celebrated in the new book Hill and Adamson: The Fisherwomen and Men of the Firth of Forth, by Sara Stevenson.
This volume offers a fresh perspective on the pioneering work of David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, whose remarkable collaboration between 1843 and 1847 produced some of the most enduring images in the history of photography.
Their portraits of the fisherfolk of the Firth of Forth capture both the dignity and hardship of 19th-century coastal life.
Wendy McMurdo RSA, Avatar, 2008, City Art Centre, City of Edinburgh Council.
Wendy McMurdo: The Digital Mirror at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait (30 May – 25 October) charts 20 years of ground-breaking work of the pioneering photographer and Academician.
At a time where the digital landscape is changing faster than ever before, McMurdo’s work reflects on childhood, the online world, learning and make-believe in her largest exhibition to date.
Scottish Art Specialists Alice Strang and Chantal de Prez viewing the forthcoming auction. Image by Stewart Attwood.
Auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull also mark their 200th anniversary in 2026, and will host a preview of Scottish Paintings and Sculpture auction (31 May – 4 June).
With some 200 works of Scottish art on display, works by Academicians will be highlighted in the preview.
Dame Barbara Rae RSA, Antarctic Memory, 2024.
Presented in Barbara Rae: Charting South at the RSA.
The RSA in Edinburgh will host two exhibitions of important contemporary Academicians. Joyce W. Cairns: A Personal Odyssey (1 August – 2 September 2026) celebrates an important voice in Scottish art, as the first woman to be elected President of the RSA and an influential education to generations of Scottish artists.
Barbara Rae: Charting South (21 November 2026 – 24 January 2027) follows the hugely popular exhibition Barbara Rae: The Northwest Passage (2018).
This new body of work charts the landscapes and locations of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17).
Dalkeith Palace. Courtesy of Dalkeith Palace and Country Park. Home of PhotoDalkeith 2026.
Celebrations in Midlothian and Glasgow will put photography into focus. Entering its second year, PhotoDalkeith 2026 returns to Dalkeith Palace, Dalkeith Country Park (September – October). Studies in Photography curator Julie Lawson and artist Calum Colvin RSA will co-curate on the theme of photography and the Royal Scottish Academy..
Summerhall Arts will host the RSA Moving Image Programme 2026. Painter and filmmaker Ronald Forbes RSA has curated a programme of moving image work by Academicians and RSA award winners. The programme includes a wide variety of work reflecting artists’ moving image practice in Scotland from the past and present. It includes work from the RSA Collection and work being made today.
As part of the year’s programme, Tonic Arts (NHS Lothian) teams up with Scottish NHS Arts programme partners to bring together a nationally touring exhibition of visual artworks created by Academicians, New Contemporaries, Award Winners and Exhibitors from regional health board and national art-in-health collections. The work will be showcased in care settings, creating uplifting and healing clinical environments for patients, visitors and NHS staff.
Further details of the programme across Edinburgh and the Lothians will be announced soon. This includes an exhibition of paintings by John Bellany HRSA at the John Gray Centre Museum in Haddington, and exhibitions at Edinburgh Printmakers and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
In the Royal Scottish Academy building, a series of major exhibitions will also take place – from new solo shows to group exhibitions that aim to showcase the RSA’s vibrant and formative past, the pertinent present and a glimpse of a promising future ahead.
Their flagship Annual Exhibition (9 May – 14 June 2026) will have a special feel and New Contemporaries 2026 (28 March – 22 April 2026) will be a unique opportunity to Celebrate Together with Scotland’s schools of art and architecture.
The RSA’s website will be the main hub for the project, and will feature an interactive map and partners pages, which will enable audiences to discover everything that is happening in Celebrating Together across 2026.
Colin Greenslade, Director of the RSA, says:‘This ambitious anniversary celebration will bring partners and communities together to celebrate the cultural history and present influence and connections of the Royal Scottish Academy across Scotland and beyond.
“The RSA has long supported art and architecture in Scotland and, in its 200th year, is a dynamic institution run by artists, for artists.
“This bicentenary celebration offers a fantastic opportunity to spotlight our unique independent heritage, our connections to (and support of) Scotland’s contemporary artists and architects; and to pave the way for the future prosperity of the visual arts in Scotland.’
Sandy Wood, Head of Collections at the RSA, says: ‘2026 will be a joyful celebration that honours the history of the Royal Scottish Academy and looks forward to a promising future.
“The year-long celebration will help connect and celebrate RSA artists and architects, as well as established and emerging artists who have been part of the RSA family over the last 200 years.
“We’re delighted that so many cultural organisations across Scotland are joining the party and we’re looking forward to celebrating together in 2026. There’s still plenty of time to join in and we welcome contact with organisations and projects who’d like to be part of this special year.’
The Royal Scottish Academy was founded in 1826 to support artists and architects and promote art and architecture in Scotland.
They are an independent, non-governmental charitable institution led by Academicians. Royal Scottish Academicians are prominent artists and architects elected by their peers who govern the RSA on a democratic basis.
The RSA run a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events from their base at The Mound in Edinburgh. The RSA holds an historic collection recognised as being of National Significance to Scotland.
RSA x Art UK
A partnership with Art UK will act as a hub to draw together strands across Scotland and UK-wide and will also feature stories, curations and artist features that highlight RSA connections.
RSA x The Skinny
RSA are teaming up with The Skinny to deliver a series of bespoke advertising and editorial bicentennial showcases across print and digital platforms.
RSA x Jack Arts
Art will come to life across cities in Scotland withreimaginedRSA art works on creative billboards in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Perth.
The full celebrations will kick-off in January 2026. It’s a birthday party not to be missed.
Archerfield Walled Garden has submitted plans to East Lothian Council for a £1.5m, elements-themed, woodland adventure play trail and learning area, entitled ‘Eldbotle Wood’, which will create 20 new jobs for the local area, taking the total number of local employees to 85.
Following their well-attended community engagement evening on the 10th September, plans have now been submitted for the latest project at the popular hospitality, retail and leisure destination, which features a café, homeware and lifestyle store, food market, outdoor event space and extensive grounds which include a pond, labyrinth, willow walk and fairy trail.
Proposals for the latest addition to Archerfield Walled Garden, which is part of Archerfield Estates Limited, owned by sisters Elly and Annie Douglas-Hamilton, include the creation of an elements-themed adventure trail with four play zones and also an outdoor learning area.
The play trail will be named ‘Eldbotle Wood’ after an ancient medieval rural settlement on the Estate.
Award-winning adventure designers CAP.CO – Creating Adventurous Places, which specialises in designing and building bespoke play spaces across the UK since 2014, have been commissioned to design the adventure trail. These include Tumblestone Hollow in Oxfordshire, Skelf Island in North Yorkshire, Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton and Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park.
Set within the natural woodland at Archerfield Walled Garden, ‘Eldbotle Wood’ will be based around four key elements, Earth, Water, Air and Fire, with each section introducing new challenges with educational themes integral to the overall play and fun aspects of the trail. In addition, there will also be a learning hub for local schools and community groups to use.
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited said: “This is an exciting time for us as we submit our proposals to create an outdoor adventure play trail, ‘Eldbotle Wood’, at Archerfield Walled Garden.
“We are delighted to be working alongside the very creative and talented team at CAP.CO to design, plan and develop the trail and help bring our plans to fruition.”
Friday 5th December | 5pm – 9pm
£3 / £1 Concessions / Free for under 12’s.
