The garden will remain closed between 19 December and 5 January.*
Our last volunteering session of the year will take place on 19 December, and we will be welcoming volunteers again through our gates on 5 January.
If you would like to visit the garden and are not a volunteer, our visiting hours are 1-3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Last chance to visit this year is on 14 December. We are looking forward to seeing you again on 10 January.
Wishing you all a lovely festive season.
*This does not affect the event run by Mycobee Mushrooms on 20 December. It will still happen as advertised.
The festive season is an exciting and busy time, but it can also be a challenging time for some people living with dementia and the people who love and care for them. Music can help. It can ease distress, spark conversation and create moments of joy and a unique shared experience for everyone listening.
There are many ways to help people enjoy music together. Why not:
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Donate to our work. Just £10 supports five people with a free resource pack
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
That’s us winding down for the year now – most of our groups have started their holiday, and soon the staff and the centre will too – next Friday!
However, our Community Larder is open as usual next week – so do come along to pick up some food. We know this time of year can be difficult, so we are well-stocked, thanks to Tummies Not Trash.
If you are able and would like to, get along to their Christmas Eve event – we are closed from Friday 19th, so it’s a good opportunity to access some surplus food.
£20 MILLION PRIDE IN COMMUNITIES CASH FOR NIDDRIE, BINGHAM, MAGDALENE & THE CHRISTIANS
Local communities are at the heart of Scottish life – and the UK Government is today announcing the 14 neighbourhoods each receiving up to £20 million to restore pride in their area and open doors to new opportunities.
In September the UK Government confirmed that the Pride in Place Programme will see up to £280 million shared among 14 neighbourhoods in 12 Scottish local authorities over 10 years to precisely target areas which can benefit most from a wide range of regeneration projects.
The local authorities selected have both the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure. The Scotland Office invited evidence submissions from these local authorities, eligible MPs and constituency MSPs, the Scottish Government and wider community organisations as to which neighbourhoods should be chosen.
We have now worked at pace and on the basis of strong stakeholder evidence have selected the neighbourhoods to receive the funding (see list below).
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “The UK Government is backing 14 of Scotland’s most in need communities with £280 million investment – part of a £2 billion package to uphold pride in communities and create opportunities the length and breadth of the nation.
“Over decades of decline, people have watched as their neighbourhoods have lost services and support, so now we are putting the power into the hands of local people who can decide how the money is spent. We’re investing directly in Scottish communities to build stronger, thriving neighbourhoods.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said: People across Scotland have been shut out from their own futures and felt powerless to make the changes they want to see in their communities. Pride in Place is fixing that and putting power back where it belongs – in the hands of the people who have the knowledge, ambition and vision to make a real difference.
“We’re backing 14 neighbourhoods across Scotland with up to £20 million each, to put local people back in the driving seat to revitalise their communities and shape their futures.”
Neighbourhood Boards, comprising representatives from the local community, will decide exactly what the investment will be spent on. These will now be established, with funding starting from April 2026.
Projects could include revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security.
Aberdeen City – North Locality Priority Neighbourhood / Cummings Park, Heathryfold and Middlefield, Northfield, Mastrick
City of Edinburgh – Bingham, Magdalene, The Christians and Niddrie
Falkirk – The Forgotten Villages, Braes Villages and Hallglen
Fife x2 – 1) West Fife Villages / Oakley Comrie and Blairhall, Valleyfield Culross and Torryburn, Kincardine, Saline and Gowkhall; and 2) Methil and Buckhaven
Glasgow x2 – 1) Springburn and Sighthill; and 2) Castlemilk
Highland – North, West and East Sutherland
North Ayrshire – Three Towns (Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston)
North Lanarkshire – Forgewood, North Motherwell and town centre
South Ayrshire – Northern Ayr and Town Centre Regeneration Corridor
South Lanarkshire – Hamilton Town Centre
Na h-Eileanan Siar – Stornoway and Lewis
West Lothian – Fauldhouse, Whitburn and Blackburn
In total, the UK Government is investing more than £2 billion over 10 years in dozens of important local and regional projects the length and breadth of Scotland, bringing much-needed economic and community renewal.
These include:
£280m Pride in Place Programme (Phase 2)
£12m Pride in Place Impact Fund
£200m support for ten Scottish towns (Pride in Place Phase 1)
£320m for the Glasgow City Region and North East Scotland Investment Zones
£52m for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth, and Forth Green Freeports
£81m for Community Regeneration Partnerships in Dundee, Scottish Borders, Argyll & Bute, and Na h-Eileanan Siar
£188m to complete Levelling Up Fund projects
£76m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund transition funding for 2025/26
£60m innovation funding for Glasgow City Region (across the Innovation Accelerator 2025/26 and new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund)
£17.3m for Energy Transition Zone
£5m for Community Ownership Fund projects
£2.6m for the V&A in Dundee
£752m to deliver Scotland’s 12 City Region and Growth Deals over 2025/26 – 2034/35.
Council Leader Jane Meagher has welcomed up to £20m of UK Government funding for four communities in East Edinburgh.The Pride in Place Programme funding was announced yesterday.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“The government’s £20m investment over the next 10 years in Niddrie, Bingham, Magdalene and The Christians is wonderful news.
“The long-term certainty this brings is incredibly helpful for communities and partners alike. This is a vibrant and active community with a clear passion for shaping their own future, and this sustained funding will not only boost their hard work, it will directly give them a voice in deciding how the money is invested over the next decade. It’s an approach we are keen to learn from.
“The announcement strongly aligns with the council’s commitment to put support at the heart of our communities where people need it most. Our city-wide poverty prevention programme, including our neighbourhood prevention partnership, is focused on tackling inequalities and improving access to help.
“We look forward to working closely with the local community to establish a neighbourhood board, and to work with them over the coming years to ensure every pound is invested in line with the needs, priorities and ambitions of their community.”
New guidance outlines that Neighbourhood Boards will have to prove they have listened to and have the backing of residents and their local community to receive all their funding, ensuring that community voices sit at the heart of the decisions made about the future of their areas.
Any resident with big ideas and a desire to transform their community can get involved, with boards being chaired by an independent member of the community, chosen for their ambition and potential to lead their community.
Local authorities and MPs in Pride in Place neighbourhoods will now begin to work with their communities to pick the right chair to take the reins of their Neighbourhood Board, lead on engagement with the community, and drive forward the changes they want to see.
Alongside the long-term £280 million investment through Pride in Place Programme neighbourhood allocations, we have also made £12 million available through the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF).
This sees eight local authorities share £12 million to fund the types of changes people have said they want to see. These could include new green spaces, play areas and town centre revitalisation to sports and leisure facilities and the improvement and ownership of key community assets.
That money should be spent fast by local councils so that people see and feel tangible change in their communities at the start of 2026. The local authorities which have each been given £1.5 million allocations to spend over two years, starting 2025/26, are Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Dundee, North Lanarkshire, Inverclyde, East Ayrshire and Falkirk.
This is in addition to the £200 million that has been made available for ten Scottish towns (Arbroath, Elgin, Kirkwall, Peterhead, Dumfries, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Clydebank, Coatbridge and Greenock) as part of Pride in Place Phase One, which the UK Government announced earlier this year.
Local people in the existing 10 Scottish towns are already having their say over how to improve their community:
In Elgin more than 1,000 ideas have already been submitted, including tackling empty shops, revamping the town shopping centre.
In Peterhead people are ramping up CCTV in the town centre to tackle anti-social behaviour and investing in indoor sports and leisure facilities.
NHS Lothian is taking some urgent precautions to help protect patients and staff against flu this winter.
A surge in flu cases is being anticipated in Lothian, similar to those already identified across Scotland and the UK.
To prepare and protect, all staff are being urged to get vaccinated and to wear face masks in front door and high-risk areas, such as Intensive Care or cancer wards, in a bid to stop the spread.
Visitors are still very welcome in hospitals, but NHS Lothian is also asking for help to minimise the risk of transmission between the community and hospital to protect some of the most vulnerable patients.
Relatives and friends are being asked not to visit if they have a temperature, flu-like symptoms or any vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms.
From 8am on Monday December 15, they are also being asked to reduce the numbers of visitors to one or two and where possible not to bring children under the age of 12 into hospital for visiting.
Visitors and those attending hospital for outpatient appointments are also being encouraged to consider wearing a mask or face covering, and use the hand gel provided.
Point of care testing will also continue in the Emergency Department for children’s and adult services to identify patients who have flu and ensure they are cared for in isolation or with other patients with flu on admission to hospital.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We are monitoring the situation across Scotland and the UK very closely and we are keen to take some actions to protect our patients, staff and services to help minimise the effects of flu.
“Vaccination is the first line of defence against flu. If you are eligible, we would urge you to make an appointment as soon as possible.
“We are also taking some common sense steps to protect our hospitals, our patients and our teams. We are asking visitors not to come if they are feeling unwell, to reduce the size of their visiting party and not to bring children under the age of 12. Members of the public should consider wearing a face covering or mask when attending our hospitals.
“These steps will help us reduce the spread of flu and protect our lifesaving services so they are there for those who need them most.”
Edinburgh has been named the second most generous city in the UK, according to charity donation data from 2025.
In a record year for charitable giving according to annual figures from JustGiving, Leeds topped the generosity table, donating the most to charities and good causes per person via the platform last year.
Edinburgh finished at number 2 on the table, with donations exceeding £3.9 million in 2025 – equivalent to every single person in the city giving £7.09.
A total of 127,000 donations were made in the city, across 4,000 charities and causes, with 12% per cent (1 in 8) of Edinburgh’s residents donating to a JustGiving page at some point this year.
Across the UK, over one million fundraising pages were created this year, and over 18 million donations made to UK charities via JustGiving, making it a record-breaking year.
The fundraising platform also revealed 73 million miles were logged for fitness challenges in 2025, with £164 million raised for running events.
Elsewhere, nearly 3,000 people shaved their heads for charity – generating £2.7 million – while nearly 500 world record attempters raised over £1.2 million.
In addition, schools across the UK contributed over £31 million in total through their charitable endeavours.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults went on to explore charitable ambitions for 2026, revealing one in four (26 per cent) are likely to set themselves a fundraising goal in the New Year.
And 28 per cent hope to donate more to charity than they did in 2025, while 31 per cent are keen to take on a fundraising challenge next year.
Health and medical research (38 per cent), animal welfare (32 per cent), and children or education causes (31 per cent) are the top categories Brits plan to support, followed by mental-health support (30 per cent), homelessness and housing (29 per cent), and environmental causes (21 per cent).
And with the festive season fast approaching, 46 per cent of those polled via OnePoll believe the best way to give back at Christmas is by donating toys, clothes or food to families in need.
A further 41 per cent reckon supporting a local charity or cause is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference during the holidays.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: “This year, which saw us celebrate our 25th anniversary, has been nothing short of extraordinary for charitable giving.
“Despite ongoing financial pressures, people across the UK continue to dig deep for loved ones’ fundraisers and causes close to their hearts, with Edinburgh showing particular generosity.
“We’ve seen countless examples of communities rallying together when it matters most – It’s a powerful reminder that generosity remains a defining part of who we are.”
*Statistics cover the period between 1st January and 9th December 2025.
TOP TEN MOST GENEROUS CITIES BY AVERAGE DONATION ON JUSTGIVING:
Edinburgh Leisure’s popular action attraction, Clip‘n’Climb at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA): Ratho is getting an exciting refresh this December, introducing five brand-new climbing elements designed to push your limits and keep the fun flowing.
From today – Friday 12th December – visitors can experience the ultimate vertical playground with these new additions:
Constructor
Zig Zag
Champion Lead
Hexed (replacing Orbital)
Jungle Vines (replacing Dry Ice)
These innovative challenges replace older features and promise fresh excitement for climbers of all ages. The upgrade will increase capacity from 20 to 22 climbers per session, ensuring Clip ‘n’ Climb remains one of Edinburgh’s most thrilling family attractions. Edinburgh Leisure has partnered with EP Climbing (Entr-Prises) to deliver this exciting transformation.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com
Vicky Harper, Manager at EICA: Ratho, said: “The Vertical Drop Slide, is being replaced, and we’re installing three new elements in its place.
“The other two new elements will take us from 15 to 18 unique challenges and from 19 lines and a vertical drop slide to 22 lines Each one offers something different – whether you’re tackling the honeycomb-inspired Hexed or testing your balance on Jungle Vines.
“This refresh keeps the experience exciting for our regular visitors and gives newcomers even more reasons to come and climb. It’s all about fun, fitness, and facing your fears in a safe environment. Clip ‘n Climb is a fantastic way to spark an interest in climbing and a great activity to entertain the kids.”
No previous climbing experience is necessary, and the activity is suitable for children aged 4 years and up as well as adults. Clip ‘n Climb is open Friday to Sunday, and during the school holidays, with sessions lasting 55 minutes.
Prices are £17.25 per child and £20.75 per adult.
For those looking for a thrilling, private adventure for a group, exclusive group bookings and party packages are available, including catering options.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com
EICA: Ratho is Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena and a true destination venue. Located just outside Edinburgh, it offers something for everyone – from world-class climbing and bouldering walls to Scrambles soft play, a welcoming café, fitness facilities and free parking.
With the recent opening of Lost Shore Surf Resort nearby, EICA: Ratho is the perfect spot for an action-packed day out for families, friends, and adventure seekers.
This Christmas,Edinburgh MagicFestwelcomesMagic Circle starslive on stage.
Fresh from the Magic Circle Christmas Show in London — a prestigious, always-sold-out annual event — two of the UK’s most exciting rising stars, Taylor Morgan and Rebecca Foyle, are coming straight to Edinburgh to join Kevin Quantum (also a member of The Magic Circle).
Together, they present The MagicFest Christmas Special — a spectacular, just-under-two-hour evening show packed with Britain’s Got Talent–style stunts, fire eating, juggling, grand illusion and blistering sleight of hand, delivered with big laughs, festive warmth and jaw-dropping moments throughout.
This is the fourth year of the MagicFest Christmas Special. Tickets are selling faster than bratwurst at a German Christmas market!
Opening in just 12 days Book now before it vanishes
22-24, 28-30 December | Church Hill Theatre | Ages 5+ | Book Now
Two of Scotland’s most dynamic festivals are joining forces to create ambitious new work at the intersection of literature and music.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections have announced a multi‑year partnership spanning 2025–2027, featuring a series of original commissions designed to celebrate Scottish creativity, reach new audiences, create new opportunities for Scottish artists, and reimagine what is possible when art forms meet in unexpected ways.
Headline Commission: Scotland and India
A major highlight of this partnership will be the world premiere of The Golden Road at Celtic Connections 2026, a unique collaboration inspired by William Dalrymple’s award-winning book.
Following its debut in Glasgow, The Golden Road will evolve and return in an expanded form for a landmark performance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2026.
This journey from Celtic Connections to the Book Festival will see the project grow and develop, offering audiences a fresh and ambitious reimagining of the work at each stage.
Dalrymple will appear at the Citizens Theatre on 31 January alongside India Alba, a collective of Indian and Scottish musicians whose fusion of Indian classical and Scottish traditional backgrounds has created a unique exploration of world culture. Their debut album Reels and Ragas (2009) and follow‑up High Beyond (recorded in the Himalayas) revealed striking resonances between raga gats and Highland melodies, with the drone sounds of bagpipes and tampura forming a shared musical language.
For Celtic Connections 2026, India Alba will be joined by renowned cellist Su‑a Lee, guitarists Ali Hutton and Graeme Stephen, and further guests to be announced.
Sharat Chandra Srivastava (violin) brings over 35 years of performance experience, rooted in the Senia Gharana tradition and enriched by collaborations with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
Gyan Singh (tabla) is an accomplished Hindustani classical musician, trained under Ustad Abdullah Khan, Ustad Faiyaz Khan and Pt. Suresh Talwarkar.
Ross Ainslie, described by The Scotsman as “Scotland’s most sought‑after piper,” is a prolific composer and collaborator, performing with Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica and India Alba.
Alongside the headline commission, audiences can enjoy Rhymes and Reels on 27 January at the Mackintosh Church in Glasgow. This special performance will revive two EIBF‑commissioned works and premiere a new Celtic Connections collaboration.
Harpist Esther Swift presents her musical settings of Jackie Kay’s poetry, with Kay herself reading from The Heartstrings of Poetry, commissioned by EIBF and first premiered at the 2025 festival.
Another EIBF commission, award‑winning poet and novelist Angus Peter Campbell appears with his daughter Brìghde Chaimbeul, blending readings in English and Gaelic with accompaniment from small pipes.
Former National Poet of Scotland Liz Lochhead collaborates with renowned Highland fiddler Duncan Chisholm in a brand‑new Celtic Connections commission.
Jenny Niven, Director, Edinburgh International Book Festival:“We’re delighted to embark on this multi‑year partnership with Celtic Connections, uniting two of Scotland’s most dynamic festivals in a celebration of creativity and collaboration.
“This new era for the Book Festival is about opening doors—bringing together writers, musicians, and audiences in ways that spark new ideas and reach further into our communities.
“Our recent Thistle Award win is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we explore the rich intersections of Scottish literature and music together.”
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer, Celtic Connections:“Celtic Connections has always been about forging new paths and bringing artists together across genres and traditions.
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, allowing us to celebrate the stories, sounds, and voices that make Scotland’s cultural scene so vibrant.
“By working together, we’re creating space for ambitious new work and for audiences to experience the magic that happens when music and words meet on equal terms.”
Join us for a fun swap meet where you can refresh their wardrobe for free!
You can bring and exchange up to 10 quality and clean items of kid clothing, including prams and other practical items.
This is the perfect event to find some new essentials as we head into these new colder seasons! Join us for some coffee, pastries and kid friendly crafts!
Could you give the gift of music this Christmas?
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Donate to our work. Just £10 supports five people with a free resource pack
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
Opening in just 12 days
Book now before it vanishes
