With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term.
Follow Will, a small goat with big dreams, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join a professional roarball team – a high, intensity co-ed, full contact sport dominated by the fastest and fiercest beasts in the animal kingdom – in the animated comedy GOAT.
From the artists behind the worldwide sensation KPOP Demon Hunters, this film promises a slam dunk of animal antics when it arrives on 13 February – just in time for the half term break.
Also heading to Vue on 13 February is the stunning animated tale Little Amélie, nominated for Best Animated Feature at both this year’s Academy Awards and BAFTA’s. This enchanting story about curiosity, courage and the power of human connection is based on The Character of Rain, the best-selling autobiographical novel by Amélie Nothomb, following a young Belgian girl’s life living in Japan.
Meanwhile, an adorably family twist on the horror classic Frankenstein is screening this half term, with the arrival of Stitch Head. Set in a castle laboratory formally owned by a Mad Professor, we meet his very first creation, Stitch Head – a kind-hearted monster who takes it upon himself to teach the other creations from being quick so monstrous.
Vue will also be screening The Scarecrow’s Wedding and The Smeds and Smoos as part of their Big Shorts screenings from 9 February, as well as the return of recent favourite Spongebob: Search For Squarepants, which will be shown at 10am every day across half term as Vue’s Mighty Morning screening.
General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “There’s plenty to get excited about heading to the big screen this February, just in time for the half term break.With a whole host of fantastic new releases, recent favourites and family stories tailor made for the big screen, there’s no better place to enjoy quality family time this February.
“Even better, our Vue Mighty Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films at just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, immerse themselves in great stories and switch off.”
MSPs, brain tumour patients and families who have lost loved ones are marking the first anniversary of Scotland’s first research centre dedicated to brain tumours, established to accelerate the search for new treatments for the most aggressive forms of the disease.
Working collaboratively, they are focused on identifying the most promising new treatments for glioblastoma – an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer with an average prognosis of 12 to 18 months.
Far too often, innovative ideas in the lab fail to make it to the clinic, so over its first year, the Centre has focused on building the foundations needed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into potential new treatments. This has included developing more advanced laboratory models to better understand glioblastoma and test new therapeutic approaches – including gene therapy.
Among those marking the Centre’s first anniversary is Shetland Islands MSP Beatrice Wishart, who has long campaigned for improved research and awareness following her daughter Louise Fraser’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2012.
Since then, Beatrice has used her platform in both her constituency and at Holyrood to highlight the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, better access to treatment, and increased investment in research for brain tumours.
Beatrice, who is also Convener of the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Brain Tumours, said: “It’s been a very quick year, and I’m really pleased to see the progress that has already been made in understanding and tackling brain tumours.
“There is a clear emphasis on the importance of sustainable funding and the difference it can make for people across Scotland.
“Through the Cross-Party Group, we have been pressing the Health Secretary on access to research trials and new treatments, and it has been a very positive and proactive group to be part of.
“I see that work as complementary to everything being done at the Scottish Centre of Excellence, and together it gives real momentum to efforts to improve outcomes for patients and families.”
Following her diagnosis, Louise Fraser underwent neurosurgery followed by radiotherapy, and her tumour is now monitored through regular scans.
Beatrice, Louise and their family have raised more than £36,500 for Brain Tumour Research through a range of fundraising and awareness activities, including Wear a Hat Day events at Holyrood, community fundraising in Shetland, and participation in running challenges such as the Edinburgh Half Marathon.
Much of this recent fundraising was carried out in memory of Louise’s husband, Kris Fraser, who died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage in September 2024. Louise and her children – Eve, Kieran and Leighton – took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon in his memory, with several tiles on the Centre’s Wall of Hope dedicated to Kris.
“It was a very emotional day, particularly as the fundraising has been carried out in memory of my husband, Kris, who was very much at the forefront of my mind,” Louise said.
“I wanted to do something positive with our children following his death, and fundraising for this charity felt like the right way to honour him while supporting a cause that means so much to our family. It’s reassuring to see where the money we’ve raised is going and how Brain Tumour Research is using those funds to support the search for kinder, more effective treatments.
“I hope that the work being done here will mean that, in the future, other families won’t have to go through what we did.”
Also reflecting on the anniversary is Jonny Charles, whose mum Fiona, a retired primary school teacher from Aberdeen, was diagnosed with glioblastoma after months of unexplained symptoms in 2024. Fiona underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy following her diagnosis but sadly died in December 2025. Jonny has since spoken about the devastating reality of glioblastoma and the profound impact it has on patients and families.
Jonny said: “Visiting the Centre on its one-year anniversary was very meaningful, and the lab tour itself was incredibly well organised and genuinely fascinating. What stood out most was the passion and determination of the people leading the work — it was clear that everyone involved is deeply committed to making progress and finding better ways to tackle brain tumours.
“Seeing the work first-hand helped make it clear where fundraising and donations are being directed, and why that support is so important. It was striking to be reminded that treatment options for glioblastoma have changed very little over the past 20 years, which really underlines the need for continued focus and investment.
“I hope the work being done here helps move treatments forward and gives future families better options and clearer answers.”
Bringing together a large multidisciplinary group of glioblastoma researchers from across Scotland, the Scottish Centre of Excellence was established to bridge the gap between promising scientific discoveries and real-world patient benefit, from laboratory to bedside.
Professor Steven Pollard, Co-Director of the Centre, said: “Our priority now is to strengthen the connection between scientific discovery and clinical trials, so that promising new ideas can be developed into treatments that are ready to be tested in patients.
“We know the clinical teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow are ready to evaluate new therapies, and our focus is on building the expertise and infrastructure needed to move new aproaches, including innovative medicines and gene therapy, through to that stage more effectively.
“By doing this, we hope not only to progress our own research, but also to work more closely with industry and other partners to increase the number of treatment options available to people affected by brain tumours.”
THIS Saturday, 14 February at 11am, the team at Three Hands will take to the large community screens inside Utilita’s high street Energy Hubs to promote the opportunity to speak directly to some of the UK’s biggest businesses, to tell them what does doesn’t work for you as a customer.
The session will introduce hub visitors to the work Three Hands does to bring real‑world insight into organisations such as high street banks, energy companies and insurance providers, ensuring that people whose voices are often overlooked are represented in important conversations.
The team will explore the positive impact lived experience has already had in designing solutions that genuinely meet community needs. They are now looking for more people with lived experience to share their views to help even more businesses meet a fully diverse range of needs.
After hearing about the work Three Hands do, attendees will be invited to join their Lived Experts Research Community. Being a member of the community means being contacted directly about paid opportunities to share your views via online or in-person group discussions, or 1-1 interviews.
Participants will always receive a thank you payment for their time via bank transfer or gift voucher.
We’d love to hear your voice!
Donna Hall, Utilita’s Partnership Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Three Hands’ ongoing mission to create stronger links between organisations and the communities they serve, ensuring that real experiences drive real change.
“Why not pop along this Valentine’s Day as we’d LOVE for you to have a chance to share your voice with the Three Hands team. Hot drinks will be available and our friendly Energy Experts can also provide top tips for saving energy and staying warm this Winter.”
A Three Hands Lived Expert added: “Since working with Three Hands over a year now, I can truly say that it has been the best decision of my life.
“I am blessed to be working with such a great team that has given me back the confidence and courage to actually tackle the challenges I face every day in my life.”
One Three Hands client said: “The personal experiences and insight these sessions provide have been invaluable and enabled us to ensure that the improvements we make will actually make a difference.”
Where’s my local hub?
The first Utilita Energy Hub opened in 2018 as there was a demand to bring face-to-face dialogue to the retail energy sector. Since then, they have opened multiple hubs around the UK to serve local communities – and be part of them.
Leith Energy Hub: 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
Isle of Wight Energy Hub: 121 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP
Shirley Energy Hub:7A Shirley High Street, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 3LR
Gosport Energy Hub:67 High Street, Gosport, PO12 1DR
Luton Energy Hub:Unit 47 Luton Point, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2TD
West Brom Energy Hub:3D Astle Park, West Bromwich, B70 8NS
Leicester Energy Hub:56 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FB
Derby Energy Hub:Unit 8 St Peters Street, Mall, Derby, DE1 2NR
Sheffield Energy Hub: Unit 2, 5 St. James Row, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S12EU
Huddersfield Energy Hub:71 New Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2BQ
Blackburn Energy Hub:Unit 158, The Mall, 28 King William St, Blackburn, BB1 5AF
Hartlepool Energy Hub: Unit 1, Jubilee House, York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9EN
Join us for a 4-week block of Chi Gung sessions with Tamsin Grainger
18th February – 11th March
Wednesdays, 11am–12pm
Chi Gung is a gentle, meditative movement practice that can help to:
• Improve balance and mobility
• Reduce stress and tension
• Boost energy and wellbeing
• Support breathing and relaxation
The sessions are suitable for all abilities and are completely free, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. Call 0131 315 4989 or email info@drylawnc.org.uk to book.
Community groups, cultural organisations and education initiatives are amongst the Scottish organisations who will be able to bid for support from a fund aimed at engaging people in tackling the climate emergency.
The £275,000 Climate Engagement Fund will support activities such as climate festivals, skills development and training, art exhibitions and showcasing clean technologies – all focused on increasing people’s understanding of the current and future impacts of climate change and encouraging climate action.
Since launching in 2023, the annual fund has supported 24 projects across Scotland – reaching a total of around 22,000 people with knowledge and skills relevant to tackling climate change.
In 2025-26, this has included action by Changeworks to encourage people living in park homes to improve the energy efficiency of their accommodation, and by the Forth Valley Sensory Centre to enable blind, partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing people, to explore sustainability through their local communities.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “It is vital that everyone in our society understands the positive opportunities of climate action, and how it can improve their own lives.
“The Climate Engagement Fund will help increase awareness and empower people across Scotland to take action in their local communities whilst supporting Scotland in meeting its target of net zero emissions by 2045 and building our resilience to climate impacts.”
Changeworks’ Chief Executive Josiah Lockhart, said: “Climate Engaged Park Home Communities is a perfect example of how it’s possible – and necessary – to tackle climate change in ways that improve people’s lives at the same time.
“That means supporting and empowering communities to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, especially those communities who have been under-served in the past.”
Applications for the Climate Engagement Fund will close at 23:59 on 1st March 2026.
DP World Tour player returns to open new performance centre
A leading Scottish independent school has opened a state-of-the-art Indoor Golf Centre designed to develop the next generation of elite golfers, with a current DP World Tour player returning to open the facility.
Merchiston Castle School has launched the new centre as part of its expanding Golf Academy, showcasing a clear development pathway from school-level golf through to the professional game.
The opening was marked by a visit from former pupil Cameron Adam, now competing on the DP World Tour, who returned to the school to meet pupils currently coming through the academy. Adam secured his DP World Tour card for the 2026 season after topping the Global Amateur Pathway rankings in 2025.
Huw Jones, Head of Merchiston Castle School, said:“Having Cameron back at the school is hugely important for our pupils. He’s a great ambassador for Merchiston and embodies our values and virtues. He shows, in very real terms, what can grow out of a school based programme that nurtures individuals properly over time.
“Each year, at least one of our golfers progresses to a US college scholarship as part of their development, and for some that becomes a route towards the professional game. This new centre strengthens that pathway, whilst also providing further opportunities to grow the sport at Merchiston.”
The centre features advanced Foresight simulator technology used by elite academies and professional players, supporting year-round training, detailed performance analysis and competitive play regardless of weather or daylight. Pupils can practise on world-famous courses, receive real-time data feedback and integrate simulator sessions into their coaching and academic schedules.
Alongside technical coaching and performance technology, pupils in the Golf Academy also receive support from a specialist golf performance psychologist. The focus is on helping them develop mental skills such as staying calm under pressure, managing nerves, improving focus and building consistency.
The investment reflects a wider change in how young golfers are developed in Scotland, with schools playing a more active role in long-term player development alongside academic education.
Fraser Hutchison, Director of Golf at Merchiston Castle School, said:“This centre gives our players access to the same type of technology used by professionals and top academies, but in a school environment where learning and development come first.
“It allows us to work with players in far more detail, all year round, and tailor coaching around their individual needs and academic commitments. For young golfers in Scotland, that kind of access and consistency is hugely important.”
Merchiston’s Golf Academy is intentionally small and selective, supporting up to 28 players at any one time. Pupils receive personalised coaching, strength and conditioning support, performance psychology and structured competitive schedules alongside a full academic education.
Cameron Adam’s return highlights that journey in action. Since leaving Merchiston, he progressed through the US college golf system at Northwestern University, became one of the world’s best amateurs and then secured his DP World Tour card for the 2026 season.
Cameron Adam, said:“Coming back to Merchiston and seeing facilities like this is brilliant. When I was here, we were always looking for ways to train smarter, especially during the winter months.
“Having this level of technology available at school gives young players a real advantage. It helps them understand their game better, practise with purpose and balance golf properly alongside their education.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:
Views are being sought on proposed changes to the Code of Practice for how Scotland’s police officers use stop and search powers.
The Code covers the conduct, recording and oversight of stop and search activity. The Scottish Government is legally required to periodically review the Code and has now published a consultation on a proposed update.
The revised Code aims to strengthen protections for children and vulnerable individuals, provide clearer guidance on the steps officers must take before, during and after a search, and introduce enhanced requirements on data recording, oversight and accountability.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the proposed changes would ensure the Code continues to support effective policing while maintaining public trust and confidence in the appropriate use of stop and search powers.
Ms Constance said: “Stop and search powers remain a vital tool for police to tackle crime and keep people safe, provided it is exercised lawfully, proportionately and with respect for an individual’s dignity and rights.
“The revised Code aims to improve clarity, transparency and safeguarding, while strengthening safeguards for children and vulnerable people, with clearer guidance on the steps officers should take before, during and after a search.
“The consultation is an opportunity to listen, reflect and to strengthen public trust. I encourage everyone with an interest in justice, equality and community safety to take part.
“Their views will help ensure the Code remains robust, fair and fit for the future – supporting effective policing while upholding the rights and freedoms that define our society.”
The festival’s FULL programme including workshops, folk films, and storytelling will be announced on Tuesday 17 March, thanks to support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Opening this year’s festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music powerhouse RURA (below)performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc (Eryn Rae, Paul Jennings, Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, Gillie Ó Flaherty) playing an exhilarating mix of tunes that push boundaries to create a thrilling new sound.
Also headlining is ‘velvet-vocalist’ Kim Carnie; The Furrow Collective, (Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts) playing contemporary versions of folk songs against a Cantastoria of visuals on a moving scroll; RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame) playing a mix of all-time favourites and tunes from their brand new album; and the Brian Molley Quartet celebrating the Scottish roots of jazz.
Additionally, acclaimed singer, composer and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva presents her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.
Finally, closing this year’s packed festival is Scottish supergroup Session A9 (Charlie McKerron, Kevin Henderson, Gordon Gunn, Adam Sutherland, Marc Clement, Brian McAlpine, David ‘Chimp’ Robertson) – an unmissable gig by a group reputed to be one of the best live bands in Scotland.
Other must-sees include:
• Séamus and Caoimhe, beautiful blood harmony, dexterous instrumentals and energetic Irish dancing, all from two incredibly talented young people.
• The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act from the 1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music, with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”, a long-lost legend of old-time music. This piece is accompanied by musicians from Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son, who combine harmony vocals, fiddles, banjos, and sousaphone.
• This year’s festival commission is A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter) led by captivating singer songwriter Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis.
• The festival Spotlight event which gives a platform to new artists each year. Bands for 2026 include: Curlew, Dauntless and old-time fiddle and banjo duo Jeri Foreman and Ruth Eliza.
Music highlights from this year’s early evening programme which kicks off at 6.30pm each night include:
• Fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr
• Master of the melodeon Tim Edey
• The Nexus Project featuring Bede Patterson who explores contemporary and ancient Highland Bagpipes. With creative and experimental contributions from Dean Garrity, Ewan Johnston, and Roan Anderson.
• Multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black.
• Deiseil: Dancing in Time – a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance told through fiddle, feet, Gaelic song and story. Directed by Gerry Mulgrew, with dancing by Alison Carlyle and music by Amy Geddes. This 5-star show premiered during the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.
Other early evening trad/folk bands programmed for 2026, that are making waves on the international scene include:
• Old-time stringband The Onlies a collective of Gen Z folkies originally from Seattle.
• String trio Northern Resonance who take Scandinavian music in a new direction with their mix of explosive rhythms and grand chamber-like arrangements. They play viola, Nyckelharpa and Hardanger fiddle.
• Rajasthani folk trio SAZ whose repertoire encompasses centuries-old folk music, passed down the generations.
• Banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater. Her music reflects ties to the Canadian folk music scene, her college years spent in West Virginia, and growing up in Grenada.
In addition, we will be celebrating World Play A Strathspey Day on Saturday 2 May with Laura Jane Wilkie, Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbett and Angus Lyon; and enjoying an afternoon performance of Isla Ratcliff’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s four seasons.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “It’s such a tonic for a dreich February to look forward to the warmth of May and such a dazzling line up of trad and traditionally-inspired music at Edinburgh Tradfest.
“We have carefully curated a programme that has something for everyone. Included are the very best musicians from Scotland who are currently carrying our traditions forward in myriad exciting ways.
“We are also delighted to be welcoming a wide variety of touring musicians from Ireland, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Canada and the United States. Whether you love song, tunes or beats, jazz influences, classical inspiration or a straight ahead Strathspey, we have you covered.”
Participating Musician Josie Duncan who is leading this year’s special commission said: “It’s a total honour to be creating this year’s special commission. As artists, we’re often involved in a wide range of musical projects, so having the time and space to slow down and create something entirely new feels incredibly special.
“I feel very lucky to be exploring the powerful work of Marie Maitland and to be working alongside historian Ashley Douglas who has brought this work to light.”
Participating musician and co-programmer Laura Jane Wilkie said: “Tradfest is a wonderful exhibition of the quality in folk and traditional music in all its glorious cultures and subcultures.
“It is an inclusive and beautifully curated festival and heralds the transition from spring to summer in the capital city. Delighted to be a part of it.”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May.
Full programme announced on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Two spectacular stone altars from a Roman fort near Edinburgh have been acquired for the National Collection ahead of a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.
The rare carvings are among the finest examples of sculpture from Roman Britain and will go on display for the first time in Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire (14 November 2026 – 28 April 2027).
Once the centrepiece of the most northerly known temple to the god Mithras in the whole of the Roman empire, the altars were excavated at Inveresk, East Lothian and are the only examples to be found in Scotland.
Dating to the 140s – when southern Scotland was reoccupied under Antoninus Pius – they reveal new details about the lives and beliefs of soldiers on the frontier.
Mithras was a secretive, male-only religion which celebrated the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The altars would have been a striking focal point in the underground Mithraeum.
One depicts the face of the sun god Sol and would have been illuminated from behind so that in the low light of the temple, worshippers would have seen his eyes, mouth and the rays of his solar crown glowing.It also features carvings of the four seasons – depicted as female deities – conveying the passage of time, another prominent theme within the cult of Mithras.
The second honours Mithras himself and is adorned with carvings linked to the god Apollo, another god of light – a griffin, lyre and plectrum – as well as two ravens, which are often seen in Mithraic imagery.
Both altars were dedicated by a legionary centurion whose name was abbreviated on the altar as G CAS FLA, probably Gaius Cassius Flavianus.
He was probably in command of the fort garrison at the time. Evidence for Mithras in Britannia mostly dates to the third century, but these earlier altars demonstrate that his cult was flourishing within the army by the middle of the second century, as it was on the continent.
The altars had broken into fragments during their long burial and have undergone extensive conservation work to reconstruct them and prepare them for display. During the process, conservators identified traces of paint on the carvings, revealing that they would originally have been painted in vibrant colours.
Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistory and Roman Archaeology at National Museums Scotland said: “These stunning altars really bring the beliefs of the Roman frontier to life.
“The quality of the carving, traces of paint and dramatic lighting effects show they were impressive and expensive monuments. The cult of Mithras represented the triumph of good over evil and gave soldiers a sense that there was a purpose to their world and a life after death.
“I’m sure visitors will be amazed by them when they can see them up close in our new exhibition, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.”
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will tackle the common misconception that the Romans never got beyond Hadrian’s Wall. The famous landmark is often thought of as the northernmost reach of the Romans in Britain. However, three times the Empire extended its reach much further north, up to Scotland’s central belt and deep into north-east Scotland.
The Antonine Wall was built across the narrowest part of Scotland from Forth to Clyde, with additional forts along the coasts to east and west. Inveresk was one of these, and grew to became a major centre with a substantial population.
Recent excavations at Inveresk have transformed our understanding of the site, highlighting its significance in the story of Roman Scotland.
Finds from the site will be displayed together for the first time, shedding new light on the Roman occupation in Scotland, and demonstrating how this significant frontier outpost was supplied from across the Empire, and the impacts this occupation had on the local population.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire
14th November 2026 – 28th April 2027
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
A major new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will tackle the common misconception that the Romans never got beyond Hadrian’s Wall.
The famous landmark is often thought of as the northernmost reach of the Romans in Britain. However, three times the Empire extended much further north, up to Scotland’s central belt and deep into north-east Scotland.
Bringing together recent research, significant loans from across Europe and previously unseen archaeological discoveries from Scotland, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empirewill tell new stories of Roman occupation and reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world.
Central to the exhibition are finds from a 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk in East Lothian, a site whose full significance will be revealed in this exhibition.
The Antonine Wall was built across the narrowest part of Scotland from Forth to Clyde, with additional forts along the coasts to east and west. Inveresk was one of these, and grew to become a major centre with a substantial population.
Recent excavations have transformed our understanding of the site, highlighting its significance in the story of Roman Scotland.
A thriving town surrounded the military base at Inveresk. This bustling community, ranging from soldiers and their families to traders, craftworkers and enslaved people, will be brought to life in the exhibition.
Locals in this occupied land had to interact with these invading groups, and the exhibition will paint a vivid picture of their relationships, from bloodshed to diplomatic deals.
Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistory and Roman Archaeology at National Museums Scotland said: “This rich exhibition is the first to explore Roman attempts to conquer Scotland in detail, asking why they failed, what effect they had on the locals, and examining the legacy they left behind.
“The extraordinary material found at Inveresk sheds new light on the peak of Roman occupation in Scotland, revealing how this significant frontier outpost and fortification was supplied from across the Empire, and taking visitors beyond the soldiers and into the lives of a vibrant and diverse frontier community.”
Funding stability for more third sector organisations
More than a hundred third sector organisations that work to address violence against women and girls have received a multi-year funding agreement from the Scottish Government.
Funding of £43.28 million over two years through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund will support organisations to deliver projects across Scotland. These will provide direct services to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and carry out vital prevention work.
This two-year funding agreement marks a significant step in the Scottish Government’s commitment to developing a more sustainable funding model for the third sector in line with fairer funding principles.
It follows a multi-year commitment of £3.5 million a year over the next three years for disability organisations as set out in the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27.
In addition to the Fairer Funding pilot announced last year, this means that almost 50% of the value of third sector grants in the Social Justice Portfolio in 2025-26 are now covered by multi-year funding agreements. This approach aims to protect the sector’s future by providing the certainty organisations need to plan ahead, retain specialist staff and sustain their vital services.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We have listened carefully to the third sector about the challenges they face.
“This includes the impact of single-year funding settlements on their ability to plan ahead and retain the specialist staff who are so vital to delivering these services.
“This multi-year investment demonstrates that we have heard and responded to those concerns. It will give organisations the stability and greater certainty they need to continue their essential work to protect victims and survivors of gender-based violence across Scotland.”
The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports the work of the Equally Safe strategy, which underpins Scotland’s approach to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.
18th February – 11th March
Wednesdays, 11am–12pm
