We will be holding another Chat & Chill Cafe tomorrow. Come along between 12 midday and 2pm for some lunch (free on us!)
We will also have another free PRIZE bingo session and some other free goodies to give away.
You don’t have to have children at PY to come along, everyone welcome.
Under 5s are welcome but you need to supervise them at all times.
We hope to see you then.
Lesley & Debbie
Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) has announced that Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 – its acclaimed original production created by Hamish Hawk and band, commissioned for the 2025 Festival – will tour major UK venues in spring 2026, marking a significant new chapter for one of the Book Festival’s most distinctive recent commissions.
First developed for EIBF, Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 blends music, storytelling and performance into a sharply observed, darkly funny and deeply Scottish meditation on class, domestic life and identity.
Following its inaugural performance in August 2025, the production will now reach new audiences across the UK, with dates confirmed for Manchester, Bristol, London and Glasgow.
Tour dates (2026)
Tour dates were announced on Monday 23 February 2026, with pre‑sale access for the Hamish Hawk mailing list opening on Wednesday 25 February, ahead of general sale on Friday 27 February.
The tour announcement reinforces EIBF’s growing reputation as both the world’s leading festival of words and ideas and a commissioning force that nurtures bold, genre‑defying work with a life far beyond the Book Festival itself – a reputation recognised when it won ‘Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival’ at the Scottish Thistle Awards in late 2025.
Hamish Hawk said: ““Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 grew out of a very particular moment and place at EIBF, and it’s been extraordinary to see it resonate so widely.
“Taking it on tour feels like an expansion of that original invitation – into new rooms, new cities, new conversations.”
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Commissioning original work is at the heart of what EIBF exists to do. From the beginning, Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 felt like a project with a life beyond the Book Festival – bold, playful, and rooted in a distinctly Scottish sensibility while speaking to much wider audiences.
“We’re thrilled to see this commission tour the UK and reach new stages and communities.”
The tour brings together music fans and theatre audiences, underscoring EIBF’s distinctive place at the crossroads of live performance, storytelling and contemporary culture.
With Hamish Hawk fresh from a sold‑out, show‑stopping Barrowland Ballroom gig, a headline support slot at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, and a recent SAY Award shortlist nod, the Book Festival clearly joined forces early with one of Scotland’s most compelling rising artists.
As we mark this solemn fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we also draw hope and comfort in Edinburgh’s long history as a proud, welcoming and diverse city.
Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.
From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after the Second World War to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans, Syrians and other refugees and displaced families who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.
As Kyiv’s twin city, I’m incredibly proud of the role that Edinburgh’s communities have played in helping those fleeing the horrors of Russia’s illegal war, with around 3,000 Ukrainians now residing in the Capital.
Since the first days of the invasion, we’ve been working hard across our services to help assimilate Ukrainians into their new lives here. The wider collective response encompassing the public, private and third sectors represents the very best qualities of our city and our citizens.
Residents, volunteers, and colleagues have worked steadfastly to help our new arrivals, opening their hearts and in many cases their homes to Ukrainians in their hour of need.
In the first year of the conflict we worked alongside the Scottish Government and other partners to house over 1,500 Ukrainians aboard the MS Victoria at the Port of Leith.
Edinburgh continues to be the gateway for the vast majority of Ukrainian arrivals into Scotland. Since February 2022, we have had almost 12,000 Ukrainians pass through our Welcome Hub, first at Gogarburn House and now at Flassches Yard.
On Tuesday morning, alongside representatives from the Scottish and UK Governments, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and other partners, I laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.
My thoughts remain with those continuing to fight for freedom, those who have fallen or been injured in defence of Ukraine, and for everyone who has had to abandon their homes and lives.
Whilst this terrible war has endured for longer than any of us could have imagined, my hope remains that we will soon see peace in Ukraine.
To Edinburgh’s Ukrainian population my message is simple. This is your home. You are a valued part of our city and have our full support for as long as you need it.
A campaign to halt the planned rise in hospitality rates, organised by the Scottish Hospitality Group, aims to amplify the voice of Scotland’s family-run restaurants, bars, pubs, and hotels, by calling on the Scottish Government to halt the current non-domestic rates revaluation for hospitality properties until after the Gill Review, a government examination of how licensed premises are valued for rates purposes.
Visible on giant advertising sites throughout the Central Belt from today (25th February) the campaign comes ahead of the Scottish Budget being rubber-stamped today. SHG says the Scottish Government can and should still act to stop the rates hikes before they come into force in April.
The initiative highlights the devastating impact of rising non-domestic rates on Scotland’s hospitality sector – effecting premises including local and long-established family-run restaurants and hotels.
The Gill Review, commissioned to examine the valuation methodology for licensed premises, seeks to ensure the system is fair. Currently, hospitality is effectively rated on turnover, a methodology SHG says is no longer fit for purpose. Until the review concludes, it is unfair for businesses – especially those with higher turnovers – to face dramatic rate hikes in April, even with new relief measures for smaller premises.
“Hospitality businesses are being taxed on turnover,” said a spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitality Group. “Revenue growth is swallowed by wages, energy, food costs, and regulatory pressures, so even successful businesses are being punished simply for growing.
“There should be a pause on the current revaluation increases until after the Gill Review. Even after the Budget is rubber-stamped, the government can still act – to protect jobs, sustain communities, and safeguard the future of Scotland’s hospitality sector.”
Many SHG members, and other hospitality businesses – including Signature Group, DRG Group, Buzzworks Eusebi Deli, Lisini Group, McGintys Group, Scoop Restaurants and Rusk & Rusk, fall outside the thresholds for existing relief schemes and face crippling cost pressures.
Established businesses that have invested heavily over decades report that development and expansion projects are being mothballed, shifting operators from growth into survival mode.
Said Susan Young, Editor of trade publication, DRAM, “The Scottish Government knows that the current methodology is flawed and has commissioned the Gill Review. Despite this, it has not halted the planned, unprecedented rates increases for hospitality businesses due to come into force in April. It is time for it to reconsider.
“The people I have spoken to across the country are disheartened and dismayed. They are cutting staff and shelving development plans.
“Having looked at the increases on the rates assessors’ websites, I have been dismayed at some of the exorbitant rises. It is time a decision was made to STOP the rates increases until the methodology is fit for purpose.”
I am pleased to be getting in touch to inform you about a Community Pop Up event regarding improvements to Arboretum Place and the area in front of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Inverleith Park.
With thanks to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we welcome you to join us to see the proposals on Saturday 7th March from 10:30 – 2:00 pm on the Ground Floor of the John Hope Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ. The venue is fully accessible.
Stop by to hear more about the project, see the proposals, meet the design team and share your feedback.
We are working with the City of Edinburgh Council to develop concept designs for improvements to the site, looking at the introduction of sustainable drainage measures along the length of Arboretum Place and around the entrances to Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, including placemaking opportunities between the two.
This work forms part of Climate Ready Craigleith looking at flood management interventions and improvements across the catchment and sits under the cities overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy.
The proportion of young people leaving school with five or more passes at National Courses and Highers, as well as their equivalent vocational and technical qualifications, has increased over the past year.
A record high of 68.6% of young people left school with five or more qualifications at SCQF Level 5 (National 5 equivalent), according to the School Leaver Attainment and Initial Destination statistics 2024-25 published today. Those leaving with five or more passes at SCQF level 6 (Higher equivalent) rose to 40.8%. The gap between those from the most and least deprived areas leaving with five or more qualifications narrowed at Level 5.
Nine out of ten young people (95.7%) were in positive destinations – such as work, training, college or university – three months after leaving school. This is the same level as 2023-24 and the second highest on record.
There has also been a fall in the number of young people leaving school at S4, down by 544 pupils to 7,540, and in S5 (down 370), with more pupils (732) staying on until S6. This starts to reverse the trend seen in the immediate post-COVID period.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “An increasing number of young people are leaving school with five qualifications or more at SCQF Level 5 or better, including National 5s and Highers.
“This underlines the strong recovery we are seeing in education, following the pandemic and the importance of the breadth of choice schools offer to young people in the senior phase.
“It shows the hard work of learners, teachers and parents and carers and comes after we saw record levels of literacy and numeracy in Scotland’s schools in the recent ACEL statistics
“The Scottish Government has invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade helping improve outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty – and, while this latest data shows there is more to do, we remain determined to address this.
“The proportion of Scotland’s young people in positive destinations remains at a near record high. The welcome increase among those going on to Higher Education underlines the importance of our commitment to free tuition, ensuring in Scotland education is based on the ability to learn, not pay.
“The recently passed Tertiary Education and Training Bill will also put apprenticeships on a statutory footing for the first time, creating parity with other post-school routes to provide more choices for young people.”
destinations and attainment of 2024-25 leavers
Literacy and numeracy standards reach record high – gov.scot
Aid cuts, brought in by the UK Government exactly a year ago have been labelled “cruel and devastating” by a leading Scottish charity.
SCIAF – the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund – has hit out at a decision in 2025 to cut the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.5% to 0.3% by 2027 – set to be the steepest reduction of any G7 country.
SCIAF’s CEO Lorraine Currie said: “Quite simply these cuts hit the most vulnerable people in the world the hardest. They are cruel and devastating.
“Much needed aid programmes in some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected countries across Africa and Asia are at risk of closure. People will die as a result.
“These cuts were made without warning, preparation or consultation with organisations like SCIAF – charity experts who have daily dealings with overseas partners who know the reality on the ground. These cuts mean fewer families in conflict zones able to access shelter, food and water, and fewer children able to go to school.”
UK aid represents a tiny proportion of public spending yet delivers significant return on investment by preventing diseases before they become pandemics, reducing conflict and crises that force people to flee, and strengthening global stability to protect people in the UK and around the world.
Lorraine added: “The UK government’s own Equalities Impact Assessment of the 2025/26 cuts confirms that women and girls, people with disabilities, children and people affected by conflict, will be hardest hit. This decision will arguably have the most damaging global consequences of any this UK government will make.
“With a significantly reduced UK aid budget, the government must step up its ambitions around global financial sector reform and help build a fairer economic system that enables lower income countries to invest in their own sustainable development.
“The UK’s upcoming G20 leadership offers a critical window to advance this agenda, rebuild damaged partnerships, and re-establish the UK as a trusted global partner.”
SCIAF, together with a number of different UK charities is urging the UK Government to reverse the cuts. It has signed up to a letter from BOND – the UK network for organisations working in international development.
BOND includes over 330 organisations, ranging from small specialist charities to large international NGOs with a worldwide presence.
You can read the full letter here: BOND Statement
People affected by drug use across Scotland will continue to receive vital support thanks to funding for 28 projects delivering frontline services.
This is the final funding from the Scottish Government’s five-year National Drug Mission Funds, administered by the Corra Foundation. It aims to provide grassroots organisations with financial certainty and continuing support for those dealing with substance use, ahead of the introduction of a new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan.
Speaking on a visit to Street Fit Scotland, one of the recipients, which works with people who use substances to help them build resilience and connect to supportive social networks through physical and social activities, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “This funding, administered by the Corra Foundation, is a lifeline for the people these projects support, and the statistics speak for themselves.
“More than 51,000 interactions with support services in 2024-25, an increase of over 17,000 on the previous year, demonstrates the extraordinary reach and impact of these grassroots organisations.
“As the National Mission ends next month, we will shortly announce our new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan and new support for the third sector.
“This funding provides a vital bridge to that – where we will again focus on sustained, need-based investment.”
Funded projects include recovery hubs in Kilmarnock and Forth Valley, residential rehab pathways in Ayrshire, treatment and health support in Edinburgh and West Dunbartonshire, family liaison in the Highlands, psychological therapy in Fife, and outreach services for homeless and vulnerable people in Aberdeen.
Projects in Glasgow and Dundee include recovery workshops, jewellery making, and a therapeutic programme for women in recovery with family support.
The continuation funding also supports the PanLanarkshire Drug Problem Solving Court, a peer harm reduction support worker project in Forth Valley, and organisations helping people manage health conditions and live independently at home.
Street Fit Scotland founder and CEO Michelle Reilly said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks for the funding and continued support provided over the years. We are truly grateful for this investment in our work.
“This support has enabled Street Fit Scotland to continue delivering a high-quality service, reach and engage more people, and strengthen what we describe as a growing ‘social wave of wellness’ across Edinburgh.
“Through this funding, we have supported community members to regain structure, purpose, and stability in their daily lives. Many individuals who come to us are rebuilding after significant challenges, and having consistent access to safe, supportive activity has been vital in helping them move forward.”
Passionate local people trying to save a historic New Town street from a 544-bed “super hostel” have met face-to-face with one of Scotland’s most senior planning appeal officials.
Residents and neighbours gathered in solidarity on Atholl Crescent as a Reporter from the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) carried out a formal site visit yesterday (Tuesday 24 February).
The visit follows the hostel developer’s decision to lodge an appeal directly with the Scottish Government, before local councillors had the opportunity to determine the applications.
Philip Flockhart, director of architects Morris and Steedman Associates and spokesman for residents, said: “When nearly 300 people formally object, and when respected heritage bodies speak of irreversible harm, we would hope that the DPEA will listen.
“This is not about resisting change. It is about proportionality, suitability and the protection of a quiet residential community within a World Heritage Site.”
The proposal would see four Category A-listed Georgian townhouses at 14-17 Atholl Crescent converted into a large-scale budget hostel, accommodating up to 544 guests in dormitory-style pods.
The buildings form part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed New Town. Residents argue the location – a predominantly residential crescent and mews – is wholly unsuited to such an intensive, high-turnover commercial use.
A property audit compiled by the group shows the immediate area remains overwhelmingly residential, with 88 homes compared to just 16 commercial properties. Many homes sit directly adjacent to, behind and opposite the proposed development.
During the site visit the Reporter, Katherine Chorley, was invited to walk the crescent and Atholl Crescent Lane to view first-hand the proximity of established family homes, gardens and mews properties to the proposed hostel entrance, servicing arrangements and rear access.
Residents say their objections are not rooted in opposition to visitors or tourism, but in the real, immediate and seismic impact the development would have on daily life.
Among the concerns raised are:
Campaigners say there is a stark inconsistency in planning policy. The council tightened restrictions on short-term lets and Airbnbs in residential properties on the grounds of loss of amenity. Objectors argue that approving a 544-bed hostel beside family homes would represent a significant loss of amenity.
Around 280 formal objections were lodged during the planning process, with the proposal attracting opposition from leading heritage and civic bodies.
The Cockburn Association warned the development would cause “substantial and irreversible harm” to the listed buildings. The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland raised serious concerns about compatibility with the architectural character of Category A-listed Georgian townhouses.
The West End Community Council, a statutory consultee, objected to the scheme “in both principle and detail,” citing transport impact, infrastructure intrusions and the effect on neighbours.
Philip Flockhart, a conservation architect, added: “This is one of the capital’s finest Georgian crescents – a residential street that has retained its character for more than 200 years.
“To introduce a 544-bed dormitory-style hostel into four interconnected townhouses would represent an intensity of occupation completely at odds with the scale, layout and spirit of these buildings.”
Previously the properties were used as offices for a renowned law firm. Permission has previously been granted to convert the townhouses into 34 apartments. Residents question why claims of commercial viability are now being used to justify a large-scale transient accommodation model instead of housing.
Campaigners say the decision will set an important precedent – not just for Atholl Crescent, but for residential streets across the New Town and West End – and signal if residential life is to be prioritised over transient tourism.
Prior to the appeal being submitted to DPEA, the applications were expected to be considered by elected councillors on the Development Management Sub-Committee. A decision from the Reporter is now awaited.
In the Company’s 20th year and for the first time ever, Scotland’s National Theatre is inviting the public to share real-life stories that deserve to be told on Scotland’s stages; be they true stories rooted in history, place, or community, the personal and family narratives that have shaped lives, or authentic tales that resonate through humour, resilience, struggle, triumph or hope.
“Everyone’s got a story to tell. What’s yours?”
From a shortlist, one incredible story will be selected by public vote, and brought to life by a team of leading Scottish theatre artists, for public presentation in 2027.
The call out will be live until 13 May 2026 with a short list announced to the public in September 2026, with the winner announced in November 2026.
Full details on how to get involved here.
Twenty years of compelling real-life stories.
Over the last twenty years, the National Theatre of Scotland, has gained a world-wide reputation for turning compelling real life Scottish stories into unique new plays that have been shared with audiences, and earned plaudits on stages in Scotland and beyond.
The soldiers in the Black Watch regiment, deployed to Iraq, (Black Watch), the group of girls from Glasgow, who fought for their friend to be saved from deportation, (Glasgow Girls), the story of Adam who crossed borders and genders to find himself (Adam), the historical exploits of three Scottish medieval kings (The James Plays), or the story of Fred Goodwin and the rise of fall of RBS (Make it Happen); all these exceptional stories have captured the imaginations of audiences over the last 20 years.
The National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th birthday programme also includes Stand and Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit In which will bring the powerful story of the Lee Jean’s Factory workers to life in a new piece of touring gig theatre.
The Company is delighted to have the support of celebrated Scottish cultural figures to encourage the nation to participate.
Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director said :”It feels entirely fitting to mark the Company’s 20th birthday with a project that celebrates Scotland as a nation of storytellers. Real life stories have become part of the DNA of NTS; ordinary people living extraordinary lives, or indeed extraordinary events in history that have resonated across time.
“These stories and characters have captured the imaginations of artists and audiences throughout NTS’s history, and I can’t wait to listen to the great Scottish public and to find out their true stories and to then support the journey of one special story onto the stage, alongside a team of brilliant Scottish artists.”
Lorraine Kelly is joining the team as a True Story Ambassador, and she will be involved in the call out and judging process.
Lorraine is a Scottish television presenter, journalist and Sunday Times bestselling author, best known for her ITV show Lorraine. In 2024, she was awarded a BAFTA for her outstanding contribution to the television industry, marking four-decades of service to broadcasting. She has also been awarded an OBE and a CBE.
She has made special documentaries commemorating both the tragedies in Dunblane and Lockerbie. In addition to her eponymous show, she has also presented many other TV programmes including Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey, The Last Leg, Queens for the Night and Have I Got News For You?
She is also a best-selling novelist with her debut novel, The Island Swimmer, set in Orkney, published in 2024.
Lorraine Kelly, True Story ambassador said: “Ever since I started out as a teenage reporter on the East Kilbride News, and later as a presenter and author, I have been fascinated by real life stories.
“I am a naturally curious person, and I have had the privilege of listening to thousands of stories over the years, allowing me insight into the personal, the extraordinary and the sometimes, dramatic.
“I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the National Theatre of Scotland’s True Story project and to support their call out to the great Scottish public to find a special story that will resonate with Scottish audiences.
“I can’t wait to sit with the True Story submissions later this year and immerse myself in what I imagine will be a treasure trove of compelling testimonies and exceptional stories.”
TRUE STORY CHAMPIONS
Five fabulous Scottish cultural figures have taken on the role of being True Story Champions, supporting the call out for true stories.
They are Val McDermid, crime author known for Karen Pirie and The Wire in the Blood; Greg McHugh, actor and writer who created and starred in Gary Tank Commander; Shereen Nanjiani, broadcaster for the BBC, and MBE for services to broadcast in Scotland; Len Pennie, poet, Scots language performer; and writer and Irvine Welsh, novelist, screenwriter and filmmaker known for Trainspotting, Filth and Porno.
Val McDermid, author, said: “We’re a nation of storytellers. Everybody’s got a story. You hear it at the bus stop, you hear it in the pub, you hear it everywhere you go. You’ve all got stories.
“We want to hear your stories. And that’s why the National Theatre of Scotland has started a campaign to gather your stories together to make new stories for the next generation and beyond.”
Greg McHugh, actor and writer, said: “They say that truth is stranger than fiction. The National Theatre of Scotland have taken this on board in a big way with their project True Story that involves the great Scottish public.
“They are choosing one brilliant true story to put on stage which I think is a great idea and a fabulously fun way to celebrate the Company’s 20th birthday.”
Shereen Nanjiani, broadcaster, said: “In my 40-year career as a news broadcaster I have reported on hundreds of Scotland’s stories, big and small.
“I was the first person of Asian heritage to become a TV newsreader in Scotland, and that’s made me acutely aware of the need to tell stories that reflect our country in all its rich diversity, and to hear from those whose voices often don’t get heard.
“I’m also passionate about the power of theatre to bring us together, to make us think, to move us, to make us laugh and cry.”
Len Pennie, poet, said: “I am a firm believer that every single person has a story that is worth telling and worth hearing.
“There’s nothing like a good story for making you feel happy, sad, scared – the full spectrum of human emotion!
“But even more special than that is sharing a story with somebody. It’s about connection, community, empathy, just knowing that you’re not alone.”
Irvine Welsh, author, said: “True stories inform everything. They inform our imagination or experience or creation of other stories or embellishment of stories or creation of fiction.
“So there’s the old saying that the truth is stranger than fiction, and generally it’s true. True stories are important because they’re the the bedrock of our creativity and our culture.”
