Day: April 3, 2026

Gateway to one of Scotland’s oldest settlements reopens for the Summer

The Maltings Exhibition Centre in Cramond opens its doors this weekend, offering visitors a window into one of the most remarkable stretches of history in Scotland, stretching from 8,500 BC to the present day.

Located in the historic heart of Cramond, the Maltings Exhibition Centre opens this weekend for its summer season, until the end of September. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £3.50, and is open to visitors of all ages. Opening times are 2–5pm each Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays.

Cramond is one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in Scotland, and the centre’s permanent exhibition brings that story to life. Displays trace human activity in the area from the earliest known evidence of settlement in 8,500 BC, through the Roman era, the medieval period, and on into more recent centuries.

Visitors can explore the story of Cramond’s Kirk and village, the lives of those who lived and worked on the local estates, and the area’s industrial heritage, including its association with one of Scotland’s earliest iron works, which once drove activity along the River Almond.

The Maltings is a brilliant destination for families and younger visitors. Children can come face to face with genuine Roman artefacts recovered from nearby archaeological digs, and step back in time to experience what a local Victorian school classroom would have looked like.

This summer’s programme also includes a series of guided walks along the River Almond and to Cramond Island. Volunteers from the Cramond Heritage Trust will be on hand throughout the season to bring the stories of the site to life.

Ian Rodger, Chair of Cramond Heritage Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening the Maltings Exhibition Centre for another summer season.

“Cramond has a history that stretches back thousands of years, quite possibly making it one of the oldest continuously occupied places in Scotland, and this exhibition centre is where that story is told. 

“We can’t wait to share it with visitors, whether they’re coming back for the first time in years or discovering Cramond for the very first time.”

The Maltings Exhibition Centre is run entirely by volunteers from the Cramond Heritage Trust and relies on the generosity of visitors and supporters to preserve and share the heritage of this extraordinary place. Donations are warmly welcomed.

Edinburgh Winner of Scottish Young Musician announced

Joshua Gibson chosen to represent Edinburgh at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year

On Monday 30 March, all schools in Edinburgh were invited to take part in their local final at Portobello High School.

This year’s competition saw an incredible standard of musicianship from young performers across the city. The adjudicators faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptionally talented group of musicians.

Scottish Young Musicians, Scotland’s leading festival of music competitions, has returned for 2026 to give young people across the country the chance to compete for the titles of Solo Performer of the Year, Ensemble of the Year and Brass Ensemble of the Year.

Participation in this career-enhancing competition has been offered to every Local Authority in the country as well as independent schools, in the hope that more young people than ever before will take up the opportunity to perform and take part.

Pianist Joshua Gibson in S5 at Queensferry High School was named the overall winner for their outstanding performance Liszt’s Liebestraume No3.

Their skill and interpretation impressed both audience and judges alike, securing them the top award in the Edinburgh final.

Joshua will now represent Edinburgh at the Scottish Young Musicians National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 24 May.

Runner up was singer Liza Aquado, an S6 pupil from St Augustine’s R.C. High School, who performed Times are Hard for Dreamers from Amelie. And the judges named Ivar Mackie, a guitarist from Portobello High School in S6 who played Unholy Confessions (Avenged Sevenfold) as Most Promising Young Musician.

Solo Performer of the Year is open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, whatever age or standard. Each local authority selects a regional finalist, with all of them hosting local and regional heats across different schools to decide who will represent their area at the National Final, which will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 24 May 2026.

In its 4 years, Scottish Young Musicians has become the largest and most important national music competition in schools, with around 99% of the school population taking part.

These competitions give young people a life-changing and unforgettable experience, as well as the confidence to continue to compete at the highest level.

It is open to all, across all socio-economic backgrounds, providing an opportunity which would not have existed otherwise.

Social Bite launches Holyrood elections manifesto

STOP MANAGING HOMELESSNESS: END IT.

Many things must change if we’re to end homelessness in Scotland. Since 2012, Social Bite has always pushed for innovation.

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, we’re launching our first manifesto. More than a political wish list, the manifesto asks every party, every leader, every MSP: stop managing homelessness. End it.

The actions we’re calling for are practical, cost‑effective, and achievable. Most importantly, they will change lives:

1. High standard homes 🏠

Ensuring Scotland’s housing stock is of a high standard and fit for purpose across all tenures, including high quality temporary supported accommodation.

2. Work as a way out 💼

Focusing on getting people experiencing homelessness into work, with employment support and welfare systems matching individuals’ needs to retain roles and afford living.

3. Build now, build faster 🔨

Recognising that we need homes and we need them quickly. Systems and solutions need to match the level of urgency.

Read our manifesto in full 👉

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/…/sb_manifesto_final…

sb_manifesto_final-march-2026Download

Missing: Have you seen Ahmed?

POLICE are seeking the assistance of the public to trace a 15-year-old male missing from the Drylaw area.

Ahmed Bader was last seen around 1400hrs, Monday 30th March 2026, near to the Meadowbank area. Ahmed’s family are extremely concerned for his wellbeing.

Ahmed is described as a Black male, around 6 feet tall, medium build, with short black afro hair. He was wearing a light blue navy tracksuit, a black gilet, and black trainers.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace Ahmed. Enquiries thus far have revealed that Ahmed has connections within the Gorgie area.

T/PS Laura Elliott said: It is out of character for Ahmed not to be in touch with his family and friends. We just want to know that he is safe and well.

If anyone has seen Ahmed or has any information or knowledge as to his whereabouts, please contact Police as a matter of urgency.

Anyone with information is asked to call officers at Drylaw Police Station on the Police non-emergency number, 101, quoting incident number 1433 of the 31/03/2026.