Month: July 2026

Edinburgh restaurant group raises over £20k for charity partner CHAS

A family-run Edinburgh restaurant group has raised over £20,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Howies, which operates venues across the capital including Howies Victoria Street, Howies Waterloo Place and Scotts Kitchen on Victoria Terrace, raised the impressive sum in just three months during a 12-week corporate partnership with the charity from March 1 to May 31.  

Customers were invited to add £1 or more to their bill, with the donations helping CHAS provide vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.

Founded by David Howie Scott in 1990 and recently celebrating 36 years in business, Howies received overwhelming support from customers, raising £20,040 for the charity.

Suzanne O’Connor, Operations Manager, Howies Restaurants said: “As an independent, family-run business, it was important to us that this was a team decision. We shared information about several Scottish charities and asked everyone in our team to vote. CHAS was the clear choice across the group. 

 “We were incredibly proud to support CHAS. We know about the incredible work they do and the vital support they provide to families during their toughest times, and we very much hope that the funds we have raised will be of some help as they continue to deliver their incredibly valuable work.”

 CHAS Senior Community Fundraiser, Sarah Dannfald said: “We were delighted to have been selected as the charity partner for Howies and are absolutely blown away by the amount raised in such a short space of time!

“The commitment of Howies staff to drive the initiative and actively talk to customers about CHAS has really shone through as well as the incredible generosity shown by so many of their customers adding the donation to their bills. 

“This incredible support from Howies comes at such a crucial time for CHAS as we look to transform children’s hospice care in Scotland, through our £20million More Than a Hospice Appeal.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has made this incredible gift possible.”

DWP: Supported housing residents to keep more of what they earn under new rules

From October 2026, people in supported housing and temporary accommodation will be able to keep more of what they earn.

We’re modernising Housing Benefit rules and ensuring people are better off when they increase their earnings, hours or move into work.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/IJ9050Zk4Xb

More than 300,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will no longer face a drop in income when increasing their working hours, under new rules laid in Parliament yesterday.

  • Residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation previously faced a “cliff edge” loss of income when increasing their working hours 
  • New changes to the welfare system which encourage work and ensure it always pays come into force in October 
  • Measure to benefit around 300,000 vulnerable claimants living in supported housing and temporary accommodation

More than 300,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will no longer face a drop in income when increasing their working hours, under new rules laid in Parliament yesterday [Monday 6 July]. 

The system inherited by this Government left vulnerable people in supported housing having to choose between staying out of work, or risk losing their housing support, because the work allowance was higher for Universal Credit than it was for Housing Benefit. 

 The less generous rules for Housing Benefit created a cliff edge that trapped people on benefits rather than supporting them into work. Some landlords even discouraged residents from taking jobs to protect their own rental income. 

As part of the Government’s commitment to move from a welfare state to a working state, the regulations change how Housing Benefit is calculated so it works in the same way as Universal Credit – a change that will incentivise work for 315,000 people when they come into force in October 2026. 

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: “The system we inherited was actively pushing some of the most vulnerable residents away from work rather than towards it.

“These changes fix that – ensuring residents can keep more of what they earn, so that taking a job or increasing hours always pays better than benefits.

“This announcement delivers on a commitment made in our Autumn Budget, and forms part of the government’s wider plan to reform the welfare system – tearing out the barriers that have trapped people in dependency.

“We are replacing that system with one that rewards work and ensures people keep more of what they earn, while protecting those who need it most.”

Monday’s rules come alongside previous steps to help people on disability benefits that want to work, into work, says the government: ‘We have already rebalanced Universal Credit to tackle the perverse incentives that discouraged work and introduced Right to Try legislation, allowing sick or disabled people to try work without the immediate fear of reassessment.   

‘These measures come alongside our Connect to Work programme, which delivers tailored, personalised, local support that will help 300,000 people into work, and the deployment of 1000 Pathways to Work advisers to help those written off by the previous Government’. 

Additional Information 

  • The Housing Benefit (Earned Income Disregards) Regulations 2026 laid before parliament on 6th July 2026, come into force on 5 October 2026.  
  • Five new earned income disregards are being introduced for working-age Housing Benefit claimants in supported housing and temporary accommodation.  
  • Disregard values will be updated annually. No group is made worse off by this change; any variation in the immediate financial gain reflects how existing Universal Credit and Housing Benefit tapers already operate.

Edinburgh & Forth Valley Colleges explore deeper collaboration

The Boards of Edinburgh College and Forth Valley College have put forward a proposal to explore the value of deeper collaboration, as they try to find new opportunities and different ways of working to deliver improved outcomes and sustainable futures for both organisations.

The exploratory phase for an Outline Business Case (OBC), which is proposed to take place over the coming months, will specifically look at ‘linked but distinct’ models, such as a Federation Partnership. In this type of model, colleges retain their Board, Principal, curriculum and individual identity, while working together on agreed areas of collaboration.

The shared goal in this work is to find a partnership model that make both colleges stronger while fully retaining the individual identities and local community roots of each institution. During the process staff, students, and stakeholders will be asked for their views on how such a collaboration could work for them.

The principals of both Forth Valley College and Edinburgh College have written to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to seek support for this work. It comes after the Scottish Government identified reform of the wider tertiary system as a key priority.

Principal of Edinburgh College, Audrey Cumberford, said: “There’s no doubt that the coming years will see reform of the wider tertiary sector in Scotland. I’m keen to take a proactive approach to leading and shaping what that means and might look like for our colleges.

“The boards of both our colleges believe that working together more closely could deliver better outcomes and greater regional impact, while retaining strong local accountability and identity.

“While this is at an early stage, I’m excited to discover the outcome of this exploratory work and to demonstrate how this could deliver for our staff, students, local communities and the businesses we support.”

Principal of Forth Valley College, Kenny MacInnes, said: “We recognise the need for change and are committed to taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges ahead.

“We believe that exploring closer partnership working can create new and exciting opportunities and deliver greater impact, while continuing to operate independently and reflecting the needs and priorities of our learners and local communities.

“We have a strong and well-established track record of collaboration with Edinburgh College, built on shared growth sectors, complementary strengths and connections across our regional economies. We will also value the input of staff, students and stakeholders as we explore this potential new partnership, ensuring their voices help shape both the process and its outcomes.

“While this work is at an early stage, we are fully committed to exploring its potential and leading meaningful transformation that delivers for our staff, students, communities and employers, while supporting long-term sustainability.”

Should the SFC support the request for exploratory work and an OBC, a report would be brought back to both boards in the coming months before any decisions are made on next steps.

Tonight: Pitch to Plate at Easter Road

Join the SABS and Hibernian Community Foundation monthly Pitch to Plate – Multicultural Meal, bringing together local residents, New Scots, people from all backgrounds, those experiencing difficult circumstances and members of our wider community for an evening of good food, friendship and connection.

📅 Tuesday 7th July 2026

⏰ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

📍 Hibernian Community Foundation, Famous Five Stand, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, EH7 5QG

🥘 Enjoy homemade curries, rice, salad, and naan bread

🍎 Fresh fruit kindly sponsored by the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland

✨ Free Entry | All Welcome | No Booking Required

Everyone is warmly welcome to share a meal, meet new people, and celebrate the rich diversity of our community. Whether you are coming along for the food, the company, or simply to connect with others, we would be delighted to see you there.

We would be grateful if you could help spread the word to anyone who may benefit from a warm meal and a welcoming community atmosphere. 💜 💚

Summertime Streets changes return

With the summer festivals season just around the corner, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Sunday 19 July and Monday 7 September 2026.

During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for our residents, businesses and visitors.

These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on the council’s website.

There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.

You can find more information and advice on events in the city over the summer on the Council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re ready to welcome the world back to the Capital, and as always, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed properly.

“These temporary changes to our city centre streets have proven very successful for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different. The planned full reopening of the North Bridge in time for the festivals will also be a great boost for people getting around the city.

“Our residents and businesses have my thanks for their understanding and patience as we prepare to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”

Mansion tax rates consultation

Two new council tax bands for homes worth more than £1 million – have your say

Views are being sought on plans to introduce two new council tax bands for properties worth more than £1 million and £2 million respectively to help fund local public services across Scotland.

A public consultation seeks responses on possible increases of around £720 and £3,600 above the current highest Band H council tax charges.

The final proposed rates for new Band I and Band J properties – expected to apply to fewer than 1% of properties – will be laid in Parliament for MSPs’ consideration following analysis of consultation responses and engagement with local government. Existing council tax protections, such as discounts, exemptions and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, will continue to apply across all bands.  

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Jenny Gilruth said: “Our approach to tax is based on fairness – asking the wealthiest among us to contribute a bit more.

“As it stands, some multi-million pound properties have council tax bills that are not materially different from those faced by people living in far more modest homes.

“Our progressive approach to taxation helps to target investment in economic growth, deliver public services and support cost of living measures not available elsewhere in the UK, such as free tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.

“Additional revenue raised through these new council tax bands will be retained in full by local government to support the local services communities rely on – unlike the UK Government’s proposals for a similar scheme that are set to be returned to the Treasury.

“In launching this public consultation, we are keen to hear the views of people and communities right across Scotland.”

Consultation: Council Tax High-Value Property Bands (Mansion Tax)

The consultation will run until 24 August 2026.

Sumo Wrestling comes to the Festival Fringe for the first time

Underbelly George Square – Udderbelly: 6 – 31 August: 6:00pm

For the first time ever, Sumo Wrestling comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

Following a successful run in Osaka and an international debut, selling over 10,000 tickets, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA will make its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut this summer, bringing audiences an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions through a live theatrical experience.

The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA gives audiences the chance to see Sumo demonstrated and performed by former professional sumo wrestlers, whilst offering audiences the chance to discover the history, rules, rituals and techniques behind sumo, Japan’s national sport.

Performed in a dohyo, or sumo ring, the production combines authentic demonstrations of the sport with theatrical staging, dramatic visuals and immersive sound, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the athleticism, discipline and traditions of sumo up close.

Alongside competitive bouts between former professional wrestlers, audiences will learn about the customs and etiquette that surround the sport, from its ceremonial traditions to the techniques used inside the ring. 

“We’re excited to bring the weight of more than 1,500 years of Japanese tradition to Edinburgh this summer.

“Our performers have competed at the highest level of sumo, and this show is an opportunity to share the history, rituals and excitement of Japan’s national sport in a way that’s accessible and fun.

“We hope audiences will laugh, learn, cheer and maybe even discover they have what it takes to step into the ring themselves.” Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA

Sumo has been practised in Japan for more than 1,500 years and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is recognised as the country’s national sport. Originating in ancient Shinto rituals, it developed from ceremonial contests performed to pray for good harvests into the professional sport seen today.

While modern tournaments attract audiences from around the world, many of the traditions established centuries ago remain unchanged, from the purification rituals before each bout to the use of the traditional dohyo, or sumo ring.

The Edinburgh production gives audiences the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the rich cultural heritage that continue to define the sport

HIRAKUZA is a Japanese entertainment company dedicated to presenting live sumo performances and cultural experiences featuring former professional sumo wrestlers.

Based in Osaka, the company was created to introduce visitors from around the world to the history and traditions of Japan’s national sport in an accessible way.

Reflecting Osaka’s reputation as a city known for its entertainment culture, HIRAKUZA combines authentic demonstrations with a welcoming and engaging presentation, making the experience suitable for audiences with little or no previous knowledge of sumo while remaining rooted in the sport’s traditions.

What the press have said about The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA:

“Culture, entertainment, and the overwhelming strength of the sumo wrestlers. An unforgettable experience  that exceeds expectations in every aspect.”       ★★★★★ My Adelaide Tribe 

“Authentic, incredibly powerful, and outstandingly entertaining. Definitely a must-see show at this year’s  Adelaide Fringe.”                                    ★★★★★ What’s On In Adelaide 

“It flamboyantly conveys the power and intensity of sumo while also deepening the understanding of tradition  and culture.”                                                                                   ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide

Listings Information

Show:          The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA

Dates:          6th – 31st August

Time:            18:00

Venue:         Underbelly – Udderbelly

Address:     George Square Gardens, EH8 9LH

Price:           £16.50 – £31.50

Box Office:              https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/the-sumo-show-hirakuza

Kids eat free this summer at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard

As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.

Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together. 

More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.

Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer. 

Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

To find out more or book a table, please visit: https://www.canopyedi.com/ 

Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit

  • Dunard Centre welcomed The Duke of Kent as its first royal visitor last week
  • The visit celebrated Dunard Centre’s artistic partnership with Wigmore Hall
  • Royal Conservatoire of Scotland musicians offered a glimpse of the venue’s future programme
  • The visit followed a major milestone in the venue’s construction programme
Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit

The Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first new concert hall in over 100 years, welcomed its first royal visitor, The Duke of Kent, to its St Andrew Square site last week.

The Duke, who is the Patron of Wigmore Hall, enjoyed live music and heard more about the vision for the world-class venue, following the announcement of Wigmore Hall’s new artistic partnership with the Dunard Centre earlier this year. 

The visit began with a short performance by two students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, piper and whistle player Hamish Martindale and guitarist Anja Maclennan, giving a glimpse of the venue’s future multi-genre programme.

His Royal Highness also met representatives from some of the Dunard Centre’s key partners, including Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Bank of Scotland, alongside Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly.

Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit

Jo Buckley, Chief Executive of the Dunard Centre, said: “It’s not every day you get the honour of welcoming a royal visitor to site, and it was a particular pleasure to welcome The Duke of Kent to the Dunard Centre, marking the start of our new partnership with London’s Wigmore Hall.

“Together, we took a moment to reflect on our mutual commitment to world-class programming and to the warm welcome afforded to our audiences by the intimacy of our design.

“His Royal Highness is a huge music lover, and it was a joy to see him tapping his foot to traditional jigs performed by two students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – just a small taste of the breadth and calibre of music that will be heard on our stage in years to come.”

Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit

The high-profile visit comes shortly after the project celebrated a major construction milestone, with piling works concluding in June and excavation of the 10-metre-deep, two-storey basement now underway.

Designed by David Chipperfield Architects with Reiach and Hall Architects, the Dunard Centre will be the first concert hall in the UK to be designed by world-leading Japanese firm Nagata Acoustics.

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, and located behind its Head Office building at No. 36 St Andrew Square, the ‘Hall for All’ will be a vibrant hub for all kinds of musical performance, events, learning and community activities, as well as the new permanent home of the Scottish Chamber, and a new venue for the Edinburgh International Festival. 

Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit

The collaboration between the Dunard Centre and London’s Wigmore Hall, announced in March this year, was one of a series of unprecedented academic and artistic partnerships to be launched by the globally-renowned Wigmore Hall in celebration of its 125th anniversary. 

The collaboration will see Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly leading the Dunard Centre’s new artistic advisory committee, as well as a range of shared programming and commissioning initiatives.

A lifelong supporter of the arts and a passionate music fan, The Duke has been Patron of Wigmore Hall for 10 years, regularly attending concerts at the venue. 

In October 2025, at a recital marking his 90th birthday celebrations, His Royal Highness was presented with the Wigmore Medal by mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker in recognition of the contribution to the hall’s musical life.

QMU honours global campaigner leading fight to end female genital mutilation

Today (6 July 2026), Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh awarded an honorary degree to leading human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, whose work has helped drive the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). 

As an educator and campaigner, Fatou has received international recognition for her work, including being named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, honoured by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Queen Margaret University was delighted to award her a Doctor of the University, honoris causa, at the first of QMU’s 2026 graduation ceremonies at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. 

Fatou’s courage, scholarship and unwavering commitment to justice have transformed lives in Scotland, The Gambia and beyond. She has turned lived experience into leadership, using her voice and expertise to challenge inequality and deliver lasting social change. 

A graduate of QMU, Fatou completed an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2013. She went on to work with the Dignity Alert Research Forum in Edinburgh, later becoming Director, where she amplified the voices of marginalised women and strengthened advocacy for minority ethnic communities across Scotland. 

In 2013, Fatou spoke publicly about FGM in Scotland, challenging stigma and denial. The following year, her evidence to the Scottish Parliament helped shape policy and practice, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in prevention and survivor‑centred safeguarding. 

Returning to The Gambia in 2018, Fatou founded Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), an organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of women and girls. Under her leadership, WILL has become a powerful force for grassroots advocacy, survivor support and systemic change.

Working with The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, she has also ensured that the experiences of women affected by sexual and gender‑based violence are recognised, and that justice and healing remain central to national reconciliation. 

Discussing her time at Queen Margaret University, Fatou Baldeh said: “Taking the MSc course at the Institute for Global Health and Development has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“The course provided not only a solid theoretical foundation in gender, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, but also an eye-opening experience of learning alongside passionate students from diverse backgrounds. 

“The richness of the course lies in the shared insights, lived experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that emerged from this vibrant community. I am grateful for every lesson and every perspective gained.” 

Fatou’s impact has been widely recognised. She was appointed MBE in 2020 for her advocacy for Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Scotland, and has received numerous international honours, including the International Women of Courage Award and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy’s Women’s Rights Award. 

In 2025, she was named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year and listed among the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’. Her leadership in protecting The Gambia’s ban on FGM has also been recognised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. She is also a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama, working alongside global leaders to expand opportunities for girls through education. 

Commenting on the award, QMU Principal Sir Paul Grice, said: “What distinguishes Fatou’s leadership is not only its global reach, but its humanity.

“She leads with empathy rooted in lived experience, intellectual rigour shaped by education, and a moral clarity that inspires collective action. She builds bridges between communities and institutions, and between local action and global change. 

“Her work embodies the values at the heart of Queen Margaret University – social justice, inclusion, equality, global engagement and partnership – as well as the transformative power of education.” 

Today, Fatou joined QMU Chancellor Patrick Grant to celebrate the achievements of new QMU graduates.