FRIDAY 24th JULY from 2.30 – 3.30pm
Aged 7-12 and looking for amazing art activities to take part in? This animation workshop will be amazing and we can’t wait to see the results!
Places are limited so please let us know if you want to come either by phone or booking on eventbrite:
Dear Editor
Recent statistics indicating that 12,402 pupils have missed at least half of the school year—enough to fill almost 400 classrooms—should concern us all.
While we support mainstream education wherever appropriate, it can only succeed if schools have the staff and specialist support to make inclusion for those with additional support needs (ASN) meaningful.
More than two out of five (43 per cent) of Scotland’s pupils are now identified as having an additional support need, with numbers more than doubling over the past decade. Yet the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen. Additionally, as the number of those with ASN experiencing greater complexity of need increases, special school provision may be required, yet the number of such schools has declined.
The link between unmet additional support needs and poor attendance is clear. Too many families are waiting for support while schools struggle with shortages of specialist teachers, classroom assistants, educational psychologists and mental health professionals.
Identifying children with ASN is only the first step. They must receive the timely support needed to attend school, achieve their potential and avoid poorer educational and mental health outcomes.
Scotland urgently needs greater investment to deliver genuinely inclusive education. Without it, we risk failing not only children with ASN and their families, but every pupil and teacher in Scotland’s classrooms.
Yours faithfully
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School
Lynn Black, LOVE Care
Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius
As part of the City Art Centre’s free Summer Exhibition programme, we tell the story of the iconic North Bridge through film, historic artworks and objects uncovered during its recent restoration.
Running from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 13 September 2026, Study for North Bridge is a new film by artists Rachel McBrinn and Jonathan Webb. Created during the bridge’s restoration, it offers a fresh perspective on one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks ahead of its reopening in August.
Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the North Bridge restoration programme, the film explores not only how the bridge has been repaired, but also how we care for and remember the places that shape our city.
Following the restoration as it unfolds, the film combines real-life footage with imagined scenes to ask how today’s events become tomorrow’s history. Through the voice of a fictional art historian looking back from the future, it encourages visitors to think about how stories are recorded, preserved, and retold over time.
The title, Study for North Bridge, refers to the sketches artists often make while developing a final work. In the same way, the film focuses on the work in progress rather than the finished bridge, revealing the people, processes and hidden details that are normally out of sight.
Alongside the film, visitors can see original pieces removed from the bridge during restoration, displayed with paintings and other artworks from the City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art Collection that show North Bridge over the past 300 years.
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of guided walking tours, delivered in partnership with Invisible Cities.
Beginning and ending at the City Art Centre, the tours explore the people, places and stories that have shaped North Bridge, bringing the exhibition to life in the streets around it.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most important civic landmarks and has connected communities across the city for more than 130 years.
“As we look forward to the bridge reopening this summer, this exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to reflect not only on the engineering achievement of its restoration, but also on the stories, memories and meanings attached to the structure.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain in attendance at a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat.
A spokesperson said last night: “We were alerted at 6.38pm on Sunday, 19 July to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting an area of grass.
“There are no reported casualties and crews remain at the scene.”
CHARITIES and community groups across the country are being invited to apply for a share of a £40,000 fund, set up to mark 40 years of Mackie’s making ice cream on the family farm in Aberdeenshire.
The Mackie’s of Scotland Charity Grant will award three organisations with a £10,000 grant through an application process, while a further ten will be awarded £1,000 donations through a staff-led selection process.
Charities and community groups supporting young people, strengthening communities, promoting wellbeing, protecting the environment or delivering vital services to those who need them most are being encouraged to apply.
Mac Mackie, Chairman at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “Forty years ago, we started making ice cream on the farm and the support of our local community has been central to the business’ growing success ever since.
“Mackie’s has always supported local causes and the community, but as we celebrate this milestone, we wanted to find a way to link it to our giving something back and our continued commitment to charities and communities across the country.”
Applications for one of three £10,000 grants can be submitted via the Mackie’s website by charities, with groups invited to share details of the work they do, the people they support and how the funding would help them make an even greater impact.
The ten £1,000 donations will be selected separately, with Mackie’s staff nominating charities and organisations close to their hearts.
Mac added: “Whether it’s a small local group or a charity supporting families right across the country, we know £10,000 or £1,000 can make a real difference. We can’t wait to see the applications come in and find out more about the incredible work taking place across the UK.”
The Mackie’s Charity Grant is the latest in a series of community-focused efforts by the ice cream maker, including its ongoing support for NHS Grampian and The Archie Foundation.
With the first ice cream tubs made on the family farm in 1986, Mackie’s has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium ice cream brands and Scotland’s best-selling (KantarWorldPanel, volume), while staying rooted in its Aberdeenshire community, where it still makes all of its ice cream and chocolate.
Charities have until 21st August to submit their applications for the £10,000 grants.
To find out more and to apply, please visit the Mackie’s of Scotland Charity Grant webpage.
A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.
Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (17 July, 2026).
He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.
“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.
“Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”
We are running a course this year for folk who want to: train as a community gardener, establish a community garden, work on a community farm etc.
It is free for Edinburgh residents and will run from September to March.
The Growing Together Course is a new venture of Edible Estates working in partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, and a range of community gardening and community farming organisations in Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is funded by the Local Growth Fund to support the green transition and employability.
The course will run from the start of September to the end of March 2027, it will be a part‑time (seven hours/week), training programme that combines hands‑on placements with community gardens and farms, with structured learning in working with people and the land.
The course will have places for 24 people who must be resident in Edinburgh. The course is free, and some travel and subsistence costs will be funded.
Participants will spend time in real settings – such as community gardens, market gardens, school farms, therapeutic gardens and community woodlands – while also taking part in seminars and guided self‑directed projects on topics like community garden design, nature restoration, climate adaptation, and working with community groups.
More information about the course below, you can also download the Course Description.
If you are interested in participating in the course, please fill in the Application Form.
If you have any questions please send them to hello@growingtogether.scot.
Aisling Thomas, a mother of five who has combined academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a Master of Nursing with Distinction and a remarkable trio of awards.
Aisling’s outstanding achievements include the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award, the Joan and Muriel Burnside Award for care of persons living with dementia, and the Students’ Student Award, recognising her invaluable contributions to the university community.
Aisling began her higher education journey in 2022 in her thirties after years spent balancing family responsibilities and caring roles. As the first person in her family to attend university, she has transformed personal experiences of caring into a passion for nursing and educational leadership.
Growing up in Prestonpans, university was not something Aisling had always envisaged for herself. However, after completing Edinburgh College’s Routes to Health Professions programme, she enrolled at QMU and quickly became one of the University’s most engaged and influential students.
Her aspiration to become a nurse was shaped by her own experiences of healthcare, particularly the exceptional care she received from NHS staff when her daughter was born prematurely.
Reflecting on her journey, Aisling said: “The care my family received during some of our most difficult times had a profound impact on me. It inspired me to pursue nursing and to support others in the same way. Studying at QMU has given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other students find confidence and succeed.”
As well as excelling academically, Aisling has made an outstanding contribution to university life through a wide range of leadership and representative roles. These include serving as a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leader, Class Representative, Academic Board member, Student ChangeMaker, Widening Participation Ambassador and Clinical Skills Teaching Volunteer.
As one of the first Nursing students to become a PALS Leader at QMU, Aisling played a key role in establishing and developing peer learning within the nursing course. Her sessions have been widely praised for creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, build confidence and develop academically.
Aisling has presented at international conferences focused on peer learning and student support, and her work exploring neurodiverse leadership has helped inform the development of training resources for future peer leaders.
Committed to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, Aisling has also worked extensively with prospective students through outreach activities, induction programmes and mentoring initiatives. Her efforts have helped students from underrepresented backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and confident in their transition to university.
As a Student ChangeMaker, Aisling co-developed QMU’s Neurodiversity Affirming Learning and Teaching Guides, helping to shape more inclusive educational practices across the institution. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the project has contributed to creating learning environments where all students can thrive.
Aisling’s commitment to professional development has also seen her participate in an international nursing exchange programme in Canada at Trent University, made possible by QMU’s Vice Chancellor’s & Student Development Fund.
The exchange allowed her to explore person-centred nursing approaches across a range of healthcare settings, broadening her understanding of global healthcare systems and contributing to ongoing work examining the value of international learning opportunities in nursing education.
Ruth Magowan, Head of Nursing at QMU, said: “Aisling has overcome personal adversity while balancing significant family responsibilities to make an exceptional and lasting contribution to QMU.
“Her hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others led to her being named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026.
“Aisling’s story is a powerful example of how one student’s dedication can make a real and lasting difference to the experience of others across our University. We are incredibly proud of everything Aisling has achieved during her time at QMU. As she joins our graduating class of 2026, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve as a nurse.”
Aisling was able to celebrate her graduation success with her family, who enjoyed being part of an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.
Aisling said: “When I decided to return to education and pursue a career in nursing, I knew I needed a university that aligned with both my personal and family commitments.
“What really sold me on QMU was how well the course structure fitted with my family’s needs and how supportive the university’s ethos felt. QMU has always championed accessible education, and I felt that the nursing programme lived up to that legacy by offering a course structure that recognised the complexity of students’ lives.
“For me, QMU wasn’t just the right choice, it was the best choice.”
Aisling has recently secured a full-time role in District Nursing in East Lothian, a position she earned following a highly successful placement she completed during her time at QMU – a fitting start to what promises to be a rewarding nursing career.
It’s the fourth week of the summer holidays and we have yet more events on for you. All of them are free and there is no need to book ahead.
If Saturday doesn’t suit you for board games, come along on Tuesday from 2-4pm with your family or friends to play new games and classics with a member of staff available to teach the rules.
We have a special extra Zoo Tails session on at the usual time on Wednesday at 3:30pm. This is a great one for younger children, but everyone can enjoy the stories and activity with a community zookeeper!
If the weather is still good on Thursday afternoon, we have another toddler-friendly event: some parachute songs and games with Emily!
Friday Crafternoon is back for one week during the summer holidays, so come along and get colourful and creative from 2:30pm.
We’ve got Bookbug on this Saturday at 11am, as well as our usual sessions on Tuesday at 11am and Wednesday at 2pm.
Remember to register for the #SummerReadingChallenge and earn your first sticker by coming to a library event!
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the discovery of an injured man in the Saughton area.
A 43-year-old man was found with serious injuries in a garden in the Whitson Road area at around 9.30pm on Friday, 17 July, 2026.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and is described as being in a critical condition.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonny Wright said: “I am appealing for information on how the man has come to be injured.
“If anyone in the area witnessed anything or has any CCTV or door camera footage from Friday evening, that hasn’t already been shown to officers, I’d ask them to get in touch.
“The response from the local community has been very helpful to the investigation and I’d like to thank them for their assistance so far.
“If anyone has information and has not yet spoken to officers, I would ask them to call 101 with any details they may have.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident number 3838 of Friday, 17 July, 2026.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
