Queens Manor Care Home in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an afternoon of fun on Saturday 22nd August 10am – 4pm.
Taking place between 10am and 4pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cream cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.
Margaret Anne Davidson, General Manager at Queens Manor Care Home says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Queens Manor Care Home will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays
Edinburgh Leisure has set out the next steps in the refurbishment of Portobello Swim Centre following a major public consultation which showed overwhelming support for investment in the much-loved community facility.
The consultation, carried out independently during May and June 2026, gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents. It found that 91% of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95% recognise it as an important community asset.
Taking this feedback into account, Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council will now move forward with the next stage of design development. The design team will use the consultation findings to finalise a design for approval, with a focus on improving facilities while protecting the character, heritage and community value of the iconic building.
A design shaped by the community
The next phase of the project will focus on developing a design that reflects what customers said matters most. This includes considering:
How changing facilities can be upgraded to better meet customer needs
Improvements to layout, cleanliness, accessibility and family provision
The importance of retaining the building’s unique character, including its natural light and sea views
The consultation findings will now be reviewed in detail by the design team as they develop the final design for approval.
Moving into the next phase
The project will now move into further design development and approval stages, with updated designs and visuals shared with the public once the design has been progressed.
Subject to final approvals, the next steps will include:
Finalising a design for approval and securing the necessary consents
Appointing contractors
Confirming timelines for refurbishment works
Edinburgh Leisure has also committed to providing regular updates throughout the project, with 95% of consultation respondents stating they wanted to be kept informed as plans progress.
Supporting customers through change
The consultation highlighted that temporary closure of the centre is the biggest concern for customers, with more than 80% indicating they would be affected by any period of closure.
Edinburgh Leisure will develop a comprehensive customer support plan ahead of the refurbishment, including access to alternative facilities, swim lesson arrangements and flexible membership options to minimise disruption wherever possible.
A long-term investment in Portobello
The refurbishment aims to ensure Portobello Swim Centre continues to serve the community for generations to come, improving the quality of facilities while maintaining the character and heritage that make it one of Edinburgh’s most valued leisure venues.
Claire Rusack, Operations Director at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views.
“The message from the community was clear – people strongly support investment in Portobello Swim Centre, but they also want to protect the features that make it such a special place.
“The design team will now use that feedback to finalise a design for approval. This will ensure the next stage focuses on improving changing facilities, accessibility and the overall customer experience, while taking account of the natural light, sea views and heritage character that customers told us they value most.
“Portobello Swim Centre is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic leisure facilities and this investment will help safeguard its future, ensuring it continues to support active, healthy communities for many years to come.”
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said:“Portobello Swim Centre is an important part of Edinburgh’s sporting and cultural heritage, and we welcome the high level of public interest in shaping its future.
“The consultation has provided clear and valuable feedback which will help inform the next stage of design development.
“We’re committed to working closely with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark space in a way that protects the building’s historic character while creating modern, high-quality facilities for future generations.”
Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government will provide further funding to Clackmannanshire Council to support its emergency response to ground movement in Coalsnaughton which caused residents to be evacuated.
The Mining Remediation Authority yesterday (Monday) confirmed the incident is coal mining related and as a result it will take responsibility for remediation.
The Mining Remediation Authority confirms the cause of ground movement in Coalsnaughton is linked to historic coal mining. Residents of 97 evacuated homes will now be protected by law, with the UK Government to cover costs.
Some residents will not be able to return to their homes.
In June, the Scottish Government allocated £1 million to ensure the local authority could cover expenses incurred as a result of its emergencyresponse, including temporary housing, welfare and staffing costs.
Any costs incurred by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority’s remit.
Ms Somerville said: “We know the situation in Coalsnaughton has caused considerable anxiety and stress to the residents affected.
“Whilst residents will be relieved that there is now a cause identified and next steps can be progressed, this is of course going to mean considerable disruption and continued distress whilst permanent solutions can be found for those who have been displaced and my thoughts are with all those who have been affected.
“The Scottish Government will continue to participate in the resilience and recovery operation and work with Clackmannanshire Council. The Scottish Government has made £1 million available to the council to support residents, and we understand that some of this will now be reimbursed by the MRA.
“The Scottish Government has confirmed that this will be made available to the Council and that financial flexibilities remain in place so they can continue to provide support to residents.
“We will also work with the Council and Kingdom Housing Association to maximise opportunities to secure property in the local area, this includes providing flexibilities to Clackmannanshire Council to draw on funding available through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
“I urge the Mining Remediation Authority to ensure claims for remediation or compensation are dealt with as quickly as possible.”
The Mining Remediation Authority is engaging directly with those affected to provide specialist support.
Scotland’s very best parks and green spaces have been recognised with a 2026 Green Flag Award.
Keep Scotland Beautiful administer the Green Flag Awards in Scotland, setting the benchmark for clean, safe and well-maintained parks and green spaces.
Today, as we continue to celebrate Love Parks Week (24 July – 2 August), we can announce the 92 Green Flag Awards and Community Awards given to green spaces across the country, three more than the 2025 total.
There are four new Green Flag Award winners in Fife – Lochore Meadows Country Park, Riverside Park and Ravenscraig Park – all managed by Fife Council, alongside Craigtoun Park, a new Community Award winner which is managed by Perth and Kinross’ MacRosty Park is another new Community Award winner, managed by Perth and Kinross Council.
Edinburgh boasts the highest number of awarded green spaces across the country, with more than 35 awarded parks this year.
Most impressively three parks are celebrating their 20th consecutive Green Flag Award in 2026: Braidburn Valley Park and Harrison Park (both managed by City of Edinburgh Council) and Barnhill Rock Garden (managed by Dundee City Council).
Ruairidh MacLeod, KSB Awards Officer, said: “We’re excited to announce the 2026 Green Flag Award-winning parks and community green spaces.
These awards recognise the tremendous work being done by councils, community groups and other organisations to ensure their communities have access to safe and well managed outdoor spaces.
“It is astonishing to see three parks receiving an award for the 20th consecutive year. This longevity is a testament to their commitment to providing residents and visitors with a fantastic space to connect with nature.
“We are also delighted to welcome three new winners and hope this is just the first of many awards in the years to come.
“I’d encourage everyone to use the summer months for a trip to one of our award winners. We live in a beautiful country and these spaces epitomise that.”
A record number of parks and green spaces in the UK have reached the high standards required to receive a coveted Green Flag Award in 2026, with more than 2,300 receiving an award.
POLICE are seeking the assistance of the public in trying to locate a teenager missing from Edinburgh.
Sixteen-year-old Safdar Hanif was last seen around 4am on Saturday, 25 July, 2026 on Jamaica Mews, Edinburgh.
He is described as around 5ft 7 inches in height, with short dark hair. When last seen, he was wearing a grey and white Nike top and white Nike tracksuit trousers. He was also wearing a Doo Rag and carrying a black bag.
Officers have been checking any relevant CCTV images and continue to speak to his family and friends for any information on where he might have gone.
Sergeant Chris Biggs said: “Safdar’s family is understandably concerned and want to know he is safe and well. If anyone has seen Safdar or has any information on his whereabouts, please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0803 of 24 July, 2026.
Luxury Italian gelato brand Amorino has opened in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. After much anticipation, the new venue opened its doors on 17 July at 27 North Bridge, just steps away from the city’s iconic Royal Mile.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand’s continued UK expansion, bringing its internationally renowned gelato experience to Scotland for the first time.
The Edinburgh opening is expected to attract a high level of interest, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity as it continues its expansion across major regional destinations including London, Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle.
The Edinburgh launch marks Amorino’s 360th site worldwide and its 45th in the UK since entering the market in 2009.
Renowned for its iconic, handcrafted flower-shaped ‘petal gelato’, the Edinburgh venue will serve the brand’s full menu, featuring popular flavours including tiramisú, cremino, stracciatella and amarena, alongside a wider rotating selection of seasonal offerings. The store will operate seven days a week, offering both takeaway and on-the-go gelato hand-crafted to order.
Leandro Crolla, Director of Vittoria Hospitality Group said: “Bringing Amorino to Scotland marks a really exciting new chapter for us as a family.
“We’re really looking forward to introducing the people of Edinburgh to authentic Italian gelato this summer, and creating a space that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.”
The Edinburgh opening forms part of the Vittoria Hospitality Group’s wider portfolio, led by the Crolla family, which includes Divino, Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, Taste of Italy, Brunswick Book Club, Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips, and Landy’s, reinforcing its long-standing presence in Scotland’s hospitality sector.
Amorino will be open 7 days a week from 11am until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 2am Fridays and Saturdays.
SKERRYVORE, SKIPINNISH AND TIDE LINES FEATURE ON BESPOKE TRACK
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings iconic Scottish bands Skerryvore, Skipinnish and Tide Lines together for a brand-new song created for the 2026 Show, A Call To Gather.
In a fitting celebration of contemporary Scottish music, the three bands collaborate on a bespoke track, combining some of their most popular songs – featuring Skerryvore’s Live Forever, followed by Skipinnish’s Alive and then Tide Lines’ Heroes.
Everything Worth Fighting For has been arranged by the Tattoo’s resident composer, Tom Hodge, and will be performed by Tattoo Orchestra lead by Nick Grace, uplifting and inspiring audiences on the castle esplanade this summer.
Lead vocalists from the bands gathered at Glasgow’s Assumption Studios to record the vocals for the track, lending their talents to a truly unique element of this year’s Show.
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Contemporary Scottish Traditional Music scene is the most exciting cultural movement in Scotland at the moment.And these bands are at the forefront of that movement.
“We’ve worked with these artists before and some of the highlights of recent tattoos have been our collaborations. It’s a key part of the company’s creative direction and long may these friendships continue.”
Alec Dalglish, Skerryvore, said:“It’s amazing to be a part of this collaboration. Lots of the bands are also our friends, so that means a lot to us.
“It’s good to be involved in a project with them, as we don’t get to see each other all that much, so it was cool getting to be in the studio.”
Angus MacPhail, Skipinnish, said:“We loved having our song Eagle’s Wing performed by the fantastic community choir, Sing in the City in the Show last year.
“It’s really special to be involved again this year and, not only that, but to be featured alongside friends from some of our favourite bands.”
Robert Robertson, Tide Lines, said: “It genuinely is a pinch-me moment to look out and see the Massed Bands playing something that was written in my bedroom in my flat in Glasgow!”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns for their 2026 Show, A Call to Gather from 7 – 29 August.
Leading veterinary charity PDSA welcomed Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, Dr Scott Arthur, to its Edinburgh Pet Hospital last week.
During the visit, Dr Arthur met with PDSA Regional Manager John Faulkner and saw first-hand the vital veterinary care being provided to pets and owners across the local community. The Pet Hospital employs more than 30 people from the local area and last year alone treated more than 10,500 pets.
The visit included a tour of the Hospital, as well as the opportunity to meet the veterinary team and learn more about growing pressures on veterinary services, as well as the increasing challenges facing pet owners.
Discussions focused on the findings of PDSA’s Pet Health Inequality Report, including the impact of rising pet ownership costs and the wider cost-of-living pressures affecting owners’ ability to access veterinary care.
PDSA Regional Manager John Faulkner said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Scott Arthur to our Edinburgh Pet Hospital and show him the work our dedicated team carries out every day to support pets and owners in the local community who need us most.”
PDSA’s mission is to keep people and pets together by providing support for owners who cannot afford the cost of treatment. In the last year, the charity treated over 422,000 pets and supported more than 339,000 clients across its network of over 40 Pet Hospitals.
The Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital provides fully funded and low-cost veterinary services to eligible people across central and coastal Edinburgh east to Musselburgh and Tranent, south to Penicuik and Gorebridge, west through the airport corridor to South Queensferry, Livingston, Bathgate and Bo’ness, covering almost the entire Edinburgh commuter belt.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Scott Arthur MP said: “It was a privilege to visit the Edinburgh Pet Hospital and see first-hand the invaluable work the team does. PDSA really is an indispensable lifeline for vulnerable pet owners across Edinburgh, ensuring that financial hardship is never a barrier to accessing essential veterinary care.
“It was helpful to hear about the pressures facing both pet owners and veterinary professionals, particularly as the rising cost of living continues to affect households. Seeing how busy the hospital is and learning more about the charity’s work, including the support it provides to eligible pet owners, really highlighted the growing demand for these essential services.
“I was also pleased to hear about the ways PDSA helps improve pet wellbeing through resources such as the Pet Health Hub.
“I am grateful to the team for taking the time to share their experiences and for the essential service they provide to our community.”
John Faulkner added: “Pets are cherished members of the family, and no owner should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their pet.
“Visits like this are an important opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges facing pet owners, as well as the vital role PDSA plays in supporting communities across the UK.”
PICTURES L-R: Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA Andrew Hogg, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West Dr Scott Arthur, PDSA Regional Manager John Faulkner and PDSA Education Lead Anna Baggott
• Grand Départ Trophy passed from Barcelona to Great Britain on the Champs-Élysées following the final stage of the 2026 Tour de France
• Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish receive the trophy on behalf of Great Britain, ahead of the 2027 Grands Départs
• Applications remain open for volunteer roles at next year’s race, with applications closing 1 September 2026
Great Britain has officially become the next host of the Tour de France, after the Grand Départ Trophy was presented in Paris following the final stage of this year’s race. The handover from Barcelona, host in 2026, confirms Britain as the next hosts of both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs in 2027 – the first time both have started from the same country outside France.
The trophy was presented on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, from this year’s Grand Départ hosts Barcelona, by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, and received by British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with just under a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the nation’s history.
From Edinburgh to Cardiff, and Leeds to London, communities across the country are already preparing to welcome the world’s best riders, with millions of spectators expected to line the routes of the six stages in summer 2027.
The handover follows the recent confirmation of a free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages via Channel 5, meaning fans will be able to follow every moment from home as well as at the roadside.
It also comes as recruitment continues for the thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the 2027 Grands Départs. Applications are open now until 1 September, for anyone aged 16 and over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, at letourgb.com/volunteer
Picture by Matt Smith/British Cycling via SWpix.com – 26/07/2026
Mark Cavendish said: “I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It’s not simply a bike race, it’s an event that captivates everyone that both participates and spectates. A street party over many kilometres of colour, noise and speed.
“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first hand how amazing the British public are at Le Tour and can’t wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both races next year. Taking this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.”
Lizzie Deignan said: “Being on that podium in Paris and being handed that trophy was a really special moment.
“It still doesn’t feel real that in twelve months the Tour de France returns to Britain, with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift racing on the roads I grew up riding in Yorkshire. It’ll be a big moment for the whole country, and I hope people come out to line those roads and experience the world’s biggest bike races in any way they can.”
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “As of now, Great Britain formally steps forward as the next host of the Tour de France – and we couldn’t be more excited and proud. Barcelona has set a brilliant standard this year, and now it’s our turn.
“For the first time in the race’s history, both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs will start in the same country outside of France, and that country is Britain. We are determined to make 2027 a moment the whole nation can be proud of.”
For more information on all of the stages, the JOY social impact programme, and to sign up for the Grand Départ GB newsletter for all of the latest news, visit letourgb.com
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced today, Monday, 27 July, 2026, to five years in prison for the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh in May last year.He was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).
Aaron Strachan pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 4 December, 2025.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, 25 May, 2025 in the city centre.
The court previously heard how Strachan walked the girl at knife point from Princes Street to a basement on York Place, where he subjected her to a violent and terrifying attack.
He also pleaded guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.
“I hope this sentence brings her some sense of closure.
“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.
“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
