Month: August 2026

New guidance to ensure safe conversions of traditional buildings

Making historic buildings fit for the future

Landmark guidance designed to protect the future of almost half a million traditional buildings across Scotland has been published.

The Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings will help ensure traditional buildings are adapted safely for modern use – ensuring that they meet fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency needs, while supporting the sustainable reuse of historic buildings.

It is the first guidance of its kind in almost two decades and is part of the response to lessons learned from the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The safety of everyone who lives in, works in or visits a traditional building must always come first.

“The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Cameron House fire showed clearly how hidden risks in older buildings, like concealed voids and outdated fire protection, can have devastating consequences.

“This guidance is our direct response, ensuring that anyone converting a traditional building has the tools and understanding they need to protect lives.

“It also reflects our wider ambitions to support sustainable, low-carbon development by making the most of our existing building stock rather than defaulting to demolition and new build.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed their expertise to this guidance. By working together, government, industry and heritage specialists can ensure Scotland’s traditional buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.”

Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Scotland’s traditional buildings are some of our most valuable national assets. They shape the character of our towns, cities and rural communities and embody centuries of craftsmanship, cultural heritage and local identity.

“Reusing and adapting these buildings is vital to protecting our historic environment, while also supporting economic prosperity and community wellbeing through regeneration.

“This guidance will help support the safe, sustainable and informed conversion of traditional buildings across Scotland. It is the product of a truly collaborative approach which reflects the collective expertise of professionals from across the building standards, fire safety, engineering and conservation sectors.

“By learning from past events, understanding the unique risks associated with historic construction, and applying proportionate and informed solutions, we can protect people, retain cultural significance and ensure that these remarkable buildings continue to serve future generations.” 

Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings – gov.scot

New programme at Dr Bell’s

📣Our new programme is live! 📣

If you live in the Leith Community, have at least one child under the age of 5 or an expectant parent then you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups.

To sign up for our groups please follow the link –

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/dr-bells-family-centre…

Police: Suspicious item discovered in Restalrig

PROPERTIES EVACUATED AND AREA CORDONED OFF

Restalrig Avenue in Edinburgh is closed between Loganlea Avenue and Loganlea Drive following a report of a potentially suspicious item.

Emergency services are in attendance alongside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

A number of properties have been evacuated, and a cordon is in place as a precaution.

The public is asked to avoid the area.

UPDATE at 6.15pm

Restalrig Avenue in Edinburgh has re-opened following a report of a potentially suspicious item.

Emergency services, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), attended, and the item was made safe. No injuries were reported.

The public is thanked for their patience.

Edinburgh community groups invited to join the 2026 People’s Procession

Community groups and organisations from across the city are being invited to register by Saturday 15 August to take part in the 2026 Edinburgh People’s Procession.

The People’s Procession takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 and forms part of the spectacular Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, an annual event celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage while showcasing the city’s vibrant communities, culture and future. The procession gives local organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their work and celebrate their contribution to life in the capital.

Organised by Edinburgh March Riding Association, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, the procession will bring together more than 600 participants representing groups and organisations from across the city.

Participants will travel from Holyrood, near the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyroodhouse, along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral ahead of the arrival of the Riding of the Marches cavalcade later that afternoon.

The Riding of the Marches will once again be joined by the Lord Provost Rt Hon Cllr Robert Aldridge, alongside the Edinburgh Captain and Lass, who will lead the cavalcade of 280 horses and riders up the Royal Mile watched by an audience of thousands.

City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the People’s Procession for 2026. The enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural procession demonstrated the pride, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special city.

“The procession is a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to come together to celebrate the invaluable work they do and be part of one of Edinburgh’s most unique and historic events.

“I look forward to seeing even more community groups represented this year as the People’s procession continues to grow and become an established part of Edinburgh’s Riding of the Marches.”

Further information on the event including expected timings and the registration form is available via the events Eventbrite page.

Jess Fuchs: Feral

Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two: 5th – 30th August: 6:55pm

Sydney-based stand-up comedian Jess Fuchs brings her bold, high-energy new show Feral to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, marking her highly anticipated first full festival run following an Australian tour.

Jess Fuchs left home to avoid her problems and returned even more broken. Not all those who wander are lost. Sure… but some who wander are walking slowly because they’ve shattered their coccyx on the Cliffs of Moher. Sometimes it takes literally breaking your ass on the Cliffs of Moher to realise you were fine all along…and it was the trying to change that was the problem. 

In Feral, Fuchs explores what happens when you meticulously plan, rehearse, and overthink your way through life… only for everything to unravel anyway. At its core, Feral is about pressure: where it comes from, how it builds, what it forces you to hide – and what happens when you can’t release it.

Tackling everything from body image, shame, and what it means to be ‘different’, to unsolicited advice, healthcare, and the myths of change and self-improvement, she dissects the contradictions of modern existence with wit, warmth, and unflinching honesty. 

After overidentifying with the Titanic, a boat scrutinised for her size, loaded with impossible expectations, and sunk in the middle of nowhere, Fuchs turns her attention to the pressures women face. Especially loud, big women. Get married. Have kids. Be skinny. Feral is about her complete inability, or rather refusal to do any of that, and choosing to return to a feral state instead. 

Feral is a show bursting at the seams with a lively off-the-cuff energy. It’s big, bold, high-energy storytelling – highly relatable, personal, but not trauma-dumpy – weaving anecdotes, observations and stories throughout a central narrative of a girls trip to Ireland gone wrong. 

With a fast-growing international profile and over 100,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Fuchs has built a loyal digital audience who connect with her sharply observed, effortlessly funny takes on everyday life. Translating that same magnetic energy to the stage, Feral sees her blend incisive stand-up with electric crowd work and deeply personal storytelling.

“When you’re a big, playful, extroverted woman, people feel comfortable telling you how you should be, rather than celebrating who you are,” says Jess. “This show is about pushing back, but also about human contradictions… being confident and vulnerable at the same time, even when people don’t want you to be.”

A Sydney-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, Fuchs is known for her razor-sharp crowd work and dynamic storytelling style. She has performed across Australia, Europe, the UK, and the United States, and is a regular host at The Comedy Store in Sydney, Comedy Republic in Melbourne, and Top Secret Comedy Club in London. She has opened for major international comedians including Fortune Feimster, Gianmarco Soresi, Morgan Jay, Craig Conant, and Rafi Bastos.

Her comedy centres women’s experiences, social behaviour, and the unspoken rules people are expected to follow, delivered with a playful irreverence and fearless perspective. In 2025, she independently released her debut stand-up special Thick & Thin on YouTube, further cementing her reputation as a rising global voice in comedy.

The Edinburgh Fringe run of Feral follows her biggest Australian festival circuit tour to date, with a show designed for audiences who enjoy intelligent, feminist, self-aware comedy that moves seamlessly between big laughs, audience interaction, and bold storytelling.

Instagram: @jessfuchs

What the press have said about Jess

“At her finest, she can unleash a flurry of withering, impudent gags worthy of Joan Rivers.” – Chortle

“Uproarious and raunchy show had the audience continuously laughing” –  Sydney Arts Guide

“…finding a new comic that hits every note is a rare treat” –   Theatre Thoughts

Listings Information

Show:            Jess Fuchs: Feral

Dates:            5th – 30th August (not 18th)

Time:            6:55pm

Venue:          Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two

Address:       60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ

Price:            £9 – £14

Box Office:     https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://www.pleasance.co.uk/ 

Solar Eclipse on Wednesday

The UK will experience a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August.

The extent of the Sun’s coverage and the timing of maximum obscuration will differ across the country.

Never look directly at the sun; use a pinhole projector or certified eclipse glasses to view it.

First phase of £10 million funding announced as FM visits Western Isles

Strengthening islands resilience

Financial support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption will be made available through the first phase of the £10m Islands Resilience Fund.

This will provide a further £3 million in 2026-27 to help mitigate the disproportionate impact faced by people and businesses living and operating in Scotland’s islands. It builds on the £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund delivered in 2025-26. 

The funding announcement comes ahead of a three-day visit to the Western Isles from the First Minister, during which he will visit Barra, South Uist, Grimsay, Scalpay, Lewis and Harris. His engagements on the islands will cover key areas including housing, energy and community wellbeing.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s islands are home to a wealth of talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, but too often island businesses are held back by circumstances outside their control.

“The £10 million Islands Resilience Fund was one of our commitments for the first 100 days of government. This fund will support businesses to cope with challenging circumstances, helping them to thrive and ensuring that Scotland’s islands remain attractive places to set up businesses and livelihoods.

“Crucially, this phase of investment will ensure support can be put in place immediately while we establish the foundations for longer-term investment over the course of this Parliament.

“Over the next few days I will meet a wide range of organisations in the Western Isles, where I look forward to discussing more about how the Scottish Government can support island communities to build the resilience needed for a bright future.”

Rachel Hunter, Director of Enterprise and Community Support, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: “The Islands Resilience Fund will ensure that support reaches more island communities and sectors experiencing the effects of ferry disruption.

“By opening eligibility, we can provide practical assistance to businesses and community organisations that have experiences additional costs and challenges beyond their control.

“Working on behalf of the Scottish Government, HIE’s focus will be on delivering the fund and ensuring support reaches those who need it most. Organisations that received support through previous rounds of the IBRF will be contacted directly by HIE, rather than needing to submit an application.

“This investment will help strengthen resilience across our island communities, supporting organisations to adapt, recover and continue contributing to vibrant and sustainable local economies.”

The First Minister will visit the Western Isles from 10 – 12 August.

Children First offers ‘lifeline’ support for parents and carers as children head back to school

As children across Edinburgh head back to school this week, Children First is reminding parents and carers that support is available now and all year round for families facing challenges.

The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring additional pressures for children and families. For some, returning to routines, managing anxiety, navigating friendships, dealing with financial worries or accessing the right support can feel overwhelming.

Children First’s support line offers free and confidential practical, emotional and financial support to families across Scotland. Parents and carers can contact the team at any time on 08000 28 22 33 or through webchat.

The charity’s support line has seen increasing demand, with close to 14,000 people* benefiting from support over the past year with concerns including mental health, money worries, family relationships and online harm.

Mum Laura and her son Sean** recently received support from Children First after facing challenges at home. Laura described the service as a “lifeline during a very difficult time”.

She said: “From the beginning, the support I received made a significant difference. My support line worker, Jenny, immediately understood our situation and provided advice that was practical, relevant and completely tailored to what was actually happening at home.

“For the first time in many years of seeking help, I felt truly listened to and supported with guidance I could realistically put into practice.

“I genuinely cannot say enough about how much this support has helped. The support has been consistent, thoughtful and effective and has made a lasting difference to both my life and my son’s.”

Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow, added: “Children First’s support line regularly hears from parents and carers from across Edinburgh that are finding raising their babies, children and teenagers harder than ever.

“The return to school can bring a mix of emotions for children and families. While some children look forward to seeing friends and getting back into a routine, others may feel anxious, worried or unsure about the months ahead.

“Whatever challenges families are facing, Children First are here to help. Our support line team provides compassionate, expert support on a wide range of issues, including financial worries, mental health, family relationships and accessing practical support.

“You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re here for you.”

Children First helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support in their homes, communities and through its national support line.

Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat with one of the team and find out more.

Poverty Alliance: ‘a beautiful journey’

RIGHTS IN ACTION PROJECT: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

Our research team has great experience in working alongside community researchers – people with lived experience who get help and support to study the issues that matter most to them.

Find out what we’ve learned along the way!

https://www.povertyalliance.org/…/Right-in-action…

Right-in-action-learning-report-FINALDownload