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…

Ian Murray opens new permanent home for the Fringe

THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society officially opened Fringe Central on Infirmary Street in the heart of the Old Town at the weekend.

The new permanent home for the Fringe Society was opened by Culture Minister Ian Murray, City of Edinburgh Council Culture & Communities Committee Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Tony Lankester, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cllr Jane Meagher and Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Benny Higgins. 

Fringe Central will be an inclusive, year-round hub for the Fringe community, providing support to artists in preparing and delivering their Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience.  They will be able to access services which include guidance on developing their show, support in achieving their future career ambitions and industry engagement, and advice on how to market and promote their work.

Throughout August, Fringe Central will be open daily, providing a friendly hub for artists and industry to connect and build relationships within the Fringe community. The 2026 Fringe Central programme includes a range of networking and industry events, helping performers build relationships with industry professionals from theatre, film and television to aid onward touring opportunities. 

Practical, in-person support from the Fringe Society team will be available to participants through one-to-one advice and artists will be able to access wellbeing services from local mental health partner Health in Mind.

Throughout the project, the Fringe Society has engaged with co-tenants Canongate Youth, who support young people in Edinburgh aged between 5 and 18, as well as other local community schools and groups, such as Royal Mile Primary School, Sciennes Primary School, James Gillespie’s High School and LGBT Youth Scotland, to ensure a space for local cultural expression and development was co-designed.

The project was made possible due to support from a range of partners, including the UK Government via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, The Foyle Foundation, SP Energy Networks Transmission Net Zero Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund.

The Fringe Society would also like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for supporting this project with the signing of a 99-year building lease.

Ian Murray, Culture Minister said:  ‘It was an honour to open the Fringe Society’s official new permanent home today. It’s been a long time coming and I am so pleased that we have been able to support this project with £7 million from the government.

“I know from my experience working at the Fringe when I was young just how transformational it can be, both for aspiring artists, comedians and producers, but also for the entire creative and cultural ecosystem of the UK.

“I hope this permanent new home will enable the Fringe Society to keep Edinburgh on the map as a world cultural hub and deliver more and more for our up and coming artists, as well as their international audiences and local communities, for decades to come.’

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: ‘I’m so pleased that the new home for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now officially open.  This fantastic year-round city centre hub will provide a welcoming space for everyone involved in the Fringe, while also creating valuable opportunities for local cultural organisations to connect, collaborate and thrive.

“This is an important and significant investment by the Council in the future of the Fringe and in Edinburgh’s cultural life, ensuring that the world’s greatest arts festival has a permanent home at the heart of the city it belongs to and that Canongate Youth will be returning to their familiar home too.’

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: ‘Opening Fringe Central today marks the realisation of nearly a decade of work for the Fringe Society, and we are incredibly proud to be opening this physical hub for performers and industry.

From today, Fringe Central is a welcome space to the Fringe community with artists able to access practical in-person support to deliver their work at the Festival Fringe. Year-round, Fringe Central will be open to Edinburgh’s residents, stakeholders, and our local arts community through support services and bookable rehearsal spaces.

“We are grateful for the support from the UK Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, and our wider funders and supporters in achieving this ambition.

“We look forward to welcoming the Fringe community into Fringe Central this August, and we encourage them to make the most of the opportunities available this month and beyond.’

Sat-nav or sat-nag?

Drivers’ love-hate relationship with sat-navs sees more than three quarters ignore directions to beat the ETA

The majority of drivers use a sat-nav, but just one third (35%) have a high degree of trust in their device and have taken matters into their own hands to reach their destination sooner

Sat-navs … most drivers use them, but the majority don’t fully trust them. So much so that many are constantly disregarding directions and following their gut instinct in a bid to beat the often-exasperating ETA.

And for eight-in-10 drivers (84%), the gamble paid off as they managed to get to their destination quicker than what their sat-nav predicted, according to research from the RAC.

The survey, which polled 1,601 drivers in the UK*, found that 91% use a sat-nav, with 8% steadfastly using one on every journey, 30% on most trips, and 53% using it occasionally. 

Popular sat-nav gripes included users complaining that their devices don’t always detect upcoming traffic jams (52%), as well as getting sent down small, narrow roads (44%).

Worryingly, one-in-10 (11%) sat-nav users got sent down a one-way street the wrong way, risking a head-on collision.

And one fifth (19%) almost got stuck after their sat-nav sent them down a dead end that was hard to reverse out of.

Despite the drawbacks, one-in-10 (12%) confessed to following the instructions on their sat-nav without question.

The majority, 89%, preferred to take sat-nav instructions with a pinch of salt, sometimes ignoring them to get to their destination.

Free phone apps, such as Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps are the most popular form of sat-nav drivers use, with more than half (53%) choosing this form of technology to guide their journeys.

Another 35% use a sat-nav that is built into the car, while 9% use a separate sat-nav unit that they attach to the dashboard or windscreen, a popular choice among drivers aged 65 and over. 

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “Sat-navs are used by the majority of drivers, and can be a useful tool to help us get from A to B. But what this data shows is that people shouldn’t blindly follow the directions but continue to pay close attention to road signage and tap into any local knowledge they have of the area. 

“While it’s tempting to just jump in the car and punch in the postcode on your chosen sat-nav and follow along, it’s best to look at the journey more closely on the myRAC app route planner before setting off so you have a good idea of where you’re going and what routes you could take depending on the traffic. You can also use the Fuel Finder tool to refuel at the cheapest price.

“Worryingly, one-in-10 said their sat-navs sent them down a one-way road the wrong way, risking a head-on collision. With several fatalities attributed to sat-navs, it’s important to pay attention to road signage and ensure devices are fully updated with the latest changes to the road network.”

In November 2024 Google and Apple agreed to amend their audio prompts after a double fatal crash appeared to have been caused by incorrect directions from a sat-nav.

The driver drove the wrong way along the A5 near Milton Keynes after following audio directions from her sat-nav resulting in a head-on collision where both drivers tragically died.

Burnham to roll out a series of ‘everyday fixes’ to help people with the cost of living

  • Prime Minister moves to end subscription traps, with new “easy to exit” rules brought forward to help consumers cancel easily and prevent them losing more money
  • He is also taking action to tackle misleading discounts and rip off prices that fleece customers
  • This is just the start of a series of ‘everyday fixes’ that will be announced to ease the cost of living and give families room to breathe

The Prime Minister has announced that he will be rolling out a series of ‘everyday fixes’ to help people with the cost of living. 

Pretend prices and deceptive deals will be a thing of the past under the Prime Minister’s plans to ban retailers from making misleading claims to customers about discounts. 

Shoppers have increasingly complained about outlets artificially inflating prices to give a false sense of value, such as increasing them only to then immediately advertise ‘discounts’ to make savings look larger than they really are.

This includes discounted prices being the same as they were before the discount, intended to trick consumers into thinking they are getting good value whilst saving them nothing and creating an uneven playing field for honest competitors.

The Prime Minister also wants to see an end to subscription traps, where people find it hard to cancel their subscriptions and contracts are automatically renewed at a higher cost.  New rules will now come into force in January 2027, in time for when customers often start new subscriptions for the year ahead.

These proposals were previously announced by Burnham’s predecessor Sir Keir Starmer, who promised to introduce new rules in Spring 2027.

Saving an average of £14 a month for every unwanted subscription, the changes will mean businesses will need to provide clearer up-front information, regular reminders and a much easier exit to contracts.  A new 14-day cooling-off period will also let consumers cancel after a trial or long-term contract renews.

With households still watching every pound, it’s right to act to restore fairness. There are around 155 million active subscriptions in the UK, with consumers spending an estimated £1.6 billion a year on ones they don’t actually want, a direct hit to family budgets.

For the many businesses who already give customers plenty of notice before subscriptions renew and make contacts easy to leave, very little is changing. They will benefit from clearer rules and a more level playing field, without being undercut by competitors who have more complicated processes that rip off consumers.

Certain charitable memberships for cultural and heritage organisations will be excluded from the new subscription rules given the unique role they have in preserving and opening up access to the nation’s history, landscapes, and cultural collections.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I know people are sick and tired of rip-off discounts and subscription traps. Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles like this are just part of life.

I don’t think that’s right, especially when the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on so many people’s lives.  I’m determined to pull every single lever we can to provide people with some room to breathe on the cost of living. 

“We’re putting an end to phoney bargains. If something is advertised as half price, it should actually be half price. We’re also making it as easy to leave a subscription as it is to join.

“These are just two of the everyday fixes we’re going to be rolling out – today is just the start. We want to put more money in people’s pockets and give people hope that politics really can work for them and their everyday lives.”

The Prime Minister is ‘determined to use every chance he gets’ to restore fairness and take pressure off people. This is the start of a series of practical, everyday fixes that will put more money in people’s pockets, give them greater peace of mind, and make life a little easier.

This follows his week-one action to cap bus fares and make energy bills more affordable for millions of households. 

A consultation will launch this autumn to assess whether tactics such as fake “was” prices, invented discounts and misleading recommended retail prices (RRPs) should be added to the list of practices banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).

Under current laws, it can be difficult for enforcers to take on these cases. Adding these tactics to this list would mean they will automatically be considered unfair, making it easier to crack down while making rules simpler for businesses to follow.

Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve been fleeced by a dodgy deal, or seen money leaving your account because of a subscription you didn’t want to renew or couldn’t easily cancel.

“This Government is on the side of families working hard to make ends meet, while making sure the rules are clear for businesses and easy to follow.”

Sue Davies MBE, Head of Consumer Rights Policy at Which?, said: Which? has repeatedly exposed businesses, including trusted household brands, ripping off customers with dodgy deals that aren’t what they seem – but regulators have often found it too difficult to take action. 

“It’s great news that the government intends to tighten up the law and explicitly ban misleading pricing practices, while putting an end to subscription traps.

“The government must implement these rules swiftly to give consumers much-needed protection against sneaky pricing tactics and hold businesses to account with tough enforcement, including fines, if they fall short.”

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “For too long consumers have been tricked into paying for products or services they don’t use – or didn’t even want to begin with – costing millions of pounds each year. So we really welcome the government’s move to speed up action on subscription traps and look at banning other tactics firms use to catch consumers out.

“At Citizens Advice, we’ve sounded the alarm on this for years, because we know subscription traps and sneaky online practices that hit consumers’ pockets hard are a widespread problem. We previously found that over 13 million people (26% of UK adults) accidentally took out a subscription in a year. 

“People shouldn’t have to waste their time and effort avoiding dubious online tactics and fixing unwanted purchases and sign-ups. Today’s announcement is an important move, but it can’t be the end of the story.

“We look forward to seeing the detail in the consultation on deceptive online pricing and how it will ensure consumers are protected and treated fairly.”

Helen Undy OBE, CEO of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: “It can be hard for anyone to spot a misleading discount, but this is particularly difficult for people with mental health problems who can struggle with concentration, impulsivity and decision-making, which can make it harder to resist pressure selling tactics and compare prices to get a fair deal.

“This group is already at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis – people with mental health problems are three times as likely to currently be behind on some or all household bills – so it’s good news that the government is taking action to help tight budgets go further, and it’s important that it happens quickly. 

“It’s also encouraging to see that the subscription trap protections will be brought forward. We know that the symptoms of mental health problems such as increased impulsivity and memory problems, can contribute to someone signing up without realising and forgetting about a subscription. We’ve long argued that it should be as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up – and as ever the proof will be in how companies put this into practice. 

“Today’s announcement is good news – however, subscription traps and misleading discounts are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unfair practices that make it harder to get a fair deal when you’re struggling with your mental health.

“We look forward to working with the government to see what further action can be taken in future.”

Tweedy the Clown returns to Edinburgh with his brand new solo show for all ages

Following the success of a 2025’s tour of Tweedy’s Massive Circus, Scottish clown Tweedy is back with a brand new solo show at the iconic purple cow. The show has just received a Gold Festivals Award EFFTA from the Fringe Theatre Awards.

This year, Tweedy’s Massive Solo Show finds Tweedy battling mischievous props in a series of increasingly absurd situations. The props have lives of their own, his limbs rebel against him and a sentient Siri starts playing up. No matter the mess he gets into, he can always find a creative way to get out. 

Renowned for his warmth, ingenuity and impeccable comic timing, Tweedy the Clown is a household name in the southwest of England, where he regularly performs with Giffords Circus. Tweedy is also the recipient of a British Empire Medal and an Honorary Fellowship Award from the University of Gloucestershire.

Audiences from one to a hundred and one alike will delight in Tweedy’s repertoire of comedic talents, which have made him one of the most respected and popular clowns the country currently has to offer.

Tweedy’s Massive Solo Show

Dates: 6 – 30 Aug (except 17 and 24)

Times: 10:15 am

Venue: Underbelly’s George Square Gardens (Udderbelly)

Tickets: £12.00 – £22.00

Tomorrow: Carrot-themed lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Get ready for a vibrant and delicious day at our centre! 🥕

We have an abundance of fresh carrots, and we’re celebrating with a special carrot-themed menu for tomorrow.

We have a Carrot & Ginger Soup – a comforting blend of sweet and spicy, served with a side of creamy Potato Dauphinoise or a crumbly Cheese Scone – the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the goodness.

For dessert, indulge in our freshly baked Carrot Cake Loaf, with a tangy, zesty icing. Whether you’re in the mood to dine in or take away, we’ve got you covered. Join us from 11:30am – 12:30pm for a meal that’s sure to brighten up your day! 🌞

As always,start your day with our hot filled rolls and hot drinks, served from 9am – 10:30am! ☕️

Nairn’s reimagines iconic Rough Oatcakes for 130th anniversary

Nairn’s, the award-winning snacking brand, has unveiled a striking special edition pack for its iconic Rough Oatcakes, designed by acclaimed illustrator Emily Hogarth to celebrate the brand’s 130th anniversary.

Launching in major retailers across the UK this summer, the limited-edition carton brings a fresh, contemporary interpretation to one of Nairn’s longest-standing products, honouring the quality and heritage that has shaped the brand since 1896.

For 130 years, Nairn’s has been quietly part of everyday life in Britain. A trusted cupboard staple passed from one generation to the next, it has continued to evolve alongside changing tastes while staying true to the values that made it a household favourite.

Tucked into lunchboxes, backpacks, desk drawers and handbags, Nairn’s oatcakes have become a versatile snack enjoyed everywhere from morning commutes and countryside walks to afternoon office pick-me-ups and family adventures.

To mark the milestone, the Edinburgh-based brand has chosen to commission local creative Emily Hogarth rather than turn to AI-generated artwork, a reflection of its enduring commitment to craftsmanship.

Known for her intricate handcrafted designs, Emily has drawn inspiration from the oat fields surrounding her studio to transform the wonderful oat at the heart of all Nairn’s products into a bold visual centrepiece.

Working in her signature papercut style, Emily has developed a layered design using a deliberately restrained colour palette to echo the simplicity of Nairn’s recipes, where quality ingredients have always spoken for themselves.

Rich in detail and storytelling, the illustration reflects both the natural landscapes and care that have shaped Nairn’s products for generations.

Artist Emily Hogarth said: “For me, this project was about finding magic in something wonderfully simple. The oat has always been at the heart of Nairn’s story, and I wanted to elevate this special ingredient, showcasing it as something worthy of celebration.

“Everything I create begins by hand, and that felt especially meaningful for a brand with such a long history of craftsmanship. I wanted the design to feel layered, warm and joyful, inspired by Scotland’s natural landscapes while retaining Nairn’s instantly recognisable branding. It’s a celebration of heritage, but one that also feels fresh, contemporary and collectible, giving a much-loved product a new story to tell.”

Nairn’s Rough Oatcakes were chosen for the special edition as one of the brand’s most enduring products that helped establish the family business more than a century ago. Today, they continue to be made using the same philosophy that has guided Nairn’s through the years: simple, quality ingredients, carefully crafted to create naturally delicious food.

Kevin Butterworth, Nairn’s Marketing Director, said: “Reaching 130 years is a remarkable milestone and one that belongs not only to our business but to the generations of people who have welcomed Nairn’s into their everyday lives.

“When considering how to mark this anniversary, we wanted to create something that honoured our past while looking confidently to the future and so working with an artist who shares our roots felt like a natural fit.

“Emily’s design brings a fresh perspective to one of our most iconic products while staying true to the quality, authenticity and care that has always defined Nairn’s. Designed to stand out on shelf, we hope it sparks curiosity among those discovering the brand for the first time, while giving loyal customers a new reason to pick up a product they already know and love.”

The special edition pack forms part of Nairn’s 130th anniversary campaign, celebrating the brand’s enduring place in British food culture, from a traditional Scottish bakery to an internationally recognised snacking brand.

While the business has grown over more than a century, it remains proudly rooted in Scotland while continuing to champion the versatility and goodness of oats across the UK and beyond.

The special edition Rough Oatcakes pack will be rolled out across major UK retailers this month and will feature throughout Nairn’s anniversary campaign across PR, social media and marketing throughout its milestone year.

For more information and a list of Nairn’s stockists, visit: www.nairns.com

Edinburgh schools urged to turn leftover holiday money into meals for hungry children

Edinburgh back-to-school appeal: Schools urged to turn leftover holiday money into meals for hungry children

As kids prepare to go back to class after the summer holidays, schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to launch foreign currency collections and turn leftover coins and notes into meals for hungry children.

Through Mary’s Meals, even the smallest amount can have a life-changing impact on hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. It costs just 10p to provide a nutritious meal in a place of education, while only £19.15 provides meals for a child for a whole school year.

The school feeding charity is calling on schools to start foreign currency fundraisers and asking parents to check pockets, purses and wallets for forgotten holiday money that can be sent into school with their children for the start of the new term.

St Richard’s Catholic College in East Sussex has run foreign currency collections since 2024, generating £733 for Mary’s Meals, enough to feed 38 hungry children for a full school year.

Lidia Mead, Subject Leader for RE at St Richard’s, says: “I am always blown away by the amount we collect through foreign currency collections. We all have some leftover money from our holidays, and what better way to get rid of it than to help feed children – an amazing, simple idea.”

As well as raising vital funds for Mary’s Meals, Mrs Mead believes the collections have a lasting impact on her students.

She adds: “They do a huge amount of charity work through the likes of cake sales and raffles, but this way of fundraising is different. Pupils know the money is turned into meals for children, which helps them realise the great work they are doing. Being able to feed a child for under £20 a year really puts things into perspective for them too.”

Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides school meals to more than three million children in 16 countries, including Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, every school day. The promise of a daily meal encourages children into the classroom, where they gain an education and hope for a better tomorrow.

Funds generated through a foreign currency fundraiser can help the charity reach children like seven-year-old Sitraka, a pupil at Sahafy Primary School in Madagascar. Like many in his community, Sitraka’s household faces hunger.

The introduction of daily school meals has transformed Sitraka’s life, as the meal he receives at school is sometimes the only meal he has all day. “The food at school is delicious,” he says, “but at home, we never have anything that tastes this good.”

This reliable access to food has significantly improved both Sitraka’s attendance and academic performance. Education is vital for Sitraka’s future; it paves the way for a stable job when he grows up, provides a ladder out of poverty for him and his family, and the prospect of a brighter future.

Schools can start making a difference today simply by requesting a free foreign currency pack on the Mary’s Meals website and galvanising parents and pupils to get involved.

Regional Development Officer at Mary’s Meals, Gerrard McMahon, says: “We’d love for your school to set up its own foreign currency collection! We’ll provide everything you need, including envelopes, a collection box and clear instructions. We accept coins and notes from any country, as well as old UK currency no longer in circulation.

“If you have old coins and notes sitting in drawers and wallets, don’t let them go to waste. Too often, hunger holds a child back from the future they deserve, keeping them out of school and communities stuck in a cycle of poverty… year after year. With the promise of a daily school meal, we can overcome this barrier and allow a child to unleash their full potential.”

For more information, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/foreign-currency

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a year with Mary’s Meals. But a donation of any value can set a child up for life, with their success being the true legacy of your gift. It’s one school meal today – a teacher, community leader, or business owner tomorrow.

Life-saving defibrillators and bleed control kits now available at 15 Nationwide branches across Scotland

  • Life-saving equipment installed at 15 Nationwide Scottish branches, giving communities round-the-clock emergency access – Virgin Money branches to follow
    All branch colleagues given opportunity to complete training on how to use the equipment and respond in an emergency
  • Research reveals 88% of people in Scotland would feel safer knowing life-saving equipment is available locally
  • Since the pilot began in June, more than 225 defibrillators and bleed control kits have already been installed at branches across the UK, with 48 already activated – evidence of how vital this equipment is to local communities
  • People across Scotland now have access to potentially life-saving defibrillators and bleed control kits outside1 Nationwide branches in their communities as part of a major UK-wide rollout.

Nationwide, which has the UK’s largest branch network, has installed the publicly accessible equipment at 15 branches across Scotland, giving communities access to emergency equipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The installations form part of Nationwide’s commitment to equip all 605 of its branches across the UK with defibrillators and bleed control kits by the end of the year, with Virgin Money branches set to follow.

The initiative is thought to be the UK’s largest-ever combined rollout of its kind and is being done in partnership with Visa, with St John Ambulance working alongside Nationwide to offer life-saving training for colleagues and local communities.

The need for the equipment, and training to use it, is highlighted by Nationwide’s research, which shows that 88 per cent of people in Scotland say they would feel safer knowing life-saving equipment is available in their local area. However, just 18 per cent say they would feel very confident using a defibrillator in an emergency.

The research also highlights that 90 per cent believe there should be more public access to defibrillators and 89 per cent support greater public access to bleed control kits.

Everyone who works at a Nationwide branch in Scotland also has access to the opportunity to complete specialist training developed by St John Ambulance – ensuring colleagues understand how to use a defibrillator, can respond to a severe bleeding incident and carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

First aid advice on how to respond to a severe bleed, cardiac arrest, and how to use a defibrillator and what to do in the event of a severe bleed, is available on St John Ambulance’s website.

To help build public confidence, Nationwide is also working with St John Ambulance to deliver ‘Heart of Community’ volunteer-led sessions sharing life-saving skills to provide local people with the knowledge and confidence to use a defibrillator, treat a severe bleed in an emergency with and without using a bleed control kit, and carry out CPR.

Since the UK-wide rollout began in June, 48 defibrillators have already been activated demonstrating the importance of the initiative.

Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, said: “Our research shows people in Scotland value having local access to life-saving equipment, but many wouldn’t feel confident using it in an emergency.

That’s why we’re not just installing defibrillators and bleed kits. Every Nationwide branch colleague in Scotland has the opportunity to receive first-aid training, and we’re working with St John Scotland to help more people gain the skills that could help save a life.”

Professor Andrew Hartle, Chief Medical Officer at St John Ambulance, said: “Every minute counts in an emergency, and having access to a defibrillator or bleed control kit can make a vital difference before the ambulance service arrives.

“By increasing the availability of this life-saving equipment and giving more people the confidence to use it, we can help communities be better prepared to respond when it matters most.

“We’re proud to be working with Nationwide and Visa on an initiative that is helping put the power of first aid into more people’s hands.”

Jenny Young, MSP for Central and Scotland Lothians West, said: “Following my recent visit to Nationwide Livingston, I’ve been really impressed by the ways James and his branch team are supporting people in the local community

“The installation of defibrillators and bleed kits at the branch can only be a good thing for the area and I am sure it will help increase people’s awareness of their purpose, and their life-saving potential.”

Care home hosts spectacular Fringe Cares performance for residents

On Saturday 1st August staff, residents, relatives and members of the community came together at Queens Manor care home in Barnton for a fantastic afternoon of exciting performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest. 

Now in its fifth year, the Fringe Cares movement brings artists from the Edinburgh Festival into care homes so residents can enjoy accessible performances in the comfort of their own homes.

The show was attended by the Lord Provost, the Right Honourable Robert Aldridge and his Consort, Joe and Nancy Goldblatt, Rene Rigby from Scottish Care as well as 45 Queens Manor residents and their families.  The hospitality team provided canapes and everyone was treated to a range of chilled summer drinks including cocktails from Robyn’s Bar.

First onto the stage was multi award winning Flow Artist, Lai Yee, a contemporary street performer from Hong Kong, who wowed the crowd with his acrobatics, incredible juggling skills and his expertise on the Cyr wheel. 

Then talented and versatile vocalist, Anna Vanosi, took to the stage and had everyone singing and dancing along to some rousing Italian classic songs. Both performances delighted the audience and left them shouting for more.



General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said: “The Fringe Cares Fest is one of the highlights of our year, it is such a fantastic initiative and this year was no exception. 

“We all spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying first Lai Yee’s acrobatics and then Anna’s brilliant vocals and that is the beauty of the Fringe, there is so much variety and every year we all have the best time.  We’re so grateful to the performers and the organisers for bring Fringe Cares to our residents and their families.”

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 and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.