Orban Wallace’s superb documentary Our Land, which examines the idea of the public’s right to roam offers a sharp look at the debate on access and ownership over the English countryside in this engrossing documentary.
” Perspectives of activists, landowners, and walkers reclaiming access to the countryside reveal how globally relevant questions of land ownership are bound to histories of colonialism, class, and power.
With energy and clarity, the film captures a pivotal struggle over who nature belongs to and what it means to truly share land.” – Ruth Somalo
Come and join us in this screening of the film released earlier this year.
Tackling questions about land ownership, public access and right to roam, illegal in England, but legal since 2005 in Scotland this film presents first hand experience from both landowners and activists alike.
Young people in England will be able to access specialised support in their community, as the government makes largest investment into youth services in a generation
Young people will be able to access specialised support in their community, as the government makes largest investment into youth services in a generation.
In addition, a £450 million programme will also help build and improve youth facilities and fund enriching activities in England’s most underserved areas.
Young people across England are set to benefit from specialised support outside of home and school, as the government launches a major drive to support the training and employment of 1000 new youth workers.
It comes as the government makes the largest investment into youth services in a generation following a drop of local authority spending of 73% between 2010 and 2023, which led to the loss of vital youth worker roles and youth services across England.
The 1000 new youth workers announced today is the first step in rebuilding the youth workforce. The first workers are set to be in position by spring 2027, as part of the government’s plan to support young people ahead of the social media ban for under 16s coming into force.
The youth workers will work with young people aged 11 plus, within community spaces and through outreach to ensure the most vulnerable young people have access to support, including those at highest risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).
The specialist youth workers will collaborate with multi-agency teams across education and training, health and crime prevention to support young people to engage in a range of activities including sport, arts, mentoring and wider youth services.
This initiative will provide a significant step towards meeting the Government’s ambition for 500,000 more young people to have access to a trusted adult by 2035.
The number of youth facilities is also set to increase thanks to a £450 million programme. The new ‘Youth Matters’ Fund will open for applications soon and will help build, improve and expand spaces for young people to connect, while funding more youth work and enriching in-person activities, such as sports, music and volunteering, ahead of the upcoming social media ban.
The survey highlighted that many young people have been left without access to safe, supportive environments or a community to belong to, while reliance on online interaction has grown in the absence of face-to-face opportunities.
In response the National Youth Strategy set out how young people will benefit from over £500 million of government investment, with an ambitious delivery plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade.
The move is designed to hand power back to local communities, and allow young people to design services around the skills and opportunities they need to shape their futures.
EDINBURGH WEST Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine has announced that she will not stand in the next general election.
Ms Jardine told followers on Twitter: “I’ve taken the decision not to stand as Lib Dem candidate in Edinburgh West at the next GE.
“It has been a fantastic decade. I want to thank @EdwardJDavey for all his support over the years. I’m confident our next chapter will be even more successful and I’m sad I won’t be there.”
Blind and partially sighted people across the UK are being invited to share their experiences of accessing food packaging as part of a new survey designed to strengthen the case for mandatory braille food labelling.
The survey, launched by Sight Scotland, Disability Equality Scotland and partners, will gather evidence on the challenges people face when identifying, storing and using food products. The findings will help inform Food Standards Scotland’s Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment while also supporting discussions with UK Government departments, including DEFRA, on future policy change.
The campaign comes amid growing calls for greater accessibility in food labelling. Research conducted by Disability Equality Scotland in 2023 found that three-quarters of blind and partially sighted people find food labels inaccessible. While technology plays an important role in helping people access information, campaigners stress that braille is not a replacement for technology, nor does it compete with it.
Veronica Whymant, 43, from St Andrews, has lived with visual impairment all her life after being born prematurely, says everyone should be able to make informed decisions about the food they buy and eat without being held back by inaccessible information.
She explains: “My vision gradually deteriorated through my teens, and I was registered blind in my early twenties. Since then, maintaining my independence has relied on determination, organisation and finding ways to adapt to a world that is largely designed for people who can see.
“Braille labelling on food packaging would be revolutionary. It would give me more independence, less anxiety when shopping and greater confidence when preparing meals. Most importantly, it would allow me to make decisions for myself. That is something many people take for granted, but for people with visual impairment it can be life changing.
“This isn’t about convenience, it’s about dignity, equality and choice. No one should be denied the ability to confidently and independently make decisions about the food they buy and eat simply because information isn’t accessible. Every day, people like me are forced to rely on others to identify basic food items, check ingredients or confirm expiry dates.
“At home I’m an extremely organised person and I carefully catalogue everything in my cupboards and freezer, so I know where everything is. That helps me avoid mistakes, but it also shows how much extra effort visually impaired people have to put into everyday tasks. Having clear braille labels would provide reassurance and confidence and remove so much uncertainty from daily life.”
Veronica adds: “People often assume technology has solved every problem for someone who is blind or partially sighted, but it can be expensive and depends on devices, software and internet access. Braille allows you to access information directly, privately and independently, whether it’s on medicine, food packaging, public signs or museum displays.”
Lucy Mulvagh, Chief Executive Officer at Disability Equality Scotland, comments: “We are launching this survey because evidence matters, and right now there is a real gap in what we know. The survey is open to all blind and partially sighted people, whether or not they use braille.
“We know that many blind and partially sighted people find food labels inaccessible, but we still need to understand the impact this has on everyday life. What happens when someone cannot identify food in their own kitchen? How do people currently cope? What are the costs in terms of safety, time and independence?
“To make the case for change, we need to show that this is not just a Scottish issue, but one that affects people across Britain and the wider UK. By collecting experiences from across the UK, this survey will provide the evidence needed to support policy change and make food safer and more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.”
Female University Or College Student Having Individual Meeting With Tutor Or Counsellor
Charities continue to play an important role in supporting communities and creating opportunities for people in Edinburgh, according to new analysis of data from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) by specialist insurer Ansvar Insurance.
The analysis found that Edinburgh is home to 200 registered charities focused on the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of citizenship or community development and the advancement of education.
Nine new charities working across these areas were registered in Edinburgh over the past 12 months.
The findings highlight the continued commitment of local people to supporting their community.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “The fact that nine new charities have been established to tackle poverty and create opportunities demonstrates the commitment of local people to supporting those facing challenges.
“Charities are often founded because individuals recognise there is a gap in support and want to make a positive difference. Whether through employment support, skills development, community initiatives or direct assistance for those experiencing financial hardship, these organisations help people build better futures.”
As a specialist insurer working with charities and not-for-profit organisations, Ansvar regularly analyses sector trends to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing organisations that support communities across the UK.
While charities continue to face pressures including securing sustainable funding, attracting and retaining volunteers and managing increasing operational responsibilities, the findings also reveal an encouraging picture of people continuing to invest their time, energy and expertise in helping others.
Adam Tier added: “It’s encouraging to see people stepping forward to establish charities that help their local communities thrive. These figures highlight the positive impact local people can have when they support each other.
“While establishing a charity is only the first step, putting strong governance, volunteer management and risk management practices in place from the outset can help organisations build resilience and maximise their long-term impact.
“Community organisations play an essential role in helping people and places prosper, and it’s important they have the support they need to continue making a difference.”
Five food and drink businesses from Edinburgh have been crowned winners at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026, securing six of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, including the coveted Product of the Year category.
The winners proudly representing the capital are:
Edgefield Craft Butchers, Dry Aged Prime Rib from Native Scotch Cattle (Scotch Brand Product of the Year, and Product of the Year)
Woven Whisky Makers, Woven WXC Coffee Infused Whisky (Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits)
east PIZZAS, Topped Spicy Pizza (Grocery Product of the Year)
Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Rhubarb Soda (Healthy or Free From Product of the Year)
Howies Restaurants (Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year))
Product of the Year is awarded to the category winner who scored the highest marks among the esteemed panel of judges made up of experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality.
This year’s winner, Edgefield Craft Butchers’ Prime Rib, was praised by judges for its depth of flavour, juicy, melt in the mouth texture, and exceptional quality.
Edgefield Craft Butchers was founded in 2024 by fourth-generation butcher, Simon Gilmour, and supplies Scotland’s leading chefs and restaurants with premium meat.
The awards recognise excellence across Scotland’s food and drink sector, with the Northeast winners demonstrating innovation, business excellence, growth and product quality on a national stage.
The Edinburgh winners were announced alongside businesses from across Scotland at the award ceremony in Glasgow, highlighting the breadth and diversity of the country’s food and drink sector. Other winners included Benbecula-based Salar Smokehouse whose Flaky Smoked Salmon won in both the Artisan and Fish & Seafood Product of the Year categories.
Alongside the tasted product categories, Aberdeen-based Vanilla Labs won Business Innovation of the Year for redefining how vanilla is grown, cured and delivered. Glasgow’s Dear Green coffee roasters was named Sustainable Business of the Year, and Growth Business of the Year was won by Aberdeenshire-based Duncan Farms.
The Excellence Awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals and companies.
Individuals were celebrated too. Jaynie Kean from Jackton Distillery won the Young Talent of the Year award, with the judges describing the RAER Scotch Whisky Managing Director as an aspirational role model for young people entering the industry.
The winners were revealed by Matt Tebbutt, Saturday Kitchen presenter and MasterChef: The Professionals judge.
Simon Gilmour, Founder and CEO of Edgefield Craft Butchers, winner of the Scotch Brand category and overall Product of the Year, said:“It’s an honour to win both Scotch Brand Product of the Year and the overall Product of the Year.
“We are quite a new company, so to be in the position to win an award like this is just such a ‘pinch me’ moment. The team have worked very hard to get us here, so this award really belongs to them.
“Some of the best food and drink companies in the world are here in Scotland, and we’re very lucky to have the larder we do. For us here at Edgefield to be on that radar now is pretty special.
“Our Dry Aged Prime Rib has been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland, so it’s Scotch through and through.”
Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said:“Seeing winners from every corner of the country reflects the strength of our sector. From the northern isles to the borders, from Aberdeen to the Hebrides, the quality and variety of what our producers make is remarkable.
“The Excellence Awards are the gold-standard that every food and drink brand in Scotland aspires to, and our winners thoroughly deserve to be celebrated for their achievements.
“Congratulations to all our winners, and to those who were shortlisted. We look forward to seeing them all continue to innovate, prioritise quality, and shine a light on our incredible food and drink sector.”
For over two decades, The Excellence Awards have brought together Scotland’s finest producers with key decision makers and influencers from across the industry. Underpinned by people, passion and perseverance, the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the industry’s achievements of the past year while looking ahead and supporting the next wave of innovation and creativity.
Foysol Choudhury MBE, former member of the Scottish Parliament, has called for urgent action to tackle racism and hate crime following the alleged racially motivated assault of Bangladeshi man Iftekhar Ul-Islam in Glasgow:
I am extremely concerned and deeply saddened by the alleged racist assault on Iftekhar Ul-Islam in Glasgow on 16 September.
I have spoken personally with Iftekhar and his wife. He has sustained injuries to his head and face, he has been left traumatised by the event, and now is too frightened to leave his home.
Nobody should have to feel unsafe travelling to work or walking through our streets because of the colour of their skin or their ethnic background.
I am attaching the joint statement from the Scottish Bangladeshi Organisations Network, representing organisations from across Scotland. The statement calls for justice and accountability and urges Police Scotland to conduct a full, thorough and timely investigation.
According to the statement, Iftekhar was approached in Glasgow city centre, near the bus station, before being attacked in broad daylight. It states that racist language was used during the alleged assault and that his calls for help went unanswered.
This is extremely serious, and I am deeply worried that things are going from bad to worse.
As a former MSP, I am particularly concerned about the wider spread of racism and racial hostility in our communities. Political rhetoric matters. When politicians use divisive issues or language for political advantage, we need to consider the impact this can have on minority communities and the atmosphere in which people live.
I am not suggesting that political statements directly cause individual crimes. Those responsible for criminal acts must be held individually responsible. However, we must also recognise that public discourse can influence how communities feel about one another.
We cannot allow racism to become normalised.
I raised these issues repeatedly in Parliament
During my five years in the Scottish Parliament, I repeatedly raised racism, Islamophobia, anti-racist education and the need for stronger action.
In October 2023, I asked the Scottish Government how it intended to implement Scotland’s anti-racist curriculum principles. (Scottish Parliament)
In June 2025, I raised the issue of racism and racist bullying in schools, including concerns about whether anti-racist policies and toolkits were actually being implemented and whether racist incidents were properly recorded and followed up. (Scottish Parliament)
In March 2025, I questioned the First Minister about the rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and asked about progress in implementing recommendations from work on Islamophobia in Scotland. The First Minister acknowledged that the rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents was a serious concern. (Scottish Parliament)
I also raised the importance of education about racism and colonialism, including the role museums can play in helping young people understand these issues. (Scottish Parliament)
I have consistently argued that education must be part of the solution. Unfortunately, I do not believe anti-racist education has always been taken as seriously as it should have been.
What needs to happen now?
We need action, not simply statements.
There must be a thorough investigation into what happened to Iftekhar. Victims of racist attacks must receive appropriate support, and racist incidents must be properly recorded and followed up.
We also need to ask whether enough is being done to prevent racism before it becomes violence.
Are schools receiving the resources and support needed to tackle racism effectively?
Are racist incidents being properly recorded and acted upon?
Are politicians and public figures doing enough to challenge racism rather than allowing division to grow?
And are we doing enough to educate young people about racism, prejudice and the contribution of Scotland’s diverse communities?
The Bangladeshi community is an important part of Scotland. During my time in Parliament, I established and convened the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh to strengthen Scotland-Bangladesh relations and provide a forum for Scotland’s Bangladeshi community. (Scottish Parliament)
I have always believed that Scotland should be a country where everyone can live, work and raise their families without fear because of their race, ethnicity or faith.
Racism is not somebody else’s problem. It is a problem for all of us.
I stand with Iftekhar, his family and the Scottish Bangladeshi community in calling for justice, accountability and urgent action.
Something has to be done now. We cannot wait for another victim.
Joint statement from the Scottish Bangladeshi Organisations Network:
A third-generation Leith hair salon that has stood in the same Ferry Road premises since 1960 has been named Best Hair Salon at the 2026 Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards.
Muse Hair, a family-run salon with 66 years of history in the area, took home the title at the 15th annual SHABA awards in Glasgow, beating competition from salons across Scotland.
For Muse, the win is less a sudden arrival than the latest chapter in a story that began more than six decades ago.
Three generations of the same family have worked from the Ferry Road premises, through extraordinary changes in hairdressing, fashion, business and in Leith itself.
Owner Scott Finnigan said: “Winning Best Hair Salon means a huge amount to us. You’re in a room with some of the best people in the industry, from every part of Scotland, so hearing Muse called out was genuinely a bit surreal.
“But what makes it really special is the history behind it. We’re third generation. We’ve been working from the same premises on Ferry Road since 1960.
“Leith has changed beyond recognition. Hairdressing has changed beyond recognition. Somehow, through all of that, we’re still here.”
The Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards bring together leading salons, stylists, colourists, barbers and beauty professionals from across the country.
Muse reached the final alongside 15 other salons, while members of its team were also recognised individually, with Amanda Stanton shortlisted for Best Female Stylist and Best Female Colourist, and Mac Torrance shortlisted for Best Hair Extensionist.
Scott said the award reflected far more than what clients see from the chair. “There’s a version of running a salon that looks quite simple from the outside. You make the place look good, open the doors and cut hair.
“The reality is years of training people, building a culture, maintaining standards, fixing mistakes, adapting, listening, developing young stylists and constantly asking whether you can do things better.
“That part is invisible to most people, but it’s the part that matters.”
Muse has built its reputation around combining serious technical standards with an intentionally relaxed, unpretentious approach.
“We’ve never wanted Muse to feel corporate or overly polished,” Scott said. “We want people to walk in and immediately feel at ease. We take the work seriously, but not ourselves.
“There should be good conversation, good music, a bit of chaos, a lot of laughter — and, at the end of it, really good hair.
“To be recognised at this level while still feeling completely like us is probably the best thing about it.”
For a business with roots stretching back to 1960, the award also comes at a time when independent high-street businesses face unprecedented pressure.
For Muse, however, longevity has never meant standing still.
The salon continues to invest in education, emerging talent and the development of the next generation of hairdressers, while remaining independent and family-run.
Sixty-six years after the first generation opened the doors on Ferry Road, those doors are still open.
And now, above them, sits one more accolade:Best Hair Salon in Scotland.
Friday 2nd October 2026 Gates open: 1:00pm Kick-off: 1:30pm Entry: £5 per person
The event is raising money for Therapet, a charity that is particularly important to us.
We have four therapy dogs who regularly support young people at the Alternative School, and we get so much from the time we spend with them. They provide companionship, support and positive experiences for many of us, so this year we wanted to give something back to a service that has given so much to us.
The afternoon will be family-friendly, with lots happening alongside the football:
🧁 Bake sale 🎟️ Raffle 🎉 Tombola 🍦 Ice cream 🐶 Therapy dogs 🎤 Half-time performer – to be announced ⚽ Students vs Staff football match …and much more!
All money raised will go to Therapet.
What makes this event particularly special is that it has been planned, organised and will be delivered by us — the young people.
For the past six years, as part of our Art sessions and social enterprise work, we have organised a wide range of events, including art exhibitions at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, art pop-up shops, DJ events and previous charity football matches.
Through these events, we have raised approximately £8,000 for a variety of charities and community causes.
With support from our Art Teacher, we take responsibility for the different parts of our projects — from coming up with ideas and planning, to promotion, fundraising, activities and helping to run the events themselves.
This year, we really want to open the event up to our local community and invite the people of North Edinburgh to come along, have some fun and get behind the young people.
For us, this isn’t just about football or fundraising. It’s about young people coming together, developing skills, creating something positive and finding ways to give something back to the community that we are part of.
You can also follow our social enterprise journey and see some of the work we have been doing through our Art Offenders Instagram page:
UPDATE: MEETING CANCELLED 
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH