Looking for something to do during school break? Come along to LifeCare where we will be hosting a variety of fun filled, exciting and inspirational activities for children this summer
11am-12pm every Tuesday of July:
7th Storytelling with Fergus
Fergus McNicol brings you highly participative sessions of dance and storytelling with a focus on family fun, dance, song, rhymes, raps and tales! Perfect for lower primary and nursery ages. Contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk to reserve your space.
14th Playbotics (STEM)
We are here to educate and excite children about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) by providing fun and inspirational classes using K’NEX® and Lego®. Contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk to reserve your space.
21st Creative art drop in
28th Creative art drop in
These are suitable for children aged 3-10 and guardians must remain in the building during sessions
Family-run restaurant group has donated £8,000 to local charities and initiatives over an eight month period
A charitable initiative launched by the family-run Vittoria Hospitality Group has donated over £8,000 in its first six months, supporting a range of Edinburgh-based charities and community organisations.
Established in November 2025 as part of the Vittoria Group’s 55th anniversary celebrations, the Giving Back programme supports grassroots organisations making a difference across the capital, helping people living with disabilities, those facing homelessness, and local young people.
Unlike traditional grant programmes, Giving Back focuses on funding specific items requested by organisations, ensuring donations have a direct and lasting impact.
In its first eight months, the initiative has provided vital, targeted support across the city, including specialist technology and sensory equipment provided to young people with complex or additional support needs at Teens+, Prospect Bank School, and Braidburn Special School.
The fund has also delivered essential supplies for women experiencing homelessness via Sparkle Sisters, supported youth development and literacy resources for the Pilmeny Development Trust and Craigmillar Literacy Trust, as well as sponsoring new sports kits for Redpath Albion FC and vital funding for Muirfield Riding Therapy.
In addition to the £8,000 donated by Vittoria Hospitality Group, one of its suppliers, JB Foods Scotland, contributed a further £1,000 in December.
Leandro Crolla, Director of Vittoria Hospitality Group, said:“When we launched Giving Back, we wanted to create something that would make a real difference to local organisations doing incredible work in our communities.
“Seeing the reaction from the charities, schools and groups we’ve supported has shown us how even relatively small donations can have a significant impact when they reach the right people.
“Edinburgh has supported our family and our business for more than 55 years. This programme is our way of saying thank you and helping strengthen the communities that have been part of our story for generations.”
Talking about the donation of a new football kit for the entire team, Bryan Maughan, coach at Redpath Albion FC, said: “The boys and parents loved them. We wore the matchday kits for the first time at Currie, and they certainly brought us luck as we secured a great 6–2 win in monsoon-like conditions.
“The boys haven’t forgotten the offer of a breakfast roll either, and we’re all looking forward to the visit.”
The initiative is led by the Vittoria Hospitality Group, one of Edinburgh’s longest-established family-run hospitality businesses, now in its fourth generation of family ownership.
Recipients of the donation are chosen through a monthly staff vote, giving employees across the group’s venues the opportunity to nominate and support causes close to their hearts. Schools, charities, youth groups and community organisations across Edinburgh are encouraged to apply for future rounds of support.
For more information or to nominate a local cause, contact:
The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code.
The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.
This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of beers and permanently slash the price of its house lager to just £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.
To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a massive, week-long celebration from Monday, 29th June to Sunday, 5th July. Throughout the entire week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5.
As part of the celebration The Old Chain Pier will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.
The victory arrives at a critical time for the local hospitality sector. Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs.
Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code provides a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.
January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.
“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”
The week-long party promises fun for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. Guests who book a table to dine from Monday, 29th June through Thursday, 2nd July will receive 20% off their food bill.
All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.
As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing Beer (Friday 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (Saturday 4th July) and Campervan Brewery (Sunday 5th July) will take over the beer garden with free pints for the first 20 customers, complete with a garden BBQ serving up hot dogs, chicken kebabs, and more from 6:00 pm each evening.
More events and surprises for the week are still to be confirmed. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the pub’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.
Figures show people with red flag symptoms put off going to the GP and face barriers in seeking help
Cancer Research UK and Tesco have partnered to encourage people to seek help for potential cancer symptoms and support early diagnosis
Tesco pharmacists trained by Cancer Research UK available in-store to provide information and support to customers experiencing potential symptoms or concerned about cancer
Worrying Cancer Research UK figures show that around a third of people (32 percent)* who noticed a potential ‘red flag’ cancer symptom did not contact their GP within six months.
The findings are from a Cancer-Research UK-funded YouGov survey of 6,844 people across the UK that looked at the public’s attitudes, awareness and behaviours across key early diagnosis, screening and prevention topics. Red flag symptoms include:
A change in the appearance of a mole
An unexplained lump or swelling
Unexplained bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
A sore that does not heal
Blood in pee or poo
Persistent difficulty swallowing
Losing weight without trying to
Coughing up blood
Difficulty getting a GP appointment, choosing to manage symptoms alone, or simply having too many other things to worry about are some of the reasons people put off discussing a health concern with a healthcare professional.**
A red flag symptom could be caused by conditions other than cancer and a visit to a GP will allow for an urgent suspected cancer referral, so symptoms can be investigated by a specialist if required. More than 90 percent of urgent referrals will not be diagnosed with cancer but if it is, diagnosing at an early stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
For those who continued to experience red flag symptoms after seeing their GP, a worrying 43 percent did not follow up with their doctor.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said:“Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, that’s why it’s so important to spot cancer early – when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Support is there for people who notice something that’s not right for them and we’ve partnered with Tesco to support early diagnosis of cancer. Through our partnership, it’s easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, which we hope will save lives.”
Data from Cancer Research UK highlights why spotting cancer early is so important. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK*** – but around 9 in 10 people in England will survive the disease for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to around 1 in 10 at the latest stage.****
The findings come as Cancer Research UK continues its partnership with Tesco to help address barriers and support people to seek help for potential cancer symptoms through Tesco Pharmacies.
The partnership aims to prompt those who are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about cancer to get information and support while they shop in over 350 large Tesco stores across the country.
Tom Lye, Tesco Health & Wellness Category Director, said:“Tesco pharmacists are often a convenient and trusted first point of contact for our customers and colleagues who have health concerns.
“Through our partnership with Cancer Research UK, we’re making it easier them to have health conversations in a private setting without needing to book an appointment.
“Our pharmacists are on hand in over 350 large Tesco stores to offer support, and help people take the next step if something doesn’t feel right.”
Tesco pharmacists have received specialist training from Cancer Research UK to provide support on possible signs and symptoms of cancer. If someone notices something that is unusual for them, they can have an initial conversation with a Tesco pharmacist in a convenient, private setting, and receive guidance on taking the next steps and booking a GP appointment if needed.
There are many barriers in day-to-day life preventing people from getting health concerns checked out. These confidential conversations can take place at a time that fits around customers’ schedules – including at evenings and weekends – without the need for an appointment, and they can even be combined with their weekly shop.
Tesco pharmacists are available all year round, with Cancer Research UK and Tesco running a health campaign from Monday 22 June – Sunday 5 July 2026 to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of cancer, and support customers to seek help if they’ve noticed something unusual for them.
Carlton Hayman’s story
Carlton Hayman, 67, from Coventry, is a Grocery Assistant at Tesco. When he started having difficulty swallowing food in 2024, he spoke to Tesco Pharmacy Manager, Nik Thakrar, 40.
Nik’s training from Cancer Research UK had reinforced to him that this was a red flag cancer symptom, so he encouraged Carlton to speak to his GP. Carlton was subsequently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at a treatable stage.
“It just felt like the food wasn’t going down properly,” Carlton said: “Because there was no pain or other symptoms, I didn’t think it was anything serious at the time.
“But after finishing a shift one day, I decided to pop over and speak to Nik. He was very thorough – he took the time to ask me a range of questions.
“After that, he told me that something didn’t seem right and that I should get it checked urgently. I went to see my GP that same week and was referred for an endoscopy shortly after. It was during that test that I was diagnosed with cancer.
“Nik encouraging me to get my symptoms checked straight away really made a difference – it gave me the push I needed to take that first step.
“Nik and his team had been doing my prescriptions for years, so I trusted him. I’m really glad I went to speak to him that day – it made all the difference.”
Nik said: “When Carlton came to speak with me, my priority was to listen carefully and take his concerns seriously.
“I had recently completed training on recognising red flag cancer symptoms, which gave me confidence in what to look out for. With that at the front of my mind, I advised him to go and see his GP as soon as possible.
“Carlton’s case highlights how important it is for people to trust their instincts and seek advice from a health professional if something doesn’t feel right. Community pharmacies are there to support, and no concern is too small to talk about.
“Early conversations can make a real difference, and pharmacists are well placed to support those first steps.”
Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, has written in response to the statement from all 32 of Scotland’s Chief Social Work Officers warning of an emergency in availability of alternative care options for children:
Across Scotland there is now an acute shortage of suitable homes and carers for children who are unable to remain in the care of their family.
The lack of options increases the risk of harm to children from physical, sexual, emotional abuse or exploitation and neglect, as well as placing undue and unsustainable pressure on the people entrusted with keeping Scotland’s children, young people and adults safe.
The crisis is occurring at a time of growing concerns about the impact of poverty on families, a shortage of housing, and national attention on child sexual abuse and exploitation.
We, Scotland’s thirty-two Chief Social Work Officers, are therefore taking this unusual step of issuing a joint statement to ensure that the public and political leaders are aware of the situation, and the need for urgent action.
In the absence of placement options, newborn babies are remaining in the care of hospital nurses. Children as young as three years old are being placed in residential homes with young adults; a setting characterised by frequently changing staff and other young people.
Older children are sleeping on the sofas of foster carers and residential homes. And in such scarcity, where any safe placement will do, expensive specialist options are being used for children who do not have high levels of need, making them unavailable for those children who do.
The capacity of the care system is saturated, and it is only thanks to the incredible efforts of Scotland’s carers, social work staff and other professionals that we have been able to prevent the system collapsing entirely. Some carers have not had a break in many months, and in some parts of the country social workers have had to take children home with them, as no other safe options are available.
This is an emergency for Scotland’s care system, and we ask Scottish Government and Local Government leaders to work with us to take necessary action.
Principally, we – as the leaders of social work in local government – require the flexibility to authorise placements which we deem suitable to protect the welfare and wellbeing of children.
We also need to see political commitments to alleviate the administrative demand on social work implemented at pace.
Scotland aspires to be among the best places in the world to grow up, no matter what your background or circumstances. And Scotland has made a promise to those children and families who require social work support that the experience will be positive and nurturing. We share these ambitions wholeheartedly.
But the primary responsibility of public authorities is to protect the welfare and wellbeing of people, and if we are unable to do this fundamental task, those ambitions will never be realised.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival has delivered another successful year, welcoming approximately 7,000 visitors and supported by 55 volunteers.
This year’s edition continued its core mission of inspiring collective climate action across Edinburgh through a dynamic programme of live music, performances, talks, workshops, and interactive art installations, featuring more than 48 organisations working across the climate and sustainability sector.
The theme Intertwined explored the deep and inseparable connections between people, communities, and the natural environment, highlighting how climate, wellbeing, biodiversity, and social systems are fundamentally linked.
The programme encouraged reflection on shared responsibility and the importance of collaboration in building a more resilient and sustainable future. The festival also expanded its offering this year, introducing additional workshops and new art installations by local artists, alongside ongoing efforts to improve accessibility through sensory packs, visual guides, and pre-event support resources.
Sustainability remained at the heart of the festival’s delivery, with initiatives including a pedal-powered stage that generated renewable energy through audience participation, strengthened waste reduction measures such as prize based incentives for attendees bringing reusable containers, food waste composting, and the continued use of recycled and repurposed materials across the event.
The festival team also celebrated a successful trial using a selection of reusable returnable cups with Reposit’s borrow cup scheme, finding a 85% return of all reusable cups given out, fully relying on participant’s trust, with no deposit enforced. Additionally, a set fee was in place for all single use packaging purchases.
Organisers extend their gratitude to the National Lottery Community Fund, the headline climate sponsor, the University of Edinburgh, Caledonian Horticulture, Networking Key Services as well Out of the Blueprint for sustainably printing the festival’s promotional materials.
The team also share their sincere appreciation for all volunteers and attendees, for their continued support in helping shape a more sustainable and inclusive festival.
Portobello High School has launched its new Girls Cycling Programme, bringing together more than 70 young women from across the school community.
The programme draws inspiration from a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.
In 1952, Portobello High School became one of the first schools in Edinburgh to send a group of 40 girls to Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. Those young women embraced the challenge of outdoor adventure and helped pave the way for generations of girls to experience the personal growth, confidence and resilience that come from stepping beyond their comfort zone.
The Girls Cycling Programme is about far more than riding bikes. It’s been developed to address the significant decline in girls’ participation in sport and physical activity during adolescence, creating a supportive environment where young women can build confidence, develop leadership skills, improve their wellbeing and form lasting friendships.
Planned activities include social rides, track cycling sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, sportives, races, bike maintenance workshops, leadership development opportunities and community cycling projects.
The programme sits within the school’s wider Pedal Power Porty strategy, which has already seen cycling participation grow significantly. More than 150 young people are now involved in cycling activities, including the PHS Singletrack Mountain Bike Team, School of Cycling programme, Cycling Ambassadors initiative, active travel projects and overseas touring opportunities.
A key feature of the programme is the role played by the school’s S6 Cycling Ambassadors, who will support younger pupils, help deliver activities and act as role models.
The launch comes at an exciting time for cycling in Scotland, with Edinburgh preparing to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2027. The school is exploring opportunities for the girls to attend stages of the Tour de France Femmes and take part in a cycling challenge linked to the arrival of the Tour in Edinburgh.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:“I’m delighted to see this new initiative getting off the ground and I have no doubt that it will see many girls benefitting in the months and years to come. Developing an interest in cycling at a young age sets you up for a lifetime of adventure, health, and excitement.
“We want Edinburgh to be a city where everyone can get around quickly, easily, and safely – particularly through more sustainable ways such as cycling.
“I wish the new scheme every success and my thanks go to all those who have helped to get it off the ground.”
Iris, S6 Cycling Ambassador, said:“One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing girls realise they can do things they never thought possible.
“Cycling has given me confidence, independence and some amazing experiences, and now we have the opportunity to help other girls discover that for themselves.
“It’s about much more than riding a bike – it’s about building friendships, supporting each other and having the confidence to try something new.”
Joy, S6 Cycling Ambassador, added:“I think what makes this programme special is that it is for everyone.
“You don’t have to be the fastest rider or have lots of experience. Everyone starts somewhere. We want younger girls to feel welcomed, supported and part of a team. Hopefully we’ll inspire more girls to stay active, challenge themselves and enjoy all the opportunities that cycling can bring.”
Further Information:
The school entered over 70 young people into the recent Edinburgh Schools Mountain Bike Championships.
The programme includes a strong focus on inclusion, leadership development, wellbeing and active travel.
Participants are aged 11–17 and represent the full diversity of the school community.
The initiative is supported by staff, volunteers, parents, and community partners.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Livity Youth Scotland, one of the school’s key charity partners, helping to extend opportunities beyond Portobello High School and engage young people from across the Portobello and Craigmillar communities. Through this partnership, the programme aims to remove barriers to participation and ensure that more young people can access the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of cycling.
We are excited to work alongside Scottish Cycling over the coming year as we build on this momentum and continue to inspire the next generation of female cyclists.
SATURDAY 4th JULY from 10.45am – 12 noon at STARBANK PARK
Come along and have a coffee this Saturday morning 4th July 10.45-12 noon in aid of the DEC Venezuela earthquake appeal.
We appreciate this is short notice, but if you are free to attend we would love to see you – donate what you can (if you are able to bring your own cups it would be much appreciated).
A 34-year-old man has been sentenced for the attempted rape of a woman that happened in the Thistle Street North East Lane area in November, 2025.
Olaksandr Dupik was sentenced to four years at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026, having previously pled guilty.
Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “Dupik’s actions were appalling and he will now have to face the consequences of his behaviour.
“We take all reports of sexual crime extremely seriously and I would encourage anyone who has experienced this kind of abuse to contact us on 101. You will be listened to and supported.”
7th Storytelling with Fergus
14th Playbotics (STEM)
21st Creative art drop in
