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BBC broadcast date announced for Louise Lockwood’s documentary Bel

This moving documentary chronicles the legacy and talent of late Kenyan-Scottish musician Beldina Odenyo aka Heir of the Cursed. It is now also announced her album Heir of the Cursed has been longlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year Award.

The producers of Louise Lockwood’s powerful theatrical debut Bel are delighted to announce the details for the film’s television broadcast:

9pm on Sunday, 4 October on BBC Scotland and 10pm on Tuesday, 6 October on BBC Four. The film will also be available on the iPlayer on the 4 October.

The film has so far enjoyed a great audience reception as a Closing Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival on 19 August, which also marked the film’s World Premiere, followed by a tour of hand-picked cinemas, including week-long runs at Filmhouse in Edinburgh and GFT in Glasgow.

This week sees a showing at HOME in Manchester featuring a post-show discussion with director Louise Lockwood and renowned poet Jackie Kay who acted as Associate Producer on the project.

Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities.

After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.

This stirring film documents the journey her sister Leah McAleer and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.

Marking a poignant full circle moment, it was announced last week that the posthumously released album Heir of the Cursed is longlisted for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award with the ceremony taking place in Dundee on 5 November.

Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.

Produced by award winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer and Nancy Bornat [Hopscotch Films] Mark Thomas [Screen Scotland] and associate producer – the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.

Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, BBC Documentaries and BBC Commissioning Editors, David Harron and Emma Loach with Commissioning Executive Shona Thompson.

Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.

Read and Mend at granton:hub

THIS SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER 7.30 – 9pm

For more info, email wildflowers@grantonhub.org

Style with Hope: Bespoke Neon Marl T-Shirts to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Edinburgh-based charity

Leading UK fashion brand Neon Marl, has partnered with Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer, to design a vibrant t-shirt to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by breast cancer.

Launched to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (in October), the striking black and lilac design features two tigers grasping a heart, representing courage and strength, in Neon Marl’s distinct signature style.

Available online until the end of January, the House of Hope t-shirt will raise funds to ensure those impacted by breast cancer in Scotland can continue accessing fully funded support services, holistic treatments, exercise classes and wellbeing sessions.

Breast cancer is a cause close to Neon Marl founder Amber Reeson’s heart, as at just 13 she lost her beautiful mum Eileen to breast cancer, and recently supported her best friend through diagnoses and treatment.

Amber Reeson explains: “I’m very aware of the lasting mental, physical and emotional impact breast cancer has on those affected and their families.

“The success of Neon Marl has given me the platform to help raise funds for important breast cancer charities over the years. It’s a positive way for me to offer my love and support to those affected and I’m thrilled to be working with the House of Hope.

“Moving away from the traditional charity logo t-shirt, we wanted to create a piece that everyone could buy and wear with pride, whilst also looking amazing. You can also feel proud knowing that £10 from the sale of each t-shirt goes directly to The House of Hope.”

Amber has also designed an exclusive lilac version of the t-shirt, for the House of Hope community members and supporters, which will be showcased at the Strength In Style, fundraising fashion show and lunch in Edinburgh on Saturday 6th March.

The House of Hope Centre Manager, Hazel McLindon said: “We’re delighted with Amber’s designs and the response from our community has been incredible.

“We’re really proud of our partnership with Neon Marl and all of the funds raised will go directly into maintaining and enhancing the valuable wellbeing services we offer to those impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Visit neonmarl.co.uk to purchase a House of Hope t-shirt or log on to houseofhope.org.uk to find out more about the wellbeing services and fundraising opportunities at The House of Hope.

Tattie Fest at The Heart of Newhaven

SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 1 – 3pm

Join us for a brilliant FREE community event celebrating all things tattie!

Saturday 3 October
1–3pm
The Heart of Newhaven

Food — especially tatties!
Meet the community
Creative activities
Fun contests
All ages welcome!

Come along, bring your friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon of food, creativity and community spirit.

FREE ENTRY — EVERYONE WELCOME!

#HeartofNewhavenCommunity

Road resurfacing at Ainslie Park

CAR PARK CLOSED 5th – 9th OCTOBER

Do you drive to Spartans? If so, we have good news and bad news

The Good News? an end to dodging the car park pot holes.

The Bad News? the resurfacing work means no access to SFC for cars starting Monday 5th until Friday 9th October.

We will be open and looking forward to seeing you as usual so why not walk, cycle or take public transport?

#Hereforgood.

Here’s more information from Ainslie Park Leisure Centre relating to their customers which may be of use:

• There will be no access to our car park Monday 5th October- Friday 9th October 2026

• Please allow extra travel time and consider leaving earlier than usual to ensure you arrive on time for your class or activity.

• Free on-street parking is available on Pilton Drive, directly opposite Ainslie Park.

• Accessible parking spaces are available for customers with disabilities. A valid Blue Badge must be clearly displayed. Due to limited availability, customers without a Blue Badge may be asked to move their vehicle.

• Taxi and vehicle drop-off/pick-up facilities are available for customers with mobility impairments near the entrance.

Shaping the Future report: Empowering schools

Proposals published to start dialogue with local authorities

A report from an experienced former headteacher on how to improve the way schools are funded and governed has been published.

John Wilson, an Independent Professional Adviser to the Scottish Government, was appointed to identify priorities for reform based on his extensive experience as a secondary headteacher.

His recommendations, which will be considered as part of a three-month dialogue with local authorities, include:

creating Local Schools Authorities to take on statutory responsibility for the delivery of school education
reviewing how schools measure success while making it easier for them to collaborate and share best practice with each other
clearly defining and ring-fencing national funding for education, and improving consistency in the way this funding is recorded by local authorities.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “We are determined to continuously drive improvement in Scottish education – raising standards, empowering schools and reducing variation across council areas and schools.

“There is a great deal to be proud of already. This year’s exam results showed rising attainment across the board in National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers and the second consecutive narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap.

Recent statistics show the number of young people in work, training or study nine months after leaving school is at a joint record high and record numbers of young people are being accepted into university. This includes a record number from our most deprived backgrounds.

“However, I am also clear-eyed about the need for change and for excellence. As well as developing a new curriculum and creating phone-free learning environments across Scotland, we’re seizing the opportunity provided by the public service reform agenda to address core issues in our education system.

“This report provides an invaluable contribution to this process, and I’m grateful to John Wilson and everyone else who took part. This publication is intended to contribute to a dialogue with councils. I look forward to setting out our response to the recommendations once that process is complete.”

Independent Professional Adviser report: Strengthening Scotland’s Education System Through Empowered Schools

Law Firm raises £35K for disadvantaged children and young people in Charity Challenge

ABERDEIN CONSIDINE RUSSELL ANDERSON FOUNDATION

A year-long series of fundraising challenges and events from staff at Aberdein Considine LLP has raised £35,000 in total for the law firm’s two 2025/26 charity partners, Cash for Kids and the Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF).

Building on successful fundraising activities in previous years, which have seen Aberdein Considine employees raise more than £115,000 for various worthy causes since 2022, the firm has donated £20,000 to RAF and £15,000 to Cash for Kids in the past 12 months.

The firm’s charity committee is run jointly by Robert Holland, Partner and Head of Employment Law, and Ruth Aberdein, Partner and Head of Family Law.

Robert said: “Yet again, we’ve been blown away by the dedication of our people to raise funds for our charity partners. Across the last year, colleagues took part in events, challenges and activities, at times pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits, all in support of Cash for Kids and the Russell Anderson Foundation.

“Both charities do vital work for disadvantaged children and young people, and we hope the money the firm has raised makes a real difference to the people who need it most.”

Ruth Aberdein added: “As we now look to select our next charity partners, we remain committed to supporting local causes that make a genuine difference in our communities, and we’d like to thank everyone across the firm who took part or donated this year for their continued generosity and effort.”

The RAF improves the lives of children in socially deprived areas of Aberdeen through life-changing programmes that make a sustainable and measurable difference to their health and wellbeing.

Cash for Kids is dedicated to supporting children and young people across the UK affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those with additional needs.

To raise funds for both charities, the firm’s employees undertook several endurance challenges, including the Kiltwalk and other walking events, marathons and even scaled the famous Falkirk Kelpies.

Notably, Robert Holland took on the 14-day K2 Base Camp Trek alongside his son Daniel to raise almost £4,000 for Cash for Kids and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Employees also participated in company-run events including an ‘Aberdein Considine’s Got Talent’ competition, bake sales, bingo nights and a range of internal staff competitions.

Festive fundraising efforts saw the Aberdein Considine offices get involved in Christmas Jumper Day and spend time volunteering as they organised presents at Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas events.

A spokesperson for the Russell Anderson Foundation said: “We have been hugely impressed by the efforts that Aberdein Considine has invested in its charity partners, including RAF, over the past period and the phenomenal amount that has been generated.

“RAF relies heavily on the generosity of organisations such as Aberdein Considine to continue its much-needed work with youngsters in the Aberdeen area.” 

Donna Bednarek, Charity Manager for Forth 1 Cash for Kids, said: “We are blown away by the incredible support from Aberdein Considine over the last year. Every penny raised has made such a difference.

“As a local charity we rely on the generosity and support of businesses and individuals in our local community to ensure we can be there for every child who needs our support, now and in the future.

“Thank you to everyone involved, it is truly appreciated.”

Wee Read at Stockbridge Library

READ TOGETHER! WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER 6 – 7.30pm

“Wee read” is Scotland’s national celebration of reading – a simple invitation for everyone to stop, take a few minutes, and enjoy the pleasure of reading.

Public libraries are the perfect place to start or continue your reading journey.

On 7th October we are holding a special reading session at 6 to 7.30 pm. Bring a book or grab one from our shelves and enjoy the pleasure of reading together!

No need to book. Just drop in!

#WeeRead

#NationalYearOfReading

The Skinny to continue operations

Charity Outer Spaces to secure future for Radge Media CIC

Outer Spaces will acquire the shares in Radge Media CIC to stabilise operations and secure a future for the Scottish publisher, who is responsible for crucial Scottish independent cultural journalism monthly print magazine The Skinny as well as the titles GNAW and FEST.

This will enable The Skinny to continue to document and support Scotland’s art ecosystem, providing a vital platform for Writers and Editors in Scotland, as well as supporting artists and organisations through the continuation of 20 years of independent cultural journalism.

Both Outer Spaces and Radge Media CIC are committed to empowering our creative communities, supporting the people creating art and building culture across Scotland in the ways which matter to them. T

his agreement is a product of synergy and mutual admiration, as well as our shared belief in the power and importance of art, a shared desire to remove barriers to access, and a joint aim of building a resilient, ambitious and confident arts ecosystem for Scotland.

Rosamund West, Editor-in-Chief, Radge Media CIC, said: “The Skinny has worked for nearly 21 years to shine a light on Scottish arts and culture, support emerging talent and connect people to the creative lives of their cities.

“The last month has been incredibly challenging, but the outpouring of support from contributors and collaborators reaffirmed the importance of a space for local, independent, cultural journalism.

“We’re excited to become part of the Outer Spaces family, and to have this opportunity to continue our work within an organisation whose values align so closely with our own. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support and to Outer Spaces for creating this opportunity to secure our future.”

Shân Edwards, Director, Outer Spaces, said: “Outer Spaces supports a sustainable, resilient arts ecosystem for Scotland by responding to needs in the arts community, and we recognise the vital importance of art criticism and writing that places focus on Scotland’s vibrant art scene.

“Alongside many peers in the arts community in Scotland and beyond, we were shocked by the news of The Skinny’s closure, we recognise the importance of strong, consistent and critical journalism as part of the arts infrastructure we operate within – which The Skinny has provided for the past 20 years – and were pleased to be in the position to intervene with a solution to allow continued operations in for The Skinny as well as Radge Media CIC’s other titles, GNAW and FEST.”

Radge Media CIC is the Edinburgh-based publisher behind The Skinny, Fest and GNAW magazines, providing year-round coverage of Scotland’s arts and culture scenes through free print magazines and online platforms.

Radge Media also offers vital work opportunities to emerging journalists, photographers, illustrators and editorial staff. Radge Media CIC will retain full editorial control over its publications.

Outer Spaces is a contemporary visual arts organisation and charity established in 2021, supporting a network of over 1200 artists across Scotland through studio provision, professional development, production support and a growing public programme.

Outer Spaces will stabilise operations by acquiring the shares in the publisher Radge Media CIC, this financial intervention will allow Radge Media CIC to continue to publish The Skinny, an important part of Scotland’s cultural landscape.

Also, Radge Media will continue to be based in an Outer Spaces building, allowing their operations to have a creative base and office for the delivery of their work.

Since October 2025, Radge Media has operated from the Exchange Place building in Fountainbridge, which also houses a studio community of over 155 artists, art graduates and creatives.

Thursday: Members’ Meet Up at North Edinburgh Arts

Over 800 Ordinary Members, local residents aged 16 and over, have joined up so far alongside 70 youth members, and 70 Associates.

Our members are all community owners of the North Edinburgh Arts building. We are now having our first Members’ Social, and want to invite you to join us on Thursday 1 October, 6pm – 8pm!

Find out more and have your say on what’s next for the building over the next three years, enjoy a tasty bite to eat, and meet others in your community.

No booking required – simply drop in!