The school’s latest Community Engagement Day, on Friday 08 May, will see students engage in a range of activities across Edinburgh
Fettes College is supporting a host of local community activities and has also invited visitors into the school’s famous 19th Century Bryce Building as part of Open Doors at Fettes.
The independent school’s latest Community Engagement Day, held biannually and this year on Friday 08 May, will see students support environmental improvement projects throughout Edinburgh, visit primary schools and care homes, and work with a range of community organisations.
Fettes will also open its own doors and invite local residents in for morning coffee, learn some Fettes history and enjoy a student-led tour of the school. The school will also host young people from FetLor Youth Club to engage in team-building activities, including its on-campus low ropes course, following their recent charity run that raised over £16,500 for the club.
The community activities, supported by students, will also incorporate various primary school and nursery visits such as Star of the Sea Primary School and Pirniehall Nursery where Fettes students have a long-standing relationship of providing hands-on teaching and support for maintenance projects and their clothes bank.
There are a number of local activities with a key focus on enhancing the city’s environment and open spaces, including planting up a Stockbridge roundabout (collaborating with The Flora Stevenson Primary School and St Ninian’s Church), Water of Leith clean-up (led by the Water of Leith Trust), helping Granton Community Gardeners, plus time spent at both Starbank Park and Inverleith Park.
Further activities involve bringing art and music to the local community through the making and donating of art packs for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and performing at venues including the LifeCare Centre.
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “Students at Fettes aim high and give back and our Community Engagement Days are a richly rewarding experience for everyone to come together and build on our local partnerships.
“Rooted in Edinburgh, Fettes places community contribution at the heart of these mutually beneficial relationships, supported by a curated and expanding programme.”
Visitor numbers to the ‘Open Doors at Fettes’ are limited. To Register to attend Open Doors at Fettes and view more information, please visit:
Edinburgh community group Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann will be holding a Gaelic community day on Saturday 9th May at the Heart of Newhaven community centre as part of the initiative to develop a Gaelic hub in Edinburgh as a gathering place for Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters.
Wilson McLeod, the group’s chair, said: ‘Over 10,000 people in Edinburgh have Gaelic language skills according to the last census, but they are spread across the city, and there is no single place where Gaelic is the normal and natural language to use.
“A Gaelic hub in Edinburgh would be a real focal point for Gaelic in the city, helping to bring Gaelic speakers together and providing opportunities for everyone to get involved in Gaelic language and culture’.
This is the fourth and final community day under the title Cruinn Còmhla (‘Gathered Together’) over 2025/26. Over 500 people have attended the first three events, but this is the first to take place in North Edinburgh.
The event will offer Gaelic classes, introductory Gaelic workshops, an arts session for under 5s, a Gaelic singing circle, an introduction to the history of Gaelic in Edinburgh, a performance by the Edinburgh Gaelic Choir, a talk on the Gaelic creative process, a session for children to ‘Come & Try’ a traditional musical instrument, reading and conversation groups, and a City of Edinburgh Council session on Gaelic development.
There will also be a café, Gaelic books for sale, games and information on Gaelic activities in Edinburgh.
Development Officer Sarah Scott said: ‘The Cruinn Còmhla community days have been a huge success and we are excited to bring our next event to the Heart of Newhaven.
“We are keen to raise the profile of Gaelic in Edinburgh and bring new opportunities to learn and use Gaelic to people across Edinburgh as we work to develop a permanent hub space’.
Cruinn Còmhla Gaelic Community Day
9 May 2006 | Heart of Newhaven, 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, (10am – 4pm)
On Saturday 9th May, the Cathedral is holding its annual Open Day, including A+E’s Active Travel, Active Hope events.
With community stalls, a 24-hour relay, viewings of the Traquair Song School murals and bell tower, highlights from the Cathedral archive, and free tea and coffee, there is something for everyone!
A West Lothian woman living with aggressive brain cancer is taking on a 100km canoe challenge to help fund a cure.
Hannah King-Page, 43, from Broxburn, will paddle coast-to-coast through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail from 7 to 11 May as part of a team of six to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The challenge will see Hannah and her team wild camp along the route as they navigate canals, lochs and open water, including the vast expanse of Loch Ness.
Hannah, a former physiotherapist who was forced to retire due to ill health, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and cancerous form of brain tumour, in 2020 after suffering a seizure at work.
More than five years on, she has outlived the 12-to-18-month prognosis that this tumour type carries. Her tumour remains stable, but she continues to live with the lasting effects of the disease.
Hannah said: “Taking on this challenge is about making the most of the time I have and doing something positive. It gives me purpose and a focus, while raising awareness of a disease that needs far more attention.
“I feel incredibly fortunate that things have remained stable for me, especially when I know so many others aren’t as lucky. But there’s also a sense of guilt that comes with that, because I’m very aware that other people I’ve met through the brain tumour community are facing progression or going through treatment again. It’s not success – it’s just that I’m still here, and I don’t take that for granted.
“Day-to-day life has changed completely since my diagnosis. I live with chronic fatigue, and there are times when it can completely wipe me out for no real reason. I also have some cognitive difficulties – I lose my words or struggle to process things as quickly as I used to.
“There are good days where I feel like I can take on anything, and then there are days where even simple things feel much harder. It’s about learning to listen to your body and adapting to a new normal.”
Hannah will be joined by a group of friends, coming together as ‘Paddles for Progress’ for the challenge, who she met while trekking 50km across the Sahara Desert last year.
Together they raised more than £90,000 for Brain Tumour Research.
The team includes Hariette Small, 46, a Welsh teacher living in Berkshire, who is taking part in memory of a close family friend who died from a brain tumour aged just eight; Hayley Firth, 48, and Amy Firth, 24, from Bedfordshire, who are fundraising in memory of their nephew and cousin, George Fox, who died aged 13; and Claire Cordiner, 57, from Edinburgh, whose family has been devastated by brain tumours, losing four loved ones to the disease.
Also taking part are Hannah’s cousin Sarah Martin, 55, and Gary Balkham, 62, both from Bristol, who share a close personal connection to her journey.
“Meeting the group in the Sahara was such a powerful experience,” Hannah said. “We all came together because of brain tumours, but what we built out there was something much deeper.
“We supported each other through a really tough challenge, and that created a bond that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. We knew we wanted to do something together again, and this felt like the perfect opportunity.”
The group’s latest challenge will take them on a coast-to-coast journey through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail, travelling from Banavie, near Fort William, to Clachnaharry, Inverness, on a demanding multi-day route that combines inland waterways with large open lochs.
Despite her experience with outdoor challenges, Hannah admits she will need to carefully manage her condition throughout the journey.
Hannah said: “For me, the biggest challenge will be managing my fatigue. Physically, I know I can push myself, but living with a brain tumour means I have to be honest about my limits.
“I’ve learned that I need to speak up if I’m struggling or need to slow down, and that’s something I’ll have to be really mindful of during the challenge. It’s about finding that balance between pushing myself and looking after my health.”
Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and there are more than 100 different types of primary brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Through her fundraising group, Hannah’s Kingdom, she has already helped raise more than £36,000 for Brain Tumour Research, funding 13 days of vital research into the disease.
This includes work carried out at centres such as the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with Beatson Cancer Charity, focused on finding kinder treatments and, ultimately, a cure for glioblastoma – the same type of tumour Hannah is living with.
Hannah added: “Fundraising has become such an important part of my life since my diagnosis. I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of family and friends who have gone above and beyond to help raise money, whether that’s through events, challenges or donations. It’s amazing to know that what we’re doing is helping to fund research, but at the same time it highlights how much more is needed.
“We’ve all got a brain, yet brain tumours receive just 1% of the national spend on cancer research. Treatments for high-grade tumours like mine haven’t really changed in decades, and that’s something that needs urgent attention. While I’m still here and able, I want to keep raising awareness and using my voice to push for better outcomes for people diagnosed in the future.”
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Hannah’s determination to take on such a demanding challenge while living with a brain tumour is incredibly inspiring and we are so grateful for her continued support.
“Her story highlights not only the resilience of those affected by this disease, but also the urgent need for greater investment in research. We have a whole team of scientists at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence dedicated to finding better outcomes for glioblastoma but we desperately need more funding.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To support the “Paddle for Progress” team’s fundraising challenge, visit:
Landmark initiative to teach 1,000,000 young people to bake for free
On World Baking Day (17 May), much-loved London bakery and baking school Bread Ahead will officially launch The Future Bakers Project, a bold long-term initiative designed to teachone million children and young adults to bake for free over the next decade.
Rooted in the belief that baking is more than a recipe – it is confidence, creativity, wellbeing and an essential life skill – the programme combines in-person workshops, downloadable recipe content, and a national digital learning platform, making baking education accessible to young people everywhere.
The initiative is led by baker and founder Matthew Jones, who began Bread Ahead in 2013 from a small Borough Market stall and has since grown it into an internationally recognised bakery brand.
A day of baking, creativity and community at Borough Market
The launch event at Bread Ahead Borough will bring together families, young bakers, partners and the wider community for a full day of free workshops, live baking experiences and interactive learning, alongside downloadable sessions for those joining from home.
Launch Day Schedule – Sunday 17 May 2026
10:00–10:30 – Opening address: Matthew Jones
10:30–11:30 – Scones & Jam Family Workshop A hands-on friends and family influencer led baking session
11:45–12:45 – THE BIG BAKE OFF: Freestyle Focaccia A landmark community bake featuring Bread Ahead’s signature long focaccias, prepared and topped by all the young Future Bakers in attendance.
13:00–14:00 – Top Secret Cookie Workshop A themed children’s bake-along making intergalactic “blue cookies”, with downloadable recipe packs and an online version available.
14:15–15:15 – Scones & Jam Public Baking Workshop A major collaborative baking session bringing together partners, guest bakers and young participants.
15:15–16:00 – Closing celebration
Throughout the day, visitors can explore interactive partner stalls, Future Bakers information points, and live baking demonstrations, as well as take part in our Junior Bakers competition – where one lucky winner attending launch day will see their chosen bake featured on the Bread Ahead menu for a day. There will also be opportunities to sign up for upcoming workshops and digital sessions.
A national baking movement
The Future Bakers Project is a long-term initiative dedicated to teaching 1,000,000 young people to bake over the next decade, combining hands-on learning with accessible digital education.
The programme will be delivered through three core pillars:
London Flagship Workshops – weekly children’s baking sessions available at Bread Ahead Borough Market (on Mondays) and Wembley (on Tuesdays). Get in touch with futurebakers@breadahead.com to book in your workshop.
Digital Learning Platform – Future Bakers webpage featuring downloadable recipes and content, links to lessons and resources.
Community & Partner-Led Activity – working with schools, youth organisations, charities and cultural institutions across the UK and internationally.
The Future Bakers webpage will go live on Friday 1st May 2026, providing full programme information, booking access and downloadable resources for families, schools and young bakers.
Partners helping shape the future of baking
The initiative is supported by leading organisations committed to creativity, education and youth wellbeing, including:
Together, these partners will help deliver themed baking experiences, educational content and ingredient-led learning opportunities both in person and online.
A future built on confidence, creativity and possibility
The Future Bakers Project aims to reach:
100,000 young people by 2028
500,000 by 2032
1,000,000 by 2036
But beyond the numbers lies a deeper ambition – to spark a generation who see baking not just as a skill, but as a source of confidence, imagination and connection.
A generation who know their hands can create something that matters.
A generation confident in their knowledge and real-world life skills.
A generation determined to succeed, achieve and never give up.
A generation responsible, resilient, and ready to shape the future.
Get involved
Parents, schools, teachers and youth organisations are invited to take part from launch:
“Back in 2013, it started with a single market stall in Borough Market and a simple belief – that baking brings people together. What has grown since is a community built around sharing real life skills, confidence and creativity with the next generation.
“The Future Bakers Project is about passing that on – opening the kitchen to young people everywhere and showing them what they are truly capable of. Because when you learn to bake, you don’t just learn recipes, you learn resilience, independence and joy. This is your kitchen, your moment – your chance to rise.” — Matthew Jones
PUBLIC Health Scotland has published the latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) report, which presents changes on drug trends, harms and use of services in Scotland to inform immediate and short-term actions that reduce drug harms.
MPs debate national accident prevention strategy after rise in deaths
Accidental deaths have risen by 8% in a single year
Accidents cost the UK a minimum of £12 billion a year in a combination of NHS treatment and lost economic productivity
Sir Andrew Mitchell MP led the debate, highlighting that 23,000 people die a year due to preventable accidents
MPs across the political spectrum are supporting the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)’s call for the government to introduce a National Accident Prevention Strategy, following a Westminster Hall debate on rising accidental deaths in the UK.
The debate, led by Sir Andrew Mitchell MP, focused on figures from RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents showing accidental deaths have risen by 8% in a single year, with more than 23,000 people now killed annually in preventable accidents across the UK.
MPs from across the House, including Lee Pitcher, Sarah Olney, Jim Shannon and Greg Smith, highlighted the growing human and economic cost of accidents and and pressed the government to adopt a more coordinated approach to prevention.
Alongside being one of the leading causes of preventable death, accidents place increasing pressure on public services.
Nearly 900,000 people – the equivalent of the entire population of Devon – are admitted to hospital due to accidents every year, costing the NHS at least £6 billion in direct treatment costs. The UK economy loses another £6 billion due to lost working days and productivity, while accidents also remove people from the workforce and drive up the benefits bill.
Despite this, responsibility for accident prevention remains spread across multiple government departments and agencies, including transport, product safety and workplace safety, with no overarching national strategy to align efforts or track progress.
The Westminster Hall debate follows growing concern that while prevention strategies exist for issues such as road traffic collisions or workplace injuries, there is no overarching framework to keep people safe across all aspects of their lives.
Rebecca Hickman, chief executive of RoSPA, said: “Accidents are often treated as isolated events, but the data tells a different story.
“Rising death rates show this is a systemic issue that requires national leadership, clearer accountability and a long-term approach to prevention.”
Sir Andrew Mitchell MP said: “The burden extends across the economy. When people are injured, they are often unable to work- sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently.
“Families lose income; employers lose skilled workers; productivity falls. The country loses millions of working days each year due to accident-related absence. The combined cost to UK business is now estimated at about £6 billion every year.
“Taken together, this represents a hidden but substantial cost to the country—to our health service, economy and public finances. The truth is that we can do better. Indeed, we have done better before.
“We know what works: safer homes, stronger product standards, effective public awareness campaigns, improved design of public spaces, better data collection, and co-ordinated action across Government and local agencies.”
John Edward, Head of Operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs, succeeds Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise after five years at the helm
Fettes College has announced the appointment of a new Chair of Governors as it embarks upon a fresh era of leadership.
John Edward, Head of Operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs, will step into the leading role having served on the independent school’s board for the past two years.
An experienced figure in the education sector, Edward was previously Chief Executive of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) for 13 years where he also sat on the Advisory Boards of the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
He is a graduate of both University of St Andrews and University of Glasgow, was previously Head of the European Parliament’s Office in Scotland and worked in Brussels for Scotland House and the European Policy Centre. He is also a board member of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS), and a member of the Scottish Commission on School Reform.
Edward’s appointment will be effective from 05 June 2026, where he will succeed The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise who has served as Chair for the previous five years. His arrival will come shortly before Richard Girvan commences as the next Head of Fettes in September, succeeding Helen Harrison.
Commenting on his appointment, John Edward said: “Lady Wise has chaired Fettes through some of the greatest challenges the school, and the independent education sector, has faced in 150 years.
2The Fettes community and Governing Board have been very fortunate to call on her counsel and leadership, and I am grateful to the Governing Board’s trust in me as I take up this role.
“I firmly believe in the importance of sound and independent governance, and I am committed to do all I can to support the new Head, staff, pupils, families and wider Fettes community as we lead our ground-breaking and modern school forward with the development, wellbeing and joy of young people at its heart.”
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise said: “We are extremely fortunate that John has so readily accepted the role of Chair of the Governing Body.
2I have greatly enjoyed working with him over the last couple of years and his considerable and very pertinent experience of the education sector and indeed global context has been, and will continue to prove, invaluable in steering Fettes forward in the future.”
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, added: “On behalf of the school, I would like to take this opportunity to record my personal thanks to Lady Wise for everything she has done for Fettes during her time as Chair.
“She has been a constant presence and an outstanding Chair. Her wise counsel and willingness to make herself available at short notice has benefitted the school and everyone in our community in ways too numerous to mention.
“As she steps down from this role, we are delighted she will continue as a Governor until the end of her eight-year tenure in July and extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future. We look forward to staying in close contact with her in the years to come.
“In the meantime, I am absolutely delighted at the appointment of John Edward as Chair. The combination of John as Chair and Richard Girvan as Head will be a powerful and dynamic duo for Fettes moving forward.”
A reminder that the first drop-in event for this consultation takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 5 May 12pm – 6pm) at Muirhouse Millennium Centre.
You’ll be able to find out more and share your views on proposals to improve roads, pavements and public spaces along West Granton Road, Pennywell Road Ferry Road for active travel.
Further drop-in events will take place on Saturday 16 May 11am – 5.30pm at North Edinburgh Community Festival and on Thursday 28 May 1pm-7pm at North Edinburgh Arts
PITCH TO PLATE – MULTICULTURAL MEAL 
Homemade curries, rice, naan & salad..
Fresh fruit sponsored by Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland
Everyone welcome
Tues 5 May 2026
6–8PM (Doors 5:50PM)
Easter Road Stadium, EH7 5QG
Free Entry | No Booking Needed
NORTH EDINBURGH CONNECTIONS DROP-IN EVENT