Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

North Edinburgh and Midlothian to host new Digital Xtra community coding and AI hubs

MUIRHOUSE LIBRARY TO LEAD THE WAY IN DIGITAL SKILLS

Digital Xtra, the charity dedicated to increasing the provision of extracurricular computing activities for young people in Scotland, is to develop a national network of community coding and AI hubs, with North Edinburgh and Midlothian among the first areas to benefit.

Over the past 10 years, the charity – backed by the Scottish Government and industry – has supported 210 grassroots activities by awarding over £1.1 million via its annual grants programme.

These initiatives engaged over 60,000 young people across the country while laying a foundation for ongoing engagement about computing and technology. That figure is now set to rise considerably under the charity’s new ‘Code Xtra’ strategy.

The new strategy will see several new community coding and AI hubs rolled out across the country as the charity focuses on more of a place-based approach rather than funding individual projects. While the core objective of the charity will continue to be to inspire young people into tech, Digital Xtra will now work with select delivery partners to develop a national network of community hubs. 

In turn, these hubs will directly support the growth of grassroots computing clubs in their local areas. With support from Holyrood, the first phase of the project will see hubs based in North Edinburgh (Muirhouse Library), Midlothian (Dalkeith Library), Inverclyde (Creative Regeneration), and Moray (Elgin Library), with more scheduled to be confirmed elsewhere in Scotland later this year. 

Digital Xtra will then continue working with the Scottish Government and its industry partners, including Skyscanner, Baillie Gifford, and Cirrus Logic, to extend the hub network. The charity is also keen to speak with other companies or organisations who may be interested in supporting the development of additional coding and AI hubs across Scotland thus providing even more opportunities for young people to learn vital digital skills.  

Each hub will drive growth in three ways:

  • Delivery: Hosting high-quality, extracurricular coding and AI sessions for children and young people
  • Training: Offering instruction and guidance for local educators and community leaders
  • Resources: Serving as a lending library with equipment and resources for local schools and community groups

The hubs will feature LEGO Education’s brand-new, curriculum-aligned Computing Science & AI kits which teach age-appropriate lessons about foundational coding and machine learning.

Digital Xtra is one of the first organisations in Scotland to make this cutting-edge kit available to the public, while also introducing machine learning and AI skills to the charity’s remit for the first time.  

Ongoing training and support will be provided by Digital Xtra, Raising Robots, and Raspberry Pi Foundation as well as Digital Xtra’s other education and industry partners.

Kraig Brown, Digital Xtra’s Partnerships and Development Manager, said: “Technology is evolving faster than ever, and extracurricular tech activities are no longer just ‘nice-to-have’ – they are now a key part of young people’s learning journey.

“When assessment and accreditation aren’t the primary focus, young people have the freedom to think creatively, naturally building their ‘STEM Capital.’ 

“They are also a proven way to reach young people who often disengage in a traditional classroom setting and can be delivered in various locations or times that work for young people, their families, and the wider community.

“However, access to grassroots computing initiatives in Scotland is often a postcode lottery with varying coverage and support. This is unacceptable. Digital Xtra will continue to champion extracurricular computing initiatives for young people through our new community coding & AI hubs network, which will create a more joined-up approach to informal digital learning. 

“By working with the hubs to develop this new ecosystem, Digital Xtra will continue to be at the forefront of driving digital skills for young people, regardless of their background or postcode.”

Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “Digital skills are essential for Scotland’s future, and every young person should have the opportunity to develop them, regardless of where they live which is why I am proud to support this initiative.

“These new community coding and AI hubs will help more young people access high-quality learning opportunities, build confidence with technology and gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Tony Stewart, Libraries Development Leader at Edinburgh Council’s Library Services, said: “Edinburgh libraries are very proud to be partnering with Digital Xtra to host a new Code Xtra community coding & AI hub at Muirhouse Library. 

“We see this a great opportunity to provide our local community and schools access to fun and inventive ways to learn coding and AI tech. The hub will be part of a larger expansion of our digital resources which will include 3D design and printing facilities, digital music production and digital design software.”

Ellen Scott, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “We’re thrilled Dalkeith Library has been chosen as one of Scotland’s first Code Xtra hubs. 

“Code Xtra is all about helping more children and young people explore coding, robotics and artificial intelligence in a fun, hands-on way outside the classroom. The new hub will give local communities access to technology, equipment and learning opportunities. 

“It’s an exciting opportunity to help develop the skills young people will need for the future.”

Ben Macpherson leaves government

STAYS ON AS EDINBURGH NORTH EASTERN & LEITH MSP

Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson has tendered his resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.

Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Macpherson for his contribution to government.

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

Dear First Minister,

As discussed, I write formally to tender my resignation as a Junior Scottish Minister. As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister. I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.

Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government. Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor.

I was very proud re-join the government in September 2025, and to serve you and Scotland again, using my experience to pick up the role quickly and get meaningful things done. I have worked hard and carried the responsibility carefully, to make a real impact and achieve positive progress. Thank you for this remarkable honour.

There is much still to progress and complete but the portfolio is in a stronger place, with the necessary strategic workstreams up and running, and actions in process. Stakeholder / key partner relationships are positive, working with us on shared aims. A collegiate spirit and approach has been created to confronting shared challenges.

I want to express my gratitude for all the support I have received in the last year from my private secretaries and all the Scottish Government officials I have worked with. We have done good work together and I am proud of the difference we have made

Moreover, it has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Universities Scotland (and all universities), Colleges Scotland (and all colleges), the Scottish Training Federation (and their members), the Careers Collaborative, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the business community and our enterprise agencies, YouthLink Scotland and Youth Scotland, and many others too.

My apologies to you and all involved for the inconvenience of this resignation, and thank you for kindly understanding my reasoning. Again, this has been a very difficult decision for me, and I reiterate strongly my support for both you and the government.

With my very best wishes and much gratitude,

Ben Macpherson

:: Letter from the First Minister

Dear Ben

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate that this will not have been an easy decision and that you have reflected carefully before you have reached your conclusion.

You have made a significant contribution in government not least as Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education where the Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 was passed under your leadership. I know you have been closely involved in work to co-design and co-deliver the future of Scotland’s college and university sectors – work that has cross-party support.

And, I know that during your time in post you gave a fresh impetus to our support for youth work and made great strides in improving our apprenticeship system and strategic skills planning, in close cooperation with the business community.

In previous ministerial roles, during your time in social security, you were closely involved with the expansion of the Scottish Child Payment and launching the Adult Disability payment. And, your work in international development remains relevant to the programme we take forward in this area to this day.

These are but a few examples of your contribution from your time in a wide range of portfolios – including finance, external affairs, rural affairs and climate, as well as in education most recently.

I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.

I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.

Yours, for Scotland,

JOHN SWINNEY

Ben Macpherson won the redrawn Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith seat in May with a majority of over 3000 votes from the Scottish Greens.

Ben Macpherson told followers on Facebook yesterday: ‘After reflecting deeply over recent months about my position and priorities in my life, including my mental and physical well-being, I have today stepped away from my additional role as a Minister in The Scottish Government (continuing as an MSP, for clarity).

‘This was a very difficult decision, but it is the right one for me just now. I need more time to be able to attend to other important aspects of my life, and will also now have even more scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, which I care so very much about.

‘I’m proud of my achievements in the role and, to be clear, John Swinney and the government will continue to have my strong support, as will my successor. I’m looking forward to this new chapter!’

Changes to the Scottish Government ministerial team will be announced in due course.

PYCP: New term programme

PY is back! We’ve had a nice break but are ready to see everyone again!

Have a look at our new term programme, you might notice some changes 👀

We have a few new groups starting up, they won’t begin just yet (we’ll let you know when they do) but in the meantime our usual clubs will be back on.

Make sure you’re attending the right group for your age, and as always all children/young people need to complete a new consent form to join us.

https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/301f3ae8/f55ef57de02572ae

£150,000 boost for school libraries opens new chapters for young readers

FUNDING FOR CORSTORPHINE PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT

16 school libraries across Scotland are set to receive a funding boost through the 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) to help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports creative initiatives that align with the objectives of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – Scotland’s national strategy for school library development.

This year’s SLIF prioritised applications which focused on:

  • promoting reading for pleasure
  • fostering whole-school reading cultures
  • improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
  • strengthening digital and information literacy, and
  • supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading

Funding has been awarded to 16 innovative projects spanning 13 local authorities with the successful initiatives aiming to break down barriers to learning, foster a love of reading among children and young people, promote independent thinking and support family learning opportunities.

Many of this year’s successful projects put inclusion front and centre, such as East Ayrshire’s Reading Journeys for All which will strengthen the support that those with Additional Support Needs and who have English as an additional language have access to in their school library with aids, equipment and accessible literature.

Meanwhile, St Winning’s Primary School in North Ayrshire will develop a whole-school reading culture, promoting reading for pleasure and raising engagement with books and storytelling with a particular focus on those from communities where socioeconomic barriers can significantly impact access to reading opportunities.

Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “School libraries are so much more than a collection of books – they are spaces where young people discover a lifelong love of reading, build confidence and unlock new possibilities.

“I am pleased that this year’s Scottish Government-funded School Library Improvement Fund is supporting 16 innovative projects across Scotland, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child, regardless of background or needs, can access the transformative power of reading.

“I thank SLIC, schools and local authorities for their creativity and commitment. Building on over £2 million invested since the scheme began, I look forward to seeing the lasting difference these projects make to pupils, families and communities.”

Below are the successful 2026/27 SLIF projects:

  • Aberdeen: Greyhope School + Community Campus – A New Chapter for Greyhope School
  • Aberdeen: Orchard Brae School – Stories for All
  • Dundee: across four secondary schools and associated primary schools – Read for Discovery – Supporting Transition Through Non-Fiction Texts
  • East Ayrshire: Darvel Primary School – Reading for All at Darvel
  • East Ayrshire: six secondary schools – Reading Journeys for All
  • East Renfrewshire: Barrhead High School – Barrhead High School Book Festival – Raising the Barr through Reading
  • EDINBURGH: Corstorphine Primary School – Creating a Playground Library to Encourage Reading for Pleasure, Improve Equity and Support Children’s Health and Wellbeing
  • Highland: Lairg Primary School and Rosehall Primary School – Reading Schools at Lairg and Rosehall Primary
  • Highland: Crown Primary School and Drakies Primary – Crown Changemakers: Beyond Barriers: Reading Reimagined: Powering Pupils to drive a Reading Revolution through Barrier Breaking Book Boxes, Inclusive ICT and Audiobook Access
  • Inverclyde: Across secondary school libraries in Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire – ACTIVATE – Young Voices in Action
  • North Ayrshire: St. Winning’s Primary School – Reading Beyond Walls – Creating a Whole-School Culture of Reading for Pleasure
  • Renfrewshire: Gryffe High School – Improving Girls’ Wellbeing Through Reading
  • South Ayrshire: eight secondary schools – READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS – A Project to Educate and Empower Young People to Know Their Rights and Engage with Social Justice Issues Within Their Communities and Beyond
  • Stirling: Dunblane Primary School – A Library for Everyone:  Shaping an Inclusive Literacy and Community Space at Dunblane Primary School
  • West Dunbartonshire: St Peter the Apostle High School and cluster primaries – Reading Roots –  Growing Family Reading Cultures
  • West Lothian: The James Young High School, Inveralmond Community High School, Armadale Academy, Whitburn Academy, Bathgate Academy – FACT (Factual And Creative Thinkers)

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play an important role in pupils’ lives, providing a space where they can thrive, broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential.

“The School Library Improvement Fund helps bring this vision to life by encouraging fresh ideas and forward-thinking approaches to what a library can do for young people.

“We were delighted by the remarkably high standard of the applications submitted which reflects the passion, creativity and ambition of school library staff across the country. We look forward to seeing these 16 projects take shape, helping libraries continue to evolve, inspire pupils and make a lasting difference to schools, families and local communities.”

The 2026-27 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to over £2 million since the scheme’s inception. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.

For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Brass Among the Blooms

Qatari Police Band visits Edinburgh’s restored Palm Houses

The Qatari Police Band, currently performing at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, stepped into one of the capital’s most remarkable landmarks as they visited the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s newly restored Palm Houses, offering a rare glimpse inside the spectacular space before it officially reopens to the public on the 2nd of October.

The band’s captivating presence created a striking visual within the towering heritage structure, described as the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House, as two distinct worlds came together beneath its newly renovated glass roof.

The Qatari Police Band are among more than 800 performers taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing together musicians and performers from across the world for A Call To Gather.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.

Cala Homes (East) helps volunteer group grow greener communities and tackle loneliness

  • Community Pledge funding supports local volunteers, improving green spaces, supporting wildlife and bringing people together  

A volunteer group helping to tackle loneliness while transforming community spaces across Midlothian has received funding from leading housebuilder Cala Homes (East) to continue its work.

Newton Hutters, the local Men’s Shed based at Newton Church Centre, has been awarded more than £660 through Cala Homes (East)’s Community Pledge initiative, linked to its nearby Craighall Village development in Millerhill.

Established in 2021, in response to the social isolation experienced by many individuals following the pandemic, the group provides a welcoming space where people can make friends, learn new skills and support one another while undertaking practical projects that improve the local community.

Today, the group’s 16 members meet regularly to share skills and deliver projects that make a lasting difference locally, including growing fresh produce for Danderhall Community Pantry, creating accessible planters for residents at Angres Court, and building outdoor play and learning spaces for more than 20 children attending Danderhall Primary School’s after-school club.

The recent boost in funding from Cala has enabled the group to purchase essential gardening equipment and materials, including lightweight telescopic tools, soaker hoses and 100 native hedgerow plants, helping members continue projects that benefit both local people and wildlife.

***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Newton Hutters is making a remarkable difference across the local community.

“Not only are members helping create greener, more welcoming spaces, but they’re also supporting local families, encouraging biodiversity and providing an invaluable place where people can come together, build friendships and combat loneliness.

“Through our Community Pledge, we’re proud to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities, and we’re delighted this funding will help the group continue its fantastic work.”

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Erika Pryde, Chair of the group, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said: “Receiving this funding means we can continue projects that make a real difference to local people while also protecting and enhancing our environment.

“The lightweight tools make gardening much more accessible for many of our members, while the soaker hose has already helped us keep our vegetables thriving through the recent dry weather, allowing us to continue supplying fresh produce to the community pantry.

“Meanwhile the native hedgerow will provide food, shelter and wildlife corridors for years to come, creating lasting benefits for birds, pollinators and other local wildlife.

“Just as importantly, Newton Hutters is a place where people can come together, make friends and feel part of something. Many of our members have told us it has helped them overcome loneliness and given them a renewed sense of purpose. We hope this funding will allow us to continue making a positive difference, both for our members and for the wider community.”

Cala’s Community Pledge goes beyond planning expectations, supporting local community groups and organisations throughout the lifecycle of local developments, and in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs are addressed.

To learn more about Cala’s Craighall Village development in Millerhill or its Community Pledge, visit: Craighall Village | Cala Homes.

TONIGHT: Community Cabaret at Edinburgh International Book Festival

Monday 24 August 2026, 18:00

Spiegeltent, Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, EH3 9EF

We’ve challenged local writers and poets to respond to this year’s Festival theme: Changing Your Mind.

Join us as we bring them together to perform their work and create a patchwork of ideas on trying new things, listening to different perspectives, and keeping a sense of wonder in our ever-changing world. You can expect a diverse, thought-provoking, and energising evening of live music, poetry, and storytelling.

I’ll be joining Citizen writer colleagues to read a short piece at tonight’s event – see you there (unless I change my mind, of course!) – Ed.

The Fringe isn’t over yet! 

Part runs and new shows kicking off at Assembly Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been in town for over two weeks now but there’s still plenty of new acts kicking off the latter half!

Assembly Festival today showcase their line-up of part-run gems, with everything from club bangers to experimental circus and hilarious Aussie comedy – the circus is well and truly still in town. 

‘Yes Person’ from experimental circus company based on kimberley take on radical yes-saying, killing your darlings and allowing discarded ideas to flourish on stage. Premiering in Helsinki, and following a successful run across Sweden, Denmark, Spain and beyond, the Berlin-based company will debut ‘Yes Person’ at Edinburgh Fringe at Assembly Roxy from 25-31 Aug. A circus show that celebrates ideas too peculiar to live…but too fabulous to die.

Elsewhere in the programme, absurd comedy and the rise of right-wing populism takes centre stage in ‘The Terribly Credible Definitely Edible Tale of the Town of Cropshire’, at Assembly Roxy. A farcical town of welly-wearing farmers and perpetually confused politicians deal with a nationwide ban on vegetables in this Shedload of Future Fund winning show.

Aussie Comic, and host of Australian Bake-Off, Claire Hooper is doing what it takes to become fun in ‘Claire Hooper: Fun Show xx’. A rollercoaster of jokes from an adult who hates rollercoasters, the host of Claire Hooper’s House of Games does her best to become fun again, with the show running from 20-30 Aug at Assembly Roxy.

Other comics with short runs at this year’s festival include star of Taskmaster NZ ‘Guy Williams: Rich people are stealing from you and blaming brown people and trans people and some people believe them aaahhhhhh!’and award-winning dancer and comedian Sam Burkett’s improv and experimental dance show ‘GOSS’.

Brian Bilston: How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside sees one of the UK’S most beloved poets take audiences through the hows, whys and whats of enjoying poetry every day.

‘Hot Dub Time Machine Presents House Party’ takes over Assembly Hall for ten days of bangers from 1970-2026, and Australia’s best tribute act dazzle audiences with the ultimate 70s party in ‘70s Jukebox by The 60 Four’. 

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the internationally acclaimed ‘Movin’ Melvin Brown: Hit The Road Jack! The Music and Story of Ray Charles’ is an unforgettable journey through rhythm, blues and soul. 

There’s the BAFTA award winning Kimberley Nixon’s new play about motherhood, postpartum psychosis and stand up in ‘Baby Brain’, immersive Afrofuturism in in ‘Arcana’ from writer-composer Fay Guiffo, and a celebration of Ireland’s national sports in ‘Ham Sandwiches and Discipline’. 

Ariana and The Rose debut ‘The Breakup Variety Hour’ with soaring synth-pop anthems and razor-sharp wit, Primal Scream blends opera and psychodrama, and ‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ sing everything from Carole King to Cher, Sabrina Carpenter to Shirley Bassey.

The full Assembly Festival programme continues to receive rave reviews across the board. Alaa Shehada’s ‘The Bridge’, which won a Fringe First last week, will return for a special run of extra shows in Assembly George Square Studios from 28-30 Aug.

‘Scaramouche Jones’, Justin Butcher’s timely tragic clown, continues to dazzle audiences at Assembly St Andrew Square, and the lives and legacies of beloved rock musicians are celebrated in ‘27 Club’. 

Tickets for the full Assembly Festival programme are now available at:

www.assemblyfestival.com. 

VIEVE brand coming to The Centre Livingston next month

CENTRE MARKS ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

Nine years after thousands of beauty fans flocked to The Centre, Livingston to see Scottish beauty star Jamie Genevieve at a live make-up masterclass, her beauty brand VIEVE is now coming to the shopping centre, which is a full-circle moment in her incredible journey from a make-up artist to an international beauty entrepreneur. 

Back in 2017, Jamie was already a major name in the beauty world, sharing make-up tutorials in her own relatable, down-to-earth style with around 800,000 Instagram followers, and close to half a million YouTube subscribers.

Since then, she has built an impressive loyal fanbase around the world, with over two million Instagram and YouTube followers and partnered with various global brands, including L’Oréal Paris. 

She has also collaborated with MAC on a special-edition lipstick, which led to her launching her very own product range in 2020, attracting high-profile fans including Claudia Winkleman, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman and opened her own store in Glasgow in 2024.

Her collection is also available in retailers like Space NK and Sephora.

Although Jamie, who has just welcomed the arrival of her second child, won’t be appearing at The Centre, Livingston this time, her team of Pro Makeup Artists will be on hand to give people expert advice to help find their perfect shade and try out their award-winning products. Shoppers who spend £99 will also be invited to take part in a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win lots of beauty treats.

The VIEVE ‘Tour de Face’, which is part of a Scotland-wide tour, will only be in the shopping centre from 10th – 13th September, located in front of New Look.

It also forms part of a 50th anniversary Fashion & Beauty event taking place in the shopping centre on the 12thand 13th, to help raise funds for its Charity Partner CHAS, (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), which provides specialist palliative care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to get a free mini colour analysis and Autumn/Winter style tips from resident stylist Leigh Maybury, located in front of M&S, with donations optional for CHAS, and check out some iconic styles dating back the last five decades. 

There will also be model scouting and live music with tunes from the past 50 years, and some lucky shoppers will be in with a chance of winning prizes in the ‘Guess the Fashion Year’ quiz.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The arrival of the VIEVE beauty brand at The Centre, Livingston feels like a very special full-circle moment, going back to when we welcomed Jamie into the shopping centre nine years ago. 

“Her live make-up masterclass will go down as one of our most incredible and well-attended events of all time, with people travelling as far as Newcastle and Aberdeen to meet her.

“It feels even more extra special for us as we mark our 50th anniversary to have her team join in our 50thanniversary celebrations at our Fashion and Beauty Event.

“Shoppers can not only get beauty tips but also an insight into Autumn/Winter fashion trends with our fantastic resident stylist, Leigh Maybury, and a colour analysis. They can also check out some outfits which were trending over the past 50 years and enjoy live music too with tunes covering each decade.”

The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has over 150 stores and restaurants, spanning one million sq. ft. and welcoming over 15.8 million visitors a year.

These include M&S, Flannels, H&M, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, the country’s largest JD Sports store, Nando’s, Wagamama, Wingstop and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland.

Final Week, Fresh Shows

What’s On at theSpaceUK

You may have made it to the final week of the Fringe, but the curtains haven’t come down just yet. Here at theSpaceUK, we’ve got a whole host of shows about to begin their Fringe runs.

So, as the festival enters its final week, it’s time for Act 3:

Musicals & Operas 

Who We Are Now
(theSpace @ Niddry St, 24-29 August)

Part rock concert, part coming-of-age drama, this gripping new musical follows young musicians haunted by their past. With a bold, genre-blending score, this electrifying show explores ambition, identity and the struggle to move forward.

The Tears of Nerakhis
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
Written, composed and staged from scratch: this original epic fantasy musical brings a modern myth to life, telling the extraordinary love story between a human girl and the daughter of the God of the Night.

Swing Gum 
(theSpace @ Niddry St, 24-29 August)
A true story of love separated by war and reunited 75 years later. Swing Gum blends tap, swing, Lindy hop and archival broadcasts into a toe-tapping, heart-stopping musical. Experience the UK premiere of this unforgettable wartime love story.

Nuns of Fury!
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 
The nuns are back in town! The Nuns of Fury must battle both vice and virtue in this rock-gospel extravaganza. A comedy for fans of sisterhood and having faith in yourself!

Music

To Be Arranged…
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 
University of Exeter’s Illuminations A Cappella presents ‘To Be Arranged…’. Their Fringe show is about to begin, but they are yet to decide on a theme. Come and listen to see if they figure it out!

Cabaret

Judy Garland Is Fat at Carnegie Hall 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 

Sixty-five years after Judy Garland’s iconic concert, two NYC drag artists resurrect her performance via messy, virtuosic experiment. Through impressions, lip sync, monologue and rainbow cake, this show interrogates societal expectations around fatness.

Comedy 

Got Mushroom For Sketch Comedy?
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 
Got Mushroom for Sketch Comedy? The students of Exeter Comedy Society are back with their latest sketch show!

Outlaugh: Edinburgh
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
A comedy and social strategy competition show using the rules of the reality show Survivor. Twelve comedians compete in comedic challenges for immunity, while the losers have to vote each other out at tribal council.

Silly Goose!
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 
We’re on the hunt for the Silliest Goose in town! Join us and three comics as we discuss your silliest stories, whether it’s saucy scandals, funny first dates or office outrages.

Theatre

Dust: The Sixth Sense 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)

A baptism in the blood of life. Salty stains of prayer and memory. You are complicit in a sensory-led, psyche-bending world where all the angels on Earth have fallen because their mother couldn’t fall with them.

My Beautiful Brain!
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 

Winner of Creative Corner Festival 2026! If you can read this, you’re ahead of Hannah! With a mix of humour and heart, this autobiographical play sheds light on the misunderstood world of dyslexia.

The Last Days of Liz Truss?
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 

Join Liz, on her last morning at Number 10, in an exploration, comic and tragic, of the tensions in politics: between ambition and ability, vision and reality, going short and playing it long.

Dregs
(theSpace @ Niddry Street, 24-29 August) 

Fisch and Neck are two lost souls picking for what’s left in the Trashcan of Spirit. Dregs is a dark, absurdist comedy exploring the ugly underbelly of capitalism and greed through a series of hilarious clownish hijinks.

SQUAT!
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)
Join the Squat as they stumble through loss with too much alcohol, too many bad decisions, and absolutely no filter. SQUAT! is a dark comedy about masculine vulnerability, friendship and the f*cking weird ways men say “I love you”!

Is This Your First Crime?
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) A new comedy set within a police interrogation, showcasing the corruption and ineptitude of the force. When Tim’s brought in for questioning nothing can prepare him for what the desperate detectives have in store!

Come As You Are
(theSpace Triplex, 24-29 August)
Katherine turns 45 today! A warm, joyful celebratory dinner with all the family awaits her – until an uninvited guest sours the festivities.

It Couldn’t Get Worse; or, The Margarita Boat Tour Incident
(theSpace @ Venue 45, 24-29 August) Locked in a lighthouse, Claire and Judy form a reluctant alliance to save Maggie, Judy’s daughter and Claire’s fiancée. It couldn’t get worse. Probably.

What’s Rotting in the Office Fridge? 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)
A seemingly regular office prepares for a retirement party, but something’s amiss. As characters unravel, they find themselves trapped by capitalism, the stages of grief and their own ambition.

I Killed My Father
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
This darkly comedic excavation dissects a lineage of absentee fathers, explores what we inherit, and reveals the high cost of a graceful exit. A bitingly funny autopsy on masculinity.

Can You Teach Me How To Breathe?
(theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 24-29 August) Four people wake up on a sinking submarine with no idea what’s going on. There’s nothing to do but wait. And the empty feelings they’ve long ignored creep in.