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MSPs prepare for first day of new Scottish Parliament

Oaths, affirmations and a new Presiding Officer

Newly elected MSPs will take part in their first formal meeting at the Scottish Parliament at 9.30am on Thursday 14 May.

All MSPs will start their work in the Parliament by making an oath or affirmation, which must happen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.

John Swinney MSP, as leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, will be the first to be sworn in, followed by the other party leaders. Other MSPs will be called forward in alphabetical order.

This initial meeting will be chaired by current Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP.

In the afternoon MSPs will be asked to elect a new Presiding Officer, who will serve for the rest of the new parliamentary session. It is expected that two Deputy Presiding Officers will be elected later in the afternoon.

Ahead of their first meeting in the Chamber, MSPs will have taken part in the first part of an induction programme in the parliament building. The programme aims to welcome MSPs to their roles and will:

allow MSPs to establish a temporary office within the Parliament
help MSPs establish their constituency or regional offices
inform MSPs about what support is available to them to help their constituents
give MSPs information about how to take part in debates and votes in the Chamber
let MSPs know more about the parliamentary roles and responsibilities

Speaking ahead of the MSPs arriving at the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, the Parliament’s Clerk/Chief Executive, said: “It is great to be able to welcome new MSPs into the Parliament, where our dedicated staff team will be on hand to help them get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities.

“This Parliament’s first formal meeting, on Thursday 14 May, will be particularly significant for those performing their first duties as MSPs, and for those seeking to become Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.

“The first sitting day has an important role in formally introducing MSPs to the public, but the election of the Presiding Officer in particular starts to set the agenda for the session ahead.”

The first sitting day will be able to be view live on the Parliament’s website.

Government in crisis as calls grow for Starmer to go

CRISIS CABINET MEETING THIS MORNING

KEIR Starmer’s future as Prime Minister is looking increasingly untenable this morning as he faces growing calls for this resignation.

Labour suffered the worst set of election results in it’s history last week and anger over the party’s performance – and Starmer’s poor decision-making in particular – has built to boiling point.

Keir Starmer came out fighting with another ‘reset’ speech yesterday but critics were unconvinced by the latest pledges and clamour for the beleaguered PM to step down have continued to grow.

It’s understood some cabinet members are among the 70+ Labour MPS who are urging Starmer to go and this morning’s cabinet meeting promises to be a particularly difficult one for a PM who is seeing support evaporating by the hour.

Labour-supporting trade unions have been calling for a change of direction for some time and some have withdrawn funding from the political party they united to form in 1900. Last Thursday’s catastrophic defeat was the final straw:

JOINT STATEMENT FROM LABOUR’s AFFILIATED UNIONS

‘Labour’s affiliated unions are deeply concerned by the Party’s catastrophic election results. They show a stark disconnect between this Labour Government and the working people and communities that it was elected to represent.

‘Voters right across the country have sent a clear message: that this Government are not delivering on the promised change they so desperately want to see. This cannot continue. Voters want to see a radical new direction from Labour, that stems the tide of division and unites workers and communities in every part of the country.

‘TULO unions are united in calling for a fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy, so that Labour do what it was elected to do: govern in the interests of workers.

‘Labour must also deliver the rebalancing of power in the workplace promised in the New Deal for Working People, in full, without any carve-outs or loopholes. The stakes are too high to continue on this path.

‘Labour’s unions have a responsibility to the Party that we created, and as a result TULO have demanded a meeting with the Prime Minister and Party Leadership to discuss the urgent change in direction that we all know is needed.’

Hidden Door call for volunteers

We’ll be back on site this weekend and WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Our volunteers are busy clearing, tidying and transforming The Paper Factory.

If filling skips, painting, decorating and building stuff sounds good, get involved!

We’ll be there from 11am every Saturday and Sunday this month.

Details: https://hiddendoorarts.org/volunteer

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, to host intimate masterclass event in Edinburgh

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, is partnering with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy to host an intimate ‘cook along’ masterclass event for foodies and baking enthusiasts in the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 30 May.

The youngest ever winner of The Great British Bake Off, Peter will deliver a live demonstration on how to master the French classic dessert, Croquembouche, at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy on Queen Street.

The 12 attendees will then cook along with Peter, creating an Almond, Ricotta and Strawberry Celebration Cake, learning professional techniques, tips and insider secrets to create their very own competition-worthy bake.

Rounding off the event, delegates will sit down with Peter for an informal Q&A over a cup of tea or coffee and freshly baked goods, before taking home their finished cake. Taking place from 2pm – 5pm, the three-hour masterclass is suitable for all capabilities and costs just £140.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event

Commenting on the event, Peter said: “I’m looking forward to being back in the kitchen at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and helping local bakers create their own delicious and beautiful bakes.

“Hosting an intimate event like this allows me to really engage with attendees and help them develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen, before we sit down together over a cuppa and cake for a chat.”

Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, executive chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, commented:“A great friend of Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, we’re delighted to be able to offer keen bakers the opportunity to meet with and learn directly from Peter.

“Tackling the famously tricky croquembouche, a staple challenge on the Great British Bake Off, Peter will be demonstrating the skills that won him the competition and helping delegates to pick up some tips and tricks along the way.

“At Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy we have one central mission – to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry, and events like these are just one of the ways in which we do this.”

Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) relaunched earlier this year, following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a clear mission to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry.

Based in the centre of Edinburgh, which is regarded as a vibrant food and drink destination, it brings together innovation and experience to deliver a range of professional chef courses and recreational classes and events for home chefs with an interest in mastering the kitchen.

With only 12 spaces available for the event, tickets can be purchased online at www.efda.co.uk.

SAS emergency responders to run Edinburgh Half Marathon for SCAA

Five emergency responders in Aberdeen will take part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff Saoirse Killian (Paramedic), Katie Ross (Paramedic), Mia Bremner (Paramedic), Lauren Dunridge (Technician) and Sophie Fraser (Technician) will run the 13.1 miles on 24 May.

SCAA operate two helicopters which supplement the two helicopters and two fixed- wing aircraft which are operated by SAS and are government funded.

Mia said: “We have all experienced first-hand the life-saving impact of the charity air ambulance, from providing vital support to ground crews to enabling a rapid response in rural areas and ensuring patients are conveyed to the most appropriate setting for definitive care.”

Criona Knight, SCAA’s Director of Development and Engagement, said: “As a charity, we work in close partnership with the experienced clinical and paramedic teams at the Scottish Ambulance Service, and we see their expertise and dedication every day.

“We are very grateful to Saoirse, Katie, Mia, Lauren and Sophie for their fundraising efforts. We will all be right behind them on Sunday 24 May, supporting them as they take on this challenge. Lives are saved across Scotland every day thanks to the teams at SAS and SCAA.

“Through this effort, they are going even further by helping to raise vital funds. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say a huge thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line.”

Edinburgh Climate Festival: Volunteer Day and Picnic

FRIDAY 15th MAY

Calling volunteers! Help us spread the word of the festival by joining us for our big leafletting event

Whether you are already volunteering with the festival or if you want to just come along and help out for the day – everyone is welcome!

We will start with a quick brief together, then separate into smaller groups to cover different areas across the city and finish with a social picnic at the Edinburgh Meadows. Get to know new people and help us share the festival with more of our local community!

*Posters are printed sustainably by Out of the Blueprint in Edinburgh

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/edinburgh-climate…

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh refreshes Garden View Deck & Bar for summer season

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has unveiled its newly refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar, in association with Maison Pommery & Associés, offering a relaxed and elevated al fresco escape in the heart of the capital, in time for the summer season.

Located within the John Hope Gateway, the Garden View Deck & Bar will, for the first time, extend its opening hours across the summer months. The Deck & Bar is open from 12PM to 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12PM to 4:30PM on Sundays, offering the perfect weekend lunchtime escape with a view.

On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can continue enjoying the space with extended opening hours until 8PM. While the wider Gardens close at 5PM, the Deck remains open, offering panoramic views over the Living Collection in the light summer evenings.

The new evening offering invites guests to experience the Botanics at a different pace, encouraging them to linger longer and unwind in a beautiful garden setting as the sun sets. In collaboration with catering partners Heritage Portfolio, the menu has been designed for informal grazing and sharing, with a focus on seasonality and bold, summery flavours.

Freshly prepared stone baked pizzas include classic combinations such as Margherita with tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil, and pepperoni with nduja and hot honey, as well as a vegan bianca with potato, caramelised onion and vegan mozzarella.

A selection of artisan small plates includes a cheese board for two with Stilton blue, Camembert and Arran smoked cheddar, seasonal pickles and Gordal olives and more. Just like the Gateway Cafe, the menu will be inspired by produce from the Kitchen Garden, infusing fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients into the menu.

Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Today marks an important moment in an exciting new partnership between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Maison Pommery, which brings together shared values of excellence, heritage, sustainability and cultural engagement.

“Together we are creating a premium experience that invites our visitors to enjoy nature and celebrate the Garden through a new lens, showcasing both the beauty of the Garden and its important mission to protect Earth’s fragile habitats.”

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio commented: “We are delighted to offer a new space for Edinburgh locals and visitors to enjoy this summer, with a food and beverage offering that champions local produce while reflecting the best of the season in a relaxed, open-air setting for long summer evenings.

“The menu has been designed to be informal and shareable, encouraging guests to graze, try a little of everything and spend time together over food.”

Maison Pommery is highlighted through a selection of its emblematic cuvées, reflecting its expertise and heritage. Each Champagne precisely expresses the House style, combining finesse, freshness, and balance.

Julien Lonneux, CEO of Maison Pommery United Kingdom, adds: “At Maison Pommery, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without responsibility. Preserving nature means preserving the very essence of our wines and our heritage.”

The drinks offer also includes a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks chosen to complement relaxed outdoor dining. A dedicated spritz menu brings a playful, botanical focus inspired by summer evenings.

Alongside classic serves like an Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz, the bespoke Garden Party collection includes the Strawberry Meadow with strawberry and elderflower, and the Provençal Bloom with lavender and lemon.

The Garden View Deck & Bar operates on a walk in basis, offering a flexible way to visit whether guests are rounding off a day in the Garden or arriving specifically for an evening drink and something to eat. Guests can enjoy the refreshed space on weekends from May 8th.

For more information on the Garden View Deck & Bar, please visit:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/deck-bar/

Upcoming events at Lauriston Castle

Hello to all our amazing Friends and followers and people who support us.

We are celebrating 100 years of Lauriston.

You may have seen all of our facebook events appearing on your timeline.

We still have 126 fantastic events to come this year.

It would help us so much if you were able to like and share all, or even some of our events on your own facebook pages to help us spread the word.

This is a chronological list of all our events:

https://www.facebook.com/lauriston…/upcoming_hosted_events

CeilidhKids Workshops

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES DAY – SATURDAY 16 MAY

OUT OF THE BLUE DRILL HALL

Sign up, and join in the fun at one of the two FREE family-friendly Scottish Ceilidh workshops which are part of the afternoon activities taking place at this year’s Festival of Europe Scotland’s European Communities Day.

Particularly aimed at families with children aged 3-9 years, new Scots and Old Scots can discover and enjoy for the first or 100th time the dances and tap along to the music.

Lead by Caroline from Ceilidhkids each workshop is aimed at families with children aged 3 – 9 years. It’s family dancing, not children’s dancing so children should be accompanied by an adult willing to join in. One adult can dance with two children.

The dance steps are simplified and non-scary. As it is a shoes off dance floor there is a chance for everyone to show off their favourite socks!

Workshop 1: 2pm – 2.55pm

Workshop 2: 3.05pm – 4pm

But there will be first come spaces saved for those who turn up on the day! Please note: a ticket is required for every person attending (both adults and children), so be sure to book a place for each member of your group.

We hope you can join us!

This Ceilidh Workshop is part of European Communities Day, 16 May, Out of the Blue Drill Hall. It is made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players

Find out more about #FestivalofEuropeScotland and European Communities Day here: https://festivalofeuropescotland.org/…/european…/

Credit Photo: Ruth Armstrong Photography

Ceilidhkids

The Forth Bridges Creative Trail is back this month

After a hugely successful launch in 2025, the Forth Bridges Creative Trail is back — bigger, brighter and more ambitious than ever

South Queensferry • Dalmeny • Bo’ness

35+ artists and makers

11 venues

Free public arts event

Open studios – Pop‑up exhibitions – Creative workshops* School art competition – Meet artists and makers – Explore local independent businesses

A great day out for all, against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges
A Vibrant Weekend of Creativity in and around South Queensferry

After the huge success of its 2025 inaugural event, the Forth Bridges Creative Trail (FBCT) returns for the last weekend of May — bigger, more inclusive and even more ambitious. We invite you to enjoy a vibrant celebration of art, creativity and community across South Queensferry, Dalmeny and Bo’ness.

This year’s trail features over 35 local artists and makers exhibiting across 11 venues, showcasing work ranging from fine art and ceramics to jewellery, woodwork and a wide variety of contemporary crafts.

The Creative Trail is a free public arts event that shines a spotlight on the incredible talent within our community. Visitors can look forward to:

Open studios and pop‑up exhibitions
Workshops* and hands‑on creative activities
A school art competition for primary age children
High School art exhibited along the trail
Opportunities to meet artists (many in their own studios), discover new venues and explore local independent businesses.

The 2025 event attracted hundreds of visitors and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, artists and local businesses.

FBCT Chair, Juliet Russell, commented, “We are a small voluntary organising team, who feel passionately about the importance of encouraging creativity within our community.

“In our crazy world, creativity has never been more important! It promotes good mental health and helps people feel connected and inspired by something they can make or see.

“The Forth Bridges Creative Trail has the ability to act as a catalyst in creating a sense of place, which in turn drives the vibrancy of an area. Community‑led, grassroots arts events can transform public spaces and help social connection, local identity and economic vitality.

“We hope more local organisations and businesses will collaborate with us, so we can continue to build pride and a sense of belonging – as well as having creative fun along the way”

Building on a Successful First Year

Last year’s Creative Trail was a huge hit – the artists and makers enjoyed taking part, visitors loved the range of work and the vibe, local residents revelled in the creative talent living around them and local hospitality venues reported increased footfall.

This year, with more artists, more venues and expanded marketing activity, we hope to attract an even bigger and broader audience and make an even bigger splash.

It’s a fun, family‑friendly weekend with a wide range of creative work on show, fantastic local eateries to enjoy, and the stunning backdrop of the Forth and its bridges. Come explore your own creativity at one of the workshops or simply chat with the wonderful artists and makers who help make our community so special.

Help us put the Creative Trail firmly on the map — share our posts, spread the word and join us the last weekend in May. We look forward to welcoming you!

Please note: (*workshops are paid events that require booking)