TODAY Saturday 30th May 11am – 2pm our Summer Fair!
This year we have the Pet Fete with Pet Blessing.
Come along, browse our stalls, catch up with friends over tea/coffee and see our Highland Dancing display too.
We look forward to seeing you there!
School pupils from across Edinburgh swapped their classroom for the Castle this week to try their hand at construction and traditional skills through a Build Your Future event.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in partnership with Scottish Traditional Building Forum and The City of Edinburgh Council, held the event for nearly 100 pupils on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May.
The two-day skills taster event is designed to inspire the next generation of craftspeople, construction professionals, and heritage specialists by giving young people the chance to try a range of practical skills.
Across the two days, pupils rotated through five interactive skills stations with demonstrations and mini masterclasses delivered by industry specialists.
Activities include roof slating, stonemasonry, painting and graining, timber joinery, and technology in construction such as thermal insulation – showcasing both traditional craft skills and modern construction techniques, and demonstrating how they work together to maintain, repair and future-proof Scotland’s historic buildings.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), who first supported the inaugural Build Your Future skills demonstration at Edinburgh Castle in 2012, returned this year to lead the roof‑slating activities and share their expertise with pupils. There was also insight from industry body Women in Property who were able to share experience and advice with pupils.
HES craftspeople led behind‑the‑scenes tours of Edinburgh Castle, giving pupils rare and unique insight into the conservation and construction work required to care for a world‑famous heritage site.
Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said: “Seeing young people get hands‑on with these skills is a fantastic reminder of why this work matters. Scotland’s historic environment depends on a strong pipeline of traditional and emerging skills, and inspiring young people to see the opportunities available to them in the sector is essential.
“At HES, we’re committed to playing a leading role in tackling the skills gap – investing in training, supporting innovative programmes like Build Your Future, and working closely with partners across education, industry and local authorities. But we cannot do this alone. Transforming Scotland’s skills landscape needs sustained support and collective effort. With continued engagement across the sector and beyond, we can build the skilled workforce Scotland needs now and for the future.”
Construction apprenticeships currently see a significant drop‑out rate, with just over half of apprentices completing their training each year. Partners believe this is often due to young people entering apprenticeships without a clear understanding of the wide range of roles available.
Build Your Future aims to change this by giving pupils early, practical experience and helping them choose the right pathway from the outset.
Joann Russell, Chair, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We are delighted to return to Edinburgh Castle to deliver a Build Your Future event. This model of school engagement started at Edinburgh Castle in 2012 and has evolved significantly with the feedback from education and industry.
“It is a young person focussed approach to promote the many and varied careers in construction to provide young people with insights to help them in their career choices. This has been done with numerous stakeholders across construction and we look forward to continuing to work with them for the mutual long-term aims of addressing the skills gap in construction.”
This week’s event at Edinburgh Castle, delivered in partnership between Scottish Traditional Building Forum, The City of Edinburgh Council and HES, builds on the success of a wider National 5 pilot programme.
The pilot programme embeds teaching of construction and traditional skills directly into the school timetable to create a clear pathway towards a National 5 qualification and beyond. The pilot, running across several schools in the city, has supported young people to gain early experience in heritage and construction careers, with several pupils progressing into apprenticeships.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This event has been a great opportunity for young people to explore and try out a range of specialist and practical skills, all under the supervision of industry experts. Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, school pupils were given a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in conserving such a historic landmark too.
“In Edinburgh, we’re focused on improving outcomes for all learners and our innovative pathways work offers tailored routes for all young people – whether further education, an apprenticeship or the world of work.
By partnering with organisations like Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Traditional Building Forum we want to inspire young people interested in a career in construction or conservation by showing them all that’s on offer.”
More information on traditional skills and training can be found on the HES website. Employers and schools interested in opportunities to participate can contact the team at skills@hes.scot
The 36th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (24 May to 1 June) kicks off this weekend with a packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre for young people, their schools, and families.
Over the week, the Festival programme explores timely topics such as bullying, our fear of missing out, grief and the search for identity, weaving in humour and excitement to connect with children regardless of their circumstances, access needs or location.
Some of this year’s highlights include:
The popular Family Day opens this year’s Festival on Saturday 30 May – a full day of free, pop-up performances and artist interventions at the National Museum of Scotland, which has been programmed in partnership with festivals across the country including Light the Blue festival in Aberdeen, Merchant City Festival in Glasgow and the Paisley Book Festival.
Highlights from the Family Day includes:
Incoming new Festival Director Adjjima Na Patalung said: “I am very excited to be opening this year’s Festival as the new director with such a wonderful programme. Imaginate has built a Festival with real clarity of purpose, a deep commitment to children’s rights, grounded in artistic quality, inclusion, and international exchange.
“Many of the shows this year reflect the realities of children growing up today. Questions around mental health, bullying, displacement, belonging, identity, friendship, and resilience run through the programme in very different ways. That is what makes this programme feel so alive and relevant.
“I look forward to witnessing children’s reactions and hearing their voices and different perspectives.
“It is always our hope that for every child who experiences this Festival, something stays with them, big or small. A feeling. A question. A spark of imagination.”
Full programme and booking information: www.imaginate.org.uk/festival. Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0131 226 0019.
Millions of passengers will benefit from more accountable and reliable journeys, as the UK’s largest train operating company’s services join the fast-growing family of publicly owned operators from this weekend (31 May 2026).
Responsible for 1 in 6 passenger rail journeys in Britain, GTR keeps the South East moving, delivering one of the UK’s most extensive rail networks and carrying hundreds of millions of passengers each year.
A renationalised GTR will deliver a range of initiatives to improve performance and passenger experience under public ownership, such as doubling the number of services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria every hour and training 110 new Travel Safe Officers to crack down on anti-social behaviour on the network.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “From this Sunday, millions of passengers across the South East and East of England will be travelling on rail services back in public hands – run for the public good, not private profit.
“Bringing Britain’s largest train operator into public ownership is a defining moment in our reform of the railway. It gives us an opportunity to tackle the bread and butter issues people want, like driving down cancellations and improving the frequency of services to Gatwick Airport.
“As we set up Great British Railways, we’re putting passengers first, fixing what’s broken, and delivering a railway people can rely on – one that rebuilds trust, regenerates communities and delivers the high standards passengers expect and deserve.”
GTR’s 100 day plan will focus on getting the basics right, to create a reliable service that delivers better on-board experience.
The plan includes measures to:
The transfer follows the unveiling of the first Great British Railways (GBR) branded train at Brighton station last week and represents a landmark moment in the journey to public ownership. From Sunday, around 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that GBR will ultimately be responsible for will take place on publicly owned services. It’s the latest step to creating a reliable, accountable and integrated rail network.
Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services bring a strong track record, contributing £3.2 billion to the UK economy and supporting 40,000 jobs in 2025. With government support, Thameslink and Great Northern services will also support the delivery of thousands of new homes, as well as schools and employment space, as they begin stopping at the new Cambridge South station from Sunday 28 June.
John Whitehurst, Chief Operating Officer for GTR, said: “This is a railway that carries millions of people to work, to school, and to see friends and family every single day. From this Sunday every one of them will be on a publicly owned service, which is a responsibility we take seriously and one we have been preparing for.
“We have spent the past year building the foundations, and bringing even deeper integration into our operations with Network Rail, with a single focus on what’s right for our customers and communities.
“That work means customers are already getting a railway that’s been transforming, and public ownership gives us the chance to go further to deliver the railway that millions of people across the South East deserve.”
Ana Christie, CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of Great British Railways at Brighton station and to have a discussion with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
“This marks the launch of a greater joined-up railway, working in collaboration with business and other key stakeholders, to ensure challenges are addressed and progress is made to deliver a service fit for the future.
“I look forward to further conversations, ensuring business concerns are captured in fundamentally reforming the railway.”
As the government steams ahead with its bold rail reforms, passengers across Britain are already experiencing a better railway, with publicly owned DfT train operators performing better on punctuality and cancellations on average than those yet to come under DFTO ownership, as well as frozen rail fares for the first time in three decades. Other benefits of public ownership include:
GTR is the fifth operator to enter public ownership under the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, marking another step towards a simpler, more unified railway under GBR.
GBR will be accountable to passengers and will drive a relentless focus on responding to their needs. Responsible for coordinating the whole network: from track and train, to cost and revenue – GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public.
GTR joins West Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia, c2c, South Western, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER which are currently managed by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO).
Chiltern Railways’ services will be next to transfer on 20 September 2026, followed by Great Western Railways on 13 December 2026, marking another significant step in the government’s plans to bring services into public ownership. We expect the full public ownership programme to be completed by the end of 2027.
MS Society representatives will march in Pride Edinburgh for the first time this year – and they’re inviting anyone who’s affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to join them.
Volunteers, supporters, people living with MS and their family members and friends, will join charity staff in the capital city on Saturday 20 June.
They’ll march to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ MS community, but also to raise awareness of the inequalities and challenges members of the community still face.
The march forms at Horse Wynd, close to the Scottish Parliament, at 12.15pm before departing at 1pm. The route passes through the city centre, finishing at The University of Edinburgh. The MS Society is also organising an accessible “cheer spot”, which members of the MS community can watch the parade from if they aren’t marching.
More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. It’s a condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think, and feel. The MS Society is there for everyone affected by MS, offering support, funding research, and campaigning for improved rights.
Find out how to join the MS Society at Pride Edinburgh here: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/news/proud-be-marching-pride-london
Visit the Pride Edinburgh website for more about the event: https://www.prideedinburgh.org/
Information about accessibility can be found here: https://www.prideedinburgh.org/accessibility
PICTURE: David Bird
Laura Kidd, from Edinburgh, is gearing up to achieve the ultimate challenge – completing the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour hike, the Cateran Yomp, for the fourth time.
The Cateran Yomp is one of Scotland’s toughest tests of endurance – with participants walking non-stop for 22 (bronze), 36 (silver) or 54 miles (gold) over 24 hours to support soldiers, veterans and their families.
Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts people from across the globe to trek the glens and foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains. The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is the Army’s national charity and is expecting over 1,200 people to take part in the Yomp which takes place on 6th and 7th June 2026.
Laura is a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and completed her first Yomp in 2019 with her sister, Nina. Laura says: “I wanted to test myself and I liked the idea of being guided around the Cairngorms as I don’t trust my own navigation skills! We both instantly signed up again – having been blown away by the loveliness of the ABF and how well-organised the event was.”
Laura has now bagged a total of three gold medals for completing the full 54 miles of the Yomp, joined first by her sister, and then with friends, Gillian and Gilly, and one of her daughters, Rosie. She has been marching the hills of Edinburgh in preparation for her fourth attempt which she aims to complete in 20 hours.
Hiking through the day and night along the scenic but challenging route along the Cateran Trail is testing for the fittest and hardiest soldier. What keeps participants going is the camaraderie and food and drink along the way and knowing that every step they take is supporting soldiers, veterans and their families.
Laura and her team-mate this year, her school friend, Gilly Thomson, will join others setting off at dawn from Blairgowrie, Perthshire on Saturday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, finishing on Sunday 7th June.
The Army Benevolent Fund was set up in 1944 so that servicemen and women returning from WWII would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.
Laura says: “It’s hard work! But you meet amazing people on the Yomp. Some might struggle with fitness or have sore knees, but they are doing this for their comrades – and even though it’s brutal, they keep going. I take my hat off to folk that plod on!
“I’ve loved all of the Yomps and I am really looking forward to this year’s event.”
Peter Monteith, Chief Operations Officer, Army Benevolent Fund says: “We are so grateful for the generosity of all our supporters, which enables us to offer a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans, and their families.
“On behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund, I would especially like to thank Laura for her dedication to the charity, and to wish her and her team the best of luck at this year’s Cateran Yomp. We look forward to welcoming her to the event in June.”
The ABF is here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. Last year, the ABF supported over 80,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 51 countries around the world through its grants to individuals and other charities.
To sign up for the event, visit Army Benevolent Fund: Cateran Yomp – Home. To support Laura’s fundraising for soldiers, veterans and their families, visit:
https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/fundraisers/laurakidd/cateranyomp2026
Following our MS awareness session, we have created a space for those experiencing the impact of MS to come together over a cuppa.
Come for company. Come for chat. Come for courage.
Exhibitions & displays
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Until 14 Sep
Tickets from £13
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants
COMING SOON Scotland’s First Warriors
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Opening 27 June
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors
Events
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Magic Carpet
Learning Centre Event Space, Level 2
1, 8 & 22 Jun
10:30-11:15 & 11:45-12:30
Tickets £4
Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about the session topic.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
20 Jun
10:30-12:00
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the Museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
20 Jun
14:30-15:30
£10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children, and children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club
Festival Family Day
Grand Gallery
30 May
10:00-16:30
Free, drop in
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Day returns for 2026. Experience exciting pop-up performances and creative encounters with local artists – from theatre and dance to walk-about characters – there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/festival-family-day
James Hutton at 300: A Celebration of Geology
5 Jun
13:30-16:15
Free, drop in
Discover the legacy of James Hutton, the ‘father of modern geology’. Celebrate his tercentenary with free, drop-in short talks, mini tours and object handling.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/james-hutton-at-300-a-celebration-of-geology
Audio Descriptive Tour: Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
16 Jun
17:30-19:30
Tickets from £13, concessions available
Discover the Giants exhibition with an after-hours audio-described tour.Explore life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons and fossils in this immersive exhibition with audio descriptions and tactile opportunities.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-giants
Summer Family Fun
Grand Gallery
Every Monday and Friday in July
10:00-16:00
Free, drop in
On Mondays and Fridays over the summer there will be range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family at the National Museum of Scotland.
Each week, we’ll explore a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world-adventures, there will be something new to discover.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun
Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh
Grand Gallery
7 & 14 Aug
Tickets from £26
The sell out Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh
BSL Tour: Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1
13 Aug
14:00
Tickets from £13, concessions available
Meet the colossal creatures that lived after the dinosaurs on a Deaf-led tour of ‘Giants’.
Through life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and hands-on experiences, discover ten enormous prehistoric giants with tour guide, Babs Brown.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-giants
Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Third Friday of the month
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
National Museums Collection Centre
242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours
16 Jun & 21 Jul
10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30
Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of the storing and research of National Museums Scotland’s collections. Find out how these collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/collection-centre-tours
Swift Awareness Day
3 Jul
Timed sessions
Free, booking required
Join Dr Martin Stervander, Senior Curator of Birds, at the National Museums Collection Centre to discover the fast and fascinating world of the common swift. Explore swift specimens from the collections and check out some brand new swift nestboxes.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/swift-awareness-day
National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life
Tractor Tots
29 May 2026
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots
Woolly Weekend
Museum and farm
23 & 24 May
10:30-16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Celebrate all things woolly with a weekend of family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life.
See woolly farm friends up close and take part in wool-themed crafts, storytelling, and activities in the museum. Then take a walk to the farm to watch YouTube sensation Cammy Wilson sheart the flock. Cammy will explain how, when, and why sheep are sheared, and will demonstrate traditional and modern shearing techniques.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/woolly-weekend
National Museum of Rural Life 25th Anniversary Day
4 Jul
10:00-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come along to celebrate 25 years of the National Museum of Rural Life. Enjoy the special activities scheduled throughout the day that showcase the museum displays and life on a working farm.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/national-museum-of-rural-life-25th-anniversary-day
Archaeology Weekend
25 & 26 Jul
10:30-15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Take part in a family-friendly Archaeology Weekend at the National Museum of Rural Life. Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out about their work investigating and assessing new archaeological discoveries.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-weekend
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Expert Talks
Concorde Theatre
15 May & 12 Jun
11:00-11:20
Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In April, join Matteo Randazzo who will discuss ‘Second World War Archaeology at East Fortune’.
Find out nms.ac.uk/events/expert-talks
BSL Tour: National Museum of Flight
16 May
14:00-15:30
Free add-on to general admission ticket
Discover amazing aircraft and explore the history of aviation in this Deaf-led tour delivered in British Sign Language. This event is Deaf-led and aimed at adult BSL users.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-national-museum-of-flight
Awesome Bricks
20 & 21 Jun
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £17, concessions available
The hands-on celebration of LEGO® returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join in for a weekend packed full of LEGO® brick fun, with lots to see and do for all ages. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO® constructions created by talented AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®), including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in the brick build zone.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/awesome-bricks
Escape From France Puzzle Room
13 Jul–7 Aug (weekdays only)
11:30-16:00
Free with museum admission, drop-in
Work together as a family in the puzzle room and see if you’ve got what it takes to escape from France. Can you disguise yourself, speak French well enough to fool a German and find the right money to pay your rail fare to the coast?
Book your visit, nms.ac.uk/events/escape-from-france-puzzle-room
Moth Hunters
18 Jul
9:00-12:00
Free with museum admission
Discover the variety of local moths in the National Museum of Flight grounds with an early walk with entomologist Katty Baird and enjoy moth-themed family friendly activities.
Book your visit, nms.ac.uk/events/moth-hunters
360 Fest
29 Aug
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £17
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00
Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight
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For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789
An Edinburgh-based entrepreneur is turning creativity into commercial success, as her handcrafted candle business continues to grow with support from Business Gateway.
Bonnie Glow, founded by Emily Streete, creates handmade candles and wax melts inspired by Scotland’s culture, language and humour. Crafted in Edinburgh using sustainable vegan ingredients, the products are designed to offer high-quality fragrance with a distinctive Scottish personality, appealing to individual customers and retail partners alike.
Sustainability is at the heart of Bonnie Glow, with Emily recently introducing a refill scheme that allows customers to return used tins at markets in exchange for a discount on their next purchase, while all packaging and wrapping is created using upcycled materials.
Since launching, the business has grown steadily, securing its first retail listing in the city and attracting interest from other stockists keen to offer locally made, authentic products. Alongside its core range, Bonnie Glow also offers personalised candles for weddings, celebrations and gifts, as well as wholesale opportunities for independent retailers. Emily is also a regular trader at markets across the city, including Grassmarket, Stockbridge, Leith and Portobello markets, helping to build a loyal local customer base.
For Emily, launching Bonnie Glow marked a significant personal milestone. Diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year, she has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity while channelling the creativity that has become central to her business. Drawing on a background in music and performance, she built the brand from scratch, developing everything from product concepts to branding herself.
Business Gateway proved to be the catalyst that took Bonnie Glow from passion project to scalable business. Working with adviser Lee Briggs, Emily accessed one-to-one guidance across business planning, company regulations, tax and marketing. She also took part in workshops focused on marketing strategy and growth, and recently applied for additional support through the Expert Help programme.
This guidance has helped Emily build confidence in running her business, develop effective promotional strategies and identify opportunities to increase sales and grow her customer base. It has also provided valuable networking opportunities, connecting her with other local businesses and support organisations.
Emily Streete, founder of Bonnie Glow, said: “I’ve always had lots of ideas and creativity, but structure and organisation didn’t come naturally to me. Bonnie Glow has given me a way to focus that energy into something real and sustainable.
“Working with Business Gateway has helped me build confidence and put clear plans in place to grow the business. Having that support and guidance, especially in the early stages, has made a huge difference.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Emily’s journey is a great example of how tailored support can help founders play to their strengths. She has a huge amount of creative instinct, and once we worked in a way that suited her strengths, the business really started to flourish.
“Seeing the confidence Emily now brings to decision‑making and long‑term planning has been genuinely rewarding.”
Business Gateway Edinburgh offers tailored support for neurodiverse founders, including dedicated advice, resources and specialist workshops designed to reflect different ways of thinking and working.
This includes practical sessions such as marketing support for neurodiverse minds, helping entrepreneurs build confidence, develop strategies that play to their strengths and access guidance in a supportive environment.
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
Dame Louise Martin, pioneering international sports leader and former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has been appointed as the first Project Ambassador for Queen Margaret University’s (QMU) Lydia Osteoporosis Project.
Widely recognised as a trailblazer in global sports administration, Dame Louise was the first woman to serve as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Her lifelong commitment to health, wellbeing and active lifestyles strongly aligns with QMU’s ambitions to advance osteoporosis prevention, education and research.
A distinguished alumna of Queen Margaret University and a former lecturer at the institution, Dame Louise brings both professional expertise and a longstanding personal connection to QMU to her new ambassadorial role.
The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is a research and public engagement initiative focused on improving awareness, education and prevention of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens the bones, making them more fragile and more likely to fracture. Dame Louise’s appointment follows the highly successful Lydia Osteoporosis Symposium, held at QMU earlier this May. The event brought together people living with osteoporosis, carers and family members, health and social care professionals, researchers, and the wider community for an inclusive day of learning, discussion and shared experience.
Over three million people in the UK (including around 300,000 people in Scotland) live with osteoporosis, and the condition is responsible for an estimated 527,000 fractures each year. Yet despite its prevalence and life‑changing consequences, osteoporosis remains widely under‑diagnosed, under‑treated and under‑prioritised within public health and clinical agendas. Dame Louise’s appointment as Project Ambassador represents a significant opportunity to challenge this imbalance.
In her role, she will support the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team in building strategic partnerships, engaging key stakeholders and championing the importance of bone health at a national and international level. Drawing on her exceptional leadership experience, she will also provide strategic insight and represent the project at high‑profile events – helping to drive awareness, influence policy conversations and ensure osteoporosis is recognised as a serious, preventable long‑term condition that demands far greater attention, visibility and investment.
Fully funded by donor support, the Queen Margaret University Lydia Osteoporosis Project demonstrates the pivotal role a single committed donor can play in advancing research and improving patient care. To date, over £1 million has been provided by an anonymous donor, enabling Queen Margaret University to establish and sustain a programme inspired by a personal connection to osteoporosis.
The donor’s support has been central to the project’s development, underpinning work to improve manual handling practices in healthcare, expand osteoporosis awareness, and support PhD research. The project exists and continues to grow because of sustained donor commitment.
Dame Louise Martin said: “The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is about people – those living with osteoporosis, those at risk, and those who support them. It is about creating understanding, building confidence, and improving lives through shared knowledge and community.
“The work being done at QMU is innovative, important and life-changing, and I am delighted to champion it. I hope others will join us in supporting bone health and helping people live well with strength, confidence and community.”
Dame Louise has a longstanding connection with QMU, having studied at the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science (now QMU), where she later became a lecturer. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to international sport.
A talented athlete in her early years, she represented Scotland in swimming and reached the finals of the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. She went on to teach home economics in Edinburgh before embarking on a highly successful career in sports administration.
Her achievements include becoming the first woman to chair Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Council in 1999, the first female member of the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board and later serving as Secretary from 1999 to 2015.
In 2015, she became the first female President of the Federation, a role she held for two terms until 2023. She played a pivotal role in the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and was awarded a Damehood in 2019.
Dame Louise Martin said: “Throughout my career, including my time as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I have seen how preparation, consistency and strong foundations underpin success.
“The parallels with osteoporosis are clear – regular weight-bearing exercise and good nutrition are essential for building and maintaining strong bones.
“Prevention is powerful, and the earlier we start, the better the outcomes. Education and awareness are key to empowering people to take action and support their own health. I am committed to working with the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team to turn this focus on prevention and education into action, and to secure recognition of osteoporosis as a public health priority.”
Professor Sara Smith, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at QMU, said: “Dame Louise brings a powerful combination of leadership, insight and advocacy.
“Her support will be instrumental in strengthening our efforts to improve the understanding of osteoporosis, and drive forward innovation in education, research and practice.”
