Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

TODAY: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns

Capes, crafts and community: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns to raise vital funds for children’s hospices

The UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft, is calling on the nation’s creative superheroes to get involved as its much-loved Superhero Saturday fundraising event returns to stores across the UK today, raising vital funds for long-standing charity partner, Together for Short Lives.

Hobbycraft colleagues and customers will be encouraged to unleash their creative superpowers, with stores transformed into heroic headquarters for a day of fundraising, fun and creativity. From dressing up as favourite superheroes to taking part in creative activities, bake sales and other fundraising challenges, there will be plenty of ways for customers to get involved and show their support.

Every pound raised will help support Together for Short Lives and the UK’s 52 children’s hospices, providing vital care and support to children living with serious illness and their families.

Hobbycraft has partnered with Together for Short Lives since 2012, with colleagues and customers raising an incredible £3.4 million and counting over almost 14 years. The partnership is built around a shared belief in the power of creativity, art and play to bring joy, connection and precious moments to families facing unimaginably difficult circumstances.

Natalie Amosu, Marketing Director at Hobbycraft, comments: “At Hobbycraft, we believe creativity has the (super)power to bring comfort, joy and connection, and there’s no better example of that than Superhero Saturday.

“Every cape made, every craft sold and every pound raised helps give families facing unimaginable circumstances a little more support. Powered by our incredible colleagues and customers, we are all committed to making this event magical and memorable.”

Nick Carroll, Chief Executive at Together for Short Lives, comments: “Sitting right at the heart of our partnership is the shared belief that art and play have the power to enrich the lives of the children and families we support.

“To them, it’s not just painting, drawing and crafting. It’s a smile, a story and a memory made which that family will treasure forever.

“We’re so grateful to every single caped crusader and creative customer at Hobbycraft who no doubt will make this year’s Superhero Saturday the best one yet.”

Superhero Saturday will take place in Hobbycraft stores across the UK today – Saturday 22nd August.

Customers can visit their local store to take part in fundraising activities and help support children’s hospices and the families who rely on their vital services.

Award-winning Fringe Show prompts Assisted Dying discussions

An award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show is helping audiences discuss assisted dying, death and family relationships in a supportive and judgement-free way. 

Written and performed by Bonnie Oddie, That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland is based on her experience of taking her mother to Swiss clinic Dignitas to end her life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and the intergenerational dynamics of a family experiencing the exceptional. 

The show won Best Solo Show at Riverside Studios’ Bitesize Festival in 2024 and has since garnered a positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth. 

To give visitors space and time to reflect, the team supporting the show have set up a space in the Festival’s Bristo Square area for people to write down their thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the complex issues raised by the show. 

One audience member said, “Anyone with a daughter, mother, or grandmother will be moved. Generational storytelling all while hanging laundry.”

Another added, “[a] compelling piece of storytelling. Loved the washing line and Bonnie’s movement…” 

The show has drawn attention from organisations from both sides of Scotland’s assisted dying debate who have complimented the way it humanises the issue of assisted dying and presents an even-handed, personal depiction of the emotive subject. 

That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland runs until 31 August (not 24th) 11:25am in Underbelly Bristo Square (Clover).

Writer and performer, Bonnie Oddie, said: “One of the things I wanted to do with this show was to help create a non-partisan and non-judgemental discussion around death, assisted dying, and family relationships. 

“As a team, we decided the best way to do that is to take a washing line, a prop from the show, and provide space and materials to let our audiences write down what they think and feel after they come to see us. 

“I’ve been blown away by some of the reactions and conversations that we’ve had, it’s been inspiring, emotional, and has shown to me that people want and need to talk about these difficult topics.”

Free Cake Giveaway as Cake Box opens new Davidson’s Mains store

TODAY from 11am

CAKE lovers in Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh, can enjoy a free sweet treat on Saturday 22nd  August, as Cake Box opens its brand-new store.

The new bakery will be serving up Cake Box’s signature fresh cream, 100 percent egg-free cakes – from celebration centrepieces to everyday indulgences – all handmade and beautifully finished in store.

To mark the official launch, Cake Box Davidson’s Mains will be giving away 100 free slices to the first 100 customers and 100 free cupcakes for children (available while stocks last). There will also be free sampling for the duration of the launch, also while stocks last.

Sukh Chamdal, founder and chief executive officer at Cake Box, said: “We are excited to grow the Cake Box family in Edinburgh with our new Davidson’s Mains store.

“We have always strived to make special moments between family and friends that bit sweeter, and we are thrilled to welcome the Davidson’s Mains community with free treats, family fun and, of course, our delicious range of egg-free, handmade cakes.”

Event details

Date: Saturday 22nd  August  
Time: From 11am
Address: 54A Main Street, Davidsons Mains Edinburgh, EH4 5AA
Giveaway: 100 free slices to the first 100 customers (available while the stock lasts) and 100 free cupcakes for children, with free samples available all day

Council outlines action to manage heatwaves and respond to climate change

An update on the Council’s response to climate change and extreme weather was presented to councillors this week.

While Edinburgh fortunately hasn’t seen the severe high temperatures experienced by other parts of the UK and globally – the capital is not immune to a changing climate, with hotter and wetter weather anticipated to increase risk and create challenges for people, communities and businesses.

Work continues to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the strategic approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.

Positive progress on a range of measures to tackle the higher temperatures – across Council buildings and estate, in work with partners and developers, and among Council staff and residents – will help to mitigate climate change risks and increase Edinburgh’s resilience to extreme weather.

Key areas of work include:

  • Helping people stay safe in extreme weather such as heatwaves with clear and updated information on the Council website on how to keep cool in the heat.
  • Supporting schools to be resilient through implementation of a school severe weather plan including guidance on keeping school buildings cool, risk assessment information and how to support pupils.
  • Planting more trees across the capital to reach our ambitious target to become a million tree city by 2030 – currently at around 830,000 trees. More trees will provide shade and shelter for communities in addition to improving the city’s air quality.
  • Improving access to nature for residents and visitors, and supporting greater biodiversity by expanding the Edinburgh Nature Network – a long-term project to connect parks, woodlands, green spaces and waterways.
  • Providing easy access to water during hot weather through installation of water hydration stations, in partnership with Scottish Water, across some of the city’s busiest areas.
  • Developing an interactive online hub to support residents to take climate action through manageable changes to their homes and lifestyles, which will be hosted on our Net Zero Edinburgh website
  • Proactive work with partners to identify areas at risk of wildfire, put in place measures for managing and containing wildfires and to monitor and protect nature-sensitive areas.

As work continues, residents are encouraged to play their part in helping to reduce emissions, adapt their homes and support nature:

  • Where possible, walk, wheel, cycle or take the bus or tram rather than drive.
  • Reduce waste by recycling in the correct bins, including using a food waste bin and/or home compost.
  • Recycle or reuse household items by donating or buying items at local charity shops. Use the Edinburgh reuse tool to find sustainable options.
  • Support the One Million Tree project by growing local plants, trees and bushes in gardens or outside space – this will help local wildlife and help with adapting the city to climate change.
  • Save water by using a water butt or a rainwater planter to collect water which can be used to water plants.
  • Save energy in homes including by insulating, draft proofing and switching to energy saving LED lightbulbs

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “In Edinburgh we fortunately haven’t seen the extreme temperatures that those in the South of England have had to contend with this summer – but we are seeing warmer weather, more frequent storms and increased rainfall.

We aren’t being complacent and we knew when we declared a climate emergency that we needed to take action to tackle the causes of climate change and be ready to respond to its effects on our city.

“I’m pleased to see the progress we’re making against our plans to tackle both the city’s climate and nature emergencies, to make sure we’re prepared for a changing climate – and importantly to support residents and visitors to cope with warmer and wetter weather.

“I want to encourage residents to play their part by making small everyday changes to the way they do things that will collectively make a big difference.“

Letter: Readers urged to help stamp out trophy hunting imports

Dear Editor,

With the summer holiday season coming to an end, many of us will be familiar with the strict rules on what we can bring home to the UK from a foreign trip. Whether it’s cheese from France or exotic fruits from more far-flung countries, there are a host of restrictions on what travellers can bring through customs.

So it may come as a shock to readers that hunting trophies – made from the body parts of hunted animals like lions, elephants and cheetahs – can still be legally bought into the country simply by being granted a licence by Government.

This is despite repeated promises from the Government to ban hunting trophy imports, and research consistently showing that more than four in five Brits believe hunting trophy imports should be illegal*.

Whether they live in our gardens or on another continent, wild animals belong in the wild, not on display as souvenirs. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to finally bring in a ban on trophy hunting imports so we can make 2026 the last summer this abhorrent practice is allowed.

Readers can help by signing up to support the campaign being run by Humane World for Animals UK, Born Free and Four Paws UK at:

humaneworld.org/nothing-to-declare

David Elliott

Executive Director, Humane World for Animals UK

Dr Mark Jones

Head of Policy, Born Free Foundation

Arthur Thomas

Public Affairs Advisor,Four Paws UK

Summer downpours fail to ease pressure on Scotland’s rivers

The number of areas in Scotland at Significant Water Scarcity has increased from three to five this week, with prolonged low river flows continuing despite heavy rain in parts of the country.

The latest weekly water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows the Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water in Dumfries and Galloway have moved to Significant Scarcity. They join the River Teviot and Ettrick Water in the Scottish Borders and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire, which remain at Significant Scarcity.

The prolonged nature of the dry conditions can be seen in river flows. Ancrum on the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders has experienced 46 days of continuous low flows, with flows earlier this month reaching their fifth-lowest level in a 53-year record.

In Dumfries and Galloway, Dalbeattie, the reference gauge for Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water, has experienced the greatest number of low-flow days in 20 years. The Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire have also experienced around of 38 days of continuous low flows.

Heavy, thundery rainfall fell in parts of Scotland on Wednesday and some rivers have responded. However, there has been limited improvement in the overall water scarcity picture and further sustained rainfall will be needed for more widespread recovery.

There remains a marked contrast across the country. Much of northern and western Scotland remains at Normal Conditions, while prolonged dry conditions mean large parts of eastern Scotland continue to experience some level of water scarcity. River flows remain low to very low across much of the country, particularly in the east.

Eilidh Johnston, Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “What we’re seeing this summer demonstrates why a few days of rain can’t be viewed as an automatic end to water scarcity. When rivers have been running low for weeks, recovery can require sustained rainfall in the right places.

“For businesses that rely on water from the environment, that uncertainty needs to be part of long-term planning. Using water efficiently and building resilience now can help businesses prepare for periods when water availability becomes more constrained.

“We appreciate the way abstractors have responded to this year’s water scarcity situation and the restrictions that have been necessary. We continue to see good compliance, helping to protect rivers at a time when they are under significant pressure.”

No irrigation licences are affected by Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water moving to Significant Scarcity. Restrictions remain in place for affected abstractors in the River Teviot and Ettrick Water areas.

Aldi calls on families in Scotland to apply for it’s new Superfam Pass

Families in Scotland can now apply to get their hands on Aldi’s brand-new Superfam Pass, which offers one lucky household a full year of free groceries

 Aldi is launching a Superfam Pass to give one lucky household a full year of free groceries.   

Britain’s biggest discounter is on the lookout for a household of devoted Aldi shoppers, offering them the chance to have a year’s shopping covered.   

The winning household will receive Aldi’s exclusive Superfam Pass, which offers £800 worth of free shopping every month across the year – totalling £9,600 – with the lucky winner able to shop everything from weekly essentials and fresh favourites to those iconic middle-aisle finds.   

The Superfam Pass holders will also receive a whole host of Specialbuys tailored to their household, from toys and activities to homeware and garden equipment worth £400 as part of the prize, helping to keep the whole household stocked up throughout the year.   

How to apply

Aldi is calling on households in Scotland to explain why they would make a brilliant first-ever Aldi Superfam. Whether you’re a busy household that plans every meal around the weekly Aldi shop or you’ve turned the middle aisle into a weekend tradition, Britain’s biggest discounter wants to hear your story.   

To enter, email ALDISuperfam@aldi.co.uk with your family or household members’ names, ages, location and why they deserve to be named Aldi’s Superfam.   

Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “The weekly shop is a big part of the household budget, so imagine being able to take it off your list of expenses for an entire year.  

“That’s what we want to give one household with our first-ever Superfam Pass – £800 to spend at Aldi every month for 12 months, plus a few Specialbuy surprises along the way.

“At a time when households are looking for every opportunity to make their budgets stretch further, we hope taking care of the weekly shop will make a real difference to our winners.”  

The deadline for entries is Monday 21st September at 11:59pm and the winning household will be contacted by Monday 5th October 2026.

Terms and conditions apply.

For full T&Cs, visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/aldi-terms-and-conditions-superfam-pass-competition/

Multi-Year Funding for Scotland’s Bairns Hooses

Scotland’s Bairns’ Hooses will be supported with multi-year funding from the next year to help them better plan for the future and ensure that every child who needs its services can access those by 2031.

Bairns’ Hooses bring together essential services such as health, justice and social work and recovery around a child in a trauma-informed approach.

They provide better support for children who have been victims or witnesses of abuse or violence that has caused or is likely to cause significant harm. This ensures children do not have to repeatedly recount their experiences while accessing the support they need.

By providing multi-year funding certainty, the Scottish Government is enabling partners to plan for the long-term and recruit key practitioners more easily. The multi-year funding will cover financial years 2027-28 to 2029-30, with the level of funding being set out in next year’s Budget.

Children and Young People Minister Siobhian Brown said: “No child should have to face the aftermath of abuse or trauma alone, or be made to tell their story over and over again to different people, at what is already one of the most difficult times in their life. Bairns’ Hoose exists to wrap support around children when they need it most, bringing together the people who can help.

“The proposed multi-year investment, covering financial years 2027-28 to 2029-30, would build on more than £30 million already invested in the programme. Nine Bairns’ Hooses are currently operational across Scotland, providing trauma-informed, child-centred support to children who have experienced abuse or violence – and with a tenth site in Fife expected to be up and running soon.

“Local partnerships are at the heart of delivering of Bairns’ Hoose, bringing key statutory partners across justice, health and recovery support services together around the child.

“We have listened to feedback from partnerships who asked for multi-year funding to give the certainty needed to plan, recruit and scale up services effectively, supporting the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure every child who needs it has access to a Bairns’ Hoose by May 2031.”

Fife Bairns’ Hoose Partnership said:  “Multi-year funding provides partnerships like ours with the stability needed to embed services, strengthen collaboration across agencies and focus on delivering lasting change for children and families. A

” longer-term funding commitment would also support the development of a sustainable and committed workforce and effective commissioning arrangements, creating the conditions for successful implementation and continuous improvement.

“This approach would enable our Bairns’ Hoose to fulfil its vision and purpose for children and young people across Fife, ensuring they benefit from a coordinated, trauma-informed response that delivers positive outcomes over the long term.” 

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, has responded to news that Scotland’s Bairns Hooses will be supported with multi-year funding from next year.

In response to the Scottish Government’s announcement of multi-year funding for Scotland’s Bairns Hooses, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “The guarantee of multi-year funding for the Bairns Hoose model is a vital investment in the future of children who have experienced violence and abuse.

“Every child has a right to get all the trauma-informed care, justice, protection, advocacy and recovery support they need through Bairns Hoose to move on with their lives, without delay.

“While Scotland has made significant progress since Children First opened the first Bairns Hoose in 2023, there must now be a greater focus on funding the therapeutic recovery, advocacy and participation which lie at the core of the model. Without it, Bairns Hoose will not deliver the transformation in systems that children need and which the Scottish Government aspires to.

“The roll out of Bairns Hoose is a wider step to ensuring that no child is asked to go to court unless it is absolutely and unavoidably necessary.

“Alongside today’s commitment and the funding that will be required to fully deliver the Bairns Hoose model, the principle that court is no place for children needs to be enshrined in legislation to give child victims confidence that their wellbeing and recovery is the priority.”

Young Edinburgh changemakers celebrated for driving positive community impact

YMCA Edinburgh recognised at global summit for creating leadership opportunities for young people driving community change

Eleven-year-olds Edie Chaw and Tarek Hydara Estribio are being celebrated by YMCA Edinburgh after showcasing that you don’t have to be an adult to drive real change. Both are residents of Cables Wynd House in Leith and active members of youth-led advocacy groups supported by the charity, and they are leading the charge in helping develop their neighbourhood for the better.

Edie and Tarek are active participants in several of YMCA Edinburgh’s initiatives, including The Cables Wynd House Youth Residents Forum, a youth-led advocacy group where they held consultations with their peers and collaborated with adult residents and Making Rights Real to present a comprehensive housing report to the City of Edinburgh Council. As part of the initiative they were also consulted on public space improvements.

Edie and Tarek are also involved in The Next Generation Youth Forum, a programme focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers. They also work on local green space projects, sustainable food and composting workshops, and creative community awareness programs like climate-themed banner workshops as part of their involvement in the Climate Change Group.

The success of these youth-led initiatives by YMCA Edinburgh was recently recognised on the global stage.

At the 2026 YMCA World Council in Toronto, Mike Kerracher, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Edinburgh, represented the organisation alongside international leaders and Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.

Speaking on a panel, the event had 1,400 representatives from over 120 countries, Kerracher showcased how organisations can move beyond merely consulting young people to actively creating genuine opportunities for them to lead.

Now, YMCA Edinburgh is launching a renewed call to create these leadership opportunities locally and nationally, emphasising that youth are ready to drive real community change if given the chance.

Mike Kerracher, CEO of YMCA Edinburgh, said: “Edie and Tarek are fantastic examples of what happens when young people are empowered to take the lead.

“True community change happens when we stop making decisions for young people and start making decisions with them, when we give them a genuine seat at the table and invest in their ideas, they shine.”

Edie Chaw, 11, said: “Sometimes people think only grown-ups know how to fix things, but kids see the neighbourhood differently.

“When you don’t only ask adults, but also ask what kids want, and when everyone actually listens to each other we can come together and combine our ideas to create something everyone wants.”

Tarek Hydara Estribio, 11, added: “Being part of these projects helps me learn how to communicate, work as a team, and socialise with lots of different people.

“It’s given us a real chance to speak up because we just want to be heard, and it feels great to know we’re actually helping to make things better.”

This international recognition follows a highly successful year for YMCA Edinburgh, which supported over 250 individuals across its services. Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the organisation’s success.

Over the last year, 39 dedicated volunteer mentors provided vital one-to-one support to 59 young people. As a result, 98% of participants reported improved access to opportunities and 94% experienced enhanced wellbeing.

Alongside these programmes, the organisation successfully delivered seven weeks of free holiday activities, expanding sports, outdoor learning, and wellbeing support for local families.

YMCA Edinburgh is committed to creating even more opportunities for young people to lead, influence decisions, and shape the future of their communities.

Young people who want to make a difference are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about the Next Generation Youth Forum and other participation opportunities. The organisation is also keen to hear from adults interested in volunteering as mentors, collaborating with young people around meaningful climate action in the local community, or supporting its wider work. 

Whether through mentoring, partnership, fundraising, or simply encouraging a young person to get involved, everyone has a role to play in empowering the next generation. To find out more, email admin@ymcaedinburgh.com.