Bridges, Not Boundaries

Neil Lal highlights the strategic value of trade and investment Between Scotland and India

In a statement releasedyesterday, Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, called for an ambitious deepening of trade and investment between Scotland and India, emphasising the clear economic and strategic benefits that such a partnership brings to both nations.

“As India continues its rise as a global economic powerhouse, Scotland must seize this moment to align our strengths, invest in shared opportunity, and build a modern partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and mutual prosperity,” said Mr. Lal.

India, now the fifth-largest economy in the world with a GDP exceeding $3.7 trillion, is projected to become the third-largest by 2030. In the year to March 2024, UK–India trade reached £36.3 billion, growing by over £10 billion in just three years. Scotland’s exports to India—currently valued at over £725 million—span sectors including renewable energy, education, technology, and food and drink, all primed for growth.

Key facts highlighted in Mr. Lal’s statement include:

Scotch whisky exports to India rose by 60% in 2023, with India becoming the largest market by volume.

Over 55,000 Indian students are currently studying in the UK, with increasing enrolment in Scottish universities.

India’s digital economy is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030, offering partnership potential in fintech and AI.

Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy sector can support India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Mr. Lal also underscored the role of the Indian diaspora in Scotland, which contributes over £1 billion annually to the Scottish economy, describing them as “a vital bridge between our communities and our commercial futures.”

With the UK and India of a recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the opportunities for Scottish exporters and Indian investors alike are substantial. Mr. Lal called for both governments, business leaders, and civil society to “work together to ensure Scotland is at the heart of this historic agreement.”

Through his leadership of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, Mr. Lal is actively engaging with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen this bilateral relationship through business forums, trade missions, academic partnerships, and community-led diplomacy.

“The future of international trade is not about borders—it’s about building bridges. Let Scotland and India build one stronger than ever before,” Mr. Lal concluded.

Children First unveils 48th ‘Bunnies and Brambles’ Banchory Bangle prize draw in bid to raise £15K

The eagerly awaited 48th prize draw for the Children First Banchory Bangle, titled ‘Bunnies and Brambles,’ has launched.

In partnership with renowned jeweller Malcolm Appleby, Scotland’s national children’s charity hopes to raise £15,000 through the prize draw, to give children and families help when they need it most and hope for a brighter future.

Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. The charity protects children from harm, keeps them safe and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland.

Designed by Malcolm Appleby, these stunning hand-engraved bangles draw inspiration from the vibrancy and beauty of nature, with bunnies and brambles symbolising renewal, growth and hope.

This year’s Banchory Bangle is a stunning Scottish treasure that comes in three variations: gold-plated, silver and bronze. With tickets on offer for a suggested donation of a £1 or more, everyone has a chance to win an exceptional piece of Malcolm’s artistry while helping protect Scotland’s children.

The bangle will be proudly displayed by the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh as part of  ‘A Celebration of the Banchory Bangle’ exhibition, featuring many of Malcolm’s stunning creations from over the years.

Each year, the prize draw is run by the Children First Deeside Committee and has raised more than £200,000 since 1976.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “Malcolm Appleby’s Banchory Bangle is a unique piece of Scottish treasure and this year’s design is stunning. We can’t thank Malcolm enough for his tremendous support over the years.

“The prize draw provides a rare opportunity to win an exceptional piece of jewellery while raising vital funds to keep children safe from harm.

“We are in the grip of a childhood emergency in Scotland. Now, more than ever, children, young people and their families need Children First’s support.

“Every penny raised from this year’s Banchory Bangle prize draw will go towards protecting Scotland’s children by providing expert practical, emotional and financial support through our local services and national support line.”

Engraver Malcolm Appleby, said: “Everyone’s a winner! Even if you don’t win the bangle you are helping to create a better world for children in Scotland and a better society for our future.”

Last year’s winner, Claire Hepburn told of her ‘absolute shock’ to win the bangle after taking part in the annual prize draw for many years.

She said: “It was an absolute shock. You never think you might win this, so it was absolutely wonderful.

“I have visited Malcolm’s workshop and I do have another bangle from him, so this was just the icing on the cake. It’s such a good feeling knowing you are giving donations for a worthy cause.”

The first bangle was made 47 years ago in Banchory, Malcolm’s then home, at Crathes Station, to mark Malcolm’s 21st year of living in Scotland.

The project has evolved over the decades with the continued support of the Children First Deeside Committee and long-term connection with Taylor’s On The High Street where the prize bangles are on display and prize draw tickets are for sale.

Anyone from across the UK can enter the prize draw at: 

https://childrenfirst.org.uk/get-involved/events/the-banchory-bangle-raffle-2025/

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland this autumn

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer 

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait 

18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026 

Free admission 

Alfred Buckham | Daredevil Photographer | National Galleries of Scotland 

A Dropbox of images can be found here 

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer

From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs ever taken, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques in the darkroom paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.

Free to visit at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, this will be the first major exhibition dedicated to Alfred Buckham and can only be seen in Scotland. 

This exhibition will bring together over 100 photographs and objects including popular works from the Scottish national collection, alongside extensive archival material generously loaned by Alfred Buckham’s grandsons, Richard and John Buckham. Thanks to the support of the Buckham family, personal objects including letters, photographs and even the passport Alfred Buckham used will be put on public display for the first time. 

A maverick of early aviation, Alfred Buckham (1879-1956) created his own unique style of photography by combining daring exploits in the air with innovation in the darkroom. Born in London, Buckham learned his craft by teaching photography before joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916, a predecessor to the Royal Air Force.

Hailed as an exceptionally skilled flyer, he combined his talent for aviation with his passion for photography, resulting in remarkable endeavours and trailblazing images. Based for most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, central Scotland became a natural playground for Buckham to refine his photographic techniques and let his imagination soar.

Daredevil Photographer will chart his phenomenal story from his early photographic experiments in Scotland to exciting adventures in South America and look closer at the skilled and inventive ways he created his work. 

Explore Scotland from the air and get a new perspective of well-known sights, just as Buckham himself would have. Daredevil Photographer celebrates the impact Scotland had on Buckham’s work through his images of recognisable landmarks including St Andrews Golf Links, Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument in Stirling.

The exhibition will also feature several images of the Forth Rail Bridge, Buckham’s most photographed landmark. The iconic bridge was the subject of one of his first composite photographs and appeared on the 1918 RAF Turnhouse Christmas card, which will go on display alongside the original photography. 

Daredevil Photographer will delve into the darkroom and uncover more about the creative processes used to bring Buckham’s unique images to life. After the First World War, Buckham began experimenting with composite photography; a technique where several negatives are used to create one photographic print.

While this wasn’t a new concept, composite photography added a layer of creative freedom to Buckham’s work, much like a very early form of Photoshop.

From his vast collection of glass negatives – he had over 2000 cloud images alone in his ‘cloud library’ – Buckham had the means to create images which became immersive, giving a unique sense of flying alongside these incredible aircraft while viewing the world below. 

It was through the technique of composite photography that some of Buckham’s most famous works were born, including the iconic aerial view of Edinburgh (about 1920). This striking photograph shows a bi-plane hovering amongst wispy clouds above Edinburgh Castle, with Arthur’s Seat visible through the mist in the background, and the bustling city below.

For the first time, Edinburgh will be displayed alongside the camera and original glass negatives Buckham used to capture and create this much-loved image. Visitors will also be encouraged to get inspired and try their hand at creating their own composite creations through interactive exhibits. 

Telling Buckham’s story through his own words and memories, Daredevil Photographer allows visitors to meet the courageous and humorous man behind the camera. Firsthand accounts of his incredible exploits in the air and ingenious creative methods on the ground will enhance his story and highlight his adventurous spirit: Ah! One was a rare daredevil in those days! (Alfred Buckham, The New York Times, 1930).

A free and unique immersive audio experience will bring Buckham’s world of flight and imagination to life through his own words. Hear Buckham’s grandson Richard give a voice to his grandfather’s memories and reflections on his daredevil persona. 

Daredevil in every sense of the word, Buckham went to incredible feats to capture the perfect shot, which the exhibition will explore. His preferred methods included standing in an open cockpit while mid-air, with his leg tied to the seat as a nod to safety. As a result, he experienced no less than nine crashes in his lifetime, one ending in a serious throat injury that cut his military career short.

However, he would not be deterred, describing his eccentric photography methods in a surprisingly relaxed way:  

“It is not easy to tumble out of an aeroplane, unless you really want to, and on considerably more than a thousand flights I have used a safety belt only once, and then it was thrust upon me.

“I always stand up to make an exposure and, taking the precaution to tie my right leg to the seat, I am free to move rapidly, and easily, in any desired direction; and loop the loop; and indulge in other such delights, with perfect safety” –  Alfred Buckham, The Camera, January 1927. 

Daredevil Photographer will celebrate Buckham’s skill in the air through a range of his mesmerising photographs. Encounter stunning images of the leading aircraft of the day, such as the Bristol Fighter, a two seated bi-plane designed for aerial reconnaissance, and the bizarre airships of the 1920s.

See them soaring through the skies in all weathers, amongst an array of remarkable landscapes. The exhibition will include one of his most well-known works, The Heart of the Empire (1923), on loan from the V&A Museum in London and displayed in Edinburgh for the first time.

The photograph follows a bi-plane as it glides across the London skyline, with landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the River Thames in view. Exhibited by the Royal Photographic Society in 1925, The Heart of the Empire secured Buckham’s position as one of Britain’s leading aerial photographers. 

Experience the golden age of travel through Buckham’s portfolio of images spanning across the globe. In 1931, a commission from Fortune Magazine took Buckham on an epic fifteen-week trip across the Americas, covering 19,000 miles and setting a world record. Starting in New York City and taking the opportunity to capture the newly built Empire State Building, Buckham photographed his intrepid journey from the United States to the tip of South America to share with the world.

Daredevil Photographer will chart Buckham’s incredible journey, from expansive views of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and the snowy caps of the Andes Mountains to perilous scenes of smoking volcanic creators in Guatemala and Mexico. Through his death-defying adventures and stunning photographs, Buckham expanded public understanding of the world, creating an exciting legacy which continues to capture imaginations today.   

Louise Pearson, curator of photography at the National Galleries of Scotland says: “Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching photograph of Edinburgh is one of the most popular artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland collection.

“This enthralling image becomes even more intriguing when you learn that it is a darkroom jigsaw – a composite photograph made through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the remarkable story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer via numerous loop the loops. 

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer is a free exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, opening on 18 October 2025.  

US financial giants boost UK investments and jobs 

UK Government has announced over £1.25 billion of inward investment from US finance companies, creating 1,800 jobs

  • New US investments will create 1,800 jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh and boost benefits for millions of customers.
  • Total of over £1.25 billion of private US investment committed to the UK’s world-leading financial services sector including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P.
  • Demonstrates the enduring strength of the UK-US ‘golden corridor’ in financial services, with British banks expanding operations into the US and booming cross-border investment flows reinforcing that working with America is best for Britain.  
  • Deal lines up £20 billion in trade between the two nations – including an expected £7 billion commitment from BlackRock to grow in the UK.

London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester are set to benefit from a wave of new US investment into the financial services sector, reinforcing the strength of the UK-US economic partnership ahead of next week’s Presidential State Visit.

The Westminster government says working with America is best for Britain — and today’s announcement proves it. A total of over £1.25 billion in private sector commitments from leading US firms — including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P Global — will support job creation, drive innovation, and deliver improved services for consumers in the UK.

US giants are capitalising on Britain’s leadership in financial services – expanding operations and opening new offices across the nation, with London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester set to gain from a wave of skilled job creation.

Bank of America is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, marking its first-ever operation in Northern Ireland — a major milestone that underscores the region’s growing role in global financial services.

Citi Group today confirms it is investing £1.1 billion across its UK operations, including a further commitment to growing its presence in Northern Ireland where the bank is already one of the top employers in Belfast now employing over 4,000 people — firmly establishing Belfast as a major technology powerhouse.  

BlackRock are celebrating the opening of their new Edinburgh office this week, which will see their 800-strong footprint nearly double, as part of their multi-billion dollar investment into the UK.

In Manchester, S&P Global are investing over £4 million into their Manchester offices which will support 200 permanent jobs to boost their nearly 3,000-strong UK workforce.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:Today’s announcements reinforce the UK’s position as the world’s leading investment destination. Our financial services sector is at the heart of a modern, dynamic Industrial Strategy.

“Strengthening ties with the US boosts our economy, creates jobs, and secures our role in global finance, delivering on our Plan for Change.

“These investments reflect the strength of our enduring ‘golden corridor’ with one of our closest trading partners, ahead of the US Presidential State Visit.”

This marks a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s position as a global financial hub and in the government’s plan to make Britain the best place in the world to invest — a vision underpinned by the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which is driving investment into priority sectors like financial services.

These investments highlight the enduring value of the transatlantic relationship — a cornerstone of shared prosperity that supports millions of jobs and drives growth in every region.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:This commitment from America’s leading financial institutions demonstrates the immense potential of the UK economy, our strong relationship with the US and the confidence global investors have in our Plan for Change, which is making the UK the best place in the world to invest and do business.

“These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh, kickstarting the growth that is essential to putting money in working people’s pockets across every part of the United Kingdom.”

Broadridge is making major investments into their new London office, further strengthening its UK presence and deepening transatlantic ties in financial services.

As part of the UK’s expanding fintech and digital innovation sector, PayPal is announcing a £150m investment in product innovations and growth that will benefit customers throughout the UK, reinforcing Britain’s position as a key market for the brand globally.

Jane Fraser, Citi Group CEO said: “Citi’s commitment to the UK runs deep. This is home to many of our most senior leaders and nearly 14,000 colleagues across London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Jersey.

“We’re proud to be serving 85% of the FTSE 100 and to have stood beside UK companies through every market cycle, raising capital, financing growth and helping them compete on the world stage.

“The UK isn’t simply one of our largest markets; it is core to Citi’s foundation as a truly global bank.”

The UK-US investment relationship has never been stronger, with over £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s countries at the end of 2023.

These new investment announcements are accompanied by new significant commitments by financial companies to ramp up their commercial activity and capital flows between our two economies in the coming years.

Blackrock is expecting to allocate over £7 billion to the UK market next year on behalf of clients, and is investing £500 million into enterprise data centres across the country.

Rothesay is planning to double its investment in the US (by £7 billion) over the next few years, and OakNorth is committing to increased capital and lending of over £3.5 billion to support its US operations.

British banks are expanding their US footprint; Barclays alone has deployed over $2 trillion in capital across the US in 2024 and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening UK-US investment ties. The bank has an ambition to double this amount over the next decade, expanding its footprint and supporting growth across sectors.

All in all, that will see investment and capital commitments of over £8 billion coming to the UK, and over £12 billion going the other way, creating jobs and opportunity in both countries.

Earlier this year, the Chancellor launched the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which included financial services as a high growth sector, signifying the UK’s commitment improving financial regulations and driving investment and skilled jobs into the UK.

The UK and US agreed an Economic Prosperity Deal which secured major tariff reductions for key sectors and protected jobs in the automotive and aerospace sector. Discussions continue with the US on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, strengthen supply chains and boost access for our world-leading services companies.

BlackRock will open their new Edinburgh offices on 18 September, which shows their ongoing commitment to the area – this new home will allow Blackrock to grow from 800 to 1,400. Once complete, two of the top five largest BlackRock offices will be in the UK.

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said:As the largest asset manager in the UK, BlackRock is proud to serve over 13 million British people who are saving for retirement. Today we are announcing an investment of half a billion pounds into enterprise data centres across the country, advancing digital infrastructure for British-based businesses.

“In addition, over the last year our clients around the world invested over £7bn into UK public equity and fixed income securities. We expect this trend to continue, supporting jobs, growth and innovation across a wide range of British industries.”

NHS 24: Medicine Run Out?

💊Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.

NHS inform’s accessing medicines self-help guide will help to decide whether you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy for more medication. The guide can be used for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.

https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines

Reduction in vacant and derelict land

Scottish Government investment continues to help drive progress

The amount of vacant and derelict land in Scotland has fallen by more than a quarter since 2016 according to the latest annual survey.

Of 335 sites brought back into use in 2024, 192 – more than half – were reclaimed for housing.

Welcoming the figures, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Redevelopment of vacant and derelict land for housing or businesses can turn an under-utilised asset into productive use and reduce the need for greenfield development.

“Reuse of vacant and derelict land can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental justice and improved quality of life, and help to support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities.

“Our Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme has been a driver of this progress, with £36.5 million invested in 2021-22 which has resulted in a cumulative total of 468 hectares of vacant and derelict land being brought back into use.

“The fund will continue over the current year, and 11 projects will be supported by over £9.5 million of funding from this Programme in 2025/26.”

Link to survey results www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806431403

Police action on drug activities in Wester Hailes

POLICE have arrested a number of people, executed several warrants and recovered a significant amount of drugs in the Hailesland area of Edinburgh.

Acting on concerns from within the community, numerous patrols were carried out and action taken between Friday, 1 August and Thursday, 18 August, 2025.

Cocaine and cannabis with a street value of up to £74,400 was recovered after a warrant was executed in Hailesland Grove. A 21-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection.

Six vehicles involved in criminal activity were seized, 20 stop and searches carried out and five outstanding arrest warrants executed. As a result six people have been charged with a total of 32 offences.

Chief Inspector Niven Bull, local area commander, said: “This result shows we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to trace those committing crimes in our communities.

“We continue to carry out regular activity in the Wester Hailes area and would like to thank the local community for the information they have provided.

“We will continue to work with a range of partners to develop and deliver tailored plans to detect, deter and respond to crimes reported and information received.

“Anyone with information or concerns should speak to officers or call Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

“I’d like to thank the public once again for their cooperation in working to make the area safer for all.”

A World Cup Winning Scottish Footballer, Comics and Tales from Under the Ocean

  • Big Wig Comes Out of the Woods for Wigtown Book Festival
  • Meet spectacular Scottish Woman Rose Reilly
  • Enjoy great stories with Vivian French, Joseph Coelho, Chae Strathie and Philip Ardagh and many more

Big Wig, the big furry blue creature who lives in the woods near Wigtown, is heading into town for his annual festival of children’s literature and storytelling.

The event, which runs from 27 September to 5 October as part of the annual Wigtown Book Festival, is designed to delight and inspire the youngest readers.

Most of the events are at the town’s primary school and nearly a third are free.

This year the Big Wig Children’s Festival includes the chance to meet the amazing Rose Reilly, the only Scottish footballer to have won a world cup final.

She’ll be telling the remarkable story of how she had to pretend to be a boy to be allowed into a team and was later banned from playing in her home country, before going to Italy and becoming a world cup winner.

Rosie’s story is just one of 30 featured in the book Spectacular Scottish Women and the event is among more than 30 in the Big Wig line-up.

Others include a reading by the award-winning Philip Ardagh and illustrator David Melling of their latest colourful creation Do You See The Tiger? in which it takes something quite spectacular to happen before grown-ups believe there is a stripey big cat on the subway.

Then there are immersive storytelling experiences with Scottish-based Fidan Meikle who introduces her debut novel My Name is Samim which follows the story of a boy forced from his homeland and trying to build a new life in a strange foreign country.

Fidan looks at why people end up as refugees and the ordeals they face as well as reinforcing how empathy and kindness are superpowers we all possess.

Michaela Morgan brings together the themes of refugee life and women’s football with her book Star! 

It tells the true story of Nadia Nadim’s escape from Afghanistan through to her arrival in a country where she had no idea of the language, and on to her rise to become a world-famous soccer-player, doctor (and surgeon), a linguist, a broadcaster and a role model.

Anne Barclay, Operations Director, said:One of the biggest gifts we can give young people is a love of reading. It transforms lives, gives huge pleasure and makes a massive difference to their prospects in life.

“That’s what the Big Wig children’s events are all about – they are bright, fun and inspiring.

“So it’s always a big day for us when Big Wig himself comes out of hibernation, leaves his den in the woods and heads into Scotland’s National Book Town to get ready for the annual festival named in his honour.

“And we know that lots of children out there can’t wait to head into Wigtown to meet him and all the authors and illustrators he’s invited to join us.”

And there’s so much more:

  • Former children’s laureate Joseph Coelho reads from Luna Loves Gardening.
  • Chae Strathie takes readers into the stormy seas with Seal, goes fishing with Small Penguin and plays hide-and-seek with Seahorse – who all feature in his Tales From The Ocean
  • Illustrator and author Nick Sharratt will take youngsters on the silliest and most fun museum tour ever, with jokes puns and lots of drawing activities and the chance to discover his latest book Mr Wizard’s Magic Presents.
  • Join much-loved writer Vivian French and artist Astrid Jaekel for a special interactive session on how to reinvent your home town where the only limit is your imagination.
  • Rossie Stone, award-winning, dyslexic creator and director of Dekko Comics leads a practical and interactive workshop which teaches simple strategies to make learning at school more accessible and enjoyable, even if you have a learning difficulty.

UNMASKED at City Art Centre

THE City Art Centre opens a new exhibition TODAY (Saturday) celebrating Scottish portraiture 🖼🎨

Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture showcases a rich selection of historic and contemporary portraits from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art. 

Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, including FCB CadellVictoria CrowePat DouthwaiteJoan EardleyDavid EustaceGeorge JamesoneDorothy Johnstone, John KaySekai MachacheJames Pittendrigh MacGillivray, Flannery O’kafkaHenry RaeburnAllan Ramsay and Maud Sulter

Portraiture is an age-old artform with a seemingly simple purpose: to record the likeness of a human subject. Yet the enduring appeal of portraiture lies in its complexity. Behind every portrait is a series of stories – interwoven narratives about the sitter, the artist, and the circumstances that brought them together. 

Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture examines this fascinating genre in depth, with a series of highlights from the City Art Centre’s collection. The exhibition spans almost 400 years of artistic production, with examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography. 

Among the stand-out historical artworks are Allan Ramsays celebrated portrait Katherine Hall of Dunglass (c.1736), James Cadenhead’s sumptuous oil painting Lady with Japanese Screen and Goldfish (1886) and Scottish Colourist FCB Cadell’s masterpiece The Black Hat (1914).

Modern and contemporary highlights include Pat Douthwaite’s vibrant homage to Amy Johnson Final Instructions Before Take-Off (1976), Maud Sulter’s impactful self-portrait Calliope (1989) and Sekai Machache’s exploration of symbolism and identity A Hint of Blue I and II (2021).

Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Portraiture is such a compelling, multi-layered artform. Whether you’re looking at portraits that have been commissioned to publicly commemorate peoples’ lives and achievements, or private portrayals of friends and loved ones that give glimpses into personal relationships, there are so many stories to uncover.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing new research findings with our visitors. We have, for example, recently discovered fresh information regarding a rare 18th century miniature portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

“And we’ll be displaying a number of new acquisitions for the first time, including artworks by Milein Cosman, David Eustace, George Jamesone, John Henry Lorimer and Flannery O’kafka.

“The exhibition celebrates Scotland’s rich tradition of portraiture, but it also demonstrates how absolutely relevant the genre remains today.  

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, said: “I am delighted that ‘Unmasked’ will be presented at the City Art Centre from this month.

“With both historic and contemporary works on display, ‘Unmasked’ highlights the enduring power of portraiture to tell personal, political and cultural stories. Showcasing the work of over 30 artists and spanning 400 years of artistic production including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, visitors will be able to view old favourites and discover new treasures and the fascinating stories behind the works.

Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture opens on Saturday 13 September 2025, and continues until 31 May 2026. Admission is free.  

Pictured: Curator Helen Scott, with A Hint of Blue I and II Digital Photographic Print by Sekai Machache

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts team aims to turn miles into meals!

TOMORROW (Sunday 14 September) our 2025 team – Anne, Claire, Donald, Finn, Harvey, Julia, Maureen, Oliver, Tom, Trish and Sarah – are taking on the Kiltwalk to turn miles into meals!

Every £5 that you sponsor is a healthy meal pack cooked, packed and delivered to a person in need – alongside wellbeing and referral support.

Everyone deserves to know where their next meal is coming from. You can take away that worry from a person or family today.

To support the team, click here: https://emptykitchens.enthuse.com/cf/kiltwalk-2025