Get your fresh, farm-grown produce straight from Lauriston Farm! Each week have a variety of freshly picked veggies from our Market Garden, plus a fantastic range of products from our wonderful stall partners:
Mushrooms and tinctures from Rhyze Mushrooms
Herbal remedies from Grass Roots Remedies
Fresh bread & pastries from Granton Garden Bakery
Free-range eggs from Croft Organics
Wildflower plants from Lauriston Wildflowers
Open-pollinated veg & herb seeds from Seeds of Scotland
We offer a selection of seasonal produce, and while the offerings may vary week to week, we promise there’ll always be something fresh and exciting to browse.
Whether you’re picking up a few veggies, a loaf of bread, or just popping by for a chat, we’d love to see you there!
Payment: Cash and card accepted.
Accessibility: The stall is outdoors on a rough stone path with level access from the car park, suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Getting Here: The market is located in the farmyard, right in front of the ‘Welcome’ portacabin.
Access is through the gate at the back of the Toby Carvery car park (EH4 5EX).
We can’t wait to see you there – come for the produce, stay for the good vibes!
New paper sets out proposals for constitutional change
A paper setting out how the people of Scotland have the right to decide their constitutional future has been published by the Scottish Government.
‘Your Right to Decide’ sets out how, following a clear decision being made by the people of Scotland to hold a referendum, it is for both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to acknowledge and respect that decision.
The paper calls on the UK Government to make a clear commitment to respect the people’s right to choose their future.
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Figures and institutions with very different political outlooks have long supported the idea that it is for people who live in Scotland to decide our country’s future.
“The United Kingdom is a democracy, so there must be a way by which the people of Scotland can exercise their right to decide if there should be a change to its constitutional status.
“Scotland is a proud nation and a lively democracy. As such, there is always healthy debate about the best way forward for our country.
“But we can only have that debate – we can only make a decision about our future – if we get a choice. I urge everyone, whatever their views, to ensure that the people of Scotland’s right to decide is respected.”
POLICE have announced that another two people have been arrested and charged in connection with Operation Portaledge, bringing the total number of arrests to 57.
On Monday, 18 August, 2025, officers arrested and charged a 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old man in connection with multiple offences in Edinburgh.
They were charged in connection with an attempted wilful fire-raising of a property on Barnton Avenue on Sunday, 17 August, 2025, the wilful fire-raising of a premises on Gorgie Road and the attempted wilful fire-raising of a vehicle on Gorgie Road on Monday, 18 August.
Both men appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 19 August, 2025.
UK GOVERNMENT MUST END ARMS SALES & RECOGNISE PALESTINE
Gordon Macdonald MSP has echoed First Minister John Swinney’s powerful statement on Palestine, urging the UK Government to take immediate action and outlining the action that the SNP will take with the powers Scotland has.
The genocide in Palestine has already claimed more than 63,000 lives. Famine is spreading throughout a ruined Gaza. While the Palestinian flag was raised at St Andrew’s House the First Minister set out Scotland’s humanitarian response and demanded action from Starmer’s government.
First Minister @JohnSwinney reiterated his horror at genocide unfolding in Gaza.
He set out new economic, diplomatic and humanitarian measures in response to the Israeli government's actions, and called for the urgent recognition of Palestine.
The SNP is demanding that the Labour UK government:
Immediately recognise the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders.
End all arms sales to Israel and withdraw from the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement
Impose sanctions on members of the Israeli government complicit in war crimes and illegal settlements
Ban imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, following Ireland’s lead
Support international justice, including backing South Africa’s case at the ICJ and implementing ICC arrest warrants.
The actions that will be taken by the SNP Scottish Government include:
Trade and arms restrictions: New public funding will be paused for arms companies whose products are linked to states accused of genocide, including Israel. Any defence companies seeking support from the Scottish Government must prove that they are not supplying the Israeli military.
Medical support for children: Scotland will provide treatment for up to 20 injured children from Gaza, who will arrive with their families to Scotland from mid-September.
Support for students: working with universities to ensure Gazan students can attend Scottish universities if offered a place.
Justice and accountability: exploring how Scotland’s legal community, universities, and civil society can contribute to preserving evidence for international criminal cases.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Scotland will not stand by while genocide unfolds before our eyes. The SNP is ensuring that Scotland stands with Palestine by delivering real action.
“We’re sending humanitarian aid, treating injured children, supporting students, and halting public funding for companies linked to Israel’s war machine.”
“The Labour UK government must recognise the State of Palestine, end arms sales to Israel, and impose sanctions on Israeli war criminals. Anything less is a betrayal of international law and of basic human decency.
“The people of Scotland expect their leaders to speak out for justice and humanity. The SNP will always stand for peace, for dignity, and for a future where every life is valued equally.”
Support for defence companies involved in Israel halted
“In the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual’” – First Minister
New awards of public money to defence companies involved with Israel will be halted, First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday as he set out a package of new economic, humanitarian and diplomatic measures in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
As the death toll in Gaza passes 63,000, the First Minister reiterated his concern at genocide unfolding in Gaza. He set out a package of measures including:
New awards of public money will be paused to defence companies whose products or services are provided to countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide being committed by that country, including Israel.
Instructing relevant delivery bodies such as Scottish Enterprise where possible to not provide support for trade between Scotland and Israel.
£400,000 to Kids Operating Room to establish the Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub – a rapidly deployable hospital in Gaza to provide essential surgical, maternity and paediatric services.
£600,000 to the UNOCHA led Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories to provide life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.
Calling for the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, withdraw from the existing Free Trade Agreement with Israel, end all military cooperation with Israel while the war continues, and prohibit the import of goods produced in illegal settlements.
In light of Russia’s invasion of and continued war against Ukraine the Scottish Government will lift the restriction previously applied to the use of public support for the production of munitions.
This will not be available to companies which fail to demonstrate that their products are not involved militarily with Israel or other countries implicated in genocide.
The First Minister said: “The situation in Gaza is a man-made humanitarian catastrophe. We must confront this crisis with urgency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.
“This Government has consistently and unequivocally condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. We have joined the international community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“But I share the concerns of other countries and international leaders that a genocide appears to be unfolding in Gaza. The legal determination of genocide is the responsibility of international courts. But, governments must act now.
“Defending our country – defending our continent – is a duty of government.
“Anyone watching the ongoing war in Ukraine would, I hope, recognise the reality of the importance of defence. Indeed, the invasion shows we live in a world in which our national security faces much greater and more immediate threats.
“In recognition of that changed international landscape, the Scottish Government will lift the restriction we have applied on the use of support for the production of munitions.
“But, in the face of genocide, there can be no ‘business as usual’.
“We are instructing relevant delivery bodies where possible not to provide support facilitating trade between Scotland and Israel.
“We will pause new awards of public money to defence companies whose products or services are provided to countries where there is plausible evidence of genocide being committed by that country. That will include Israel.
“Any defence company seeking support from the Scottish Government will have to demonstrate that its products are not involved militarily with Israel.
“And Scotland will directly address humanitarian need. We have a long history of helping those in desperate need and we will not be found wanting now. I can announce today that we will provide £400,000 to establish the Gaza HOPES Field Readiness Hub in Scotland.
“We will also donate £600,000 to the UNOCHA led Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories which will provide life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families, ensuring aid reaches those most at risk.
“We have also committed to providing medical support for up to 20 injured children from Gaza and expect the first arrivals along with their families in mid-September.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. And yet, the bombs continue to fall.
“The world cannot wait for a final court ruling before acting. The signs are clear. The alarm has been raised.
“The bombs and rockets must stop. Humanitarian aid must flow.
“The international community, including the UK Government, must recognise a Palestinian state as the first step towards peace and a two-state solution. A solution where the peoples of both Israel and Palestine can live side-by-side in peace and security.
“Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less of us.
“Scotland will always raise her voice in favour of peace and humanity.”
Response to the Scottish First Minister John Swinney’s Parliamentary Statement on the Situation in Gaza of 3rd September 2025 from Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland
Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland, said: “It is disappointing that despite his warm and reassuring words when we met with him and Angus Roberston on Monday, the First Minister has chosen to express a position that we are concerned will undermine the safety, security and well-being of the Jewish community in Scotland.
“We set out our concerns in writing to the First Minister‘s office yesterday and will continue to engage with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to safeguard our community’s welfare and future in Scotland.”
THE JEWISH COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND’S LETTER READS:
Letter from Jewish Council of Scotland to First Minister, in Response to Yesterday’sStatement
2nd September 2025
Dear First Minister,
Thank you for meeting representatives of the Jewish community in Scotland yesterday.
We welcome your stated commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
You also indicated at our meeting that you planned to make an intervention tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd September, relating to your view that Israel is engaged in the commission of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
As recognised during our meeting, the language used in public discourse matters greatly. In consequence, those who lead our country and our community have an especially significant role in setting the tone of public debate, including ensuring that they use language carefully and responsibly.
In light of this shared recognition, it is important to us to bring to your attention our concerns about the implications of such a proposed intervention for us and our community.
It is indisputable that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. It is equally beyond debate that both Israel and Hamas bear responsibility for this tragic situation. For you to assert as First Minister of Scotland that Israel is engaged in a genocidal campaign against Palestinians, however, would, in our view, be irresponsible.
Ultimately, of course, only a competent court may determine whether and if so how the Genocide Convention may have been breached by Israel.
More seriously in local terms, however, while any position you or the Scottish Government might take on the matter is unlikely to have any impact on the situation in Gaza, it is likely to have significant negative implications for our community here in Scotland.
In particular, setting out a stance likely to be publicly perceived simply and without qualification as anti-Israel, without drawing any distinction between the state of Israel and its current leadership, or acknowledging the continuing culpability of Hamas, is likely to have a far greater and more immediate impact locally, fuelling “antizionist” – and antisemitic – hatred and discrimination against Scotland’s Jews and our institutions and symbols, than it is on the situation in the Middle East, let alone in Westminster.
Indeed, it would be a tragic irony were our communal institutions, including Scotland’s only Jewish primary school, required to upgrade security provision in consequence of interventions by the Scottish Government and its leadership.
Like you, the vast majority of Jews around the world are Zionists – supporters of the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in our ancestral homeland. Moreover, and again like you, our community and our institutions are committed to the realisation of a two-state solution, with a secure Israel existing alongside a viable Palestinian state.
Rather than risk increasing fear, anxiety, and trauma in our community, we would respectfully ask you to work with us to promote that vision in a principled, pragmatic, and constructive manner.
We thank you again for your engagement and for your continued commitment to the dignity and safety of all communities in Scotland.
A 22-year-old man who died in Leith on Tuesday (2 September, 2025) has been named as John McNab.
Around 2.10am, police received a report a man had been injured on Great Junction Street at Bonnington Road. Emergency services attended and John died at the scene.
Specialist officers are continuing to provide support to his family.
A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Thursday, 4 September, 2025.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information should contact the inquiry team through 101, quoting reference number 0239 of Tuesday, 2 September, 2025.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The national business support service is encouraging Midlothian locals to start their own business with the help of Business Gateway
Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Running throughout September, the campaign is designed to inspire and support anyone with a business idea to take their first step.
Business Gateway is encouraging aspiring Scottish entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business, or take their side-hustle further, to explore the wide range of free support available.
This support includes one-to-one guidance from experienced local business advisers, webinars, online resources, reviews of business plans as well as access to market research reports. Business Gateway’s services are available to businesses in Scotland at every stage in their journey.
One of Business Gateway’s key resources is its Planning To Start tool – an online questionnaire designed to help individuals assess their readiness to start a business. By answering a few quick questions, users can access a start-up toolkit filled with resources, advice, webinars and specific support for their business.
It also connects them directly with relevant Business Gateway services and local advisers, making it easier to access tailored support from day one.
Scottish start-up month is backed by Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes and is supported by a group of hero ambassadors – Gemma Stuart, founder of Gut Wealth; Nicola Johnston, director of Island Larder; Gary Claase, co-founder of Gecko Glazing; Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, CEO of PG Paper and Coinneach MacLeod, Hebridean Baker.
Along with a number of other early pledgers, each of the hero ambassadors has pledged their backing for the campaign to inspire the next generation of Scottish business owners.
The campaign also features the support of small business owners from across Scotland who are lending their voices and experiences, including Louise McMahon of Edinburgh Dyslexic Services and Kasia McGavigan of Blue Bee Mike.
Business Gateway is now calling on other established businesses and organisations across Scotland to pledge their support by using their own platforms to encourage emerging start-up businesses.
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said:“Scotland has no shortage of ambition, creativity and drive, but taking that first step can often feel overwhelming. With Scottish Start-Up Month, we want to show that help is not only available but easy to access.
“Whether you’re starting a side project or planning your next big idea, we’re here to help turn that into something real. This collective backing will help spotlight the power of local enterprise and build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy and it has been very encouraging to see a number of different sources indicating a significant increase in Scottish start-up companies being created.
“This indicates a confidence in the business environment and conditions being created to encourage any business-minded person who wants to start or develop their business idea to do so.
“Business founders of course need the right support at the right time to help ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.
“I would encourage anyone who is considering starting or scaling-up a business to get in touch with Business Gateway and the other organisations supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent up and down the country to start a conversation, find out more and get the right help to ensure your business can start, scale and thrive.”
Hero ambassador and founder of Gut Wealth, Gemma Stuart, said: “Starting a business can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming.
“Having access to advice, community and resources through Business Gateway made all the difference to me and my business and I’d encourage any small business owner to reach out for support. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that helps others see that they don’t have to do it alone.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
Visitors can spin into September at the National Museum of Flight’s family fun day this weekend. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands-on activities at 360 Fest, returning to East Lothian this Saturday (6th September).
The one-day event offers full-circle family fun for all ages. Visitors can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Think Circus will also pop up around the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield with spectacular circus performances.
The Ultimate Extreme Sports Show will showcase cycle and sport skills, including BMX stunts, mountain bike trials and bike parkour. Visitors who fancy having a go themselves can also choose a bike and zoom round The Dirt Factory’s bike pump track. Family crafts, demos, and STEM activities a complete the packed programme.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We’re delighted that 360 Fest is returning to the National Museum of Flight for a second year.
“This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together. Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.”
Visitors can explore the National Museum of Flight and discover iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde. Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly.
There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
360 Fest takes place on Saturday 6 September. Activities run from 11:00-16:00 and the museum is open 10:00-17:00.
Pictured: Kat Borrowdale from Think Circus practices ahead of 360 Fest, a day of family fun celebrating all things circular at the National Museum of Flight.
Discover! Creative Careers has announced its expansion into Scotland through a new partnership with Into Film
Discover Creative Careers Week, Scotland will run from 10-14 November to coincide with Scottish Careers Week
Following a competitive tender process, Into Film have been awarded the contract to implement the Discover! Creative Careers programme in Scotland across 2025 – 2026.
Working in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Discover! Creative Careers in Scotland has an ambition to reach at least 10,000 young people across 2025-2026.
Nicola Kettlewood, Programme Lead for Into Film Scotland: “It’s a tremendous honour for Into Film Scotland to lead the Discover! Creative Careers Programme. Scotland’s creative industries are rich with opportunity, and this programme allows us to inspire and inform the next generation about the diverse roles available across the sector.
“We’re committed to making these pathways more visible and accessible, particularly for young people who may not have previously seen a place for themselves in the creative world.
“We have built strong, lasting relationships with schools, local authorities, and industry partners across the nation. The relationships include a committed group of Scottish Education Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Council members that meet regularly, providing insights and feedback to shape our programme as well as acting as influential advocates of Into Film’s work.”
Into Film will work with the central Discover! Creative Careers team at ScreenSkills and in collaboration with key local partners Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to shine a spotlight on careers in creative and cultural industries throughout Scotland.
The initiative will feature a wide range of exciting activities including industry visits and workshops, online and in-class talks and careers events at the Into Film Festival, an annual event that sees 400,000 children and young people visit cinemas across Scotland and the UK for free.
Michelle Fenwick, DYW National Projects Director commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Into Film to deliver the Discover! Creative Careers Programme in Scotland.
“DYW make it easy for industry to connect with young people in education, so they develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the world of work.
“This exciting collaboration builds on DYW’s existing engagement with the creative industries, and it will create more opportunities for young people, parents, carers, and educators to find out about the vast range of opportunities and pathways in Scotland’s creative sector.”
Mary Rose Programme Lead for Discover! Creative Careers said: “This expansion marks an exciting point in this year’s programme delivery. The tender process was extremely competitive with the highest quality of submissions from a range of organisations across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“The two separate tenders from Into Film demonstrated a robust approach to collaborating with the core programme, alongside years of experience and deep connections with the careers and education policy landscape in both Scotland and Wales.
“Like us, they are committed to bringing careers awareness across the entire breadth of the creative industries to under 18s as they work with us to help expand on our hugely successful programme.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:“We believe that all young people, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to pursue a creative career.
“That is why the Discover! Creative Careers Programme is so important, connecting young people with the sector and giving them real insight into the many pathways on offer.
“I am delighted that Into Film have been chosen to deliver this vital programme in Scotland and shine a light on the variety of creative careers available to the next generation.”
Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey said: “I am delighted that Into Film Scotland will be delivering Discover! Creative Careers Scotland in partnership with DYW.
“This initiative expanding to Scotland is a vital step in empowering individuals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in Scotland’s creative sector. It is great that this programme will be offering a range of engaging activities that will play a key role in shaping young people’s experiences and creating more opportunities.
“I encourage schools and employers to sign up and find out more in advance of Discover! Creative Careers Month in November.”
Employers in the creative industries in Scotland can register their interest to participate here:
The abolition of peak rail fares is a huge win for commuters and climate, says Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian.
The policy was first introduced as a pilot project, which was secured by the Scottish Greens in 2023 while they were in Government, but it was soon dropped by the SNP in 2024.
In the year between the pilot project ending and the Scottish Government permanently introducing the Green policy for cheaper rail fares, commuters across Scotland’s largest cities have forked out thousands of pounds to travel.
At present, people from Glasgow had to spend £32 to get a train to Edinburgh. Now that peak rail fares are scrapped, this will be reduced by 48%
Lorna Slater MSP for Lothian said: “This is a really welcome change and one that Greens worked hard to deliver.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to remove this unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers. For too long, peak rail fares have penalized people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel.
“Commuters in Lothian will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares ending permanently. I hope that this will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch the train, making our roads safer and doing their part for the planet.
“Travel shouldn’t cost the earth. The Scottish Greens want to continue making our public transport here in Scotland the best it possibly can be; affordable, accessible, and ecofriendly, so that we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.”
Fettes students “benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that is outstanding” says Education Scotland’s recent inspection of Fettes College. The unscheduled inspection was instructed by Scottish Ministers in February, and the findings were published yesterday (2nd September).
Inspectors awarded Fettes excellent ratings in both ‘Curriculum’ and ‘Raising attainment and achievement’, alongside very good ratings in ‘Learning, teaching and assessment’ and ‘Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion’.
Inspectors rightly demand the highest standards, and their report highlights the distinctive strengths of a Fettes education, noting:
Staff have “successfully created a curriculum that supports children and young people to flourish in their academic and personal interests.” and “ensure the curriculum is strongly underpinned by an aspirational vision with a clear focus on academic excellence, building character and supporting personal wellbeing.”
Staff “foster very nurturing and mutually respectful relationships” and are “highly responsive to the wellbeing needs of children and young people”.
Students are “highly motivated to succeed”, producing work “of an exceptionally high standard” and making “excellent progress” in their learning.
Extensive opportunities for students to achieve beyond the classroom, helping them to “know themselves well” and aspire to reach their full potential.
A culture where students, staff and families “celebrate their own and others’ cultural diversity” and observe religious and cultural events together “in an inclusive, respectful way”.
Staff ‘recognise the need to ensure fairness and equality and to identify and mitigate against discrimination and bias in all aspects of the school’s work’.
This is testament to the exceptional work of the team at Fettes, which showed inspectors the values at the heart of the school community — academic ambition, character development, personal wellbeing, and a deeply inclusive culture where every individual is valued.
Head of Fettes College, Helen Harrison, said, “I am immensely proud of everyone at Fettes College – Senior and Prep – and extend my thanks to them all for their commitment and contribution to this fantastic achievement.
“We had a team of inspectors in our school for two weeks and they looked at everything. Their findings, published today about the learning and experience that happens in our classrooms and around our school sets us amongst those at the top of education in Scotland.”
The results of the inspection were published on 2nd September 2025 on the Education Scotland website: https://education.gov.scot/.
When: Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
Where: Lauriston Farm, Edinburgh (EH4 5EX)
Mushrooms and tinctures from Rhyze Mushrooms
Herbal remedies from Grass Roots Remedies
Fresh bread & pastries from Granton Garden Bakery
Free-range eggs from Croft Organics
