The city council will join over 40 European cities in signing the Eurocities Call to Action on Sustainable Culture, reaffirming commitment to environmentally responsible and inclusive cultural development.
Led by the city of Lille in partnership with Eurocities, a network of over 200 major cities across Europe, the call to action urges cities to use culture as a catalyst for environmental and social change and to commit to the development of local cultural policies and events that prioritise sustainability and inclusivity.
The pledge reinforces the Council’s commitment to sustainability and equity in culture, already embedded in both the Event Strategy and City Wide Culture Strategy, both of which prioritise sustainability and local cultural provision.
The 16 priorities and principles outlined in the Call are already being addressed in Edinburgh by Council or grant funded organisations.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Culture is at the heart of what makes Edinburgh unique and we have the responsibility to make sure it thrives in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive.
“Culture has the power to inspire action and connect communities. By signing the call we’re making a clear commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive cultural future in Edinburgh.”
The Lord Provost or a Senior Councillor will sign the Call to Action and it will be presented to the next Eurocities Culture Forum, due to be held in Brno, Czech Republic next month (September 2025).
UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls
UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls
Foreign Secretary calls for a full resumption of aid into Gaza, as women and girls risk pregnancy complications and disease
It comes amid ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with ‘women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering’
Against a backdrop of an appalling humanitarian crisis, the UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands—but only if Israel allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access.
The announcement comes after the Famine Review Committee confirmed famine in parts of Gaza.
The UK reiterates that the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and urges it to take action to improve the situation immediately.
The Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering.
“The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.
“Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated. With ongoing strikes on healthcare centres and most hospitals no longer functioning at all, pregnant women will be extremely anxious about giving birth safely.
“That’s why we’re announcing this support today as part of our sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their new-born babies.
“But this funding can only have maximum impact if the Government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a framework to deliver long-term peace.”
UK funding is set to support some of the 130 women who give birth every day against the backdrop of conflict in Gaza. This £3m funding, delivered through the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is supporting midwives to provide essential lifesaving care for mothers and newborn babies in conflicts and crises.
UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the conflict began, UNFPA has reached over one million people with sexual and productive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response support.
It has also ensured that over 150,000 women and girls have been able to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items to meet their basic needs.
Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director said: “Women and girls are enduring increasingly horrific conditions in Gaza – with widespread malnutrition and disease putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at particular risk.
“This vital contribution from the United Kingdom will support UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“With one in five babies in Gaza born prematurely or underweight, and maternal and neonatal services collapsing from fuel and supply shortages, UNFPA also reiterates its urgent call for unimpeded, sustained and demilitarized humanitarian aid into the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
The FCDO is also working with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi’s zero waste menstrual hygiene products that are suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. In incredibly difficult circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.
Almost 50% of parents feel pressured to throw their baby or toddler a birthday party, even if they won’t remember it
Parents admit to spending up to £250 on their baby’s birthday
Dads feel the most pressure to throw their children the best birthday party
For many new parents, social media feeds are seemingly filled with scenes of extravagant birthday parties other parents are throwing their young children, leading to feelings of guilt and pressure to compete – but how much truth is in what we see online?
Moonpig, the UK’s leading online greeting card retailer, surveyed 1,000 parents of 0-3-year-olds to uncover how we’re really celebrating our children.
Competitive celebrations: Nearly half of all parents feel in competition with other parents to throw the ‘best’ party
The survey revealed that nearly half of all parents (49%) admitted to throwing a birthday party more for the guests and other parents than for the child themselves. Over two-fifths (43%) felt as though they competed with other parents to throw the ‘best’ party for their child.
Interestingly, the research revealed dads feel the most pressure when it comes to throwing the ‘best’ party, with more than half (52%) stating that they feel in competition with other parents, compared to just 39% of mothers. Similarly, half of Gen-Z (50%) were found to feel pressure to throw the ‘best’ party – more than any other age group.
Party pressure: A third of parents now hire a professional party planner for their toddler’s birthday
Almost half (46%) of the parents surveyed admitted to feeling pressure from family and friends to throw a birthday party for their young child. To make sure that the party lives up to expectations, one in three (30%) admitted to using a party planner to plan their toddlers’ birthday parties.
Planning stress: The majority of parents find planning their child’s birthday party a major source of stress
Over half of parents (55%) said they felt stressed when planning their young children’s birthdays, with mums suffering the most – with almost three in five mothers (57%) feeling stressed, compared to 49% of dads.
Picture-perfect parties: Social media influences parents to throw aesthetic birthday parties
Almost three in five parents (59%) felt inspired by social media to throw their young child an “aesthetic” birthday party. Gen-Z and millennial parents care the most about their child’s birthday looking picture perfect on social media, with 44% citing this as a key consideration. 14% went as far as to say the main reason they threw their young child a party was to post about it on social media.
Costly candles: Parents are struggling to stick to birthday party budgets
Brits spend on average £248 to celebrate their baby’s birthday, with 55% of parents revealing they struggle to stick to a budget for the occasion. In addition, almost two-thirds (65%) of parents agreed that birthday parties for babies and toddlers had become too extravagant.
When asked why they throw their young children birthday parties even if they won’t remember it, almost two-thirds (61%) cited that the celebration was to create lasting memories with family and close ones, and so their young child can look back on pictures and videos when they’re older.
Four in five (82%) also agreed that they prioritised creating memorable experiences for their child over an extravagant party.
Modern milestones: How parents celebrate their baby’s birthday
When celebrating their little ones, parents are likely to stick to the classics with traditional party food (66%), creating goodie bags (61%) and supermarket-bought birthday cake (61%), taking the lead on baby birthday party essentials.
Rank
Baby Birthday Essentials
% Who Have Done This
1
Offered traditional party food options (buffet, pizza, sandwiches)
66%
2
Created goodie bags for guests
61%
3
Bought a supermarket birthday cake
61%
4
Bought a custom-baked personalised birthday cake
59%
5
Arranged specific food and drink options just for adults (cocktails, nicer food)
57%
6
Created entertainment for the party myself
52%
7
Arranged activities for the guests to do (bouncy castle, inflatable obstacle course, giant slides)
52%
8
Baked my own birthday cake
46%
9
Given a party a pop culture theme (superheroes, princesses, favourite characters from movies/TV shows)
Sarah-Jane Porter, Moonpig’s Global Design & Licensing Director, comments: “At Moonpig, we champion celebrating milestone moments, and early years birthdays are no exception. With growing pressure to make sure our babies’ earliest celebrations are memorable, it’s unsurprising that parents are going the extra mile to celebrate their young children.
“We know how important it is for these special moments to feel truly unique and personal to the recipient, which is why our range of personalised cards are great for celebrating your little one.
“From sharing milestone pictures and videos or including their favourite characters, our cards are the perfect keepsake for them to look back on in years to come.”
A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a woman in East Edinburgh.
Around 1am on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, Police were called to a report of a disturbance at a property on Restalrig Avenue.
Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where she died a short time later.
Her next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
She can now be named as Ndata Bobb.
The man was taken to St John’s Hospital for treatment. He has since been arrested and charged in connection with the death and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 1 September, 2025.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, however we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Ndata’s death.
“This is a shocking incident and I would urge anyone with any concerns, or information, to contact police.”
Whether you’re looking for quality pre-loved furniture at great prices or just fancy a browse, a cuppa and cake, pop along to our Furniture Centre next Saturday for our exclusive discount day!
Every penny raised through the sale of pre-loved goods goes to support vital hospice care in our community.
Hourglass – the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people – has responded to comments by the Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips, who admitted the DASH tool “doesn’t work”.
DASH – the UK’s main risk assessment tool for domestic abuse – could soon be scrapped, after mounting evidence shows it has repeatedly failed to identify high-risk cases.
For more than a decade, professionals across the UK have relied on DASH. Yet independent studies reveal that victims who were later killed, or suffered repeated abuse, were often assessed as only ‘standard’ or ‘medium’ risk. Families who lost loved ones are now taking legal action against institutions that relied on this flawed tool.
Hourglass has long warned that DASH was never fit for purpose when it came to older victim-survivors. Abuse in later life often looks very different: dependency on carers or family members, economic coercion, neglect and isolation.
By contrast, DASH questions were built around the experiences of younger victims, often focusing on stalking, harassment or recent relationship breakdowns.
Crucially, Hourglass reminds policymakers that abuse of older people is not just a women and girls’ issue:
Older men make up a significant proportion of callers to the Hourglass helpline.
Abuse can be perpetrated by adult children, relatives, or even professional carers – not just intimate partners.
Risk tools designed solely within a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) framework leave older men, and those outside traditional victim stereotypes, unseen and unsupported.
Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, said: “Older victim-survivors of abuse are too often invisible in the safeguarding system.
“Hourglass has never believed that DASH adequately reflected the realities of abuse in later life – whether those victims are women or men. Replacing DASH must be more than a technical fix.
“It must embed an age-inclusive, gender-inclusive understanding of abuse, backed by training, resourced services, and accountability across every agency.”
Hourglass is calling on government and safeguarding partners to:
Ensure any replacement risk tool reflects the unique dynamics of abuse against older people, including economic dependence, carer-abuse, coercion at end of life, and age-related vulnerabilities.
Recognise that older men as well as women are victims, and provide specialist services.
Mandate specialist training for professionals so older victims are not ‘downgraded’ or dismissed as low-risk.
Collect robust age- and gender-segmented data to monitor risk decisions and prevent systemic neglect of older victim-survivors.
Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
MINISTER MARKS INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd has praised the Scottish Ambulance Service’s successful Take Home Naloxone (THN) programme, which has now issued more than 4,000 kits.
On a visit to Springburn Ambulance Station in Glasgow to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, Ms Todd was trained to use naloxone kits which temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The packs are given out to people at risk and their families who can use them to deal with any future overdose while they wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Since Scotland’s National Naloxone Programme began in 2011, up to December 2024, a total of 205,650 take-home naloxone kits have been issued.
Ms Todd said: “Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one, on a day where we remember them.
“The work done by the Scottish Ambulance Service and other partners has been instrumental in saving lives, especially at a time when naloxone has become even more important. I am a grateful for the hard work of all the staff who provide this vital frontline service. I was very pleased to hear about the continued progress in delivery and to be shown how to use the naloxone kits.
“Due to the presence of an increasingly unpredictable drug supply of highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which raise the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them so repeat doses can be given if required.
“I am determined to do even more to tackle the harm caused by drugs. That’s why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility, and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.”
All SAS crews have been trained in in distributing naloxone since 2023, following the launch of its training programme in 2021. As well as treating people for the effects of overdose themselves, and handing out the take-home kits, crews are providing a vital link to support and treatment.
Scottish Ambulance Service CEO Michael Dickson said: “Our staff respond with care and compassion to anyone who experiences an overdose.
“Our call handlers can offer advice during the 999 call, and our ambulance clinicians provide crucial treatment when they arrive at the scene.
“Ambulance crews are able to supply Take Home Naloxone, are starting to provide clean sterile injecting equipment, and can also connect people experiencing problematic substance use with other services who can provide further care and treatment.”
Edinburgh-based homebuilder brings over 300 new homes to Edinburgh, East Calder and Falkirk
Miller Homes, one of Scotland’s leading homebuilders, is set to launch three highly anticipated new developments in the East of Scotland, bringing 328 new energy-efficient homes to sought-after locations within easy reach of Edinburgh.
The developments; West Craigs Mews in Edinburgh; Avonside Wisp in Whitecross, Falkirk; and East Calder Oaks in East Calder will offer a range of contemporary family homes designed to meet the needs of growing communities.
West Craigs Mews launches for sale on 30 August and will comprise 92 private homes including three-bedroom terraced houses, three and four-bedroom townhouses, and four and five-bedroom detached homes.
Avonside Wisp launches for sale on 6 September and features 169 three, four, and five-bedroom homes – perfect for families seeking a well-connected location near Linlithgow and Edinburgh.
East Calder Oaks is set to launch in October 2025. This community will include 67 of Miller Homes’ larger four and five-bedroom detached properties, offering spacious and flexible living for growing families in the desirable West Lothian area.
All three developments will feature Miller Homes’ latest collection of modern, energy-efficient properties, each designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. Every home also comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty for peace of mind.
Commenting on the upcoming launches, Miller Homes’ Sales Director for Scotland East, Neil Gaffney said: “We’re excited to bring these three developments to market, offering buyers a fantastic choice of high-quality new homes in some of the most desirable areas surrounding Edinburgh.
“From family-friendly detached houses in East Calder to a mix of townhouses and terraces in Edinburgh’s West Craigs Village, and a thriving new community in Whitecross, there’s something for everyone.
“With strong demand for high quality new homes in the East of Scotland, these launches mark an important milestone in our commitment to creating thriving communities where people are proud to live.”
The first homes at West Craigs Mews, East Calder Oaks and Avonside Wisp will be ready to move into in April 2026.
Interested buyers can register now to be the first to hear about the summer releases at millerhomes.co.uk.
Move to Plaza News, Unit 23-26 Upper Ground Floor Level, Westside Plaza
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm
51 hours of Post Office service per week
Branch would open on Saturday afternoons
Experienced postmasters
Post Office has agreed to relocate Wester Hailes Post Office in October to a new location – Plaza News, Unit 23-26 Upper Ground Floor Level, Westside Plaza, Edinburgh, EH14 2SW.
Wester Hailes Post Office, which is currently directly managed by Post Office, will be run by our new retail franchise partner at the new location within the same shopping centre.
Father and son, Mohammed and Aamir Arshad have run Plaza News, a hardware and convenience store, since 2016. Previously they ran Whitecraig Post Office and off-licence store in Musselburgh for six years.
The current branch at 14A Westside Plaza will close on Monday 6 October at 5.30pm, with the new branch opening, at Plaza News on Tuesday 7 October at 1pm.
Post Office Limited recently announced it is moving to a fully franchised network, as part of our wider commitment to deliver a “New Deal for Postmasters”.
Over 99% of the Post Office network is already successfully operated on a franchise basis by carefully selected retail partners. We are confident this would create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices in communities across the UK, including Wester Hailes.
After careful consideration of the feedback received during consultation, we remain confident that the layout and location of the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, whilst securing the long-term viability of Post Office services in the local community.
The same range of services will still be available, including an internal ATM.
The opening hours will be Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm. This will be an extra 5 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week including Saturday afternoon and earlier opening on a Tuesday morning than currently for the convenience of customers.
Wester Hailes Post Office will have two open plan serving positions at the retail counter.
There is a car park at the shopping center with dedicated disabled parking bays on upper level where the new branch will be located.
Current Post Office employees have the opportunity to TUPE across to continue to work at the relocated branch.
This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.
Throughout the month, Edinburgh’s hidden streets will reveal the stories that have plagued the city for centuries, as visitors wander through the dimly lit closes, guided by tales – steeped in history – of witches and fairies.
From the eerie glow of the Will-o’-the-Wisp to the mysterious tiny coffins un-earthed on Arthur’s Seat, discover how these incredible stories have shaped the city’s identity and continue to echo beneath its streets.
Among the figures brought to life on the tour are the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers, the sound of pipers believed to remain lost beneath the city, and headless drummers once thought to warn off danger.
Legends of goddesses and fairies blur the line between history and myth, weaving tales that link Edinburgh’s present to the lives, dreams, and anxieties of those who walked its closes centuries ago.
In 2024, The Real Mary King’s Close was crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction in the TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards ‘Best of the Best’, also ranking 11th among Europe’s top visitor attractions. It continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said:“Edinburgh has always been a city of stories, and the Close holds some of its darkest and most captivating.
“These legends reveal the fears and beliefs of the real people who lived here, and experiencing them underground, in the streets where these lives unfolded, makes the past feel immediate and alive.”
The new Myths and Legends tours take place every Friday and Saturday throughout September, starting on 5th September, with two departures each day at 16.00 and 17.30.
The one-hour tours are limited to 20 guests, and visitors are advised to prebook as tours are expected to sell out fast.
