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AN UNMISSABLE FINAL WEEKEND – Edinburgh Tradfest runs until 12 May

MUSIC | FILM | STORYTELLING

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 2 May – Monday 12 May 2025

Edinburgh Tradfest’s programme of sensational live music, storytelling and film continues across the city this weekend.

Plus, just announced, BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician for 2025, singer Ellie Beaton will be performing at St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile today at lunchtime (1.30pm), ahead of her evening concert at the Traverse tonight.

This half hour event is free and is part of a new pop-up programme of impromptu events happening across the city.

Other highlights not to be missed include:

Gaelic singer, broadcaster, and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth talk guest on Sunday afternoon. Joy will be sharing her story from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC.

Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen (above) who mixes different folk traditions with classical, roots, electronic and pop music and, whose unique vocal techniques, rarely performed by women, are not to be missed!

A line-up of incredible emerging musicians performing at this year’s ETF Spotlight concert including Miwa Nagato-Apthorp whose debut album Noren is released this month; Parsisonic led by Iranian duo Aref Ghorbani and Amir Hossein Feyzi, a Glasgow based quartet bridging cultural gaps with their unique cross genre sound. Plus, one of the most respected Gaelic trad fusion bands Dlù, whose members originate from school days at the Gaelic School in Glasgow.

For film-goers the Folk Film Gathering continues its fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the work of the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May; and a screening of Gerda Stevenson’s recent documentary Paper Portraits which celebrates the history and working people of Penicuik’s paper mills.

Over at the Storytelling Centre The Poet and the Moon led by three Spanish artists including celebrated storyteller Inèz Àlvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet, told through poetry and flamenco dance. And, storyteller and journalist Rachel Pugh shares her gripping true story about an ancient bog man found in Lindow Moss in Bog Standard, accompanied by award-winning harpist Lucy Nolan.

Finally, bringing the whole festival to a close will be Siobhan Miller with her sensational band at the Traverse on Monday night.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Don’t miss the final weekend of this year’s festival, there are some amazing bands coming up, and fantastic films and storytelling events still to come.

“The festival’s strength of programming this year is exceptional. So, make sure you squeeze in everything you can.”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs until Monday 12 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe – both musically and visually – this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre

Arriving at Vue today (Thursday 8 May) to mark the national treasure’s birthday, Ocean with David Attenborough welcomes viewers to an incredible journey alongside the celebrated personality and filmmaker, as he reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.

From vibrant coral reefs to sweeping kelp forests and the vast open ocean, Britain’s broadcasting icon takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey beneath the waves – sharing uplifting stories from across the globe alongside urgent, never-before-seen challenges facing our seas.

Eurovision mania returns to Vue later this month as the Grand Final of the iconic song competition hits the big screen.

Broadcasting live from Basel, Switzerland, fans are invited to join the ultimate musical celebration and be ‘united by music,’ experiencing every spectacular performance of the year’s biggest, boldest, and brightest music event. Don’t miss Eurovision Grand Final Live 2025 at Vue on 17 May.

Other musical moments heading to the big screen this month include Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago, which celebrates the band’s four-decade career.

This concert film, captured in 4K, provides an unparalleled opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to catch one of Britain’s most beloved bands up on the big screen on 15 May.

Theatre lovers won’t want to miss the National Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire, coming to Vue on 5 June. Starring Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor), this gripping adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ classic was filmed during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre. A truly unforgettable performance, now available on the big screen.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, said: “We’re excited to bring a diverse range of incredible moments to the big screen this May.

“From the year’s biggest musical performances to breathtaking cinematography of our own planet, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Vue this month.”

To find out more visit www.myvue.com/big-screen-events.

Edinburgh Partnership launches review of longer-term support for the city’s third sector

The Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh.

The review into the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh seeks to improve funding certainty in future years. This includes how grant funding and commissioning is delivered, how third sector organisations monitor and report on their work, and what in-kind support is provided.

Third sector organisations of all types – voluntary, social enterprises and charities – are being asked to share their views through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub survey or by attending a workshop.

The results will be reported to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said: “The third sector provides vital support to local communities, with many giving direct support to the most vulnerable in our city.

“We know that they, like the Council, are under significant financial pressure and that there needs to be longer-term change in how they are supported by us and our partners.

“We want to hear about how we can make it simpler, provide more stability, and work better together to help vulnerable people. You can share your views through the council’s consultation hub webpage, or by attending one of the workshops.”

Workshops run from Monday 19 May until Thursday 5 June. Details are available on the Consultation Hub and booking is required.

As part of the city’s commitment to help the sector, the council has dedicated £3.5m this year to help organisations impacted by unexpected loss of grant funding or reduced commissioning.

Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Resilience Fund.

VE DAY 80: Prime Minister to set out vision for ‘defence dividend’ in a changed world

As the nation marks VE Day, remembering the triumph of our values and the sacrifices made to secure them eight decades ago, the Prime Minister will share his vision for working people, once again, to feel the benefit of Britain stepping up.

As the nation marks VE Day, PM will deliver keynote speech at the London Defence Conference
He is expected to say that the benefits of boosting defence investment in a changing world must be felt directly in the pockets of working people
Seizing on the conference theme of Alliances, he will set out how state, businesses and society must join hands on security and prosperity
He will also unveil a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce, becoming the latest investment in Britain’s first class engine building industry

As the nation marks VE Day, remembering the triumph of our values and the sacrifices made to secure them eight decades ago, the Prime Minister will share his vision for working people, once again, to feel the benefit of Britain stepping up.

Delivering the keynote speech at the London Defence Conference this morning, he will describe the government’s task to seize upon the ‘defence dividend’ presented by our increased investment in defence, in order to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of the country.

In doing so he will highlight how the government’s boost to defence spending – the highest since the Cold War – will not only provide safety and security for the United Kingdom, but also cement the UK’s status as a defence industrial leader, with more high skilled jobs for people proud to keep our country safe.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to say: “Our task now is to seize the defence dividend – felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base and creating the jobs of the future.

“A national effort. A time for the state, business and society to join hands, in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.

“An investment in peace, but also an investment in British pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.”

The Prime Minister will use his speech to deliver a tribute to the bravery of the veterans who secured victory 80 years ago and the remarkable men and women who carry the vital task of protecting our security today.

It follows a street party on Downing Street on Monday where the Prime Minister welcomed Second World War veterans and cadets from across the country, and comes ahead of his attendance at the service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon.

He will say: “Britain’s victory was not just a victory for Britain. It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.

“Now, as you know, there are people who would happily do likewise today. Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis. We must use this moment to deliver security and renewal for our country.”

At the Conference the Prime Minister will address policymakers, military figures, defence firms and academics from around the world.

In the face of global instability, he will reflect on how the conference theme ‘Alliances’ should mean not only our iron-clad commitment to NATO and Western Values but also an opportunity to double down on efforts to work hand-in-hand with business and society to make the UK better off and more secure.

He will announce the latest significant investment in British expertise with a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets. The work to maintain 130 Typhoon engines will take place at Rolls-Royce’s sites, supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond.

The announcement supports the government’s priority of continuing the UK’s great tradition of building the ships, missiles, artillery, vehicles, aircraft and more that keeps us safe – cementing the British defence industry’s place as the engine of national renewal.

It comes less than a week after the Prime Minister hailed the RAF’s new UK-made StormShroud drones.

The groundbreaking new technology will make the RAF’s world-class combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal by delivering high-tech signal jammers to disrupt enemy radar at long ranges, protecting our aircraft and pilots.

Over £30k awarded to support innovation in Scotland’s library sector

Six libraries and information centres across Scotland have been awarded a share of £34,000 to support a series of pioneering projects during 2025.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has again opened its annual Innovation and Development Fund to support projects that encourage creativity,following the success of previous funding stream initiatives.

Now in its 13th year, the fund has supported the development of new resources, inspired original research and enhanced staff training – and this year turns its focus to innovative projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill out space for students and a podcast studio for a rural part of Scotland.

Cardonald Campus Library’s chill out space

Glasgow Clyde College will create a quiet, restful place for students to take breaks in the Cardonald Campus Library, complete with a mindful selection of books and air purifying plants for a digital detox away from screens and teaching spaces. The project aims to increase literacy skills, while promoting student wellbeing by encouraging reading for pleasure by fostering a nurturing environment.

GAITLib: Generative AI toolkit for librarians by the University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences will develop an AI toolkit and set of guidelines for Scottish libraries that can be used to educate and empower library staff to make optimum use of the emerging generative AI tools for undertaking information-related tasks or activities.

Mastering META skills through creative practice at Forth Valley College

Forth Valley College aims to enhance the core and essential skills of its students by developing and delivering a series of innovative and creative workshops to aid the growth of META skills (eg leadership, creativity and critical thinking) in a fun and engaging way.

The project will also boost social interaction, promote collaborative working and encourage new learning centre users.

National Library of Scotland school library and engagement plan

The National Library of Scotland will increase engagement with students in Scotland to ensure every child has access to the national collections held by the National Library of Scotland.

This project will focus on developing the relationship with Scotland’s school libraries, piloting new ways of providing support, training and resources and giving students access to the collections and research resources through school libraries.

Opening the door: celebrating literacy, celebrating literature at Glasgow Women’s Library

This project extends the work of Glasgow Women’s Library’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) project which supports women to understand, read and write words and numbers.

It aims to increase the knowledge of potential learners, partner organisations and the general public, as well as making the wider ALN project more accessible to women who struggle with their literacy, or whose first language isn’t English.

UHI Moray podcast studio: building digital skills and strengthening community ties

UHI Moray will set up a fully equipped podcast recording studio at the library, giving students, staff and the local community the chance to develop digital skills, express themselves creatively and engage with modern media.

Administered and financed by SLIC, the Innovation and Development Fund is aimed at those who do not benefit from other annual funding programmes – including the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) – such as further education, higher education and specialist libraries and information centres.

Ground Floor, Study Pods. Edinburgh University Library.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information centres continue to evolve, creating vibrant, future-facing spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve – and the Innovation and Development Fund is a vital catalyst for that continued progression.

By backing bold, creative projects, we’re not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world. These six initiatives demonstrate the power of libraries to lead on digital skills, wellbeing and inclusive learning in both urban and rural communities.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £400,000 to over 40 projects, with previous projects including the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library’s TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series, the climate change and sustainable development measurement framework for libraries by the University of Strathclyde and the National Library of Scotland’s ‘Andrew Watson’s Legacies’ series, representing stories from Black and ethnic minority sportspeople.

For more information on the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Celebrating individuality through person-centered approaches

Glencairn Care Home in Edinburgh has been celebrating individuality through person-centred approaches. The home has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI), Namaste care and other tools such as staff matching documents and the digital pain tool, Painchek.

The home used staff profiles and staff matching tools to develop wellbeing companions to replace a key worker system. From this, relationships have flourished developing more trust between staff and residents.

Through person-centred care planning, staff have identified residents’ interests, strengths and wishes and now residents are far more engaged.

Wellbeing companions have supported some residents to achieve their dreams.

Staff have also noticed a reduction in stress and distress with some residents coming out of their bedrooms more, some spending more time outdoors, and spending time with others, becoming less isolated.

Olive, a resident in the home said: “I have had the best day of my life in years. It really is marvellous all of the work you are doing in here. It has honestly given me a sense of purpose again.”

Initially staff were hesitant, however after seeing some immediate results, particularly through using Painchek and the Namaste approach, staff have been more motivated to take part in activities and overall, morale has improved.

Emily, team leader said: “It has been so rewarding seeing the residents engage, in particular residents having conversations where they wouldn’t have had before.”

Some other benefits have shown improved outcomes for residents living with stress and distress and encouraged independence. The home has also seen a reduction in pain and anti-psychotic medication throughout using Painchek.

Jozi, care home manager said: “I can’t begin to explain how fulfilling and empowering this change of practice and essentially change of culture has been for us.

“To see a reduction in medications is rewarding alone, but to see the improvement in residents’ wellbeing has been remarkable.”

Care News from the Care Inspectorate

Why Having a Will Brings Peace of Mind

DYING MATTERS AWARENESS WEEK 5 – 11 MAY

MAKING a Will and being open about our wishes relating to our estate and inheritance can help provide comfort to those around us after we’ve passed away. That’s the view of two of the UK’s leading experts ahead of a major week of awareness aiming to amplify these issues.

Alison Neate, a Partner & Head of Professional Negligence, and Senior Associate & Head of Contentious Probate, Victoria Townsend, at law firm Smith Partnership also said a more proactive approach can help reduce costly disputes.

Their warning comes in Dying Matters Awareness Week, a week-long campaign that encourages individuals to talk openly about death, dying, and to make plans for what should happen after they’ve gone.

Taking place from May 5th to 11th, it aims to break down taboos and encourage individuals to share resources related to end-of-life care.

Ms Neate said: “We see many legal problems because people fail to prepare for the inevitable, which is why this campaign is so important.

“Having a Will means peace of mind for the person in question, but also for their family members.”

Ms Townsend added: “A lot of people are fearful about dealing with their affairs, or just don’t like the idea of talking about death in general.

“Some are also concerned about the costs of preparing a will – but what they aren’t thinking about is the cost of a potential dispute due to the absence of a Will.”

Why a will isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’

Explaining just some of the legal and emotional risks of not having a will, Ms Neate said: “Ultimately, there are potentially troubling consequences if you don’t have a Will because the deceased’s estate will be dealt with under the Intestacy Rules.

“The Rules are quite outdated when you apply them to the modern blended family scenario.

“Stepchildren, for example, can be disadvantaged as the intestacy Rules do not provide for them to inherit from an estate. So, not having a will can be extremely upsetting for those left behind.

“Talking about what your wishes are is also important. Many of the disputes we deal with arise because the deceased didn’t properly communicate their wishes during their lifetime, and so it comes as a surprise to family members when the will is finally read after the death.

“Being open and honest about what you intend to do will not always prevent a dispute, but it can certainly help.”

DIY wills – understanding the risks

Exploring the increasingly popular ‘DIY will’ trend, Ms Neate said: “It’s vital that a Will is completed by a regulated organisation. A trend has emerged recently, where people make their own will from Online templates or use will writing services from unregulated providers.

“This means you can potentially create a document which purports to be a Will, but isn’t actually a legally valid Will- rendering the whole task pointless and giving rise to potential disputes after the death.

Upon the death it is also beneficial to seek legal representation.

Ms Townsend explains “Professionals will be able to walk the line between being empathetic and understanding post – death, which is naturally a difficult time, whilst also making sure that matters are progressing, because it’s very difficult for people when they’re grieving to take everything in.

“It’s our job to make sure that the winding up of an estate is always going in the right direction.”

It’s not just about the Will itself

There is more to end-of-life care than just making a will, however.

Ms Neate said: “Having a Lasting Power of Attorney is a practical step that every adult of any age should consider taking , and of course especially the elderly or those who may be seriously ill.

“An LPA is a document which specifies who will stand in the shoes of the person making the LPA (“the Donor”) to make decisions governing their health and welfare or their property and financial affairs in the event of incapacitation.

“Unexpected things can happen, so again, it’s important to have a LPA professionally written and to make sure that it is registered with the probate Registry. If it’s not registered, it cannot take legal effect.”

Ms Townsend added: “If you’re appointing an executor under a Will, then you should tell them that you’ve done that. You should tell them the whereabouts of the will, but also communicate the extent of your assets.

“If you don’t, then they are then in a position when you pass away, that they’ve got no idea what the extent of your estate is, and it just creates more problems for them.

“Ultimately, making a will shouldn’t be an afterthought. Most people want to do right by their family and loved ones, so thinking about it in detail before doing it and seeking advice from a professional should be key considerations.”

Aldi offers virtual work experience to aspiring young people in Edinburgh

Young people in Edinburgh interested in exploring a career in retail can now sign up to Aldi’s virtual work experience programme.

Open to students in the UK aged 13 and over, the free online course is designed to build skills and introduce students to the wide range of careers available in retail – from warehouse operations to office-based roles.

Created in partnership with Springpod, the programme includes a series of videos and guidance from Aldi colleagues, alongside interactive quizzes and activities.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to enhance their CVs or future applications.

Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, we understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience. That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules.

“This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK.

“Since launching, we’ve already attracted more than 2,000 sign-ups and hope to inspire even more young people to explore careers in retail through this accessible and engaging platform.”

Aldi is also looking to recruit more than 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, with opportunities across stores and warehouse roles now live.

Young people interested in signing up to the virtual work experience can visit:
https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/early-careers/apprenticeships.

Unearthed Edinburgh photo competition

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Edinburgh Libraries have launched a photography competition celebrating gardening and the city’s parks, gardens and green spaces.

The ‘Unearthed Edinburgh’ theme recognises both the city’s wonderful green spaces and gardening as forces for creativity, resilience and connection. We welcome photos which celebrate any green space in the city, from the Meadows to your window box!

The competition is free to enter and open to all.

All entries must be submitted via Edinburgh Collected (www.edinburghcollected.org) where they will become part of a community archive of Edinburgh memories.

Tell us in the accompanying description what makes the picture special to you and remember to add the tag “unearthed”. Entries will be judged on both their photographic merit and on the accompanying text.

There are fantastic prizes to be won! Enter for a chance to win:

1st prize – £100 book token

2nd prize – £50 book token

3rd prize – £25 book token.

The competition runs until 31 July 2025.

Make sure to read the Unearthed Edinburgh competition guidelines and terms and conditions – https://zurl.co/BvAtt – or if you have any queries, contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

This competition is part of a wider project in collaboration with the British Library and the Living Knowledge Network of libraries on the theme of Unearthed: The Power of Gardening.

Edinburgh Science on the road again

Generation Science brings exciting hands-on workshops to Edinburgh schools

Edinburgh Science is on the road again, bringing hands-on workshops and events to 18,000 primary school pupils across Scotland, including visits across Edinburgh from now until June via Generation Science.

Although most famous for their annual Science Festival, Edinburgh Science Charity also delivers a fantastic programme of educational events and workshops each year for children and young people, including Generation Science.

This fantastic programme sees science educators tour Scottish schools delivering a range of engaging workshops and shows which are all linked to the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – helping to inspire a new generation to explore the world of STEM. Running for over 30 years, Generation Science has delivered hands-on learning to over 1 million children!

From February to June, the team will bring science to life across Scotland in a fun and high-energy environment. Using a mix of theatre, live demonstrations, audience participation and hands-on experiments every pupil is involved, including those who don’t typically engage with traditional in-classroom STEM education.