The Scottish Government must make tackling Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding a political priority – as hospitals continue to take a battering in summer.
The figures, covering June 2026, showed that almost one in 20 patients (or a total of 6,023) waited in a major ED more than 12 hours before being discharged, admitted or transferred.
Meanwhile, the proportion of patients entering and exiting the ED within four hours was the lowest of any June on record.
Dr Fiona Hunter, Scotland Vice President at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The pressure facing Scottish Emergency Departments this summer is unsustainable. We are seeing overcrowding in the month of June which would have previously been unthinkable.
“Across the country, record numbers of patients are stuck in our departments for hours upon hours because the entire system is clogged.
“The human cost of this must not be ignored: these are extremely sick and injured people who have come to us at a vulnerable time of need. Many of them need a hospital bed, but what they instead receive is a 12-hour stint on a trolley in a crowded, bright and noisy ED.
“Our staff have to look patients in the eye every day and explain that they are in for a long stay. It’s an unacceptable and, frankly, embarrassing state of affairs and a far cry from what was promised by the new Scottish Government in its first 100 days in power.”
The stats also showed that across June, there was a daily average of 1,946 beds being occupied in hospital wards by patients who were medically fit to leave – but who had not been discharged. This represents a lack of improvement on summer 2025, where delayed discharge figures broke records.
“Delayed discharge is crucial to tackling this crisis. If wards could move medically fit patients out of beds in good time, it would significantly ease congestion in A&E.
“This should be a priority among policymakers but, to date, they have let us down.
“It’s been almost three months since the election and the government has had plenty of time to act on this year-round crisis in our EDs. Today’s numbers are further proof that the current approach is not working.
“I call on Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, to engage with us – and other Royal Colleges – to reform the ‘back door’ of our hospitals and, ultimately, save lives.”
On Friday (7th August) from 2.30pm – 3.30pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be dusting off their dancing shoes, leg warmers and glowsticks for the launch of their new Dementia Disco initiative which will take place very aptly during Dementia Action Week.
Knowing how much their residents living with dementia love to dance and sing, the activities team at Queens Manor care home came up with the genius idea of a dementia-friendly disco. The team is also inviting along relatives and loved ones, members of the local community and friends of the home to the first official dementia-friendly disco.
If you and your loved ones or community group would like to attend, please contact the home to book a place, email QueensManor@barchester.com /call 0131 339 9653.
The first Dementia Disco will take place on Friday 7th August from 2.30pm within the home’s dementia community and everyone is welcome to attend.
General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson comments: “The Dementia Disco will be a fantastic way to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
“We know the power of music brings joy and reminiscence for those living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Everyone is welcome – we’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community.
“If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor Care Home provides residential and dementia care for 60 of residents from respite breaks to long term stays.
Arrests form part of Environment Agency ongoing investigations
Four men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the notorious Bolton House Road waste site in Wigan, the Environment Agency announced yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2026).
The site has caused misery for local residents with reports of horrid smells – while a week-long fire caused nearby schools to shut last summer.
Officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Police, working in support of the Environment Agency, secured the arrest of the suspects for environmental, fraud and money laundering offences. The suspects are:
A 41-year-old male from Wigan
A 35-year-old male from Wigan
A 24-year-old male from Leeds
A 59-year-old male from Liverpool
One of the suspects – the 24-year-old male from Leeds – was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell in Leicestershire.
The Environment Agency’s investigation is being led by its National Environmental Crime Unit, which is seeking to find those responsible for the offending and hold them to account.
Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, said: The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.
“Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with. It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.
“This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.
“For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch. Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans. The days of making easy money from waste are over.”
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: “The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.
“Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.
“This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.
“I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you.”
These arrests support the delivery of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime, including tougher enforcement measures and new powers to equip regulators with the tools to stop waste crime in its tracks.
As part of its commitment to restore pride in local communities, the government has announced it will directly fund the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Working with the council, a process is now underway to recruit a specialist contractor to manage the clean-up operation.
Robust action has been already taken to ensure no additional waste is dumped illegally at this site. This includes depositing concrete blocks at the entrance of the site by the local authority. Wigan Council are currently looking to recruit a specialist contractor after being given assurances the funds required to do clear up the site will be provided.
At Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire, waste criminals dumped 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. Alongside the ongoing criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
Site at Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England
In March, the Environment Agency published its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, which sets out how it will act earlier to address illegal activity and deliver more consistent enforcement action.
In 2024/25, the Environment Agency working with partners stopped 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, led 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and conducted 21 money laundering investigations.
Any information can be reported to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
SCOTLAND’s adult social care workforce will be boosted to deliver up to 45,000 extra hours of care every month through ongoing investment.
The Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme has reopened to new applications to help expand the number of care workers, increasing the sector’s resilience and capacity to deliver additional care each month.
The initiative, which helps social care employers to recruit international workers who are already in the UK but are without sponsored employment through no fault of their own, has already helped 37 employers recruit 120 workers.
First Minister John Swinney said “meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it” as he pressed the UK Government to ensure that international recruitment into the sector can resume.
Ahead of a visit to The Bughties care home in Dundee, where he will meet workers recruited through the scheme, Mr Swinney added: “We are all too familiar with the challenges facing our adult social care sector, especially given our ageing population, and it’s why we must ensure services meet our growing demand for care.
“I committed to provide an extra 45,000 hours of care each month and we have begun to deliver that increase within the first 100 days of the new government.
“UK Government decisions on immigration have inflicted pain on our social care sector at a time when demand for care is increasing and its choices on tax have heaped an £84 million bill on the sector by increasing Employers’ National Insurance contributions.
“The Prime Minister has spoken about reforming social care services, but meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it. I urge him to reconsider and to reverse the harm done by the UK Government over the past two years.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to hear first-hand the positive impact our scheme has had and how we can – and must – explore every option available to ensure we continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to a service which we all may one day need.”
Working families urged to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare on Playday to help pay for holiday clubs, after-school clubs, nurseries and childminders
Latest statistics show families save almost £100 a month with Tax-Free Childcare
Number of families using Tax-Free Childcare for children aged 8 and above increased by 20%
Working families are being encouraged to check if they could cut the cost of childcare this Playday (5 August), as HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) latest statistics show families using Tax-Free Childcare saved an average of almost £100 a month.
Playday, the national day for play, is a reminder for eligible parents to see if they could benefit from the scheme. Tax-Free Childcare can provide up to £2,000 per year per child (or £4,000 for a disabled child) helping manage childcare costs while balancing work and family life.
People can visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and sign-up for Tax-Free Childcare.
Once families have signed up, they can receive a £2 government top-up for every £8 they deposit into their account. Families can open an account for each of their children aged up to 11 and, if they have a disabled child, aged up to 16.
It can be used to pay for any approved childcare including nurseries, childminders, holiday clubs, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs. Almost 75,000 providers are now signed up to receive Tax-Free Childcare payments.
While the majority of families who use the scheme have younger children, recent statistics show the number of families using it to pay for childcare for children aged 8 and above increased by more than 20% compared to the previous year.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Tax-Free Childcare can help with your summer childcare plans and, looking to the term ahead, with whatever type of care you require for your child.
“If you haven’t signed up already, do it today so you don’t miss out. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’.”
Families can receive up to £500 worth of top-up money, or £1,000 for a disabled child, every 3 months.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in their account to use it whenever it’s needed. Unused money can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they can receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the government funded childcare hours, subject to eligibility.
Results Day is a major milestone for learners across Scotland, with thousands opening envelopes to find out what they have been awarded in their National Qualifications and Awards.
But on the day itself, and throughout the year, there are other achievements being celebrated too. Apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, college pathways and social enterprises are opening doors to rewarding careers and opportunities, offering routes that stand alongside and sometimes go far beyond a traditional academic path.
Take Ellie Sandison’s path in Shetland. After leaving university when full-time study alongside work didn’t suit her, Ellie found her direction through a front-desk role at Shetland Museum and Archives.
Ellie (PICTURED, top) went on to complete the Museum Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, earning a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Museum and Galleries Practice while working full time, and now works as a Learning & Engagement Assistant at the museum, delivering sessions on Shetland’s heritage to schools and community groups.
“My career path was not exactly straightforward,” she says, “but all the skills I learned along the way brought me to where I am today, and I absolutely love what I do.”
“The pathway through apprenticeships is a brilliant route,” Kai says. “Not only have I been able to gain qualifications, knowledge and skills, but I was able to get real and meaningful experience from joining a team in a working environment.”
For Jacob, the difference was clear from the start: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number,” he says. “All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen and are the reason I have the job in the first place.”
Former pupil Elodie, now studying Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, says the course “got me more interested in the sector,” and has shaped her ambition to work in data privacy and human rights.
One of the winning team, Jovita, says the course “gave me huge confidence” as she prepares to begin studying English and Film at Edinburgh Napier University, with ambitions to become a producer.
Not every pathway runs smoothly, but that’s part of the journey too. In Glasgow, Demi Crawford is completing a Painting and Decorating apprenticeship through City Building Training College, having overcome a serious knee injury that required surgery and led to a lot of absence.
With a tailored timetable to help her catch up, she’s now heading into her fourth and final year, preparing to sit the skills test that will qualify her as a tradesperson. “No two days are the same,” she says, “which makes work more enjoyable.”
“These challenges were difficult,” he says, “but they also helped me grow stronger and more determined.” He now plans to continue supporting elderly service users.
Nick Page, Chief Executive Officer at Qualifications Scotland said: “Results Day is about celebrating every learner’s achievement, whatever path they’ve taken.
“These stories show the incredible range of routes available, from foundation apprenticeships and work-based learning to vocational qualifications delivered in schools, colleges and community initiatives.
“I’ve seen it first-hand myself when visiting centres across the country, and I’m continually impressed with the hard work of learners everywhere.
“Whether it’s a young person discovering a passion for cyber security, building a new career in social care later in life, or an apprentice overcoming setbacks to qualify, each of these journeys proves that success looks different for everyone.
“I want to congratulate every person who has worked incredibly hard to get to where they are, and for every learner in Scotland to know there is a path that’s right for them.”
Hundreds of young carers from across Scotland will come together this week for the annual Scottish Young Carers Festival, a unique event providing young people with caring responsibilities the opportunity to take a break, connect with others and enjoy new experiences.
Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member, friend or loved one who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, addiction or additional support needs.
Organised by Carers Trust Scotland and receives funding by the Scottish Government, the three-day festival brings together young carers from across the country for a programme of activities, entertainment and opportunities to spend time with others who understand the realities of being a young carer.
The festival offers young carers a chance to step away from their day-to-day caring responsibilities and focus on friendship, fun and wellbeing. It also provides an opportunity for young people to share their experiences and ensure their voices are heard on issues that affect their lives.
The event will also welcome a number of decision-makers and stakeholders, giving young carers the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives directly with people involved in shaping policy and support services across Scotland.
Through activities, discussions and informal conversations, young carers will have the chance to highlight the issues that matter most to them, including breaks from caring, education, wellbeing and recognition.
Why a Break Matters
There are at least 30,000 young carers under the age of 18 in Scotland, many of whom provide vital unpaid care for family members. Carers Trust Scotland’s work highlights that time away from caring duties is not just a treat – it’s essential for young carers’ wellbeing, development and happiness.
Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland, said:“The Scottish Young Carers Festival gives young carers the chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities, spend time with friends and enjoy opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to.
“We know from listening to young carers how important breaks, friendships and support are to their wellbeing. The festival brings young carers together from across Scotland, creating a space where they can connect with others who understand their experiences and simply enjoy being young people.
“It is also an opportunity to highlight the important contribution young carers make every day and ensure their voices continue to be heard by decision makers.”
Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, said: “Young carers make an invaluable contribution to their families, communities and to society as a whole The care and support they provide every day is remarkable, but I also recognise that caring responsibilities can bring challenges and make it harder to access the same opportunities as their peers.
“We remain committed to supporting young carers through initiatives such as the Young Carer Grant, the Young Scot Young Carer Package and our work to deliver a Right to Breaks for carers.
“I am delighted to attend this year’s Scottish Young Carers Festival and hear directly from young carers about the issues that matter most to them. I hope everyone attending the festival has a fantastic time and creates memories and friendships that will last long after the event has ended.”
The festival is supported by local carer organisations from across Scotland, who work throughout the year to provide advice, information and opportunities for young carers in their communities.
Throughout the event, young people will take part in a wide range of activities while building confidence, making new friends and creating lasting memories.
Levels of attainment for learners across the city have improved from last year across almost all key measures
There has been a significant improvement in the number of young people in S5 achieving three or more Higher qualifications at grade C or above and the proportion of S5 students achieving both three or more and five or more awards at SCQF Level 6 across Edinburgh.
The results also demonstrate improvement in almost all S4, S5 and S6 measures compared to 2019 (pre pandemic) and 2024 and 2025.
Over 11,226 candidates in Edinburgh received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today (Tuesday 4 August) across 164 subjects.
A total of 59,459 awards were handed out for subjects including web design, carpentry, accounting, sport science and beauty.
National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 80.9%, a 0.9% increase on 2025 figures, and Highers saw passes of 78.5%, an increase of 1.9% on last year.
Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: It has been amazing to see attainment increase in almost all key measures for Edinburgh students.
“There is a huge range of qualifications and awards achieved by our learners in 165 subjects, representing the hard work, effort and commitment of learners, teachers and school staff. Each and every one of our young people’s journeys and achievements are unique to them and today’s results mark the next step in their journey, whether that’s to college, university, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.
“We want to provide inclusive and relevant curriculum pathways into further or higher education and to the workplace for every single learner in all of our schools. There is much to celebrate and be proud of in this year’s set of results and my thanks go to all those who have supported our learners to this point including school staff, parents and carers.”
Moustafa Watti (17), a former pupil at Broughton High School achieved three As in Advanced Highers in maths, biology and chemistry today. He is going to study medicine at the University of St Andrews next month.
He said: “I signed up for the results to be sent by text and knew they would be sent from 8am. I received my text results at 8.06am – that felt like a long six minutes!
“I was delighted to get three As, I didn’t think I would even get one A so I was shocked. I only needed two Bs to get into university so I am over the moon with my results and my parents are delighted.”
Bibi Coane (15) is going into S5 at Broughton High School. She got six Nat 5s at A and one Higher A in music today. She is part of the City of Edinburgh Music School, based at Broughton, allowing musically talented pupils to do their music exams early.
Bibi said: “I am really happy with my results, I expected As but there is always a little doubt.
“Next year I am doing Advanced Higher Music a year early as I am part of the music school, as well as four Highers. The music school is amazing, I get one on one lessons and it’s allowed my cello and piano to come on really quickly. I might study music at university, but I also love history and might study that.”
Lennon Watts (16) and Dan McCandless (16) are going into S5 at Broughton High School and are part of the Scottish FA Performance School based at the school. Lennon achieved six Nat 5s at A and B level and is going on to play full time with Celtic under 19s squad. He will come to school one day a week to study two Highers.
Lennon said: “I am really happy with my results, we do one less Nat 5 because we do seven periods of football a week. Next year will be tough to manage the football and my Highers but I want to get them so I can keep my options open. I plan to do another two Highers in S6, again coming in one day a week.
Dan got six Nat 5s at A and is going to play with Hearts under 17 squad next year while also doing school full time.
Dan said: I am happy with my results and I am going to do four Highers next year. It is difficult to juggle school and football, I’ll be at school every day then go straight to training and be there until about 8pm but I want to get my Highers so I have something if football doesn’t work out.
“The football school at Broughton has been great, it’s a lot of extra training, and they are flexible when you have games or extra training with your team.”
SIGHTHILL CAMPUS: THURSDAY 6th AUGUST 10am – 1.30pm
Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.
The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.
The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business.
Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.
If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.
The full cast and creative team of the new production of David Harrower’s adaptation of Muriel Spark’s classic novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie have been announced
The production is directed by Vicky Featherstone and features Gayle Rankin as Jean Brodie and is set to tour Scotland in 2026
The full cast is Maureen Beattie, Liberty Black, Dyfan Dwyfor, Brian Ferguson, Sophie Fortune, Tallulah Grieve, Shreya Khaund Marshall and Bobby Rainsbury.
The show will open at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on Friday 9 October 2026, before touring to the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Pitlochry
Gayle Rankin, photographed by Rankin, takes on the iconic role of Miss Jean Brodie
A National Theatre of Scotland Production
Presented in partnership with The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and in association with Pitlochry Festival Theatre
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
A new stage adaptation by David Harrower
Based on the novel by Muriel Spark
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Full cast: Maureen Beattie as Miss MacKay, Liberty Black as Mary Macgregor, Dyfan Dwyfor as Teddy Lloyd, Brian Ferguson as Gordon Lowther, Sophie Fortune as Joyce Emily, Tallulah Greive as Monica Douglas, Shreya Khaund Marshall as Jenny Gray, Bobby Rainsbury as Sandy Stranger and Gayle Rankin as Jean Brodie.
Stuart Burt CDG CSA – Casting Director; Robyn Ferguson – Casting for National Theatre of Scotland; Chloe Lamford – Set Designer; Lizzie Powell – Lighting Designer; Lewis den Hertog – Video Designer; Charlotte McLean – Movement Director; featuring music by Anna Meredith; Pippa Murphy – Sound Designer and Music Composer; Anna Orton – Costume Designer; Sally Reid – Associate Director.
Touring Scotland from 02 October to 07 November 2026.
Previews and opening at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh before touring to The Citizens Theatre, Glasgow; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Opening performance at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on 9 October 2026
National Theatre of Scotland, in partnership with The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and in association with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, is bringing one of Scotland’s most iconic and enduring Scottish literary characters to the stage, in a brand-new production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
This production will mark 60 years since the premiere of the original stage version.
Adapted for the stage by acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower from Muriel Spark’s much-loved novel, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is directed by Vicky Featherstone andfeatures Gayle Rankin making her National Theatre of Scotland debut as the charismatic Jean Brodie. Making up the Brodie set are Liberty Black as Mary Macgregor, Sophie Fortune as Joyce Emily, Tallulah Greive as Monica Douglas, Shreya Khaund Marshall as Jenny Gray, and Bobby Rainsbury as Sandy Stranger. They are joined by Maureen Beattie as Miss Mackay, Brian Ferguson as Gordon Lowther and Dyfan Dwyfor as Teddy Lloyd.
‘Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life.’
At the Marcia Blaine School for Girls, junior-school teacher Miss Jean Brodie is, famously, in her prime.
Each year, Brodie selects her ‘set’. The crème de la crème of girls whom she will shape through art and politics, stories of sexual liberation and titillating glimpses of the women they could become. In return, she demands utter loyalty from them all.
Witty, seductive and swirling in contradictions, Brodie’s mythical ability to invent her own truths and manipulate her girls ultimately leads her to risk everything.
This adaptation by David Harrower is a new version commissioned by National Theatre of Scotland, developed and updated from the original play which was presented at the Donmar Warehouse, London in 2018.
This visceral production takes a head-on look at the enduring moral fascination with such a beguiling and dangerous character.
MEET THE BRODIE SET
Gayle Rankin is Miss Jean Brodie. Gayle Rankin is a Tony Award-nominated Scottish performer well known for her role as Sheila the She-Wolf in the hit Netflix series GLOW and as the mysterious Alys Rivers in HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon. Gayle recently finished a run on Broadway as Sally Bowles opposite Eddie Redmayne in the award-winning production of Cabaret (Tony nominated).
Other TV credits include The Listeners (BBC) and Perry Mason (HBO). Film includes Alex Garland’s Men, Amazon’s Blow the Man Down, Bad Things and The Greatest Showman, as well as the upcoming film Incomer, which will close the 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival. New York theatre credits include Sam Gold’s Hamlet and Phyllida Lloyd’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Maureen Beattie is Miss MacKay, the headmistress of the Marcia Blaine School for Girls. Maureen Beattie previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland in Yer Granny, 27, The Enquirer and Inteference. Other stage credits include extensive Shakespeare productions, including many at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre of GB, and is appearing as Lear in King Lear at Pitlochry Festival Theatre this summer. Other stage credits include Escape Alone, Death of a Salesman (The Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Scent of Roses, The Cherry Orchard (Royal Lyceum Theatre), Yerma (Young Vic/Park Avenue Armory), Noises Off (Old Vic), Daisy Pulls It Off, My Fair Lady and The Ferryman on the West End. Television credits include Outlander (Starz), Fear (Prime Video) and Playing Nice (ITV). Her film credits most recently include Sunlight (ODIN Productions).
Liberty Black as Mary Macgregor, one of Brodie’s girls. Liberty graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2025 and made her professional stage debut in National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Production’s KELI. Television credits include the upcoming legal drama Counsels (BBC Scotland) and The Doghouse (Hat Trick Productions/BBC).
Dyfan Dwyfor is Teddy Lloyd, the art master at Marcia Blaine. He most recently appeared on Scottish stages in The Seagull at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. Other recent stage credits include Nye (National Theatre), The Man in the Submarine (Perth Theatre), Life is a Dream (Royal Lyceum Theatre) and The Twilight Zone (Almeida West End). Screen credits include Pride (Pathe), The Passing (Severn Screen), Outlander (Starz), A Very English Scandal and Reputation (BBC).
Brian Ferguson is Gordon Lowther, the singing master at Marcia Blaine. In 2024, Brian appeared in the BBC reboot of Ian Rankin’s Rebus in the BBC reboot as Michael Rebus, with his performance being nominated for Best Actor at the RTS Scotland Awards. Other television credits include The Ipcress File, The Dark (ITV), Department Q (Netflix), The Spanish Princess (Channel 4/Starz), Elizabeth is Missing and Shetland (BBC). He most recently worked with National Theatre of Scotland in Cyrano de Bergerac (with Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre). His previous NTS credits include Anything That Gives Off Light, Black Watch, Rupture and Snuff. Other theatre credits include White Nights (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), A Number (Royal Lyceum Theatre), Oil (Almedia Theatre), Hamlet (Citizens Theatre), Earthquakes in London (National Theatre), The Dark Things, The Guard (Traverse Theatre), The Drawer Boy and The Trials (Tron Theatre).
Sophie Fortune as Joyce Emily, a pupil at Marcia Blaine. Sophie trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and was most recently seen on stage in Inexperience (Pitlochry Festival Theatre). Previous theatre credits include Between the Lines (Glasgow Museum of Modern Art), Let the Right One In, That Hopey Changey Thing and The Cherry Orchard (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), and The Multiverse is Gay and Seven Against Edinburgh (Lyceum Young Company).
Tallulah Greive as Monica Douglas, one of Brodie’s girls. Tallulah played Orla the feature film Our Ladies, and was longlisted for the Breakthrough Performance category at the British Independent Film Awards in 2021. She most recently appeared on Scottish stages at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in The Seagull, and Anna Karenina (co-produced with Bristol Old Vic). Other stage credits include Coram Boy (Chichester Festival Theatre/Lowry). Other screen roles include Boarders (BBC/Studio Lambert), My Lady Jane (Amazon Prime) and Cinderella (Sony).
Shreya Khaund Marshall as Jenny Gray, one of Brodie’s girls. Shreya is a third year acting student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. This is her professional stage debut.
Bobby Rainsbury as Sandy Stranger, one of Brodie’s girls and her special confidante. Bobby is best known for her role as Maura Grant in the Outlander spinoff, Blood of my Blood. Her other screen credits include upcoming feature film Hillside Drive (Element Pictures) and Sam Mendes Beatles film (Neal Street Productions), The Witcher, Department Q, The Crown (Netflix), Summerwater (Channel 4), The Death of Bunny Munro (Sky), Karen Pirie (ITV), Vigil, Holby City and Call the Midwife (BBC). This is her professional stage debut.
“The crème de la crème of Brodie adaptations”
The Theatre Times on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Donmar Warehouse, 2018
This is the first time that David Harrower’s adaptation of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie has been performed in Scotland, having been originally staged at the Donmar Warehouse in 2018 to critical acclaim. In the Sparkian spirit of reinvention, the 2018 script has been revisited and updated for this National Theatre of Scotland 2026 production.
The original 1966 London stage adaptation was by Jay Presson Allen (Marnie,Cabaret). Scottish productions include Pitlochry Festival Theatre in 1985 and 2009 and at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh in 2003. Gayle Rankin played one of the schoolgirls in The Lyceum production and this 2026 production marks her homecoming to Scotland’s stages.
Vicky Featherstone, director, said: “As we hurtle towards the first day of rehearsal for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, I am so excited to be working with this incredible group of actors and creatives, led by Gayle Rankin, and with a spicy new version by David Harrower which seeks to honour everything that Spark gave us while creating something which feels urgent, surprising and fresh.
“We are all looking forward to bringing all the thrilling complexity that is Brodie to life once again for Scottish audiences.”
David Harrower is an Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Plays include Blackbird (Olivier Award for Best New Play and Tony nominated), Knives in Hens, Kill the Old, Torture Their Young (Traverse Theatre), Six Characters in Search of an Author, 365, Calum’s Road (National Theatre of Scotland).Film & TV work includes Una, Outlaw King,Lockerbie: A Search for the Truth and the forthcoming The Day of the Jackal Season 2.
Vicky Featherstone was the founding Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, and she returns to direct The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie with the company, following a decade as Artistic Director of London’s Royal Court Theatre. Theatre credits include: Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Enquirer (National Theatre of Scotland); Shoe Lady, The Glow (Royal Court); The Outrun (Royal Lyceum Theatre for Edinburgh International Festival 2024). Her production of Krapp’s Last Tape with Stephen Rea recently played in NYC following an earlier presentation at Barbican, London and Pavilion Theatre, Dublin in 2025.
Born in Edinburgh in 1918, Muriel Spark wrote 22 novels including The Driver’s Seat, Memento Mori and The Girls of Slender Means with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie being the best known of her works. First published in the New Yorker and reissued in volume form in 1961, the novel is set in Edinburgh in 1936 with the central character based in part on a teacher at Muriel Spark’s Edinburgh school, James Gillespie’s School for Girls. The novel was subsequently adapted for stage, film and television.
The poster image for this new production was shot by renowned photographer Rankin, captured at his studio in London. The photos were released on 1 February to mark the birthday of Muriel Spark.
Gayle Rankinsaid: “Working with the legendary photographer Rankin was an incredible experience.
“His deep curiosity as an artist, alongside Vicky Featherstone and me, helped crack open the earliest beginnings of our Jean Brodie—approaching her not just as an icon, a myth or character, but as a real woman for our time.
“We were thrilled to start this journey with Rankin’s lens on her.”
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director.
Best known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends, he has produced rule-breaking campaigns for brands such as Rolls Royce, Unilever, L’Oreal, Lego, and Samsonite; creating wide reaching projects for charities including Women’s Aid and Macmillan; and shooting music videos for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Kelis.
As a photographer Rankin’s portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary. He has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and Zendaya to name only a few. In 2023 Rankin photographed King Charles III to mark the monarch’s 75th Birthday for The Big Issue magazine.
As a publisher, Rankin co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990 and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books, and the fashion and culture publication Hunger.
His photography has been published everywhere from his own publications to Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland, and exhibited in galleries globally, including MoMA, New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Rankin said: “It was a thrill and a privilege to be invited to capture the extraordinary Gayle Rankin in the iconic role of the dangerous but alluring Jean Brodie.
“Her power as an actor brought an electric theatricality to the shoot as can be seen in the final images. It was fantastic to collaborate with the National Theatre of Scotland on this production, which I hope I can get to see later this year.”
The Next Stage
The Next Stage is an ambitious new pilot project, inviting young people to create and present their own original performances on the set of a major National Theatre of Scotland production.
In its first iteration, pupils from Aberdeen Grammar School will respond to The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, devising bold new performance pieces that will be shared with an invited audience of teachers, peers and family members on Chloe Lamford’s set, at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen in October 2026.
Touring to The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (Previews Fri 2, Mon 5-Thu 8 October) Fri 9 October to Sun 18 October; The Citizens Theatre, Glasgow Wed21October to Sat 24 October; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Thu29 October to Sat 31 October; Pitlochry Festival Theatre Wed 4 November to Sat 7 November 2026.
