The Foreign Affairs Committee has written to Sir Olly Robbins, former Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, to request he give evidence next Tuesday (21 April) on the vetting of Lord Mandelson.
Following recent reporting by The Guardian exposing Lord Mandelson’s failure to pass developed vetting and the decision of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to overrule this, Sir Olly resigned as Permanent-Under Secretary at the FCDO.
Correspondence: Foreign Affairs Committee Chair to Sir Olly Robbins
The critical difference we can all make by choosing local will be celebrated between 13 – 20 June
The date has been set for the fourth Scotland Loves Local Week – with people across Edinburgh being urged to champion choosing local. The people, businesses and initiatives that make communities thrive will be celebrated from June 13 to 20.
And, as with the activity taking place as the country rallies behind Scotland in the World Cup, this year’s theme is Flying the Flag for Local Businesses.
Scotland Loves Local Week will see social media campaigning, political visits and other events highlight the transformational difference of choosing local – supporting friends, family and neighbours by getting behind the businesses which are the fabric of communities.
Businesses and community groups across Edinburgh are being encouraged to take part – as they have done in previous years – celebrating what makes their communities unique.
Ideas for how they can do so are available via www.lovelocal.scot.
Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies.
It is organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a stronger, fairer, wealthier Scotland.
We’ve gone massive for May – not one, not two, butFOUR epic day parties.
House, electronica, techno, fusion… even a bit of Dolly Parton… whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered!
The Pitt & Box Energy Present:
Auntie Flo LIVE
Sun 3 May, 4pm-10pm
From £15.00
Suitability: 18+
Get ready for an electrifying night as we bring you the genre-defying sound of Auntie Flo’s full live band! Known for fusing global rhythms with experimental electronica, Auntie Flo will be bringing his captivating live set to our inclusive and welcoming space.
Northern Rodeo Country Festival
Sat 16 May, 4pm – 10pm
From £15.00
Suitability: all welcome until 8pm, then 16+
Northern Rodeo is riding back into The Pitt for another boot-stompin’, line-dancin’, bronco-buckin’ night of country fun! So round-up your crew and come join the fun at Northern Rodeo – where the North meets Nashville.
Musika presents Skyline feat. Hernan Cattaneo 5hr set
Sun 24 May, 2pm-midnight
From £45.00
Suitability: 18+
A huge Bank Holiday All-Dayer as Musika presents Skyline’s last ever Scottish show celebrating 4 years of the crème de la crème of progressive artists. Joining Hernan, Kamilo Sanclemente makes his long-awaited Edinburgh debut. Support comes from both families — Alan Dobson, Jamie McKenzie and Twilo — carrying the Musika x Skyline sound from day into night.
DAYS
Sat 30 May, 1pm-10:30pm
From £55.00
Suitability: 18+
DAYS returns to the Granton waterfront taking over the warehouse and yard for our best party to date.
With Daniel Avery, DJ Seinfeld, and Helena Hauff, while Sweely brings his signature live energy. Rounding things out are Papa Nugs and MarcelDune, two selectors currently at the top of their game.
The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance
Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.
Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.
The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.
For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.
Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.
Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.
“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.
“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.
“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.
“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”
Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.
Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.
A woman from Edinburgh, living in London, is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Lymphoma Action following successful treatment for lymphoma.
Catherine Staines was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2023. After receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Catherine is now in remission and will be running the iconic marathon route on Sunday 26 April to support the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma.
“I had never even heard of Hodgkin lymphoma before my diagnosis,” says Catherine, 26. “It was a Lymphoma Action information pack, handed to me by a nurse in hospital, that helped me understand what was happening and what lay ahead in terms of treatment.
“Lymphoma Action gave my family and I clarity and support at a time of fear and confusion. Their resources made me feel informed, less alone and better prepared for what was to come. Now I am in remission, I want to give back to a Charity that supported me through what was a very challenging time.
“Training for a marathon is a real challenge, but raising funds for this important cause keeps me motivated” she adds. “When I was going through treatment, all I wanted was to be active again. I missed that part of life: moving, training and feeling strong. Now I can look forward to crossing the finish line and celebrate feeling healthy and capable again after everything I’ve been through.”
“We are so grateful to Catherine for her support, and we can’t wait to cheer her on from the sidelines on race day!” says Laura Thompson, Challenge Events Fundraiser at Lymphoma Action.
“Every year, more than 18,000 people in the UK are told they have lymphoma, making it the most common type of blood cancer. With this year marking our 40th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to transform the experience of people affected by lymphoma.
“Thanks to the support of amazing people like Catherine, we can make sure that people can navigate a lymphoma diagnosis with the information, support and community they need so that no one faces lymphoma alone.”
For further information about lymphoma, and the work of Lymphoma Action please visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass
Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms.
Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.
Abdullah from Livingstone, said:“Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”
According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.
The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.
James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said:“It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”
Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.
Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.
Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens.
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars.
“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.”
ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.
As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
It’s time for another dementia-friendly film club, and this month we’re heading to a Greek island!
Join us for a free screening of Mamma Mia! – the feel-good 2008 musical packed with romance, laughter, and those irresistible ABBA tunes. Singing along? Getting up to dance? Absolutely encouraged
Thursday 23 April
Doors open 1.15pm | Screening starts 1.30pm
North Edinburgh Arts
Free entry
Our dementia-friendly screenings are open to everyone, with low lighting throughout, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a short interval, and light refreshments.
To book or to let us know about any accessible seating requirements, get in touch:
POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace 20-year-old Jack Beedie who has been reported missing in Aberdeen.
Jack was last seen around 1pm on Friday, 27 March, 2026, at Aberdeen Bus Station and was reported missing on Sunday, 12 April. It is believed he may have travelled to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
He is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, of slim build, with short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots.
Sergeant James Dainton said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Jack’s welfare and would urge anyone who may have seen him, or who has any information that could assist, to come forward.
“If you think you can help, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2564 of 12 April.”
New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year
45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”
A new survey published by the TUC today (Friday) shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year. The findings, based on a survey of 5,004 workers, show that in the last 12 months:
1 in 5 (19.4%) have experienced physical assault
1 in 10 (9.9%) have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence at work
8 in 10 (79.1%) have experienced verbal abuse such as shouting, insults or threats at work
4 in 10 (44.9%) have experienced threats of physical harm
The report is published as the TUC holds its Violence at Work conference today, established following concerns from unions about violence and abuse against public-facing workers.
More than 8 in 10 (84.1 %) of respondents said their roles are public facing.
The report finds:
11.8% work in education
38.9% work in transport
9.9% work in prisons or secure facilities
4.9% work in health and social care
14.9% work in central or local government
When asked how regularly they experience violence or abuse at work, more than half of workers (51.4%) said they experience violence or abuse weekly or more, while 17.1% said they experienced violence or abuse on a monthly basis.
When asked who is responsible for the violence and/or abuse workers have experienced:
45.9% said customers were the perpetrators
36.4% said passengers
15.2% said other members of the public
10.9% said pupils or students
9.2% said colleagues
8.5% said managers
When asked about the impact of the most severe incidents they have experienced, 48.7%% said they feared for their safety, 13.9% said they experienced physical injury, 8.9% required medical treatment, 26.2% required police involvement, 16.8% had to take time off work, while 32.8% experienced mental trauma.
More than half (51.9%) of those who did not report it said it was because violence is seen as “part of the job”, while 33.7% said they felt it would not be taken seriously.
Health and Safety Executive
The TUC says employers have a legal duty to keep staff safe at work and all employers must assess the health and safety risks in their workplaces.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can prosecute employers who do not manage the risks of violence.
HSE inspectors play a vital role in keeping workplaces safe.
But the TUC says the HSE has been left “struggling to operate” due to the “devastating” impact of cuts under the Tory government.
The HSE – the country’s main workplace health and safety regulator – has seen its funding cut by more than 50% since 2010.
As a result, inspector numbers, inspections, and employer sanctions are at an all-time low – putting workers at risk.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living – violence at work is never ‘part of the job’.
“Nobody should go to work fearing for their safety, but that is the reality for thousands of our vital frontline workers.
“The Tories left the HSE in tatters and left the current government cleaning up their mess. But ministers must reinvest in the HSE, so we have more inspectors visiting workplaces and enforcing safety rules.
“My message to anyone worried about their safety and welfare at work is to join a union. We know that unionised workplaces are safer because union reps work with employers to reduce risks.”
Thursday 23 April
Doors open 1.15pm | Screening starts 1.30pm
North Edinburgh Arts
Free entry
Call or text: 07493 876130
Email: 
