Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!
Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September!
Edinburgh’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.
Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great. Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.
This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles.
Local finalists include the Athletic Arms, The Belfry and the Mother Superior which are up for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, The Cocktail Geeks, Hey Palu and Lady Libertine who are fighting it out to become Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year and the Boston Bar, Malones, O’Connnor’s and Seamus’s who are all hoping to be crowned Jameson Best Irish Bar!
However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!
Publisher, Susan Young, said, “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!
“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”
Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Athletic Arms – Edinburgh
The Belfry – Edinburgh
Mother Superior – Edinburgh
The Pot Still – Glasgow
Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh
Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh
Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr
Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin
Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport
Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh
Hey Palu – Edinburgh
Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow
Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow
Lady Libertine – Edinburgh
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Anchorage – Dunure
Bag o’Nails – Glasgow
The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin
Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs
Campari Bar Apprentice 2025
Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh
Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow
Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone
Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder
Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh
Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh
Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride
Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh
Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh
De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country.
The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them ‘push creative boundaries’ and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.
The fund builds on the success of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and helps deliver a key commitment in the Scottish Budget 2025-26 to expand the reach of the fund across Scotland.
Awards of up to £200,000 will be available in the first year and will be administered by Creative Scotland. The grants can be used for raising the international profile of festivals and to support other areas vital to their success, such as for sector and talent development and to open access to educational groups.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:“Scotland has a wealth of outstanding festivals up and down the country. They are at the at the heart of our culture sector and national life, bringing us together through our enjoyment of art, literature, music and other performing arts.
“By increasing investment into festivals across the country we are supporting their commissions of and collaborations on new and exciting works, increasing opportunities for participation in creative pursuits and ensuring Scotland’s cultural highlights can be enjoyed at home and abroad.
“The new fund is a direct result of discussions through the Strategic Partnership for Festivals, a focal point that brings together diverse representation from arts festivals and a broader range group of partners who support them.
“Collaboration with the sector is vital and this group will be crucial in supporting the implementation and development of this fund in the coming months.”
Chief Executive of Creative Scotland Iain Munro said:“Scotland’s festivals are a vibrant celebration of our creativity and culture, recognised and enjoyed by local communities and people from around the world.
“The expanded festivals fund is a new opportunity to profile incredible creative work in every corner of the country and support other areas vital to success – from sector and talent development to further experimentation and space to develop ambitions with specific groups and communities.
“Working with festivals nationwide, this investment will support artists, widen community engagement and further strengthen Scotland’s impressive international reputation.”
Further information and detailed guidance notes for festivals will be available through Creative Scotland.
PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THE UKRAINE SITUATION YESTERDAY:
President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.
While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.
This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.
I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.
In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.
Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.
KEIR STARMER WAS ALSO A SIGNATORY TO A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ‘COALITION OF THE WILLING EUROPEAN LEADERS:
Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen:
Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.
Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.
As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.
We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.
We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees.
The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.
Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.
As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.
UKRAINE’S leader Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington tomorrow for talks with the US President Donald Trump.
Cosmetic treatments which do not require surgery, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and liquid Brazilian butt lifts, are rocketing in popularity. Many people might not know that, as yet, the industry is largely unregulated.
All too often we hear of some such beauty treatments going horribly wrong, and people who have suffered severe, and even life-changing, injuries as a result.
Cases include people left with permanent scarring to their faces from botched chemical peels. Multiple cases of the over-use of Hyalase injections to dissolve filler have led to tissue loss and cavities to the face, which then required multiple fat grafting treatments.
The Scottish Government has now said it will forge ahead with legislation this autumn. The sooner this burgeoning industry is regulated, the safer consumers will be.
Gordon Dalyell
Scotland representative, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
The event allowed fans who missed out on tickets to the Murrayfield shows to still join in the fun and the gig saw the group perform classics such as Wonderwall, Live Forever, and Don’t Look Back in Anger
Oasis fans of all ages turned up for the tribute, including families and little ones proudly sporting iconic bucket hats
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it was only right that we brought a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act, and their free show was the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It was a great way to spend a Sunday – with attendees grabbing a bite, enjoying the music, and making a proper day of it with friends and family.”
The event was just one of the free events that took place at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences. The centre also hosted character visits inspired by popular blockbuster films including Wicked and Lilo & Stich.
Unpaid carers in Scotland urged to access respite funding, as 1 in 3 struggle to take a break
The UK’s largest community of unpaid carers is urging hundreds of thousands of Scots providing unpaid care for someone to access vital respite funding. This follows new research revealing that 1 in 3 unpaid carers are rarely able to take a break.
Released as part of a carer-led “protest from home” in July, the Carers Trust research shows that 44% of unpaid carers are not currently accessing government-issued respite care. This echoes previous research conducted by Mobilise in July 2024, which revealed that almost half (47%) of unpaid carers had never taken a break, with many respondents citing a lack of available support as the reason.
It also comes as the Scottish Government introduces a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers under the new Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025.
Now, experts at carer-led community Mobilise are also calling for greater awareness of funding for replacement care services and holiday accommodation, as well as new developments around Scottish carers’ rights to breaks. This support can give unpaid carers desperately needed breaks.
What rights do unpaid carers have to take breaks?
Local Authorities now have a duty, under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to ensure that all unpaid carers are able to take sufficient breaks. This means that all unpaid carers living in Scotland are now legally entitled to take a break.
Anyone in a caring role also has the right to be assessed for an ‘Adult Carer Support Plan’ (or Young Carer Statement, if you’re caring for a child). This can lead to free respite care services, or funding for breaks and activities that offer time away from caring responsibilities – ranging from regular time off to a short holiday.
What respite care funding is available?
Adult Carer Support Plans aren’t the only way to access replacement care services. A number of different funding options are available to give Scottish carers respite breaks (sometimes known as ‘carers breaks’ or ‘short breaks’), depending on the level of care you provide and the needs of the person you are caring for.
Respite care costs can also be covered by:
Local council funding via Social Care Assessments – Depending on where you live, respite care funding may fall under the care plan of the person you care for, which is put in place following what’s known as a Social Care or Community Care Assessment. You can ask your local council’s social care department for help with this.
NHS Continuing Healthcare funding – This funding can provide professional care services for the person you look after, whilst you take a break. Eligibility is based on the health care needs and circumstances of the care recipient. The NHS has more information about this criteria, and your GP can also advise and help you apply.
Local Carers’ Centre funding – Your local Carers’ Centre may have their own respite scheme, offer grants, or be able to offer details of other funding available in your area. Find out more here.
Charitable funds & grants – Other organisations that provide free respite care include:
Turn2Us – This charity offers grants for respite care
The Respite Association – Specialist respite care for disabled, sick, elderly and terminally ill people is available through this charity
HRH Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers – This fund offers grants for replacement care costs as well as group activities, which may offer a short break and/or time to socialise with other carers
Where can carers get free respite accommodation?
Even with respite care services in place, holiday accommodation costs can be prohibitive for carers who often face additional expenses, and may have to drop out of paid roles or reduce their hours. To help break down this barrier to breaks, a number of organisations offer free accommodation for carers. Some also offer support for your cared-for person to join you.
Free respite accommodation options include:
Shared Care Scotland – From accessible hotels that host carers and their loved ones, to home-based respite services and holiday accommodation for carers, this charity helps carers find and fund regular short breaks
Carefree – This charity offers 1-2 night hotel stays, which you can have a companion join you for (someone other than the person you look after, to give you a break from caring)
After Umbrage – Free 4-day cottage breaks are available through this charity for those caring for someone with life-limiting and terminal conditions
Take A Break Scotland – Scottish carers who look after disabled children and young people can apply for cash grants towards short breaks via this charity
The Respite Association – As well as free respite care, if you look after someone with a disability or additional health needs, this charity offers week-long seaside holidays
Disability Grants – If you look after a disabled person, this organisation lists holiday grants, with a ‘supported holiday’ option to make breaks more accessible for you both
To get more help finding and applying for respite care funding and support, you can visit Mobilise’s detailed Guide to Respite. Care support experts are also on hand to help via the Mobilise website.
GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.
The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.
The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.
To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.
“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.
“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”
Local authority area
[NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
[VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now.
Racking up an incredible 158 million views on the streaming platform, with its leading single reaching number one in charts on both sides of the pond, K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm this summer.
Now, for one weekend only, the global phenomenon hits the big screen in full high-definition glory for a sing-along event, taking place 23 – 24 August.
The sing-along event follows a world-renowned K-Pop girl group who find themselves balancing a life in the spotlight with their secret identities as ‘bad-ass demon hunters’. Set against a colourful backdrop of fashion, food, style – and the most popular music movement of the current generation – this special sing-along screening promises to be a summer highlight.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “As the Korean Wave continues to capture hearts worldwide, this special event offers fans of K-Pop the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful animation and chart-topping score with our breathtaking screens and immersive surround sound.
“For younger audiences in particular, we know that visiting the cinema is a way to disconnect from the digital world and nurture real-life connections in a communal setting. With the added energy of a sing-along event, we’re confident this latest K-Pop celebration will attract dedicated fans as well as wider family audiences looking for exactly that.”
The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) has officially reopened its centre on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh. The newly refurbished office offers a modern and accessible space for the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters and staff to use.
The Hillside office had temporarily closed for renovation in November 2023, although many of the charity’s services continued to operate throughout this period. The refurbishment has been part of the charity’s continued work to ensure its support and services are robust, future-facing and consistently meeting the needs of people with sight loss.
The facilities in Abbeyhill now include Café VI – a welcoming café serving the local community, a Product and Advice store offering accessible aids and equipment, and a multi-use community space which hosts various social, leisure and peer-support groups.
Thursday’s launch event welcomed members of the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters, and staff.
The ribbon was officially cut by Kirin Saeed, Chair of the RNIB Scotland Advisory Group, following speeches from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland; Matt Stringer, RNIB Chief Executive; and Sarah Boyack MSP.
Kirin Saeed says: ““Having an accessible space like this in the heart of Edinburgh makes a real difference.
“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting advice on equipment, or meeting with others who share similar experiences, this hub brings people together and supports us in living independently. I can’t wait to meet new and old friends.”
Later in the day, a smaller, private gathering marked the naming of the new Sandra Wilson Boardroom, in memory of Sandra Wilson, former Chair of RNIB Scotland (2015–2021), who passed away in August 2024.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: ““Thanks to Sandra’s leadership Scotland is a more accessible place for blind and partially sighted people than it otherwise would have been.
“Dedicating this space in her name is a small way of honouring her legacy.”
Matt Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RNIB says: ““We’re delighted to open this fantastic new community facility in Edinburgh. It demonstrates RNIB’s ongoing commitment to delivering first-class services for blind and partially sighted people.
“As a charity, we believe the world should be accessible to everyone. This investment reflects our values and our continued determination to help build a more inclusive society.”
