The LIVING FUNGI workshop on 16 AUGUST, 1 – 3PM only has a few spaces left.
Book now to avoid disappointment – the workshop is FREE to join!
To book your place email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book and how many people would like to attend: info@mycobee.org.
The Living Fungi workshop provides an introduction to fungiculture, the fascinating world of fungi, and the art of mushroom farming.
You will learn what mushrooms are and hear about the importance of mushrooms for us and our planet. Community mushroom farming is more than just a sustainable practice. It can be a form of restorative agriculture.
Mycobee’s experts Bea and Mario will share how community mushroom farming can rejuvenate the soil and all ecosystems that rely on it. You will also get to know the different types of fungi to cultivate and how to do so.
Following a sell-out success in March, local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce the return of its popular Afternoon Tea at the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street on Thursday 4th September.
Guests can look forward to a delicious spread of homemade cakes, savoury treats, and endless cups of tea and coffee, all served in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most loved community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, or neighbours – all while supporting a fantastic local cause.
But this event is more than just tea and treats – every ticket sold will directly support LifeCare’s urgent fundraising appeal to keep the Hub running. With rapidly rising costs, the charity is calling on the community to help protect the services so many people rely on.
Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare Hub is a lifeline for thousands across the city. Whether it’s classes for isolated older adults, support for unpaid carers, or just a welcoming place to connect, the Hub brings people together.
“This Afternoon Tea is a chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon whilst helping us secure the Hub’s future.”
The Hub, which first opened in 1975 as ‘Stockbridge House’, now welcomes over 47,000 visits a year, offering 80+ weekly activities for all ages. As a charity, LifeCare works hard to ensure that its services are affordable or free, so no one is left out.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced support for almost 80 organisations delivering regeneration projects, to realise the economic potential of Scotland’s communities.
Edinburgh initiatives to receive Strengthening Communities Programme funding in 2025 – 26 are:
North Edinburgh – R2 Co-ordinator £56,205.00
Rannoch Community Trust £40,295.00
Whale Arts Agency £35,154.00
Ms Forbes confirmed that more than £2.5 million has been allocated from the Strengthening Communities Programme in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin work with a further 15.
The funding will address various challenges across Scotland’s communities such as employability, population retention, a need for housing, tourism and heritage initiatives, and the expansion and development of community food hubs.
Now in its 13th year, the Programme has helped hundreds of local organisations to bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities.
The programme delivered projects including the creation of more housing in remote rural areas, building business units to help small enterprises, and renovating vacant buildings to provide cultural and community centres.
The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to a former vacant department store in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which has been transformed into a community and enterprise hub with the help of Scottish Government funding.
Number 30 The Square now houses a cafe, cinema, retail space, learning and training rooms, event space, a gallery and co-working centre.
Ms Forbes said: “Local communities are best placed to address their own needs, identify improvements in their areas, and realise their own economic potential. That is why community-led regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government.
“From arts and culture projects, training and employment schemes, to bringing new life to disused buildings, hundreds of places across the country are already seeing positive change.
“Number 30 The Square is a shining example of how a community can come together to improve lives locally. And I’m glad to confirm that this kind of work will continue.”
Jamie Wilkinson, Chair of Huntly Development Trust which led the redevelopment of Number 30 and now owns and operates the community asset, said: “Strengthening Communities Programme funding was crucial in the formative years of Huntly Development Trust.
“It gave us the breathing space to focus on developing our vision and strategy, without the normal worry of sourcing income.
“Without this crucial early support, the Trust could not have developed and grown, and over time achieved what it subsequently has. We are delighted that the Scottish Government have chosen to announce a new round of funding at Number 30.”
On 4 September, Scottish Opera’s 2025/26 Season opens at Lammermuir Festival in East Lothian with a performance of two caustic comedies of infidelity: Maurice Ravel’s L’heure espagnole (marking 150 years since the composer’s birth) and William Walton’s The Bear.
This irresistible evening of musical mischief takes place at St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington and is conducted by French opera expert Alexandra Cravero (Thérèse 2022.) Jacopo Spirei, who worked extensively with renowned opera director Sir Graham Vick, directs this new concert staging, reimagining these operas as short, comic television episodes.
Designs are by the award-winning Kenneth MacLeod, who is also working with the Company this Season on Opera Highlights.
This concert continues Scottish Opera’s long-running partnership with Lammermuir Festival and demonstrates its commitment to exploring and championing lesser-known pieces by great composers.
There are further opportunities to see Ravel’s and Walton’s mini masterpieces at Theatre Royal Glasgow in October and Festival Theatre Edinburghin November.
These performances, supported byThe Scottish Opera Endowment Trust,feature former Emerging and Associate Artist and Education Artist-in-Residence Lea Shaw; Chloe Harris and Edward Jowle, returning as 2025/26 Emerging Artists; Company favourite Jamie MacDougall; and 2025/26 Emerging Artists Daniel Barrett and Luvo Maranti. They are accompanied by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Ravel’s Spanish-influenced L’heure espagnole sees a turn from melodramatic to farcical. A clockmaker’s serially unfaithful wife must come up with increasingly creative ways to hide her lovers over 21 fast-paced scenes.
The Bear, a witty one-act opera by English composer William Walton based on a Chekhov play, finds a widow confronting her late husband’s legacy — and serial adultery — when a creditor comes knocking.
While the two composers’ sound worlds are unique, they both examine the workings of imperfect human hearts with wry empathy.
Jacopo Spireisaid: ‘I wanted to explore how two women, one trapped in time, the other in mourning, fight to reclaim control of their own narratives. L’heure espagnole and The Bear may be comedies, but beneath the farce lies a sharp, emotional truth about independence, desire, and transformation.
‘By reframing L’heure espagnole and The Bear as if they were episodes in your Netflix queue, we hold up a screen to modern life, where emotions are edited, stories are bingeable, and even grief gets a promo. But what happens when women stop playing the roles they’ve been given?’
Alexandra Cravero said: ‘L’heure espagnole and The Bear are both about women in love and highlight the differences between Ravel’s French style and the British style of Walton.
“The French style invites us to savour the sensuality of orchestral colour, enhanced with a touch of Spanish elegance. In contrast, the British style surprises with its rhythmic intensity. Though composed 60 years apart, these two works humorously explore the complexities of love, across centuries and civilisations.’
James Waters, co-director of Lammermuir Festival said: ‘Over the last 8 years, our partnership with Scottish Opera has brought festival goers a fantastic variety of works and is always a much talked about highlight of the festival.
“This year, as the centrepiece of our tribute to Ravel in his 150th anniversary year, Scottish Opera’s concert staging of his one-act opera L’heure espagnole is certain to be a huge hit.
“In addition, this double bill promises more with Walton’s one-act chamber opera, The Bear. It’s a great programme, a night of operatic comedy and ravishing music and we look forward to being entertained and wowed once again.”
At the Glasgow and Edinburgh performances of the double bill, tickets start from just £23, and with 50% of seats on sale priced under £40, Scottish Opera ensures world-class opera remains accessible to everyone across Scotland.
In addition,£15 are tickets available for under-26s and students at every performance. Over 800 free tickets have been provided to schools since 2022, often introducing pupils to live opera for the first time, and over 1,600 free tickets have been distributed to New Scots communities across the Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh. Free tickets are also available for schools, colleges, and community groups, with travel subsidies where needed.
In December, Scottish Opera’s Opera is Concert series continues at Usher Hall Edinburgh with Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes. This featuresselections from Eugene Onegin, Iolanta, and The Maid of Orleansconducted byScottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford.
With a cast including Lauren Fagan (Ainadamar 2022), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Don Pasquale 2024), and Natalia Kutateladze and Robert Lewis in their Company debuts, this concert features extended excerpts from three of the iconic Russian composer’s best works, which all centre complex and richly drawn women.
Eugene Onegin is a deeply moving tale of unrequited love and high society life; The Maid of Orleans is a romantic retelling of the story of Joan of Arc; and Iolanta, the last opera Tchaikovsky composed, is a dreamlike fairy tale of a blind princess discovering the world outside her isolated garden home. Allowing audiences to discover his music — which blended French and German influences with Russian traditions — beyond The Nutcracker, this is the perfect winter night out.
L’heure espagnole & The Bear and Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes are supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust and Friends of Scottish Opera.
Tickets for L’heure espagnole & The Bear, and Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes are available from www.scottishopera.org.uk
Double bill creative team
Conductor Alexandra Cravero
Concert Staging Jacopo Spirei
Designer Kenneth MacLeod
Lighting Designer Andrew Burnside
Cast of L’heure espagnole
Concepción Lea Shaw Torquemada Jamie MacDougall Ramiro Daniel Barrett* Don Iñigo Gomez Edward Jowle* Gonzalve Luvo Maranti*
Cast of The Bear
Yelena Ivanovna Popova Chloe Harris*
Grigory Stepanovich Smirnov Daniel Barrett*
Luka Edward Jowle*
*Scottish Opera Emerging Artist 2025/26
Performance Diary
Lammermuir Festival
St Mary’s Church, Haddington
4 September 7.30pm
Theatre Royal Glasgow
18 & 22 October 7.15pm
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
15 November 7.15pm
Pre-show talks – 22 October & 15 November
Audio description / Touch Tours – 22 October & 15 November
Customers of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in Edinburgh can now overcome one of the biggest challenges to buying a home – saving for a deposit.
Barratt Redrow has extended its hugely successful Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme to even more frontline workers. The scheme, which gives up to £25,000 as a deposit, is now being offered to social workers, nursery workers, pharmacists, and a larger cohort of NHS response workers.
The developer is currently creating a range of new communities across Edinburgh, including David Wilson Homes at Cammo Meadows and West Craigs Quarter and Barratt Homes at Merchant Quay, West Craigs and Gilmerton Heights.
Originally launched to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service, the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme now supports more key workers to afford a new home by helping to pay their deposit.
Amongst those benefitting are workers in the NHS, Education sector, Police Force, Fire Service, Ministry of Defence, Environmental Service, National Highways, Transport Scotland & Transport for Wales, Probation and Prison Services, Local Authorities, the RNLI, and foster carers, in addition to the newly added services.
So far, the housebuilder has given support totalling £63m to key workers across the UK, of which £8m has been provided to 498 homebuyers in Scotland.
Under the scheme, eligible key workers are offered £1,000 as a deposit contribution for every £20,000 of a home’s purchase price. For example, on a home costing £300,000, key workers would qualify for a contribution of £15,000.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said:“Our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme has already helped almost 500 buyers in Scotland to purchase a low-carbon, energy-efficient home.
“While mortgage interest rates are starting to come down, many buyers are still struggling to get into a home that fits with their lifestyle. We’re now extending the scheme even further to ensure that those who provide essential frontline services can get into their own place.”
As thousands of young people across Scotland receive their exam results, two leading electrical bodies have reminded students that there’s no wrong path to a rewarding and successful career in the electrotechnical industry.
With many school leavers unsure of their next step, and others disappointed by their grades, SELECT and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) have highlighted the valuable opportunities and potential high earnings offered through an electrical apprenticeship.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of the country’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, said: “This week’s results will have brought joy for some and disappointment for others, but our message is simple – there is no wrong path.
“We want young people and their parents to understand that an electrical apprenticeship is a highly respected and financially rewarding career option that offers lifelong skills and exciting opportunities. Qualified electricians earn excellent salaries and their services are in high demand here in Scotland and across the world.
“A great number of our members are always on the lookout for potential apprentice recruits so whether you’ve achieved top grades or are still unsure about what comes next, this is a chance to build a future that’s hands-on, challenging and constantly evolving. After all, the future is electric.”
Catherine Gillon, Secretary of the SJIB, added: “Becoming an electrician means joining an economically crucial, modern profession with increasing demand, especially in areas like renewables, electric vehicles, and smart technology.
“Apprentices are supported throughout their journey and come away with respected industry qualifications that open doors around the world.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in how things work and a desire to learn to consider applying. It’s never too late to start.”
As the country transitions to a net zero future, demand for skilled electricians has never been higher and apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to develop talent for the future.
Catherine went on: “Getting started as an electrical apprentice is easy, with typical entry requirements beingNational 4/5 in English, maths and a science or technical subject.
“Anyone interested in finding out more and applying to become an apprentice should contact the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), who manage Scotland’s industry-approved training scheme for electrical apprenticeships on behalf of the SJIB.”
After studying music at college and working a range of manual jobs, Scott changed direction in his mid-20s and is now thriving as a qualified electrician with DRB UK Maintenance in Hamilton.
Scott, from East Kilbride, said: “I didn’t think it would be possible to start an apprenticeship later in life, but I’m so glad I did.
“I’ve been lucky to work on major electric vehicle charger projects across the UK and now I’m aiming to become an Approved Electrician and even run my own business one day.”
He added: “My message to anyone unsure about their future is simple – just go for it. You’ll be supported every step of the way, and the opportunities are endless.”
Specsavers is proud to announce its partnership with the Scottish FA’s #LetThemRef campaign, a bold nationwide initiative designed to protect young match officials and transform behaviour across grassroots football.
The new campaign will introduce a series of comprehensive measures to create a safe and more respectful environment for everyone involved in grassroots football, with a particular focus on referees under the age of 18.
At the heart of the initiative are specially designed white armbands, sponsored by Specsavers, which will be worn by all youth referees to clearly identify them as officials still in training who require patience, support and encouragement.
By making young officials easily identifiable to coaches, players and spectators, it is hoped that the U18 match official armbands will help foster an understanding that these dedicated individuals are both developing their skills whilst providing an invaluable service to their local football community. Specsavers believes this simple, yet effective approach from the Scottish FA will help fundamentally shift attitudes towards young match officials across the country.
Willie Collum, Scottish FA Head of Refereeing, says: ‘Grassroots football is built on passion, development, and community – and that includes the young referees who help the game run smoothly across Scotland every day of the week.
‘The armband is a simple but powerful reminder that our youngest officials deserve encouragement, not criticism, as they grow in confidence and ability, and we are pleased that Specsavers shares that vision, by ensuring every match official under the age of 18 can wear their armband with pride.’
Beyond the armbands, the campaign will look to introduce a comprehensive framework of protective measures, designed to create a safer environment for young officials. Key changes include restricting referee communication to team captains only, establishing mandatory technical areas for team officials, requiring spectators to maintain a two-metre distance from the pitch, and appointing dedicated Referee Liaison Officers or wellbeing officers at matches to provide immediate support for young officials, as well as monitoring behaviour.
With the campaign set to kick off shortly to tie in with the start of the new football season, young officials across the country are expressing their optimism about the potential impact of these measures.
One referee, Jasiu Janowiec, who currently officiates in the Lowland and East of Scotland Leagues, believes the campaign will have a positive impact for grassroots football in Scotland.
The 18-year-old, from Falkirk, said: ‘I got into refereeing at 16 to earn money at weekends whilst being able to be involved in football. What started as a part-time job quickly became much more when I realised the incredible opportunities it offers.
“Through refereeing, I’ve experienced higher levels of football than I ever would have as a player – travelling to different grounds, meeting great people, and building genuine friendships with other young officials in my area.
‘The armbands are brilliant because they’ll show parents and coaches that the person with the whistle could be the same age as their own child. You wouldn’t shout at your child on the pitch, so why do it to a young referee?
“Unfortunately, fear of abuse puts many young people off refereeing, but this campaign demonstrates there’s real commitment to protecting us. It creates a safe pathway for anyone aged 16 or over to get involved in something that offers fantastic progression opportunities and keeps you at the heart of the game you love.’
For Specsavers, supporting the #LetThemRef campaign represents a natural extension of the company’s commitment to supporting Scottish football. By sponsoring the U18 Referee Armbands, Specsavers is investing in the future of the game whilst demonstrating that respect, protection and opportunity should be fundamental principles for all young people involved in football, whether as players or officials.
‘At Specsavers, we recognise that referees are fundamental to football – without them, there simply is no game. So, by investing in the protection and development of young officials today, we’re helping to secure the future pipeline of experienced referees that our sport depends upon.
‘These young people deserve our respect and encouragement as they learn their craft, and we’re honoured to help create an environment where they can thrive with confidence.’
Specsavers announced in 2024 that it was renewing its’ sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, marking 24 years of support and beyond for the partnership – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal sees the partnership not only helping with the training and development of referees but also supporting the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.
BUSY night tonight for Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Adult Citizen Writers, who have back-to-back engagements this evening.
The group will be performing stories on the Together We Repair theme at 7.15 in Venue B and will then nip along to Venue NW to participate in the popular Stories and Scran community event at 8.15pm.
EIBF PROGRAMME NOTES:
Together We Repair
We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that stories help us make sense of our world. We’ve challenged local writers and poets, this year, to respond to 2025’s Festival theme: Repair.
Join us as we bring them together to perform their work: a patchwork of ideas on how to make the world a better place. Today featuring writing and performances from the Book Festival’s Citizen Writing Group.
Stories and Scran celebrates the dynamic and thought-provoking work created by communities across Edinburgh and beyond.
Expect diverse and creative talent from the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group and Citizen Collective, plus a special performance from Dance Base’s Prime Elders Dance Company.
And Scran Academy are back to serve up a delicious, sweet treat you can enjoy during the event.
Tickets for Together We Repair are fully allocated but a limited number of tickets may still be available for Stories and Scran (pay what you can). Check EIBF website for info.
