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In Search of Truth: Edinburgh International Festival unites artists and audiences

2025 THEME – THE TRUTH WE SEEK

The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival begins today with the first of more than 133 performances: the ultimate destination to experience world-class artists across music, theatre, opera and dance in creative and unconventional ways in Edinburgh this August.
Exploring the theme The Truth We Seek, more than 2,000 internationally renowned artists from across 42 nations, including a third of artists based in Scotland, will perform.
Upcoming highlights include: the world premiere of theatre blockbuster Make It Happen from James Graham, monumental 8-hour choral work The Veil of the Temple, an Australian reimagining of opera Orpheus and Eurydice featuring acrobatics, and the Scottish premiere of Nederlands Dans Theater, Simon McBurney and Crystal Pite’s Figures in Extinction.
To ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to cultural discovery, half the tickets for the 2025 International Festival will be sold at £30 or less, and £10 tickets have been made available for every performance across the programme. Tickets can be purchased from www.eif.co.uk.

THE CURTAIN rises today on the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, welcoming over 2000 artists from 42 countries to Edinburgh for a 24-day global celebration of world-class performing arts.

The third year under Festival Director and celebrated Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, this year’s International Festival welcomes audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek, a journey into the elusive nature of truth in our personal and public lives.

This year’s programme invites audiences to experience bold, thought-provoking performances in fresh and unconventional ways. The opening weekend features large-scale participatory events The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions, celebrating the collective joy of singing and dancing outdoors in Princes Street Gardens, set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Elsewhere, the historic Old College Quad becomes the stage for the world premiere of Dance People, an outdoor dance performance, and a classic opera is reimagined with a twist in Orpheus and Eurydice, bringing together world-class musicians and performers with breathtaking acrobatics from Australia’s Circa.

The 2025 programme also opens up barriers to cultural discovery: more than 50,000 tickets are priced at £30 or less, £10 Affordable Tickets have been made available to all performances, and wide-reaching initiatives offer free tickets to NHS workers, young people and community groups to a range of Festival performances.

Stand-out performances across the International Festival include:

Make It Happen (1–9 August, Festival Theatre)
The world premiere of a gripping new drama by James Graham, tackling the 2008 financial crisis in Edinburgh. Starring Brian Cox as Adam Smith and Sandy Grierson as Fred Goodwin, this timely co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep reframes the collapse of global markets through a distinctly Scottish lens.

Opening Concert: The Veil of the Temple (2 August, Usher Hall)
A spiritual epic: over 250 singers from the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Monteverdi Choir and National Youth Choir of Scotland perform John Tavener’s The Veil of the Temple in its complete eight-hour form with the audience seated on beanbags. This year also marks the first performance in the Festival Chorus’s 60th anniversary year.

Dance People (7–10 August, Old College Quad)
Lebanese choreographer Omar Rajeh and Maqamat company present an open-air activation of dance, movement and activism. Performed outdoors in the heart of the city, it dissolves the lines between performance and real life.

Orpheus and Eurydice (13-16 August, Edinburgh Playhouse)
A highlight of the 2025 Festival’s opera programme, a fully staged Australian reimagining of Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice fuses together circus, acrobatics and world-class opera, in its European premiere.

Figures in Extinction (22-24 August, Festival Theatre)
Nederlands Dans Theater present the Scottish Premiere of Figures in Extinction in collaboration with Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney, confronting the hard truths about humanity’s impact on the world and art’s meaning in the face of mass destruction.

The Hub, the International Festival’s headquarters on the Royal Mile, brings together a hand-picked variety of global musical styles and traditions, experienced up close in an intimate and informal performance space, including Up Late gigs from Alabaster DePlume (8 August) and Kathryn Joseph (9 August), and an interactive concert from Hanni Liang (7 August) inviting audience members to share their dreams, with a live response created on the piano.

Events for families include Art of Listening for Families interactive workshops (4-9 August, Church Hill Theatre Studio), The Ceilidh Sessions (4 August, Ross Bandstand) and NYO2’s Family Concert (4 August, Usher Hall).

Residencies bring London Symphony Orchestra, Poland’s NFM Leopoldinum and Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra 2 to Edinburgh for an extended, more sustainable stay that features multiple performances and community engagement. Highlight performances include NYO2’s Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, NFM with Bizet’s Carmen Suite and Beethoven and Shostakovich from the LSO, presented with insight from Sir Antonio Pappano and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti.

Intimate morning recitals at The Queen’s Hall return with artists including María Dueñas, Mark Simpson and Richard Uttley and Bomsori Kim and Thomas Hoppe and spectacular evening orchestral concerts at Usher Hall with NCPA Orchestra from Beijing and pianist Bruce Liu, the Monteverdi Choir and the Budapest Festival Orchestra.

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said: “This year’s International Festival is a bold invitation to question the world around us – to seek, challenge and reflect on truth through the extraordinary lens of live performance.

“We’re honoured to welcome artists and audiences from across the globe to Edinburgh, and we remain deeply committed to making that experience more accessible than ever. Whether you’re here for an intimate recital, a powerful play, a mass singalong or an eight-hour choral epic, you’ll encounter connection, curiosity, and the power of great art to shift perspectives.

“This year’s Festival offers the possibility of truly transformational encounters and I look forward to sharing this with you.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener said: “Each year the International Festival offers a real variety of innovative and striking art and performance. 2025 is no different, with the programme encouraging Deep Thinkers, Social Butterflies, The Curious and Romantics.

“The range, from outdoor ceilidhs to epic opera, means there is truly something for everyone, bringing together world class performers from around the globe and here in Scotland. There are several different price options that will let even more people discover the magic of the International Festival too. These include Young Musician’s Pass, Tickets for Good and substantial discounts for art workers and under 30s.”

Multi-Artform Manager at Creative Scotland, Lorna Duguid, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival continues to be a beacon for artistic excellence and cultural exchange, bringing the world to Scotland and showcasing Scotland to the world.

“This year’s theme, The Truth We Seek, speaks powerfully to the times we live in- inviting artists and audiences alike to explore, question and connect through extraordinary performances.

“With a third of this year’s programme featuring artists based in Scotland and an unwavering commitment to accessibility, the International Festival exemplifies how world-class culture can be both globally relevant and locally rooted.”

Tickets to world-class performances across a hand-picked programme of music, theatre, opera and dance at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 are available at www.eif.co.uk.

National Museums Scotland Listings

NATIONAL MUSEUMS SCOTLAND – WHAT’S ON

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Monkeys: Our Primate Family
Until 30 Nov
10:00-17:00
Ticketed

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh
1 & 8 Aug
19:30-22:30
Tickets from £24

Our sell out museum ceilidh makes its festival debut. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. Set in the museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – our caller will guide you through the steps on the night.  Between dances enjoy drinks, food, activities and explore a selection of the museum galleries at night. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh

Summer Family Fun
1 Aug
10:30-15:30
Free, drop-in

Join us on Mondays and Fridays for a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family. Each week, we will be exploring a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world adventures, there will be something new to discover.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun

Relaxed Morning
3 Aug
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Morning Curator Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
13 & 15 Aug
09:15-10:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
£15, £13 Members & Concessions

Join us before normal opening hours to explore this special exhibition with its curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. The tour will bring you face to face with some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on Earth. Explore their remarkable lives and discover how primates have adapted to survive in different habitats.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-monkeys

Okolo: Artwork by Nkem Okwechime
13-22 Aug
11:00-16:00
Learning Centre Foyer, Level 4
Free

Informed by his research of the museum’s African collection, ‘Okolo’ by Scottish-Nigerian artist and printmaker Nkem Okwechime explores the intersection of European and West African identity.

This installation features artwork based on observations and inspiration from visits to the National Museums Collection Centre. This installation is featured as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/okolo-artwork-by-nkem-okwechime

BSL Tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family
14 Aug
15:00-16:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
£10

Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a guided tour of our exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family.

The tour will last approximately one hour with the chance to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is aimed at D/deaf community BSL visitors, and is most suitable for those ages 14+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-of-monkeys-our-primate-family

Barkcloth Making from Niue – An ancient practice from the South Pacific
16-17 Aug
10:00 and 14:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, booking required

Join artist Cora-Allan to learn about hiapo (barkcloth) from the island of Niue in the South Pacific, and hear how her work bridges historic and contemporary art practice.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/barkcloth-making

Jacobites Curator Tour
20 Aug
10:30 – 11:30, 12:00 – 13:00, and 14:30 – 15:30
Scotland galleries
£12, £10 Members and Concessions

Join Georgia Vullinghs, Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History, for a gallery tour to explore the history and legacy of the Jacobite risings in Scotland.

View a century of objects relating to the overthrow of James VII and the subsequent effort of his descendants to reclaim their crowns.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/jacobites-curator-tour

Audio Descriptive Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
3 September
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
17:30-19:00

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, with accompanying sensory resources and a chance to explore the exhibition after hours.

This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors. It is most suitable for those ages 14+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-monkeys-our-primate-family

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Nature Track Packs
Until 31 Aug
10:00-17:00
Free with museum admission

Our free Nature Track Packs are great tools for children on the walk to the farm. Each Nature Track Pack contains fun ideas, activities and challenges to inspire and engage all of the senses.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/nature-track-packs

Dog and Duck Day
13 Sep
10:30 –15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for a fun-filled day of working dog displays, crafts and family storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life. See clever canines at work in outdoor displays from the Drakes of Hazard sheepdog and duck team and specialist dog trainers, Mordor Gundogs.

Booking available soon nms.ac.uk/events/dog-and-duck-day

Adult Workshop: Eco Printing
27 Sep
10:15-16:00
Learning Centre
£70, £65 Concessions

This full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw is suitable for both beginners and those with some natural dyeing or eco printing experience.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshop-eco-printing

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
30 Sep
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Lunchtime Talks
8 Aug
13:00-13:20
Free with museum admission

Hear experts speak about the history of East Fortune Airfield, the museum’s collections and more in our series of free lunchtime talks.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/lunchtime-talks

Second World War Puzzle Room
Until 15 Aug
12:00-15:00
Free with museum admission

Work together as a family in our puzzle room and see if you can come up with the answers. Only by solving four different challenges will you know if you’ve got what it takes to decipher codes, diffuse a bomb and work out flight paths.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-puzzle-room

Second World War Satchels
Until 17 Aug
10:00-16:00
Free with museum admission

Pick up one of our summer activity satchels and delve deeper into the history of the Second World War.

Separate satchels are available for adult and family visitors.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-satchels

360 Fest
6 Sept
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save

Go full circle at our big family event at the National Museum of Flight.  You’ll be on a roll this September with our all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning.

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789  

Scotland heading into fourth month of water scarcity

For over three months, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have been closely monitoring and supporting Scotland through a prolonged period of water scarcity.

Despite recent rainfall easing conditions in some areas, six catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity, with a further four at Alert and 11 at Early Warning. This week Shetland has moved to Early Warning. The Conon catchment has improved to normal conditions. Elsewhere conditions remain unchanged.

Since the first warning about the increasing risk of water scarcity back in March, SEPA have been working to support abstraction licence holders, ensuring they have the information and guidance needed to adapt.

While public attention may shift with the weather, the underlying risks remain. Extended periods of dry weather, like those seen twice already this spring and summer, have made recovery difficult and remind us that water scarcity is a long-term challenge.

SEPA’s ongoing monitoring has enabled the agency to anticipate risks and engage early with abstracters, ensuring that any next to restrictions on water abstraction were implemented only when absolutely required. This proactive approach meant that, despite coming very close twice so far this year, no unnecessary restrictions have been imposed safeguarding both water users and the environment.

Catrin Thomas, Senior Scientist in SEPA’s Water Resources Unit, said: “Water scarcity isn’t just a one-off event – it’s a long-term challenge, and we’re here for Scotland throughout.

“Our staff have been monitoring conditions, sharing updates weekly and engaging directly with those who rely on our water resources. Twice this year we’ve experienced spells of prolonged dry weather, and due to the dry autumn and winter, that has made it harder for catchments to recover. Another period of warm dry weather could quickly push some areas back into more serious levels of scarcity.

“We understand the pressures that come with managing water, and our role is to provide timely reliable information so no one is caught off guard. As the weather shifts, we urge all abstractors to continue using water efficiently, especially those in at risk areas, and keep informed through our website and reports. We’ll continue providing timely information and expert advice to help manage Scotland’s water resources sustainably.”

SEPA’s water scarcity situation reports are published weekly. The network of Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) stations is also available for people to track the areas that are most at risk.

All information is available on our website at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Consent granted for controversial Berwick Bank wind farm

‘A VERY DARK DAY FOR SCOTLAND’S SEABIRDS’

One of the world’s largest offshore wind farms has been granted consent by the Scottish Government.

Located approximately 38km from the Scottish Borders coastline at St Abbs, Berwick Bank wind farm will have an estimated capacity of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) which, with current technology, could generate enough electricity each year to power every household in Scotland around twice over.

In recognition that the site of the development is also considered a highly important area for wildlife, consent for the construction and operation of the wind farm is subject to the developer, SSE Renewables, producing a detailed sea bird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for.

This plan will need to be approved by Scottish Ministers ahead of Berwick Bank proceeding.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Ministers have given the Berwick Bank wind farm application extremely careful consideration.

“The decision to grant consent to Berwick Bank is a major step in Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis, as well as supporting national energy security and growing our green economy.

“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector, and this investment will be further built upon through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects under the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing rounds.

“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation – to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users – and balance the needs of people and nature.”

Berwick Bank will have an estimated capacity of 4.1GW which, with current technology, could generate up to 11.2 TWh of electricity annually – enough to power around 17% of UK households – or enough to meet Scotland’s needs TWICE over.

A DARK DAY FOR SCOTLAND’S SEABIRDS

RSPB Scotland commented: “A dark day for Scotland’s seabirds. We’re incredibly concerned @Scotgov have granted consent for the Berwick Bank windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction.

The Scottish Government have granted consent for SSE Renewables proposed Berwick Bank offshore windfarm. RSPB Scotland, together with partners, had called for plans for the mega offshore windfarm to be refused to protect our globally important seabirds.

The development is close to iconic colonies like the Bass Rock – home to the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets. It’s estimated that the windfarm will kill tens of thousands of seabirds over its lifetime, including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Gannets.

Although Scottish Ministers require the developers to demonstrate that “sufficient” seabird compensation will be put in place before the project can start, it is not clear how the thousands of seabirds predicted to be killed can be compensated for.

A Puffin covering its face with its wing. — Puffins are under threat

Devasting decision

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “This is a very dark day for seabirds. It is a terrible decision on a really bad development.

“Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland’s globally important seabirds which are already facing alarming declines. In addition, its impacts are so damaging they will make the relative impacts of other windfarms significantly higher. This one windfarm is going to make it really challenging to accelerate renewable projects across Scottish seas. We are incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for a project which could catapult some of Scotland’s most-loved seabird species towards extinction.

“RSPB Scotland recognises climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds, but there needs to be seabirds left to save. We support nature-positive offshore wind, in the right locations with minimised impacts on wildlife, and measures to restore and protect seabird populations. But this is predicted to be one of the most damaging windfarms for birds we are aware of anywhere on the planet.

“We will be carefully scrutinising the details of the consent documents over the coming hours and days and considering what further steps we will take.”

Tomorrow’s Community Lunch Menu at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

MENU for FRIDAY 1st AUGUST

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow.

We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Carrot and split pea soup

Turkey and mushroom pie

Quorn pie (V)

Mashed potato and green beans

Chocolate and cherry frozen yoghurt with strawberries

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.

And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Wester Hailes firearm incident: Police appeal for information

Detectives investigating the discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh are urging those with information to contact them.

The incident occurred around 3.40pm on Thursday, 24 July, 2025 in the Hailesland Gardens area of the city. A 23-year-old man sustained an injury to his arm and was taken to hospital. He has since been released.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

From reviewing CCTV footage, officers have established several people were in the area at the time of the incident.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Gordon Couper, said: “I would like to reassure everyone that a team of experienced detectives are working on this case.

“I believe there are people in the community who have information and for whatever reason they are not passing it on. I would appeal to them to help us and contact us. We are piecing together what happened and your detail could be the vital piece in the puzzle.

“If you saw anything or have captured any images which could assist in our inquiry please do get in touch. Everything is significant.”

Additional officers are in the area and anyone with information or concerns can speak to these officers.

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We are determined to protect the public from harmful criminality and additional officers are on patrol to provide reassurance to everyone.

“Be assured, we are acting on your concerns and are carrying out regular activity in the Wester Hailes area, such as executing drugs warrants and tackling antisocial behaviour.

“Community based criminality affects the lives of everyone and we are working with our partners to deliver initiatives and plans to respond, detect and deter criminality.

If anyone has any information, please call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2318 of 24 July, 2025.

You can also get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.

Campaign aimed at tackling youth drinking praised by Minister

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign was praised by Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP when she visited the latest roll-out in Edinburgh.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign now in its tenth year and run nationally across Scotland raises awareness of the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases to help protect children, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and make communities safer.

The event at the Scotmid store on Gorgie Road demonstrated the value of partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder.

Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.

This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: ““To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.

“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.

“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both. This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”

Policing Together Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “It’ll Cost You” is a really important campaign that looks to address the various risks to young people associated with them gaining access to alcohol.

“Please remember, that buying alcohol for those who are underage is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both.”

Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.

“Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership Advisor for Scotland, said: “Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.

“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”

Ian Lovie, Licensing & Compliance Manager, Scotmid, said: ““Scotmid has been long term supporters of the campaign.

“We understand the importance of preventing proxy purchasing in our stores to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Princess Royal attends Tattoo Rehearsal

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsal at Redford Barracks yesterday.

During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal, who was appointed as Patron of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2006, was seen meeting with performers from across the globe – including Poland, Switzerland, the USA and Ukraine.

The 75th anniversary Show of the Tattoo kicks tomorrow – Friday 1 August.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home successfully rehomes stray cats found fending for themselves

Two courageous stray cats and their tiny litters are now safe, healthy, and home thanks to the love and care of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

The young feline mothers were found fending for themselves outdoors, with Grace also caring for a litter of vulnerable newborns. Rescued thanks to supportive and caring members of the public, the cats were brought to safety, given the medical care and comfort they desperately needed, and supported as they raised their kittens in the loving environment of the Home.

Now, after weeks of care, both feline families have found loving forever homes — a heartwarming reminder of the life-changing work Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home does every day.

Grace, a three-year-old stray was brought to the Home in April in a cardboard box with her four tiny kittens. Named by the Home as Kermit, Gonzo, Janice and Camilla, the Home believes Grace’s kittens were just a week old when they were brought to them, as they hadn’t yet opened their eyes.

Protective of her young brood, Grace was at first wary when the Animal Welfare Carers went to care for them, but her trust was soon won over. Once they were ready, the kittens were rehomed, and Grace soon followed.

Cassie was brought to the Home as a stray on March 5^th and on March 13^th her litter of five kittens was born. Espresso, Treacle, Maple, Bunny, Blossom were rehomed after their vet checks, vaccinations and being microchipped.

Nonnie Kent from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said, “Raising a litter of kittens as a stray is incredibly challenging, so we’re truly grateful we could step in to care for Grace, Cassie, and their kittens. They all deserved a safe, loving environment — and we’re so proud to have given them that.

“The kittens brought endless joy to the Home. Every morning, Grace’s four would be patiently waiting for us—lined up as if they knew breakfast and cuddles were coming. Cassie’s little explorers, on the other hand, were always on the move, curious about everything. Once they had their health checks, vaccinations, and microchips, it was such a joy to watch each kitten go off to a new home.

“We’re equally thrilled that Grace and Cassie have found families of their own. It’s a wonderful second chance for two incredibly resilient mums.”

Martha, who welcomed Maple and Treacle—now called Pippin and Noah—into her home, commented: “It has been wonderful to have Pippin and Noah come into our lives.

“One of our older cats had to be put down earlier in the year and he left a big gap. Being able to adopt these two from the Home has brought us so much fun and laughter – as well as quite a lot of chaos!

“It’s been 16 years since we last had young kittens and we’d forgotten quite how mad they can be – especially when there are two of them chasing each other.

The adoption process was straight forward but also thorough – and staff made sure we understood the commitment we were making. We already can’t imagine life without Noah and Pippin!”

To find out more information on cats and dogs available for adoption or how you can make a donation, please visit www.edch.org.uk

Reel Memories: Muirhouse Housing Association supports dementia-friendly film screenings

Muirhouse Housing Association has thrown its support behind a new “dementia friendly” film club which involves the magic of the silver screen!

It is being led by “Community Link” based at North Edinburgh Arts Centre who approached the Association for funding from its “Community Chest Fund” to help the film project and promote the Club locally.

The first screening takes place today (Thursday) following a consultation led by Community Link. It found a clear need emerged for a dementia-friendly film club which creates a welcoming, inclusive space where people with dementia and their carers or family members can enjoy a film screening together and connect with others.

The project is launching at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre in a purpose-built 96-seater theatre with the showing of the 1969 classic movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The free screening is further evidence of Muirhouse’s deep-rooted engagement with the community it serves in north Edinburgh.

Muirhouse’s Community Chest Fund is available for community groups to apply for a grant to carry out projects which benefit tenants and the local community.

Special measures will be taken during the film to meet the needs of people with dementia such as dimmed – but not entirely dark – lighting to reduce anxiety and prevent confusion.

The cinema will not be entirely filled to avoid the presence of a large crowd. There will also be a short interval with light refreshments served.

Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of two wild west outlaws who are on the run from a crack US law enforcement posse after a string of train robberies.

The film, starring two Hollywood idols – played by the late Paul Newman and sidekick Robert Redford – was an instant hit when it was released and remains a screen classic.

Susan Bell, Chief Executive of Muirhouse Housing Association, said: “Everyone likes a trip to the cinema. So we were delighted to link up with North Edinburgh Arts Centre to deliver this dementia-friendly screening in what is first from Muirhouse

“Dementia friendly screenings are now expected to take place every month. We are thrilled to be supporting such an innovative way to engage members of the community.

“Apart from these dementia-friendly screenings the advent of a cinema in our community, when previously the nearest one is 3.5 miles away, is to be greatly welcomed.”

Earlier this summer, Muirhouse’s community engagement was recognised when it excelled in the Tenant Participation Service (TPAS) Scotland National Good Practice Awards scoring a win in the keenly-contested category for Community Involvement – tenant/community group.

Its triumph centred on the inclusive “Come Dine With Us” initiative – a recurring Muirhouse event offering a free meal and companionship to local residents aimed at tackling isolation and loneliness.