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Dougie MacLean to Lead Edinburgh International Festival’s Opening Weekend Big Singalong

2025 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RUNS FROM 1–24 AUGUST 2025

For the opening weekend of the International Festival, Scottish national treasure Dougie MacLean headlines free event The Big Singalong with iconic song Caledonia, joined by a range of community choirs led by choir director Stephen Deazle
Famed Scottish folk musician Donald Shaw leads The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance inspired by the Gaelic ceilidh tradition
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb lead improvisational music sessions alongside up-and-coming young musicians in The Hub

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme to lead performances this August that celebrate the joy of music-making.

Highlights include Scottish music icon Dougie MacLean headlining free event The Big Singalong, celebrated folk musician Donald Shaw leading The Ceilidh Sessions with traditional Gaelic music and dance, and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb leading improvisational sessions featuring emerging young talent.

In a free, outdoor event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most beloved musical figures, Dougie MacLean will lead The Big Singalongon Sunday 3 August.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Princes Street Gardens, the Perthshire-born singer-songwriter and composer behind the iconic anthem Caledonia will start a mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh’s Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.

Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at www.eif.co.uk .

The joy of music making continues the next day with The Ceilidh Sessions, also in Princes Street Gardens. Scottish tradition meets Baroque flair, as Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band.

Alongside beloved ceilidh tunes like the “The Gay Gordons” and “Strip the Willow”, Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Both events are presented with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.

Jazz takes the spotlight at The Hub on the Royal Mile, with acclaimed pianist and composer Joe Webb leading the Up Late Jazz Jam on Friday August 15th.

Originally from Wales and now one of the most exciting forces on the UK jazz scene, Webb brings his distinctive energy and improvisational flair, honed through his work with Kansas Smitty’s and as part of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, with whom he made his Festival debut last year.

The late-night session sees seasoned professionals and fresh talent share the stage for an electrifying night of improvisation and raw creativity in action.

Renowned violinist and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti leads a cohort of the world’s most promising young musicians in Rising Stars: Classical Jam. This spontaneous, informal concert brings emerging and professional musicians together for a dynamic, performance where audiences choose the repertoire. This event is inspired by the behind-the-scenes energy of rehearsal rooms and post-concert jams that classical musicians usually enjoy off stage.

For the third year running, the International Festival’s Rising Stars programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for professional development and performance opportunities.

This year’s performances include the first cohort of vocalists in Rising Stars of Voice on 19 August, Rising Stars of Woodwind with clarinettist Mark Simpson on 8 August, and a return from the original 2023 cohort of Rising Stars in Benedetti and Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin with NFM Leopoldinum on 11 August.

To read more about the Rising Stars selected to perform at this year’s International Festival, see here.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said:“At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience.

“From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean’s iconic anthem ‘Caledonia’ at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance.

“We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.”

Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: “Caledonia has become more than just a song—it’s a reflection of Scotland’s spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far.

“Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. It’s a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger.

“When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that’s what Scotland is all about.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland’s signature events, and we’re proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival’s opening weekend.

“These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy.”

“Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring.

“Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland’s global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.”

Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at www.eif.co.uk.

From Parliament to community: Eid Al-Adha reception at Holyrood calls for a more inclusive Scotland

On Thursday, 19 June, the Scottish Parliament opened its doors for a cross-party Eid Al-Adha reception, marking one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar with an evening of reflection, solidarity, and shared purpose.

Sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP (Labour), Dr Pam Gosal MSP (Conservative), and Willie Rennie MSP (Liberal Democrat), the event was held in the Garden Lobby and brought together MSPs, diplomats, faith leaders, and community members to recognise the contributions of Scotland’s Muslim communities and reaffirm Parliament’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

The First Minister said: “Today in Parliament, Foysol and I reflected on the legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer, a pioneer of kindness, inclusion, and tolerance in Scotland. In his spirit, I want to reaffirm my belief in a Scotland where we come together, across all backgrounds, to build communities grounded in respect, understanding, and the common good.

“At a time of anxiety and fear for many in the Muslim community, let me make it absolutely clear: as First Minister of Scotland, I believe in an inclusive Scotland, where people from all backgrounds come together to build a society rooted in kindness, harmony, and shared purpose.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Events like this are a reminder to celebrate our differences and walk together as one toward a more tolerant Scotland.

“Racism and prejudice still exist across all communities, and it is our collective responsibility to build a country where everyone can thrive, regardless of background.”

The event drew wide support, with MSPs in attendance including Neil Bibby, Liam Kerr, Sharon Dowey, Patrick Harvie (Co-Leader of the Scottish Green Party), Kaukab Stewart (Minister for Equalities), and newly elected Davy Russell, demonstrating cross-party backing for an inclusive, pluralist Scotland.

Dignitaries and special guests also joined the occasion, including Summar Javed, Consul General of Pakistan in Glasgow; the Deputy Consul General of Turkey; and Dr Adrees, Chair of the Muslim Council of Scotland, highlighting the significance of the event both nationally and internationally.

Mr Choudhury extended his best wishes to those unable to attend, including Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer; Russell Findlay MSP, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; and Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Labour Party—each recognised for their leadership in promoting civic engagement, cohesion and justice.

Organised in partnership with the Muslim Council of Scotland and the Consulate of Pakistan in Glasgow, the evening served as a powerful reminder of how public institutions can foster unity, particularly in times of global uncertainty.

The event was a significant moment for Scotland’s Muslim community, offering a welcoming space to celebrate culture, faith, and the invaluable contributions Muslims make to public life. It also created a meaningful opportunity for dialogue, connection, and recognition, underscoring Scotland’s ongoing commitment to equality, mutual respect, and community cohesion.

Foysol Choudhury added: “Since I was elected in 2021, I’ve been passionate about promoting anti-racist education, whether that’s through my work with the Cross-Party Group on Racial and Religious Prejudice or by supporting community events that bring people together to celebrate their heritage.

!This is something I care deeply about, and I’ll keep working to build a more inclusive and understanding Scotland.”

In his closing remarks, Willie Rennie said: “Tonight is all about diversity and coming together. Without Foysol in the Parliament, I don’t think that voice would be nearly as strong as it is.”

Missing Boy: Have you seen Haiden?

*** UPDATE – HAIDEN HAS BEEN TRACED ***

POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace a 10-year-old boy reported missing in Edinburgh.

Haiden Crawford was last seen around midday on Friday, 20 June, in the Glenalmond Place area.

He is described as around 4ft 10ins, of average build with short orange coloured hair.

Inspector Quentin Russell said: “Concerns are growing for Haiden’s welfare and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well.

“He may have taken a bus and travelled around the city.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Haiden or knows where he might be to get in touch with us immediately.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0064 of Saturday, 21 June, 2025.

New Community Café Opening in Edinburgh

A new community café operated by sight loss charity RNIB Scotland will open to the public on Monday (23rd June).

Café VI will serve a selection of sandwiches, cakes, hot drinks and other refreshments. It will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

Located on Hillside Crescent, Café VI is an inclusive and accessible space, in line with RNIB Scotland’s mission to support people with sight loss and promote a sense of community in everyday life.

The café aims to provide a welcoming environment for the local community and to help raise awareness of sight loss through its design and operation.

The café will be staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers, including both sighted and visually impaired individuals, working together to deliver friendly service and foster inclusion.

The project has involved staff, volunteers, and individuals with lived experience of visual impairment. In addition to the regular food and drink service, the café will also host occasional events and community initiatives.

Daryl Stewart, one of the visually impaired volunteers who will help run the café, says: “Whether grabbing a quick coffee or staying for a chat, every visit helps raise awareness about sight loss and supports RNIB Scotland’s vital work.”

*Visit Café VI at 12-14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh, EH7 5EA, Monday – Friday 10am- 3pm.

Support for people with learning disabilities in Scotland

Funding allocated to projects working to enhance equality

People with learning disabilities are being supported to fulfil their potential through new funding awards totalling almost £1.6 million.

The Learning Disability Support Fund is allocated to community projects working directly with people with learning disabilities to provide opportunities and build a more inclusive society.

The fund will run for 30 months from October 2025, with a total of £325,000 available for the first year and £650,000 in each of the following two years. Recipients of the first round are receiving grants of between £75,000 and £250.000.

The charity get2gether is among the successful applicants and has been awarded £108,244 to support its work arranging social activities for people with learning disabilities in safe and friendly locations in Scotland.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “We want to create a society where people with learning disabilities can live fulfilling, independent and active lives and this funding will support the important work of get2gether and many other organisations which are working so hard to do just that.

“The grants will be used to provide people with education and information on matters such as accessing health services and developing safe relationships.

“In developing the fund, we have taken into account the views expressed by people with learning disabilities in recent consultation and research and we will work closely with the third sector to ensure it makes a real difference.”

Director at get2gether Mojca Becaj said: “For a small charity like get2gether, the Scottish Government funding through the Learning Disability Support Fund is truly transformational.

“It will enable us to continue creating safe, inclusive spaces where people with learning disabilities can build friendships, relationships, and confidence as well as provide paid roles where they can step into their first paid employment — these are things that many adults take for granted but are life-changing for our members.

“We’re deeply grateful for the recognition and investment in our work and the opportunity to keep making a real difference to the lives of get2gether members.”

Natalie Kernaghan McCaughey, a get2gether ambassador said: “I work as an ambassador at get2gether, we are a member-led charity that works with adults with disabilities. We believe everyone deserves love and friendship.

“I am a paid member of get2gether staff team, I have a lived experience of learning disability and autism. My role is to work with other members to create and co-host their own social events and make connections with each other.”

Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Erica Judge said: “We know that the third sector plays a critical role in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and we are pleased that this fund offers vital longer-term funding, ensuring projects like get2gether can plan their services for the next two and a half years.

“One of the important aspects of this fund is to help ensure people with learning disabilities’ voices are heard. Not only did people with learning disabilities inform and shape the Learning Disabilities Support Fund’s aims, their voice and experience were central to the decision-making process, and they played a key role in selecting which organisations received funding.”

FUNDING AWARDS

Organisation	Funding Amount
get2gether	£108,244
Project Ability	£81,741
People First (Scotland)	£250,000
Neighbourhood Networks	£91,931
Values Into Action Scotland	£175,061
Scottish Youth Dance (YDance)	£206,106
Dates-n-Mates	£179,318
Values Into Action Scotland – The Scottish Assembly	£249,998
Association for Real Change – NIN/LIN Networks	£249,474
Total	£1,591,873

HRH Princess Anne visits The Royal Highland Heatwave!

Crowds kept cool with the coos at Friday’s Royal Highland Show

Royal Highland Show, HRH Princes Anne visits the show

Basking in udderly roasting sunshine, crowds turned out in force as the Royal Highland Show yesterday at Ingliston.

HRH Princess Anne visited the Show on Friday and was escorted by RHASS Chairman, James Logan, and Chief Executive, Alex Paterson. HRH enjoyed a tour of the Show ground, including a visit to the RHET Discovery Centre, where she met local primary school children taking part in activities.

She also enjoyed watching the showjumping competition and toured the Cattle Hall.

Fittingly, the Queens Cup was awarded today at the Royal Highland Show. A prestigious trophy which is awarded annually to the champion of the livestock entry, this year it was presented to Messrs Webster + Smith with dairy goat, Guilden Elma.

David Tennant, Head of Show, said, “Friday at the Show has been a true sun-soaked spectacle and we are thrilled to see our visitors and families enjoy all that the show has to offer.

“From sheep shearing to competitions, sheepdog skills to cookery demonstrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We were very honoured to have welcomed HRH Princess Anne today and shared with her all of the great achievements from the Scottish agricultural industry.”

Improving mental health nursing care

Review recommendations will benefit patients, staff and students

People affected by mental health issues can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the publication of Scotland’s Mental Health Nursing Review.

The Review outlines ways to enhance and further support the mental health nursing profession. The paper was developed by mental health nurses and students, academics, with support from carers and people accessing mental health nursing care.

The Review makes a total of 24 recommendations including:

ensuring people accessing services have meaningful involvement in their mental health nursing care
improving support for newly qualified mental health nurses and sharing best practice
considering specific education needs for rural and island settings
improving access to post-registration learning for mental health nurses across all sectors

A new Mental Health Nursing Review Implementation Group will be established to ensure effective collaboration, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the Review actions.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Through their expert care, compassion and dedication, mental health nursing staff make a significant and positive impact to people’s health and wellbeing every day.

“The Review focuses on their unique role, and it will ensure the profession is supported and empowered to drive the enhancement of mental health and wellbeing services now, and in the future.

“I want to thank all the mental health nursing staff and students, academics, carers and those people accessing care who engaged with and supported this work.

“I am looking forward to working collaboratively to deliver the ambition of ensuring Scotland is the best place for mental health nursing to flourish and where people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

Chair of Scotland’s first Mental Health Nursing Review, former Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Alex McMahon said: “It has been an honour as a mental health nurse to have chaired the review and to have heard from mental health nurses and those that represent people who use services across Scotland.

“The report and its recommendations, mean that patients and mental health nurses who deliver services now and, in the future, will benefit from the reforms.

“It will be important to ensure these recommendations are implemented, and one aspiration I and others share is that we will attract and retain even more people into undergraduate nursing degree programmes.

“I believe being a mental health nurse, is one of the best and most fulfilling careers you can chose.”

Mark Richards, Associate Chief Nursing Officer said: “Our Mental Health Nursing Review highlights the vital role mental health nurses play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

During our work on the Review, we heard that mental health nurses are at the heart of care delivery and that their relational expertise often has a transformational impact on people’s lives.

“Mental health nurses told us they are proud of the work they do. They strive every day to deliver compassionate, high-quality care, and to work with people who need expert support to enable recovery and promote wellbeing.

“This Review is important in advancing the contribution of mental health nurses and will help ensure we have a profession that is skilled, well supported and sustainable – now and for many years to come.

“It was collectively produced by our mental health nurses in Scotland, and I look forward to us working together to deliver our ambitions.”

Darren Fullarton, Associate Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Chair of the Mental Health Nurse Leads Group for Scotland, said: “The national review of mental health nursing recognises and celebrates the important role that mental health nurses play in their support and compassionate care for people experiencing mental health issues.

“The National Mental Health Nurse Lead Group are delighted to have had the opportunity to support this significant piece of work which captures views from those with lived experience, families and carers and from mental health nurses themselves to develop an ambitious vision for mental health nurses that exemplifies our commitment to care, compassion and connection.”

The Mental Health Nursing Review commenced in 2024 and was a key action within the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s Workforce Action plan.

Dobbies’ fundraising walk raises over £4k for Alzheimer’s Research UK

This month 30 colleagues from Dobbies Central Support Office, based in Lasswade, completed a 25-mile fundraising walk to raise money for its national charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, raising £4,150 and counting, from generous supporters.

The participants walked the almost marathon distance from Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, through Dalkeith Country Park to the mouth of the River Esk at Musselburgh, then joined the John Muir Way along the coast to North Berwick. They began the walk at 7:30am and completed it by 5pm, taking in plenty of places with historical interest and beautiful views.

Dobbies launched its partnership with the UK’s leading dementia research charity in March 2025 as part of its 160-year celebrations.

The partnership grew from gardening being a positive activity for brain health, which in turn can help reduce the risk of dementia. As part of this, Dobbies is supporting the charity’s Think Brain Health campaign to inspire people to keep their brains healthy through garden living.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer ^[1] and right now, almost one million people in the UK are living with it, putting precious memories and lives at risk. As well as increasing awareness of dementia, this partnership is raising vital funds for a cure through colleague and customer activity.

Laura Adamson, Head of PR, Communications and Events at Dobbies, who

took part in the walk, is feeling proud of what the team has achieved.

Laura said:“Our team has come together to do something really special to raise money for a meaningful cause and partnership that is close to so many of our colleagues and customers.

“The team has quite literally gone the extra mile to show their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK, raising vital funds to support research to find a cure for dementia.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to all our supporters who have been so generous in their donations and we are looking forward to our next fundraiser, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Walk For A Cure, which takes place on Sunday 20 July at Holyrood Park.”

Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“From all of us at Alzheimer’s Research UK, a huge congratulations to the Dobbies Central Support Office team for going the distance to raise funds for dementia research. Walking a combined 750 miles is no mean feat.

“It’s team spirit and efforts like this that highlight why we’re proud to have Dobbies standing with us.

If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change this, we exist for a cure, and with the support of everyone at Dobbies, we won’t stop until we end the heartbreak it causes.”

For more information on the fundraiser and how to donate, visit Dobbies CSO Fundraising Walk.

To sign up to Alzheimer Research UK’s Walk for a Cure, visit Alzheimer’s Research UK : Walk for a Cure Home

For more information about the partnership with Dobbies Garden Centres and Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit | Dobbies Garden Centres.

^[1] * Incorporates new Northern Ireland mortality data (released 21 November 2024). Figure calculated using the leading cause of death grouping developed by the World Health Organisation and adopted by the reporting bodies in each of the four nations. Data sources from Office for National Statistics (England and Wales), National Records of Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Deaths registered in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics

Registrar General Annual Report 2023 Cause of Death | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

Stats and sources can also be found here (included in the boilerplate):

Prevalence and incidence – Dementia Statistics Hub

Royal Highland Show: Opening Day Pictures

Thursday (19 June 2025) marked the first day of the Royal Highland Show weekend with over 50,000 people in attendance.

David Tennant, Head of Show, said; “We have had a wonderful start to the Show with over 50,000 people in attendance who have enjoyed sampling food and drinks from Scotland’s leading suppliers, listened to bagpipes and live music and watched leading agricultural displays. What’s more the sun has shone!

“We’re on track to sell out tickets for Friday and Saturday and with another warm and sunny few days expected, we’re encouraging those coming along to keep cool.

“We have refillable water stations across the Show, so please bring along your water bottles in you can.

We also have lots of ice cream and cold drinks to be enjoyed across the site and our Countryside area is perfect for families looking to keep little ones cool and entertained.

“We hope you enjoy the Show if it’s on your agenda this weekend!”

Edinburgh schools adopt Scottish Government guidance on school uniforms

Last week, Councillors agreed at Education, Children and Families Committee that the Scottish Government guidance on school uniform will apply to all City of Edinburgh Council schools.

In line with the decision, schools in the city should not require branded school items as a compulsory part of their uniform policy. Uniform policies should be flexible and include plain and non-branded uniform items that match school colours. Blazers and branded items of uniform will no longer be compulsory, encouraged or promoted by schools.

Schools in Edinburgh will continue to have uniforms but parents and carers will have wider choice on where they choose to purchase school uniform items and on how much they wish to spend.

In recent years the cost of school uniform has steadily increased and for some families, uniform costs, especially for higher priced branded and embroidered items, represent a significant impact on household budgets. Schools are expected to do all that they can to limit school clothing costs for families.

In line with this new guidance, parents or carers should not be directed to specialist suppliers to purchase branded items.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “We are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in our schools and it is clear that the cost of school uniform items has, for some, created a barrier to school education. One of the ways we are addressing this is by removing the need for parents and carers to be compelled to spend more money than is necessary on school uniform.

“The Scottish Government guidance makes clear the rationale behind the new approach to school uniforms. It is the right thing to do make changes that will have a positive financial impact on families by reducing the cost of the school day, while also creating a more inclusive school environment and promoting sustainability.

“I am pleased that members of the Education, Children and Families Committee have agreed this positive step forward which is focused on supporting all pupils to come to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”