The October holidays are here, so it’s the perfect time to check out our holiday programme! We’ve got a few extra children’s events on, plus our usual Bookbug and adult events.
Everything is free, just come along for the start of the event and join in!
We are delighted to welcome our regulars (and you lovely new folks!) into our own building for our Tea Dances.
Get tickets for the final 2 of 2026!!!!
More than 90,000 people took part in Wee Read as Scotland came together yesterday to celebrate the joy of reading – smashing the campaign’s original target of 50,000 pledges.
Wee Read, led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and funded by the Scottish Government as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, invited people across Scotland to make a simple pledge to read on 7 October. The campaign reached its 50,000 pledge target more than a week before the official reading moment, with a total of 90,717 people pledging to get involved.
Across the country, people of all ages and interests joined the national reading moment, making time to enjoy whatever they like from novels and poetry to comics, magazines, newspapers, recipes and more.
Libraries, schools, workplaces, families and communities marked the day in their own ways, creating a shared celebration of reading and demonstrating that there is no single way to take part.
Activity ranged from East Renfrewshire’s dedicated Harry Potter readings and South Lanarkshire’s Gruffalo scavenger hunt, to a BSL Bookbug session in Paisley, school visits in Edinburgh and Midlothian, family activities in South Lanarkshire and community reading sessions in Inverclyde.
In Motherwell, a readathon in the library’s immersive room surrounded readers with calming imagery of their choice, before the Wee Read mantra video and a message from Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan were showcased.
Across the length and breadth of the country, libraries and communities also hosted reading hours, storytelling, book swaps, quizzes and crafts, reflecting the many different ways people came together to make time for reading.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “I’m delighted to support Wee Read. Stories, songs and words form the bedrock of our lives, our culture, our history and our future. Scotland’s plays, books and comics are internationally renowned, as are our playwrights, authors and illustrators.
“Reading and writing play a lifelong role in learning and wellbeing, and in tackling poverty, which remains a key priority for this Government. That’s why we’re taking action to improve access to books and encourage reading for pleasure, through programmes including Bookbug, Read Write Count with the First Minister, Reading Schools, and the School Library and Public Library Improvement Funds.
“Just a few minutes of reading for enjoyment reduces stress and improves wellbeing, and for children it has a positive impact on learning and attainment at school. By taking part in Wee Read, you’re joining thousands across Scotland helping us build a country where reading is valued, shared and enjoyed by all.”
The campaign also highlighted the important role Scotland’s libraries play in helping people find something they enjoy and make reading part of their everyday life – beyond the national reading moment.
With free access to a wide range of reading materials, alongside digital resources, reading groups, events and activities, libraries offer something for people at every stage of life.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Reaching over 90,000 pledges for Wee Read is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm for reading across Scotland.
“We set out with a simple ambition – to give people a reason to make time for reading and to celebrate the many different ways that reading can be part of our lives. Seeing so many people, communities and organisations take part has really brought that notion to life.
“Whether someone read for five minutes or fifty, picked up an old favourite or discovered something completely new, we hope Wee Read reminded them of the joy that reading can bring and, importantly, encouraged people to keep that habit going beyond 7 October.”
Wee Read forms part of the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026, a year-long celebration of the pleasure, inspiration, connection and opportunities that reading brings.
Alison added: “Wee Read may have taken place on one day but the campaign’s message is intended to last much longer: there is no right way to read, every read counts and there is always time to read something you enjoy.
“Our libraries are here all year round to help people find their next read, discover something new and connect with their community. And if you didn’t manage to join in with Wee Read, that’s no reason to miss out – you can pick up something new at any time.
“We’d encourage everyone to keep that spirit going, make space for reading and turn to their local library for inspiration, new ideas and everything else it has to offer.”
Find out more and discover ways to keep reading at www.WeeRead.scot.
Share your Wee Read memories and recommendations using #WeeRead26.
The team at Tesco Corstorphine Extra in Edinburgh has donated £100 to Scottish cancer charity Cancer Card, helping support a free health and wellbeing event for people affected by cancer, as well as their carers, families and friends.
The donation from the store was used by the Edinburgh-based charity to provide refreshments, including snacks, teas and coffees, at its Health & Wellbeing Event held at the James Watt Building at Heriot-Watt University on 23 August.
The event provided attendees, many of whom are undergoing active treatment or are in recovery, with access to valuable resources including guest speakers, practical advice and opportunities to connect directly with cancer charities and support services.
Visitors were able to browse a range of stalls offering support relevant to their individual needs, including nutritional guidance from The Rehab Dietitian, legal advice from Balfour + Manson, and hair loss support from Aderans Trend Co Wigs.
Cancer Card also welcomed a number of charities and support organisations, including Bowel Cancer UK, Macmillan and House of Hope, helping attendees access a wide range of information and advice.
The event also included several optional breakout sessions for attendees, including Look Good Feel Better, chair Pilates from Sano Yoga, Styling and Wellbeing from Pam Millan, and stories of strength shared by guest speakers.
Ian Pirrie, Chair of Cancer Card, said: “We bring together a wide range of support services to help those affected by cancer understand what support is available to them. We were delighted to collaborate with other fantastic cancer charities and support services to help make this event happen.
“A massive thank you to all the cancer support teams who attended and to Tesco for their generous donation.”
Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “Our team is hugely passionate about playing any part we can to support the fantastic charities found within our local community.
“Cancer affects so many people and their families, so we hope this donation helped Cancer Card deliver a valuable event for patients and their loved ones across Edinburgh.”
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Our stores work hard throughout the year to support their local communities through donations, so it is fantastic that the Edinburgh Corstorphine Tesco team has been able to support Cancer Card with its Health & Wellbeing Event.”
WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER
Will you make time for a wee read on 7 October? 
We’re joining #WeeRead26 – a national campaign celebrating the joy of reading, encouraging people across Scotland to make time for a wee read.
Make your pledge today, link in the comments. Visit Corstorphine or your local library if you need help finding something to read, but anything counts!
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
A 79-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal crash in Edinburgh.
The incident happened on Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, within a supermarket car park on Meadow Place Road, and involved a pedestrian and a car.
The pedestrian, Bill Hepburn, aged 66, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 79-year-old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
Tesco is bringing its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh this month giving shoppers the chance to sample food and win prizes.
The roadshow will be visiting Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra on Tuesday the 22nd of September, giving shoppers the chance to sample the perfect snacks and drinks for an evening at home at a special Best Night In living room set up in the store car park.
Shoppers will also get the chance to take part in an interactive game to win Best Night In prizes from Tesco.
Tesco UK Marketing Director Murray Bisschop said: “As we head into autumn, more and more of our customers will be looking forward to a cosy night in and we want to help shoppers across Great Britain with everything you need to make the most of those autumn evenings indoors.”
As part of the Best Night In activity millions of Tesco Clubcard members have already received free coupons for fresh Tesco Finest pizzas that can be redeemed in Tesco stores and online through its popular Freebie Thursday’s scheme.
Tesco is also offering the chance for 50 shoppers to win a Best Night In tech bundle worth £10,000, including an up to 98” 4K TCL television, a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch 2, a Sony Bluetooth turntable, a £2,500 furniture voucher, and £1,000 to spend at Tesco.
To qualify customers just need to spend in £25 in a qualifying transaction at Tesco in-store or online until October 4th*.
Back for another magical year! 
Our spectacular outdoor lantern trail is back – this time with an out-of-this-world space safari twist! 
From glowing galaxies to towering cosmic creatures, get ready to explore a luminous interstellar adventure like never before.
Book your ticket now – https://shorturl.at/4hUM8
FUNDING FOR CORSTORPHINE PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT
16 school libraries across Scotland are set to receive a funding boost through the 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) to help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.
Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports creative initiatives that align with the objectives of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – Scotland’s national strategy for school library development.
This year’s SLIF prioritised applications which focused on:
Funding has been awarded to 16 innovative projects spanning 13 local authorities with the successful initiatives aiming to break down barriers to learning, foster a love of reading among children and young people, promote independent thinking and support family learning opportunities.
Many of this year’s successful projects put inclusion front and centre, such as East Ayrshire’s Reading Journeys for All which will strengthen the support that those with Additional Support Needs and who have English as an additional language have access to in their school library with aids, equipment and accessible literature.
Meanwhile, St Winning’s Primary School in North Ayrshire will develop a whole-school reading culture, promoting reading for pleasure and raising engagement with books and storytelling with a particular focus on those from communities where socioeconomic barriers can significantly impact access to reading opportunities.
Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “School libraries are so much more than a collection of books – they are spaces where young people discover a lifelong love of reading, build confidence and unlock new possibilities.
“I am pleased that this year’s Scottish Government-funded School Library Improvement Fund is supporting 16 innovative projects across Scotland, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child, regardless of background or needs, can access the transformative power of reading.
“I thank SLIC, schools and local authorities for their creativity and commitment. Building on over £2 million invested since the scheme began, I look forward to seeing the lasting difference these projects make to pupils, families and communities.”
Below are the successful 2026/27 SLIF projects:
Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play an important role in pupils’ lives, providing a space where they can thrive, broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential.
“The School Library Improvement Fund helps bring this vision to life by encouraging fresh ideas and forward-thinking approaches to what a library can do for young people.
“We were delighted by the remarkably high standard of the applications submitted which reflects the passion, creativity and ambition of school library staff across the country. We look forward to seeing these 16 projects take shape, helping libraries continue to evolve, inspire pupils and make a lasting difference to schools, families and local communities.”
The 2026-27 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to over £2 million since the scheme’s inception. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.
For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/
We are looking forward to hosting Poetry Group on Tuesday.
Please do come along if you would like to discuss and learn more about Anne Stevenson’s poetry.
