Over the age of 50 and need help with IT?
We are very excited to announce that ACE IT will be based at Blackhall Library every Wednesday morning from the 7th October.
To book an appointment please contact ACT IT directly on 0131 667 2053 or info@aceit.org.uk for these free digital coaching sessions.
SYCAMORE CAFE at D MAINS PARISH CHURCH 10.30 – 12.30
A cuppa, a little creativity and a chance to connect!
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your local community or how you could get involved? Come and find our stall and ask us about what we do!
Come along to our Coffee & Community morning for a chance to meet local groups, discover what’s happening in the area and find out about volunteering opportunities.
There’ll also be some festive fun with gingerbread person decorating on our stall, so why not come along and get creative?
Find out about local events and activities
Meet people who make things happen in our community
Explore volunteering opportunities and ways to help
Enjoy a warm welcome, refreshments and good company
Get involved in some fun gingerbread decorating
You don’t need to commit to anything or have a particular reason to come – just bring yourself and enjoy the morning!
Saturday 3 October 2026
10.30am – 12.30pm
Sycamore Tree Cafe, Davidson’s Mains Parish Church
Pop in, find our stall, say hello and spread the word. We look forward to seeing you there!
BLACHALL LIBRARY (D MAINS SCHOOL) from 5.30 – 6.30pm
Our new teen book group starts tomorrow!
Why not bring a friend with you?
Blackhall Library, 5.30pm-6.30pm.
Free to attend!
SPECSAVERS Glenrothes has helped a youth football team kick off the new season in style after sponsoring a new set of home shirts for the squad.
The locally owned and run Glenrothes store donated £1,000 to Cramond FC, with the sponsorship covering the cost of new home kits for the team’s 36 young players.
The team are now sporting their new shirts as they prepare for the season ahead, with the sponsorship helping ensure the whole squad is equipped with matching kit.
Cramond FC is a long-established community football club which provides opportunities for children and young people to take part in the sport in a positive and supportive environment.
David Platt, store director at Specsavers Glenrothes, says: ‘We’re delighted to be able to support Cramond FC and provide the team with their new home shirts.
‘Grassroots sport plays such an important role in helping young people build confidence, stay active and develop friendships, and we’re really pleased to know our sponsorship has helped all 36 boys start the season with a new kit.
‘Supporting local communities is something that’s important to us at Specsavers, and it’s fantastic to see the players wearing their new shirts and representing their club with pride.’
The sponsorship is part of Specsavers Glenrothes’ commitment to supporting community initiatives and helping young people access opportunities through sport.
To book an appointment at Specsavers Glenrothes for optical or audiology needs, speak to a member of the team on 01592 611044 or visit:
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/glenrothes.
CRAMOND FUNDRAISER
The Cramond FC clubhouse, which is located in Davidson’s Mains Park, is in desperate need of a few repairs and a little refresh.
From toilets needing fixed/replaced, exterior harling and guttering needing work and a full repaint. Any help is appreciated.
See Cramond’s website for info
Edinburgh Fringe performer Kate Danley gave Blackhall Library regulars a taste of the history and mystery of her native Seattle on Wednesday 26th August, when she brought her storytelling show to the newly re-opened facility in Davidsons Mains.
Kate’s show Madam(e) Lou tells the remarkable true story of Lou Graham, a pioneering Seattle entrepreneur and bordello owner whose role in the city’s history has largely been erased. Kate who is visiting and performing in Edinburgh for the first time admits she had some reservations about bringing a history show to a city with such a formidable relationship with its own past.
And while Edinburgh and Seattle may appear to have little in common, Kate has found some unexpectedly dark connections. ‘Both cities have fascinating, murky histories, including stories of body snatching and darker chapters beneath their celebrated pasts.’
Based on more than a decade of research, Madam(e) Lou explores the life of a woman who amassed a fortune during Seattle’s rapid expansion in the 1880s and went on to become a major power player in the evolution of the city.
Kate has been inspired by Edinburgh audiences’ interest in her hometown and her storytelling show has proved a hit with reviewers.
Kate described it as an ‘absolute pleasure’ to bring the show to Blackhall Library and was delighted to connect with an enthusiastic local audience including a couple who knew her from a book tour in the US.
Blackhall Library reopened in the grounds of Davidson’s Mains Primary School in June 2026 after the building on Queensferry Road was condemned. The staff, who were dispersed around the city following the closure of the original building, are working hard to rebuild the library for the local community.
The performance was the biggest event to date and Kate – who as an author is a big supporter of libraries -was thrilled to make the journey out of town for an appreciative crowd.
Anyone who has missed Madam (e) Lou at the Fringe, need not worry, as it has been optioned for a television adaptation and should be coming to a small screen near you soon.
CAKE lovers in Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh, can enjoy a free sweet treat on Saturday 22nd August, as Cake Box opens its brand-new store.
The new bakery will be serving up Cake Box’s signature fresh cream, 100 percent egg-free cakes – from celebration centrepieces to everyday indulgences – all handmade and beautifully finished in store.
To mark the official launch, Cake Box Davidson’s Mains will be giving away 100 free slices to the first 100 customers and 100 free cupcakes for children (available while stocks last). There will also be free sampling for the duration of the launch, also while stocks last.
Sukh Chamdal, founder and chief executive officer at Cake Box, said: “We are excited to grow the Cake Box family in Edinburgh with our new Davidson’s Mains store.
“We have always strived to make special moments between family and friends that bit sweeter, and we are thrilled to welcome the Davidson’s Mains community with free treats, family fun and, of course, our delicious range of egg-free, handmade cakes.”
Event details
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Time: From 11am
Address: 54A Main Street, Davidsons Mains Edinburgh, EH4 5AA
Giveaway: 100 free slices to the first 100 customers (available while the stock lasts) and 100 free cupcakes for children, with free samples available all day
FRINGE PERFORMANCE AT BLACKHALL LIBRARY
One performance only on Wednesday 26th August 5pm at Blackhall library on Corbiehill Road!
We are delighted to present you a Storytelling show “Madam(e) Lou” by award-winning performer Kate Danley.
Free event, Age 16+, Booking not required, but spaces are limited.
Next Monday, 24th August we will be starting Mindful Colouring In at Blackhall Library. These are casual sessions for anyone to join, no need to book, just come along.
For more information contact Blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Hibernian FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of long-standing associate of the Club and lifelong Hibs supporter – Jim Brydon – to the Board of Directors.
Jim joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director, having worked closely with the Club for more than 20 years as a business associate.
Owner of JB Contracts (Scotland) Limited, West Pilton-born Jim has an established relationship with Hibernian, having supported the Club on a number of key projects, including the redevelopment of the Hibernian Training Centre, the renovation of Easter Road Stadium and various other facilities management and development projects over the years.
His involvement with Hibs extends well beyond his professional relationship with the Club. Jim was one of the early members involved in establishing Club 86 and has continued to contribute to and support the revamped Hibs Kids initiative over the years.
He was also been a long-standing member of various Hibernian FC supporters’ groups including The Stanton Branch and The Carlton Branch, whilst contributing funds to support the Hibernian Community Foundation’s charitable work across Leith and the surrounding areas of Edinburgh.
Jim also organised many Hampden trips from Silverknowes Golf Club – including the most memorable one of all on 21 May 2016!
Football-daft Jim has also coached youth teams for many years at Broughton Boys and then at Spartans Community Foundation.
Jim is also the younger brother of Hearts saviour Ann Budge, who rescued the Tynecastle club from imminent closure in 2014.
Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon said: “I am delighted to be able to bring Jim onto the Board. He has a brilliant knowledge and understanding of the Club, and he knows what Hibs means to our supporters and the community.
“Since my family came to the Club, Jim was one of the first people who welcomed us to Edinburgh and has supported us all the way through. He is an incredibly loyal and trustworthy individual and is already intertwined with everyone at the Club, so it was an easy decision to invite him onto the Board.
“He has been involved in many key projects, developments and milestones throughout his time following the Club, and he will bring with him a vast range of local knowledge, experience and expertise to the Board.”
Jim Brydon, Non-Executive Director at Hibernian FC, added: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity and to be invited onto the Board here at Hibs.
“Everyone who knows me knows that Hibs is an incredibly special Club for me, so when Ian approached me, I was honoured to accept the invitation.
“I will do my best to contribute ideas and offer my experience, opinion and guidance where required. This is an exciting time for the Football Club, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Jim is the latest addition to the Hibernian FC Board of Directors, which now includes:
Blackhall Library has reopened in a new temporary facility next to Davidson’s Mains Primary School.
The service previously operated via a mobile library bus, following the closure of the original Blackhall Library building on Hillhouse Road in 2023 due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The new temporary building is providing access to library services while work continues on a long-term plan for the library and other community services in the area.
The library sits within the school’s grounds, but has its own dedicated entrance and is separated from the school by fencing. Signage has been installed at the gates to help guide people to the new building.
The new library is open 10am to 8pm Monday-Wednesday, and 10am to 5pm Thursday to Saturday.
Regular events and activities for adults include:
Craft activities for children and young people are also available on Fridays from 2 to 3pm, with Bookbug sessions running on Tuesdays from 11am to 11.30am. The library will also be running a programme of activities and events over the school holidays.
The enclosed site includes relaxing and secure outdoor space for the community to enjoy.
Spacious community rooms are also available to book for meetings and events. Information on pricing and booking can be found on the Council’s website.
The process of developing the temporary library has included engagement with the Davidson’s Mains Primary School community to ensure the facility supports the needs of the school, its pupils and staff.
Additional works have been carried out at the school to support the delivery of the library, including new fencing and works to the playground to provide new fire safety spaces. New road safety improvement works are also underway outside the school, including pavement widening.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “The arrival of the new temporary Blackhall Library is fantastic news for the local community, bringing an exciting range of events and activities back at a convenient and central location.
“We’ve already had some excellent feedback from library users of all ages, and it’s been particularly pleasing to see young people and their families embrace the service as part of their regular school day.
“The original Blackhall Library was a very popular resource and provided a wide range of library services, community events and activities. We know it’s important that people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the local area have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible, and this new building has been designed to fit that need while we continue to develop plans for its permanent replacement.
“We have an opportunity to develop a new range of modern and accessible services through the long term replacement, and we need to make smart choices to invest in the future of the area. We’re looking forward to announcing more details and public engagement soon.“
Work is ongoing to develop plans for the long term replacement facility. Council officers have been engaging through local community organisations and workshops with pupils at local primary and high schools.
An engagement display has also been set up in the new temporary library to present some of the feedback received and to gather views from library users.
This work is helping to build a detailed understanding of the types of services people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the wider local community would like to access in a future library facility.
A 12-week public engagement process will launch on the proposals later this year. The findings of this initial engagement work will be used to inform the design of the proposed long-term solution, which will then be presented for formal public engagement.
