A brand-new community group, ‘Dads, Babies, & Beers’, has launched in Edinburgh to help new fathers bond with their babies, meet like-minded Dads, and help give mums a much-needed break through a new weekly meetup.
The group’s inaugural event will take place on 16th September from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Campervan Brewery Taproom, widely regarded as Edinburgh’s most family-friendly pub. Following this launch, the group will continue to meet on a weekly basis.
The initiative was launched by Chris Batchelor, founder of communications agency Feel Good Comms and Joe Pratt, Field Sales & Customer Service Administrator at Campervan Brewery. The idea was born out of personal experience after Chris took his newborn son, Ellis, to the pub to give his wife a chance to have some time to herself. While enjoying a pint and some quality time with his son, Chris realised there were likely many other new dads in the exact same position, looking for ways to step up as partners while navigating the early days of fatherhood.
Chris, Founder of Dads, Babies, and Beers, commented: “I originally just wanted to give my wife a break and get out of the house with Ellis.
“Whilst sitting with Ellis, I realised that there aren’t many spaces or clubs specifically for dads to take their new children to, and just generally chat about what it is like to be a dad.
“This group is for guys who enjoy going out for a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic!), want to be great fathers and supportive partners, and want to get some quality one-on-one time with their kids.”
The group offers a relaxed, pressure-free environment for fathers to share the highs and lows of parenting over a local craft beer or soft drink. By hosting the event at the Campervan Brewery Taproom, attendees are guaranteed a welcoming, safe, and highly accommodating space for prams and babies.
POLICE have recovered drugs with an estimated street value of over £1.4 million in Edinburgh and Uphall.
On Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, officers executed warrants at addresses in the Leith, Granton and the Uphall areas where cannabis, cocaine and a six-figure sum of cash were seized.
Two men aged 37 and 62 were arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 52-year-old man was arrested and released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery highlights our commitment to tackling dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities.
“We are determined to protect the public from this harmful criminality by disrupting the drugs trade and preventing them being circulated on the streets of Scotland.
“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Information from the public is crucial. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Communities across the UK encouraged to donate pre-loved football boots and help give the beautiful game a second life
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host Football Rebooted Day 2026, a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots, raise awareness of the award-winning Football Rebooted campaign, and make football more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Visitors to any Utilita Energy Hub on the day will be invited to donate football boots via dedicated Football Rebooted collection points. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including football tickets, Utilita Arena tickets, signed shirts, and other household and spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Sam Cook, Senior Marketing Partnerships Manager, at Utilita, said: “Sport participation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“Football Rebooted Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and make a real difference with a simple donation. Every pair of boots collected can help another young player stay involved in the game they love, while also preventing perfectly usable footwear from going to waste.”
The event forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
As well as collecting boots, Football Rebooted Day aims to increase awareness of how individuals, schools, grassroots clubs, businesses and community organisations can get involved in the initiative, including becoming an official Football Rebooted collection point.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home.
All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
Event: Utilita Energy Hubs Football Rebooted Day 2026
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Locations: All 12 Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK
Leith Energy Hub: 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
Isle of Wight Energy Hub: 121 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP
A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.
You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ
An Edinburgh writer and filmmaker living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is encouraging other people affected by the condition to come together at MS Walk Glasgow this month, saying that community can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that many people experience after diagnosis.
Roby Walsh, 38, who is based in Leith, will join family and friends from across Scotland at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September for the MS Society’s annual MS Walk Glasgow.
Roby, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2017, will take on the 5K route. In 2022, she underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Florence after previous MS treatments had not worked for her.
She says the experience was one of the most difficult periods of her MS journey, making her participation in MS Walk Glasgow particularly meaningful.
She says the event is about much more than crossing the finish line: “For me, it’s become almost like a tradition. I used to take part in similar walks when I was living in Australia.
“It’s important to support and bring awareness, and of course to support funding and research. But it’s also a good way to bring people together and talk about MS.”
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible – they can be mild or severe, and include fatigue, pain and mobility issues.
Roby lives with a range of symptoms that aren’t always visible to other people. Speaking about her experience of MS, she says: “My MS is really invisible. If you see me, you would never say I have a disability, because I think I’m good at putting on a façade. But something that doesn’t go away is the pain. I’m always in pain. From when I wake up until I go to bed early, around 9pm, I’m always in pain.
“Sometimes that affects me psychologically and drains me. You have to be kind to yourself.”
Fatigue can also affect Roby’s social life: “You want to go out with your friends and have a nice night, but by 9pm I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m going home,’” she said. “You have to adapt. That’s the word: adapt.”
For Roby, one of the most important messages she wants to share with other people living with MS is not to isolate themselves. She said: “Sometimes when we get diagnosed with something like this, we tend to isolate. I feel that isolation is a big part of people’s experience with MS.
“Maybe we need to find the courage sometimes to come out and find your people, or just ask to have a chat with someone else. You will find there are so many other people like us, and it’s okay.
“I’ve done it. I pushed a lot of people away. But I’ve learned from that mistake, and that’s the advice I would give: don’t isolate yourself.”
Since moving to Edinburgh in 2019, Roby has thrown herself back into the creative world. She is now a writer and director, has published a children’s book and made her first short film, Glitch, which is currently being shown at film festivals.
She has also found a new sense of purpose in using her experiences to raise awareness and champion greater representation of disabled people in creative industries: “I’ve connected with so many other women with different kinds of disabilities, including invisible disabilities like mine.
“I find this fire in me, thinking we need so much more empowerment around us. There can be so much more representation in industries like modelling, acting and film.
“I want people to see that there is so much more to a person, and this doesn’t define you.”
Roby hopes that message will encourage others to join her at MS Walk Glasgow, whatever distance they choose.
Participants can walk, roll or stroll routes ranging from 1K to 20K, making the event accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
“You don’t have to go for a run. You don’t have to do 20K,” Roby said. “You can just start with something like 5K.
“Even if you want to do it alone, you’re not going to be alone, because you’re going to meet so many people there. You make friends.
“I would say, do it. It’s a really amazing experience.
“In the end, you’re like, ‘Yes, I’ve done it.’ It’s a challenge with yourself as well. If I go back to some of the most difficult points in my MS journey, I could never have imagined doing these walks.
“Now, looking back, I’m really proud. I’m so proud of everything. I’m proud to be able to do the walk 100% and continue that tradition.”
Jo Anderson, Director for Scotland at the MS Society, said:“More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. Roby’s story is a powerful reminder that MS is different for everybody, and that many of the symptoms people experience are invisible to those around them.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Roby for sharing her story and for fundraising for the MS Society through MS Walk Glasgow. I’m really looking forward to meeting her and cheering her on at Glasgow Green on the day.
“MS Walk Glasgow is a chance to come together, celebrate the strength of the MS community and raise vital funds to support everyone affected by MS. Every person who walks, rolls or strolls will be helping us continue our work supporting people with MS and funding pioneering research.”
MS Walk Glasgow takes place at Glasgow Green on Saturday 19 September. With 1K, 5K, 10K and 20K routes available, there’s a distance for everyone to walk, roll or stroll.
Sign up today and help raise vital funds to support people affected by MS and fund pioneering research.
Find out more and register on the MS Society website:
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today (Friday 4 September 2026) raised concerns over a lack of consistent guidance for midwives across Scotland caring for surrogate mothers and babies.
Through Freedom of Information requests the Edinburgh North and Leith MP has uncovered serious gaps in vital guidance for midwives and wider clinical teams when supporting births where a surrogacy arrangement is in place.
Tracy Gilbert’s FOI requests to all of Scotland’s NHS Boards found that only NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NHS Fife have active guidance in place for midwives and clinical teams on the care and treatment of surrogate mothers and babies.
Of the remaining NHS Boards:
Five have no policy at all
Four have a policy where the review is overdue
One has a policy currently in draft form
One referred to Department of Health and Social Care guidance
The Edinburgh North and Leith MP raised the issue during a debate on the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill in the House of Commons, warning that midwives and maternity teams should not be left to navigate these legal, clinical and safeguarding issues without clear and up-to-date guidance.
Tracy warned that the lack of consistent guidance could leave maternity staff without the information they need to ensure surrogate mothers and babies receive the best possible care.
Speaking after raising the issue in Parliament, Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Every mother and baby deserves the very best care with their needs put first in all decisions. However, I have exposed worrying gaps in the guidance available in some areas of the country for staff caring for families involved in surrogacy.
In many cases midwives will come across no or very few surrogacy cases in their careers; up-to-date guidance is therefore even more essential so that those midwives have access to the support and signposting that they need.
“The Scottish Government should now make sure that health boards across Scotland have this important guidance in place.”
An overview of the findings of the FOIs across health boards is as follows:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Policy in place Dec 2025, due for review in Dec 2028
NHS Borders
Policy in place March 2022, Review overdue (March 2025)
NHS Dumfries and Galloway
Refer to Department for Health and Social Care guidance
NHS Fife
First policy effective from May 2026, to be reviewed May 2029
NHs Forth Valley – First guidance
April 2015, reviewed October 2021, review overdue (October 2024)
NHS Grampian
No guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
No guidance
NHS Highlands
Guidance in draft
NHS Lothian
Guidance in place Feb 2022, review overdue (Jan 2023)
NHS Orkney
No guidance
NHS Shetland
No policy
NHS Tayside
Policy put in place Jan 2019, review overdue (Aug 2025)
MUM LISA MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SON JOHN’S MURDER
The Knife Angel arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday 27 September.
Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country.
The sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.
An opening ceremony marked the official launch, with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives including Lisa Petrie in attendance.
Lisa’s son John was killed in a knife attack in Leith one year ago today. She said on social media: “A whole year since my son was murdered and I still don’t know how that can be true.
‘Some days it feels like it was only yesterday. I can still feel the shock, the disbelief, the moment my whole world changed forever.
‘And then there are days when it feels like you’ve been gone for far too long. Too long since I’ve heard your voice, seen your face, hugged you, called you my son, heard you shout “ mumzie or “mother!! “
‘I hate that a year has passed without you. I hate that the world has carried on when mine stopped the day you were taken from me.
‘You weren’t meant to leave. You weren’t meant to be a memory. You were meant to be here.
‘I miss you every single day. I’m angry. I’m broken. I’m still trying to understand how I’m supposed to live with the fact that someone chose to take your life.
On 25th September, I would like to invite anyone who has been affected by knife crime to come along to the Knife Angel (writes LISA PETRIE).
This will be an opportunity for us to come together, remember those we have lost, and show our support for those who have been injured or affected by knife crime.
If you have lost someone to knife crime, been injured yourself, or know someone whose life has been impacted, please feel welcome to join us.
I would also encourage you to bring a photograph of your loved one, yourself, or someone affected, if you feel comfortable doing so. We will also be lighting candles in remembrance and to honour those whose lives have been changed forever.
Everyone affected by knife crime is welcome.
Let’s come together as a community, remember those we have lost, support those who are still with us, and stand united against knife crime.
The Knife Angel will take centre stage at the Kirkgate at the bottom of Leith Walk in Edinburgh from September 1st to September 30th 2026.
Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Places for People Scotland and other partners will be working with schools, businesses and communities to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and the impact of violence.
Residents and colleagues from an Edinburgh care home have strengthened their partnership with a local bowling club.
Leith Bowling Club, one of the oldest bowling clubs in Edinburgh was the proud recipient of sponsorship from Forthland Lodge Care Home’s community fundraising kitty. The support is part of the Meallmore-operated care home’s ongoing commitment to backing local organisations and maintaining strong links with the surrounding community.
The sponsorship will help support the club while boosting connections, creating opportunities for residents to continue visiting, get involved and enjoy time with people from the wider community.
In recognition of the donation, residents and colleagues were invited along to the club to see the sponsorship board and experience a sunny afternoon at the club.
Wendy Forbes, Care Home Manager at Forthland Lodge said: “Leith Bowling Club is a natural partnership for Forthland Lodge as we already have close ties established.
“Connections like these are about much more than simply getting out for the afternoon. Staying involved with familiar local places, clubs and community groups can help residents maintain relationships, enjoy shared interests and continue to feel part of the area they call home.
“We had a wonderful time at the bowling club unveiling the new sponsorship board. Our residents enjoyed spending time in the sunshine and catching up with members of the club. We very much look forward to more frequent visits in the year ahead.”
Dean Gilfether, Member at Leith Bowling Club said:“We’re thrilled to welcome Forthland Lodge as a sponsor of our club.
“Their support means a great deal to us and will help ensure we can continue to maintain our facilities, support our members, and encourage more people in the local community to take up the sport.
“Forthland Lodge is a fantastic supporter of local activities, and we’re proud to be strengthening our ties with such a well-respected part of our community. A huge thank you to the team for their generosity – we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership, with plenty of resident visits in the mix!”
Situated in Restalrig, Forthland Lodge offers a selection of high-quality ensuite rooms equipped with modern conveniences. Run by one Scotland’s most trusted health and social care providers, Meallmore Ltd, it provides excellent standards of care for its residents.
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
Community organisations, charities, social enterprises and local residents are being invited to help shape the future of the Norton Park Conference Centre as part of a new study exploring how a bespoke heritage space could better serve Edinburgh’s third sector as well as the local communities round Easter Road.
Norton Park has commissioned a comprehensive options appraisal to identify new and enhanced uses for its Conference Centre, with the ambition of creating greater social impact, stronger community benefit and improved long-term sustainability.
The study will explore how the building could support voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, local residents and purpose-driven businesses, while respecting the heritage character of the building.
The project is being led by Community Enterprise and Fraser/Livingstone Architects. A central part of the project is understanding what Edinburgh’s third sector actually needs. The team is keen to hear from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, networks and public sector partners about the challenges they face, the facilities they currently use, the gaps in provision across the city and the opportunities they would like to see developed.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting the voluntary and community sector in Edinburgh.
“We know there is potential for the Conference Centre to play a much bigger role in supporting organisations and communities across the city. This project is an opportunity to think creatively about the future and ensure that the building responds to real needs.
“We are keen to hear from as many organisations as possible so that any future plans are rooted in evidence, demand and community benefit.”
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s leading third-sector hub, providing affordable, high-quality workspace and a supportive community for charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The study will examine a range of possibilities, including workspace, meeting facilities, training and event space, partnership working opportunities and other community-focused uses. The findings will help Norton Park identify a preferred option and develop a longer-term vision for the building’s future.
Robin Livingstone, Director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects: “Sitting next to Easter Road stadium in Leith, Norton Park has a legacy in building repair, having rescued a Victorian school building from disrepair.
“This feasibility commission is an opportunity to build on that heritage by transforming the Conference Centre, housed in a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church.
“We will open the building to the community, unlock underused spaces, and improve energy efficiency by enhancing the building fabric to reduce carbon emissions. Creating a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Park’s charitable purpose.”
Douglas Westwater, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise, added: “Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant third sectors in Scotland, but organisations are facing significant pressures around costs, sustainability and access to suitable space.
“We want to hear directly from the sector about what would make the biggest difference. Whether you are a small community group looking for meeting space, a charity seeking collaborative opportunities, or a social enterprise with ideas for the future, we would love to have a conversation.”
Get Involved
Organisations and individuals with an interest in the space are encouraged to get in touch and share their views.
To discuss your organisation’s needs, opportunities for collaboration, or wider priorities for Edinburgh’s third sector, please contact Douglas Westwater at Community Enterprise, email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk
and I still don’t know how that can be true.
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