Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.
Every screen at the venue, which is located within the Edinburgh Omni Centre, is equipped with the cutting-edge upgrade, bringing sharper images, deeper contrast, and a more vibrant cinematic experience than ever before.
Vue’s investment in Laser by Barco technology forms part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate big screen experience and is the next generation in projection technology.
Unlike standard projection, Laser by Barco provides consistent picture quality from edge to edge, resulting in a more immersive and premium big-screen experience.
Film fans in and around Edinburgh can enjoy the sharpest image in each of Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens, with some hotly anticipated releases set to take place before the end of the year, including Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Laser by Barco technology to our venue. The difference in picture quality is incredible, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.
“The upgrade is part of our continued investment in ensuring we offer the best big screen experience and customers can immerse themselves in the film.”
Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online at:
Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating one of its own as Josh Ward, Swim Teacher at its iconic Leith Victoria Swim Centre, scooped the Rising Star Award at the recent Scottish Leisure Network Group Awards.
The Scottish Leisure Network Group (SLNG) is a not-for-profit organisation for leisure and sport providers in Scotland. Founded in 2003, its purpose is to help members, such as local authority leisure trusts and university sports departments, share best practices, provide industry guidance, and develop benchmarking processes.
Josh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Starting out on Edinburgh Leisure’s Positive Destinations programme – an employability initiative supporting young people from deprived areas – Josh faced significant challenges. Surrounded by negative influences and lacking financial support, his future could have taken a very different path.
Instead, Josh embraced the programme, earned his lifeguard qualification, and began his career as a Leisure Attendant.
Recognising the need to create a positive environment for himself, Josh made the brave decision to transfer to a venue further afield, away from peer pressure. That move marked a turning point.
With encouragement from his manager, Josh trained as a Swim Teacher, gaining his Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification. Two years on, he’s not only thriving but inspiring others.
“Josh is a fantastic role model for our team and for the young people who come through our programmes,” said Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria, who nominated him for the award.
“His journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. He’s passionate, committed, and always goes the extra mile for his swimmers and colleagues.
“Josh’s approach to swim teaching reflects the values of our organisation, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experiences for all his participants. He is known for building strong relationships with children and adapting his teaching style to meet individual needs.
“He has played a key role in supporting both participants and less experienced staff, particularly through our Care-Experienced and Active Communities programmes. His patience and ability to connect with others make him a trusted and respected member within his team.”
One customer commented said “Josh is doing a great job running the Skills & Development and Master’s swim classes. He’s always friendly, encouraging, and brings great sets for us to swim. His feedback on technique has significantly improved my swim times.”
Josh’s success comes as sportscotland celebrates Role Models in Sport this December, highlighting individuals who inspire others to get active and achieve their potential. Josh embodies that spirit – from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted and respected Swim Teacher who makes a real difference in his community, said Jack Martin, Coaching Workforce Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of career pathways, from entry-level roles to specialist coaching and teaching positions. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in leisure isn’t just a job – it can be life-changing.
Find out more about careers with Edinburgh Leisure at:
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue Edinburgh Ocean this month, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
Kicking things off on 5 December is Hindi film Dhurandhar, a star-studded saga inspired by incredible true events. From director and writer Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is set in the gritty criminal vein of the underworld and features gripping action, Shakespearean betrayals, and espionage – all set to the backdrop of Indian patriotism.
On Boxing Day, film fans can enjoy some light-hearted watching Hindi romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which tells the story of two people fall in love while finding themselves. However, when family pressures challenge their relationship, they reluctantly part – promising each other they’ll meet again.
For those seeking something a bit more supernatural on Boxing Day, Malayalam horror comedy film Sarvam Maya tells the story of a movie fanatic, who is the son of a famous musical instrument maker, and their decision to become a musician themselves after delivering an instrument to a famous player.
For fans of Telugu cinema, fantasy epic Akhanda 2 can be viewed from 5 December. Following the massive success of the first film, Akhanda 2 reunites audiences with another heartwarming journey explores the connection the natural world, and spiritual faith.
Meanwhile, fans of action and comedy can enjoy the Malayalam-language film Bha Bha Ba from 19 December. Directed by Dhanajay Shankar, this story follows a fraudulent astrologer who gains the magic ability to travel through time.
Other South Asian films heading to the big screen this December includes the Tamil language film L.I.K. on 19 December and Malayalam film Vrusshabha on 26 December.
Humberto Michelacci, Screen Content Manager (International Film) at Vue, said: “At Vue we pride ourselves on celebrating cinema from across the globe and we couldn’t be happier to be showing some of the most exciting South Asian films this December.We would encourage film lovers from all cultures to check out this fantastic selection of films.”
South Asian screenings at Vue
–Dhurandhar (Hindi) – 5 December
–Akhanda 2 (Telugu) – 5 December
–Bha Bha Ba (Malayalam) – 19 December
–L.I.K. (Tamil) – 19 December
–Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (Hindi) – 26 December
A Leith shop will be transformed into a magical Santa’s grotto this week – providing gifts to local children for free
Who: Santa Claus
What: A free event to meet Santa, take photos, and receive a small gift if on the nice list
Where: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
When: Friday, 5 December 2025, from 11:30am to 3:00pm
Cost: Free, but please bring a food donation for a local food bank
Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming its Leith shop into a sparkling Christmas grotto on Friday, 5 December between 11:30am and 3pm.
The free event at the Utilita Energy Hub in Newkirgate aims to deliver relief to families facing a tough winter ahead, providing free presents to children as many families struggle with the cost of living crisis. Guests attending the festive day out are asked to bring one food item that will be donated to a local foodbank.
Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.
Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub this Friday, 5 December. Excited youngsters will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.
“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa, as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”
Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.
Utilita began a roll out of Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to their customer service, opening their Edinburghbranch in 2020. The hub has helped thousands of locals better control their energy usage as well as supporting various community initiatives.
The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free, warm and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.
This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.
The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.
Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.
PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.
“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”
If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.
Join us on 11th December from 9am – 2pm at OperationStrawberry for a festive day filled with Christmas hampers, warm mulled apple juice, unique gifts, tombola, and more!
22 Tennant Street, EH6 5ND
Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate for all visitors
Cash or card accepted
Come celebrate the season, support a social enterprise, and find something special for everyone on your list!
The Vittoria Group has revealed the first two beneficiaries of its new Vittoria Giving Back programme, launched last month in honour of the group’s 55th anniversary, to support local organisations making a difference across Edinburgh.
The inaugural recipients Teens+ and Prospect Bank School were selected from the first round of applications, with each receiving donations worth up to £1,000. Rather than providing cash, the Vittoria Group chose to fund specific items requested by each organisation, ensuring the support would deliver long-term, practical impact.
Teens+, a transitional education service, based beside Vittoria on the Walk on McDonald Road, supports young adults with complex learning difficulties across its four centres in Edinburgh and East Lothian, helping learners gain confidence and prepare for life beyond school.
As technology becomes central to everyday independence, whether communicating online, completing coursework, making bookings or working toward qualifications, Teens+ highlighted the growing need for accessible IT equipment. The group will receive a specialist laptop to help students build essential digital skills and engage safely in an increasingly online world.
The second recipient is Prospect Bank School in Leith, which supports primary-aged children with complex, long-term additional support needs, including intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The school focuses on helping pupils communicate, manage sensory input, and participate in meaningful learning experiences. Funding from Vittoria Giving Back will enable the purchase of a SENSIS Cube – a piece of sensory play equipment designed for spinning, swinging and climbing, offering pupils calming or stimulating activities tailored to their needs.
The Vittoria Group is encouraging local schools, charities, youth groups and community organisations to apply for the next round of support.
This winter, Leith comes alive with creativity! We’re excited to be taking part again this year with our Winter Arts Markets.
It’s your chance to explore 20 inspiring creative venues filled with markets, open studios, exhibitions, workshops, talks, and pop-up events celebrating Leith’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Come and join us from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December where over 120 handpicked local artists and makers will be selling their work.
With everything from clothes and textiles, glass and ceramics to paintings, prints and illustrations (and lots more), there’s something for everyone.
As well as the bustling market, there will be food and drink from the fully licensed Drill Hall Cafe (including mulled wine).
The perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift and support local artists at the same time.
‘a system under strain and a need for urgent change’
New data shows the need for support has rocketed over the past five years, revealing a growing crisis across schools, families, and workplaces
As Mindroom marks 25 years of championing neurodivergent children, young people, and adults in the workplace, new data exposes a sharp rise in need across the UK, and a system struggling to cope.
Over the past five years, demand for Mindroom’s support has soared by nearly 300%, with families waiting years for assessments, children missing school due to unmet needs, and parents describing a system “at breaking point.”
The charity’s latest Impact Report also shows a 62% rise in families seeking mental health support, a 240% increase in training for professionals, and 93% of young people saying they felt more confident after working with Mindroom – proof of both surging need and transformative impact.
“Everywhere we look – classrooms, GP surgeries, workplaces, kitchen tables – the pressure is mounting,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom.
“Every week, more families come to us saying they simply can’t navigate the system alone. The good news is that public understanding of neurodiversity has grown hugely. The question now is whether our institutions can keep up.”
This comes amid a worsening national picture. A Scottish Parliament report (June 2025) * described a “concerning picture” of neurodivergent care in Scotland, with over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults now waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments, signalling increases of over 500% and 2,200% respectively since 2020.
Some families face waits of up tothree and a half years, while in England, reports show children waiting more than four years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.
Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report shows the charity handled 25,499 direct contacts on behalf of children and young people last year alone, providing vital one-to-one support and advocacy for families in crisis.
At the same time, its training and consultancy arm grew by 160%, equipping professionals in education, health, and business to create “neuroinclusive communities. But despite this progress, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.
A 2024 national workplace report** found that over half of neurodivergent employees had taken time off due to inadequate support or lack of reasonable adjustments. While neuroinclusion is rising up the corporate agenda, too many workplaces still fall short on psychological safety and practical understanding.
To mark its 25th anniversary, Mindroom is launching new initiatives to expand neuroinclusive practice from classrooms to boardrooms and, over the past three years, the charity has trained more than 10,000 people across sectors, a foundation it now plans to build on through national partnerships, policy advocacy, and expanded training.
“Behind every statistic is a person: a child finally getting the right support in school, a parent who no longer feels alone, or a workplace learning to value difference,” Alan Thornburrow added. “That’s what keeps us going.
“With neurodiversity finally gaining visibility in public life – from government policy to entertainment – we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn awareness into action. Neurodivergent young people are not a side issue; they are the future workforce.”
Founded in 2000 and inspired by the lived experience of Robin and Sophie Dow and their daughter Annie, Mindroom began as a small Edinburgh charity and now supports thousands of families every year. Its mission – to build a society that champions every kind of mind – is more relevant than ever.
To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report
Launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Treeand Christmas Tree Exchange projects
Three in five adults in the UK received an unwanted gift last Christmas. That equates to around 31 million unnecessary presents, many of which ended up in landfill. In a bid to simultaneously put a stop to this staggering seasonal waste and to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet, one local Community Interest Company is launching a brand-new Re-Gifting Tree project.
Commencing on Monday 17th November, all Leith Collective stores across Scotland will feature a Christmas tree adorned with gift tags. Each tag will bear the name of a gift, from a children’s book or a warm scarf to a box of chocolates or toiletries set.
Visitors to the store can take a tag and drop off the corresponding gift at the store, where they will be collected and distributed to those in need this Christmas. Crucially, the emphasis of this project is on re-gifting good quality, unopened presents, rather than encouraging people to purchase new items.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the Re-Gifting Tree project, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “We live in such a divided society where some people are literally throwing away unwanted presents while many others are struggling to afford basic essentials such as heating and food, let alone Christmas presents.
“By launching our Re-Gifting Tree project, we hope to keep as many unwanted presents as possible out of landfill and instead direct them to people who will truly appreciate them.”
Monday 17th November also saw the welcome return of The Leith Collective’s popular Christmas Tree Exchange project.
Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to struggling families whose budgets can’t stretch to non-essentials such as festive trimmings.
Commenting on the return of the Christmas Tree Exchange, Sara added; “We need to pull together as a community because everyone deserves to enjoy the sparkle and magic of waking up to a Christmas tree with a present beneath it.”
Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Livingston Designer Outlet, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
22 Tennant Street, EH6 5ND
Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate for all visitors
Cash or card accepted
Come celebrate the season, support a social enterprise, and find something special for everyone on your list!
Friday 5th December | 5pm – 9pm
£3 / £1 Concessions / Free for under 12’s.
