Items from the University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections will be displayed as part of “Memories Week”, offering a rare insight into over a century of Edinburgh Zoo’s history
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting the public to step back in time this summer as it unveils a newly digitised and documented archive.
Created in partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections, the exciting findings reveal the rich history behind one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.
A curated selection of materials from the archive will go on display at Edinburgh Zoo from 13th –21st June 2026 as part of “Memories Week”, hosted at Lemur Lodge. The exhibition will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore never-before-seen photos, video and documents that trace the Zoo’s journey across changing generations.
The collection dates back to the founding of RZSS in 1909 and explores the early vision of Thomas Haining Gillespie, whose ambition was to create a place where nature is protected, valued and loved. Through photographs, letters, maps and original papers, the archive captures the wildlife conservation charity origins, the opening of Edinburgh Zoo on 22 July 1913, and defining moments from more than 110 years ago.
As part of the exclusive week, Edinburgh Zoo is encouraging visitors and long-time supporters to visit the dedicated exhibition and share their memories. By bringing their treasured keepsakes with them there will be an opportunity to dive deeper into their personal stories and hear from staff about the history of the souvenirs.
David Field, CEO of RZSS said: “By sharing these archives wider, we are not only preserving the rich legacy of Edinburgh Zoo but inviting people to become part of it, learn more about how it all began and leave inspired about its exciting future.
“Visitors have grown up with Edinburgh Zoo as part of their lives, and we want to capture their memories and personal connections. Memories Week is all about celebrating Edinburgh Zoo’s vast history while also helping to safeguard its future, saving wildlife and connecting people with nature.”
Daryl Green, Associate Director, Heritage Collections (Research & Curatorial) and Co-Director of the Centre for Research Collections at the University of Edinburgh added; “There has been a deep and enduring connection between the University and Edinburgh Zoo, spanning many decades.
“We are so happy to work closely with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to provide long-term access to the Zoo’s history, preserving the memories of the visitors, the staff and – most importantly – the animals who have shaped the last century.”
POLICE are appealing for information after a damaged vehicle was seen travelling on the A68 near Pathhead.
Around 9.35am on Saturday, 23 May, police received a report of a white Renault Clio travelling south on the A68 with damage to the front passenger side and no tyre on the front passenger side wheel.
The vehicle was later traced abandoned near the village of Crichton and enquiries have established it had previously crashed on the A6106 near a service station outside Dalkeith around 9.20am.
Constable Stewart Logan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle, or who witnessed the crash, to contact police.
“I would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage from the area around the time to check their footage and pass on anything of note to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 1240 of 23 May, 2026.
Encouraging children and young people to get active
A nationwide summer programme of free and low-cost sporting activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – has been launched by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth.
Backed by Scottish Government investment, as part of a £20 million fund, and administered by sportscotland, the Summer of Sport programme will give children and young people the chance to get active in their local communities through events and activities hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Under the campaign theme ‘Game On’, the initiative has been designed to harness inspiration from a landmark summer of international sport – including the Scotland men’s team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals tournament and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games.
The Deputy First Minister officially kicked off the programme at Pollok United in Nethercraigs, Glasgow, one of the organisations benefiting from Summer of Sport investment.
This summer the First Minister will travel to Boston at World Cup organiser FIFA’s invitation to watch Scotland’s historic return to the men’s finals tournament after 28 years, in their first match against Haiti on 13 June.
Deputy First Minister Ms Gilruth said: “As Scotland approaches landmark international sporting events, our Summer of Sport initiative will harness the excitement to inspire communities across the country to get involved and get active themselves.
“This innovative programme will offer free and inclusive sporting activities for children and young people – encouraging a new generation to take part in sport and physical activity.
“As part of our wider £40 million additional funding for the 2026-27 sport budget, we are removing barriers to accessing sport and delivering sustainable opportunities for people across Scotland to be more active.
“Activities will take place throughout this summer and beyond, helping to increase participation and enable more young people to remain active long after the final whistle of this summer’s major events.”
Maureen Campbell, Chair of sportscotland, added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Scottish sport. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives – this investment will help to do exactly that. We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “Scotland’s participation in the FIFA World Cup will generate excitement across the country, and it is important that this inspiration translates into opportunities for people to take part in sport at all levels.
“While football will play a role in launching the Summer of Sport, the wider programme ensures that communities across Scotland can access a broad range of sports and activities throughout the summer.”
Speaking ahead of Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years, Scottish National Team player Craig Gordon added: “Sport can be life-changing for young people – it builds confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
“With such a big summer ahead for Scottish sport, it is brilliant to see investment being made to ensure children and young people across the country have real opportunities to get involved, try something new, and stay active in their local areas.”
In the 2026-27 Budget, the Scottish Government has provided a £20 million uplift to core funding for sporting organisations and an additional £20 million to create innovative and inspiring physical activity opportunities for young people across Scotland.
Pioneering fund announces long-term awards tackling poverty, racism and climate change across the city marking a major milestone in the ten-year commitment to community-led change.
Following an open city-wide application process, eleven organisations and collaborative partnerships have been selected to receive sustained support.
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE:
Be United;
Cables Wynd House Residents Group with Making Rights Real;
Sudanese Community Edinburgh with Edinburgh Science Foundation;
Transition Edinburgh South with Edinburgh Community Food.
Each award will provide up to a million pounds over ten years, offering rare long-term, unrestricted funding designed to enable deep and lasting change in communities across Edinburgh.
Funding decisions were made by a Residents’ Panel made up of local people with lived experience of poverty and racism.
Projects supported include those building financial security and tackling stigma around poverty within Edinburgh’s Sikh community, supporting paid opportunities for Black creatives to address structural barriers in the arts sector, and co-designing local food and medicine production and distribution.
Other awards span a range of organisations and partnerships across the city, delivering initiatives such as advocating for improved local housing conditions, supporting community-led climate focussed activities initially within the Sudanese community, and engaging local communities around the development of heat network implementation.
Leah Black, Co-Head of the Fund, said: “Reaching this stage is hugely significant, allowing organisations and partnerships to turn long-held ambitions into long-term action.
“The Regenerative Futures Fund represents a real shift in how funding can be transformational when communities are placed at the centre.
“We are deeply grateful to all involved, and to the Residents’ Panel whose time and insight shaped every stage of this journey. In the wealthiest city in Scotland, where 17% of people – including 21% of all children – live in relative poverty, we are operating in a complex environment.
“Poverty, racism and climate change are interconnected, real and present challenges for us all, and tackling them requires long-term commitment, trust and collective action.”
Aala Ross, Co-Head of the Fund, said: “This is a landmark moment for Edinburgh. These organisations will receive long-term, unrestricted funding to support the work they are already leading in their communities.
“This has been a long, collaborative process shaped by months of dialogue and reflection across the city. This Fund is about trust, and about recognising that communities already hold the knowledge needed to create change. We will continue working alongside them and learning from them over the years ahead.”
Representatives from Migrant Justice Edinburgh said:“The Regenerative Futures Fund represents a funding approach that feels both timely and important within the current landscape.
“It offers something that remains relatively rare: long-term, 10-year support that enables organisations to think and act beyond short-term cycles. This creates the conditions for work that is strategic, adaptive, and focused on long-term change.
“Just as importantly, the Fund places strong emphasis on centring residents — particularly those most affected by poverty — and encourages an intersectional approach that recognises how poverty is shaped by racism, the climate crisis, and wider structural inequalities.”
The Residents’ Panel said: “This wasn’t just about selecting projects, it was about responsibility to the city and the future.
“We wanted to create a better Edinburgh and that has driven this work from the very beginning. We’ve seen the strength, creativity and ambition that already exists across the city, and this process was about giving groups the capacity and trust to deliver the real change we all need to see.
“It has been a real privilege to be part of something that is so grounded yet so innovative.”
The Fund is supported by a coalition of national and local funders, including charitable foundations, local authority and philanthropic partners, who pooled resources but stepped back from decision-making to place control within communities.
Those who have already committed funding towards the pooled Fund include the City of Edinburgh Council, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, and Foundation Scotland, who also host the Fund.
Recent local philanthropic support from Tom Ward and other local philanthropists reflects growing confidence in the Fund’s approach. The Fund continues to welcome new funding partners supporting long-term, community-led change.
Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, said: “The Regenerative Futures Fund represents something quite rare in the funding world.
“It offers long-term, collaborative funding, where those who already hold the expertise and lived experience of the issues this fund is designed to challenge, are leading.
“We need to see more of this. It puts trust in communities and gives organisations the time and flexibility they need to address complex challenges. This Fund offers a powerful alternative to short-term thinking and could influence place-based funding far beyond Edinburgh.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve been clear in setting ambitious targets to address poverty, reach net zero by 2030 and to tackle racist rhetoric in Edinburgh.
“This significant support will help us to move closer to our goals while backing grassroots projects and organisations which are already make a real difference across the city, selected by the people who live here.
“The challenges we face are real – that 17% of our residents still live in relative poverty is simply unacceptable, while people continue to face racism and exclusion, all while the climate crisis looms large. This funding will provide a welcome boost to a range of organisations addressing these challenges, and I look forward to seeing more from the projects it will help to deliver.”
Over the coming months, the funded cohort will begin long-term delivery work across Edinburgh, focused on tackling the root causes of poverty, racism and climate inequality through community-led approaches.
The Regenerative Futures Fund will continue as a learning and collaboration network across the city, supporting knowledge-sharing and connection beyond the funded cohort.
A list of descriptions of the organisations and partnerships can be found here.
Some further writing about the collaboration and the connections between the organisations can be found here.
Nicola Sturgeon has responded after her estranged husband Peter Murrell was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to embezzlement:
She wrote on Instagram: “My reaction to the guilty plea tendered today by my former husband is difficult to put into words. I am angry, hurt, sad and very distressed about the impact of his actions on family, friends and the SNP.
“To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.
“To be clear: I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes. I am utterly appalled that he did so and cannot begin to understand why.
“That I was fully cleared after a thorough investigation underlines that these are not my crimes. I was misled just as others were.
“I know that there will be political discussion in light of what has happened, and I understand why. However, for me this has also been a profound personal trauma.
“I need to remain focussed on recovering from that and building a new phase of life.
“I will be making no further comment.”
However in a statement later released via her solicitor Aamer Anwar, Ms. Sturgeon added: “I have seen questions raised about how I could not have known about this. I want to reiterate that I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds.
“I was cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy and thorough investigation
“In relation to many of the items in question, for example expensive watches and games consoles, I was not aware of them having been purchased at all.
“Indeed in relation to the item of largest value – a campervan – I was not aware of its existence until it featured in the police investigation in early 2023, nor was it parked in our driveway as has been claimed by some.
“In respect of any items I was aware of Peter having purchased, I had no reason to doubt that he had used his own money. We were both earning high salaries and, due to the responsibilities of my job, rarely socialised or went on holidays.
“We had separate bank accounts and I had no access to his financial records.”
We are excited to share details about our new meal preparation course, funded by #LeithChooses
The “Efficient & Healthy Cooking” programme is designed primarily for, but not exclusively limited to, migrant and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) residents in Leith.
This programme aims to support individuals facing financial and societal barriers to accessing healthy food by offering an educational and practical course covering the following topics:
1. Efficiency and sustainability in meal preparation for families
2. Maintaining health and nutrition without compromise
3. Sourcing ingredients efficiently without breaking the bank or damaging the environment
4. Shopping for food with efficiency and sustainability in mind
5. Practicing efficient and sustainable recipes and cooking methods
6. Learning about food waste elimination and managing leftovers
Led by a qualified nutritionist, this programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge about food, including financial, nutritional, and cooking skills.
Additionally, we aim to combat loneliness and isolation by bringing people together to learn and share meals!
A WOMAN has smashed a £10,000 fundraising target by completing four Edinburgh Marathon Festival events in a single weekend- running 78km in two days for the disabled brother she helps care for.
Micaela Church completed the 5km (3.1 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) on Saturday, followed by the half marathon (21.1km / 13.1 miles) and full marathon (42.2km / 26.2 miles), raising vital funds for Capability Scotland’s Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP).
The new development will replace Upper Springland, the Perth residential facility where her brother Matthew lives, which faces a significant flooding risk that threatens its long-term future.
Matthew, who was born with cytomegalovirus, lives with learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy and severe anxiety that requires round-the-clock specialist care. When Micaela and her siblings became his welfare guardians following the sudden loss of their mother five years ago, Upper Springland’s support proved invaluable to the whole family.
Micaela said: “The team at Upper Springland have taken the time to truly understand Matthew, his needs, his anxieties and the things that bring him joy.
“Knowing he is safe and genuinely cared for gives our whole family peace of mind. That’s what I’m running for.”
The new OICP facility will include a specialist hydrotherapy pool and that detail has driven every training mile. Swimming is where Matthew is at his happiest and the thought of securing that for him, and others like him, gave Micaela’s campaign its purpose.
Micaela remembered her mother returning from the Edinburgh Marathon Festival with a medal, convinced she had won. Decades later, she ran the same course carrying that memory with her.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “What Micaela is taking on is extraordinary both the physical challenge and the dedication behind it.
“Upper Springland has served people from across Scotland for over 40 years. The OICP will ensure that exceptional care continues in a modern, purpose-built environment that truly reflects it and fundraising like this brings that future one step closer.”
A 41-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime and drug offences. William Byrne was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Monday, 25 May, 2026).
At the same court on Wednesday, 15 April, 2026, he pleaded guilty to being involved in serious and organised crime.
Byrne was arrested in Portugal in October 2025 and later arrested and charged in connection with serious and organised crime offences on 25 November 2025 as part of a joint partnership with the National Crime Agency.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands, said: “I hope this sentencing sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime and drugs that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“Byrne’s involvement in this type of crime spanned across Europe and we worked with international partners, alongside law enforcement agencies in the UK and abroad, to ensure Byrne could be held accountable for his leading part in a sophisticated criminal enterprise, bringing drugs into our country with no regard for the harm and misery they cause.
“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities and we will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this and make our communities safer.”
Alan O’Brien, Branch Commander for the NCA in Scotland, said: “William Byrne is a dangerous criminal, working internationally with the aim of flooding Scotland with lethal drugs.
“The NCA worked closely with our law enforcement colleagues overseas and Police Scotland to track Byrne down and return him to the UK to face justice for his crimes.
“We will continue to work with partners to protect the public from serious and organised criminals like Byrne who cause harm to our local communities.”
A 54-year-old man who died on Friday, 22 May, 2026, has been named as Leigh McDonald from Edinburgh.
Around 6.10am, police received a report a man had been assaulted on Morison Gardens, South Queensferry. Emergency services attended, however, the 54-year-old man died at the scene.
Mr McDonald’s family said: “We are devastated at the loss of a much loved son and uncle. Leigh was loved by many people who will also be affected by this.
“We are taking it a day at a time, and we ask that our privacy is respected as we try to come to terms with what has happened.”
A 58-year-old man was arrested and charged. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Monday, 25 May, 2026
The nation’s finest young musical talent came together on Sunday 24 May at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where 33 top musicians, representing each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and the independent school sector, competed in the fifth prestigious Solo Performer of the Year Final.
Hosted by Ian Mills, the fifth annual Solo Performer of the Year competition showcased inspiring performances from Scotland’s finest young musicians, captivating the packed Stevenson Hall at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). With a lifelong commitment to education and a deep-rooted passion for music, Ian brought warmth, insight and enthusiasm to the role.
The winning performance was by singer Kai Fitzharris (age 18) from Greenock, who who was representing the Inverclyde region. His beautiful performance of The Roadside Fire by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Die Nacht by Richard Strauss wowed the audience and judges and saw him taking home not just the overall Winner’s trophy but also winning the voice category and the collaboration award for his interaction with his accompanist Claire Haslin.
Kai Fitzharris receives £1,000 to further his musical career and the Maid of Morven trophy crafted by Alexander Stoddart FRSE, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland.
As part of his prize package from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Kai will benefit from a professional coaching session, the opportunity to participate in a masterclass, and a studio recording session to help develop his performance skills.
The judges awarded two runners-up. Bass guitarist Jake Kenny from North Ayrshire had the hall jumping with his virtuosic performance of Muse’s Hysteria and Primus’s Tommy the Cat.
And accordionist Daniel Small from Falkirk gave a brilliant performance of Yuri Dranga’s The Seagull, written by his tutor’s tutor, and Scottish traditional tune the Millers Reel in his own version of Ryan Corbett’s arrangement.
Both outstanding musicians will receive £250 towards their musical development, along with exclusive opportunities including a professional coaching session and masterclass placement at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).
The audience was treated to inspiring performances by young musicians from Shetland to Moray to Dumfries and Galloway as every area of the country was represented. A full array of instruments was also on display from marimbas to clarinets and trombones, accordions and bass guitar to piano and voice, creating a rich and diverse musical programme.
Continuing the competition’s traditions, the winners of each specialist category were announced live during the final ceremony which was dedicated this year to John Wallace CBE, who as a champion of music education was an inspiration to so many and a valued supporter of Scottish Young Musicians from the very beginning.
This year’s category winners were; violinist Robert SJ Hutchinson from Fife for strings, flautist Zuzanna Kujawa from South Lanarkshire for woodwind, trombonist Patrick Summer from East Renfrewshire for brass, Marimba player Murray McLachlan from Angus for percussion, Jaiden Weideman from Aberdeen for piano, and overall winner Kai Fitzharris for vocals.
They will all receive career-enhancing opportunities generously provided by some of the UK’s leading music organisations, including Scottish Opera, RCS, Dunedin Consort, Live Music Now Scotland, the Cumnock Tryst, St Mary’s Music School, Stringers, Ursula Jones, Greg Bailey and Trinity Laban, supporting their development as emerging musical talents.
In addition, accordionist Daniel Small received the Trad music prize, cellist Eleanor Winter the Early Years Music prize and again the overall winner Kai Fitzharris the Collaborative Performance Prize.
The esteemed judging panel included MILOŠ, one of the world’s leading classical guitarists; Fraser Gordon, Principal Contrabassoon at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Jane Irwin, Head of Vocal Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; Carol Main, Founding Director of Live Music Now Scotland; and Professor Arron Shorr an international piano soloist, chamber musician and educator.
The grand finale also featured spectacular performances by this year’s award-winning ensembles: Ensemble of the Year the Perth & Kinross Big Band, and Brass Ensemble of the Year the Campbeltown Brass Quintet from Argyll and Bute. Their electrifying and energetic performances provided a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable celebration of Scotland’s young musical talent.
Alan Kerr, Chair of Scottish Young Musicians said: “What an inspirational day! Scottish Young Musicians is Scotland’s only festival of competitions connecting every Scottish school and offering students the chance to achieve their ambitions through their talent in music, develop their life-skills and have fun.
“Huge congratulations to our winner Kai Fitzharris , and to our two runners up Jake Kenny and Daniel Small. We hope that this is a wonderful moment in their long journeys with music.
“I must recognise the enthusiasm of teachers who’ve embraced SYM, our incredible hard-working team that has made it happen, and the generosity of our supporters who have provided funds, prizes, and assistance.
“It’s been especially poignant would like to dedicate this year’s solo final to John Wallace CBE who, as a champion of music education, was an inspiration to all, especially students and a valued supporter of Scottish Young Musicians from the very beginning.”
The Scotland-wide competition is run by The Music Education Partnership Group who work with every school and local authority to support music education and opportunities.
