Category: North Edinburgh News

Filmhouse celebrates 1st Birthday

ACROSS JUNE AND JULY, SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP CINEMA, FILMHOUSE IN EDINBURGH CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF ITS DOORS BEING REOPENED

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE IAN RANKIN AND JUSTIN JOHN DOHERTY IN CONVERSATION ON NIC ROEG’S ICONIC DON’T LOOK NOW

SPECIAL SCREENINGS OF BIG SCREEN CLASSICS 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MMAND CINEMA PARADISO AND NEW HOMEGROWN GEMS INCLUDING THE FALL OF SIR DOUGLAS WEATHERFORD

A FILM LOVERS PARADISE WITH PROJECTION BOX TOURS, LIVE MUSIC AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ACROSS THE CINEMA’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse is marking one year of its doors being reopened to the public with a special series of birthday events which celebrate the big screen experience.

Across June, the cinema’s 1st birthday day weekend of 26th – 28th June and into July, Filmhouse will screen an extra special selection of films and events showcasing all that the cinema has to offer and is loved for.

Stanley Kubrick’s seminal 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) will screen from 5 June in eye-popping 70mm alongside new cinematic visions screening in June including the darkly funny and eccentric new feature The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford from Edinburgh-born filmmaker Sean Robert Dunn starring Scottish screen legend Peter Mullan.

Other new films coming to the cinema soon include Steven Spielberg’s hotly anticipated Disclosure Day, Rohan Kanawade’s beautifully romantic Cactus Pears and back on the big screen, Paul Thomas Anderson’s cult hit Boogie Nights.

Audiences will also be treated to the first film that screened at the cinema when it reopened in June last year: an ode to the beauty of the cinemagoing experience, Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso (1988).

On 3 July, Filmhouse is excited to present a special screening of Nic Roeg’s iconic film Don’t Look Now followed by novelist Ian Rankin in conversation with writer Justin John Doherty to discuss Justin’s new book described as a ‘literary love letter’ to the film, Don’t Look Now and Then.

The discussion will not only touch upon their mutual love and fascination for the film, but also the detective work behind putting this sort of book together, finding the people who were there 50 years ago and uncovering never before seen archive and images that were thought lost to time.

The cinema’s recently launched We’ve Got a Cinema and We’re Not Afraid to Use It strand will see members vote on classic films that they are most excited to see on the big screen alongside the Team Birthday Picks strand which showcases staff favourites as well as highlights from across the programme since the cinema’s doors reopened.

Across the birthday weekend, cineastes can also get a glimpse into the hallowed ground of the Filmhouse’s projection boxes and there will be evening birthday party celebrations with live music. There will be special discounts on food and drink over the birthday weekend to coincide with the launch of a brand-new menu in the Filmhouse Bar Café.

Exclusive rewards will also run up to and across the birthday weekend for Filmhouse members, including the chance to be entered into a draw to win a Filmhouse lifetime membership. Special themed children’s screenings, craft activities, family face painting and games will take place as well as lots of birthday cake!

Filmhouse reopened to the public on 27 June 2025 after a remarkable three-year campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Scotland and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.

Filmhouse continues to be celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.

With, a total capacity of 350 seats, the four-screen cinema is a hub for film enthusiasts, offering a cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema.

Filmhouse’s technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.

Built in a repurposed church on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, Filmhouse has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Following a £2 million refurbishment, Scotland’s leading independent cinema has been thriving since its reopening under new leadership and a vision which builds on the venue’s legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.

The completely refurbished Filmhouse Bar seats 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for many different communities with a welcoming atmosphere, and an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability.

The glorious story of Filmhouse continues.

Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said:”The first year of the new Filmhouse has been quite a ride. Since June 2025, 125,000 people have sat down to watch a film here, and more than 200,000 have walked through the doors of our building.

“Re-establishing Filmhouse as a place for people to meet, socialise, eat and drink, enjoy themselves, and most thrillingly of all, experience the magic of cinema in all its forms has been a very special experience for all of us here.

“We welcomed the public back to the new Filmhouse ten days after finishing the first part of a huge refurbishment project, with a lot of work, including the opening of the brand-new Screen 4, carrying on after we had opened the doors.

“That we’ve delivered an enormously varied programme of films, events, educational work, and hosted dozens of festivals – from EIFF and the BFI London Film Festival to the French and Spanish Film Festivals, the Jali African Film Weekender, Take One Action, and many more – is a massive testament to our team, all the people we work with, and our brilliant audience.

“We’ve got lots of things we want to improve and build upon, and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. The first birthday celebrations are an important marker for us on that journey, and we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year, and to extend an invitation to those who are yet to try out Filmhouse, by inviting you all to party with us in June.

“There’s something for everyone, and it’s going to be a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there (we’ll bring the cake). Cinema lives. ‘mon the hoose!”

Lymphoma Action: Live your Life workshop comes to Edinburgh

On Wednesday 17 June Lymphoma Action will be holding an in-person Live your Life workshop for anyone in Edinburgh who has been affected by lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Lymphoma Action’s Live your Life workshops have been developed to support people who have come to the end of their treatment for lymphoma, or who are being monitored by their healthcare team as their lymphoma doesn’t need treatment straight away (also known as ‘active monitoring’ or ‘watch and wait’.)

These unique and interactive workshops are led by someone with a personal experience of lymphoma, and aim to provide support in managing the emotional aspects of the condition, as well as treatment side effects.

They also provide useful information around staying active, nutrition and practical tips to support the general wellbeing of those living with and beyond lymphoma, and give people the chance to talk to others and to share their experiences.

Attendees are welcome to bring a friend or family member to the workshop too.

Whilst the in person Live your Life event is free to attend, booking is essential. Please note that these workshops are not recorded, so the only way to experience them is to be there!

To find out more, or to book a place, or to book a place, visit:

https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/live-your-life-workshop-edinburgh

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the most common blood cancer. We are here for everyone affected by lymphoma and provide expert information, dedicated support and a community that understands – right from day one.

This year marks our 40-year anniversary, and we are grateful to all those who have supported us along the way in our mission to make sure no one has to face lymphoma alone.

For further information visit: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/live-your-life-workshop-edinburgh

Edinburgh Green Group announce new Co-Convenors following election success

Edinburgh Green Councillors have announced a new team to serve as their Co-Convenors. Cllr Alys Mumford and Cllr Ben Parker were chosen by their fellow Green councillors to lead the group for the final year of this council term at a group meeting on Monday 18 May.

The announcement comes after serving Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill stepped down from the role after being elected an MSP, while her colleague Cllr Chas Booth came to the end of his two-year term.

Edinburgh Green councillors have a two-year term limit on convening the group, in order reflect the principle that power should not be concentrated, that diversity of experience and skills is an asset, and that everybody should have the opportunity to take on leadership positions.

Alys and Ben have previously acted as Co-Convenors for the group from 2022-2024.

Incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Alys Mumford said: “We are entering a pivotal year for the Green group, as we hope to build on the success of the Holyrood election and see the biggest group of Green Councillors in the chamber in 2027.

“At the same time, we need to continue our strong record of holding this failing ultra-minority Labour administration to account and fighting for our constituents to have the public services they deserve.

“Over the past four years, Green Councillors in Edinburgh have secured massive investment in social housing, protected our residents from the worst of the cuts to public services, and won long-overdue action to tackle the climate crisis.

“I’m delighted that the group have put their faith in me and Ben to be their co-conveners once again and we can’t wait to get to work on some of the pressing issues facing this Council.”

Fellow incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Ben Parker said: “Coming off the back of a fantastic set of election results for Holyrood, I’m excited to take over the reins as Co-Convener with Alys.

“Having already worked together as group Co-Conveners in the first couple of years of this Council term, I’m sure we will be able to pick up where we left off. I also want to say a big thank you to outgoing Co-Conveners Chas Booth and Kayleigh Kinross O’Neill who have left big shoes to fill.

“We have an exciting year ahead preparing for the Council elections in 2027. Already, we have an excellent pipeline of candidates and a fantastic manifesto in development. With less than a year to go before polling day, momentum is with the Greens and I’m excited to see where the next year (and beyond) will take us.”

Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “Co-convening with Chas has been a pleasure in this Council term and I have immensely enjoyed having oversight of our brilliant Green group.

“Being elected to Holyrood is such a privilege and knowing that the Green group are in such good hands for the next year means I can cheer on from the sidelines as we come towards May 2027.“

Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Chas Booth said: “I’m delighted that Edinburgh Green Councillors have selected such a strong team to take over from Kayleigh and I and to steer the group towards the council elections in 2027.

“Following the Green surge at Holyrood less than a fortnight ago, this is an exciting time to be a Green councillor and I’m looking forward to supporting the incoming co-convenors as we prepare for the council elections next year.“

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to co-convene the group alongside Kayleigh for the last year. Her hard work, strategic wisdom and dry sense of humour have brought passion and insight to the role. The Green Group’s loss is Holyrood’s gain and while she will be missed as co-convenor, I am delighted she is staying on as a councillor for the remainder of the term.”

Appeal after driver failed to stop on A720 Edinburgh city bypass

POLICE are appealing for information after the driver of a van failed to stop after colliding with a man standing on the verge off the A720 Edinburgh city bypass near the Sheriffhall roundabout.

The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Sunday, 17 May), following a minor crash at the roundabout.

The occupants were exchanging details when a white van collided with the 29-year-old man at the side of the eastbound carriageway. He sustained an arm injury but did not require hospital treatment.

The driver of the vehicle, described as a Citroen Relay style van, did not stop and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.

Constable Stewart Logan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to find the driver of this vehicle and we are asking anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.

“If you were driving in the area around this time please also check any dash-cam you have to see if it has captured what happened.

“I am also appealing to the driver to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1833 of Sunday, 17 May, 2026.

121 affordable homes proposed for former Livingston leisure site

Cruden submits planning to transform former Xcite site 

Five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted plans for a major new affordable housing development at Almondvale Parkway in Livingston.

The proposals would transform the former Xcite Livingston site into 121 high-quality affordable homes, alongside new landscaping, parking and improved walking and cycling connections through the area.

Located within Livingston town centre, the 1.2-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the popular Bubbles Swimming Pool, which closed in 2023 and was demolished last year. Cruden’s plans would bring the vacant site back into use and create a new residential community in a highly accessible location.

The development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including retirement housing and wheelchair-accessible homes, helping to meet growing demand for affordable and energy-efficient housing in West Lothian.

Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its core, the plans would retain a large area of mature woodland while introducing additional planting, biodiversity features and new green spaces throughout the site. Enhanced pedestrian links would also improve connections between Almondvale Boulevard, nearby cycle routes and the football stadium beyond.

The homes have been designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, with the majority benefiting from south-facing living spaces. The development includes low-carbon technology, including heat pump systems and roof-mounted solar panels.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to West Lothian, Cruden recently completed a 146-home development at Almondvale for West Lothian Housing Partnership, alongside projects at  Sydney Street in Livingston and in East Calder.

Andrew Duncan, Land Director of Cruden, said: “Our plans will transform this prominent brownfield site into a high-quality affordable housing development that will bring new life into this part of Livingston town centre.

“The former Xcite site holds strong memories for many local people, and we want to create a development that delivers lasting benefits for the community through much-needed affordable homes and high-quality green space.

“Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme through measures such as woodland retention, active travel connections, and energy-efficient homes that can help reduce running costs for residents.”

The planning application follows a detailed design and consultation process with West Lothian Council and the local community. Subject to planning approval, Cruden intends to begin work on site in early 2027.

Pepsi launches THREE new “sippable” Ice Cream flavours

Ice Cream is now Sipped! Pepsi® has unveiled its new Ice Cream Zero Sugar Flavour range, with three new delicious cola flavours, made to refresh you with a smooth taste and zero-sugar sweetness—perfect for a summer treat. Should you lick it, bite it, scoop it? No, you sip it!

The new flavours are set to launch exclusively in Tesco from 18th May, with Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour rolling out nationwide from 14th July onwards.

This trio has been meticulously crafted for a generation that has mastered the art of intentional treating. In an era defined by constant hustle, Pepsi is reframing the ‘Treat’ moment.

Pepsi’s unique new flavours double up as the ultimate sweet treat to cool the summer heat. Cold, bold and surreal, the new flavours reimagine and remix the ice cream and Pepsi combination, bringing a whole new vibe to treating yourself – with zero sugar. With a classic Pepsi base, the new flavours add a creamy, sweet kick to the iconic cola recipe, twisting your senses.

Life today is lived in micro-moments, those blink and you’ll miss it victories – like finally hitting “send” on an email, replying to those messages that have been on read for weeks, or simply making it through a long Monday. These quiet wins are the real status symbols of Gen Z culture, and Pepsi is here to make sure they don’t go unnoticed, by redefining the treat moment for a new generation.

The new trio of delectable new zero sugar flavours include:

  1. Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour: A smooth, sweet, and totally indulgent taste sensation
  2. Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour: A tangy, creamy, nostalgic dream – in a can.
  3. Salted Caramel Ice Cream Flavour: The ultimate flavour flex. Sweet meets salty in a fizzy, treaty collision!

Natalia Fillipociants, SVP and General Manager Europe International Beverages, PepsiCo , said: ‘’At Pepsi, we know it’s the small moments that can feel like a win and deserve something refreshing.

“Our new ice cream-inspired flavours are made to be a fun, zero-sugar summer treat that’s a little unexpected in the best way. We hope people enjoy cracking one open, trying something different, and making it their go-to refreshment this summer’’.

The new Ice Cream flavours come as an expansion of Pepsi’s Treats range, following the craze surrounding the launch of Strawberries & Cream and Cream Soda flavours last year.

The irresistible new range will be available to buy in four different formats – individual 330ml cans, an 8 can multipack, plus 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles.

For more information on the new flavours and brand news, visit Pepsi UK on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and X.

Who are the High Street Heroes of Edinburgh and the Lothians?

2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year

People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes. Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.

The accolades recognise and reward the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

And residents are being encouraged to nominate those who they would like to be named as a High Street Hero – with one being honoured in each of Scotland’s eight Scottish Parliament regions.

People can also put their home area forward for the national accolades of Town of the Year and Innovation in Place.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.

Last year’s heroes included Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, recognising more than 50 years of commitment to serving his community.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Remarkable, determined and innovative work is taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians which is making communities better places to live, work and visit. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that.

“We are looking forward to hearing more about the places, projects and people who are leading the way with inspirational action which really does make a difference – and having the chance to celebrate their achievements.”

Now in their sixth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals going above and beyond to make a difference.

They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.

Nationally, awards will be presented for:

  • Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).
  • Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/ , where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.

Iconic Scottish actor James Cosmo MBE named Great Chieftain for 2026 British Pipe Band Championships

●      British Pipe Band Championships take place on Saturday 30th May at Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston

●      The Championships bring together premier pipe and drum bands from across the UK for a full day of world-class performances

●      Tickets start from £15 and are available to purchase at royalhighlandcentre.co.uk

The Royal Highland Centre is set to receive a visit from Hollywood royalty as legendary Scottish actor, James Cosmo MBE, has been unveiled as the Great Chieftain for the British Pipe Band Championships 2026 taking place at the Ingliston venue on Saturday 30th May.

Globally recognised thanks to his roles in Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and Game of Thrones, the iconic actor will preside over the championships, welcoming bands and spectators to one of Scotland’s most prestigious cultural gatherings.

Hosted by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) the Championships bring together premier pipe and drum bands from across the UK for a full day of world-class performances. With grade categories ranging from Juvenile to Grade 1, the event will showcase musical talent at every level and provides a platform for young and emerging musicians to shine, including school pipe bands, and will include performances and workshops. 

Last year, over 5,000 competitors and spectators attended, including 60 bands, as the Royal Highland Centre proudly hosted the Pipe Band Championships for the first time.

Mark Currie, Director of Venue at the Royal Highland Centre, said: “We are honoured to be hosting James Cosmo and the British Pipe Band Championships at the Royal Highland Centre.

“Thousands of people joined us last year and we’re expecting another great turnout later this month. There’s so much to see including competitions, drum-major displays and now the chance to spot a legendary actor among the phenomenal pipers. It’s a great day out for all the family.”

James Cosmo MBE said: “Pipe bands have always been woven into life in Scotland and right across the Britain. There’s a wonderful sense of tradition and community around them.

“You see the hard work that goes into it the hours of practice, the discipline, the pride people take in performing side by side. And the championships are a fine opportunity to celebrate the very best of that spirit.

“This year, more than 210 bands from across the Great Britain will gather to compete, bringing with them extraordinary talent, commitment and experience. Behind every performance are years of effort and a genuine love for the music and tradition.

“But events like this are about more than competition. They’re about people. Families, friendships and communities brought together through music that has endured for generations and still means so much today.

“To everyone taking part, travelling from near or far, and to all those supporting from the sidelines, I hope you enjoy every moment of what promises to be a memorable championship, filled with all the sights and sounds that make pipe band culture so special.”

Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said: “Having James Cosmo, a man who embodies Scottish spirit on the global stage, as our Chieftain is a fantastic honour.

“He is widely respected, and his presence will add huge excitement to what is already set to be a spectacular day at the Royal Highland Centre.” 

Tickets are available now via the Royal Highland Centre website, and early booking is recommended due to high demand. Children’s tickets are £12.50, adults £15 and family tickets £35. Children under five go free.

Find out more about the event and purchase tickets here:

 https://royalhighlandcentre.seetickets.com/event/rspba-uk-pipe-band-championships/royal-highland-centre/3561410

Edinburgh researchers join new £10m centre to transform search for Parkinson’s treatments

Researchers and people with Parkinson’s in Scotland are joining forces at a new £10 million research centre, in a push to turn decades of discovery into treatments that could transform lives.

The UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre – jointly funded with Parkinson’s UK – launches today and connects research teams at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford and University College London to tackle one of medicine’s most stubborn challenges – why, despite scientific advances, there is still no treatment that can slow or stop the condition progressing.

Together, the teams will investigate why Parkinson’s develops, why it progresses and how cutting-edge science can deliver better diagnosis and treatment.

Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK, including 14,000 people in Scotland. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

The centre is led by Professor Miratul Muqit, a practising neurologist and internationally recognised Parkinson’s researcher based at the University of Edinburgh, whose work has helped reveal how changes in key genes affect the health of brain cells.

Discoveries from this field are helping pave the way for targeted therapies now being tested in early-stage clinical trials.

Professor Miratul Muqit, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre, said: “We know more about Parkinson’s than ever before – but people living with the condition are still waiting for effective treatments that can slow, stop or prevent it.

“This centre is built to change the pace of progress. By connecting leading teams across Edinburgh, Oxford and London, we can bring different parts of the Parkinson’s puzzle together – from genes and brain cells to brain circuits and symptoms.

“Our ambition is to make this centre a beacon for open, collaborative science.”

Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK, said: “For people living with Parkinson’s, better treatments cannot come soon enough. That is why this centre, and the collaborative philosophy at its heart, is so important.

“It puts people with Parkinson’s alongside world-class researchers, helping make sure the science is focused on the questions and symptoms that could make the biggest difference to everyday life.”

People with Parkinson’s have helped shape the centre’s direction from the very beginning – including sitting on the interview panels that appointed its first research leaders.

Shafaq Hussain-Ali, who has Parkinson’s, was part of the panel that selected the centre’s Group Leaders. He said: “It was a privilege to be involved. The new centre recognises that Parkinson’s research cannot happen without the involvement and participation of the Parkinson’s community.

“Hearing from the researchers about their passion for transformative science has filled me with hope about what is to come.”