North Edinburgh News – Page 20 – The NEN

Exclusive exhibition invites public to share their fondest Edinburgh Zoo memories

As Edinburgh Zoo celebrates 110 years, recently retired keeper Karen Stiven shares her favourite memories and encourages the public to add their own stories to the archive

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting members of the public to share their memories of Edinburgh Zoo as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, helping to preserve the stories that have made the zoo a cherished part of Scottish life since it first opened in 1913.

Among them is Karen Stiven, who has recently retired after 45 years at RZSS. Joining the zoo in 1981, Karen dedicated her career to caring for a number of animals from birds to hoofstock and became one of the zoo’s longest-serving keepers.

Now retired from her role as Experienced Keeper, Karen has witnessed decades of change at Edinburgh Zoo. One of her fondest memories is hand-rearing a young hippo, Cleo, a challenge that involved sleepless nights and round the clock care. Seeing the calf grow and thrive made all the hard work worthwhile and remains one of Karen’s most treasured memories.

Karen believes preserving the zoo’s history is just as important as creating new memories for future generations. She said: “Having these archives is a huge achievement.

“They allow people to look back and see where everything started, how much has changed and how far we’ve come.

“The stories are incredibly important and I hope people continue adding their own memories so future generations can do the same for many years to come.”

The appeal comes as RZSS continues to uncover and preserve stories from across its history. While archive collections contain official records and photographs, the charity says some of the most valuable insights come from the personal memories of people who have visited, worked at or supported Edinburgh Zoo over the years.

David Field, CEO of RZSS, said: “Karen’s story is a wonderful example of the memories that make Edinburgh Zoo so special. After 45 years of dedication, she has been part of countless moments that have shaped the zoo’s history.

“Karen’s story is just one of thousands and for 110 years, Edinburgh Zoo has played a part in the lives of people across Scotland and beyond.

“We know there are an abundance of family photographs, favourite animal encounters, school trip memories and personal stories waiting to be shared, and we would love to hear them. Every memory helps us build a clearer picture of our past and preserve it for future generations.”

Members of the public can share photographs, souvenirs and other memorabilia with the team as part of Memories Week running from 13 – 21 June, helping ensure the next chapter of Edinburgh Zoo’s story is recorded alongside the first 110 years.

The Nation has Spoken: Peacock is Britain’s Favourite Butterfly!

Peacock voted Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in first-ever poll

THE nation has spoken and crowned the Peacock Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in a landmark poll. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that the colourful Peacock has beaten off fierce competition from a colourful cast of species to take the top spot as Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.

Topping the first-ever vote to find the nation’s champion, the garden favourite beat 59 other butterflies to claim the highly coveted title, in a vote that saw over 20,000 votes cast across the UK between 15 May – 7 June.

The top five was a rainbow of colour, with the Orange-tip coming a close second, Red Admiral third, Holly Blue in fourth, and the bright yellow Brimstone coming in fifth. But ultimately, the stunning Peacock, with its eye-catching and instantly recognisable beauty, stole the nation’s hearts.

Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said: “The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours, and voted in their thousands for their favourites.

“The Peacock is a worthy winner, it’s a true showstopper and a species that I bet a lot of us picture when we think of butterflies. It’s been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favourites and throw their support behind them!

“Now we can’t wait to see how many Peacocks are spotted up and down the country in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count.”

The result comes at a critical moment for the UK’s butterflies. In 2024 Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency after numbers recorded during its Big Butterfly Count fell to their lowest ever.

Now the charity is calling on everyone, everywhere to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count between Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August to help conservationists get an updated picture of how Britain’s most common butterflies are faring.

The winner – a showstopping garden icon

The Peacock, Britain’s official favourite, is an iconic butterfly. This showstopper is instantly recognisable with its striking colours and stand-out eye-spots, a remarkable evolutionary defence mechanism designed to ward off predators many times its own size.

It is a regular visitor to gardens and green spaces across the whole of the UK, particularly where patches of nettles can be found as they are its caterpillars’ favourite foodplant.

The top five – a rainbow of joy across the country

Completing the top five in the vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly are four species that between them create a kaleidoscope of colours and show why Brits love butterflies so much.

In second place, the Orange-tip is a worthy runner up, with its glowing white wings and vivid tangerine tips in the males, this uplifting species is a sure sign of spring and that warmer summer days aren’t far away.

Taking third is the Red Admiral whose striking jet-black wings, bold red bands and white spotted tips make it one of the most iconic species in the UK. A long-distance migrant, it travels all the way from North Africa to flutter around UK gardens each year, although it is now commonly sticking around through the winter, a sign of our warming climate.

In fourth, the fairy-like Holly Blue, which counts British icons Dame Joanna Lumley and Geri-Halliwell Horner amongst its fans. Its powder-blue wings are a shimmering delight when spotted in gardens, this species has been steadily spreading northwards in recent decades, bringing its appealing beauty to gardens and hedgerows across more of the country than ever before.

And rounding out the top five, the Brimstone, whose sunshine-yellow wings may have given all butterflies their name – the original butter-coloured fly, whose appearance is often heralded as the first sign of spring.

The Peacock, Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Brimstone, along with 16 other butterflies and day-flying moths, can be recorded as part of this summer’s Big Butterfly Count in July and August.

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, and this year it carries greater urgency than ever. Conservationists are hoping that a surge in public participation in 2026 will both improve the data picture and help galvanise support for butterfly-friendly habitats across the UK.

Kate Merry said: “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier, simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.

“This information will help conservationists to see how some of our more-common species are faring, which in turn helps to build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are doing. It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies.”

This year’s Big Butterfly Count takes place from Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August. Simply download the free app, spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and types of butterflies spotted.

To find out more visit www.bigbutterflycount.org

IT’S COMING HAME!

Specsavers brings World Cup fever to Scotland’s most remote village with dedicated Inverie fan zone

THE World Cup is coming to Scotland’s most remote village as, thanks to Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Inverie got its very own fan zone.

The village, which is based in the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, is only accessible by boat or via an 18-hour hike over the mountains.

In 1978, ahead of the World Cup in Argentina, 15 villagers made headlines by digging a four-mile trench and laying a cable just to get a television signal and watch Scotland’s matches.

Almost 50 years on, and with Scotland back on the world stage for the first time in nearly three decades, that same spirit lives on in Inverie. This time, Specsavers stepped in, transforming the village hall into a big-screen fan zone so the community can come together once again.

A 100-inch screen was installed, alongside a full-scale production setup, with a metric ton of equipment ferried across to the peninsula – a far cry from the graft and ingenuity of 1978.

Now, with a population of around 100, the entire village rallied behind Steve Clarke’s side as they took on Haiti in their opening World Cup match, gathering in the early hours of this morning for a shared moment they won’t forget.

The event also featured live music and complementary food and drink as the village hosted one its biggest events of the year.

There was one very special Scotland fan in attendance: 66-year-old John Murdo Morrison, who was part of the group who dug four miles uphill to get the village aerial in position for a telly reception back in 1978.

Just 18 years old at the time, John is feeling the same excitement now as he did then ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.

John said: “What we did in 1978 was special and the whole village is excited to be watching Scotland at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

“We’re delighted to have Specsavers and their team here to set up the fan zone and we’re glad our digging days are behind us.

“It was an incredible and challenging experience but all worth it to watch Scotland at the World Cup in Argentina.

“Hopefully Steve Clarke and the team can do us proud in America.”

Specsavers’ Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, said: “It was inspiring to hear the story of John and the 15 villagers of Inverie from the 1978 World Cup.

“The lengths Scottish people are willing to go to watch our national team never ceases to amaze me and I just hope we’ve helped made things a little easier this time with our fan zone!”

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.

Watch Senga the Highland Cow predict Scotland’s chances in the World Cup – and a surprising outcome for England

MOVE OVER, PAUL THE OCTOPUS!

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has teamed up with Senga—a two year old Highland Cow turned psychic pundit. Senga, which is Gaelic for slenderness, is based at Kitchen Coos and Ewes at High Airyolland Farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

Faced with a choice of equally filled feed buckets labelled with the outcomes of Scotland’s Group games, the hairy heifer didn’t hesitate to deliver her verdict and has predicted a classic rollercoaster tournament for the national team, opting for a Scotland win against Haiti, a draw against Morocco, and a loss against powerhouse Brazil. With four points predicted, Senga’s calculations mean Scotland will face a nail-biting wait to see if they progress to the knockout stages.

If they do, Senga has predicted that they will battle through and make it all the way to the quarter-finals.

Senga was also tasked with picking Scotland’s top scorer. Snubbing the front line strikers, she put her hoof down and picked Aston Villa midfielder and captain JOHN McGINN to finish top of the Scots’ scoring charts.

Turning her attention to England, the bolshy bovine predicted the Three Lions would enjoy a strong tournament and make it into the semi-finals, but in a twist that will surprise absolutely nobody north of the border, Senga predicted that the English campaign will end in heartbreak: getting knocked out on penalties.

Neale McQuistin from Kitchen Coos and Ewes said: “We always knew Senga was special, but we didn’t expect her to become a football pundit.

!She’s usually incredibly level-headed, but if she thinks we can take four points from the group, the Tartan Army should start letting themselves believe anything is possible.”

https://twitter.com/Ladbrokes/status/2065359067380388055/video/1

Alex Apati, PR Manager at Ladbrokes said: “If Scotland make it to the quarter finals and England go out on penalties, then we might see Senga becoming an honorary member of the Tartan Army.

“We’ve already seen a flurry of bets on an England shootout exit, because if there’s one thing more reliable than a psychic coo, it’s English penalty heartbreak.”

AFTER this morning’s nervy 1 – 0 victory over Haiti it’s so far, so good – Scotland sit proudly at the top of the group! Maybe, just maybe …! – ED.

Edinburgh Climate Festival

SATURDAY 27th JUNE at THE MEADOWS 12 – 7pm

Join us Saturday, June 27th for this year’s climate festival at the Edinburgh Meadows from 12 – 7pm Come along to enjoy one of our many free performances, workshops, talks and art installations as well as the festival’s stalls and vibrant atmosphere!

You can find out more at edinburghclimatefestival.com

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supported by The University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture

#ClimateAction #community #festival #nature #edinburgh #June

McGill’s Buses becomes ‘McGinn’s’ as Scotland World Cup fever grips the nation

McGill’s Buses is getting behind Scotland’s World Cup heroes by temporarily rebranding one of its electric buses as ‘McGinn’s’ in tribute to midfield favourite John McGinn.

The specially branded Yutong E12 electric bus will take to the streets with a playful twist on the McGill’s name, celebrating Scotland’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup and paying tribute to one of the national team’s most recognisable and much-loved players.

The one-off rebrand comes as excitement builds across the country ahead of Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage, with John McGinn’s passion, personality and commitment making him a firm favourite with the Tartan Army.

The ‘McGinn’s’ bus will operate on the McGill’s N6 service, giving fans the chance to spot it on the road as World Cup fever gathers pace.

Colin Napier, Group Service Delivery Director, said: “Scotland reaching the World Cup is something the whole country can celebrate, and we wanted to mark the occasion in a way that would get people smiling.

“John McGinn has become one of the real faces of this Scotland team. He plays with heart, humour and total commitment, so turning one of our buses into ‘McGinn’s’ felt like the perfect tribute.

“We are proud to back Scotland and we hope the bus helps spread a bit of excitement as supporters get ready for what promises to be a brilliant summer.”

With Scotland’s matches set to bring late nights for supporters, McGill’s is also going the extra mile to help fans get home safely after cheering on the national team.

The operator has confirmed enhanced NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup fixtures, with additional journeys and later departures on key routes to support fans travelling to and from pubs, clubs and city centres for the big matches.

Services including the N3, N4, N6, N26, N38 and N60 will see extra late-night journeys, helping keep supporters moving long after the final whistle as Scotland chase World Cup glory.

Stephen McGinn, former professional footballer and brother of John McGinn, said: “John would probably be equal parts proud and embarrassed to see a bus named after him, but it is brilliant and sums up the excitement everyone is feeling about Scotland getting to the World Cup.

“He has always given absolutely everything for Scotland and the support from fans means a huge amount to him and the players.

“Seeing ‘McGinn’s’ out on the road is a great bit of fun and hopefully it helps build even more excitement as we all get behind the team.”

Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for the ‘McGinn’s’ Yutong E12 on the road and to follow McGill’s social media channels for updates on NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

Local charity celebrates carers and highlights vital support available across the city

This Carers Week (9–15 June), Edinburgh charity LifeCare is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of unpaid carers and encouraging more people to access the help available to them.

Every day, thousands of unpaid carers across Edinburgh provide practical, emotional and personal care to family members, friends, neighbours and loved ones. Many do not recognise themselves as carers, yet they play a vital role in helping people remain independent, connected and well within their communities.

LifeCare has been supporting local people for 85 years and, since launching its dedicated carers wellbeing programme in 2022, has welcomed hundreds of unpaid carers through free wellbeing activities, social opportunities and peer support. The charity also provides more than 19,200 hours of respite each year, helping carers take a break from their responsibilities, focus on their own wellbeing and recharge.

As pressure on health and social care services continues, unpaid carers are increasingly carrying greater responsibility for those they care for. LifeCare sees first-hand the impact this can have on carers’ physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections.

Through free activities including exercise, yoga, meditation, creative arts, massage, hairdressing and social gatherings, carers are given the opportunity to do something for themselves while connecting with others who understand the realities of caring.

Recent feedback highlights the difference these activities make. Ninety per cent of carers said the programme gives them something positive to look forward to, 86% said it allows them to do something for themselves, and 81% reported meeting others in similar situations, helping reduce isolation and build lasting friendships.

One unpaid carer said:

“It would not have been possible for me to care without these classes. I have made friends, learned new skills and taken care of myself when I didn’t feel like it.”

Another added:

“Without LifeCare and the classes I would be completely isolated. Most of my friendships have arisen through LifeCare carers classes.”

LifeCare would like to thank the Short Breaks Fund, administered by Shared Care Scotland, whose generous funding has helped make these free health and wellbeing activities possible for local unpaid carers.

To hear directly from a local carer and learn more about the growing importance of unpaid carers, watch LifeCare’s special Carers Week video on social media and discover why these activities have become a lifeline for so many people.

Find Out More

If you regularly help a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness, disability, frailty or a long-term condition, you may be an unpaid carer.

To find out more about LifeCare’s free activities and support for unpaid carers, call 0131 343 0940, visit our website or pop into the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026 announces Closing Night film

World Premiere of Louise Lockwood’s moving documentary Bel

This gripping documentary chronicles the legacy and talent of a lost Scottish artist and the efforts to keep her memory and music alive

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that the closing night film of its 79th edition, running from 13 – 19 August 2026, will be the World Premiere of Louise Lockwood’s powerful debut documentary feature Bel.

Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities.

After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.

This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.

Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.

Louise has said: “I never knew Bel but her sister, Leah, is my friend. We live in the same village outside Glasgow, our children go to school together and I witnessed the impact Bel’s death had on her family and friends.

“When she died Bel was still relatively unknown, I want to help Leah change that. The talent was and still is there – hopefully this film will help give Bel a platform to share it from.”

Produced by BAFTA-winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer (Hopscotch Films), Nancy Bornat, and Mark Thomas; and associate producer, the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.

Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and David Harron, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland. The Commissioning Editor is Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and the Commissioning Executive is Shona Thompson.

Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.

EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “From the moment we saw this profoundly moving film we knew it had to be at our Festival.

“Honouring a lost Scottish artist with sensitivity, warmth and nuance, Louise Lockwood’s film, like Bel’s music, is humane, intimate and raw. We can think of no more perfect a way to close the Festival than with this wonderful film.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “This is the perfect platform for Louise Lockwood’s debut theatrical feature Bel, building on her multi-award-winning body of work in Scotland to date.

“It is fantastic to have been able to support this intensely moving film. EIFF has become a vital meeting point between filmmakers and audiences, with conversations that begin in Edinburgh continuing to resonate internationally long after the festival ends.

“Those early connections can shape the trajectory of a film around the world; with each edition, EIFF strengthens its reputation as a launchpad for ambitious new work.”

Associate Producer Jackie Kay has said: “Bel’s time on earth was too short. Her afterlife would surprise her if only she could come back to see.

“Hers was a haunting presence, she was mesmerising to see perform live. With this profoundly moving and insightful documentary, Bel’s legacy is rich, stretching into the unmarked years.”

Sarah Howitt, Hopscotch Films, has said: ‘Telling Bel’s story has been an absolute privilege for all of us.

“It was vital to us as filmmakers to work closely with those who knew and loved Bel to celebrate her extraordinary talent and bring Bel and her work to a wider audience. Her death had a huge impact on so many, but her music will live on and her story will continue to resonate for many years to come.”

This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer.

The full programme for this year’s EIFF will launch on 1 July.

EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.   

More information will be released about the 2026 Festival in the coming months. 

EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland. 

The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice

Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.

Spirit Song Choir in Stockbridge

SATURDAY 27 JUNE 6 – 7pm at ST VINCENT’S CHAPEL

SAVE THE DATE!

Join Spirit Song Choir and Friends for an unforgettable evening of soulful music and uplifting vibes at St Vincent’s Chapel, Stockbridge, on Saturday 27 June, in support of the Hospice.

Featuring the internationally travelled Spiritsong Choir from Canada and the USA, this special concert marks the final night of their very first tour of Scotland. Expect an inspiring celebration of community, friendship, and music.

This event is FREE and there will be a collection for the Hospice on the night, save your seat here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/spiritsong-choir-and…

Scotland’s most remote village gets World Cup fan zone ahead of Haiti match

Specsavers brings World Cup fever to Scotland’s most remote village with dedicated Inverie fan zone

THE World Cup is coming to Scotland’s most remote village as, thanks to Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Inverie gets its very own fan zone.

The village, which is based in the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, is only accessible by boat or via an 18-hour hike over the mountains.

In 1978, ahead of the World Cup in Argentina, 15 villagers made headlines by digging a four-mile trench and laying a cable just to get a television signal and watch Scotland’s matches.

Almost 50 years on, and with Scotland back on the world stage for the first time in nearly three decades, that same spirit lives on in Inverie. This time, Specsavers is stepping in, transforming the village hall into a big-screen fan zone so the community can come together once again.

A 100-inch screen will be installed, alongside a full-scale production setup, with a metric ton of equipment ferried across to the peninsula – a far cry from the graft and ingenuity of 1978.

Now, with a population of around 100, the entire village is set to rally behind Steve Clarke’s side as they take on Haiti in their opening World Cup match, gathering in the early hours of Sunday morning for a shared moment they won’t forget.

The event will also feature live music and complementary food and drink as the village gets set to host one its biggest events of the year.

There will be one very special Scotland fan in attendance, 66-year-old John Murdo Morrison, who was part of the group who dug four miles uphill to get the village aerial in position for a telly reception back in 1978.