Category: North Edinburgh News

Hilariously brave stand-up show raises awareness for The House of Hope

Manogram – a man with breast cancer

Alan Wake, who poignantly tells his personal story of breast cancer in a stand-up comedy show, Manogram – a man with breast cancer, put on an exclusive performance in The Caves, for Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first bespoke wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer.

Alan’s incredible story is taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and explores a man’s experience of mammograms, mastectomies and hormone therapy, in a light hearted one-man show, which celebrates laughter and love through adversity, while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer.

When Alan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, his wife had already been treated for the disease twice, and having to tell their two boys of a third breast cancer diagnosis in the family was unthinkable and according to Alan; ‘somewhat ridiculous.’

The special show received a standing ovation from the House of Hope community and supporters in the audience, when Alan asked the question; ‘Has anyone here been impacted by breast cancer?’ 

Alan said: “I was blown away by the support shown for the show and the audience unexpectedly taking to their feet was incredible. It was really moving and very powerful to see the whole room unite against breast cancer.”

House of Hope Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “Alan’s show adds a lot of love and light to people going through a breast cancer journey, which is so important. 

“We are thrilled that Alan selected The House of Hope as a charity partner and all donations will go towards improving and enhancing the wellbeing services for people impacted by breast cancer in Scotland and their families.”

Alan continues: “The impact breast cancer had on my wife Julie was totally devastating. While I have lost a breast and have a scar, most people wouldn’t realise I’ve been through breast cancer and that’s just not the same for women, who often lose a part of their identity through treatment and surgery.

“While breast cancer is no laughing matter, I wanted to raise awareness through humour, because that’s what I know best and my show gives a totally different perspective by exploring the weird and often humorous ways men support each other through banter and comradery.”

Manogram – a man with breast cancer – will continue to raise funds for breast cancer charities throughout its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, with shows running until 30th August.

For more information about Alan’s story and the important wellbeing services provided by the House of Hope visit houseofhope.org.uk.

Woman jailed for six years for attempted murder of child

A 35-year-old woman from Glenrothes has been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction and jailed for a minimum of six years for the attempted murder of a child.

Laura Docherty repeatedly administered medication to a child, none of which had been prescribed for them and were not suitable for children. As a result, the child suffered bouts of sickness and was hospitalised on a number of occasions.

These offences occurred over a period of a year from 2022 to 2023.

Concerns were raised by medical staff in February 2023 and an investigation was launched. In May 2023, officers arrested and charged Laura Docherty in connection with attempted murder.

She was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in December, 2025, and sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction with a minimum of six years in prison at the same court today – Monday, 17 August, 2026.

Detective Constable Gemma Warriner said: “This was prolonged and abhorrent abuse of a young child which resulted in numerous stays in hospital. Throughout the investigation, Docherty took no responsibility for her actions and repeatedly blamed others.

“Cases where children are subjected to harm can often be difficult to deal with, however, we are committed to investigating such incidents fully and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the family.”

If anyone has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or partner agencies. Reporting concerns can help us protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

This week at Drumbrae Library

TONIGHT: GROW A ROW WORKSHOP

A wee reminder that this interesting workshop is taking place today at 6pm.

We are delighted to host Hannah from Lauriston Farm for a Grow a Row workshop, focusing on how to harvest and save seeds!

Grow a Row, encourages the local community to dedicate a row, a pot, or a garden bed to growing seeds for the Drumbrae Library Seed Library.

You do not need to have attended the previous session so all are welcome!

This session is suitable for adults, and you do not need a large garden to take part. Whether you have a small garden bed, a few pots, or even a balcony, there are plenty of ways to grow for seed saving in small spaces.

Monday 17th August at 6pm

Free

Adult event, age 16+

#GoAllIn

#lauristonagroecologyfarm

#NationalYearOfReading

EVENTS and ACTIVITIES from 17 – 22 AUGUST

Extend Child Benefit for your teen before 31 August

  • Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds starting further education or approved training courses must extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments will stop automatically.
  • Scottish pupils received their exam results on 4 August and many will now be confirming their education or training plans for the autumn.
  • Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK.

Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds have just 2 weeks left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) whether their child will continue in non-advanced approved education or training, or they risk missing out on Child Benefit payments.

Following the release of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results on 4 August, many teenagers across Scotland will now be making decisions about their next steps in education or training.

For families whose teenager is staying in non-advanced approved education or training, Child Benefit can continue, but only if parents act before 31 August. 

Parents can extend their claim in minutes using the HMRC app or on GOV.UK. Those who received a letter from HMRC can also scan the QR code to go straight to the digital service. Payments will stop automatically for anyone who hasn’t responded by the deadline.

More than 372,000 parents have already extended their Child Benefit payment digitally ahead of the deadline.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,406.60 a year for the eldest or only child, and up to £930.80 a year for each additional child.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us. 

“Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don’t want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you’re entitled to.”

Child Benefit continues for children in full-time, non-advanced education, including A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3, and certain approved training schemes. A full list of approved education routes is available on GOV.UK.

Parents whose child’s plans change, for example if they leave education or start a paid apprenticeship, must tell HMRC straight away to avoid being overpaid. 

If a Child Benefit claimant or their partner has an individual adjusted net income of more than £60,000, the higher earner may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). Use the Child Benefit tax calculator on GOV.UK to find out how much HICBC to pay. Eligible parents can pay through their PAYE tax code using the HICBC digital service, or through Self Assessment.

Local food businesses set to feed thousands of fringe-goers at iconic  Edinburgh festival venues this August

Edinburgh University Students’ Association will host a line-up of incredible food vendors across central venues this August in collaboration with Gilded Balloon and Pleasance Theatre Trust.

With a strong focus on supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of Scotland’s local food scene and suppliers, festival-goers will be spoilt for choice at the city’s most iconic Fringe venues.  

Pleasance Courtyard 

Smash & Stack, Total Meltdown, Pizza Geeks, Happy Dumplings, Mint, Mimi’s Bakehouse,  Backstage Bar & Bistro 

The Pleasance Courtyard, an original Fringe venue since the event’s first year – 1947, is one  of the most popular social areas for performers and punters alike. Come rain or shine, the  Courtyard offers that beer garden buzz, with plenty of covered seating.  

Smash & Stack, Edinburgh’s gourmet burger stall, are cooking up a range of dishes, from  its ‘Moving Mountains’ vegan burger to its beef truffle and parmesan burger. Find Smash &  Stack in the Front Courtyard.  

For pure indulgence, head to local legends Total Meltdown to try their grilled cheese  sandwiches oozing with cheddar and delicious fillings, including kimchi, nduja and  pastrami. Vegans will be spoilt for choice too, with seven options available on the menu. 

Cheese enthusiasts can also get their fix at Pizza Geeks who have been serving Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas with a slice of geek in Edinburgh since 2016.  

Happy Dumplings are on a mission to bring their famous family recipes from restaurants  in China to Scotland. Packed with explosive flavour, dumpling options include prawn, pork,  beef or chicken.  

Mint will be serving up their signature wraps, perfectly balancing texture and taste through  their unique combination of smoked paprika, fresh tzatziki and tangy pickled cabbage.  Their famous Za’atar chicken or falafel and humous wraps are on the menu. 

And for a sweet treat, Mimi’s Bakehouse – one of Edinburgh’s best-loved bakeries – are back with their award-winning cakes, scones and coffee, alongside hot filled rolls.  

Drink amongst the stars at our various bars:

• Arthur’s Bar – a relaxed bar area tucked away behind the Pleasance Courtyard  looking out to Arthur’s Seat. 

• Cragg’s Bar – located under the famous yellow stretch tent – the perfect spot for a  drink and a bite. 

• Cabaret Bar – combining a bar and performance space inside the main Pleasance  building, the Cabaret Bar has previously attracted the likes comedians such as  Frank Skinner, Rich Hall and Jenny Éclair. The bar is operated by Backstage Bar and  Bistro serving teas, coffee and hearty food. 

Teviot 

The Loft Bar, Union Social, Gallery Cafe, Union Social Garden, Relics Coffee Co. 

Teviot is back on the Fringe scene, following its extensive refurbishment. Crowned ‘Best  Night Out’ at the 2026 Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, Teviot is the world’s  oldest purpose-built students’ union and has an array of dining spaces for visitors to refuel  in between Fringe shows.  

Inside Teviot you’ll find the spacious Union Social serving local craft beer by the award winning Stewart Brewing. On sunny days, head to the Loft Bar’s roof terrace to escape from  the bustling crowds.  

Outside, Union Social Garden is your classic beer garden, with beach hut booths and picnic benches. Alongside the bar, Relics Coffee Co. will pop up at Union Social Garden,  offering speciality brews and espresso martinis for a day-to-night caffeine hit.  

On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll be able to pair your beverage of choice along with live music as DJ sets take over Union Social Garden – there’s no need to purchase a ticket, just  rock up and enjoy! 

Charles Street Lane  

Mac Love, Greek Street Food, Churros Truck  

Outside Teviot is Charles Street Lane. This Fringe hotspot is where to find an array of street  food staples, including Mac Love with their popular mac ‘n’ cheese, Greek Street Food offering chicken and halloumi gyros, and Churros Truck for Spanish fried doughnuts with a  range of dipping sauces. 

Pleasance Dome & Plaza  

The Dome Bar, Box Bar, Bar & Kitchen, Chicken & Fries 

The Dome Bar is the main bar in the Pleasance Dome, offering a wide selection of draught,  bottles, spirits and hot food. Situated in the lower Dome is the Box Bar complete with 

decked seating, giving the perfect summer festival feeling. If you fancy a bite, you can also  find the Bar & Kitchen serving up tasty hot dogs, sides and drinks – perfect for a proper pit stop between shows.  

Outside the Pleasance Dome on Pleasance Plaza (named as one of the Fringe’s top places to be) you can find Chicken & Fries with a delicious selection of chicken options.  

Drinks across venues 

A broad selection of drinks is available across the venues — Madri, Coors, Alpacalypse  Session IPA, Staropramen, Aspall Cyder, Caffrey’s Black Stout and Blue Moon to name a few.  In addition, you will find Alcohol 0% options, Rekorderlig Ciders, NICE Wine, Whitley Neill  Gin, Fever-Tree soft drinks and much more.

We also have some “Grab and Go” canned items  that will ensure you can quickly get served, even while you wait in your queue for the show,  so refreshments are never far away.

Funding available for Maths Week Scotland activities

Apply for Maths Week Scotland Grant Funding by 5pm on Sunday 30 August!

Schools, nurseries, early learning & childcare providers, community & family providers & other educational settings can apply for £250 or £500 towards their #MWS2026 activities!

https://ow.ly/MKBW50Zztf3

Final call as Scottish football heritage survey enters stoppage time

HES is urging the public to get submissions over the line before the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026

Cathkin Park, an early footbal ground in Glasgow.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is issuing a final call for submissions to its Scottish football heritage project before the final whistle sounds and the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Members of the public, local communities, supporters and historians across the country are being encouraged to get their suggestions in before full time by submitting sites connected to the history of football in Scotland for further investigation and recording.

Submissions could include grounds, pavilions, parks, buildings or other locations with a strong connection to the history of the game in Scotland.

Scotland is recognised as a pioneering football nation, but many places linked to that story are not widely known or recorded. With the help of the public, the project aims to build a fuller picture of locations throughout the country that have helped shape the game.

The project will mainly look to focus on the development of Association Football from the 1860s onwards, a time when Scotland’s first teams and players played an important role in developing and popularising the version of the sport that is played worldwide today.

The information gathered through the survey will be used to help HES identify sites for further research, recording and possible recognition as Protected Historic Places, such as listed buildings and scheduled monuments.

Cathkin Park, an early footbal ground in Glasgow.

Victoria Murray, Head of Heritage Information, Recording and Business at HES, said: “With the deadline approaching, we’re asking anyone with knowledge of places connected to Scotland’s football heritage to make a submission before 20 August.

“Football is Scotland’s national sport and a key part of our history, and this project is helping us better understand the sites that are important to our football heritage. We want to hear from anyone who knows about the places that have played a part in the development of football in Scotland.

“These could be the remains of grounds themselves – such as recently scheduled Cathkin Park or the site of First Hampden – or more varied sites with football links – such as the listed Rose Reilly pub in Glasgow’s southside, where we recently updated our records to recognise the former Hampden Bar’s connection to Reilly, who is an icon of women’s football in Scotland.

“We know that there are many people right across the country who are keen to get involved in how the history and impact of football in Scotland is recorded and celebrated. This is the final opportunity to take part in the survey and help ensure these places are in the running for consideration.”

Members of the public can suggest sites they would like to be considered via the consultation page on the HES website before the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Week 2 at theSpaceUK: An exciting assortment of fresh shows

theSpaceUK is gearing up for a second week of Fringe, offering a hundred-plus shows ranging from theatre to cabaret to musicals

After an incredible opening week of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we are thrilled to be going into week 2. Here’s just a taste of the exciting new shows that you can catch in Week 2 at theSpaceUK … 

Musicals & Operas

Fantasy World Adventures Mega Park! The Musical

(theSpace @ on the Mile, 17-29 August) Hot off the tracks from a 5-star debut, this hilarious original musical comedy will take you on the rollercoaster that is love, loss and being a constant disappointment to your parents.

Vote: The Musical
(theSpace Triplex, 17-23 August)

A bold new historical musical set in 1908 Britain, charting the rise of the suffragette movement. This urgent tribute confronts the past to ignite the present.

A Traitors Pantomime
(theSpace @ Niddry Street, 17-22 August)

Delight in all the melodrama we know and love, with some added panto pizzazz. A devious trio of traitors, a Romeo-and-Juliet love story, and a predictable parody (or two); this series will be unlike any other. 

Heracles: Of Men and Beasts
(theSpace @ Niddry Street, 17-29 August)

Acclaimed New Zealand theatre company’s international premiere of this powerful, original folk musical shedding new light on an ancient tale. Greek myth blended with 1940s Hollywood aesthetic through a groundbreaking live-looping musical landscape.

Trains in the Night
(theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 17-29 August)

A sapphic musical following best friends Celine and Margot, who teeter between love and fear. When life, lovers and timing pull them apart, the songs they leave unsung begin to tell the truth.

Music

Full Score Barbershop Choir Presents: Brace for Impact!
(theSpace Triplex, 17-22) 

Join Durham University’s award-winning barbershop choir for an a capella concert full of rich harmony arrangements of your favourite numbers! Featuring musical theatre, jazz, Disney and classic barbershop, there’s something for everyone!

Comedy

Not Black Enough
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 17-22 August) 

This show mines the depth of human identity while deftly exploring all sides. Who am I kidding? This show is just me proving how Black I am. Because I am so Black.

No Ducks Left To Give
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 17-22 August)

The University of York Dead Ducks are invited to a remote stately home by a former colleague. As punchlines and bodies pile up, the choice is simple: commit to the bit or die trying.

Merlesque: How an Adult Woman Became a Mermaid
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 17-22 August) 

Merlesque is a tale about a tail. A policy expert uprooted by America’s 2024 presidential election, Merlesque is the true story of how a statistician turned into a birthday party mermaid.

Theatre

JOSIAH 
(theSpace Triplex, 17-29 August)

Who was the real Uncle Tom? This new Canadian play dramatises the journey of Josiah Henson from the depths of slavery to the heights of freedom. One actor, 36 characters. No set. No props. Just your imagination.

The Unsolvable Case of Keir Starmer 
(theSpace Triplex, 17-22 August) 

Through imagined conversations with a therapist, Keir Starmer grapples with the transformation from lawyer to national leader – ‘Oh God, you know I don’t do this self-analysis thing very well.’

Eight Hours
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 17-28 August) 

Strangers, eight hours, one connection they can’t quite explain. Following two queer women through the only night they’ll spend together, it might mean everything – or nothing at all. Is eight hours long enough to fall in love?

It Happened on a Tuesday
(theSpace @ Niddry Street, 17-22 August) 

Six employees. One Tuesday in the office. £60,000 stolen. To solve the mystery, the boss asks each of his employees to walk him through their day, resulting in absurd recreations and ridiculous revelations.

Nude
(theSpace on the Mile, 17-29 August)

A university student poses nude at a life drawing class for all the wrong reasons. A funny, devastating solo play about desire, fantasy and the seductive idea that being seen is the same as being empowered.

Dead Wrong
(theSpace Triplex, 17-29 August)

Fiadh and Nolan were your normal uni students until one murderous night changes everything. Come join these best friends in hiding as they figure out their next move. Will they betray one another or accept defeat?

Halfway Home
(theSpace on the Mile, 17-22 August)

Davie, newly released from prison, moves in with his policeman-hopeful brother, Freddie, and his fiancee Laura, an overworked NHS nurse. Past mistakes resurface and clashing beliefs expose deep family fractures in austerity-hit Scotland.

Hope This Helps!
(theSpace @ Venue 45, 17-29 August) 

Five internet addicts visit The Retreat in search of an easy life fix, hoping cucumber peels and tst exercises can buy back their happiness and spontaneity. A new satirical comedy about wellness, digital connection, and touching grass.

Pigeon Syndrome
(theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 17-22 August)

When a hapless husband accidentally steps on a bee that his wife was saving, it seems their marriage finally hits rock bottom. But when he rescues an injured pigeon, he discovers a way to restore their former passion.

Nocturnal Is The New Sexy
(theSpace on the Mile, 17-22 August)

Nocturnal Is The New Sexy follows a couple fractured by NHS night shifts, post-it notes and modern labour, blending ensemble movement and dark humour to expose love, exhaustion and the cost of being seen.

The Powerpop Girls: A New Diva Religion
(theSpace @ Niddry Street. 17-22 August)

A camp workplace comedy set in a celestial bureaucracy where pop divas are treated as religious figures. Madness ensues when a rogue employee accidentally merges the religions of three modern pop icons.

Leith’s first French wine bar officially opens

Partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have officially opened the doors to Chez Bernard, a new neighbourhood French wine bar and bistro located on the waterfront of The Shore in Leith.

As the first French wine bar in the area, it is set to become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, whether for a long lunch or evening drink.

Chez Bernard is more than just a name to Jonathan and Isla. The new bar is a tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard, and to the simple moments that shaped his lifelong love for food, wine, and the table. 

Jonathan spent many summers near the Atlantic coast of France, which is where his appreciation for a traditional ‘long lunch’ began.  While these long French lunches are a huge inspiration behind the venue, the space is also a vibrant wine bar, making Chez Bernard the ideal place to visit in the evening for a bottle of wine, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie, or simply a relaxed glass at the bar.

Opening Chez Bernard is the couple’s way of keeping Jonathan’s grandfather’s memory alive. In a fitting tribute, the perfect waterfront space for their vision became available just off ‘Bernard Street’, a clear sign to Jonathan and Isla that they had found their home.

Drawing on 15 years of combined experience in hospitality between them, Jonathan and Isla who are engaged, are bringing that expert knowledge and passion for wine to Leith with Chez Bernard. The pair have curated an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the bistro’s authentic French and seafood offerings.

The menu at Chez Bernard caters to all occasions, offering great options whether diners are looking for a solo bite or food to share. Guests can expect classic French sharing plates, including a selection of artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie.

The bar also boasts an array of seafood dishes, featuring a salmon platter, dressed crab, and fresh oysters, alongside an assortment of hot dishes and additional sharing plates.

Co-owner Jonathan Heredia, said: “Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.

“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began. When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like absolute fate for both of us.

“This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore. We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine, and spend time around the table with the people you love.”

Chez Bernard promises an inviting, relaxed atmosphere perfect for afternoon grazing, evening drinks, or celebratory dinners with loved ones.

For more information, to view the menus, and to book a table, please visit:

https://www.chezbernard.co.uk/