LEITH FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES ARE LANDING ACROSS LEITH!
Get your hands on this year’s brand new A5 Leith Festival 2026 Programme — packed with everything happening across Gala Day, Festival Week & the Pageant & Tattoo.
This year’s theme:
EAT. SLEEP. LEITH. REPEAT.
We’ll be out and about across Leith handing out programmes at the following locations:
Tues 2nd June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 5th June | 12–1pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 5th June | 2–4pm | Leith Walk Police Box
Fri 5th June | 5–11pm | Night Market – The Biscuit Factory
Wed 10th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 12th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Around 1.20am this morning (Sunday, 31 May, 2026), the body of a man was found in the Colinton Road area.
Formal identification has yet to take place however, the family of Christopher Rodger, 53 who had been reported missing from the area, has been informed.
The death is not believed to be suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Over a thousand people joined a mass cycle ride through Edinburgh to the Scottish Parliament to demand safer conditions for walking and cycling in Scotland.
Gathering in the Meadows and cycling to Holyrood along closed roads, Pedal on Parliament’s fourteenth action since it began in 2012 continued their call for safer streets for walking and cycling in Scotland.
The organisation’s manifesto demands action on a wide range of interventions for cycling and road safety, ranging from adequate funding allocation and building on the successes of protected infrastructure already built, to calls for greater enforcement powers for police to tackle unsafe driving, and presumed liability for motorists in the event of collisions.
The ride concluded on the grass outside the Scottish Parliament, hearing from attending MSPs Kate Campbell, Patrick Harvie, and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie.
Organisers opened the speeches with calls for better treatment of cycling as a normal transport choice, and calling for greater accountability from politicians – before handing over for a powerful and moving speech from Rose Marie Burke, the mother of Glasgow architect and cycle activist Emma Burke Newman who was tragically killed in January 2023 by the driver of an HGV that had encroached on an Advanced Stop Zone or ‘bike box’.
In her speech, Rose said:“Emma had a different kind of vision. She dreamed of having a big family, three children to be exact, cycling them to school on a cargo bike. She saw herself living in a community where cycling is the norm.
“Instead, she had to cope with a world of unadapted infrastructure, distracted, careless and dangerous drivers, as well as outdated lorries with huge blind spots. In her case, the drivers of the lorries and buses in the three lanes across the George V bridge at the light had breached the bike boxes, the advanced stop lines. It proved to be fatal.”
The junction in Glasgow where Emma was killed has now been made safer; but speakers observed that the issue of failing to keep bike boxes clear continues to be a safety issue on Scotland’s roads, amongst many other dangerous driving behaviours that largely go unenforced.
Ride participant Kate Campbell, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent, said:“I want to say a huge thank you to POP for organising such a wonderful event and to everyone who attended today and sent a very clear message to our parliament.
“As someone who is not a cyclist, but wants to be, I know just how important it is that we make our streets safe for cycling. And I will work hard over this parliament so everyone like me, who really wants the joy of cycling but just doesn’t have the confidence, can cycle safely on our streets.”
Green MSP Patrick Harvie gave a rousing speech about the need for safer conditions, and his own experiences – throwing his support behind Pedal on Parliament’s manifesto and the need for adequate funding for sustainable transport to make cycling an easier everyday choice.
Speaker and participant Sanne Dijsktra-Downie, MSP for Edinburgh North, said:“Growing up in the Netherlands, I loved having the freedom of being able to cycle to meet friends, play sports or go out.
“I would love kids here to experience that same freedom, and for that we need safer cycling infrastructure that is connected, well designed and fit for purpose.”
For the City of Edinburgh Council, Transport & Environment Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, said:“Pedal on Parliament is an important election year event which showcases the importance of cycling and associated policy across our country.
“Here in Edinburgh, I’m proud that we’ve made real progress over the last few years with schemes like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), Roseburn to Union Canal, and the latest phase of Leith Connections making it easier for everyone to get around the city.
“The data here speaks for itself. When we invest in good, sustainable infrastructure then people will use it. I’m committed to continuing this positive work and I hope everyone participating today enjoyed themselves.”
Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West took part in the mass ride, and said:“I was proud to be taking part in Pedal on Parliament in Edinburgh today alongside so many people from my constituency.
“What struck me most was the sheer number of children involved. I’m not used to cycling surrounded by so many families, and that in itself maybe says something about Edinburgh.
“This year’s Pedal on Parliament comes at an interesting moment. Five years ago, after the last Holyrood election, we stood here with promises of reduced non‑essential car use across Scotland, increased investment in active travel, and world‑leading climate targets.
By the end of that Parliament, those commitments had largely fallen away. “Nonetheless, I remain an optimist. I’m hopeful that Scotland’s new government will show real leadership.”
A business leader with decades of experience at the most senior levels has been appointed to drive forward the Government’s Youth Guarantee and ensure all young people have the chance to earn or learn.
Marc Bolland appointed Lead Non-Executive Director at DWP, tasked with convening business leaders to help address the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Bolland – whose charity Movement to Work has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work – will help drive delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person can earn or learn.
Appointment confirmed after interim findings of the Government-commissioned Alan Milburn review which set out the scale and complexity of the youth unemployment crisis.
Former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive Marc Bolland has been tasked with convening CEOs across sectors to help implement Youth Guarantee reforms, bringing the voice of businesses into policy delivery. This will help create opportunity for young people and tackle the crisis of one million not in employment, education or training (NEET).
As well as leading major companies including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons supermarkets and Heineken, Marc is founder chairman of the charity Movement to Work, which working with the DWP has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work.
In his new role as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Marc will convene leading Chief Executives across sectors to help expand opportunity, create clear routes into work and tackle the long-standing challenge of youth unemployment.
He will also advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the Government’s response to the Alan Milburn Review, which has just released its interim report. In this role he will be asked to place partnership with business and the third sector at the heart of the Government’s approach.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “The number of young people not in education, employment or training is a serious challenge that has been allowed to persist for too long. That is why I asked Alan Milburn to look hard at the underlying causes and what it will take to fix them.
“Marc Bolland’s appointment sends a clear signal that we are serious about tackling that challenge. His track record in business and through Movement to Work make him uniquely placed to bring employers together and open up real opportunities for young people who need them most.
“I’ve also commissioned senior officials in my department to look at how we go even further in the support we provide young people – particularly young people with health conditions. And I’ve asked that that be done together with employers, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves.”
Marc’s role will:
Turbo-charge delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, helping ensure 1 million young people, including those with a disability or health condition, have access to employment, training or education – backed by £2.5 billion investment.
Convene employers to business support for youth employment, alongside disabled people’s organisations, charities and young people
Advise the Secretary of State on the Government’s response to the Milburn review – putting partnership with business and the third sector and disabled people’s organisations at the heart of Government’s response.
Marc Bolland said: “As founder and chairman of Movement to Work we have, in close cooperation with DWP, brought over 200,000 NEETs into work and I am honoured and passionate to join the DWP now.
“I believe the Government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment, and I know that working hand in hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success.”
Marc brings experience at the most senior levels of business, having served as Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer plc, Chief Executive of Morrisons supermarkets, and Chief Operating Officer at Heineken.
He also brings a deep passion for improving young people’s lives through work, as demonstrated in his role as founding chairman of Movement to Work, a charity that offers free support to businesses to create youth employability programmes. The organisation has so far delivered more than 200,000 opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds facing barriers to work.
Marc will help bring business into solving this national crisis – with some employers already stepping in to be part of the solution.
Severn Trent is the latest major employer to back the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to give every young person the chance to earn or learn. Other supporters include the Premier League, Channel 4, Royal Shakespeare Company and Pinewood Studios.
The Government has commissioned Alan Milburn to look into the root causes of youth inactivity and identify what more can be done to support young people into work and learning. Last week, Alan Milburn published his interim findings which highlighted calls for a system reset to support more young people into work.
The report found that, without urgent action, the number of young people who are NEET – not in education, employment, or training – will rise from 1-in-8 to 1-in-6 young people within five years, representing 1.25 million young lives.
The government is prioritising early intervention, ensuring young people are supported before they reach crisis point, identifying and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), speech delays, and behavioural risks as early as possible to improve long-term outcomes.
Marc is the latest major figure from the world of business brought in by the department to utilise their extensive experience and expertise.
Last year, former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield was asked to lead the Keep Britain Working Review which, with the support of employers, has been looking at ways to help people return to or stay in work.
A striking new multi-level pop-up showhome has launched at Cruden Homes’ West Craigs Green development in Edinburgh, giving buyers their first chance to step inside the highly anticipated four-bedroom Snowdrop townhouse.
Designed across three levels to reflect the way modern families live today, the newly unveiled showhome highlights flexible living, contemporary interiors and adaptable spaces for entertaining, working from home and multi-generational living.
The four-bedroom end-terrace Snowdrop townhouse has been carefully designed to create a natural rhythm between entertaining areas, quieter retreats and everyday family life, allowing each part of the home to evolve around changing lifestyles and routines.
At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with direct access to the private rear garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Across the upper floors, the property features four bedrooms, a family bathroom and en-suite, while one room has been styled as a flexible second lounge and guest space to demonstrate how buyers can personalise the layout to suit their own needs, whether for home working, growing families or visiting guests.
The interiors, designed by Get Fully Furnished, take inspiration from the natural surroundings and green landscape of West Craigs, blending warm neutral tones, muted olive shades and terracotta accents to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Claire Murray from Get Fully Furnished, said:“We wanted to create interiors that feel warm, relaxed and highly adaptable, while still delivering a strong sense of personality throughout the home.
“Because the home is arranged over three floors, it was important that each level had its distinct character while still feeling cohesive overall. We also wanted to demonstrate how the layout can flex around buyers’ lifestyles over time.”
Located in west Edinburgh, West Craigs Green forms part of one of the capital’s fastest-growing residential neighbourhoods, close to green space, active travel routes and major transport links, including Edinburgh Airport, the tram network and Edinburgh city centre.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, added:“Our new pop-up showhome really captures what buyers are looking for from modern multi-level living, flexibility, space and a layout that works around everyday life.
“The interiors bring a real warmth and personality to the property while showcasing how versatile the homes can be for families, entertaining, home working or simply creating quieter areas to relax.
“The townhouses at West Craigs Green represent excellent value for money, and the launch of the new showhome gives prospective buyers the opportunity to fully experience the quality, layout and lifestyle on offer at the development.”
West Craigs Green features a mix of high quality, energy-efficient villas, townhouses and apartments within one of Edinburgh’s most popular new residential locations.
The sales & marketing suite and show homes are open Thursday to Monday. Book a viewing online today or get in touch by emailing:
The award-winning Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience has announced a series of food and drink offerings to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the restaurant has launched two retrospective menus featuring some of Amber’s most memorable dishes from the past 25 years, alongside a specially created anniversary cocktail, the Amber ’25.
Since opening in 2001, Amber has helped champion whisky pairing and whisky-led cooking within Scotland’s dining scene, pairing dishes with whiskies from all five whisky producing regions.
At the heart of the celebrations is the limited-edition ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, running across two periods, 20th – 24th May and 23rd – 30th November. Curated by Executive Chef David Neave, who has led the kitchen since the restaurant opened, the menu revisits a selection of standout dishes from the past 25 years. Each course reflects the evolution of Scottish seasonal ingredients and Amber’s distinctive approach to whisky-infused cuisine.
David Neave, Executive Chef at Amber Restaurant, said: “Reaching 25 years at Amber Restaurant is a hugely proud moment for all of us. This anniversary menu, created by our team of chefs, is an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scottish produce and revisit the dishes that have helped define who we are, as a restaurant, over the years.
“Whisky has always been central to our cooking, not only as a pairing, but also as an ingredient that can bring real depth and character to a dish. Looking back at these menus has been incredibly special and reflects the journey Amber has been on over the past 25 years.”
Amber was also the restaurant that introduced the concept of Scottish tapas, creating small plates designed to give visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience a broad taste of Scotland in one sitting. A quarter of a century on, the concept remains at the heart of the restaurant, with a celebratory Scottish tapas offering running throughout the anniversary year and featuring guest favourites from across the decades.
Wendy Neave, Head of Events and daughter of Executive Chef David Neave, said: “Amber Restaurant is extremely special to our family. My father, David, has led the kitchen with real passion since the beginning, and my brother Michael has also played an important role in the kitchen over the years, following in his father’s footsteps, so it’s something we’ve all been closely connected to.
“Our team have always been passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland to our guests, and that’s what led to the creation of our Scottish tapas concept. We wanted visitors to have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of Scottish dishes and flavours in a small plate format.”
To find out more about The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Amber Restaurant please visit Amber Restaurant.
Join the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland for a special concert featuring a range of contemporary and classical music, in aid of Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity.
Taking place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Reconnect Theatre, Livingston, this spectacular performance is being held in aid of Poppyscotland.
All funds raised on the night will help provide life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across the country. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager Scotland, said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland as we continue to grow the Poppyscotland concert series.
“Their performances are always something special and we look forward to seeing them take to the stage in Livingston, a town that gives tremendous support to the Armed Forces community.
“We hope to see as many people as possible come along on the night and enjoy what the Band has to offer.”
All money raised for Poppyscotland goes toward helping men, women and families facing issues linked to their service or challenges adjusting from military to civilian life, including support with housing, debt, mental health and mobility. For example, £15 can provide food for a day for a homeless veteran in urgent need.
POLICE are appealing for information to help trace a man missing from Edinburgh.
Christopher Rodger, 53, was last seen in the Gyle area around 9am yesterday (Friday, 29 May, 2026).
He is described as being around 5ft 10in in height, of slim build, with short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a khaki bucket hat, a khaki jacket, a black t-shirt, black trousers and white trainers.
He is known to frequent the Meadows city centre area.
Inspector George Nisbet said: “It is unusual for Christopher not to be in touch with his family and as time passes concerns are growing.
“I am appealing for anyone who has seen Christopher or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us.
“I would also ask anyone who was in the area who may have dash cam or private CCTV footage which could assist to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3889 of 29 May, 2026.
Tues 2nd June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
