Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment
Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed.A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.
It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.
The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.
“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”
Residents and colleagues from an Edinburgh care home have strengthened their partnership with a local bowling club.
Leith Bowling Club, one of the oldest bowling clubs in Edinburgh was the proud recipient of sponsorship from Forthland Lodge Care Home’s community fundraising kitty. The support is part of the Meallmore-operated care home’s ongoing commitment to backing local organisations and maintaining strong links with the surrounding community.
The sponsorship will help support the club while boosting connections, creating opportunities for residents to continue visiting, get involved and enjoy time with people from the wider community.
In recognition of the donation, residents and colleagues were invited along to the club to see the sponsorship board and experience a sunny afternoon at the club.
Wendy Forbes, Care Home Manager at Forthland Lodge said: “Leith Bowling Club is a natural partnership for Forthland Lodge as we already have close ties established.
“Connections like these are about much more than simply getting out for the afternoon. Staying involved with familiar local places, clubs and community groups can help residents maintain relationships, enjoy shared interests and continue to feel part of the area they call home.
“We had a wonderful time at the bowling club unveiling the new sponsorship board. Our residents enjoyed spending time in the sunshine and catching up with members of the club. We very much look forward to more frequent visits in the year ahead.”
Dean Gilfether, Member at Leith Bowling Club said:“We’re thrilled to welcome Forthland Lodge as a sponsor of our club.
“Their support means a great deal to us and will help ensure we can continue to maintain our facilities, support our members, and encourage more people in the local community to take up the sport.
“Forthland Lodge is a fantastic supporter of local activities, and we’re proud to be strengthening our ties with such a well-respected part of our community. A huge thank you to the team for their generosity – we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership, with plenty of resident visits in the mix!”
Situated in Restalrig, Forthland Lodge offers a selection of high-quality ensuite rooms equipped with modern conveniences. Run by one Scotland’s most trusted health and social care providers, Meallmore Ltd, it provides excellent standards of care for its residents.
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
Green Councillors are proposing that Edinburgh Council should pursue a lifeguard station on Portobello beach, along with a suite of other measures aimed at enhancing the safety of people using the water.
The motion, discussed at a meeting of the Council yesterday, also asked for beach safety and hygiene to form part of the ongoing Portobello Promenade regeneration project which will see improvements to the beachfront.
Green Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar, Alys Mumford, who brought the motion, said: “The last time Portobello Beach had a safety audit was almost a decade ago.
“In that time, we have seen visitor numbers explode and with it, increased potential for danger as we see more people using the water to swim, sail, and enjoy everything the water has to offer. Edinburgh currently has no lifeguarded beaches, and from conversations with the RNLI, it seems clear that there might be a case for Portobello to be the place to host lifeguards for the city.
“Portobello beach is one of Edinburgh’s jewels, but issues around safety and water quality mean it isn’t able to be enjoyed equally by everyone. This is an issue that is raised with me repeatedly by residents and visitors alike, and I hope this motion goes some way towards making progress.”
The motion also highlights the concerns about sewage incidences impacting on the water and the beach.
Lorenzo Martinico, Scottish Green Party Candidate in the upcoming by-election in Portobello/Craigmillar, has pledged to do more to inform residents about water quality, and endorsed the motion from Cllr Mumford.
Lorenzo Martinico said: “Part of the problem is our ancient sewage system, which the council can’t upgrade on its own without government funding, butin the short-term, we need to make sure that people know when it isn’t safe to go in.
“Currently we have two electronic noticeboards, but they are not necessarily in the places where people are going to go into the water – and even if you do remember to check, SEPA doesn’t test the water often enough for them to be accurate.”
Girlguiding’s recent Girls’ Attitudes Survey showed that at 11–16 years old, 43% of girls think it will be hard for them to progress as women in a male-dominated industry. This rises to 66% in 17–21-year-olds.
We ran Camp CEO to give our young members the opportunity to raise their aspirations, showing girls that there are many career paths, and giving them the skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.
A Ranger (17) who attended shared: “Camp CEO has really inspired my potential at a time I have felt worried for my future. I didn’t realise how much listening to other people’s experiences could change my mindset. It has made the world feel bigger and with hard work, my goals feel more achievable.”
LifeCare are proactively recruiting 4 new trustees, as members of our existing board reach the end of their term. This year more than ever is an exciting time to join our board as we celebrate our 85th year.
“After a long career in the NHS, becoming a LifeCare Trustee felt like a natural way to continue supporting peoples’ health, wellbeing and independence.
I feel I bring experience in strategy and governance, whilst helping to support LifeCare to turn good ideas into practical action for older people, their families and carers” – Lorna Jackson-Hall, current Chair
The Communist Party of Britain is calling on voters in the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-elections to reject “political tinkering” and “vote for principles” to fix the city’s deepest problems.
The local by-elections take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Communist Party is standing two candidates: Peter Olech in Portobello/Craigmillar and Richard Shillcock in Southside/Newington.
The candidates argue that while other parties try to manage a failing system, only the Communist Party offers a real alternative to more budget cuts and privatisation.
They believe the only way to truly fix these issues is through permanent public ownership in three key areas:
Fixing the Housing and Homelessness Crisis: Other parties suggest market options like “affordable” rents or small planning changes. The Communists say private developers need a shortage of homes to keep their profits and share prices high. They argue the housing crisis will never be solved by the private market, calling instead for large-scale, permanent council housing built and run entirely by the local council.
Ending Council Cuts and Outsourcing: To handle tight budgets, other parties propose changing funding formulas or adding new local taxes on working people. The Communists argue that the wealthiest should pay, and public money must stay under public control. They want to end cuts and outsourcing, demanding that all public services be delivered directly by council workers with strong unions and good apprenticeship programmes.
Bringing Back Real Local Democracy: Other parties avoid the big issues or suggest moving paperwork between different levels of government. The Communists say shifting decisions around does not change who holds the real economic power. They argue that only public ownership gives communities true control over housing, energy, jobs, land, and food distribution.
“The other parties agree on the problems we face, but their policies only tinker at the edges,” said candidate Richard Shillcock.
“We are asking voters to reject political games and on Thursday 3 September to vote for the socialist principles needed to transform local government.”
The Communist Party of Britain campaigns for a socialist society that puts working-class interests, public ownership, and democratic control of local services first.
The local by-elections were triggered following the resignation of two local SNP councillors who were recently elected as MSPs to Holyrood.
The Communist Party urges voters across Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar to use their first vote and their numbered preference votes to opt for the policies they believe in—ones that will defend and extend the rights and the quality of life of working people.
Swinney: Nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here
The draft Referendum Bill has been published asking ‘Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.‘
The Bill, which will be introduced into Parliament once the necessary powers are secured, was a commitment in the Scottish Government’s 100 days programme.
It sets out the question, defines the franchise for the vote, and will include a date upon introduction.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
“In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
“Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.
“I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
LAST CHANCE TO SEE Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Until 14 Sep Tickets from £13
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Until 16 May 2027 Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Sep 7, 14, 21 10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30 Tickets from £4 per session
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
12 Sep 12:30–16:30 Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
In this workshop, led by geologist and illustrator Vojta Hybl, you will explore the rock cycle – the process by which rocks change from one type to another. 2026 marks 300 years since James Hutton’s birth. Often credited as the father of modern geology, Hutton’s ideas about deep time changed how understood the age of the Earth. Vojta will combine scientific knowledge of geology with a range of creative approaches to demonstrate just how dynamic rocks can be. You will visit some of our collections inspired by James Hutton, to encourage your drawing as a new way into understanding geology.
The Sunday Sketch 20 Sep & 25 Oct 14:00 – 16:00 Tickets from £13
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
26 Sep 10:30-12:30 Tickets from £50, Members and concessions available
Join Nic DeRushie, researcher and living educator, for this inspirational and practical workshop around traditional spinning techniques. There will be the opportunity to make spindles and learn the basics of spinning using Scottish heritage breed fleeces. Learn about yarn plying and explore projects that can be done using a small amount of hand-spun yarn.
In Conversation: Understanding Prehistoric Lives Beyond Conflict
26 Sep 14:30-16:00 Tickets from £10
The exhibition curator of ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’, Dr Matthew Knight, is joined by Tristan Hughes, television presenter, author and history podcast host, and Nicole DeRushie, historian and author of ‘Bog Fashion’, to discuss the archaeological evidence that tells us about life beyond conflict in prehistoric Scotland.
27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027 11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15 Free, drop-in
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
4 Sep – 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00 Free, drop-in
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 10:30–12:00 Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
15 & 22 September, 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30 Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Working Animal Day
12 Sep 10:30-16:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a fun-filled celebration of working animals at the National Museum of Rural Life.
See amazing outdoor displays from sheepdog training experts Glen and Jan Welsh, and specialist dog stunt team Les Amis d’Onno. Then head inside the museum for themed crafts and family storytelling.
18 & 21 Sep, 2 and 5 Oct Learning Centre £25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Tue 13 – Fri 16 Oct 10:30 – 15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going back to our roots, digging into the traditions of the Scottish potato harvest.
Ever wondered why there’s a school holiday in October? Come along and discover how this tradition began when children would swap the classroom for the fields to help with the tattie howking. Find out how this crop has fed families for generations and get hands-on with sustainable activities, some surprising science and spud-tacular storytelling.
Tickets from £65, Members and concessions available
Join Glasgow-based natural dyer and botanical printer Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw for an introduction to sustainable monoprinting using only locally foraged botanicals. You will learn how to select and prepare plant-based elements to create your own set of monoprints on paper.
This workshop is for anyone curious about sustainable processes and creativity with nature. Elisabeth will also share some of her work along with her new book ‘Botanical Printing on Paper’.
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
360 Fest
29 Aug 10:00-17:00 Tickets from £17
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Concorde Theatre 11 Sep & 16 Oct 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In August, Eilidh MacKenzie will discuss ‘The Work of Poppy Scotland’ and in September, Elaine Edwards will discuss ‘The Work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.’
Visit the museum for free over Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic experiences and our historic hangars and airfield.
Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct 10:30 – 15:30 Free with admission
The National Museum of Flight is full of things that fly of all shapes and sizes. This October Break you can discover how they fly with a range of fun family activities.
Build a glider with wings shaped like a real aeroplane. Try some popular flying toys from our toy trolley. Watch our 10 minute How things fly show.
Edinburgh Fringe performer Kate Danley gave Blackhall Library regulars a taste of the history and mystery of her native Seattle on Wednesday 26th August, when she brought her storytelling show to the newly re-opened facility in Davidsons Mains.
Kate’s show Madam(e) Lou tells the remarkable true story of Lou Graham, a pioneering Seattle entrepreneur and bordello owner whose role in the city’s history has largely been erased. Kate who is visiting and performing in Edinburgh for the first time admits she had some reservations about bringing a history show to a city with such a formidable relationship with its own past.
And while Edinburgh and Seattle may appear to have little in common, Kate has found some unexpectedly dark connections. ‘Both cities have fascinating, murky histories, including stories of body snatching and darker chapters beneath their celebrated pasts.’
Based on more than a decade of research, Madam(e) Lou explores the life of a woman who amassed a fortune during Seattle’s rapid expansion in the 1880s and went on to become a major power player in the evolution of the city.
Kate has been inspired by Edinburgh audiences’ interest in her hometown and her storytelling show has proved a hit with reviewers.
Kate described it as an ‘absolute pleasure’ to bring the show to Blackhall Library and was delighted to connect with an enthusiastic local audience including a couple who knew her from a book tour in the US.
Blackhall Library reopened in the grounds of Davidson’s Mains Primary School in June 2026 after the building on Queensferry Road was condemned. The staff, who were dispersed around the city following the closure of the original building, are working hard to rebuild the library for the local community.
The performance was the biggest event to date and Kate – who as an author is a big supporter of libraries -was thrilled to make the journey out of town for an appreciative crowd.
Anyone who has missed Madam (e) Lou at the Fringe, need not worry, as it has been optioned for a television adaptation and should be coming to a small screen near you soon.
JOSHUA KHOURY WINS SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY? 2026
Karen & Katy Koren and the Gilded Balloon are delighted to announce Joshua Khoury as winner of the 39th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? – the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition.
Bobby Jethro came in second place, with Lucas Jones Ho and Sarah Lewis taking joint third, out of around 500 applicants. They entertained a sold-out crowd at this year’s final in the Debating Hall at the iconic Gilded Balloon Teviot, hosted by multi-award-winning comedian, writer and actor Laura Lexx.
Following hilarious heats across the UK, comic Joshua Khoury claimed the crown for this year’s competition after a judging panel including special guest judge Nina Conti (award-winning comedian and ventriloquist, and star of Live at the Apollo and The Stand Up Show), as well as judges Susan Provan (former Festival Director & CEO of Melbourne International Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Evening Standard comedy critic), Angela Squire (Artistic Director of The Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer), and Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon), watched 7-minute sets from all finalists, before convening to choose the winner.
In 2026, Joshua Khoury won the RAW Comedy national final at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and earned selection in the Sydney Comedy Festival’s 2026 New Talent Showcase. “An excellent writer of quirky jokes, serving up one hilarious gag after another” (Chortle).
Since it began in 1988, previous winners and finalists of SYTYF? have included Aisling Bea, Tommy Tiernan, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Fern Brady, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Daniel Sloss and many more, with the competition renowned for kickstarting the careers of dozens of the UK’s top comics and providing essential support to comedy newcomers.
Karen & Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? team would like to offer huge congratulations to 2026’s finalists:
Winner – Joshua Khoury
First runner-up – Bobby Jethro
Joint second runners-up – Lucas Jones Ho & Sarah Lewis
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Chris Byfield
Matilda Humphreys
Naph
Omar Bouzad
Sarah Dungworth
Victoria Blunt
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said:“Huge congratulations to Joshua Khoury – 2026’s fantastic winner of So You Think You’re Funny?
“As ever, this year’s competition was very competitive with around 500 applications, so it’s an amazing achievement for these 10 finalists from across the UK to have made it to the final round, and perform in front of our sold-out crowd tonight.
“We also love seeing our So You Think You’re Funny? alumni return to the Fringe each year to make their debut or take part in mixed bill runs.
“2025’s winner Madeleine Brettingham has had a fantastic debut at Gilded Balloon this year, seeing her being shortlisted for Comedians’ Choice Awards 2026: Best Newcomer, nominated for NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy, and longlisted for The List Festival Awards: Best Comedy Show and ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer.
“We also had three of our fabulous finalists from last year, Reb Day, Joel Walker and Rachel Porter, perform throughout the festival in Best Of So You Think You’re Funny?.
“We want to say a huge thank you to every comic who entered the competition this year, and all our esteemed judges who joined us at heats across the UK to ensure we could provide a platform to some of the very best new up-and-coming comedians in the country.
“The talent showcased tonight was truly incredible, and we can’t wait to see what they all do next!”
Celebrity guest judge Nina Conti said: “I was amazed by how fantastic all of the finalists were tonight. It was a joy to watch them, and it made our job very difficult!”
Judges who chose this year’s finalists included: Susan Provan, Bruce Dessau, Angela Squire, Julia Chamberlain, plus Katy and Karen Koren and more.
Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick-started the careers of dozens of the country’s top comics including Aisling Bea, Tommy Tiernan, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Fern Brady, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Daniel Sloss and many more.
It is the longest-running and most established comedy competition of its kind, funded solely by Gilded Balloon with no external sponsors.
This year’s winner will receive…
A cash prize.
A fully paid-for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
A paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival in the year following the competition thanks to Festival Republic.
Opportunity to perform at Cat Laughs comedy festival in Kilkenny, Ireland
Opportunity to perform at Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Opportunity to take part in Soho Theatre’s Soho Labs programme in the year following the final.
Other paid performance slots at the UK’s best comedy clubs including the Glee Club, the Boat Show and more.
Complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
Complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of their spot from the Final to use in their show-reel.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer for over 20 years.
There are also prizes for the runners-up, including;
A cash prize for the first and second runner-up.
An invite to take part in a fully paid-for mixed bill show as part of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer.
For more information on So You Think You’re Funny? visit:
