Category: North Edinburgh News

Spokes public meeting: Cargobikes in Edinburgh – with MOTHERLOAD film

TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER from 7.15 – 9pm

Cargobikes are seen more and more in Edinburgh, and the potential is massive, as in many European cities and elsewhere around the world.

Our public meeting on 2 September will feature the 90-minute documentary film MOTHERLOAD – a mother’s experience of how cargo bikes can be an antidote to the increasing isolation, disconnection, and planetary impact of life in C21.

The meeting will then hear from local organisations in the forefront of cargobike development in Edinburgh, including…

A great opportunity to hear what is happening in Edinburgh and around the world, and to put forward your ideas and suggestions in the QA.

Arrangements

  • Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
  • Date Tuesday 2 September
  • Time  Starts 7.15, Ends 9.30.  Doors open 6.30 for coffee, stalls and chat, including a special stall to join Spokes or renew your membership. NOTE: the meeting begins (and doors open) 15 minutes earlier than our usual 7.30/6.45 times
  • Questions Questions can be emailed (at least a day in advance) to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority
  • Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – and publish the recording later. NOTE: for licensing reasons, the livestream and recording will not include the film
  • Social media If posting about the meeting, use hashtag #SpokesMtg

Background & Links

Internship scheme to get more working class students into Civil Service

Students from working class backgrounds are set to benefit from a Summer Internship Programme that will be launched to boost social mobility in the Civil Service

  • Students from lower-income backgrounds to get paid government placements.
  • Programme to support the recruitment of more working class youngsters into Civil Service so it better reflects the people it serves.
  • The government is taking action to break down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change.

Students from working class backgrounds are set to benefit from a Summer Internship Programme that will be launched to boost social mobility in the Civil Service. 

The scheme will give talented undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. 

Currently, applicants from lower socio economic backgrounds are less likely to get a place on the Fast Stream. This is a first step towards changing that, as the government works to ensure the Civil Service better reflects the country it serves.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “We need to get more working class young people into the Civil Service so it harnesses the broadest range of talent and truly reflects the country. Government makes better decisions when it represents and understands the people we serve. 

“I want to open up opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and in every corner of the UK, so they can take a leading role at the heart of government as we re-wire the state and deliver the Plan for Change.”

The programme will give roughly 200 undergraduates the opportunity to work in a Civil Service department for two months, acting as a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the Civil Service post-university. 

Undergraduates on the programme, which is paid, will get experience that could include planning events, writing briefings for ministers, shadowing senior civil servants and carrying out research for policy development.

Those on the scheme will get access to tailored support, including being allocated a “buddy” who is a current Fast Streamer and getting access to skills sessions. Participants who perform well will be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process if they decide to apply for a job after graduation.

The scheme will open for applications in October with the first cohort starting in summer 2026. The government is taking action seeking to break down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change. 

The move is the latest change to deliver greater diversity in the Civil Service and make it more representative of the people it serves. Earlier this year the Government launched a new Career Launch apprenticeship scheme targeted at young people and school leavers. It also announced a new ambition for the Fast Stream programme to have 50% of placements offered outside of London by 2030,

The Fast Stream is the Civil Service’s highly regarded graduate scheme, which regularly features at the top of the Times Top 100 Graduate list each year. It offers high potential graduates an accelerated route to senior leadership positions in Government.

St Columba’s Furniture Centre: Revised opening hours this month

We’ve had a GREAT first month of trading at our new Furniture Centre at Bonnington, with lots of pre-loved furniture heading off to a new life in a new home!

For the next month or so, the furniture centre will be closed on Mondays, to allow us to accommodate staff holidays, and sort through the fantastic donations we have waiting in the wings!

The opening hours will be reassessed in September, but until then, the centre will be open 6 days from 10-5 (11-5 on Sundays)!

Thank you for your incredible support so far — we’ve loved welcoming you into our new space and can’t wait to see you again soon! 🛋️

Edinburgh riders gear up for Wild Shore Wakeboarding Competition at Foxlake Adventures

One of Scotland’s top wakeboarding events returns to East Lothian for a day of adrenaline and spectacle

Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian is excited to announce the return of its annual Wakeboarding Competition on Saturday 9 August 2025, 1!:00 – 17:00.

This high-energy event will see some of Scotland’s best wakeboarders hit the water, with strong representation from Edinburgh.

Riders of all levels – from rising local talent to experienced riders – will take part in a series of adrenaline-fuelled heats, showcasing big tricks, technical skill, and crowd-pleasing action for spectators of all ages.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our annual Wakeboarding Competition again at Foxlake,” said James Barbour, Director of Wild Shore. “It’s always an incredible atmosphere with top talent on the water, live commentary, and a buzzing crowd of families, fans, and first-timers.”

The competition will feature multiple categories – from youth and amateur riders to experienced pros – with prizes, music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities running throughout the day. Whether you’re a wakeboarding enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out by the water, the event is open to all. 

James Barbour added: “This event really showcases the sport and the local wakeboarding scene. And for those who’ve never seen it live – it’s fast, it’s technical, and it’s seriously fun to watch.”

The wakeboarding competition will feature a full day of live music, expert commentary, and an energetic MC to keep the crowd entertained and informed. Judging will be carried out by a panel of experts, including Wild Shore team members Nick Galloway and Cameron Bullen, and Tegan Brady from Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, bringing invaluable insight and experience to the competition. 

Tegan Brady, Development Officer at Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, commented: “I’m proud to support events such as Foxlake Adventures Wakeboarding Competition, which plays a huge role in growing the sport across Scotland.

“It’s fantastic to see such strong local talent taking to the water alongside more experienced riders – it really captures the inclusive, grassroots spirit of wakeboarding. 

“Competitions like this are vital for building community, inspiring new participants, and showcasing the incredible standard of riding we have here in Scotland.” 

One of this year’s highlights is set to be “The Big Air” challenge, where competitors get one chance to launch off a specially designed jump to see who can soar the highest.

In addition to the thrilling action on the water, competitors will also be entered into a large raffle with fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a £50 voucher for Ocean Vertical, an alpaca trekking experience with John Muir Alpacas, £25 voucher and bottle of wine from The Creel, a dryrobe from SkyMonster, bottle of gin from NB Gin, two free sessions at Lost Shore, tickets to Town Loch’s Boat Party, and more. 

For more information, to register as a rider, visit https://foxlake.citizenticket.com/events/foxlake-adventures/wakeboarding/, and follow foxlake_adventures on Facebook and Instagram. 

Event Details:

Foxlake Adventures, East Lothian

Saturday 09 August 2025

Time: 11:00 – 17:00 

All ages welcome 

EIFF 2025: – Films on Today’s Most Urgent Global Issues

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 14 -20 AUGUST

Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk | UK Premiere

Director: Sepideh Farsi. Documentary Feature. France, Palestine, Iran. 2025. 1hr 50min.

A wrenching and timely documentary composed of video calls with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who documented the horrors unfolding in Gaza before she was killed in an Israeli airstrike. A haunting and deeply personal account of war, journalism, and the human cost of conflict.

Sanatorium | UK Premiere

Director: Gar O’Rourke. Documentary Feature. Ireland, Ukraine, France. 2025. 1hr 31min.

Set in a crumbling Soviet-era health resort in war-torn Ukraine, this humane and quietly powerful documentary captures the surreal coexistence of everyday life and looming violence. A rare and intimate perspective on the psychological toll of war.

Cutting Through Rocks | UK Premiere

Directors: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni. Documentary Feature. Iran, Germany, US, Netherlands, Qatar, Chile, Canada. 2025. 1hr 34min.

Sara Shahverdi, the first female councilwoman in an Iranian village, teaches girls to ride motorcycles and resist child marriage—until her activism is deemed suspicious. A timely and courageous portrait of resistance in the face of systemic patriarchy.

Case 137 (Dossier 137) | International Premiere

Director: Dominik Moll. Narrative Feature. France. 2025. 1hr 55min.

A gripping police thriller that delves into the aftermath of a civilian injury on the streets of Paris. As Internal Affairs investigates, they uncover a web of evasion and institutional cover-ups. A razor-sharp reflection of today’s global reckoning with police brutality and systemic injustice.

Brides | European Premiere

Director: Nadia Fall. Narrative Feature. United Kingdom. 2025. 1hr 33min.

Two disillusioned teenage girls from the UK embark on a dangerous journey to the Syrian border. A bold and emotionally charged exploration of radicalisation, girlhood, and the search for belonging in a fractured world.

About A Hero | UK Premiere

Director: Piotr Winiewicz. Documentary Feature. Denmark, Germany, United States. 2024. 1hr 25min.

An AI-generated version of Werner Herzog narrates a deepfake crime mystery in this eerie and provocative documentary. A surreal and satirical look at the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the blurring of truth in the digital age.

‘Brand Scotland’ Goes To Germany

Young Scottish musicians will help to sell Scotland to Germany on Ian Murray trade trip

Young Scottish musicians will be centre stage in Germany this week as part of Scottish Secretary Ian Murray’s Brand Scotland campaign. 

The event is part of the Secretary of State’s Brand Scotland campaign, which is selling the best of Scotland to the world, and encouraging inward investment to Scotland – creating jobs and putting money in people’s pockets. Part of our Plan for Change, our Brand Scotland work overseas will bring real returns for people back home. 

Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) and their guest soloist, Ryan Corbett, will perform at a business and government breakfast event at the British Ambassador’s residence in Berlin. Hosted by the Scottish Secretary and the UK’s Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, the event will put the best of Scotland in front of key business investors, including those from the energy, space, technology, life sciences and food and drink sectors.

While on his two-day trade mission to Berlin the Scottish Secretary will also meet Michael Meister, Minister of State for Federal-State Relations in the German Federal Government. In addition, Mr Murray will visit the Bundersat, the upper house of the German Parliament and meet with representatives from the Lander, the 16 federated states of the German Republic at the British Embassy.     

This visit is part of a series of international engagements designed to showcase the very best of Scotland to global audiences and encourage international businesses to invest in Scotland’s economy.

Mr Murray’s visit to Germany comes shortly after the UK and Germany signed a new treaty, which is part of the UK Government’s ongoing work to reset our relationship with our European neighbours. Mr Murray is taking advantage of that reset to drive forward his Brand Scotland campaign.

Later this year he will travel to India and Sweden.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Scotland’s cultural excellence is one of our greatest assets in attracting international investment and driving economic growth. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland represents some of our most extraordinary musical talent. I’m delighted that they are able to join me in Berlin, and this performance will demonstrate Scottish culture at its finest. 

“My Brand Scotland campaign is about selling all that is fantastic about Scotland to the world, to encourage both exports and inward investment in Scotland, and I’m very pleased that we have been able to fund this event in Berlin. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, bringing real rewards for people in Scotland.”

The breakfast event is being put on thanks to a £2,700 grant from the Scotland Office Brand Scotland fund. This is the first of a number of world-wide events which will be funded by Brand Scotland through the UK Government’s FCDO network. 

Scotland’s national youth orchestra is performing at the prestigious Young Euro Classic festival under the baton of acclaimed conductor Catherine Larsen-Maguire, presenting the European premiere of a new accordion concerto by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld. 

On the morning of their performance, members of the NYOS orchestra will join politicians, politicians, diplomats and business investors at the Scottish “Symphony and Sausages” breakfast. Guests will be served a full Scottish breakfast, including smoked salmon, haggis and black pudding, with the embassy chef learning to make potato scones specially for the occasion. Breakfast will be accompanied by Irn Bru and Walkers Shortbread. 

The Berlin visit comes just ahead of a major speech on culture which Mr Murray will deliver in Edinburgh. In it, he will outline how Scottish culture drives social connections while contributing significantly to economic growth.

He will highlight the UK Government’s direct investment in Scottish culture, including the recent £1.5 million contribution to the refurbishment of the much-loved Edinburgh Filmhouse.

What’s the story? Council issues advice ahead of Oasis capital gigs

With Rock ‘n’ Roll stars Oasis arriving in Edinburgh next week, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses, and visitors:

The sold-out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Tuesday 12 August mark the band’s first appearance in the Capital since 2009 and are expected to draw Supersonic crowds of up to 210,000 fans over the three nights.

And we won’t just Roll with it. To keep the city running smoothly for everyone, planning has been underway for some time in collaboration with our partners. There has also been regular engagement with residents, particularly in the Murrayfield area to plan ahead and address any concerns.

As the fans Slide Away, we will be making sure key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will be dedicating extra litter collectors for Roseburn Park too.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Excitement is building in Edinburgh for Oasis Live 25 as it’s our turn to witness rock history. With all of our partners in the city we’ve been planning for this for some time to make sure we’re ready to welcome thousands of Oasis fans over three nights.

“There will be extra trains, trams, and buses to accommodate concert goers, along with those attending our summer festivals. With this in mind we urge you to plan ahead.

“We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after. Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we remember our residents. We’ve had regular engagement with those living near Murrayfield to plan ahead and address any concerns.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We’re urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.”

To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts, visit our dedicated events webpage.

Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.