Category: North Edinburgh News

Starmer to meet Trump in Scotland for talks today

  • The Prime Minister will travel to Scotland today to meet the President for talks on his golf course in Turnberry
  • The leaders are expected to discuss progress on implementing the UK-US trade deal, hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East and applying pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine
  • The leaders will travel on together for a further private engagement in Aberdeen

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland today for wide-ranging talks.

The Prime Minister will travel to the President’s golf course in Turnberry, ahead of Trump’s landmark second State Visit to the UK in September.

Over the course of the visit, the leaders are expected to talk one-to-one about advancing implementation of the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal so that Brits and Americans can benefit from boosted trade links between their two countries.

The Prime Minister is also expected to welcome the President’s administration working with partners in Qatar and Egypt to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

He will discuss further with him what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long.

Securing peace in Ukraine will also be high on the agenda, with the Prime Minister and President set to talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the barbaric war. It is expected they will reflect on progress in their 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.

It’s quite possible that President Trump may change that agenda, of course.

After their meeting they will travel on together to a private engagement in Aberdeen.

The UK and the US have ‘one of the closest, most productive alliances the world has ever seen’, working together to cooperate on defence, intelligence, technology and trade.

The UK was the first country to agree a deal with the US that lowered tariffs on key sectors and has received one of the lowest reciprocal tariff rates in the world.

Businesses in the aerospace and autos sectors are already benefitting from the ‘strong relationship the UK has with the US’ and the deal agreed on 8 May.

The Government says it is ‘working at pace with the US to go further to deliver benefits to working people on both sides of the Atlantic and to give UK industry the security it needs, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets through the Plan for Change’.

‘Temporary humanitarian pause’ in Gaza: Lammy statement

The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement following yesterday’s announcement of a temporary humanitarian pause by the IDF in Gaza:

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said : “The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has 2reached new depths.

“The Prime Minister has already announced plans to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza and to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance to the UK for treatment.

“Today’s announcement of a temporary pause by the IDF to allow humanitarian corridors to open and aid drops to resume is essential but long overdue. Access to aid must therefore be urgently accelerated over the coming hours and days.

“This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.

“Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza.

“These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.

“The UK supports the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US as mediators and urges all parties to resume talks on a pathway for lasting peace and security.”

But in the meantime, the UK continues to arm Israel … WHY ???

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store unveils spellbinding lineup of autumn events

Activities for kids, adults, and dogs

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This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events at the Edinburgh store, helping kick-start the season. There’s something for everyone, with events for dogs, kids and families, and a brand-new autumn planting and afternoon tea experience.

Pup-kin Patch

The Pup-kin Patch at Dobbies will be a fun outing for dogs where they can dig into treats, toys, and tail wagging fun. With activities from picking their own autumn themed toys, to enjoying a puppuccino from the restaurant, furry friends are bound to have a paw-esome outing. The event will also have a free digital photo opportunity for dogs to pose in front of an autumnal backdrop at the Edinburgh store, for a beautiful pet ‘paw-trait’.

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Tickets to the event will also include special offers in the pet department, one free hot drink and puppuccino with the purchase of any cake from the restaurant, and £5 off £25 spend in store. Dobbies’ Pup-kin Patch will be taking place on Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £12.50 per dog. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. 

Little Scare-lings – Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats 

This Halloween, children and families can get ready to take part in some scarily fun activities and afternoon tea at the Edinburgh store Little Scare-lings event. There will be three tiers of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats for the children and spook-tacular tea and cake offers or afternoon tea add ons for adults.

Little ones will get to take part in slime and magic potion making to embrace their inner witches and wizards, alongside other magical activities and games. Dobbies is encouraging attendees to dress up in their spookiest costume as a prize will be awarded during a costume contest. 

The Little Scare-lings – Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats is taking place on Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £15 per children and from £7.50 for adults. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking.

Planting and Afternoon Tea – Autumn Harvest Terrarium Workshop

Guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and autumn themed planting experience this October at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. Dobbies’ Green Team will show attendees how to make their own seasonal terrariums with mini autumn decorations to take home and care for, starting with a demonstration, followed by a Q&A session and the chance to get hands-on and give it a go.

The experience will be followed by a three-tiered Traditional Afternoon Tea in the restaurant, including sweet and savoury treats, and unlimited tea and coffee refills. 

The Planting and Afternoon Tea – Autumn Harvest Terrarium Workshop will take place on the 11, 17, and 18 of October. Tickets are £45, and prosecco or a Luxury Afternoon Tea is available as an optional upgrade at an additional cost. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming customers, from families, dogs and planting enthusiasts, to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this autumn. She said: “It’s fantastic to have such a variety of events on offer and there really is something for everyone to enjoy, with fun for all ages. 

“Tickets are selling fast for our planting and afternoon tea event, as it’s the perfect afternoon out for couples and friends who love to be creative. Our Little Scare-lings event is a firm favourite for families, with plenty of action-packed activities, and the Pup-kin Patch is back by popular demand, this year in more stores after it was such a hit last year. We can’t wait to celebrate autumn and Halloween with our customers this spooky season.”

Tickets to all autumn events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store are now available to book at www.dobbies.com/events.

For more information on Dobbies’ events, visit www.dobbies.com/events

Book Artist Rachel Hazell to host Junk Journaling Workshop at Edinburgh International Book Festival

The Travelling Bookbinder invites participants to explore the Festival’s theme of Repair through mindful making and creative collage

Book artist Rachel Hazell, also known as The Travelling Bookbinder, will be taking part in the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025 with an innovative junk journaling workshop.

The hands-on session will take place as part of the Festival’s programme, running from 9-24 August at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.

Perfectly aligned with this year’s overarching Book Festival theme of Repair, Rachel’s workshop invites participants to transform discarded ephemera into beautiful, meaningful books through the meditative art of junk journaling. 

“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Festival and to explore how broken, forgotten, or discarded materials can be given new life and purpose,” says Rachel. “It perfectly embodies the Festival’s mission to examine ‘the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them.‘”

“This workshop represents the essence of what repair means in creative practice,” explains Rachel, whose acclaimed book Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects has inspired bookmakers worldwide. 

“We’re taking fragments of the past – envelopes, festival flyers, travel tickets, magazines, brochures, old maps and maybe even an old book that has fallen apart and won’t be read again – and weaving them into new narratives.

“It’s about finding beauty in the discarded and creating something whole from the damaged or broken.”

About the Workshop

The immersive workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage in mindful making through collage, transforming everyday detritus into treasured keepsakes. While all necessary materials will be provided, attendees are encouraged to bring their own ‘found handwriting’ – personal ephemera that carries emotional resonance and hidden stories.

Drawing on her expertise in traditional bookbinding techniques combined with contemporary artistic sensibilities, Rachel will guide participants through the process of:

  • Selecting and preparing discarded materials for creative reuse
  • Understanding the emotional and narrative potential within forgotten fragments
  • Mastering fundamental junk journaling techniques
  • Creating personal books that serve as both artistic expression and meaningful record-keeping

About Rachel Hazell – The Travelling Bookbinder

Drawing her inspiration from remote landscapes, typography, shorelines, flea-markets and remarkable literary cities, book artist Rachel Hazell takes people on creative journeys, making books and unfolding stories. Home is the city of Edinburgh and the small Hebridean island of Iona. Through The Travelling Bookbinder, she conducts bookart workshops globally, from Venetian palazzos to Nantucket libraries.

As both teacher and author, Hazell has built an international reputation for her innovative approach to bookbinding that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling.

Her work emphasizes the transformative power of handmade books and the deep connection between physical making and emotional healing.

Her published works include the critically acclaimed Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, and she offers both in-person workshops in inspiring locations worldwide and comprehensive online courses through her digital platform.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025

Taking place from 9-24 August, Edinburgh International Book Festival are delighted to announce our 2025 programme, with close to 700 events featuring 641 writers from 35 countries, across 6 continents. Repair is the Book Festival’s core theme for 2025, seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them.

The theme resonates across multiple dimensions – from environmental restoration to emotional healing, from social justice to personal recovery. Rachel’s workshop exemplifies this approach by demonstrating how creative practice can serve as both personal therapy and cultural commentary.

Further opportunities 

Rachel also hosts workshops all over the world, from her homes in Edinburgh and Iona, to Paris, Bath and Venice.

You can find more information and booking details here: 

https://www.thetravellingbookbinder.com/product-category/workshops/ 

To try your hand at Rachel’s craft from the comfort of your own home you can find her hugely popular e-courses here:

 https://www.thetravellingbookbinder.com/product-category/e-courses/ 

Local care home residents enjoy canal cruise

Residents from Strachan House care home in Blackhall, Edinburgh, were delighted to visit Ratho Canal for an afternoon with The Seagull Trust Cruises.

Residents were able to engage in some nature spotting and enjoy a brief history of the canal, including its bridges and famous aqueduct.  Residents were able to spend the day cruising along the canal, and enjoyed an incredible afternoon tea provided by the home’s hospitality team.

Fran Fisher, General Manager of Strachan House, said: “Our residents have enjoyed their day out on the water.

“Trips out in the homes’ mini bus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go. The day was so much fun. Residents were delighted to see such a diverse range of wildlife. ”

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential, nursing and dementia care for short and long-term stays.

Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can ‘Roll With It’ to Fort Kinnaird

Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield this summer can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Oasus is set to bring the classic Wonderwall, Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger anthems to the centre for the many fans who tried and failed to get tickets to the Scottish leg of the tour, coming to Murrayfield on Friday 8th August, Saturday 9th August and Tuesday 12th August.

This two-hour live gig will take over Fort Kinnaird’s Summer Stage near Pizza Hut, promising all the swagger, sound and 90s nostalgia of the real deal – minus the ticket fees and stadium crowds. Whether you’re a die-hard Gallagher fan or just fancy a fun Sunday with the family, it’s a brilliant way to soak up the buzz set to sweep the city. 

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it’s only right that we bring a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.

“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act and their free show is the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday – grab a bite, enjoy the music and make a proper day of it with friends or family. Definitely Maybe also pick up an iconic bucket hat while you’re here too!”

The event is just one of the free events running at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences.

This includes character visits between 11am – 4pm from Aloha Alien on Sunday 27th July, and a Wicked Duo on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of August.

With more than 70 shops, a seven-screen ODEON cinema, and dining favourites including Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Nando’s, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re after a day of retail therapy, tasty food, or dancing to your favourite 90s bangers.

The centre is easy to reach too, just off the A1 with 2,600 free parking spaces and good public transport links.

For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/lights-camera-summer

Change Mental Health: Save the Stafford Centre

Our Stafford Centre in Edinburgh is under threat.

Proposed cuts by the EIJB would effectively end community mental health support in the city. This cannot happen.

We know that early intervention and prevention is key to better outcomes. Removing this funding just wouldn’t make sense: meaning more expensive support and longer waiting times elsewhere.

Stafford Centre and other community mental health services are vital for Edinburgh.

Sign the petition and urge the EIJB to stop these cuts: 

👇

https://buff.ly/0WNd2HG

Fettes College appoints next Head

Fettes College is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Girvan, currently Principal & CEO of the Stephen Perse Foundation, as its new Head from September 2026.

In April, Fettes announced that current Head, Helen Harrison, will be retiring from the role next year, by which point she will have devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years, serving seven years in the position of Head.

Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Sixth Form and is a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently educates young people aged 7 – 18, from September it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Richard’s calibre joining Fettes.

“Our shortlist of potential candidates included experienced and excellent school leaders, all of whom were existing Head teachers. Although all of them would have been a credit to Fettes, Richard stood out from these candidates as an outstanding and visionary leader. We look forward to him building on our proud legacy and bold ambitions to lead our community and shape the future of our school as he takes Fettes forward into this new era.

“Over the next year, Richard Girvan and our current Head, Helen Harrison, both have extensive ongoing commitments leading their respective schools, which they will do to their customary high standards.

“The year we have, before the change, allows for a smooth handover process and opportunities for Richard, his wife Tessa, and their three children: Molly, Ruairi and Finn to return to Fettes and for them to meet parents, students and staff over the coming months and we look forward to welcoming them into the Fettes family.”

Richard will join Fettes from the Stephen Perse Foundation, a group of nurseries, junior and senior schools in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, where he has served as Principal since 2020.

Prior to this, Richard spent eight years as Surmaster (Head of the Senior School) at St Paul’s School in London. He joined St Paul’s directly after graduating from Cambridge, serving as a mathematics teacher, pastoral and boarding house tutor, and coach of athletics and rugby, and later as Director of Sport and Safeguarding Lead.

Originally from Belfast, Richard read Engineering at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he also completed his PGCE. During his time at university, he represented Cambridge in both rugby union and rugby league, earning a Blue and student international caps.

Richard currently sits on the Academy Council at North Cambridge Academy and has previously held board positions, including two as a governor.  

Richard said: “My family and I are thrilled and deeply honoured to be invited to join the vibrant, friendly, full boarding community of Fettes.

“We’re beyond excited to become part of a school with such a rich history, in such a wonderful setting, and with such a community-focused spirit.

“I eagerly look forward to leading Fettes into its next chapter — one that builds on excellence and embraces opportunity.”

Dean Banks launches 1925 at Pompadour

Chef Dean Banks launches revamped restaurant at the iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

In response to changing consumer demands, Chef Dean Banks has relaunched his signature restaurant in the historic Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street, launching 1925 at Pompadour which opened its doors on Wednesday (23 July).

The new offering will provide diners with a delicious a la carte menu in the heart of the city that showcases the best of local produce, across land and sea. 1925 at Pompadour opens following a change in consumer desires away from multi-course tasting menus to a more accessible dining option that has flavour and creativity at its heart.

Located in the West End, diners can enjoy the new menu at 1925 at Pompadour while taking in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and learning all about the local suppliers Chef Dean Banks works with to create his renowned dishes.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

To celebrate the launch of 1925 at Pompadour, diners will receive 50% off food until Wednesday 30 July, providing an opportunity to sample the new dishes and explore the revamped restaurant.

Featuring fresh, local, produce, seafood lovers can sample Dean’s signature lobster thermidor, Orkney hand dived scallops with vadouvan carrot, or champagne baked market fish. Diners can also enjoy corn fed chicken with king oyster mushrooms, pomme mousseline and a madeira sauce, or smoked ricotta and egg yolk raviolo, served with leeks and lemon butter.

With starters from £15 and mains starting at £26, and a three-course lunch for just £39.50, 1925 at Pompadour aims to provide a premium food offering at an accessible price point in the heart of the city.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Commenting on the launch, Chef Dean Banks said: “Consumers are moving away from multi-course tasting menus, instead preferring restaurants where they can enjoy premium dishes at an accessible price point.

“When considering the future of Dean Banks at the Pompadour, it was important to reflect these changing consumer demands while ensuring the high quality offering we pride ourselves on remains.

“1925 at Pompadour perfectly brings this together, all under the iconic setting of Edinburgh Castle, and we look forward to welcoming diners to experience this next chapter in our restaurant’s history.”

The Pompadour restaurant first opened its doors at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, in 1925, with the new restaurant named as an homage to the venue’s rich history.

For more information on 1925 at Pompadour, or to book your table, visit:

www.restaurant1925.com.

Letters: Scotland’s Pivotal Role in the UK-India Free Trade Agreement

‘A Transformative Opportunity for Our Nation’

Dear Editor,

As a son of India who has proudly called Scotland home for decades, and as a former Glasgow South parliamentary candidate deeply invested in our nation’s prosperity, I write to share a watershed moment for Scotland’s economic future.

The newly signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is not merely a diplomatic achievement, it is Scotland’s passport to unprecedented growth. This landmark deal strategically positions our whisky distilleries, renewable energy expertise, world-class universities, sustainable fisheries, and advanced manufacturing at the heart of a £25.5 billion bilateral partnership.

Why This Matters to Scotland:

  •  Scotch Whisky Revolution: Decades of punitive tariffs (150%) have finally been shattered. With duties slashed to 75% immediately and 40% over 10 years, iconic brands like Douglas Laing will access India’s 250M+ premium consumers—unlocking £700M in exports and 2,200+ Scottish jobs.
  •  Fisheries & Green Energy: Our salmon gains duty-free entry to India’s £2.8 trillion market, while offshore wind collaborations position Scotland as India’s clean-energy partner.
  •  Automotive Resurgence: Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce will thrive under reduced tariffs (110% → 10%), revitalising Glasgow’s manufacturing ecosystem.

This is a landmark partnership of equals. India’s gains, including zero tariffs on 99% of its exports, such as textiles and engineering goods, will fuel reciprocal growth. Crucially, 75,000 Indian professionals will contribute to our economy while enjoying social security exemptions, deepening our talent pool.

The road ahead presents challenges, including state-level regulations in India, carbon border taxes, and data policies, all of which require vigilance.

Yet this FTA is a “living bridge” uniting Scottish innovation with India’s dynamism. I urge subnational alliances (e.g., Maharashtra-Scotland green pacts) to accelerate ratification.

Scotland’s distilleries powered the Industrial Revolution. Today, they ignite a partnership redefining 21st-century trade.

With £6B in investments and a £190M GDP boost projected for Scotland, this is our moment to weave tartan and turbans into a shared tapestry of prosperity.

I welcome your coverage to spotlight Scotland’s central role in this historic accord.

Yours in shared ambition,

Dhruva Kumar

Former Glasgow South MP Candidate

Depute Convenor, Alba Party Glasgow