Category: North Edinburgh News

New names join previously announced guests set to attend this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a new selection of exciting guests attending this year’s Festival in support of World, International and UK Premieres and special events.

Attending the Festival for the UK premiere of EIFF 2026 Opening Night film The Incomer will be director Louis Paxton and stars Domnhall Gleeson (About Time, Ex Machina), Grant O’Rourke, Gayle Rankin (GLOW, House of the Dragon) and John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy).

For the Festival’s closing night film, the beautifully composed Bel will be attended by director Lou Lockwood and film contributor Leah McAleer.

For the World Premiere of the 70s set Scottish road movie memoir Borges and Me will be director Marc Turtletaub (Little Miss Sunshine, Puzzle), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife, GoldenEye) and Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch).

Attending for the special 30th anniversary event screening of Trainspotting at legendary Leith Theatre will be Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, screenwriter John Hodge, authorIrvine Welsh, producer Andrew Macdonald, production designer Kave Quinn and costume designer Rachael Fleming.

For the World Premiere of hilarious and spiky road movie Northbound is director William Scoular and stars Bruce Dern (Nebraska, The Hateful Eight). For the UK Premiere of gripping thriller Queen at Sea will be director Lance Hammer (Ballast, Impossible Horse) and stars Tom Courtenay (The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, 45 Years) and Anna Calder-Smith (Wuthering Heights, Male of the Species).

The UK Premiere of charming coming of age drama Extra Geography will have in attendance director Molly Manners (Tell Me Everything, The Royals),cast Marni Duggan (The Outrun, Payback), Galaxie Clear (Rebus, Outlander) and writer Miriam Battye (Succession, The Woman King). 

In town for the World Premiere of the intoxicating These Violent Delights will be directors Christopher Hampson and Oscar Samson and star Kayla-Maree Tarantolo (Everyone Is Going to Die, Hollyoaks). The UK Premiere of Edinburgh-set The Education of Jane Cumming will be attended by director Sophie Heldman.

Attending the Festival for The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence competition filmmakers Kieron J. Walsh for Skintown; Joseph Archer for Snapshot; Jake Harvey and Ollie Gardener and cast Sam Bottomley, Callum Scott Howells, Safia Oakley Green for The State of Us; director Fried Luk and cast member Olivia Luccardi (It Follows, Candy Land) for Sacred Creatures; director Tyler Marie-Evans and Sadie Stanley, Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars, Spring Breakers), Madeline Petsch for Pretty Babies; director Simon Ryninks for Out There; director Bart Simpson for The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman; Paul Wright (For Those in Peril, Arcadia) for Mission; director Thom Lunshof for First Zone; director Lindsey Ryan and cast Griffin Gluck and Sarah Catherine Hook for Capsized.

Across the wider Festival programme, attending for the insightful The Last Resort will be director Maria Sødahl; Julianne Dressner and Miriam Shor for the compelling My NDA; directors Jake Kuhn and Noah Stratton-Twine for the atmospheric The Peril at Pincer Point; director Tamra Davis for the transportive documentary The Best Summer; director Carlos Conceição for the noirish body horror Bodyhackers; director Finlay Pretsell for the immersive Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon; last year’s EIFF Feature Film Prize winner Abdolreza Kahani and actor Nima Sadr attend for the World Premiere of Empty Heaven; director Alexis Alexiou and cast members for the compelling Sea of Glass; director Theodore Schaefer for the World Premiere of The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of Its Flight.

For the Festival’s much-loved Midnight Madness strand attendees include director Chee Keong Cheung (director) and stars Radha Mitchell (Silent Hill, Finding Neverland) and John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy) for Midnight Madness opener Bad Day at the Office; director James Nunn attends for taut survival thriller Hungry; director Nick Nevern (The Hooligan Factory, EastEnders) and cast Tamer Hassan (Layer Cake, The Football Factory), Leo Gregory (Green Street, Stoned) and Vanessa Bauer (Dancing on Ice, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins) attend for the explosive Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution; for the nightmarish Abandoned, director Joby Stephens is joined by cast Grace Gallagher (The Outrun, Shetland) and Cameron Wright (Granite Harbour, River City); director Caleb Phillips for mindbending thriller Imposters; Midnight Madness strand closer Faces of Death will be presented by director Daniel Goldhaber and writer Isa Mazzei.

Acclaimed performer Stacy Martin presents her directorial debut short Amaretti alongside filmmakers attending for shorts programmes across the Festival. Filmmakers from The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence will also attend the Festival.

Previously announced guests include Christine Vachon, Ewan McGregor, Kenneth Branagh, Bruce Dern, Ken Burns, Prano Bailey-Bond, Jay Parini, Marc Turtletaub, Max Minghella, Sarah Brocklehurst, Miriam Battye and Paul Sng.

Press and Industry accreditation is now open for this year’s Festival and available to apply for via the EIFF website.

This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer and closes with Louise Lockwood’spowerful debut documentary feature Bel.

EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media. 

EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and VisitScotland.

The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie,  Aftersun; Peter Rice, former chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.

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Scottish Labour: ‘Unite and Renew’?

Marra comments ahead of nomination period opening

Commenting ahead of the nomination period opening in the Scottish Labour leadership contest, Michael Marra said: “I’m running in this contest to unite and renew the Scottish Labour party.

“Having spoken to and listened to colleagues across our movement it is clear we have to rediscover our sense of moral purpose. To offer hope again and to spell out what Scottish Labour is for, not simply who and what we are against. 

“That means drawing on the strength and talent of all of our movement. Scottish Labour has always been strongest when it has been rooted in the lives of working people.

“That means working alongside trade unions, businesses, civic Scotland and local communities—not talking at them but listening to them and building solutions together. That approach is how we unite and renew Scottish Labour.”

The leadership election was triggered when former leader Anas Sarwar decided to leave Holyrood to take a seat in the unelected House of Lords

Tattoo performers answer the call

From Doha to Washington D.C., performers from across the world have answered the call and arrived in Edinburgh ready for the start of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026.

From Friday 7 August, more than 800 performers from the Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, United Kingdom, USA and beyond will take to the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for a month-long celebration of music, military tradition, and the power of connection.

Performers from the German Army Band (Heeresmusikkorps) Koblenz, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, New Zealand Army Band, Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, United States Army Field Band, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers join forces on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile ahead of the 2026 show, A Call To Gather, map in hand, and ready for the adventure ahead.

For more information and tickets please visit the website here.

TODAY: Scottish-inspired lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Join us today for a Scottish-inspired lunch featuring haggis shepherd’s pie, a twist on the classic dish, accompanied by a side of fresh greens.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, our white currant cake is a delightful treat. Made with currants picked from the garden, of course!

Enjoy your meal from 11:30am – 12:30pm, with the option to dine in or take away.

We look forward to seeing you there!

£15 million fund to strengthen flood resilience

Funding to support most vulnerable communities

A new £15 million fund has been launched to improve the resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from flooding.

Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local authorities to help them improve their flood resilience and preparedness.

The funding will support sustainable drainage, including natural features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure. Coastal communities will benefit, with support available for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns like Montrose.

Additional support will be available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups most at risk in the future.

A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.

“This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.

“From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland.”

New multi million pound Hollywood Bowl venue to open in shopping centre

WORK GETS UNDERWAY ON A NEW MULTI-MILLION POUND HOLLYWOOD BOWL VENUE AT THE CENTRE, LIVINGSTON CREATING 40 LOCAL JOBS

Pic Greg Macvean 29/07/2026 The Centre, Livingston – Hollywood Bowl with Patrick, Simon and Laura (HB manager)

Work is officially underway on a new 26,500 sq. ft, multi-million-pound Hollywood Bowl venue at The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, scheduled to open this autumn and create 40 local jobs.

The state-of-the-art venue, which will feature 22 lanes of ten-pin bowling, a large arcade with the latest Namco games as well as pool tables and a bar and diner, is a major milestone for The Centre, Livingston as it not only marks their expansion into the leisure sector but also ties in with their 50th anniversary this year.

Since the owners, LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, acquired the shopping centre over two years ago, their mission has been to create a vibrant destination where visitors can ‘shop, eat and play’.

The arrival is set to further enhance the offering at The Centre, Livingston which has a diverse mix of over 150 stores and restaurants, spanning one million sq. ft. including M&S, Flannels, H&M, Nando’s, wagamama and the country’s largest JD Sports store, welcoming over 15.8 million visitors a year.

Recent global brands to open include Starbucks, Wingstop, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland.

Pic Greg Macvean 29/07/2026 The Centre, Livingston – Hollywood Bowl with Patrick, Simon and Laura (HB manager)

Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, said: “We are pleased to announce that work has begun at our new multi-entertainment centre at the popular retail destination, The Centre, Livingston. This marks another important step in our strategic growth as we continue to expand across the UK.

“We’re delighted to be opening another site in Scotland, creating new local jobs while bringing high-quality, affordable entertainment to the community. This investment reflects our continued commitment to growing our estate and delivering great leisure experiences for our customers.”

Pic Greg Macvean 29/07/2026 The Centre, Livingston – Hollywood Bowl with Patrick, Simon and Laura (HB manager)

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager to The Centre, Livingston, said: “Starting construction on this state-of-the-art Hollywood Bowl venue is an incredibly proud moment for us.

“It represents a major evolution for The Centre, Livingston as we dynamically expand into the leisure market, in the year we celebrate our 50th anniversary, reinforcing our absolute commitment to creating a thriving destination for all our visitors, both locally and from further afield, to shop, dine out, connect and have fun.

“The countdown is officially on, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this game-changing entertainment centre this autumn.”

The transaction was completed by Robin Kennedy, Associate Legal Director (UK) at LCP UK part of M Core.

One month remaining of Summer Savings at Camera Obscura

Families have just a few weeks left to enjoy discounted tickets at Which? UK’s third best tourist attraction, with five floors of interactive illusions, family-friendly experiences and panoramic rooftop views waiting to be discovered.

With the school summer holidays in full swing and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival bringing the city to life in August, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is inviting visitors to make the most of their Edinburgh adventure with all tickets reduced as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative.

Families, friends and curious explorers can save on admission while stepping into a world where nothing is quite as it seems from shrinking rooms and gravity-defying illusions to mesmerising light displays and spectacular views across the capital.

After exploring more than one hundred interactive exhibits, visitors can unwind away from the festival crowds with panoramic views of Edinburgh from the attraction’s latest rooftop bar, with refreshments available to purchase including cold soft drinks, snacks and ice cream.

With extended summer opening hours and a location on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, Camera Obscura offers the perfect addition to a summer day in the city.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions welcomes families of all needs. To support visitors with sensory needs, they can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing items such as ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys, alongside a sensory map of the building to help families plan and enjoy their visit.

Discounted tickets are now available via the Camera Obscura’s website and available for walk-up admissions and will continue to be until September 1. A family of four visiting during the summer holidays could save more than £10 compared to standard admission prices.

Reduced ticket prices include:

  • Adult tickets reduced from £24.95 to £21.85
  • Senior/Student tickets reduced from £21.95 to £19.20
  • Child tickets reduced from £17.95 to £15.70
  • Children under 5 go FREE 

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura said; “The response to the Summer Savings initiative has been fantastic so far, and we are delighted to be supporting an initiative that helps people discover and enjoy what UK attractions have to offer.

“The summer holidays can be a financially stressful time for many families, which is why we are pleased to be offering discounted rates and helping visitors make the most of the summer season, especially as the city comes alive with activity.

“Our latest addition to the rooftop offers the perfect place to take a break from the festival crowds, enjoy a soft drink or an ice cream and soak up some of the best views overlooking Edinburgh.”

New Zealand Team gifts silver fern to Glasgow as living legacy of 2026 Commonwealth Games

A silver fern gifted by the New Zealand Team is to take root at Glasgow Botanic Gardens as a lasting symbol of friendship between Glasgow and Aotearoa New Zealand during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The fern was formally presented to the Lord Provost of Glasgow at Kibble Palace in the Botanic Gardens on day eight of competition of the Games, which is bringing athletes, teams, visitors and supporters from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow.

The gift was made by Te Kapa o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Team, whose New Zealand House has been based nearby at Òran Mór throughout the Games.

The fern and accompanying plaque recognises the warm welcome extended by Glasgow and create a legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy when visiting the iconic Victorian glasshouse.

The plaque reads:

‘During the Games, New Zealand House stood across the road at Òran Mór, where Glasgow welcomed us with warmth and generosity.

‘This fern stands as a living symbol of friendship, unity and shared pride between Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland.

Ko Tātou Katoa – The Fern is All of Us.’

The fern is an Alsophila dealbata, also known as Cyathea dealbata or ponga, by the Maoris. The silver fern is deeply associated with New Zealand sporting teams and is recognised as a symbol of New Zealand national identity.

It has been planted in the centre of the Kibble Palace glasshouse, home to an internationally significant collection and the Plant Heritage UK National Collection of tree ferns, alongside existing silver ferns that have already grown to more than ten feet high.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, said; “This is a thoughtful and generous gift from the New Zealand Team and a beautiful reminder of the friendships being formed in Glasgow through the Commonwealth Games.

“The silver fern will be a living legacy of these Games and of the warm relationship between Scotland and Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Nicki Nicol, CEO, New Zealand Olympic Committee, said; “This Silver Fern is a small gesture of thanks for the warmth and generosity Glasgow has shown the New Zealand Team throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“We wanted to leave something lasting that reflects the friendship we’ve shared and the connections formed during our time here.

“As a symbol that is deeply important to New Zealanders, we hope this fern stands as a reminder of the bond between our nations and the New Zealand Team for many years to come.”

New Zealand have put in a solid performance during the Games with a tally of more than 20 medals so far before competition comes in an end today – Sunday 2 August.

Edinburgh artist prepares for National Galleries showcase

An Edinburgh artist who transforms local landscapes and architecture into stunning prints has been selected to showcase his work at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

Callum Russell, who completed a Masters in Contemporary Art at the Edinburgh College of Art after studying Illustration at Falmouth School of Art, specialises in paper cutting and lino printing, creating prints inspired by the distinctive landscapes, industrial buildings and green spaces in and around the city and beyond.

Next weekend, Callum will join over 40 of Scotland’s leading independent makers, artists and designers at the Tea Green Events Summer Market at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait. Open to the public and free to attend, the two-day event runs on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August (10am – 5pm).

Now in its 12th year, Dundee-based Tea Green Events, owned by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen, has become one of Scotland’s leading platforms for independent designers, attracting thousands of visitors to markets across the country. The Edinburgh event will feature everything from artwork, textiles and ceramics to jewellery and stationery.

Callum, who creates his work from a home studio in Edinburgh, has also exhibited at Tea Green markets at V&A Dundee and Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

He said, “Initially I got into printmaking purely as a way of making copies of my papercut images, but I soon fell in love with lino cutting and printing as a process in itself. I have always been inspired by cities, urban and industrial settings, from black-and-white, almost cinematic images of the cranes at Leith Docks to the shadows and commuters of Waverley Railway Station. 

“However, I’m fortunate to live in a city with so many natural and colourful landscapes like Holyrood Park, Greyfriars Bobby, Arthur’s Seat and The Meadows so I’m increasingly incorporating these spaces, which have a different appeal.”

Joanne said, “We are excited to once again be returning to National Galleries: Portrait, a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who, like Callum, live, work and take their inspiration from the capital and its surroundings. 

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh over the summer, the market also takes Scotland’s talent to a global level, celebrating the very best of Scottish craftsmanship.”

Callum added, “It’s always a delight to exhibit at Tea Green markets and a genuine privilege to be considered amongst other creatives at such a high standard.

“They are so well curated, held in some of Scotland’s most stunning spaces and, as a result, attracting visitors with a genuine interest in art and creativity, which really adds something to the event. And more than ever, it’s a real joy to interact with the public, to talk to them about my work and to get feedback on what I do.”