Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
School pupils from across Edinburgh swapped their classroom for the Castle this week to try their hand at construction and traditional skills through a Build Your Future event.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in partnership with Scottish Traditional Building Forum and The City of Edinburgh Council, held the event for nearly 100 pupils on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May.
The two-day skills taster event is designed to inspire the next generation of craftspeople, construction professionals, and heritage specialists by giving young people the chance to try a range of practical skills.
Across the two days, pupils rotated through five interactive skills stations with demonstrations and mini masterclasses delivered by industry specialists.
Activities include roof slating, stonemasonry, painting and graining, timber joinery, and technology in construction such as thermal insulation – showcasing both traditional craft skills and modern construction techniques, and demonstrating how they work together to maintain, repair and future-proof Scotland’s historic buildings.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), who first supported the inaugural Build Your Future skills demonstration at Edinburgh Castle in 2012, returned this year to lead the roof‑slating activities and share their expertise with pupils. There was also insight from industry body Women in Property who were able to share experience and advice with pupils.
HES craftspeople led behind‑the‑scenes tours of Edinburgh Castle, giving pupils rare and unique insight into the conservation and construction work required to care for a world‑famous heritage site.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said: “Seeing young people get hands‑on with these skills is a fantastic reminder of why this work matters. Scotland’s historic environment depends on a strong pipeline of traditional and emerging skills, and inspiring young people to see the opportunities available to them in the sector is essential.
“At HES, we’re committed to playing a leading role in tackling the skills gap – investing in training, supporting innovative programmes like Build Your Future, and working closely with partners across education, industry and local authorities. But we cannot do this alone. Transforming Scotland’s skills landscape needs sustained support and collective effort. With continued engagement across the sector and beyond, we can build the skilled workforce Scotland needs now and for the future.”
Construction apprenticeships currently see a significant drop‑out rate, with just over half of apprentices completing their training each year. Partners believe this is often due to young people entering apprenticeships without a clear understanding of the wide range of roles available.
Build Your Future aims to change this by giving pupils early, practical experience and helping them choose the right pathway from the outset.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Joann Russell, Chair, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We are delighted to return to Edinburgh Castle to deliver a Build Your Future event. This model of school engagement started at Edinburgh Castle in 2012 and has evolved significantly with the feedback from education and industry.
“It is a young person focussed approach to promote the many and varied careers in construction to provide young people with insights to help them in their career choices. This has been done with numerous stakeholders across construction and we look forward to continuing to work with them for the mutual long-term aims of addressing the skills gap in construction.”
This week’s event at Edinburgh Castle, delivered in partnership between Scottish Traditional Building Forum, The City of Edinburgh Council and HES, builds on the success of a wider National 5 pilot programme.
The pilot programme embeds teaching of construction and traditional skills directly into the school timetable to create a clear pathway towards a National 5 qualification and beyond. The pilot, running across several schools in the city, has supported young people to gain early experience in heritage and construction careers, with several pupils progressing into apprenticeships.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This event has been a great opportunity for young people to explore and try out a range of specialist and practical skills, all under the supervision of industry experts. Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, school pupils were given a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in conserving such a historic landmark too.
“In Edinburgh, we’re focused on improving outcomes for all learners and our innovative pathways work offers tailored routes for all young people – whether further education, an apprenticeship or the world of work.
By partnering with organisations like Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Traditional Building Forum we want to inspire young people interested in a career in construction or conservation by showing them all that’s on offer.”
More information on traditional skills and training can be found on the HES website. Employers and schools interested in opportunities to participate can contact the team at skills@hes.scot
Festival opens with a free Family Day tomorrow – Saturday 30 May – at the National Museum of Scotland
A spotlight on disabled-led works including new Festival commission Boys Don’t Dance by award-winning Marc Brew
15 productions from 9 different countries unite in a programme that spans circus, dance, music, puppetry and theatre.
Shows for all ages – from immersive experiences for babies in ISLAND (for 0-12 mths), to wonderfully absurd work for teenagers in It Would be Such a Shame if You Missed Out (10-16 yrs)
Festival dates: 30 May to 7 June
Spectra, Aberdeen, 2026
The 36th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (24 May to 1 June) kicks off this weekend with a packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre for young people, their schools, and families.
Over the week, the Festival programme explores timely topics such as bullying, our fear of missing out, grief and the search for identity, weaving in humour and excitement to connect with children regardless of their circumstances, access needs or location.
Some of this year’s highlights include:
A poignant dance theatre show for 7-12 year olds, Boys Don’t Dance by Marc Brewreflects on the artist’s journey who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance, first as a boy growing up in rural Australia, and then when he acquired a disability following a car crash in his early twenties.
It Would be Such a Shame if you Missed Out (for 10-16 yrs)hilariously captures our fears about missing out and features 3 hapless performers trying to rehearse a play next to a giant party box, while select audience members join in.
A powerful new play by Tim Crouch, Toto Kerblammo! (for 10-14 yrs)will be experienced wearing headphones through binaural audio technology.
Brrr (for ASN 10 yrs+), anew multi-sensory performance created specially for young audiences with complex needs and set in a unique inflatable dome.
The popular Family Day opens this year’s Festival on Saturday 30 May – a full day of free, pop-up performances and artist interventions at the National Museum of Scotland, which has been programmed in partnership with festivals across the country including Light the Blue festival in Aberdeen, Merchant City Festival in Glasgow and the Paisley Book Festival.
Highlights from the Family Day includes:
Dreich, Drookit and Braw by Julian Chan, Robyn Gray, Michelle Ross and Vee Smith (in partnership with Merchant City Festival) and featured in today’s photocall
Tufts! by Kerry Cleland, Ben Winger, Katy Wilson and Ella Mackay (in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts)
Windbags by Ronan McMahon (in partnership with OneRen)
Spectra, Aberdeen, 2026
Incoming new Festival Director Adjjima Na Patalungsaid: “I am very excited to be opening this year’s Festival as the new director with such a wonderful programme.Imaginate has built a Festival with real clarity of purpose, a deep commitment to children’s rights, grounded in artistic quality, inclusion, and international exchange.
“Many of the shows this year reflect the realities of children growing up today. Questions around mental health, bullying, displacement, belonging, identity, friendship, and resilience run through the programme in very different ways. That is what makes this programme feel so alive and relevant.
“I look forward to witnessing children’s reactions and hearing their voices and different perspectives.
“It is always our hope that for every child who experiences this Festival, something stays with them, big or small. A feeling. A question. A spark of imagination.”
Full programme and booking information: www.imaginate.org.uk/festival. Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0131 226 0019.
on Sunday 31 May, Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express will transfer into public ownership to deliver more reliable, passenger-centred services across the network
passengers will see bread and butter improvements to their services, including doubling trains to Gatwick Airport each hour and recruiting more drivers to reduce cancellations
transfer means publicly-owned operators will deliver 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that Great British Railways will ultimately be responsible for, making public ownership the backbone of the railway
Millions of passengers will benefit from more accountable and reliable journeys, as the UK’s largest train operating company’s services join the fast-growing family of publicly owned operators from this weekend (31 May 2026).
Responsible for 1 in 6 passenger rail journeys in Britain, GTR keeps the South East moving, delivering one of the UK’s most extensive rail networks and carrying hundreds of millions of passengers each year.
A renationalised GTR will deliver a range of initiatives to improve performance and passenger experience under public ownership, such as doubling the number of services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria every hour and training 110 new Travel Safe Officers to crack down on anti-social behaviour on the network.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “From this Sunday, millions of passengers across the South East and East of England will be travelling on rail services back in public hands – run for the public good, not private profit.
“Bringing Britain’s largest train operator into public ownership is a defining moment in our reform of the railway. It gives us an opportunity to tackle the bread and butter issues people want, like driving down cancellations and improving the frequency of services to Gatwick Airport.
“As we set up Great British Railways, we’re putting passengers first, fixing what’s broken, and delivering a railway people can rely on – one that rebuilds trust, regenerates communities and delivers the high standards passengers expect and deserve.”
GTR’s 100 day plan will focus on getting the basics right, to create a reliable service that delivers better on-board experience.
The plan includes measures to:
Double Gatwick Express services: easier travel for holiday makers with double the number of Gatwick Express trains each hour between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria from December and more early morning services on Saturdays and Mondays from this summer. Additional Great Northern services will also commence in December.
Recruit more drivers to reduce delays: GTR’s ongoing train crew recruitment will deliver an additional 75 drivers across Thameslink and Great Northern this year as drivers complete their training, with an uplift of 40 drivers at Southern and Gatwick Express this year too. The increase in drivers will help improve train crew availability and reduce cancellations.
Create safer, cleaner toilets: Thameslink train toilets are being refreshed to crack down on graffiti and provide a better experience for passengers. GTR will resurface toilet interiors on 2 trains every week with over half the fleet completed by the end of the year. 110 Travel Safe Officers are also being trained to support revenue protection, improve security and combat anti-social behaviour.
Upgrade signalling to reduce cancellations: Secondary signalling system between Farringdon and Blackfriars to reduce delays and boost resilience. Improvements expected to prevent over 1,000 cancellations a year.
Establish better customer communication: passengers will be able to get support when there is disruption from staff directly via a customer support WhatsApp channel. GTR is also adding more online payment options for customers.
The transfer follows the unveiling of the first Great British Railways (GBR) branded train at Brighton station last week and represents a landmark moment in the journey to public ownership. From Sunday, around 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that GBR will ultimately be responsible for will take place on publicly owned services. It’s the latest step to creating a reliable, accountable and integrated rail network.
Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services bring a strong track record, contributing £3.2 billion to the UK economy and supporting 40,000 jobs in 2025. With government support, Thameslink and Great Northern services will also support the delivery of thousands of new homes, as well as schools and employment space, as they begin stopping at the new Cambridge South station from Sunday 28 June.
John Whitehurst, Chief Operating Officer for GTR, said: “This is a railway that carries millions of people to work, to school, and to see friends and family every single day. From this Sunday every one of them will be on a publicly owned service, which is a responsibility we take seriously and one we have been preparing for.
“We have spent the past year building the foundations, and bringing even deeper integration into our operations with Network Rail, with a single focus on what’s right for our customers and communities.
“That work means customers are already getting a railway that’s been transforming, and public ownership gives us the chance to go further to deliver the railway that millions of people across the South East deserve.”
Ana Christie, CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of Great British Railways at Brighton station and to have a discussion with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
“This marks the launch of a greater joined-up railway, working in collaboration with business and other key stakeholders, to ensure challenges are addressed and progress is made to deliver a service fit for the future.
“I look forward to further conversations, ensuring business concerns are captured in fundamentally reforming the railway.”
As the government steams ahead with its bold rail reforms, passengers across Britain are already experiencing a better railway, with publicly owned DfT train operators performing better on punctuality and cancellations on average than those yet to come under DFTO ownership, as well as frozen rail fares for the first time in three decades. Other benefits of public ownership include:
More services for passengers: 76,000 seats per week in the December timetable uplift, with 60,000 coming on LNER services on the East Coast Main Line, and over a million passenger journeys on Northern’s new Northumberland Line.
Strong performance: Publicly owned c2c and Greater Anglia continue to be the top two performing operators for punctuality and reliability, with over 90% of trains arriving within 3 minutes of their scheduled time and under 2% cancellations.
Better onboard experience: Since entering public ownership, SWR has more than quadrupled the number of Arterio trains in service. The new trains are quicker and have more space on board.
Greater flexibility: Passengers can travel with greater confidence knowing that if their train is cancelled, they can use another publicly owned service 2 hours either side of their train to get to their destination at no extra cost.
GTR is the fifth operator to enter public ownership under the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, marking another step towards a simpler, more unified railway under GBR.
GBR will be accountable to passengers and will drive a relentless focus on responding to their needs. Responsible for coordinating the whole network: from track and train, to cost and revenue – GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public.
GTR joins West Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia, c2c, South Western, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER which are currently managed by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO).
Chiltern Railways’ services will be next to transfer on 20 September 2026, followed by Great Western Railways on 13 December 2026, marking another significant step in the government’s plans to bring services into public ownership. We expect the full public ownership programme to be completed by the end of 2027.
MS Society representatives will march in Pride Edinburgh for the first time this year – and they’re inviting anyone who’s affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to join them.
Volunteers, supporters, people living with MS and their family members and friends, will join charity staff in the capital city on Saturday 20 June.
They’ll march to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ MS community, but also to raise awareness of the inequalities and challenges members of the community still face.
The march forms at Horse Wynd, close to the Scottish Parliament, at 12.15pm before departing at 1pm. The route passes through the city centre, finishing at The University of Edinburgh. The MS Society is also organising an accessible “cheer spot”, which members of the MS community can watch the parade from if they aren’t marching.
More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. It’s a condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think, and feel. The MS Society is there for everyone affected by MS, offering support, funding research, and campaigning for improved rights.
Edinburgh lecturer goes for fourth gold in 54-mile charity endurance challenge
Laura Kidd, from Edinburgh, is gearing up to achieve the ultimate challenge – completing the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour hike, the Cateran Yomp, for the fourth time.
The Cateran Yomp is one of Scotland’s toughest tests of endurance – with participants walking non-stop for 22 (bronze), 36 (silver) or 54 miles (gold) over 24 hours to support soldiers, veterans and their families.
Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts people from across the globe to trek the glens and foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains. The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is the Army’s national charity and is expecting over 1,200 people to take part in the Yomp which takes place on 6th and 7th June 2026.
Laura is a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and completed her first Yomp in 2019 with her sister, Nina. Laura says: “I wanted to test myself and I liked the idea of being guided around the Cairngorms as I don’t trust my own navigation skills! We both instantly signed up again – having been blown away by the loveliness of the ABF and how well-organised the event was.”
Laura has now bagged a total of three gold medals for completing the full 54 miles of the Yomp, joined first by her sister, and then with friends, Gillian and Gilly, and one of her daughters, Rosie. She has been marching the hills of Edinburgh in preparation for her fourth attempt which she aims to complete in 20 hours.
Hiking through the day and night along the scenic but challenging route along the Cateran Trail is testing for the fittest and hardiest soldier. What keeps participants going is the camaraderie and food and drink along the way and knowing that every step they take is supporting soldiers, veterans and their families.
Laura and her team-mate this year, her school friend, Gilly Thomson, will join others setting off at dawn from Blairgowrie, Perthshire on Saturday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, finishing on Sunday 7th June.
The Army Benevolent Fund was set up in 1944 so that servicemen and women returning from WWII would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.
Laura says: “It’s hard work! But you meet amazing people on the Yomp. Some might struggle with fitness or have sore knees, but they are doing this for their comrades – and even though it’s brutal, they keep going. I take my hat off to folk that plod on!
“I’ve loved all of the Yomps and I am really looking forward to this year’s event.”
Peter Monteith, Chief Operations Officer, Army Benevolent Fund says: “We are so grateful for the generosity of all our supporters, which enables us to offer a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans, and their families.
“On behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund, I would especially like to thank Laura for her dedication to the charity, and to wish her and her team the best of luck at this year’s Cateran Yomp. We look forward to welcoming her to the event in June.”
The ABF is here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. Last year, the ABF supported over 80,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 51 countries around the world through its grants to individuals and other charities.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
COMING SOON Scotland’s First Warriors Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Opening 27 June 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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Magic Carpet Learning Centre Event Space, Level 2 1, 8 & 22 Jun 10:30-11:15 & 11:45-12:30 Tickets £4
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 explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about the session topic.
Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 20 Jun 10:30-12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the Museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Relaxed Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 20 Jun 14:30-15:30 £10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children, and children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.
Festival Family Day Grand Gallery 30 May 10:00-16:30 Free, drop in
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Day returns for 2026. Experience exciting pop-up performances and creative encounters with local artists – from theatre and dance to walk-about characters – there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
James Hutton at 300: A Celebration of Geology 5 Jun 13:30-16:15 Free, drop in
Discover the legacy of James Hutton, the ‘father of modern geology’. Celebrate his tercentenary with free, drop-in short talks, mini tours and object handling.
Audio Descriptive Tour: Giants Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 16 Jun 17:30-19:30 Tickets from £13, concessions available
Discover the Giants exhibition with an after-hours audio-described tour.Explore life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons and fossils in this immersive exhibition with audio descriptions and tactile opportunities.
Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh Grand Gallery 7 & 14 Aug Tickets from £26
The sell out Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs.
Museum Socials 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.
National Museums Collection Centre 242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours 16 Jun & 21 Jul 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30 Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of the storing and research of National Museums Scotland’s collections. Find out how these collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
Swift Awareness Day 3 Jul Timed sessions Free, booking required
Join Dr Martin Stervander, Senior Curator of Birds, at the National Museums Collection Centre to discover the fast and fascinating world of the common swift. Explore swift specimens from the collections and check out some brand new swift nestboxes.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life 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.
Tractor Tots 29 May 2026 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
Woolly Weekend Museum and farm 23 & 24 May 10:30-16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Celebrate all things woolly with a weekend of family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life.
See woolly farm friends up close and take part in wool-themed crafts, storytelling, and activities in the museum. Then take a walk to the farm to watch YouTube sensation Cammy Wilson sheart the flock. Cammy will explain how, when, and why sheep are sheared, and will demonstrate traditional and modern shearing techniques.
National Museum of Rural Life 25th Anniversary Day 4 Jul 10:00-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come along to celebrate 25 years of the National Museum of Rural Life. Enjoy the special activities scheduled throughout the day that showcase the museum displays and life on a working farm.
Archaeology Weekend 25 & 26 Jul 10:30-15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Take part in a family-friendly Archaeology Weekend at the National Museum of Rural Life. Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out about their work investigating and assessing new archaeological discoveries.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 15 May & 12 Jun 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 April, join Matteo Randazzo who will discuss ‘Second World War Archaeology at East Fortune’.
BSL Tour: National Museum of Flight 16 May 14:00-15:30 Free add-on to general admission ticket
Discover amazing aircraft and explore the history of aviation in this Deaf-led tour delivered in British Sign Language. This event is Deaf-led and aimed at adult BSL users.
Awesome Bricks 20 & 21 Jun 10:00-17:00 Tickets from £17, concessions available
The hands-on celebration of LEGO® returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join in for a weekend packed full of LEGO® brick fun, with lots to see and do for all ages. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO® constructions created by talented AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®), including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in the brick build zone.
Escape From France Puzzle Room 13 Jul–7 Aug (weekdays only) 11:30-16:00 Free with museum admission, drop-in
Work together as a family in the puzzle room and see if you’ve got what it takes to escape from France. Can you disguise yourself, speak French well enough to fool a German and find the right money to pay your rail fare to the coast?
Moth Hunters 18 Jul 9:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Discover the variety of local moths in the National Museum of Flight grounds with an early walk with entomologist Katty Baird and enjoy moth-themed family friendly activities.
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.
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight 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.
An Edinburgh-based entrepreneur is turning creativity into commercial success, as her handcrafted candle business continues to grow with support from Business Gateway.
Bonnie Glow, founded by Emily Streete, creates handmade candles and wax melts inspired by Scotland’s culture, language and humour. Crafted in Edinburgh using sustainable vegan ingredients, the products are designed to offer high-quality fragrance with a distinctive Scottish personality, appealing to individual customers and retail partners alike.
Sustainability is at the heart of Bonnie Glow, with Emily recently introducing a refill scheme that allows customers to return used tins at markets in exchange for a discount on their next purchase, while all packaging and wrapping is created using upcycled materials.
Since launching, the business has grown steadily, securing its first retail listing in the city and attracting interest from other stockists keen to offer locally made, authentic products. Alongside its core range, Bonnie Glow also offers personalised candles for weddings, celebrations and gifts, as well as wholesale opportunities for independent retailers. Emily is also a regular trader at markets across the city, including Grassmarket, Stockbridge, Leith and Portobello markets, helping to build a loyal local customer base.
For Emily, launching Bonnie Glow marked a significant personal milestone. Diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year, she has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity while channelling the creativity that has become central to her business. Drawing on a background in music and performance, she built the brand from scratch, developing everything from product concepts to branding herself.
Business Gateway proved to be the catalyst that took Bonnie Glow from passion project to scalable business. Working with adviser Lee Briggs, Emily accessed one-to-one guidance across business planning, company regulations, tax and marketing. She also took part in workshops focused on marketing strategy and growth, and recently applied for additional support through the Expert Help programme.
This guidance has helped Emily build confidence in running her business, develop effective promotional strategies and identify opportunities to increase sales and grow her customer base. It has also provided valuable networking opportunities, connecting her with other local businesses and support organisations.
Emily Streete, founder of Bonnie Glow, said:“I’ve always had lots of ideas and creativity, but structure and organisation didn’t come naturally to me. Bonnie Glow has given me a way to focus that energy into something real and sustainable.
“Working with Business Gateway has helped me build confidence and put clear plans in place to grow the business. Having that support and guidance, especially in the early stages, has made a huge difference.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said:“Emily’s journey is a great example of how tailored support can help founders play to their strengths. She has a huge amount of creative instinct, and once we worked in a way that suited her strengths, the business really started to flourish.
“Seeing the confidence Emily now brings to decision‑making and long‑term planning has been genuinely rewarding.”
Business Gateway Edinburgh offers tailored support for neurodiverse founders, including dedicated advice, resources and specialist workshops designed to reflect different ways of thinking and working.
This includes practical sessions such as marketing support for neurodiverse minds, helping entrepreneurs build confidence, develop strategies that play to their strengths and access guidance in a supportive environment.
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
Dame Louise Martin, pioneering international sports leader and former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has been appointed as the first Project Ambassador for Queen Margaret University’s (QMU) Lydia Osteoporosis Project.
Widely recognised as a trailblazer in global sports administration, Dame Louise was the first woman to serve as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Her lifelong commitment to health, wellbeing and active lifestyles strongly aligns with QMU’s ambitions to advance osteoporosis prevention, education and research.
A distinguished alumna of Queen Margaret University and a former lecturer at the institution, Dame Louise brings both professional expertise and a longstanding personal connection to QMU to her new ambassadorial role.
The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is a research and public engagement initiative focused on improving awareness, education and prevention of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens the bones, making them more fragile and more likely to fracture. Dame Louise’s appointment follows the highly successful Lydia Osteoporosis Symposium, held at QMU earlier this May. The event brought together people living with osteoporosis, carers and family members, health and social care professionals, researchers, and the wider community for an inclusive day of learning, discussion and shared experience.
Over three million people in the UK (including around 300,000 people in Scotland) live with osteoporosis, and the condition is responsible for an estimated 527,000 fractures each year. Yet despite its prevalence and life‑changing consequences, osteoporosis remains widely under‑diagnosed, under‑treated and under‑prioritised within public health and clinical agendas. Dame Louise’s appointment as Project Ambassador represents a significant opportunity to challenge this imbalance.
In her role, she will support the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team in building strategic partnerships, engaging key stakeholders and championing the importance of bone health at a national and international level. Drawing on her exceptional leadership experience, she will also provide strategic insight and represent the project at high‑profile events – helping to drive awareness, influence policy conversations and ensure osteoporosis is recognised as a serious, preventable long‑term condition that demands far greater attention, visibility and investment.
Fully funded by donor support, the Queen Margaret University Lydia Osteoporosis Project demonstrates the pivotal role a single committed donor can play in advancing research and improving patient care. To date, over £1 million has been provided by an anonymous donor, enabling Queen Margaret University to establish and sustain a programme inspired by a personal connection to osteoporosis.
The donor’s support has been central to the project’s development, underpinning work to improve manual handling practices in healthcare, expand osteoporosis awareness, and support PhD research. The project exists and continues to grow because of sustained donor commitment.
Dame Louise Martin said: “The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is about people – those living with osteoporosis, those at risk, and those who support them. It is about creating understanding, building confidence, and improving lives through shared knowledge and community.
“The work being done at QMU is innovative, important and life-changing, and I am delighted to champion it. I hope others will join us in supporting bone health and helping people live well with strength, confidence and community.”
Dame Louise has a longstanding connection with QMU, having studied at the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science (now QMU), where she later became a lecturer. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to international sport.
A talented athlete in her early years, she represented Scotland in swimming and reached the finals of the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. She went on to teach home economics in Edinburgh before embarking on a highly successful career in sports administration.
Her achievements include becoming the first woman to chair Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Council in 1999, the first female member of the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board and later serving as Secretary from 1999 to 2015.
In 2015, she became the first female President of the Federation, a role she held for two terms until 2023. She played a pivotal role in the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and was awarded a Damehood in 2019.
Dame Louise Martin said: “Throughout my career, including my time as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I have seen how preparation, consistency and strong foundations underpin success.
“The parallels with osteoporosis are clear – regular weight-bearing exercise and good nutrition are essential for building and maintaining strong bones.
“Prevention is powerful, and the earlier we start, the better the outcomes. Education and awareness are key to empowering people to take action and support their own health. I am committed to working with the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team to turn this focus on prevention and education into action, and to secure recognition of osteoporosis as a public health priority.”
Professor Sara Smith, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at QMU, said: “Dame Louise brings a powerful combination of leadership, insight and advocacy.
“Her support will be instrumental in strengthening our efforts to improve the understanding of osteoporosis, and drive forward innovation in education, research and practice.”
Gilded Balloon today announces the launch of its Show Support Fund, a new initiative designed to help artists overcome the growing financial barriers of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures Ltd, the organisation’s registered charity, the fund marks a significant step in expanding Gilded Balloon’s long-standing commitment to artist development. Gilded Balloon Futures was originally established following the Cowgate fire and relaunched at the end of 2025 as part of Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary, with a renewed focus on supporting artists and sustaining the future of the Fringe.
At its core, the Show Support Fund will raise commercial, public and charitable donations to directly support artists in Gilded Balloon’s annual Fringe programme. With the cost of participating in the Fringe continuing to rise, the fund aims to ensure that more artists, particularly those with distinct voices and limited financial means, can bring their work to Edinburgh.
The fund is designed to be flexible and collaborative, allowing donors to support the kinds of artists and projects they are most passionate about, while Gilded Balloon identifies productions that would most benefit from additional backing. Funding may contribute to a wide range of artist’s needs, including marketing, rehearsal space, creative support, travel, accommodation and wellbeing.
Alongside the Show Support Fund, Gilded Balloon Futures will also support the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development Programme, helping to cover the costs of the competition and providing vital opportunities for emerging comedians. This includes financial assistance for travel and accommodation for selected performers, removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing the fringe.
In its inaugural year, the Show Support Fund has been kickstarted by a generous contribution from globally acclaimed comedian, writer and composer Tim Minchin alongside his wife Sarah Minchin, their donation will support five shows selected by Gilded Balloon Artistic Directors Karen Koren and Katy Koren, focusing on solo performers with bold voices and sharing personal stories across comedy and theatre.
Tim Minchin who first found major success at Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005 has particular interest in supporting artists who have struggled with mental health issues who may require additional support to make the Fringe achievable with their work.
In 2026, a total of £10,000 has been raised for the Show Support Fund which will be split between five supported artists as follows:
These productions represent a mix of emerging and established voices, each facing unique challenges in bringing their work to the Fringe, from international travel costs to personal circumstances and the realities of early-career development.
Support from the fund will directly impact these artists’ ability to present their work, whether through financial relief, creative resources, or practical adjustments that make participation possible.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of the Gilded Balloonsaid: ““For over 40 years, Gilded Balloon has been a home for artists at every stage of their careers, from first-timers to global stars. But the reality now is that the financial barriers to getting to the Fringe are higher than ever.
“We are delighted to finally launch this fund which has been a long time coming and is about protecting what makes the Fringe special, taking risks on new voices and giving artists the chance to be seen – something we’ve always prioritised at Gilded Balloon. We want to work with supporters who believe in that mission and help us keep those doors open.
“Every year we meet extraordinary artists with urgent, exciting work who simply can’t afford to bring their work to the Fringe. The Show Support Fund and the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development programme – both delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures – allow us to raise funds for where it matters most.
“Whether that’s helping artists to cover travel or accommodation costs, giving artists proper time and space to develop their work, or supporting their wellbeing during what can be an incredibly intense month.
“It’s practical, targeted support that can genuinely change the trajectory of someone’s career and we are eternally grateful to our pal, Tim Minchin, for being the first to support the Show Support Fund.”
Tim Minchinsaid: “Late one night in March, 21 years ago, a furiously passionate woman with a strong Scottish accent called me up and demanded I go to the Gilded Balloon.
“I didn’t know what the fuck a Gilded Balloon was, and I was deeply cautious, because I’d spent ten years grafting away, and didn’t really believe in big breaks. But a big break is exactly what that phone call was.
“Karen Koren – and now her daughter Katy – have remained loyal friends and passionate supporters for two decades, and it’s a huge privilege to be able to support them a bit as they head into their 41st Fringe.”
A CALL TO THE INDUSTRY
Gilded Balloon hopes that the Minchins’ contribution will inspire others, particularly alumni, industry partners and Fringe supporters, to invest in the next generation of performers.
As one of the Fringe’s longest-running venues, Gilded Balloon has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of countless comedians and theatre-makers. The Show Support Fund represents a new chapter in that legacy, ensuring that talent, not financial means, remains the driving force behind who gets to take part.
By contributing to the fund, supporters will play a direct role in shaping the future of the Fringe, enabling more artists to take risks, share their stories, and reach new audiences on one of the world’s most important cultural stages.
