We are thrilled to be teaming up with Muirhouse Library and our friends Art Buds Collective to bring the Macmillan Hub to life with a fun programme packed full of free activities for local children and families!
From 29 June right through to 8 August, we’ll be running creative drop-in activities for all summer long.
Whether it’s a free breakfast and a catch-up with friends, getting creative with arts and crafts, enjoying nature in the NEA Garden, singing along at Bookbug, or settling in for a film and some popcorn, there’s something on nearly every day of the week.
So grab the kids, pop down to MacMillan Hub, and join in the fun this summer!
The programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June, has been announced today.
Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, formally marking the beginning of the Seventh Session of the Holyrood Parliament.
The day start with The Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle. Along with the Elizabeth Sword, the Crown of Scotland was processed into the Scottish Parliament through a guard of honour made up of young people from across Scotland.
Following the arrival of The King and Queen, the event in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber began with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble performing a Fanfare composed by Sir James McMillan KT CBE and conducted by John Logan.
The Mace was carried by Robert White, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament. Three Team Scotland athletes who are competing in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also be part of the procession.
Boxer Nicholas Devlin will carry the Elizabeth Sword accompanied by para-athlete Joanna Robertson who will be racing on the athletics track and Beth Riva who is competing in Bowls.
The Officers of Arms was accompanied by young people from Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland (Haggeye), the John Smith Centre Parliamentary Internship Programme, sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport panel and the Young Women’s movement.
The Crown of Scotland will be borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The event, which was broadcast live, included opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP. His Majesty The King then make an address to the Chamber and First Minister John Swinney MSP responded to His Majesty’s address.
The event also celebrated the special anniversaries of two of Scotland’s cultural organisations with specially commissioned performances.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and members of the NYCOS Edinburgh Regional Choir and NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum.
National Theatre of Scotland presented As Others See Us written and directed by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through the Shortbread Tin and performed by members of The Lyceum Youth Theatre.
Scotland’s Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay] also delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall be Full of Noises.
Ae Fond Kiss, by Robert Burns was be performed by Rachel Groves (clarsach) and Ellie Beaton (vocalist), who are the current and previous winners of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.
The Parliament’s piper Stuart McMillan MSP then played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers from the Members’ Garden to close the event.
Their Majesties then went on to meet Local Heroes, who have been nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their local communities.
The King and Queen departed the Scottish Parliament through a Guard of Honour made up of young people.
Hope Keating, 5, from Girlguiding Scotland presented a posy to The Queen.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating the second Introduction to Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying training for third-sector professionals in Edinburgh (writes TESFU GESSESSE).
In a time when narratives of division, fear, and “otherness” seem to be growing louder, it is more important than ever that we stand up for inclusion, fairness, and community. Advocacy is not just about influencing policy—it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard, challenging misinformation, and helping to build a society where everyone belongs.
What gives me hope is the passion, commitment, and determination of the people in this photo. Their energy reminded me that many individuals and organisations are still working every day to strengthen community cohesion, promote social justice, and bring people together.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Change happens when people come together, organise, and speak up.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a fairer future.
The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code. The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.
This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of beers and permanently slash the price of its house lager to just £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.
To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a massive, week-long celebration from Monday, 29th June to Sunday, 5th July. Throughout the entire week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5. As part of the celebration The Old Chain Pier will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.
The victory arrives at a critical time for the local hospitality sector. Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs.
Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code provides a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.
January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.
“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”
The week-long party promises fun for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. Guests who book a table to dine from Monday, 29th June through Thursday, 2nd July will receive 20% off their food bill.
All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.
As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing Beer (Friday 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (Saturday 4th July) and Campervan Brewery (Sunday 5th July) will take over the beer garden with free pints for the first 20 customers, complete with a garden BBQ serving up hot dogs, chicken kebabs, and more from 6:00 pm each evening.
More events and surprises for the week are still to be confirmed. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the pub’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.
More than a dozen events being held across Scotland to mark Armed Forces Day
Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dumfries, Glasgow, and Thurso among those leading Scotland’s celebrations
Around 200 events are planned across the United Kingdom as nation gathers to thank Armed Forces community
Communities across Scotland are today (Saturday 27 June) celebrating Armed Forces Day, joining around 200 events planned across the United Kingdom.
Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to thank the entire Armed Forces community – service personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and military families – for all they do to keep us safe.
Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence announced it would provide up to £500,000 of funding for Armed Forces Day celebrations across the country.
The events – a map of which can be found here – help deliver on the Strategic Defence Review’s call for a whole-of-society approach to defence, strengthening the bonds between society and our Armed Forces.
Almost 10,000 Armed Forces members live and work in Scotland, and the defence sector directly supports nearly 12,000 jobs in the country. Approximately 176,000 veterans live in Scotland.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:“I welcome the whole country uniting for Armed Forces Day to show our support for currently serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.
“Scotland plays such a vital role in the UK’s defence and I am appreciative, and deeply proud of, our service personnel. Their professionalism and bravery to keep us and our allies safe are rightly respected worldwide.
“The UK Government is renewing the country’s contract with our military personnel through initiatives such as a new housing strategy which will make homes fit for heroes, delivering the biggest pay rise for personnel in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law. National security is a top priority for the UK Government and we will always stand up for our Armed Forces.”
Armed Forces Day events are hosted every year by local authorities, veterans’ organisations, schools, places of worship, charities and community groups.
The UK Government is determined to ensure British people can take pride in their communities and enjoy safe and vibrant high streets, with community events like Armed Forces Day an important part of British life.
The Government has also increased defence spending to both support local jobs and keep families safe in an uncertain world.
Scotland is home to the UK’s military shipbuilding industry in Rosyth and the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, which is based at HM Naval Base Clyde.
RAF Lossiemouth operates the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert, which scrambles Typhoon fast jets to monitor suspicious aircraft in the skies above the UK.
EDINBURGH’S CITY CENTRE PARADE CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY
Serving personnel, veterans and their supporters will parade through St Andrew Square in Edinburgh this weekend at a special event being held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
The celebrations will start from 10.30am on Saturday, June 27, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 12 vintage vehicles from the Scottish Military Vehicle Group.
From there they will follow the route along George Street, reassembling in St Andrew Square where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron, followed by a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.
The public will also enjoy tunes from the Lowland and Highland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.
There will also be static displays of vintage military vehicles throughout the day, and members of the public will be able to see some of the kit and equipment used by our Armed Forces over the years.
Dr. Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that it is a time for unity and appreciation for all those who have served, both past and present, and their families. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces every day, highlighting their dedication and commitment.
Dr. Armstrong said: “We hope this event will be a good opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to reunite acquaintances and comradeship and will also be a fitting tribute to everyone who serves in our Armed Forces and will also recognise the continued sacrifices that our servicemen and women make today.”
She encouraged residents of Edinburgh and beyond to attend the event, show their support, and enjoy a memorable day out.
Dr Armstrong added: “We hope you can come along and help us celebrate the Armed Forces community in our capital city in style, whilst also learning about the valuable work of charities Royal British Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”
The number of students learning an instrument has increased by almost 30,000 since the abolition of fees for music lessons in schools.
A new report shows that annual investment of up to £12 million from the Scottish Government to fund free instrumental music tuition has seen participants increase to more than 70,000 since 2021.
Those involved in Scotland’s Instrumental Music Service believed playing a musical instrument supported better attendance, attainment and behaviour in schools.
The We Make Music Now research findings highlights:
an increase in instrumental music learners from 41,594 in 2020-21 to 70,075 in 2024-25 – around 10.1% of the eligible school roll
highest participation between Primary 5 and S1 pupils in many areas, often attributed to large-scale music-making projects
playing an instrument helped young people with social anxiety and other mental health challenges
music departments are viewed as a “safe space” by learners, where they feel supported within school
The Scottish Government funds Grant Aided Schools and all 32 local authorities to support free instrument tuition. The report identified some challenges, including waiting lists in certain local authority areas, lower representation from more deprived areas and fewer performance opportunities for young musicians in rural areas.
Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Scottish Government has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotland’s schools by funding councils to eradicate unfair charges.
“All children should have the opportunity to take part in instrumental music as a core element of education, without being limited by a family’s ability to pay.
“This report reveals the wide-ranging benefits of providing opportunities to all – not only in developing new skills but in growing confidence, supporting mental health and creating a sense of belonging.
“We will continue to work with COSLA and the music education sector to ensure an inclusive approach to music tuition that addresses potential barriers to participation.”
Chair of the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) Board Ian Mills said: “The We Make Music Now research demonstrates the initial successes of the commitment made to ensure the provision of free instrumental music instruction in schools.
“As well as the successes, there are undoubted challenges and areas for growth raised in the work.
“MEPG looks forward to supporting local authority music services and the Scottish Government in considering the recommendations made in the report to ensure that pupils are gaining maximum benefit from the government’s investment in music.”
Residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposed Firework Control Zones (FCZs) for autumn 2026 as a public consultation gets underway across Edinburgh.
The consultation is seeking views on continuing Firework Control Zones in Corstorphine, Longstone, Sighthill/Broomhouse, Mordeun and The Murrays, as well as introducing new zones in Liberton Grange, Lochend, Stenhouse/Gaskell Street, West Pilton and Wester Hailes.
Firework Control Zones prohibit the use of fireworks within designated areas for a limited period and form part of a wider package of measures designed to improve public safety, reduce anti-social behaviour and support local communities during the fireworks season.
Earlier this year, community groups were invited to apply for Firework Control Zone status in their neighbourhoods. Applications highlighted concerns about the misuse of fireworks, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on animals, older people and other vulnerable residents.
The proposals build on the positive results seen in recent years, with Edinburgh experiencing significantly lower levels of firework-related anti-social behaviour compared with previous years.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Convener of Culture and Communities, said: “We want to hear directly from residents and communities about the areas being considered for Firework Control Zones again this year.
“They are just one of the measures we’re using to improve safety and reduce firework-related anti-social behaviours to make sure our communities can enjoy Bonfire Night in a safe and responsible way.
“I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape our approach for the 2026 fireworks season.”
The consultation will run from Wednesday 24 June until Wednesday 5 August on the Council website.
Biggest update to curriculum in over a decade under way
The most significant reform of Scotland’s curriculum in more than ten years is underway, as the first early samples of new curriculum materials have been shared with councils across the country.
Planned updates to the curriculum, prepared by Education Scotland and co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers, nursery practitioners, and partners through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), will clarify knowledge and progression, making it clearer what children should know, understand and be able to do at every stage of school.
Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for two additional in-service days to be offered during the 2026-27 academic year, to help schools prepare for change.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is driving the single largest update to the curriculum in over a decade.
“The new curriculum will make the place of knowledge and skills clearer. It will drive excellence. It will be taught in schools from August 2028 and it will be benchmarked against international standards.
“The materials shared by Education Scotland this week are a preview ahead of the full draft curriculum framework later this year, as we work with the profession on implementation from August 2028.
“We are proposing additional in-service days to provide teachers the time and support needed to prepare for these changes which will support Scotland’s young people to reach their full potential in our education system.
“These will form part of wider support up to 2028 to ensure teachers can fully engage with the updates and how they can use them in the classroom.”
This Small Charity Week, an Edinburgh chaity has been announced as a finalist for a prestigious national award, recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the small charity world.
Grassmarket Community Project, which supports those furthest from employment, has been nominated for a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award.
The CSJ Awards seek out the top charities nationwide, highlighting those that excel in innovation and effectiveness in the fight against poverty. The diverse panel of judges includes David Gandy, BAFTA-Winning Actor Toby Jones, and past CSJ Award winners along with cross-sector experts that come together to select the winners.
The Awards celebrate the best of the small charity sector who are providing innovative policy solutions to address the root causes of poverty across the UK.
Grassmarket Community Project exists to support people facing multiple causes of poverty in Edinburgh. The charity offers a long-term, strengths-based community for approximately 450 people each year offering mainstream support to build relationships, develop skills, and create pathways to long-term change.
Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the 2026 CSJ Awards. At Grassmarket Community Project, we are an open door to anyone experiencing social isolation and poverty in Edinburgh and beyond.
“We see every day the extraordinary potential that exists when our members are given the opportunity and support to thrive through our huge programme of activities and social enterprises. To be recognised by the Centre for Social Justice is a tribute to them, staff, our volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh.”
Chris Murray MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “‘It is fantastic to see the Grassmarket Community Project named as a finalist for the 2026 CSJ Awards.The Project is a true cornerstone of our community, providing vital space and services that support so many people.
“It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”
Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, said: “While political uncertainty continues at home and global challenges mount, there’s an army of small charities in some of our most deprived communities across the UK quietly rolling up their sleeves and changing lives.
“The CSJ Awards are the Oscars of the small charity sector where we celebrate the very best of those unsung heroes who rarely get the recognition they deserve.
“Today we are proud to announce our twelve 2026 finalists. We will be revealing the winners at our CSJ Awards ceremony in the heart of Westminster this November.”
