An hour-long collection of episodes from the global TV phenomenon Bluey will be arriving at cinemas in Edinburgh just in time for the Easter holidays, on Friday 27th March.
Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection is an hour-long cinema experience featuring eight episodes from across the hit TV show’s three series, all celebrating play, friendship and family. The compilation brings together some of Bluey’s most beloved games, including Shadowlands and Octopus, while spotlighting special moments of friendship in episodes such as Circus and Slide, and delivering plenty of joy, laughter and big-screen fun for audiences of all ages.
Bluey first arrived on-screen in Australia in 2018 and has since become a household name, proving popular with audiences across the globe. Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection builds on the success of previous theatrical compilation releases in the UK, Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection (August 2024) and Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection (May 2025).
Johnny Carr, Head of Event Cinema and Distribution at Vue Lumière, said: “Bluey has become a true event for family audiences, and we’re delighted to be continuing our collaboration with BBC Studios and Piece of Magic on this new collection.
“The success of previous releases across the UK, Ireland and Europe shows how much families love experiencing Bluey on the big screen, and Playdates with Friends Collection is a joyful next chapter.”
To find out more, including to book tickets, visit your local cinemas website.
Cinemas in Edinburgh where you can see Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection:
A nine-year-old girl from Edinburgh who decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon Festival junior 2K in support of her dad while he was awaiting a liver transplant, is celebrating as he has now received his life-saving transplant and she has smashed her fundraising target with two months to go!
Jessica Elliot’s dad, Calum, was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis when he was 12. His condition was controlled with medication, and it didn’t stop him pursuing a career in professional football.
It was last year, while he was manager of League Two’s Bonnyrigg Rose, that he began to develop other symptoms such as jaundice and extreme fatigue and at his wife, Lindsay’s insistence, he consulted his doctor and was referred for tests.
These revealed that he now also had another rare liver condition, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and within months he was on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
“This came as a huge shock,” says Lindsay. “This was a fit man who had spent his whole life in sport. Being listed for an organ transplant at the age of 38 was not something which had ever crossed our minds.
“We had to let the children, Jessica nine, Olivia eight and seven-year-old Calum Jr, know why daddy was spending so much time in hospital without worrying them, so we explained that his liver was making him poorly and he needed a new one. It was Jessica’s idea to do the Edinburgh 2K in support of her dad. She’d done it last year and really enjoyed it, so she said she wanted to do it again but ‘for livers this time!’
“At the time, we were getting a lot of useful information from the British Liver Trust, both regarding Calum’s condition and his forthcoming transplant, so raising money for the charity sounded like a brilliant idea.
“The last few months have been a real rollercoaster. We had three calls to tell us that a donor liver had been found for Calum, but when we got to hospital, for various reasons the surgery could not go ahead. Finally in January, we got the call we’d been waiting for. The transplant took place and after some initial rejection, it looks like it has been a success, so life is slowly returning to normal. We will forever be grateful to that family who made such a generous decision at such a difficult time.
“It’s great knowing that Jessica’s fundraising will help other families who find themselves in this situation. She was initially so nervous that she wasn’t going to meet her £500 target, but she doubled it in her first day. Now we’re up to £1280 and it’s still climbing! She’s so proud and excited, she can’t wait for the race now.
“And having seen the transformation in her daddy over the past few weeks, she tells us she wants to be a liver surgeon when she’s older, so watch this space!”
Dan Painter, Public Fundraising Manager at British Liver Trust, commented: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health.
“But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that. Jessica is an absolute star for taking on the Edinburgh 2K and raising such a fantastic amount.
“We’re so grateful to her and we hope that she had her family really enjoy the day!”
Some voters in England’s May local elections to cast their ballot in a shopping centre and on weekends as part of plans to make voting easier
Some voters in England will be able to cast their ballot in a shopping centre and on weekends as part of plans to make voting easier and more convenient for people during May’s local elections.
The way we vote at the polling booth has not changed since 1872. Four areas are taking part in new pilots which will give people more choice over where and when they vote, by turning popular venues into polling booths and letting people vote before polling day.
In Milton Keynes, voters can have their say in the city’s main shopping centre – centre:mk – rather than being restricted to a single designated polling station. This could eventually be rolled out across the country in future elections along high streets and in town centres.
People in Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells and North Hertfordshire will be able to cast their vote in person ahead of the election, including on the weekend. This will stop people being limited to just one polling day.
Voters in these places will be able to visit central buildings across their area at a time that suits them, such as the Guildhall in Cambridge’s city centre.
This will make voting more convenient, accessible and efficient for local people – and could eventually happen in all UK elections.
Minister for Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “The way we vote in person has not adapted to people’s busy lives, with voters often given no choice but to cast their ballot at strictly set polling stations within limited hours.
“Our trials will make polling days more convenient and test out the first real changes for over 100 years, bringing our democracy into the 21st century.”
Further plans for future pilots could include mobile voting stations that travel to different locations, potentially including care homes, universities, or community centres. Other plans could include voters casting their vote at any polling station within the local authority area rather than being restricted to a designated location.
At the same time the integrity and security of the UK’s voting system will continue to be protected, with participating local authorities using existing safeguards, and robust technology, with strong support from the government throughout.
Local authorities will continue to operate traditional polling stations alongside the new options, and people will still be able to vote by post or proxy, meaning voters can choose the method that works best for them.
This comes alongside the government’s landmark Representation of the People Bill which reduces barriers to participation including a landmark change to give votes to 16 year olds, along with tougher rules on political donations to tackle risks around foreign interference in our democracy.
Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said: “These pilots are a great start to exploring different ways to offer electors greater choice about when and where they cast their vote.
“Weekend and early voting, plus voting hubs at places like shopping centres, are used to good effect in many democracies and we hope will also be successful here. Well done to the election teams who have stepped up to take these pilots forward, we look forward to learning from you.”
William Benson, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Tunbridge Wells borough said: “I am very pleased that Tunbridge Wells is part of the pilot scheme. It’s important that every eligible elector uses their vote and three hubs in key locations across the borough will make it even easier.
“Voters can be assured these new arrangements are just as secure as the polling stations they’re used to, and the same helpful staff will be there to guide people through the process.”
Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland said: “Milton Keynes is proud to be leading the way as the UK’s first pilot area for a central voting hub, making it easier and more convenient for people to vote.
“We’re committed to improving democratic participation, and this innovative approach will give residents greater flexibility.”
Melanie Stimpson, Democratic Services Manager and Returning Officer for North Hertfordshire said: “We are very pleased to have been selected to take part in the flexible voting pilots.
“We know that people lead busy lives and face real challenges in finding time to vote. Being able to explore new approaches is important to understand how we can better support of residents and collaborate our Council priorities of thriving committees and accessible services.”
Robert Pollock, Returning Officer for the City of Cambridge: “Cambridge is renowned for science and tech innovation.We want to bring that mindset to test how we can make voting more inclusive and convenient for all our residents.
“We already have higher than average turnout in Cambridge. I’d really like this trial to help us get to over 40% at the May local elections.”
A cross-government group has been established by the Scottish Government to consider the impacts of the ongoing conflict in Iran and the surrounding region for Scotland.
The group’s priorities include ensuring close co-ordination with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on consular support for any Scottish residents living, working or travelling through impacted countries.
It will also provide advice to Ministers on the potential economic impacts of the conflict for people and businesses in Scotland, as well as any steps to be taken to reassure different affected communities around the country.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “People across Scotland will be deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in Iran and the surrounding countries impacted by this conflict.
“At the First Minister’s request, officials across government are working at pace to understand and mitigate any impacts that this conflict may have for Scots at home and abroad. This also includes any steps which can be taken to reassure different affected communities around the country.
“The Scottish Government remains in close contact with the UK Government for updates on this situation as it unfolds. In the meantime it is important to monitor official updates and follow any advice from the FCDO, which has asked British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence, to ensure they receive the latest updates.”
First Minister John Swinney has called for a diplomatic solution to help bring violence to an end amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The First Minister said before the meeting: “I am deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in the aftermath of the United States and Israel’s strikes on Iran.
“At what is a profoundly dangerous and uncertain moment for the region and the wider world, it is essential that all nations abide by the international rules-based system. The events of the last few days do not suggest to me that the United States and Israel have done this.
“This initial action gives rise to an inevitable escalation of the conflict, and the decision of the UK Prime Minister to allow UK military bases to be used by the United States in this operation creates further risks and dangers. It is a matter of real concern that the UK has now been drawn into this conflict and the Prime Minister needs to set out clearly how the risks we now face can be reduced.
“It is unclear what the exit strategy is for this military action or that there has been appropriate planning to ensure stability in the region.
“The dangerous consequences of these strikes are already being felt by civilians, including many Scottish nationals, and underline the need to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution. While that crucial work takes place, we will continue to engage with the UK Government on the support that can be provided to those in the region.
“There can be no doubt that the Iranian government is a brutal, repressive and undemocratic regime which must never have access to nuclear weapons. But the main victims of that regime have been the people of Iran, who are suffering terribly.
“The Iranian people must have democratic rights and should have the opportunity to decide their own future. But history shows us that this is rarely if ever achieved by external intervention – indeed this type of military intervention can often be wholly counterproductive.
“There must be a diplomatic solution to bring this violence to an end. The international community must now come together to ensure de-escalation, an end to hostilities and a return to negotiations. Peace must prevail.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer updated the House of Commons yesterday:
With permission, Mr Speaker, I will update the House on the situation in Iran, the wider region, and the United Kingdom’s response.
The United Kingdom was not involved in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. That decision was deliberate. We believe that the best path for the region is through a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to abandon its aspiration to develop a nuclear weapon and ceases its destabilising activities across the Middle East. That has been the longstanding position of successive British governments.
President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to join the initial strikes. But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, and that is the judgement I made. I stand by it.
However, Mr Speaker, it is now clear that Iran’s outrageous response has become a threat to our partners, to our interests, and to our allies. Iran has lashed out across the region. It has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at countries which did not attack it, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain and Oman. And overnight, Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, carried out further attacks on Israel, seeking to escalate the conflict.
There are an estimated 300,000 British citizens across the region; residents, families, holidaymakers and others, many of whom are currently in airports and hotels where significant disruption is taking place. This is deeply concerning for the whole House and the whole country.
Our Armed Forces have also come under pressure. Last night, at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, an Iranian drone struck within 800 yards of British personnel. Thankfully, there were no casualties.
It is important for me to be clear: our bases in Cyprus have not been used by US forces for offensive strikes. A strike on RAF Akrotiri was not in response to any decision the UK has taken. Our assessment is that the drone was launched before our announcement. Iran’s hostility toward Britain and our interests is long‑standing, which is why our forces are always held at a high level of readiness.
Mr Speaker, it is very clear that the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader has not moderated the regime. In fact, their actions are becoming even more reckless, destabilising and ruthless, deliberately planned to cause destruction not only to military targets but to civilian ones, with no regard for human life. That is the situation we face, and to which we must respond.
I have spoken to our partners, many of whom feel utterly outraged by Iran’s attacks, particularly as they played no part in any strike against Iran. They have asked us to do more to help defend them.
And, Mr Speaker, my highest duty is to protect British lives. For several days now, British jets, Typhoons and F‑35s, have been deployed as part of coalition defensive operations. They have already successfully intercepted multiple threats, including drones heading toward a coalition base in Iraq housing UK personnel. I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our servicemen and women, who put themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe. The whole House will join me in expressing our gratitude.
But it is simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile and drone once they are launched. The only way to prevent these attacks is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or at their launchers.
The United States requested permission to use British bases for that specific, limited defensive purpose. They have the capabilities required to prevent Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike.
To be clear: the use of British bases is strictly limited to agreed defensive purposes. The UK has not joined US offensive operations. Our action is rooted in the principle of collective self‑defence of longstanding friends and in the protection of British lives. We have published a summary of our legal position, which sets this out clearly. We will keep this decision under review.
France and Germany are also prepared to support the US in preventing Iran’s ability to launch further missile and drone attacks. I have been in close contact with President Macron and Chancellor Merz, as well as leaders across the region.
Mr Speaker, the Iranian regime has long brought horror to the world. Its actions have destabilised the region for decades, sponsored terrorism worldwide, targeted British shipping in the Red Sea, and supported Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Here in the UK, Iran has directed threats toward dissidents and the Jewish community. Over the last year alone, Iran-backed plots against people in the UK have been disrupted. We must be clear about the threat that Iran poses.
This is a dangerous moment. Our first thoughts are with British citizens in the region—friends, family members and constituents. I recognise the deep concern felt by those with loved ones caught up in these events.
We are asking all British nationals in the region to register their presence with the FCDO so we can provide them with the best possible support. Across much of the region, airspace remains severely restricted. Local authorities in several countries are advising individuals to shelter in place.
We are deploying rapid‑response teams to support British nationals. We are in close contact with our partners, including in the UAE, given the possibility of British nationals needing to leave from there. We are exploring all options for helping our citizens return home as swiftly and safely as possible. Ministers are also engaging directly with airlines.
We are also in touch with community groups across the UK, including Muslim and Jewish organisations, and we are ensuring that sensitive sites have appropriate security.
Mr Speaker, the situation in the region is evolving rapidly. I will continue to update the House.
We have learned from the mistakes of the past. We were not involved in the initial strikes, and we will not join offensive US strikes. But in the face of Iran’s dangerous escalation, we will defend British nationals and support the collective self‑defence of our allies. That is our duty to the British people.
It is the best way to prevent further escalation, to protect British interests and British lives. That is what this Government has done, and I commend this statement to the House.
Exercise Kukri Dawn firearms training at Murrayfield Stadium
Police Scotland is working with the military as part of a training exercise. Exercise Kukri Dawn, led and managed by the RAF, is taking place from 23 February until 13 March 2026.
It was previously exercised in 2025. One of the objectives is to further improve and test how the military work with the police. Planning for the latest round of exercising and scenario has been ongoing for months.
TODAY (Tuesday 3 March), armed policing will be involved in a firearms training scenario at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.This means the public may see armed police officers and military personnel, as well as military helicopters, arriving at Murrayfield.
The public will also hear blank ammunition being used from around 1.30pm – 2.30pm.
There will be no public access to Murrayfield during this time and nothing will be seen once those involved are placed inside the grounds.
Exercises are a crucial way for different organisations to learn, share knowledge and work well together. It’s important for exercises to be as realistic as possible to fully test a multi-agency response.
The public should rightly expect Police Scotland, alongside other organisations, to practice and strengthen our response to major incidents.
Police are working with the stadium who will be notifying residents in the surrounding area.
March is Endometriosis Action month, a movement to raise awareness of a common condition that has a very big impact on people’s lives.
In our next webinar in our women’s health series, we’re focusing on the condition to better understand what it is, the common symptoms, treatment options and how to have a productive journey to diagnosis or management.
A man has been arrested in connection with a disturbance in the Calder Gardens area, which happened around 8.25am this morning (Monday, 2 March).
Police, including firearms officers, attended after we received reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
The incident is not being treated as terror related.
Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to non life threatening injuries. A man suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed. A woman suffered a laceration to the head, not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon.
Enquiries are ongoing and officers will remain in the area.
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance and patience while we dealt with this incident.
“I understand what happened was alarming for the local community and I want to reassure the public there is no ongoing wider risk. However, if you do have concerns please speak to the officers at the scene or call us on 101.”
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, has paid tribute to the response of emergency services and council staff.
Following an arrest made in connection with the incident in the west of the city earlier today (2 March), Councillor Meagher said: “I was deeply shocked to hear about this morning’s horrific incident in the west of the city.
“I want to pay tribute to council colleagues, Police Scotland and other emergency services for their quick response and to wish the two people who were injured a speedy recovery. This must have been particularly traumatic for them and for those who witnessed the attacks. My thoughts are with them all.
“It’s important to echo the Police’s statement that this was an isolated incident, and the suspect is now in custody. I would urge people not to speculate or share unverified information on social media.
“I fully understand the concern this will cause within the community, and we have contacted local residents’ and other groups to offer our support. This will continue for as long as it’s needed.
“Moments like this remind us of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, at work, on their street and in their neighbourhood.
“Edinburgh is a proud, welcoming and diverse city. Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds – and we all have a part to play in making sure it stays that way.”
Anyone with information or concerns should contact the Police on 101.
New GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub has arrived at Fort Kinnaird
Includes 12 ultra-rapid 400kW-capable EV charging bays
Visitors to Fort Kinnaird can now charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at speed while shopping, thanks to the opening of a new GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub.
Located next to the A1 in Newcraighall, south-east Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird is one of the UK’s largest outdoor retail destinations with over 70 shops, restaurants and leisure options, making it a hugely popular destination for the region.
The new Electric Super Hub features 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, located near Caffè Nero, equipped with the latest 400kW-capable chargers and powered by 100% net-zero carbon energy.
Plug in and the latest electric vehicles will be able to add more than 100-miles of range in less than 10 minutes. To make charging even more convenient, all chargers are available 24/7, accept contactless payment and feature an improved user interface with large screen that displays the vehicle’s real-time charging status.
Electric Super Hubs are a vital part of GRIDSERVE’s nationwide EV charging network, the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, and Fort Kinnaird is one of five retail parks owned by British Land that GRIDSERVE is supporting with the fastest, most reliable and most convenient EV charging provision.
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said:“It’s fantastic to bring ultra-rapid charging to Fort Kinnaird combining speed with convenience.
“This location underlines GRIDSERVE’s commitment to expanding super-fast, reliable EV charging infrastructure across Scotland and the UK, making it easier than ever for EV drivers to charge confidently as part of their everyday journeys.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “Introducing electric vehicle charging at Fort Kinnaird is an important step forward for us.
“More of our shoppers from the local community and beyond are choosing to use EV or hybrid cars, so we need to make it as easy as possible for them to make greener travel choices. It’s about keeping pace with how people want to travel, while doing our bit for the environment.”
£17 million to support workers and communities and create more green jobs
Up to £17 million will be available to help create green jobs, support innovation, diversify energy supply chains, and enable workers to transition into low-carbon roles.
In addition, for the first time, community organisations and social enterprises will be amongst a range of organisations eligible to apply for a guaranteed share from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for the North East and Moray.
The Fund will also include new development grants to help groups strengthen or scale up emerging project ideas and will include:
up to £3 million capital and £1 million resource for community and social enterprise projects – including specific funding to give communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent
up to £10 million for large‑scale commercial projects focused on jobs, skills and economic transition – with a minimum project size of £500,000
up to £3 million to support small and medium enterprises in the oil and gas supply chain diversifying into low‑carbon markets – expanding the provision of the ETZ Supply Chain Challenge Fund
The JTF has invested more than £85 million into 28 projects across the region since 2022 – helping to support hundreds of jobs and companies entering the offshore wind, marine energy and carbon capture sectors.
Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin announced the latest round of JTF funding during a site visit to Verlume LTD, a global leader in subsea batteries and power management systems. The organisation received £2.5 million in the 2025-26 round of the JTF to deliver a fully functional prototype of the world’s first subsea grid-forming battery system.
Ms Martin said: “Since 2022, the Just Transition Fund has supported hundreds of jobs with more than £85 million investment into 28 projects across the North East and Moray. It is just one of the strands of Scottish Government support for the region.
An Expanded Just Transition Fund has reopened with £17 million to boost green jobs, support innovation, and help communities across the North East and Moray to transition to a low‑carbon future.
“This year, we’re making important changes to the funding available based on advice from the Just Transition Commission and the Just Transition Lab. For the first time, community groups and social enterprises will be guaranteed support for larger projects, alongside our continued backing of the Participatory Budgeting Fund which gives communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent in their areas to help address specific local needs.
“We’re also helping communities get ready for future funding by offering development grants. These will support groups who may not otherwise be able to benefit to build the skills and confidence they need to plan and apply for bigger projects in the years ahead.
“We’re also continuing to help the energy sector shift and grow, including funding to support businesses in the supply chain as they adapt. All of this means we can offer wider support to local organisations while creating new jobs and fresh opportunities for people across the North East.
“It’s vital that Scotland’s expertise, innovation, and huge renewable energy potential not only help the planet, but also ensure a fair and inclusive transition for everyone in the North East of Scotland.”
Verlume CEO Richard Knox said: “Support from the Just Transition Fund has been transformational for Verlume, enabling the development of the world’s first grid-forming subsea battery co-located with offshore wind.
“This project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing renewable energy today, grid stability and wind curtailment, while demonstrating how offshore oil and gas expertise can be redeployed directly into the clean energy system.
“Beyond accelerating innovation, the Fund has helped secure and create high-value jobs while allowing us to extensively utilise Scottish suppliers across fabrication, engineering and specialist services, ensuring that the economic value of this project is distributed across the North East Scotland supply chain, not just concentrated within a single company.”
University of Aberdeen Just Transition Lab, Professor Tavis Potts and Professor John Bone said: “The research from the Just Transition Lab has shown that communities need to be at the centre of the transition to the low carbon economy. In ‘Time to Deliver’ and ‘Regional Planning for a Just Transition’ we called for a more transparent approach and a more generous and consistent funding stream, with more emphasis on capacity building.
“The Scottish Government has listened. The ringfenced funding for community and social enterprise projects, including capital and resource costs, is a major improvement and addresses a key shortcoming in previous rounds. The commitment to capacity building ensures that this can support Northeast communities at all stages, fundamental for sharing the benefits of the transition.”
Applications for this bidding round have opened today (2 March).
Applications to the commercial and public sector funding pot will close on 8th May. Applications to the community and social enterprise funding pot will close on 22nd May.
