Category: North Edinburgh News

Queen Elizabeth II’s christening robe, worn by 62 royal babies, to go on display for the first time

The christening robe worn by 62 royal babies, including Queen Elizabeth II, will go on show this April as part of the centenary exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace – a rare appearance that is thought to be the first time the robe has ever been on public display.

Made 185 years ago, the christening robe was first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Princess Victoria, for her christening in 1841. It was then carefully passed down and worn by consecutive generations of royal babies, including by Queen Elizabeth at her christening in May 1926 when she was just one month old.  

The robe is among approximately 200 items from Queen Elizabeth’s fashion archive that will go on display from 10 April in the largest exhibition of her clothing ever staged, charting her style across ten decades.

Its display at The King’s Gallery is especially poignant as the gallery stands on the site of the private chapel at Buckingham Palace where the future Queen was christened, before the chapel was destroyed in the Blitz.

Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said, ‘The christening robe was the most significant garment worn by Princess Elizabeth in her infancy and is an exceptional example of British craftsmanship – something Queen Elizabeth went on to champion throughout her life.

“As the earliest piece of clothing worn by the Queen, and by so many royal babies before and after her, it holds a special place in her wardrobe. We are delighted to be able to share it with as many people as possible in this centenary year.’

Made of cream Spitalfields silk from East London and overlaid with fine Honiton lace made in Devon, the robe was created by Janet Sutherland, Queen Victoria’s Scottish dressmaker and ‘Embroider to the Queen’.

Although the silks used were the finest available at the time – Queen Victoria’s wedding dress had also been made of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace – silk is naturally susceptible to degradation.

The robe became fragile over time, and areas including the central panel, perhaps where little legs may have kicked, had worn thin. Although the robe had been repaired in the 1960s, by 2004, Queen Elizabeth decided it had become too delicate and commissioned an exact replica to be made, which has been worn for every subsequent royal christening.

The original christening robe has undergone 100 hours of careful conservation treatment by Royal Collection Trust’s textile conservator Cecilia Oliver in advance of going on display, with work including meticulous repairs of holes and subtle reinforcements to delicate parts of the fabric.

It was also gently handwashed section by section and was one of the most significant conservation projects of the exhibition.

Visitors will also see a note handwritten by Queen Elizabeth recording some of the babies to have worn the robe – a tradition started by her grandmother Queen Mary, after the robe came into her care from Queen Victoria.

The note reveals the importance of the robe for the Royal Family as an heirloom and symbol of continuity, and will be accompanied in the exhibition by the bonnet, silk satin shawl, sash, bows and ribbons embroidered with national emblems that were also traditionally worn for christenings.

Textile conservator Cecilia Oliver said, ‘The robe has been lovingly cared for over the generations – we even found a note on its box instructing that it be washed in natural spring water after use, which helps explain its remarkable condition despite such frequent use.

“However, after 185 years and 62 christenings, it was in need of conservation. It has been an honour and a privilege to work on such a special historic garment.’

The exhibition opens on 10April with adult price tickets at £22.

As part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Collection, £1 tickets are available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits throughout the exhibition’s run.

Additional concessions are available including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds.

Events

Slow Looking: Conservation of Queen Elizabeth II’s Christening Robe

Tuesday 12 May, 13:00–14:00

Join textile conservator Cecilia Oliver for a free online talk about the conservation of the royal christening robe, accompanied by a guided slow looking exercise.

Armed disturbance in Calder area: Police update

Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “The earlier disturbance in the Calder area of Edinburgh is now contained and there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public.

“The incident is not being treated as terror related.

“Officers were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens around 8.25am.

“Specialist resources, including firearms officers, are in attendance at a property nearby and enquiries are ongoing.

“Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

“I understand this is an alarming incident for the local community. I want to reassure the public, officers will remain in the area as our enquiries continue. Anyone with information or concerns can approach these officers or call us on 101.”

The Eric Liddell Community invites you to Open Day showcasing dementia care and carer support

The Edinburgh-based charity will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7th March, to display its range of dementia care services and carer support programmes.

The Eric Liddell Community will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7 March 2026, inviting local residents to discover the charity’s vital dementia care services and carer support programmes at a special Open Day in Morningside.

With around 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia, and an estimated 1.7 million people providing unpaid care, the need for accessible, compassionate support has never been greater. For decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been a cornerstone of care in Edinburgh, offering specialist dementia day services, practical and emotional support for carers, and a welcoming space for connection and community.

Taking place at the charity’s home on Morningside Road, the Open Day will give visitors the opportunity to explore the vibrant community hub, learn more about its sector leading Dementia Day Care Service, and find out how carers can access dedicated support. Guests can also discover the charity’s open community activities, designed to reduce loneliness and foster meaningful connections.

The event will include guided tours of the building, interactive taster sessions that demonstrate how programmes are delivered, and opportunities to meet the experienced and compassionate team who continue Eric Liddell’s legacy of care.

Jo Wright, Building Operations Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, said: “If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind our stained glass windows, we are delighted to invite you in to see for yourself.

“Our Open Day is a celebration of the incredible work of our team and volunteers, and a chance to highlight the importance of the charity, not just as a care provider, but as a lively community hub helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.”

The Open Day will take place this Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Eric Liddell Community, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP. The event is free to attend, and no registration is required.

To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit: ericliddell.org.

To find out more about the Open Day, please visit:

 https://ericliddell.org/events/the-eric-liddell-community-open-day/ 

Championing Women In The Water At Lost Shore

Celebrate International Women’s Day with all women’s surf sessions and film screenings

This International Women’s Day, Scotland’s pioneering inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort,  is championing women in and out of the water with all-women surf lessons and sessions as well as two film screenings. 

First up on Friday 6th March, Lost Shore is hosting a mini-film premiere and Q&A; ‘In Conversation with Amy Swims’. The evening starts with the premiere of Loch Ness Swim Challenge documentary film, before a Q&A session with the world record ultramarathon swimmer herself, Amy Ennion aka Amy Swims. 

Tickets cost £15 with all profits going to Lost Shore’s affiliated charities; The Wave Project and Inclusive Surfing Scotland, that deliver surf therapy sessions for young people and adaptive surf sessions at Lost Shore, improving lives through surfing.

Then on Sunday 8th March, Lost Shore, recently named the world’s best surf park, is running dedicated all-women lessons for beginners and improvers, plus sessions on the Cruiser and Turns settings. Tickets are priced from £65 which also includes a hot buffet dinner at Lost Kitchen and an evening film screening focused on women in surfing.

Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s MD, said: “From the outset, we’ve wanted Lost Shore to feel welcoming to everyone.

“Creating dedicated space for women to surf together is part of that, whether it’s about feeling more relaxed trying something new or progressing without feeling self-conscious. Time and time again we see the experience is a joyful one!”

For more information and to book a visit or stay, head to www.lostshore.com. 

Artist Gayle Chong Kwan interrogates the history of the scientific canon in major new exhibition

The Great Instauration by British artist Gayle Chong Kwan takes over the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland for the duration of the Edinburgh Science Festival (4 – 19 April). 

Commissioned by Edinburgh Science Festival, Gayle Chong Kwan has created an art installation that brings together contemporary sculpture and reflections on science’s cultural legacy. 

Chong Kwan explored the theme rethinking scientific histories through research into scientific artefacts and archives across eight major collections and through speaking with communities. These included: National Museums Scotland, Wellcome Collection, Wellcome Collection at the Science Museum, Science Museum Collection Centre in Swindon, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, Surgeons Hall Museum Edinburgh, and community gardens in Edinburgh. 

Chong Kwan has explored the history of thescientific canon and the Scientific Enlightenment in Scotland,rethinking science’s stories and reframing who and what gets to be remembered. The artwork focusses in on Scotland’s complex historical connections with slavery, enslaved people, plant and botanical origins of medicine, the University of Edinburgh, medical infirmaries, the advent of geology, and scientific instruments. 

Installed in the Grand Gallery, The Great Instauration is an underground, upside-down world filled with forms hanging from railings and columns.

Large-scale sculptures of scientific instruments are transformed into fantastical roots, hanging fabrics of the geological strata of Edinburgh with archival and painted images, and steel plinths inscribed with lesser-known histories fill the space.

Chong Kwan connects exploitative and extractive histories, the scientific gaze, and roots, upturning the stories that shape our understanding of scientific knowledge and discovery. 

Chong Kwan’s research highlighted how we tend to think of science, the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding and clarity – light to see things we did not understand. 

Dr Gayle Chong Kwan, Artist, said: “I am truly excited to present ‘The Great Instauration’, an installation in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland that explores science as a culturally embedded process shaped by social history, power, and omission.

“I have been inspired by objects and narratives across multiple collections and museums, the history of the scientific canon, and the Scientific Enlightenment. 

“My research included scientific instruments, the botanical origins of medicine, and Scotland’s historical connections with slavery.

“I was interested in how we tend to think of the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding. I have explored histories connected with the theodolite, microscope, thermometer, clock, chronometer, and the telescope. 

“The resulting three-dimensional, surreal sculptural and printed works act as forms of resistance. Developed through archival collage and painting, I was inspired by forms from microscopic slides and medical illustrations, and working through two-dimensional forms, redolent of flattened and sliced scientific specimens.

“The title ‘The Great Instauration’ refers to Francis Bacon’s 17th-century founding text on the scientific method, but this time as a contemporary call to restore and renew perspectives on the complex histories of science.” 

The Great Instauration will form part of the wider exhibition Science Under the Lens, where visitors can experiment with some of the instruments which inspired the installation, make their own versions to take home and play with the science of light. Younger visitors can use art to tell their own science stories, exploring how light works and the power of story in sharing information. 

There will be two tie-events linked to the installation: Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration(Sat 4 Apr) allows visitors to view the installation after hours followed by an in-depth discussion of the process with the artist and experts who assisted with research, and Artist Tour: Dr Gayle Chong Kwan(Fri 17 Apr), presented by Edinburgh Art Festival, where visitors join the artist for a guided tour of the artwork, as she speaks through the artist, material and research process that underpin the commission. 

World’s first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, Edinburgh Science Festival takes over the city during the Easter break, between 4 and 19 April, with a wide range of workshops, talks, exhibitions and much more, aiming to inspire people of all ages to get hands-on with science.  

This year’s theme of Going Global reflects on science as a shared human story: connecting people across countries and continents, joined in scientific breakthroughs and failures, conducting experiments and sharing results.

The Festival goes global while also celebrating the local: universities, laboratories, hospitals, schools and cultural spaces.  

The Great Instauration has been commissioned by Edinburgh Science, developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund, additional funding from the Henry Moore Foundation, and guidance and support from Edinburgh Art Festival, National Museums Scotland, Scottish International Storytelling Festival and Wellcome Collection. 

ESF 2026 A5 programme FINALDownload

Call for greater resourcing as spending to support vulnerable children in Scotland is slashed

  • Spending cut of £1,700 per pupil from 2014/15 for those identified with additional support needs (ASN) – 30.1 per cent cut over a decade.
  • The number of pupils identified with ASN has more than doubled (102 per cent increase) over the same period.
  • A cut of 240 in the number of specialist ASN teachers.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has warned of a potential lost generation of children and young people with ASN, and urged greater resourcing for this group.

ASN includes the likes of autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, and the coalition has urged provision of support for this to be a central issue in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary election campaign. 

The call comes as new figures contained in a parliamentary answer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP, reveal that average additional support for learning (ASL) spend per pupil has been slashed by nearly a third (30.1 per cent) over the last decade.[1]This comes against a perfect storm of escalating numbers of pupils with ASN and cuts in support.

The SCSC is urging the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to increase funding to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people, including greater provision of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, behaviour support staff and classroom assistants.

The figures highlight that average spending per pupil on ASL by local authorities in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £5,504 in financial year 2014/15 to £3,804 in 2024/25 (based on 2024/5 prices). This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £1,700 per pupil, representing a 30.1 per cent drop.

This funding fall is against the backdrop of a 102 per cent increase over the same period in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 140,501 to 284,448, amounting to 127,443 individuals. Those with ASNrepresent more than a third of all pupils (36.7 per cent).2

In parallel with this, there has been a cut of 240 in the number of specialists ASN teachers, from 3,077 in 2014 to 2,837 in 2024.3

A report from Audit Scotland has called on the Scottish Government and local authorities to fundamentally rethink how they plan, fund and staff additional support for learning as part of core school education in Scotland.4

In January 2026, the Scottish Government announced a national review into the provision of ASL, led by the former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, Janie McManus. This will look at how to strengthen delivery, including provision in schools, and how policy is translating into effective practice.5

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is deeply concerning to see cuts to spending that support children and young people with ASN. While there is a record amount of spending in support of those with ASN, this is offset by a dramatic increase in the number of pupils affected, meaning that spending per pupil has been slashed.

“We urge all political parties to make provision for this group a central commitment in their election campaigns.

It is vital that the Scottish Government and local authorities increase resources to expand access to the likes of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, and classroom assistants. Without this investment, we risk a lost generation of children with ASN missing out on the care and support they need, when they need.

“Additionally, proper resourcing is essential if we are to achieve genuine classroom inclusion and close the educational attainment gap. We therefore expect that the national review of ASL provision should address the critical issue of sufficient resourcing.

“The Scottish Government and local authorities must work together to ensure properly funded, consistent support across Scotland for children and young people with ASN — some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

NOTES

[1] Scottish Parliament, Jenny Gilruth MSP Written Answer- S6W-43553, table 5, 20th February 2026. Available at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-43553

2 Scottish Government, Pupil Census 2025 supplementary statistics, table 1.5, 9th December 2025.

3 Scottish Government, Teacher census supplementary statistics 2024, table 6.7, 25th March 2025. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/teacher-census-supplementary-statistics/

4 Audit Scotland, Fundamental review needed of planning and resourcing of additional support for learning, 27th February 2025. Available at: https://audit.scot/news/fundamental-review-needed-of-planning-and-resourcing-of-additional-support-for-learning

5 Scottish Government, Delivering Additional Support for Learning, 15th January 2026. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/news/delivering-additional-support-for-learning/

Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Transforming lives

Equipping people with skills for the industries of the future

As Scottish Apprenticeship Week gets underway, First Minister John Swinney has highlighted the power of apprenticeships to equip the next generation with skills for future jobs and industries – helping grow the economy and tackle child poverty. 

The Scottish Government is investing around £198 million this year to support apprenticeships. This investment is supporting around 25,500 new Modern Apprenticeships in 2025-26 and more than 39,000 Modern Apprentices currently in training. The funding also supports 5,000 new Foundation Apprenticeships and more than 1,200 new Graduate Apprenticeships.

The First Minister said: “Young people are our greatest asset and we are firmly focused on equipping them with skills for the industries of the future. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate how apprenticeships are transforming lives across the country.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in securing positive futures for more of our school leavers. With the wide range of good jobs and careers available, most young people will be able to find something that appeals to them.

“The high-quality, rewarding jobs and careers that apprenticeships offer can support young people to reach their potential and offer a route out of poverty. This in turn helps to lay the groundwork to give the next generation a decent start in life and reduce child poverty, which is my government’s highest priority.

“Investing in jobs and training for the future will also help create a workforce that has the skills needed to boost the public sector and businesses alike, benefitting Scotland’s economy now and for the future. That includes nurturing the skills required for the transition to net zero and other emerging industries.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with industries and employers across the country to maximise the potential of apprentices, and ensure skills are being developed in the best way to help local and national economies to thrive.”

Further Education Minister @BenMacpherson presented the Apprentice of the Year Award at @SkillsDevScot’s annual awards ceremony last week.

The award was presented to Fraser Bruce, who was recognised for developing lifesaving technology for his employer.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week | Celebrating apprenticeships

Complicit: UK gives green light to US bomber flights from British bases

“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request“

STARMER STATEMENT 1st MARCH

Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case.

Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.

They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. 

This is clearly a dangerous situation. 

We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. 

I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.  

I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.

Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions.  

Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.

The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. 

Their approach is becoming even more reckless – and more dangerous to civilians.

Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate.

Not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement.

One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.

But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. 

That is the situation we face today. 

Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it is my duty to protect British lives.  

We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. 

But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source – in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles.

The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. 

We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.

The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives.

That is in accordance with international law. And we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.

We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.

And we will also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.

I want to be very clear: we all remember the mistakes of Iraq. 

And we have learned those lessons. 

We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy – so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region. 

Because that is our duty to the British people.

It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.

St John’s Hospital opens annual volunteer recruitment drive

NHS Lothian is now accepting applications for volunteers to join its team at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

New volunteers, of all ages, will join a team of over 100 at the hospital who support patients through a variety of roles including Ward Helpers, Ward Visitors, Welcome Guides, Meaningful Activity Volunteers, Outpatient Department (OPD) Assistant Volunteers, Volunteer Drivers for Marie Curie, Therapet Visit Support Volunteers and more. 

Agnes Ritchie, Associate Nurse Director in St John’s Hospital, said: “Volunteers are a valued part of the St John’s team – they provide incredible support to both staff and patients, making a difference to people’s lives through their daily acts of kindness, care and compassion.”  

Claire Garton, Voluntary Services Manager, West Lothian said: “Volunteering offers a chance to build your skills, knowledge and experience while also giving back to your community.

“Our volunteers always tell us that their roles are fulfilling, and they make great friends along the way. We are looking for volunteers from many ages and backgrounds and look forward to welcoming you to ‘Team St John’s’.”

Ola, who is originally from Nigeria, moved to the UK in 2023 and started volunteering as a Ward Helper in St John’s. She explains: “I became a volunteer because I wanted to learn more and gain experience in healthcare.

“NHS Lothian felt like the right place to start because of its strong values and commitment to patient care. Volunteering has helped me grow in confidence and strengthen my communication and teamwork skills. I’m proud to play a small part in supporting patient recovery.”

Joe, from West Lothian has been in post as a Ward Visitor Volunteer since June 2023 alongside his full time role. He said: “I came into this role wanting to help others, but I didn’t expect how much it would change me.

“Sitting at the bedside of patients from all walks of life has fostered a deeper sense of empathy, patience, and gratitude. Each conversation, whether light-hearted or deeply personal, serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection.”

To find out more about the volunteer opportunities available across West Lothian visit: https://www.nhslothian.scot/getinvolved/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/

Recruitment opened on Wednesday 25 February and close on Monday 9 March. For an informal chat and to find out more, contact Claire Garton, Voluntary Services Manager at St John’s Hospital on 01506 523 588.