Children and young people aged three to 26 will be able to take part in a range of free and low-cost activities thanks to funding from the Summer of Sport initiative in partnership with sportscotland.
Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the programme aims to encourage more children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy the physical, social, and mental wellbeing benefits of participation.
Delivered by the Council, Edinburgh Leisure, the University of Edinburgh, local sports clubs and community organisations, the funding supports free and subsidised holiday and regular activities that began during the summer holidays and are taking place until the end of March 2027.
This includes swimming, tennis, football, rugby and opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs. It will also expand community sport programmes, provide more opportunities in areas experiencing higher levels of poverty, and support young people who are care experienced, unaccompanied, or learning English.
Investment will also help develop the city’s sport and physical activity workforce through new coaching opportunities, qualifications, and training. The investment includes a £170,000 grant for local sports clubs and community organisations to deliver activities for young people at greater risk of poverty.
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to get active, try something new like lawn bowling or cricket and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport.
“Through the Summer of Sport programme, we’re working with partners across Edinburgh to provide more free and affordable opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of local communities.
“This investment will help more young people take part in sport, while also strengthening local partnerships, developing skills and creating a lasting legacy beyond the summer.”
Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to be active, build confidence and develop new skills, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that.
“By working with schools, community organisations, and sports clubs across Edinburgh, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to stay active, make new friends and discover sports they can continue to enjoy for years to come.”
Perrotine Orr, Operations Director of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This investment is helping us create more opportunities for children and young people across Edinburgh to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“We have already seen strong engagement throughout the summer, and the real opportunity now is to build on that momentum over the coming months.
“By continuing to provide free and affordable activities until March 2027, we can help more young people develop confidence, make connections, improve their wellbeing and establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.”
Pharmacist warns arrival of oral GLP-1 treatments could give patients more choice, but may also create opportunity for counterfeit sellers
The arrival of daily GLP-1 weight-loss tablets could change how thousands of people access weight-management treatment, particularly those previously put off by injections.
But a UK pharmacist is warning that the growing market for weight-loss pills could also create a new opportunity for counterfeiters, with tablets potentially easier to disguise, package and sell online than injectable pens.
Foundayo, the brand name for orforglipron, has been approved in the UK for weight management and type 2 diabetes and is expected to become available privately.
Developed by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind Mounjaro, Foundayo has already been dubbed the “Mounjaro pill”. However, the two are different medicines. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is administered as a weekly injection, while Foundayo contains orforglipron and is taken as a daily tablet.
Sobia Qasim, Superintendent Pharmacist at UK online pharmacy Curely, says the development could be significant for patients who have previously avoided GLP-1 treatment because of injections. She said: “For some people, the biggest barrier to considering weight-loss medication isn’t necessarily the treatment itself. It’s the fact that it involves injecting themselves.
“Having an oral option could make GLP-1 treatment feel much more accessible to people who are uncomfortable with needles or simply prefer taking medication as a tablet.
“But increased demand also creates an opportunity for illegal sellers. We’ve already seen counterfeit weight-loss injections circulating, and tablets could present a different challenge because people are much more accustomed to receiving pills through the post.”
Why weight-loss tablets could become a target for counterfeiters
The MHRA has repeatedly warned consumers about fake and illegally supplied weight-loss medicines.
Almost £45 million worth of illegal medicines were seized in the UK during 2025, while counterfeit GLP-1 products discovered previously have contained incorrect ingredients, no active medicine and, in some cases, potentially dangerous substances.
In February 2026, the MHRA also confirmed that a falsified version of a Mounjaro injection had been supplied through an online pharmacy in the UK.
Sobia says the shift towards tablets could make it even more important for patients to check where their medication is coming from: “A tablet may instinctively feel less suspicious than an injection because we’re used to seeing medicines in bottles and blister packs.
“That familiarity can create a false sense of security. A professional-looking box, blister pack or website does not prove that a medicine is genuine.
“Counterfeiters can reproduce colours, logos, packaging and batch information extremely convincingly. The most important checks are around who prescribed the medicine and who supplied it.”
Seven signs a weight-loss pill could be fake
Sobia says consumers should be particularly cautious if:
It is being sold through social media messages
Prescription weight-loss medicines should not be bought through private messages, marketplace listings or informal social media accounts.
There is no medical consultation
A regulated provider should assess your health, current medicines and eligibility before prescribing treatment.
The seller guarantees a specific amount of weight loss
Individual results vary. Guaranteed outcomes should immediately raise questions about the provider.
You are pressured to buy quickly
Countdown timers, “limited stock” claims and urgent payment requests can discourage people from checking whether a seller is legitimate.
The price seems unusually cheap
A significantly lower price may indicate that a product is fake, unlicensed, incorrectly stored or illegally obtained.
The tablets arrive loose or in unfamiliar packaging
Prescription medicines should arrive appropriately sealed and labelled with dosage and patient information.
You cannot identify the registered pharmacy supplying it
Consumers should be able to establish which pharmacy is dispensing their medication and verify its registration with the appropriate UK regulator.
The pill won’t necessarily replace weight-loss injections
Despite excitement around oral GLP-1 treatments, Sobia says patients shouldn’t assume tablets will automatically be a better choice than injections.
“The biggest development isn’t that tablets are replacing injections. It’s that patients are gaining another option.
“Convenience means different things to different people. Someone who already takes daily medication may find a tablet incredibly straightforward. Someone else may prefer having to think about their treatment only once a week.
“Treatment suitability goes far beyond whether someone would prefer a pill or injection. Your health, existing medication, ability to follow the treatment and clinical circumstances all need to be considered by an appropriate prescriber.”
Could tablets make travelling easier?
The introduction of oral GLP-1 treatment could also appeal to people concerned about travelling with injectable medication and associated equipment.
Sobia said: “For some patients, travelling with tablets rather than injection equipment may feel simpler and more discreet, particularly when flying or moving between destinations.
“However, that doesn’t remove the usual precautions around travelling with prescription medication. It should remain in its original packaging and patients should always check the specific storage and travel guidance for the medicine they’ve been prescribed.”
What to check before ordering weight-loss medication online
Before purchasing any prescription weight-loss treatment online, Curely recommends checking that the provider requires a genuine clinical assessment, uses an appropriately qualified prescriber and dispenses medication through a registered UK pharmacy.
Patients should also be asked about existing health conditions and medication, receive clear dosage and safety information and have access to ongoing professional support.
Sobia said: “The checks around the medicine are just as important as the product itself.
“Who prescribed it? Was a proper consultation completed? Which registered pharmacy supplied it? Can you contact a healthcare professional if something goes wrong?
If those questions cannot be answered clearly, do not take the medication.”
What to do if you think a weight-loss medicine is fake
Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit or suspicious medication should avoid taking another dose until they have spoken to a pharmacist or doctor.
Consumers should keep the packaging, receipt and details of the website or seller. Suspected counterfeit medicines and adverse reactions can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Sobia added: “People may feel embarrassed if they’ve bought medication from an unofficial seller, but healthcare professionals need to know exactly what may have been taken so they can provide the right treatment.
“Do not throw the packaging away and don’t assume feeling unwell is simply a normal side effect. With an unregulated product, there is no reliable way to know what it contains or what dose has been supplied.
“As more weight-loss treatments become available, patients will have more choice, which is positive. But whichever format someone chooses, the safest route remains a properly regulated service offering clinical assessment, genuine medication and ongoing professional support.”
EDINBURGH Leisurecan confirm that, due to late unforeseen circumstances, the reopening of Wester Hailes High School will be delayed.
The previous information issued regarding the reopening date is no longer correct and should be disregarded.
Edinburgh Leisure had previously announced that refurbished leisure facilities at the school would reopen Tuesday 1 September, giving people in the surrounding area increased local access to sport, leisure and wellbeing.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of its wider investment in the community campus, the refurbishment will improve a valued local facility and provide expanded access through a seven-day programme of gym, swimming and fitness activities.
The refurbishment forms part of the wider City of Edinburgh Council project to deliver a new Passivhaus-standard secondary school adjacent to the existing site, which is due to open later this year.
Edinburgh Conservative Group says nobody is surprised by where the Greens and SNP stand on immigration — the real story is that the Liberal Democrats supplied the votes needed to get the motion through
A Green Party motion to pass a Council position stopping action supporting illegal immigration enforcement was passed at Thursday’s Full Council only after the Liberal Democrats struck a deal with the Greens, who accepted part of a Lib Dem amendment in order to secure their support. The SNP group also backed the motion.
Labour’s administration moved a position of no action, which the Conservative Group supported.
Without Liberal Democrat votes, the motion would not have passed.
Cllr Iain Whyte, Leader of the Edinburgh Conservative Group, said:“Nobody is surprised that the Greens and the SNP voted the way they did on this — everybody knows where they stand on immigration, with an open-borders approach that is completely out of step with public opinion.
“What will shock people is that it was the Liberal Democrats who made this happen. Faced with a motion to stop Council action supporting enforcement against illegal working, trafficking and modern slavery, they didn’t block it — they negotiated with the Greens to help pass it.
“Most migration raids target illegal working, a crime that harms the vulnerable people caught up in it, from exploitative practices through to human trafficking and modern slavery, often run by serious organised crime groups.
“This week a retired senior police firearms commander wrote to me describing a single joint operation that had targeted over 50 business premises across Scotland, involving criminals with access to firearms and links to people trafficking. That is the reality the Liberal Democrats have chosen to make harder to tackle.
“Labour, to their credit, found the resolve at the last minute to back their own UK Government’s policy and support our call for no action. The Liberal Democrats did not. They have shown themselves willing to row in with the Greens on this issue, and voters in Edinburgh will draw their own conclusions.”
The Conservative Group is calling on the Liberal Democrats to explain why they chose to help pass the motion rather than back a straightforward no-action position, and will press for any policy brought back to Council to preserve enforcement against illegal working, trafficking, exploitation and organised people smuggling.
Despite the SNP having the biggest number of councillors, The City of Edinburgh Council is currently led by Labour through support by the Lib Dems (who hold more seats than Labour) and the Conservatives. A wee family spat in the run up to next week’s by-elections, maybe? – Ed.
Water Quality Regulator says “Scotland’s drinking water remains amongst the best in the world, but improvement is required to reduce avoidable incidents’’
Scotland’s drinking water is world class, with more than 99.9% of tests meeting regulatory standards.
But the Drinking Water Quality Regulator says a rise in avoidable incidents and complaints about discoloured water shows that further improvements are needed to maintain public confidence.
David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator said: “Whilst consumers can remain confident that Scotland’s drinking water is safe and of a very high quality, too many short-lived incidents that affect customers could have been prevented, and that’s an area where I need to see real improvement.
‘’Consumers rightly expect their tap water to look, taste and smell good. While the vast majority receive excellent quality drinking water every day, incidents of discoloured water continue to affect some customers. Addressing this issue is important to maintaining public trust and confidence in Scotland’s drinking water supplies’’.
The report, covering Drinking Water Quality in Scotland during 2025, states that a total of 137,947 regulatory tests were carried out on samples taken from consumers’ taps, and 99.88% of these met the required standards. This is a slight reduction in performance compared to 2024.
22 out of 62,134 tests on samples of water leaving water treatment works failed to meet standards which is comparable to recent years.
Scottish Water received 17,558 complaints from consumers about the quality of their drinking water in 2025 which is a 5% increase on 2024. Most of these complaints were in connection with the supply of discoloured water.
The number of water quality incidents requiring detailed investigation by the DWQR during 2025 was 36, compared with 34 in the previous year, a figure the Regulator considers too high.
A full copy of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2025 is available at www.dwqr.org.uk
Hundreds of Asian artists from dozens of Fringe shows gathered at the City Chambers this week for the Asian Art Awards 2026.
With so much international talent on the Fringe programme it was no surprise that 2026 was another vintage year and, with the majority of winners still in town to collect their awards in person, there is still time to see most of them. The awards were presented by Richard Lewis, Chair of the Asian Art Fund Scotland and Chris Snow, Head of Artist Services at the Fringe, in partnership with WU Asia Pacific.
The irresistible “2Shoulderpads: Galaxy Train” from Japan (pictured above) won Outstanding Show for their zany poetic musical based on Japanese classical literature. Their only costume is … two shoulder pads each. “The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half” (pictured) were one of the runners up, winning over the reviewing team with their talent, upbeat attitude and message of Peace.
It was also a strong year for Scottish representation. The Outstanding Youth Show award was won by Our Town Needs a Nando’s with the all-Scottish and all-female cast bringing tremendous energy and fun to the stage.
Scottish Tamil actress Lovely Selwyn burst into tears on receiving her award, exclaiming “this is our Oscar”! Outstanding Drama award was won by Tether with a cast from Scotland and Korea while the Outstanding Children’s Show award was won by “Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy)” from Vietnam but with one of the three cast members originally from Scotland.
Finally, a Highly Commended award was received in the Youth category by the Edinburgh-based Nikkan Dance Academy for their show “Kahi: The Inner Us – Explore the Soul”, bringing traditional Indian dance to the Fringe.
Japanese Grandma Funeral starring Japanese American Kento Morita won best comedy, while the Outstanding Individual Performance was won by Cheeyang Ng from Singapore with Legendary, a musical seamlessly blending Chinese mythology and queer legacy. Outstanding Dance Show was won by Samurai and Oiran of Japan.
The Asian Arts Special Award was won by The Lady Prince Consort, a classic Chinese opera about a young wife who disguises herself as a man (Mulan-style) to save her husband, with (almost) tragic consequences. Although performed in Mandarin with subtitles, it was both beautiful and hilariously funny, and sadly only played for one night at the Queens Hall.
The Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe have been running since 2014 with a vision of bringing Asian artists together to celebrate and promote their talents. At a time of rising tensions between east and west, art plays a vital role in bringing nations and communities together.
The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, Underbelly and The Palestinian Circus with Medical Aid for Palestine (Palestine)
YOAH, Underbelly, Cirquework and Cluster Arts (Japan)
Outstanding Musical or Comedy Show
Winner: Japanese Grandma Funeral, Kento Morita. (USA)
Highly Commended:
Hater, Brava Guava, UK
Olivia Xing: Baby of Colour., Olivia Xing. (China)
Outstanding Dance Show
Winner: Samurai and Oiran, Asakusa Kaguwa (Japan)
Highly Commended:
Strange Tales from Liaozhai, Yuerge Dance Theatre / Shanghai International Dance Center Theater. (China)
Outstanding Drama
Winner: Tether, Wonder Fools and Theatre SAN (Scotland/Republic of Korea)
Highly Commended:
LANDSFRAU, Doris Crea Collective (Performed by Mariann Yar) (Germany)
Olympic Hopefuls, in vivo Productions (USA)
Why English?, Vibhinna Ramdev (India)
Outstanding Youth Show
Winner: Our Town Needs a Nando’s, Hot Mess Productions (Scotland)
Highly Commended:
Kahi, The Inner Us – Explore the Soul, Nikkan Dance Academy, (India/Scotland)
Outstanding Children’s Show
Winner: Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy), Lang Spot Vietnam (Vietnam)
Outstanding Individual Performance
Winner: Cheeyang Ng, Legendary(Singapore)
Highly Commended:
Seonju Jang, The Renaissance of Spring: Samsara and Shroop Directed and Choreographed by Yu-mi Kim. Jajack Movement and the Art Support & Incubation Dept., GGCF (Republic of Korea)
Emma Tsoi, He Wants Kids, She Doesn’t, BF Productions. (Hong Kong)
Aarushi Agni, EMOJI: The Hieroglyphs Of Our Time…. (USA)
Asian Arts Special Award
Winner: The Lady Prince Consort Anqing Zaifen Huangmei Opera Theatre (China)
Highly Commended:
R/evolution(s), Dance Base Yokohama/Conan Amok (Japan)
Also shortlisted was The Princess Gives Her Lover a Sword by Guangdong Chao Opera Institute (China)
For further information please contact organiser Asha Trivedy of Asian Art Fund Scotland via contact@asianartfundscotland.org and 07511209053 or trustee Jim Orr on 07718 666452.
Collective Gala is a free family-friendly day of celebration with creative activities for all ages. Explore newly commissioned artworks and performance by Scottish artists, join behind-the-scenes tours, shop with local makers, and enjoy creative play sessions for children.
The day will culminate in a celebratory procession inspired by Gala traditions. Saturday, 5th of September, from 11 am to 4.30 pm. FREE ENTRY!
Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment
Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed.A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.
It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.
The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.
“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”
Residents and colleagues from an Edinburgh care home have strengthened their partnership with a local bowling club.
Leith Bowling Club, one of the oldest bowling clubs in Edinburgh was the proud recipient of sponsorship from Forthland Lodge Care Home’s community fundraising kitty. The support is part of the Meallmore-operated care home’s ongoing commitment to backing local organisations and maintaining strong links with the surrounding community.
The sponsorship will help support the club while boosting connections, creating opportunities for residents to continue visiting, get involved and enjoy time with people from the wider community.
In recognition of the donation, residents and colleagues were invited along to the club to see the sponsorship board and experience a sunny afternoon at the club.
Wendy Forbes, Care Home Manager at Forthland Lodge said: “Leith Bowling Club is a natural partnership for Forthland Lodge as we already have close ties established.
“Connections like these are about much more than simply getting out for the afternoon. Staying involved with familiar local places, clubs and community groups can help residents maintain relationships, enjoy shared interests and continue to feel part of the area they call home.
“We had a wonderful time at the bowling club unveiling the new sponsorship board. Our residents enjoyed spending time in the sunshine and catching up with members of the club. We very much look forward to more frequent visits in the year ahead.”
Dean Gilfether, Member at Leith Bowling Club said:“We’re thrilled to welcome Forthland Lodge as a sponsor of our club.
“Their support means a great deal to us and will help ensure we can continue to maintain our facilities, support our members, and encourage more people in the local community to take up the sport.
“Forthland Lodge is a fantastic supporter of local activities, and we’re proud to be strengthening our ties with such a well-respected part of our community. A huge thank you to the team for their generosity – we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership, with plenty of resident visits in the mix!”
Situated in Restalrig, Forthland Lodge offers a selection of high-quality ensuite rooms equipped with modern conveniences. Run by one Scotland’s most trusted health and social care providers, Meallmore Ltd, it provides excellent standards of care for its residents.
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
