EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT DRUMBRAE LIBRARY THIS WEEK:
This week at Drumbrae Library
Category: North Edinburgh News
Gwen John: Strange Beauties
Gwen John: Strange Beauties
National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two
Open 1 August 2026 til 4 January 2027
Tickets from £14, free for under 18s | Friends go free
Gwen John | Strange Beauties | National Galleries of Scotland
Taking over Modern Two from 1 August, Gwen John: Strange Beauties is the first major exhibition in Scotland devoted to the pioneering painter. Featuring rarely seen drawings and watercolours – many on show for the first time – it offers fresh insight into her quiet yet determined artistic vision.
Tickets are on sale now from the National Galleries of Scotland website, with free tickets for under 18s. This exhibition is not to be missed!
Gwen John’s Young Woman with a Coral Necklace (1910-1920) will go on public display for the first time since 1964, especially for this exhibition in the Scottish capital. The striking painting once belonged to the Scottish artist and Gwen John scholar, Mary Edmond Taubman, who became fascinated with Gwen John’s work as a student while studying at Edinburgh College of Art in the early 1950s.
Taubman became the first person to conduct detailed academic research on the life and work of Gwen John, providing vital insight into what we know of her work today. Young Woman with a Coral Necklace was bought by Taubman from the artists estate, in 1968, and has been generously loaned to National Galleries Scotland by her family, in her memory.
Marking 150 years since the Welsh artist was born, Gwen John: Strange Beauties will offer a fresh new perspective on her exquisite work and lasting legacy. Experience over 200 oil paintings, watercolours, and rarely seen sketches and archive materials across two floors of Modern Two.
Explore Gwen John’s journey from Wales to Paris, where she developed her distinctive, contemplative style. Discover her intimate and meditative portraits, shaped by faith, French modernism and her life in the Parisian suburb of Meudon. This exhibition will be the second stop of a global tour, following a critically acclaimed run at National Museum Cardiff earlier this year, including five stars from The Guardian and The Independent.
Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in 1876, Gwen John studied at the Slade School of Art in London, becoming one of the first generation of women to receive a formal art education, before moving to Paris in 1904 where she led a fiercely independent and creative life. From becoming a muse and model to renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, to modelling for Swiss artist Ottilie Roederstein, Irish sculptor Nuala O’ Donel, German artist Ida Gerhardi and Finnish artist Hilda Flodin.
She later converted to Catholicism, marrying together her faith and her artwork. Gwen John described herself as ‘a seer of strange beauties’, casting herself as a visionary with the ability to see beyond surface appearances. Her attentive way of looking at the world shaped her art, leading her to paint and draw the same subjects repeatedly, each time observing them in a new way.
Today, Gwen John is considered an independent trailblazer, who quietly yet impactfully paved the way for many women artists of the future.
Alongside significant loans will be key works by Gwen John from Scotland’s national art collection. This includes A Young Nun (about 1915-1920) which is part of a series focusing on the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Charity at Meudon, near Paris. The tonal and quietly radiant Portrait of a Girl in Grey, (about 1918 – 1923) another from Scotland’s national art collection, depicting a woman praying, will also be on display.
The exhibition will also delve into Gwen John’s artistic practice, revealing new research about Gwen John’s painting materials and methods. John’s approach to her art was almost scientific, emphasising the importance of close observation and trying to see beyond the surface of things.
The methodical and unique approach she applied to colour theory comes into play too. Gwen John developed a secret coding system for the colour mixtures and tones she used in her paintings – a code which still hasn’t been cracked to this day!
She sought to use colour to create a sense of harmony in her work. From the early 1920s the rich and vibrant colours found in Gwen John’s watercolours appear in her oil paintings, in artworks such as the ‘mulberry dress’ series.
Visitors can also find out about Gwen John’s life with a free to use audio guide and film created especially for the exhibition which discusses her artistic legacy. Archival materials such as the artist’s notebooks and sketchbooks will be also displayed in the Keiller Library in Modern Two, telling more of Gwen John’s story through objects personal to her.
This exhibition has been developed by Amgueddfa Cymru in partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland, Yale Center for British Art, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC.
Gwen John: Strange Beauties is yours to discover at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two from 1 August 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
Travellers Warned to Check Passports as New EU Border Checks Cause Delays
Immigration expert urges travellers to check passport rules before booking, as Europe’s new Entry/Exit System beds in and ETIAS remains unavailable
Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe this summer are being urged to check their passports and travel documents well before they travel, as new digital border checks continue to cause delays and confusion at some European airports.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operating across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave participating countries. The system applies also to British passport holders travelling for short stays and records facial images, fingerprints and passport details at the border.
The warning comes as airports and airlines continue adapting to the new process during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with reports of longer queues and passengers being advised to allow extra time before flights.
Kadmos Immigration, a UK immigration advisory practice, says travellers should treat passport checks as part of their holiday planning, rather than something to think about at the airport.
Helena Sheizon, Founder of Kadmos Immigration, says: ” Some holidaymakers are travelling to Europe as non-EU nationals, and that means the checks are different from what many people remember before Brexit.
“The biggest mistake families can make is assuming nothing has changed. If your passport doesn’t meet the entry requirements, or you haven’t allowed extra time for the new border procedures, your holiday can be disrupted before it has even begun.”
Why Brits may face longer airport queues this summer
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays. For British travellers, this means entry and exit records are now stored digitally rather than through passport stamps.
First-time users of the system may be asked to provide biometric information, including a facial image and fingerprints. While this only takes a few minutes per person, processing times can increase significantly during busy periods, particularly for families or large groups arriving together.
Several airlines have already advised passengers travelling to parts of Europe to arrive earlier than usual while airports continue adjusting to the new procedures.
Sheizon explains: “For most holidaymakers there is no reason to panic, but there is every reason to prepare.
“If you’re travelling with children, elderly relatives or anyone who may need additional assistance, it’s sensible to build in extra time. The new system is designed to strengthen border security, but during its first busy summer season it can also create queues if travellers aren’t expecting the additional checks.”
The passport rule still catching British holidaymakers out
Kadmos Immigration is also warning British travellers to check both the issue date and expiry date on their passport before travelling to Europe.
For travel to the EU and wider Schengen area, a British passport generally must:
- Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry.
- Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
This continues to catch out travellers with older UK passports, particularly those renewed before September 2018, when unused validity could be carried over onto a new passport.
Sheizon says: “Many people only look at the expiry date, but for travel to Europe that isn’t enough.
A” passport can still appear valid, but if it was issued more than 10 years before the date you enter the Schengen area, you could be refused boarding or entry. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid, provided you check early enough.”
ETIAS is still not in force and travellers should ignore unofficial websites
Kadmos Immigration is also reminding travellers that ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming travel authorisation scheme, has not yet launched.
Despite widespread discussion online, British travellers do not currently need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe. Reports suggest the system is now expected to launch later than originally anticipated, meaning travellers should continue relying only on official government advice for updates.
Sheizon says: “One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between EES and ETIAS.
“EES is already operating at the border. ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation system that has not yet launched.
“If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS today, that should immediately raise alarm bells. Until the EU officially opens applications, British travellers don’t need to buy anything.”
What British holidaymakers should check before travelling
Kadmos Immigration recommends checking the following before booking or travelling:
- Your passport was issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the Schengen area.
- Your passport remains valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave.
- Your destination is part of the Schengen area and subject to EES checks.
- You allow extra time at the airport or border crossing.
- You follow your airline’s latest advice on recommended arrival times.You avoid paying unofficial websites for ETIAS before it officially launches.
- Children’s passports have been checked separately, as they expire sooner than adult passports.
- Your passport details exactly match your travel booking.
Sheizon adds: “The safest advice is simple: check your passport before you book, not the night before you fly.
“People spend weeks comparing flights and hotels, but something as simple as passport validity can stop a holiday before it starts. Spending five minutes checking your documents now could save hours of stress later.”
Why this matters this summer
Millions of British holidaymakers are expected to travel to popular destinations including Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and Italy over the coming weeks.
Kadmos Immigration says the vast majority of travellers will have no problems, but the introduction of digital border checks means preparation is now more important than ever.
Sheizon concludes: “Most people will still enjoy their European holiday exactly as planned, but the margin for error is smaller than it used to be.
Since Brexit, British travellers are subject to different entry requirements, and the move to digital border checks is another reminder that immigration rules now form part of holiday planning, even for a short break.”
Stop Motion Animation workshop for children at Granton Library
FRIDAY 24th JULY from 2.30 – 3.30pm
Aged 7-12 and looking for amazing art activities to take part in? This animation workshop will be amazing and we can’t wait to see the results!
Places are limited so please let us know if you want to come either by phone or booking on eventbrite:
Letter: Failing Our Children
Dear Editor
Recent statistics indicating that 12,402 pupils have missed at least half of the school year—enough to fill almost 400 classrooms—should concern us all.
While we support mainstream education wherever appropriate, it can only succeed if schools have the staff and specialist support to make inclusion for those with additional support needs (ASN) meaningful.
More than two out of five (43 per cent) of Scotland’s pupils are now identified as having an additional support need, with numbers more than doubling over the past decade. Yet the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen. Additionally, as the number of those with ASN experiencing greater complexity of need increases, special school provision may be required, yet the number of such schools has declined.
The link between unmet additional support needs and poor attendance is clear. Too many families are waiting for support while schools struggle with shortages of specialist teachers, classroom assistants, educational psychologists and mental health professionals.
Identifying children with ASN is only the first step. They must receive the timely support needed to attend school, achieve their potential and avoid poorer educational and mental health outcomes.
Scotland urgently needs greater investment to deliver genuinely inclusive education. Without it, we risk failing not only children with ASN and their families, but every pupil and teacher in Scotland’s classrooms.
Yours faithfully
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School
Lynn Black, LOVE Care
Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius
New exhibition explores the past, present and future of North Bridge
As part of the City Art Centre’s free Summer Exhibition programme, we tell the story of the iconic North Bridge through film, historic artworks and objects uncovered during its recent restoration.
Running from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 13 September 2026, Study for North Bridge is a new film by artists Rachel McBrinn and Jonathan Webb. Created during the bridge’s restoration, it offers a fresh perspective on one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks ahead of its reopening in August.
Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the North Bridge restoration programme, the film explores not only how the bridge has been repaired, but also how we care for and remember the places that shape our city.
Following the restoration as it unfolds, the film combines real-life footage with imagined scenes to ask how today’s events become tomorrow’s history. Through the voice of a fictional art historian looking back from the future, it encourages visitors to think about how stories are recorded, preserved, and retold over time.
The title, Study for North Bridge, refers to the sketches artists often make while developing a final work. In the same way, the film focuses on the work in progress rather than the finished bridge, revealing the people, processes and hidden details that are normally out of sight.
Alongside the film, visitors can see original pieces removed from the bridge during restoration, displayed with paintings and other artworks from the City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art Collection that show North Bridge over the past 300 years.
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of guided walking tours, delivered in partnership with Invisible Cities.
Beginning and ending at the City Art Centre, the tours explore the people, places and stories that have shaped North Bridge, bringing the exhibition to life in the streets around it.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most important civic landmarks and has connected communities across the city for more than 130 years.
“As we look forward to the bridge reopening this summer, this exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to reflect not only on the engineering achievement of its restoration, but also on the stories, memories and meanings attached to the structure.”
Wild Fire on Arthur’s Seat
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain in attendance at a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat.
A spokesperson said last night: “We were alerted at 6.38pm on Sunday, 19 July to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting an area of grass.
“There are no reported casualties and crews remain at the scene.”
Ice cream maker launches charity grant to mark milestone anniversary
Angus, Karin, Kirstin and Mac
CHARITIES and community groups across the country are being invited to apply for a share of a £40,000 fund, set up to mark 40 years of Mackie’s making ice cream on the family farm in Aberdeenshire.
The Mackie’s of Scotland Charity Grant will award three organisations with a £10,000 grant through an application process, while a further ten will be awarded £1,000 donations through a staff-led selection process.
Charities and community groups supporting young people, strengthening communities, promoting wellbeing, protecting the environment or delivering vital services to those who need them most are being encouraged to apply.
Mac Mackie, Chairman at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “Forty years ago, we started making ice cream on the farm and the support of our local community has been central to the business’ growing success ever since.
“Mackie’s has always supported local causes and the community, but as we celebrate this milestone, we wanted to find a way to link it to our giving something back and our continued commitment to charities and communities across the country.”
Applications for one of three £10,000 grants can be submitted via the Mackie’s website by charities, with groups invited to share details of the work they do, the people they support and how the funding would help them make an even greater impact.
The ten £1,000 donations will be selected separately, with Mackie’s staff nominating charities and organisations close to their hearts.
Mac added: “Whether it’s a small local group or a charity supporting families right across the country, we know £10,000 or £1,000 can make a real difference. We can’t wait to see the applications come in and find out more about the incredible work taking place across the UK.”
The Mackie’s Charity Grant is the latest in a series of community-focused efforts by the ice cream maker, including its ongoing support for NHS Grampian and The Archie Foundation.
With the first ice cream tubs made on the family farm in 1986, Mackie’s has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium ice cream brands and Scotland’s best-selling (KantarWorldPanel, volume), while staying rooted in its Aberdeenshire community, where it still makes all of its ice cream and chocolate.
Charities have until 21st August to submit their applications for the £10,000 grants.
To find out more and to apply, please visit the Mackie’s of Scotland Charity Grant webpage.
Man sentenced following series of violent and sexual offences
A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.
Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (17 July, 2026).
He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.
“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.
“Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”
Growing Together Course for Community Gardeners
We are running a course this year for folk who want to: train as a community gardener, establish a community garden, work on a community farm etc.
It is free for Edinburgh residents and will run from September to March.
The Growing Together Course is a new venture of Edible Estates working in partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, and a range of community gardening and community farming organisations in Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is funded by the Local Growth Fund to support the green transition and employability.
The course will run from the start of September to the end of March 2027, it will be a part‑time (seven hours/week), training programme that combines hands‑on placements with community gardens and farms, with structured learning in working with people and the land.
The course will have places for 24 people who must be resident in Edinburgh. The course is free, and some travel and subsistence costs will be funded.
Participants will spend time in real settings – such as community gardens, market gardens, school farms, therapeutic gardens and community woodlands – while also taking part in seminars and guided self‑directed projects on topics like community garden design, nature restoration, climate adaptation, and working with community groups.
More information about the course below, you can also download the Course Description.
If you are interested in participating in the course, please fill in the Application Form.
If you have any questions please send them to hello@growingtogether.scot.