Join Portobello Running Club on Sunday 30 August at 10:00am for four miles of racing along Portobello Beach at low tide.
Every finisher will receive a bespoke wooden Portobello Beach Race keyring as a lasting memento of the day.
All proceeds will support two fantastic good causes:
Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School Fresh Start, helping people who have experienced homelessness establish themselves in their new homes
There is plenty more to look forward to:
£50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners More fantastic winners’ prizes A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes A delicious community bake sale
The race is friendly, inclusive and welcoming to runners of all abilities. Come along to race, support brilliant local causes and enjoy a fantastic morning on the beach!
Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month to go until polling day, residents in these wards can start thinking about who they will vote for.
“Councillors play a key role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city.
“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to register to vote in plenty of time, and then make their voices heard in September.”
Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today, with further information on when and where to vote.
If you live in these wards, the deadline to register to vote in these by-elections is 18 August. For new postal vote applications, it’s 19 August and for new proxy votes it’s 26 August.
Find out more about registering to vote on the Council website.
The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than using a single cross. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they like.
Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 September.
Please check your polling place as this may have changed since the last time you voted. If you bring your polling card to vote this will help us and speed up the process, but this isn’t mandatory.
Polling Places (Ward 15):
Nelson Hall Community Centre (New for 2026)
Blackford and Grange Parish Church Centre
St. Catherine’s Argyle Church
Newington Trinity Church
Reid Memorial Church Hall
75th Braid Scouts’ Millar Hall
Cameron House Community Education Centre
Polling Places (Ward 17):
Portobello Library (New for 2026)
Branch Out Together
St Mark’s Episcopal Church (New for 2026)
Bingham Community Centre
St Martins Parish Church
Craigmillar Library
Hays Business Centre
Newcraighall Leith Victoria FC
The electronic count will take place at Waverley Court, starting at the close of poll at 10pm on September 3.
Edinburgh Leisure has set out the next steps in the refurbishment of Portobello Swim Centre following a major public consultation which showed overwhelming support for investment in the much-loved community facility.
The consultation, carried out independently during May and June 2026, gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents. It found that 91% of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95% recognise it as an important community asset.
Taking this feedback into account, Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council will now move forward with the next stage of design development. The design team will use the consultation findings to finalise a design for approval, with a focus on improving facilities while protecting the character, heritage and community value of the iconic building.
A design shaped by the community
The next phase of the project will focus on developing a design that reflects what customers said matters most. This includes considering:
How changing facilities can be upgraded to better meet customer needs
Improvements to layout, cleanliness, accessibility and family provision
The importance of retaining the building’s unique character, including its natural light and sea views
The consultation findings will now be reviewed in detail by the design team as they develop the final design for approval.
Moving into the next phase
The project will now move into further design development and approval stages, with updated designs and visuals shared with the public once the design has been progressed.
Subject to final approvals, the next steps will include:
Finalising a design for approval and securing the necessary consents
Appointing contractors
Confirming timelines for refurbishment works
Edinburgh Leisure has also committed to providing regular updates throughout the project, with 95% of consultation respondents stating they wanted to be kept informed as plans progress.
Supporting customers through change
The consultation highlighted that temporary closure of the centre is the biggest concern for customers, with more than 80% indicating they would be affected by any period of closure.
Edinburgh Leisure will develop a comprehensive customer support plan ahead of the refurbishment, including access to alternative facilities, swim lesson arrangements and flexible membership options to minimise disruption wherever possible.
A long-term investment in Portobello
The refurbishment aims to ensure Portobello Swim Centre continues to serve the community for generations to come, improving the quality of facilities while maintaining the character and heritage that make it one of Edinburgh’s most valued leisure venues.
Claire Rusack, Operations Director at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views.
“The message from the community was clear – people strongly support investment in Portobello Swim Centre, but they also want to protect the features that make it such a special place.
“The design team will now use that feedback to finalise a design for approval. This will ensure the next stage focuses on improving changing facilities, accessibility and the overall customer experience, while taking account of the natural light, sea views and heritage character that customers told us they value most.
“Portobello Swim Centre is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic leisure facilities and this investment will help safeguard its future, ensuring it continues to support active, healthy communities for many years to come.”
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said:“Portobello Swim Centre is an important part of Edinburgh’s sporting and cultural heritage, and we welcome the high level of public interest in shaping its future.
“The consultation has provided clear and valuable feedback which will help inform the next stage of design development.
“We’re committed to working closely with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark space in a way that protects the building’s historic character while creating modern, high-quality facilities for future generations.”
Portobello Beach has become an unlikely training ground for soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), who swapped their usual training area for the shoreline, to undertake an intense Battle PT session on the sands of Edinburgh’s coastline.
The Penicuik-based soldiers took part in the physically demanding training designed to build resilience, teamwork and fitness in a challenging environment.
Throughout the session, the Jocks tackled a series of team-based exercises, carrying weighted burdens across the sand, running through the surf and working together to overcome the challenges posed by the coastal setting.
Battle PT is designed to push soldiers beyond conventional fitness training by incorporating realistic physical challenges that require teamwork, determination and mental resilience. The soft sand, water and additional weight of equipment made even routine exercises significantly more demanding, testing both the physical robustness of the soldiers and their perseverance.
The training comes just weeks after the battalion returned from Exercise SPRING STORM in Estonia, a large multinational NATO exercise conducted close to the Russian border. Moving from the forests of Eastern Europe to the shores of Edinburgh highlights the diverse conditions infantry soldiers must be prepared to face throughout their careers.
LCpl Thomson, 2 SCOTS, who delivered the session, said: “”Training in different environments and across different terrain is extremely important for an infantry soldier. We deploy all over the world and you never know what conditions you’ll find yourself working in.
“Training on sand and in the surf brings its own challenges. The ground is harder to move across, your kit gets heavier when it’s wet and it makes exercises that little bit harder. It pushes everyone physically and forces you to work together.
“As The Royal Regiment of Scotland marks its 20th anniversary this year, it’s been a good reminder of the variety of environments SCOTS soldiers have operated in over the last two decades. We’ve been in forests, deserts, mountains and coastlines so we need to be constantly prepared for whatever comes next.”
“It’s not necessarily the beach trip most people would choose but it’s a great way to develop the fitness, resilience and teamwork you need, and hopefully it’s good preparation for summer leave.”
The Communist Party of Britain has today (Friday 17 July 2026) officially launched its campaign for the upcoming Edinburgh City Council by-elections, announcing a slate of candidates running on a platform of peace, public ownership, tax justice and workers’ rights.
The party will stand candidates in both the Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards.
A Communist Party spokesperson said: “”Our candidates are standing to address the city’s growing housing crisis, its underfunded public services, and the rising cost of living.
“We are offering voters a distinct socialist alternative to the mainstream political parties.”
Key Platform Priorities
Housing for Need, Not Profit: Immediate rent freezes, a cap on short-term holiday lets, and an expansion of high-quality, municipal council housing.
Funding Local Services: Reversing budget cuts to local services such as libraries, community centres, road maintenance and youth services by demanding a fairer funding model from national government and taxing the wealthiest in the city.
Investment in people not wars: Demand an end to funding genocide in Palestine and endless foreign wars and instead spend that money for the benefit of working class people.
Peter Olech, the Communist Party candidate in Portobello/Craigmillar ward, said: “Edinburgh is a city of vast wealth, yet working-class communities are being priced out of their own homes and left with crumbling public services.”
Richard Shillcock the Communist Party candidate for Southside/Newington ward, added: “We are standing in this election to give a voice to working class people and to fight for a city managed in the interests of the many, not the wealthy elite.
“Edinburgh Council should have greater responsibility for local economic development, with increased investment in council housing and public services.”
Residents will go to the polls on Thursday 3 September to elect one new councillor in each ward. The current electorate is 24,304 for Southside/Newington and 27,347 for Portobello/Craigmillar.
PICTURED: Peter Olech (L) and Richard Shillcock (R) outside City of Edinburgh Council Chambers after declaring as candidates.
Portobello High School has launched its new Girls Cycling Programme, bringing together more than 70 young women from across the school community.
The programme draws inspiration from a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.
In 1952, Portobello High School became one of the first schools in Edinburgh to send a group of 40 girls to Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. Those young women embraced the challenge of outdoor adventure and helped pave the way for generations of girls to experience the personal growth, confidence and resilience that come from stepping beyond their comfort zone.
The Girls Cycling Programme is about far more than riding bikes. It’s been developed to address the significant decline in girls’ participation in sport and physical activity during adolescence, creating a supportive environment where young women can build confidence, develop leadership skills, improve their wellbeing and form lasting friendships.
Planned activities include social rides, track cycling sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, sportives, races, bike maintenance workshops, leadership development opportunities and community cycling projects.
The programme sits within the school’s wider Pedal Power Porty strategy, which has already seen cycling participation grow significantly. More than 150 young people are now involved in cycling activities, including the PHS Singletrack Mountain Bike Team, School of Cycling programme, Cycling Ambassadors initiative, active travel projects and overseas touring opportunities.
A key feature of the programme is the role played by the school’s S6 Cycling Ambassadors, who will support younger pupils, help deliver activities and act as role models.
The launch comes at an exciting time for cycling in Scotland, with Edinburgh preparing to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2027. The school is exploring opportunities for the girls to attend stages of the Tour de France Femmes and take part in a cycling challenge linked to the arrival of the Tour in Edinburgh.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:“I’m delighted to see this new initiative getting off the ground and I have no doubt that it will see many girls benefitting in the months and years to come. Developing an interest in cycling at a young age sets you up for a lifetime of adventure, health, and excitement.
“We want Edinburgh to be a city where everyone can get around quickly, easily, and safely – particularly through more sustainable ways such as cycling.
“I wish the new scheme every success and my thanks go to all those who have helped to get it off the ground.”
Iris, S6 Cycling Ambassador, said:“One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing girls realise they can do things they never thought possible.
“Cycling has given me confidence, independence and some amazing experiences, and now we have the opportunity to help other girls discover that for themselves.
“It’s about much more than riding a bike – it’s about building friendships, supporting each other and having the confidence to try something new.”
Joy, S6 Cycling Ambassador, added:“I think what makes this programme special is that it is for everyone.
“You don’t have to be the fastest rider or have lots of experience. Everyone starts somewhere. We want younger girls to feel welcomed, supported and part of a team. Hopefully we’ll inspire more girls to stay active, challenge themselves and enjoy all the opportunities that cycling can bring.”
Further Information:
The school entered over 70 young people into the recent Edinburgh Schools Mountain Bike Championships.
The programme includes a strong focus on inclusion, leadership development, wellbeing and active travel.
Participants are aged 11–17 and represent the full diversity of the school community.
The initiative is supported by staff, volunteers, parents, and community partners.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Livity Youth Scotland, one of the school’s key charity partners, helping to extend opportunities beyond Portobello High School and engage young people from across the Portobello and Craigmillar communities. Through this partnership, the programme aims to remove barriers to participation and ensure that more young people can access the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of cycling.
We are excited to work alongside Scottish Cycling over the coming year as we build on this momentum and continue to inspire the next generation of female cyclists.
As Scotland’s bathing water season begins on 1st June, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will continue to monitor and provide information on 19 designated bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders.
Designated bathing waters are important local spaces supporting recreation, tourism and access to nature for communities and visitors across the region.
From urban bathing waters serving Edinburgh and surrounding communities to popular coastal destinations across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, these sites play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, local visitor economies and access to Scotland’s coastline.
Many of the region’s bathing waters are within easy reach of large population centres, providing accessible opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the water environment.
Throughout the season, which runs until 15th September, SEPA will take regular water samples and provide information including water quality classifications, monitoring results and pollution risk forecasts to help people make informed choices about where and when to bathe.
For the 2026 season, five bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders are classified as excellent, eight as good, five as sufficient and one as poor.
Broad Sands – Good
Coldingham – Good
Dunbar (Belhaven) – Good
Dunbar (East) – Sufficient
Eyemouth – Sufficient
Fisherrow Sands – Poor
Gullane – Excellent
Longniddry – Good
North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Good
North Berwick (West) – Good
Pease Bay – Excellent
Portobello (Central) – Sufficient
Portobello (West) – Sufficient
Seacliff – Excellent
Seton Sands – Good
Thorntonloch – Excellent
Wardie Bay – Good
White Sands – Excellent
Yellowcraig – Sufficient
Across Scotland’s 90 bathing waters, 47 are classified as excellent, 26 as good, 13 as sufficient and three as poor. One bathing water, Ballachulish Peninsula, was newly designated earlier this year and will receive its first classification at the end of this bathing season.
Bathing water classifications are based on four years of monitoring data and are designed to provide a longer-term picture of water quality over time.
Wet weather is one of the biggest factors affecting bathing water quality in Scotland. Heavy rainfall can temporarily affect bathing waters by washing pollution into rivers, lochs and coastal waters across wider catchments, while also influencing more localised sources such as surface water drainage and sewage discharges. For this reason, people are advised not to bathe during or one to two days after heavy rain.
SEPA issues daily pollution risk forecasts at some bathing waters where water quality has previously been shown to be more vulnerable to short-term pollution following wet weather. Available on SEPA’s website and on electronic messaging signs at these locations, these forecasts advise the public whether conditions are likely to be good or whether there is an increased risk of temporarily reduced water quality.
Scottish Water’s new real-time overflow map provides additional information on wastewater overflow activity.
Water quality is influenced by activity across the wider catchment surrounding a bathing water. SEPA uses microbial source tracking techniques at some locations to help identify whether sources of pollution are linked to human waste, livestock, birds or dogs. This information can then be used to help locate pollution sources and direct improvements.
Over the past 30 years, SEPA’s monitoring, scientific investigations and regulatory work have helped identify the sources of pollution affecting bathing waters and supported targeted improvements across Scotland. This work includes investigating pressures linked to wastewater infrastructure, whether public or private, urban drainage and rural diffuse pollution.
This evidence helps target action and investment where it is most needed and has contributed to sustained improvements over time. In 2015, Scotland had 17 bathing waters classified as excellent and 17 classified as poor.
For the 2026 season, 47 bathing waters are classified as excellent and three as poor, reflecting long-term improvements supported by monitoring, investigation and targeted action across Scotland.
For the 2026 season, Fisherrow Sands remains classified as poor.
Fisherrow Sands returned as a designated bathing water in 2023 following partnership work to improve water quality, including identifying and correcting misconnections alongside improvements to wastewater infrastructure. As a result of this work, Fisherrow Sands achieved a good classification.
In 2024, the poor classification was mainly due to a single very high sample result, for which no clear cause was identified. In 2025, another high result was recorded, which microbial source tracking indicated was likely due to contamination from gulls. Assessment against the full four-year dataset at the end of the 2026 season will provide a clearer picture of long-term trends.
Ruth Stidson, Principal Specialist Scientist at SEPA, said: “Bathing waters are important places for communities across Scotland and people rightly want clear information about water quality and the factors that can affect it.
“SEPA’s monitoring, forecasting and investigative work help people make informed choices throughout the bathing water season, while also helping us better understand the pressures affecting Scotland’s bathing waters over time.
Improving water quality is not always straightforward. Conditions can be influenced by rainfall, wastewater infrastructure, runoff and activity across wider catchments and those pressures can vary from place to place.
“For 30 years, SEPA’s scientific monitoring and evidence have supported long-term improvements at bathing waters across Scotland, and we continue to work with partners to identify pollution risks and target action where improvements are still needed.”
People visiting bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders can also help protect local water environments by disposing of litter responsibly, avoiding feeding gulls, clearing up after dogs and helping prevent sewer blockages by not flushing wet wipes, fats, oils and grease into drains and toilets.
Information on Scotland’s bathing waters, including classifications, monitoring results, pollution risk forecasts and advice for visitors, is available on SEPA’s website throughout the bathing water season.
LifeCare Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new weekly watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello, offering much-needed opportunities for relaxation, creativity and social connection.
Unpaid carers—those who support family members, friends or neighbours without pay—play a vital role in communities but often face significant challenges, including social isolation, stress, and limited time for themselves. Access to regular short breaks and supportive activities can have a profound impact on their wellbeing.
This new class aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where carers can take time out, learn new skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences. No previous art experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Sarah Duckmanton, Community Activities Lead at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “Caring for someone can be an honour—a deeply meaningful and loving thing to do—but we also understand the toll it can take.
“That’s why we’re here to make sure unpaid carers have the chance to take a meaningful break, so they feel valued, recharged and better equipped to continue in their caring role.
“As part of that commitment, we’re continuing to grow our free support for carers by launching these activities in Portobello for the first time.
“We’ve been delivering day club support for people living with dementia in the area for many years, so it feels like a natural step to expand our carers programme here too. We know there are many carers who need time out, and we’re here to provide that opportunity.
“These groups are about so much more than the activity itself—they create space for people to relax, build connections, and feel supported. We’d encourage carers to get in touch and come along to give it a try.”
The new workshop builds on LifeCare’s wider programme of free health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, delivered from its fully accessible hub in Stockbridge. The programme includes a range of physical, creative and social sessions designed to support carers in maintaining their own health while continuing in their caring roles.
The Watercolour Workshop will take place every Monday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at 53 Milton Road East, Edinburgh (EH15 2NL).
The class is free to attend and is open to anyone who provides unpaid care for an adult. Carers are also welcome to attend with the person they care for.
All activities are funded by the Short Breaks Fund.
The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are inviting local residents, customers, and community groups to take part in a public consultation on proposals to redevelop Portobello Swim Centre, one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and well‑loved heritage buildings.
The consultation will give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed improvements to the Category A listed facility, including internal reconfiguration to improve layouts, accessibility, and customer experience, while protecting key heritage features such as the pools and Turkish Baths.
Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design and investment decisions for the centre.
Since the initial draft designs were first shared through the City of Edinburgh Council tender portal, the project team has been developing the proposals further. The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are excited to showcase how the designs have evolved in response to early feedback from local clubs and customers, ensuring community voices are helping to shape what comes next.
The proposals also include new, much‑needed public toilets with access from outside the centre, helping local residents and visitors enjoy Portobello beach and promenade with better comfort and convenience.
As part of the consultation, a series of community drop‑in sessions will be held at Portobello Town Hall, giving people the chance to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and share their views in person.
These sessions will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 26 May: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
Monday 1 June: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
An online survey will also be available for those who prefer to provide feedback digitally.
The proposal, being delivered in partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure, is intended to support the long-term future of Portobello Swim Centre and the communities it serves.
Any future refurbishment would require a temporary closure of the centre while major works are carried out, and the consultation will also explore how any impact on customers and community groups could be managed.
Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Portobello Swim Centre is a much‑loved local landmark and an important community asset.
“This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, users and local groups to help shape proposals that balance the building’s historic character with the need for modern, accessible facilities.”
Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We know how important Portobello Swim Centre is to its community.
“We’re committed to listening carefully to feedback through this consultation and ensuring that any future changes reflect what matters most to customers, clubs, and local residents, while securing the long‑term sustainability of this unique facility.”
Details of the consultation, and how to take part in the online survey, will be shared on the Edinburgh Leisure website and at Portobello Swim Centre in the coming weeks.
Residents at an Edinburgh care home have experienced an afternoon of hands-on fun as a host of weird and wonderful animals popped in to visit.
The team at Care UK’s Lauder Lodge, on Wakefield Avenue in Portobello, invited a variety of creatures to visit the home to meet residents for an interactive afternoon of animal therapy.
Residents were able to observe, hold and stroke a gerbil, bearded dragon, snail and tortoise brought in by ZooLab, the UK’s leading ethical animal encounter provider.
They learned interesting facts about each of the animals, including their habitats and favourite foods, while residents who dared were able to experience handling some of them.
Resident Betty Fisher, age 94, said: “It’s wonderful to see the animals up close and it’s also a great experience to learn about them and even hold them.”
Anees Riaz, Home Manager at Lauder Lodge, added: “We are always looking to plan interesting and exciting activities for residents. So many have an interest in wildlife and nature, so we knew we had to invite ZooLab for an afternoon of animal therapy.
“Whether big or small, spending time with animals can be incredibly beneficial for older people, as being around them can instantly help to lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction, especially for those living with dementia. Animal therapy sessions are always met with such a positive reaction from the residents – they were fascinated by the reptiles, especially the tortoise!
“Every visit brings its share of surprises, and we never know which animal will come through the door. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the ZooLab team again very soon.”
Lauder Lodge is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care.
Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, it has its own cinema room, pub and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.
To find out more about Lauder Lodge, please contact Customer Relations Manager Chelsea Smith at chelsea.smith@careuk.com, call 0131 357 1760 or visit
Portobello Beach Race 2026 
Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School
£50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners
More fantastic winners’ prizes
A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win
A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes
A delicious community bake sale
