Category: South Side

Push the Boat Out Poetry festival returns with a full programme

PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED ON NATIONAL POETRY DAY

Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, Push the Boat Out (PTBO), returns to Edinburgh this November (20–23, 2025) holding court in a new venue at the Pleasance, Edinburgh with a packed cross-art form programme promising to provoke, entertain and inspire.

The full programme is announced today Thursday 2 October, to mark National Poetry Day.  

PTBO’s 2025 programme will bring together over 120 artists for a weekend of poetry, performance, music, and art. Setting sail on three thematic streams – Poetry is Punk reminds audiences that poetry can be raw, rebellious and DIY, the Anthropocene reflects on the human impact on our planet and species whilst The Unseen World dives deep into the mystical, esoteric, and spiritual—exploring belief and imagination beyond the everyday. 

For 2025, 63 events will showcase some of the most exciting voices from Scotland and around the world. Audiences can look forward to appearances by acclaimed poets and performers including Leena Norms, Luke Kennard, Anthony Anaxagorou, Marjorie Lotfi, Zinnie Harris, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Victoria Chang, Lorna Goodison, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Najwan Darwish, Noor Hindi, Roseanne Watt, Michael Mullen, and Scotland’s Makar, Peter MacKay, among many others.

This year’s festival launches in unforgettable style aboard Leith’s floating hotel, The Fingal, with a pre-festival event on 8 November featuring acclaimed poets Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen, who will read from their latest works: Virgin and Muckle Flugga. Celebrations continue as part of the main festival with highlights including:

  • New commissions of cross-disciplinary work from poets such as Iona Lee, Taylor Dyson, Craig Aitchison and Garry MacKenzie in association with the National Theatre of Scotland under the theme ‘Anthropocene: the Human-Altered World’.
  • Original 1980s ranting poet Tim Wells and punk slam champ Jay Mitra will get rebellious, raw and political in a night of anarchic energy with The Ranting Poets.
  • The four winners of the 2024 Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Poetry Award will premiere new collaborations co-conceived with musician Kathryn Williams, unearthing myths from the British Isles with themes of elegy, absence and joy.
  • What Now? – a new theatre collective will premiere bold new work responding to today’s geopolitical climate with new commissions from Hannah Lavery, Zinnie Harris, and William Letford. The event is supported by compelling spoken word from acclaimed poet Anthony Anaxagorou, and live music from Carla J. Easton.
  • Scots poet Len Pennie will discuss her fiercely honest new collection of poems that confront ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice.
  • Two of Scotland’s standout spoken word poets, RJ Hunter and Gray Crosbie will share new work in a Scratch Night supported by an electrifying performance by Harry Josephine Giles and the Edinburgh Trans Choir.
  • Expect sublime soundscape from headliners Lord Of The Isles & Ellen Renton and Edinburgh-based poetic ensemble, Acolyte, with an alternative gig night of poetry, pedals and synths. 
  • Tinderbox Orchestra sees out the festival with a glorious finale of rappers, poets, heavy bass and drums – transforming preconceptions of what an orchestra and poetry can be.

Around town, it’s scents and sensibilities with bespoke fragrance events in partnerships with Lush Cosmetics that explore perfume, memory, and metaphor.

For the art lovers, one of Scotland’s most distinctive and internationally recognised poets, Ian Hamilton Finlay is celebrated with an exhibition that will run for the duration of the festival.

Emma Collins, Director of Push the Boat Out, said: ‘From high-energy poetry slams and late-night scratch performances, to thought-provoking panel discussions, immersive workshops, development days and genre-blurring collaborations, PTBO continues to push poetry far beyond the page. 

“We’re really looking forward to delivering this year’s programme at the Pleasance, one of Edinburgh’s most beloved festival venues and once again, the billing offers variety through its cross-art form experiences.

“The 2025 festival reaffirms its commitment to showcasing iconic poets, fresh voices, radical perspectives, and unexpected intersections between poetry and other art forms, including spoken word, music, and theatre.

“Whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or a curious newcomer, there are multiple ways to engage with the poetic form via a true celebration of words on and off the page across the weekend.’

For 2025 PTBO continue their community engagement work with partners across the city, including SCOREScotland, Tinderbox Collective, Amnesty International UK, and Simon Community Scotland. For those unable to attend in person, the programme also sees a curated line-up of online workshops, discussions, five free live-streamed events and a full broadcast schedule in collaboration with EHFM radio. 

Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “This is a creative programme that pushes the boundaries of poetry as an artform, working in the spaces where it meets music, visual art and performance.

“At its core is a diverse range of voices from across Scotland and beyond, showcasing poets at every stage of their creative journey including the likes of Gaelic language poet and National Makar, Peter MacKay, and the current Scots Language Scriever Taylor Dyson.

“Push the Boat Out brings this all into the heart of Edinburgh, inviting everyone – from curious newcomers to seasoned poetry lovers – to experience something unforgettable.”

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham, said: “Edinburgh has long been recognised as a hub of culture and creativity, and festivals like this are testament to that legacy.

“With 63 events featuring fantastic voices from Scotland and beyond, Push The Boat Out adds to the city’s diverse and thriving festival scene that we are proud to host.

“I’m very much looking forward to a weekend that brings together poetry, performance, music, and art in such an exciting way.”

The full programme and line-up can be found at: www.pushtheboatout.org   For full programme and event listing PDF – please see here

Push the Boat Out 2025_Programme DIGITALDownload

Immediate action needed to secure future of Edinburgh South Community Football Club, warns Ian Murray MP

Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, has called on the City of Edinburgh Council in a formal open letter today to take urgent steps to secure the future of Edinburgh South Community Football Club (ESCFC), one of Scotland’s biggest and most successful community clubs.

ESCFC, has over 1,000 players across 75 teams and more than 200 volunteers, collectively contributing over 40,000 hours of unpaid time, is facing severe challenges due to a shortage of pitches and lack of long-term security over its facilities. Every week, 5–10 children are being turned away, while six full teams, around 120 young people, risk having nowhere to train from September.

Despite more than seven years of talks with the Council, the club still does not have the land security or access to facilities it needs. Edinburgh Leisure has not responded since March regarding long-term Astro pitch availability, and without action the club has missed out on major investment opportunities, such as the £8.6m Scottish FA Pitching In fund.

The club’s impact stretches far beyond football, with initiatives including:

  • Free after school club and holiday camps (averaging 600 free places weekly across the year)
  • Free mental health counselling and physiotherapy
  • Racism and disability awareness training
  • Free use of club facilities for local schools
  • Fee waivers and discounts for families in need
  • Completely free Soccer School every Saturday for up to 120 children aged 5-8

ESCFC is a Platinum-level accredited club, the highest recognition awarded by the SFA, and has been nominated for National Community Club of the Year.

Ian Murray MP said: ““Edinburgh South CFC is a shining example of everything that is good about grassroots football. The scale of the club’s impact from free school holiday places to counselling, mentoring, and a boot exchange programme is extraordinary.

“But that success is now under threat. It is simply unsustainable for children to be turned away week after week because of a lack of facilities and security, and miss out on repeated funding rounds.

“This has gone on far too long. The Council must now step up, work with the club, and deliver the long-term security and pitches it desperately needs.”

Joe Sneddon, Chair of Edinburgh South CFC, said: “Our ethos has always been simple: if you want to play, you play. Thanks to our incredible volunteers we’ve been able to make that a reality for decades, but the lack of facilities and long-term backing is now putting that at risk. We don’t want to turn children away, yet that’s exactly what is happening. 

“The Council cannot allow a club of this standing, delivering this scale of community benefit, to be held back by lack of facilities and short-term agreements. The time for warm words is over, we need action to allow us to continue delivering for our communities.”

Ian Murray has written formally to the Council setting out a series of practical steps, including a new Astroturf pitch at Inch Park, guaranteed access to the new Liberton High School Astro, and long-term leases at key facilities across South Edinburgh.

ESCFCletterDownload

Refurbished Meadows tennis courts officially reopened by Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith

Summer brought more than sunshine and the Fringe to Edinburgh’s iconic Meadows – it marked the beginning of a major refurbishment of the city’s much-loved tennis courts.

On 7 April, Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council began a comprehensive upgrade of all 16 outdoor courts, including resurfacing, repainting, and installing new posts and nets. The phased approach ensured that at least six courts remained open throughout the works, allowing players to continue enjoying the game.

Yesterday (18th September 2025), the newly refurbished courts were officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Leon Smith, Davis Cup Captain and proud Edinburgh local. Smith also joined pupils from Preston Street and Sciennes Primary Schools for tennis drills, supported by S6 pupils from James Gillespie’s High School.

Recognised as Tennis Scotland’s Park of the Year for 2024, the Meadows continues to offer open access to players of all levels, with no club membership required. The floodlit courts are open seven days a week and host a wide range of coaching programmes for young players – from toddlers to teens – helping nurture the next generation of tennis talent.

Alex Harkins, Tennis Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “The Meadows has always been a special place for tennis in Edinburgh, and this refurbishment ensures it remains a top-class facility for years to come.

“We’re proud to offer inclusive, accessible tennis opportunities for everyone – from complete beginners to aspiring young athletes. Seeing the courts buzzing with activity again is fantastic.”

With the new term in full swing, the upgraded courts are set to serve up even more opportunities for recreation, and competition, in the heart of the city.

Find out more about coaching and booking courts: –

 https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadows-tennis/

Serious assault in Clerk Street: Do you know this man?

Police have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh that took place on Clerk Street around 10.45pm on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.

The man in the image is described as white, around 30 to 40 years old and of slim build. He was wearing a white t-shirt with a collar and carrying a black Fox Racing rucksack on his back.

Detective Sergeant Mark Richmond said: “We would encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4130 of 12 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Coming Soon: Local Resistance

Something exciting is coming! Keep your eyes peeled for more information!

FILM HUB SCOTLAND are proud to support LOCAL RESISTANCE, a programme of local film screenings curated by – and for – communities in Wester Hailes, Muirhouse, Craigmillar and Leith.

WHALE Arts‘s touring programme will celebrate local stories of self-organising and solidarity across Craigmillar NowNorth Edinburgh ArtsThe CrannieDuncan Place LeithWHALE Arts. And just look at these beautiful posters 😍

✨ Get tickets: whalearts.co.uk/local-cinema/

👉 Read our interview with Local Resistance coordinator, Morvern Cunningham: http://filmhubscotland.com/…/the-local-cinema-network…/

Haste Ye Back! theSpaceUK rounds off a vibrant 2025 Festival Fringe

With 469 shows, 3,357 artists, and 188,000 tickets, theSpaceUK has helped new artists and audiences experience the Fringe

theSpaceUK is one of the largest venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with 19 theatres across 6 venues. Every genre in the Fringe programme is represented, with a strong focus on new-writing and new companies, alongside a wide range of support provided for artists bringing work to the Fringe for the first time.

187,913 tickets were issued for shows at theSpaceUK this year, demonstrating both the resilience of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the strong platform of shows at theSpaceUK.

This year saw 469 shows featuring 3357 artists at theSpaceUK, representing over 13 different countries. Each day of the 2025 Fringe saw an average of over 8162 audience members watching shows at theSpaceUK with an average of 54% of seats filled per show. 

Two artists at theSpaceUK garnered critical acclaim and were awarded the prestigious Broadway Baby Bobby Award; Sam Sherman’s Kaddish (How to be a Sanctuary), a reflection on Jewish-American life, and Baffin Productions’ In the Black, which subtly navigated systemic and institutional conflicts. 

The latter was also shortlisted for the BBC’s Popcorn Award for outstanding new writing and won the Binge Fringe’s Black Performers’ Award.

Our Asian Arts season was also celebrated for its diverse range of exciting work, with Cathy Lamb’s Dots and Ah-Ma being nominated for the Holden Street Theatres Award and the Brighton Fringe Award, respectively. Sole to Soul from the We ART together Foundation and The Boy From Bantay from Bantay Productions were also awarded Asian Arts Awards.

Artists at theSpaceUK were recognised for their work with Cornermen winning the coveted Theatre Scotland Bright Spark Award. Ghosted! A New Musical and I was a Teenage She-Devil, were the winners and runners up of Best Musical for this year’s Spookies, from The Edinburgh Horror Festival. Roadkill Bambi by Mal MacKenzie picked up the Queer Writing Award at Binge Fringe’s Queer Performers’ Awards, or ‘Queeries‘, which celebrate excellence in shows that champion LGBTQIA+ perspectives.

Finally, Here Comes Gudong by Roarrr Theatre is a sensory-rich puppetry adventure and won Theatre Weekly’s Best Family Show, whilst Entertainment Now WoW Award for Best Theatre has been awarded to When We Were Young by Geezabreak Productions. This production was acclaimed for it’s powerful and hilarious story about the realities of gang culture in Glasgow during the 90s. 

Charles Pamment, Artistic Director of theSpaceUK said: “In contrast to much of the concerns pre this year’s festival theSpaceUK has again enjoyed a fabulous month. Presenting a record number of shows, entertaining near on 200,000 audience members and boasting an array of major festival awards. 

“Our unrivalled locations, focus on programming work from across all genres, sensible and affordable ticket prices, all driven by the ethos of this festival as a platform for all, will continue to give those visiting this fabulous event the experiences they will want to repeat year on year.

“Thank you to all who participated in and watched shows at our venues. We look forward to hosting you all again in 2026 and beyond!”

Underbelly Raises Over £15,000 From 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit

  • The seventh annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 adding to the previously raised amount of £700,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
  • 9 acts performed for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah and Bella Hull.

Underbelly today announces the 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 for The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

A stand-out in Underbelly’s 25th Anniversary programme, the one-off show hosted by Ivo Graham featured performances from O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah, Bella Hull and Abandoman in his only Fringe performance of 2025. 100% of profits (ticket income less box office commissions and other costs related to the event) from this promotional venture will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.

The Big Brain Tumour Benefit was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. At the end of August in 2019, Alfie sadly died, aged 7.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’d like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who performed in, and attended Underbelly’s 7th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit last night.

“It makes me immensely proud that together we have raised more than £15,000 with donations going to a specific research project to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of paediatric brain tumours.

“Our goal is to raise £1.5 million for this project through a series of special fundraising events such as Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit. Together we can continue to raise vital funds for research and awareness so that nobody’s life expectancy is dictated by their tumour.”

Sally King, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We’re thrilled that this year’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised over £15,000 and want to thank everyone for their incredible support and generosity.

“This event is a true highlight of Edinburgh Fringe 2025 –  uniting us in comedy to raise awareness and vital funds – and we are hugely grateful to the team at Underbelly for their unwavering commitment to helping us defeat brain tumours.”

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to improving the lives of everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

To find out more about the vital work that they do and to get help from their support services, please visit www.thebraintumrcharity.org or call their Information and support line on 0808 800 0004.

Further donations to the fund are welcome by visiting the link here: 

https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QVV19ZDB?utm_campaign=pdf&utm_medium=print&utm_source=qr

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show.

For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here.

Four thieves arrested and charged for retail crimes across Edinburgh

Four men have been charged with more than 30 retail crime offences following enforcement carried out in Edinburgh.

On Tuesday (4 August) local officers, acting on intelligence gathered by the Retail Crime Taskforce, arrested a 45-year-old and 37-year-old in connection with 21 shoplifting incidents from supermarkets and convenience stores in Causewayside and Marchmont.

A 36-year-old man was also arrested for five shopliftings that took place at supermarkets in Gorgie and Chesser, while a 41-year-old was arrested in connection with five separate warrants that were all in relation to shoplifting offences in the Chesser and Gorgie areas.

Inspector David Duthie said: “These arrests are further example of the successful collaboration between divisional officers and Retail Crime Taskforce colleagues to address retail crime within the Capital.

“All reports of retail crime are treated with the utmost seriousness, and whether it’s one shoplifting incident, or several, we will use all resources at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.”

Arrests following drugs recovery in Newington

Three men, two aged 25 and one aged 26, have been arrested following the recovery of drugs and cash in the Newington area.

Around 11.15pm on Tuesday, 5 August, Summer City officers on foot patrol in the Lutton Place area observed three men acting suspiciously within a vehicle.

Following a search of the vehicle, a quantity of cocaine and £1,000 in cash were seized.

The two 25-year-old men have been released pending further enquiries. Enquiries are ongoing.

#SummerCity

#CommunityPolicing

Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe

Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste

FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.

In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.

Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.

Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.

Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.

One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.

Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from

recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.

But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.

Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.

“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”

The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.

Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”

Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.

The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.

Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.

“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.

“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’

A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.

Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.

However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.

Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.

“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about Surgeons Quarter, visit: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/festival-fringe-2025/