Gilded Balloon has returned to its beloved home at Teviot Row House for the first time since August 2023.
Scotland’s leading producer of live comedy and entertainment year-round and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has opened its doors to the public today across its four venues: Gilded Balloon Teviot, The Gilded Saloon, Gilded Balloon at the Museum, and Gilded Balloon Patter House.
Teviot, The University of Edinburgh’s student union, and the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, reopened its doors in March following a two-and-a-half-year refurbishment. The venue has been home to Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2001.
Gilded Balloon’s exciting 2026 programme features 225 shows spanning comedy, theatre, magic, cabaret, musicals and more from today until Monday 31st August.
Famous faces taking the stage include Graham Nortonand Maria McErlane, Gregor Fisher, Rich Hall, Deborah Frances-White, Mariella Frostrup, Gina Bellman, Phil Nichol, Fiona Allen, Fred MacAulay, Jack Docherty, Grace Campbell, Mhairi Black, Jimmy Rees, Paul Black, Jamie Kilstein, Tom Read Wilson, Kim Blytheand many more.
At the heart of the programme are several flagship Gilded Balloon productions and co-productions, showcasing the very best of comedy, theatre, conversation and live events. Highlights include the return of five-star hit Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas; the world premiere of Lois-Amber Toole‘s powerful new playSLAY; acclaimed US comedian Jamie Kilstein’s Can’t Tie Knots; reigning So You Think You’re Funny? champion Madeleine Brettingham‘s debut hour Legend.
Jack Docherty will also return with his eagerly awaited Butterfly;Mhairi Blackreturns withDifficult Second Album; broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will presentCracking the Menopause; the award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist will take to the stage; iconic Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay’s showcases In Conversation as well as his new stand-up showGood Evening!; Wanging On – Livewith Graham Norton and Maria McErlane will have its stage debut; the next generation of storytellers will tread the boards in Story Platform; and the ever-popular Comedy Night at the Museumalso returns.
Beloved Gilded Balloon institutions also return to Teviot, with an iconic line-up of comedians taking to the stage every night for Late’n’Live, the legendary late-night showcase that has become a cornerstone of the Fringe. Meanwhile,So You Think You’re Funny? continues its search for the next generation of comedy stars through its competition heats and grand final, as well as celebrating its brightest new talent with Best of So You Think You’re Funny?
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “Coming home to Teviot is a really emotional moment for all of us. It has been at the heart of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe story for more than 25 years, and while we’ve loved creating new homes across the city during that time, there is something truly special about returning to the place where so many unforgettable Fringe memories have been made.
“We’ve spent the past three years looking forward to this moment, and we’re returning with our biggest and most ambitious programme yet.
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.
Communist Candidate Blasts Underfunding of Local Government ahead of Edinburgh By-Elections
.Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the upcoming Southside/Newington ward by-election, has launched a fierce critique against central government accusing political leaders of prioritising military spending over critical public services.
Responding to voters questioning the link between local council services and military budgets, Shillcock outlined a direct connection between UK defence spending and the decline of local communities.
Skyrocketing Military Spending
Shillcock noted that since the 2022 Edinburgh Council elections, annual UK defence spending has surged from £48 billion to £62 billion, with further increases planned.
He highlighted that during this same period, the UK has committed over £25 billion in support to Ukraine—including £16 billion in weapons—alongside active arms deals with Israel totalling hundreds of millions of pounds.
Shillcock argued that the funds directed toward international conflicts are directly starving local councils of resources.
Richard Shillcock said: “The choice is simple: welfare or warfare. We can invest in people or waste money on war.
“My message to Edinburgh voters is clear—every cut to public services, every council tax rise, every waiting list, every crowded school, every substandard home, and even every pothole could be fixed if we stopped funding war.”
A Challenge to Rival Parties
In a direct challenge ahead of the 3 September by-elections, Shillcock called out rival political campaigns for offering superficial solutions to deep-seated systemic issues.
“Unlike others, the Communist Party of Britain is not going to pretend that performative tinkering with our political system will bring about substantive improvements for working-class people,” Shillcock ssaid.
“Voters should challenge every single candidate standing on whether they prioritise investing in people or wasting money on war.”
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced today, Monday, 27 July, 2026, to five years in prison for the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh in May last year.He was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).
Aaron Strachan pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 4 December, 2025.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, 25 May, 2025 in the city centre.
The court previously heard how Strachan walked the girl at knife point from Princes Street to a basement on York Place, where he subjected her to a violent and terrifying attack.
He also pleaded guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.
“I hope this sentence brings her some sense of closure.
“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.
“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
Historic Environment Scotland is marking a summer of sport with a talk exploring Scotland’s sporting heritage
With Scotland enjoying the Commonwealth Games and World Cup this summer, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is celebrating the nation’s sporting heritage with a special talk exploring its archive collections.
A Summer of Sport will talk through historic sporting photography and will show the development of Edinburgh and Glasgow as host cities for the Commonwealth Games.
It will also examine how Scotland’s stadiums grew to host world record attendances and spotlight some of the nation’s star performers from the past. Accompanying original material will be on display before and after the talk.
Neil Fraser, Public Services Manager at HES, who will lead the talk, said: “Scotland has such a rich sporting past, and it is there to uncover if you know where to look.
“Through my talk, I am looking forward to exploring Scotland’s sporting history with people who are just as passionate about this history as we are here in HES’s archive team. The archives offer a fascinating insight into the people, places and moments that have shaped Scotland’s sporting story.”
A Summer of Sport will take place on Monday 27 July at 2pm at John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace Edinburgh EH8 9NX.
Following the fire which began in Holyrood Park on Sunday evening, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has called for recognition of the impact that climate change is already having on our city while highlighting the need for better wildfire awareness.
While wildfires can be an important part of the ecological cycle, the rate and intensity that we are seeing them occur with is a clear indication of climate change and its impact on our day-to-day lives.
Longer, hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm within Scotland and now areas that previously rarely saw such fires are affected more often. Given the number of visitors and the variety of purposes it serves, Holyrood Park is particularly susceptible to fires that are started by human activity.
Holyrood Park is a uniquely important ecological site with a wide range of trees, plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species. The effects of climate change threaten the destruction of these species within our city, reshaping how the park will look, sound and feel for the future.
Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: – “I am deeply concerned by yet another fire in Holyrood Park and want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and all emergency responders for their swift and professional efforts to tackle the blaze.
“Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s most striking natural landscapes which provides a vital habitat for wildlife and a valuable green space for residents and visitors alike. Fires of this nature can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, destroying vegetation, disrupting breeding habitats and leaving long-lasting damage.
“The effects of climate change are not a distant threat and we are already seeing its impact across our city. As climate change contributes to more frequent periods of hot, dry weather we need investment in wildfire prevention. We also need better education about wildfire risks due to human activity such as campfires and discarded cigarettes.
“Above all, we must increase our efforts to reduce emissions, support renewable energy and step up adaptation measures in these ecologically important areas so that they can be safeguarded for future generations.”
The first phase of transforming The Causey into a permanent, people-centred civic space is now underway, as charity Causey Development Trust sees implementation of a Traffic Regulation Order at West Crosscauseway.
Causey Development Trust (CDT) is delighted to announce the long-awaited implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) at The Causey, the historic triangular street space on Edinburgh’s Southside, marking the first phase in its long-awaited transformation.
The order will reverse and reduce through-traffic in an area that sits at the heart of the city’s festival footprint, marking the most significant step forward ina 19-year community-led campaign – and the first stage in creating a space that genuinely prioritises people, for both locals and visitors alike.
The first phase of the order will see rubber kerb partitions and wands installed on the road, with appropriate signage and road markings to reduce through-traffic on the western section of West Crosscauseway.
Two-way cycling will be introduced and residents’ parking outside Buccleuch Church will be instated at Buccleuch Place, forming a protected triangular pedestrian zone.
The implementation of the TRO is the first step toward delivering the agreed long-term capital works scheme designed by Ironside Farrar Landscape Architects. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the space functions without through-traffic while progressing plans for permanent place for people transformation that is safer for all users.
Sarah Drummond, Chair of Causey Development Trust, said: “This is a moment we have been working towards for nearly two decades.
“The community has always known that The Causey could be something extraordinary – a place for people, for culture, for connection and community events – and this first phase is proof that the case has finally been heard.
“We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported us, from the Causey Steering group, Southside Ward Councillors and others from across the political spectrum, to those who have shown up on a Saturday morning, or simply believed that a traffic island could become something much more.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“I recognise the strength of feeling surrounding The Causey and welcome the fact that we’re seeing progress.
“These changes will help people get around easier, whilst making the area safer. I’m looking forward to seeing these plans develop over the coming months and wish the Trust all the best.”
A Campaign Rooted in Community
The Causey campaign began in 2007, inspired by the late architect Alison Blamire, who recognised the untapped potential of the site and dramatised it memorably by transforming the traffic island into a temporary tropical island for one weekend in May 2007.
From that act of imagination, the Causey Development Trust was born – a grassroots charity committed to restoring the space at the junctions of West Crosscauseway, Nicolson Street, Chapel Street and Buccleuch Street to civic life.
The Causey sits within the Southside Conservation Area on the edge of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, framed by two historic churches – the B-listed Chapel of Ease (1755–56) and the towering Buccleuch and Greyfriars Church (1856).
Its very name, The Causey, given to it by Alison Blamire, derives from the ‘cassies’ or ‘causeys’ – the cobbled setts that paved Edinburgh’s earliest streets, likely quarriedfrom nearby Salisbury Crags. It is a place of genuine historical and cultural significance, currently dominated by vehicles and a redundant traffic island.
Through years of community engagement, weekly ‘Sit Oots’ on the traffic island, light projections, cycling events and persistent advocacy, CDT has built a broad coalition of local residents, students, visitors and city councillors around a shared vision: a pedestrianised public space hosting arts and community events, connecting Holyrood Park and The Meadows, and drawing visitors beyond the boundary of the World Heritage Site.
A Hard-Won Step Forward
The road to this point has not been straightforward. A permanent TRO was approved following a public hearing in 2021, with Scottish Ministers confirming it without modification in June 2022. Design proposals, developed with Ironside Farrar Landscape Architects on the basis of community consultation, were agreed. Yet funding challenges – including the withdrawal of Place Based Investment Programme money and continued pressure on council budgets – meant that physical transformation remained out of reach.
The implementation of this Temporary TRO now delivers the first physical stage of the agreed scheme. It gives the community what it has long needed: real-world evidence of how the space works with limited through-traffic, while continuing to build the case – and secure funding – for the full £1.6m permanent transformation.
Tourism Levy Recognition and Future Funding
Encouragingly, The Causey has recently been name-checked at Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy funding forums as a project deserving of support. Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy – the UK’s first scheme of its kind, coming into effect on 24 July 2026 – is projected to raise up to £50 million a year for investment in city infrastructure, culture, heritage and destination management.
The site sits on a well-used route through the Southside, within walking distance of major festival venues including Bristol Square (Underbelly), George Square (Assembly and Underbelly), Summerhall and Assembly Roxy, as well as the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the new home of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Adjacent to the University of Edinburgh campus, it is used daily by students, staff and visiting families as well as festival audiences.
Its transformation aligns closely with the priorities of the Levy, which aims to enhance the experience of both residents and visitors while supporting sustainable tourism.
By improving walkability, reducing congestion and creating a high-quality civic space for cultural and community use, the project would support the distribution of footfall beyond the core World Heritage Site and encourage people to spend longer in the surrounding neighbourhood.
In doing so, it contributes to a more balanced, people-centred visitor economy while protecting the liveability and historic character of the city.
CDT believes The Causey is precisely the kind of community-rooted, heritage-rich, people-centred project that the Levy was designed to support, and is hopeful that future funding will enable delivery of the full scheme.
A Model for Community-Led Urban Change
The Causey story is about more than one street in Edinburgh. It demonstrates what sustained, grassroots community action can achieve: a small group of local people, working over nearly two decades without paid staff or guaranteed resources, has kept a vision alive through a pandemic, funding setbacks and changing political priorities – and is now seeing it begin to be realised.
As cities across the UK grapple with how to reclaim road space for people and reduce car dominance in historic urban centres, The Causey offers a compelling case study – and a reminder that long-term change often begins with small, visible steps.
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.
Underbelly George Square – Udderbelly: 6 – 31 August: 6:00pm
For the first time ever, Sumo Wrestling comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.
Following a successful run in Osaka and an international debut, selling over 10,000 tickets, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA will make its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut this summer, bringing audiences an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions through a live theatrical experience.
The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA gives audiences the chance to see Sumo demonstrated and performed by former professional sumo wrestlers, whilst offering audiences the chance to discover the history, rules, rituals and techniques behind sumo, Japan’s national sport.
Performed in a dohyo, or sumo ring, the production combines authentic demonstrations of the sport with theatrical staging, dramatic visuals and immersive sound, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the athleticism, discipline and traditions of sumo up close.
Alongside competitive bouts between former professional wrestlers, audiences will learn about the customs and etiquette that surround the sport, from its ceremonial traditions to the techniques used inside the ring.
“We’re excited to bring the weight of more than 1,500 years of Japanese tradition to Edinburgh this summer.
“Our performers have competed at the highest level of sumo, and this show is an opportunity to share the history, rituals and excitement of Japan’s national sport in a way that’s accessible and fun.
“We hope audiences will laugh, learn, cheer and maybe even discover they have what it takes to step into the ring themselves.” Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA
Sumo has been practised in Japan for more than 1,500 years and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is recognised as the country’s national sport. Originating in ancient Shinto rituals, it developed from ceremonial contests performed to pray for good harvests into the professional sport seen today.
While modern tournaments attract audiences from around the world, many of the traditions established centuries ago remain unchanged, from the purification rituals before each bout to the use of the traditional dohyo, or sumo ring.
The Edinburgh production gives audiences the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the rich cultural heritage that continue to define the sport
HIRAKUZA is a Japanese entertainment company dedicated to presenting live sumo performances and cultural experiences featuring former professional sumo wrestlers.
Based in Osaka, the company was created to introduce visitors from around the world to the history and traditions of Japan’s national sport in an accessible way.
Reflecting Osaka’s reputation as a city known for its entertainment culture, HIRAKUZA combines authentic demonstrations with a welcoming and engaging presentation, making the experience suitable for audiences with little or no previous knowledge of sumo while remaining rooted in the sport’s traditions.
What the press have said about The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA:
“Culture, entertainment, and the overwhelming strength of the sumo wrestlers. An unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations in every aspect.” ★★★★★ My Adelaide Tribe
“Authentic, incredibly powerful, and outstandingly entertaining. Definitely a must-see show at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.” ★★★★★ What’s On In Adelaide
“It flamboyantly conveys the power and intensity of sumo while also deepening the understanding of tradition and culture.” ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide
As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.
Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together.
More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.
Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer.
Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
