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Family adventures take over the big screen at Vue Edinburgh this October half-term

Families looking for ways to make the most of the October half-term can enjoy a packed programme of animated adventures, familiar favourites and big screen fun at Vue Edinburgh from TODAY (Friday 9 October).

Causing plenty of mischief on the big screen is Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest feature-length adventure from Aardman. 

With Halloween approaching, Shaun and the Flock are looking forward to some spooky celebrations at Mossy Bottom Farm, that is until the Farmer accidentally destroys their prized pumpkin patch. Shaun’s attempts to fix things with a spot of mad science soon spiral out of control, leaving a mysterious beast roaming the woods of Mossingham.

Packed with Aardman’s trademark slapstick humour and playful takes on classic horror, it’s a fitting family watch as spooky season gets underway.

Families can also catch a recent big screen favourite for a low price of £2.49 when booked online with Vue’s Mighty Mornings, taking place throughout the school holidays. Among the films returning is animated adventure David, which brings the famous story of David and Goliath to life, following a young shepherd whose courage is put to the ultimate test when he steps forward to face a fearsome giant.

Also joining the Mighty Mornings line-up is Coyote vs. Acme, which sees legendary Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote finally fight back after years of malfunctioning ACME products. Teaming up with a down-on-his-luck lawyer, Wile E. takes the company responsible for his countless cartoon catastrophes to court in an adventure combining live action with classic Looney Tunes chaos.

For younger guests, Vue’s Big Shorts offers the opportunity to experience some much-loved stories on the big screen in a relaxed environment.

Join in the adventure with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the animated adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s much-loved children’s story, alongside The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which brings Judith Kerr’s classic tale of an unexpected teatime guest to life.

Families at Vue Edinburgh can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seat, the Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and drinks and a state-of-the-art beverage cooler – making it the most luxurious way to immerse yourself in a great story.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “The October half-term is a great opportunity for families to spend some quality time together, and there are plenty of adventures to discover on the big screen at Vue.

“Whether it’s joining Shaun and the Flock for some spooky fun, catching up with recent family favourites through Mini Mornings or introducing younger children to the big screen with Big Shorts, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy together this half-term.”

Tickets are available at www.myvue.com 

October Half Term at Vue

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – Showing this October half-term

Mini Mornings: David – Showing this October half-term

Mini Mornings: Coyote vs. Acme – Showing this October half-term

Big Shorts: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt & The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Showing this October half-term

Police appeal following serious tram accident in Broomhouse

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh.

Around 10.55pm on Monday, 5 October, 2026, a pedestrian was struck by a tram on the tramline adjacent to Broomhouse Drive.

The pedestrian, a 20-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“I am appealing to those who witnessed the crash and have yet to speak to officers or anyone who was in the area prior and has information that could assist, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3804 of 5 October, 2026.

STV stars get challenge-ready as Specsavers donates £15,000 to Children’s Appeal

Specsavers is donating £15,000 to the STV Children’s Appeal as it gets behind this year’s STV Children’s Appeal Challenge at the Kelpies.

As part of its sponsorship of the challenge, Specsavers is supporting the Appeal’s work with children and young people across Scotland, while also highlighting the importance of regular eye health checks.

STV presenters Laura Boyd and Sean Batty are preparing to take on this year’s challenge by making sure their eye health is in top form. The pair recently visited Specsavers Grangemouth for comprehensive eye tests and to speak to the store’s eye health experts about the importance of looking after their vision.

The duo will take on a team challenge at the Kelpies today (8 October 2026) to raise vital funds for the STV Children’s Appeal – although exactly what they will be up against is still under wraps.

With Laura and Sean preparing to put their skills to the test at one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, getting them challenge-ready was high on the agenda.

This year marks the first time Specsavers has sponsored the STV Children’s Appeal Challenge, with the £15,000 contribution supporting the Appeal and its work with children and young people affected by poverty across Scotland. Specsavers is also using its involvement to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye health checks.

Specsavers dispensing optician and Grangemouth store manager Joe Smith welcomed Laura and Sean to the locally owned and run store at La Porte Precinct.

More than 20 Specsavers colleagues from across the business, including Joe, will also take part in the Kelpies challenge on 8 October.

Laura Baird, Specsavers Scotland Chair, says: “It is a privilege to support this year’s STV Children’s Appeal Challenge. It’s such an invaluable cause, which raises funds for children and young people living in poverty across Scotland.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Appeal with a £15,000 contribution as part of our sponsorship of this year’s challenge. With Specsavers stores and colleagues across Scotland, supporting a cause that makes a difference to children and young people in communities right across the country is incredibly important to us.

“We’re also pleased to be highlighting the importance of regular eye tests and giving Laura and Sean the opportunity to make sure their eyes are challenge-ready!”

Laura Boyd, TV presenter and entertainment reporter, says: “Every year, the STV Children’s Appeal Challenge is something I look forward to, and this year it’s been very much kept under wraps.

“We know it’s taking place at the Kelpies, but we’re not sure what this involves – no doubt there will be some nerves but plenty of excitement on the day.

“There’s also a bit of friendly competition between Sean and me, which will add another fun element to the day, and I’m sure our teams will quickly get into the spirit of it. Ultimately, though, the most important thing is raising awareness and much-needed funds for the fantastic STV Appeal.”

Sean Batty, TV presenter and meteorologist, adds: “This is the fifth challenge that Laura and I will be doing together, and I have a feeling it’s going to be very special. We’re looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us.

“It’s also great to have Specsavers on board this year as our official sponsor, and it was fantastic to visit Joe and his team at Grangemouth to make sure our sight was in perfect shape ahead of the challenge.

“Knowing that Specsavers is also supporting the Appeal with a £15,000 contribution makes it even more special, and we can’t wait to get involved in the challenge at the Kelpies.”

The STV Children’s Appeal has raised more than £39 million since it launched in 2011. In 2025, the Appeal raised more than £2.4 million, taking its total raised since launch to more than £39 million.

This year’s challenge will be unveiled on the show on Thursday 29 October and will reveal the fundraising total.

For more information, visit https://stvappeal.tv/https://www.specsavers.co.uk/

Sports and Outdoor Clothing for community groups

COMMUNITY CLOTHING EVENT at THE PLEASANCE SPORTS COMPLEX

Are you a community group or service that could use some outdoor/sports clothing and footwear?

Join us for our Community Clothing Event! 👕👟🧥

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The details:⁠

* Friday 23 October⁠

* Midday-3pm⁠

* ‘Hall of Fame’, Pleasance Sports Complex, 46 Pleasance (What3Words: ///coins.vanish.tiger) ⁠

* Please register to help us manage the day at https://edin.ac/4zjFDBN⁠

We’ll have good quality, pre-used items collected from our students when they moved out of our halls.⁠⁠

If you can’t make it but could use some items, please email Sarah.morton@ed.ac.uk⁠

Shout out to colleagues from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Accommodation and Events Services and University of Edinburgh Sport for making this happen.⁠⁠

Hope to see you there!

QMU student wins national Converge Award for performing arts analytics business

A Queen Margaret University (QMU) student has won a national entrepreneurship award and £5,000 in funding for a business designed to help artists and theatre producers make better decisions using data.

Aisha Josiah, who is studying MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at QMU, received the Converge Performing & Production Arts Challenge Creative Fusion Prize 2026, sponsored by Mark Logan, for her business, ‘Stage Analytics’. The platform brings together information such as ticket sales, audience trends and reviews to give performing arts organisations real-time insights that can help with decisions on marketing, pricing and scheduling.

The idea was partly inspired by Aisha’s experience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where thousands of shows compete for audiences each year. Stage Analytics aims to address the lack of accessible data available to independent artists and producers, while supporting the sustainability of Scotland’s creative economy.

The £5,000 prize will help Aisha take the next steps in developing Stage Analytics and exploring its potential as a business supporting artists and producers across the sector.

Carolyn Low, Knowledge Exchange Manager at QMU whose role involves providing startup support to students, staff and graduates through QMU’s Startup Studio, said: “Aisha has taken an idea rooted in her own experience of the performing arts and developed it into a business with the potential to address a real challenge facing the sector.

“Being able to support students as they develop ideas like this is an important part of what we do at QMU. Converge gives them the opportunity to take those ideas further, gain valuable business experience and connect with people who can help make them a reality.”

Aisha was one of four QMU innovators to reach this year’s Converge final, with QMU originally having 11 entrepreneurs selected to take part in the 2026 programme. The four finalists represented the breadth of entrepreneurial activity at the University, spanning data and technology, theatre, cultural inclusion, sport and community development.

QMU also had a particularly strong showing in the Performing & Production Arts Challenge, with three of the six finalists coming from the University. Alongside Aisha, the finalists were QMU graduates Mirren McIver, founder of Four Door Theatre, and Lok Pui Lo, founder of ESEA Creatives.

This year, 123 participants entered the competition, with 34 finalists representing 15 Scottish universities. The 34 finalists were selected from across 15 of the 18 universities taking part in the programme, the widest pool of institutions represented in Converge’s 15-year history.

Converge Executive Director Adam Kosterka said: “This year’s finalists represent one of the strongest and most diverse cohorts in our history, spanning industries from healthcare to climate tech.

“Being selected among such a competitive field is a testament to the skill, creativity and commercial potential of all our winners.”

The Converge programme is supported by the Scottish Funding Council, universities and corporate partners. Since launching in 2011, it has trained more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and supported the creation of more than 500 companies.

Aisha’s success builds on a strong year for QMU in the Converge programme, highlighting the range of entrepreneurial ideas emerging from the University’s creative and cultural community.

Her achievement was announced at the Converge Awards ceremony at Barony Hall in Glasgow, which celebrates promising university entrepreneurs and business ideas from across Scotland.

To find out more about the programme and the projects it supports visit Converge.

Granton Youth Christmas Fair

Is it too early for the C word yet? …….. oh well!

OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR IS BACK FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW🎄

This time taking place on Saturday the 28th of November at St David’s Episcopal Church from 2pm – 4pm.

Our families together group and other service users are working hard behind the scenes planning, getting creative and getting crafty to make sure it’s another great year.

We are on the look for donations for our tombola, raffle and bric a brac stalls so if you can help in anyway then please get in touch via social media or email julie@grantonyouth.com

All money raised from the fair goes straight back into GY projects.

Gy xx

#grantonyouth

#gychristmasfair

#gy

#familiestogethergroup

Greens and Lib Dem councillors host National Emergency Briefing in City Chambers tomorrow

Edinburgh Green Councillors and Edinburgh Liberal Democrat councillors are jointly hosting a screening and discussion of the National Emergency Briefing. The event, in Edinburgh City Chambers, is tomorrow – Wednesday 7th October – and all 63 Edinburgh councillors have been invited to attend.

The screening and discussion, facilitated by Edinburgh Community Climate Action Network (ECCAN) shows a 40-minute film on the climate and nature emergencies, presented by ecologist Chris Packham, followed by a facilitated discussion on the issues raised.

Speaking ahead of the screening, Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Ed Thornley, one of the hosts of the event, said: “The Climate Emergency is having very real impact in Edinburgh – flooding and extreme rainfall are serious and growing concerns in my own part of the city.

“So, I’m delighted to be working cross-party to host this important screening and discussion so that councillors from all parties can come together and discuss what that means for our city and how we can move forward together.”

Co-host Councillor Ben Parker, Edinburgh Greens co-convenor, said: “The climate and nature emergencies are the most important issues of our time.

“We know that the impacts are already being felt across the world, and here in Edinburgh. It is so important that all elected members are knowledgeable about how climate change will impact on our lives and what we need to do differently to keep people safe and ensure we have a planet to pass on to future generations.

“I hope that we see a good turnout from councillors for this important screening.”

Mark Dowey, Hub Manager at the Edinburgh Community Climate Action Network (ECCAN) said: “In Edinburgh, communities are leading the way in responding to the climate and nature crisis.

“This briefing gives councillors from across the political spectrum a unique opportunity to come together, reflect on the challenges we face, and discuss what they mean for Edinburgh.

“ECCAN is pleased to support that conversation and help strengthen the connection between decision-making in the city and the community action already happening on the ground.”

Circus in the Garden!

Saturday 10th October, 12-2pm

Free family circus skills session! with Think Circus

“🎪 Cirque Du Cycle is bringing circus to your community this October 🚲✨

We bring circus skills and creative play to parks and community spaces around Edinburgh using our custom built e-Cargo bike.

Our experienced team of tutors and volunteers make circus skills accessible to people of all ages through skill sharing, play and a little bit of circus magic. 🤹‍♀️

So come along and throw, catch, twist, twirl and have fun with us! 🎪💫

Everyone is welcome, no experience needed, just come ready to play.”

Public Health Scotland: Eligible? Get your Flu Vaccination

Almost 5,000 adults were admitted to hospital as a result of flu in Scotland last winter. If you’re offered a flu vaccine, it’s because you’re at greater risk of severe illness or can help protect those around you

https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2026/september/those-most-at-risk-of-severe-illness-encouraged-to-get-their-flu-vaccine/

#FluHitsHarder