Tesco Express store managers throughout Edinburgh will be taking part in the Kiltwalk
Any funds raised will go to St Columba’s Hospice
Funds will help St Columba’s staff continue delivering end of life care
Managers from several Tesco Express stores in Edinburgh will walk more than 11 miles to raise money for St Columba’s Hospice at this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
They will be lacing up their walking boots and donning kilts to take on the route from Musselburgh, through the capital, to the finish line at Murrayfield on Sunday 13 September.
Since 2016, the Kiltwalk has brought together more than 216,000 people and raised millions of pounds for good causes across the country.
All money raised by the group will be donated to St Columba’s Hospice, helping it continue to provide important end-of-life care to people in and around Edinburgh, while also supporting their families.
Jonny Hunter, Store Manager at Tesco Haymarket Express, said: “The team at St Columba’s Hospice are fantastic, so we are more than happy to help in any way we can.
“I’m extremely proud of my fellow store managers for going the extra mile to raise funds for a vital service that supports so many people in the local area.”
Amanda Southey, Partnerships Fundraiser at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “A huge thank you to the managers at Tesco for their wonderful fundraising and support.
“It’s thanks to the generosity of local businesses and our community that we can continue to be there for patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing care, compassion and support when it matters most.
“We’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for us.”
It was great to welcome First Minister John Swinney MSP to the Edinburgh Social Bite Village to see first-hand the impact of our response to homelessness.
During his visit, the First Minister met with residents and staff to find out more about our innovative alternative to temporary accommodation.
FM John Swinney visits Social Bite’s Edinburgh Village – 19/08/26
Mr Swinney commented: “Social Bite, working with Cyrenians, is doing vital work to support people through crisis and help them rebuild their lives.
“I would like to express my gratitude to residents for welcoming me into their homes and giving me the opportunity to hear more about their experiences.”
We urge both the Scottish and UK Governments to explore adopting the Village Model in cities across the UK in a bid to address the nation’s homelessness crisis.
The Social Bite Village Model demonstrates how unused or derelict land can be transformed into high-quality, purpose-built communities, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional forms of temporary accommodation.
Find out more about building a Social Bite Village in your local area:
For over 2 years now, LifeCare have been proud to host a The Chatty Cafe Scheme UK table in our community café. Due to such high demand for our Monday sessions, we are excited to be launching a new day of Chatty Cafe starting next week on Wednesdays!
Everyone is welcome to join us on Wednesday 9th of September 10am – 11.30am for our official opening party! Enjoy tea, coffee and cake and good company, all completely free
Every Monday 11am – 1pm
Every Wednesday 10am – 11.30am
At the LifeCare hub, 2 Cheyne St, Stockbridge
Stay for as long as you like – it can be 5 minutes or an hour or so – the choice is always yours.
Miliband summons Israeli Chargé d’Affaires – but Britain continues to aid Israeli aggression
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This Israeli Government’s publication of a tender for the E1 settlement project is an unacceptable and destructive act.
“E1 would cut across the heart of Palestine and risks separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, which would endanger the viability of a two-state solution.
“The UK has been clear privately and publicly in our opposition to E1 and our support for a two-state solution as the only way to ensure long-term security and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. All settlements damage that prospect and are a flagrant breach of international law.
“Today, I made clear to the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar that the Israeli Government must halt E1 plans immediately, retract the tender and stop all settlement expansion.
“In addition, the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires has been summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where we set out the UK’s profound objection to this move by the Netanyahu government and demanded an immediate reversal.
“The impact of settler violence and terrorism has been catastrophic for Palestinian communities. Settlement expansion and attempts to create irreversible divisions on the ground threaten peace, security and the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
“Britain will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution.
“In the coming weeks we will set out a comprehensive set of measures to respond to Israeli government policies, protect the viability of the Palestinian state, target sanctions at those who participate in illegal settlement expansion and support a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
FINE WORDS AND MUCH HAND-WRINGING ONCE AGAIN – BUT BRITISH COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SUPPLY ISRAEL WITH MILITARY AID.
Hundreds of Palestinian people have been slaughtered during the current ‘ceasefire’ – and our country is complicit in this genocide.SHAMEFUL. – Ed.
Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 276 referrals to agencies in Scotland where the main concern was domestic abuse – 73% higher than when the charity began recording this data.
The NSPCC is appealing to the public to reach out to its Helpline if they have any concern, no matter how small, about a child experiencing domestic abuse.
Referrals about a child experiencing domestic abuse made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, the charity’s Helpline made 276 referrals to local agencies in Scotland, including the police and children’s social work, where the main concern was domestic abuse. This is an increase of 27% from the previous year when there were 217 referrals, and 73% from 2021/22 when the NSPCC began recording this data*.
The NSPCC Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they are worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that is physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.
The charity makes a referral when concerns about a child reported to the Helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.
An adult in Scotland who contacted the NSPCC Helpline said:
“I’m worried about my little brother and my mother. I believe my mother’s boyfriend is subjecting her to ongoing domestic abuse. He restricts access to her car and regularly monitors her phone to see who’s she’s been speaking to. I’ve witnessed him being verbally aggressive, shouting, swearing, and throwing objects around the flat.
“He has also threatened to report mum to children’s services, even though he’s the one who should be reported. Mum is too frightened to ask for help which is why I’m reaching out on her behalf.”
Domestic abuse can include coercive control, and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected, and it is vital support is made available to each person according to their needs.
It can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child’s wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future.
Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include aggression, anti-social behaviour, bed wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and problems in school.
Margaret ** who suffered years of abuse by her ex-husband spoke about the impact this had on her children and is urging victims ask for help:
She said: “I had always known Tony* was controlling, but after our wedding he became emotionally and psychologically abusive, threatening me and belittling me all the time. Then he started being physically abusive.
“We had two children and he became abusive towards them too, shouting and beating them with belts and shoes when I wasn’t there. I could see that they were really affected. They were subdued, sullen and didn’t really behave like children at all.
“One day, I finally snapped and called the police. They helped get us to a safe house.
“I was really worried about whether my children would be able to get over the abuse they had witnessed and endured. They took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, and the light has come back into their eyes. They changed from quiet and subdued children to boisterous and playful – like they’ve released whatever they’d been holding on to.
“If there are any parents reading this and going through something like us, or you know someone who is, help is out there. I know my children will be OK, but without help, they may not have been.”
Paddi Vint, NSPCC Helpline Service Head, says: “It’s worrying that referrals made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.
“Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.
“If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our free NSPCC Helpline in complete confidence. Reaching out can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.”
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.
An Edinburgh woman whose breast cancer was discovered after a jellyfish sting has completed a gruelling 58km (36 miles) non-stop sea swim around Jersey to raise money for the NHS team that treated her.
Nicky Mather signed up for this 58km non-stop, non-wetsuited sea swim around Jersey challenge in 2021.
On a training swim in 2022 Nicky swam over a lion’s mane jelly fish at her local Portobello beach in Edinburgh and was stung all over the chest.
In the process of inspecting the sting she discovered a lump that was not the work of a jelly fish. Three weeks later she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, booked in for surgery and started on hormone therapy. After two rounds of surgery, 16 weeks of chemotherapy, intensive radiotherapy and further preventative treatment and medication she has gradually re-built her life.
It was important to Nicky to return to things that were not possible during treatment – including this swimming challenge. It has taken two years to carefully build back her swim fitness and cold-water acclimatisation to be ready whilst also balancing her recovery needs.
The swim
This swim requires a large helping hand from the formidable Jersey tides and currents and very little wind.
Nicky had been allocated a 5-day slot in which she could complete the swim, so really needed some luck for the right conditions to align! It didn’t look like she would get the low-wind forecast needed at all.
On Thursday morning just as she had resigned herself to not swimming and was preparing to go to work, she received a message from the pilot saying ‘Come to Jersey now – we’re swimming Saturday, meet at the boat 7.30am‘! So then a scramble to get herself and crew from Edinburgh to Jersey, supplies organised and to prepare herself mentally for swimming again.
When Nicky finally stepped off the boat and swam to the wall at Elizabeth Castle signalling the swim start, she felt so grateful to be able to do the swim at last.
The first two hours of the swim involved navigating around jaggy rocks so Nicky had to be separated from the main support boat and escorted by a very small boat until they reached deeper waters. She was very glad to be reunited with her support boat and ready for her first feed!
During the swim it is forbidden to be helped in any way: use of buoyancy or thermal aids and sports watches are banned, no one can touch the swimmer and the swimmer cannot touch the boat.
Fuelling has to happen whilst treading water. Nicky’s husband fed her liquid carbohydrate drink from the boat every 45 mins via a rope and bottle. Nicky also likes peaches in syrup as a treat to soothe the mouth and throat from ingesting too much salt water! It’s important to feed fast and keep swimming to avoid losing the tidal advantage so each pit-stop was no more than 15 seconds.
During the first 6 hours of the swim conditions were smooth and Nicky enjoyed swimming past the different places where she had trained for this swim over the past few years.
Jersey is a bit like a rectangle and every time she turned a “corner” she noticed the water became suddenly confused and could feel the currents pulling her in different ways. The second half of the swim the wind picked up and it became much more ‘wavey and choppy’. It was hard to see much other than the very large barrel jellyfish wizzing past underneath Nicky on the currents.
Nicky did however notice the large ferry gliding past at one point and a speeding RIB that came a bit too close to the boat for the pilot’s liking!!! Nicky was very grateful to have a very experienced, alert pilot and crew to keep her safe in very busy waters.
The final 45 mins were really tough, swimming very tired into a headwind. Nicky was very relieved and delighted to touch the walls of Elizabeth Castle again 11 hours 41 mins after starting!
Nicky says: “Overall it was a beautiful and special swim. Touching the finishing wall was not just about completing the swim – it was about celebrating what is possible and making the most of each day.
“This swim is dedicated to the amazing NHS staff at the Western General Hospital and my local Colinton GP surgery. Their swift interventions, expertise and support are the reason I am here and was able to finally complete this swim.”
Nicky is hoping to raise £4000 for the Breast Cancer Institute of Edinburgh at the Western General Hospital Fund S03181.
This Fund is held within and managed by NHS Lothian Charity and is locally administered by stewards with strong links to the Edinburgh Breast Unit.
Every pound raised will support breast cancer research, specialist equipment, education and enhancements to the patient experience:
Edinburgh’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality heroes are celebrating after a host of the capital’s best businesses and individuals were named finalists in the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2026.
Now in its 31st year, the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are Scotland’s longest running celebration of pubs, bars, restaurants and the people who make them great. The awards have become one of the biggest nights on the licensed trade calendar, recognising the businesses, teams and individuals who go above and beyond across Scotland.
This year, the awards are taking a walk on the wild side, with a spectacular Glam Rock theme set to bring some serious rock ‘n’ roll glamour to the celebrations on Tuesday 1 September.
Edinburgh is strongly represented among this year’s finalists, with local pubs, bars, restaurants, hospitality teams and individuals making their mark across a wide range of categories.
Among the capital’s finalists are The Bowlers Rest, Black Ivy, Bittersweet Leith, Barry Fish, The Dome, Boston Bar New Town, Boston Bar Old Town, Nectar, Seamus’s Pub, Bonnie & Wild, Teuchters Landing, The Pear Tree and The Tynecastle Arms, alongside a host of talented Edinburgh hospitality professionals.
The city’s individual talent is also making its mark, with Cullen Hutchison of The Mother Superior and Chris Sloan of The Black Bull shortlisted for the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, while Daniel Cutting of Brewhemia and Mirin McLintock of Why Not are both in contention for HOSPO Manager of the Year.
Edinburgh’s cocktail and restaurant scene is also well represented, with Bittersweet Leith competing for the Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year title, while Barry Fish and The Dome are finalists for Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year.
There is plenty of recognition for the capital’s pub scene too, with Edinburgh venues competing across categories including Community Pub of the Year, DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area, New Bar of the Year and Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.
Publisher, Susan Young, said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong showing from Edinburgh’s hospitality businesses and individuals this year.
“What I love about these nominations is the sheer variety. We have brilliant bar teams, cocktail destinations, late night venues, community pubs, restaurants, emerging talent and established Edinburgh favourites. It really demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant the city’s hospitality scene is.
“The people working in hospitality are the real stars of these awards, and it is wonderful to see so many from Edinburgh getting the recognition they deserve.”
More than 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather on 1 September for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, with the industry embracing this year’s Glam Rock theme and finding out who will take home Scotland’s highest hospitality honours.
Here’s the full roll call of Edinburgh contenders vying for glory:
Community Pub of the Year
The Bowlers Rest
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
Cullen Hutchison – The Mother Superior Chris Sloan – The Black Bull
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
Black Ivy
Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year
Mattel launches nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools that sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
Thomas the Tank Engine becomes first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
Mattel’s Thomas & Friends launches nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools that sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
This year, Mattel’s Thomas & Friends have come on-board to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day campaign.
Thomas the Tank Engine will be appointed as Save the Children’s Chief Delivery Officer for Christmas Jumper Day and will be the first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support the annual festive fundraiser and help keep it on track.
Together, Thomas and Save the Children will help deliver festive joy to children in the UK and around the world who need it most.
Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day is taking place on Thursday 10th December 2026 and to help encourage more children than ever to sign up and take part, Mattel is launching a nationwide prize draw for nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools.
Schools and nurseries that register by Tuesday 1st December at: ChristmasJumperDay.org will be in with the chance of winning:
Nursery – A Day Out With Thomas adventure, where one nursery class of up to 30 children, plus up to 4 teachers/chaperones can enjoy a ride on a full-sized Thomas engine and child-friendly activities. Subject to availability.
Primary – An unforgettable full-day visit for one winning primary school class to Drayton Manor Resort, home of Thomas Land, with access to over 50 rides and attractions throughout the park. Includes admission to Thomas Land, reasonable return group/coach travel, lunch for all attendees and parking where applicable.
Secondary – One exclusive interactive STEM-focused workshop with a Mattel designer at your school, where students can discover the creative process behind some of their favourite toys and bring ideas to life.
Get your jumper out. You don’t have to buy a new one, upcycle an old jumper with tinsel and baubles.
Donate to Save the Children. By having fun and raising money, you’re supporting children in the UK and around the world.
When you sign up to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, you’ll receive a free fundraising pack with lesson plans, festive activities and all the information you need to plan the merriest day ever.
Kristina Arora, Head of Christmas Jumper Day, from Save the Children said: “With Thomas the Tank Engine coming on-board for the 2026 campaign we hope that more children than ever will sign up and take part.
“By launching an exclusive prize draw for anyone who signs up to Christmas Jumper Day this year, our incredible partner Mattel is helping us to bring communities together for the festive season. The more money we raise this Christmas, the more impact we can have on the lives of children who need it most.
“For generations, Thomas & Friends has inspired children through stories of friendship, teamwork and helping others, so we’re incredibly proud to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day this year,” saidNancy Molenda, Vice President of Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy at Mattel.
“As Thomas takes on his new role as Chief Delivery Officer, we’re excited to help bring even more schools, nurseries and families together for a day of festive fun that can make a real difference to children who need it most, helping keep this year’s campaign on track.”
Tickets on sale for new Oasis film documenting the band’s record breaking 2025 tour – arriving at Vue Edinburgh next month
A new film charting Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25, is heading to the big screen next month – with tickets on sale from now.
Showing exclusively at cinemas from 9 – 17 September, Don’t Look Back in Anger documents one of the biggest musical events in recent years.
The 41-date world tour saw the brothers performing across five continents – with an impressive 17 shows taking place in the UK alone.
The film offers unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage, alongside the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. It also explores the profound emotional impact of the tour and what the band’s music means to audiences and generations worldwide.
Fans will be able to watch Don’t Look Back in Anger on Vue’s biggest screen: EPIC by Vue – the ultimate way to experience the most anticipated releases.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “After decades of waiting, last year Oasis fans got the reunion they were hoping for.Now audiences can relive the iconic comeback on the big screen, with unprecedented access, behind-the-scenes footage and a joint interview – two decades in the making.
“What better way to enjoy this fly on the wall documentary than from the comfort of Vue, offering the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience.”
Following its Fringe First Award win last week, critically acclaimed one-man show ‘The Bridge’ will extend its Edinburgh Fringe run with a limited series of three additional performances from 28-30 August at 8pm.
Written and performed by Palestinian artist Alaa Shehada, who also secured the prestigious accolade last year for ‘The Horse of Jenin’, and produced by the Palestine Comedy Club, ‘The Bridge’tells the extraordinary story of the only route Palestinians in the West Bank have to the outside world.
It originally opened for a limited run at Assembly Roxy. Following its major award win and strong audience response, the production will now move to Assembly George Square Studios, Studio Two, for three additional performances.
The Fringe First Award recognises outstanding new work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The additional performances give audiences another opportunity to catch one of this year’s award-winning productions before its Fringe run comes to an end.
