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Driver safety roadshow set to roll into Edinburgh to help older drivers stay safe behind the wheel

●              The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched their Fitness to Drive campaign to encourage drivers aged 60 and over to reflect on their driving and take simple, practical steps to stay safe and confident on the road.

●              The Fitness to Drive national roadshow will be stopping off in Edinburgh from 19 – 23 August appearing at local spots including IKEA Straiton, Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, and Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh.

●              Older drivers will be able to drop in for a free ‘Driver MOT’ – a session to help them recognise any changes in the way they drive and explore practical steps they can take to continue driving safely for longer.

A road safety campaign by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland is coming to Edinburgh as part of a nationwide tour to support mature drivers to stay safe and confident on the road.

With more than 850,000 drivers over 60 in Scotland, the Fitness to Drive roadshow will be appearing at IKEA Straiton on 19 August, before heading to Cameron Toll Shopping Centre on 20 August, before finally rolling into Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh from 21 to 23 August.

The purpose of the roadshow is to highlight the importance of recognising how ageing may impact driving, as well as understanding the steps that can be taken to mitigate that.

Transport Scotland statistics show an increasing trend in the number of road casualties involving drivers aged 60 and over. The Driver MOT roadshow aims to help people understand ways they can overcome age-related challenges, such as changes to eyesight, hearing and reaction times.

The roadshow will share tips for addressing these changes, which may include booking regular eye examinations, reducing night-time driving, avoiding busy junctions at peak hours, and/or refreshing skills with a driving review.

Fear of having to give up driving can often stop people from addressing these changes, but the Fitness to Drive initiative looks to equip older drivers with the knowledge and understanding they need to help stay safe behind the wheel for longer. Friends and family members of drivers aged 60 or over are also encouraged to attend for advice on opening up supportive and sensitive conversations about driving.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, said: “The Fitness to Drive campaign is designed to support older drivers to recognise any changes that come with age – whether that’s to eyesight or hearing – and encouraging them to take action to ensure they continue driving safely and confidently.

“Change doesn’t always have to mean hanging up the keys and, by helping older drivers and their families ensure their driving fitness, we can help make people more confident and safer when they travel which, in turn, can help stop collisions and save lives.”

The Fitness to Drive national roadshow will be at the following locations:

●             IKEA Straiton – Wednesday 19 August – 10am – 4pm

●             Cameron Toll Shopping Centre – Thursday 20 August – 10am – 4pm

●             Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh – Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August – 10am – 4pm

For more details about the roadshow and advice about how to keep driving safely for longer, visit roadsafety.scot/fitness-to-drive/

Local MSP calls for urgent action to tackle youth knife crime in schools

ALMOST FIFTY KNIFE INCIDENTS IN EDINBURGH SCHOOLS IN FIVE YEARS

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today urged the SNP government to step up efforts to tackle youth knife crime as she revealed that there have been almost 50 such crimes in Edinburgh schools since 2021.

New figures uncovered by the party show that since 2021 there have been:

  • 37 crimes of possession of an article with a blade or point in Edinburgh schools.  
  • 10 crimes of these articles being used in some other kind of criminal activity in Edinburgh schools.

Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that the police have recorded almost 700 crimes of possessing an article with a blade or point in schools across Scotland over the last five years.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Each one of these crimes will have been hugely distressing for the staff and pupils involved.

“These figures do not sit in isolation, and we need to understand the part played by events like the pandemic, which had a severe and longer-lasting impact on young people.

“That impact hasn’t been helped by the Scottish Government’s failure to recognise the importance of interventions like youth work.

“Youth work can stop this kind of violence from happening in the first place by offering young people valuable support and guidance, often from someone who is neither a parent nor a teacher.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight for a proper investment in youth work so that we can give young people the choices and the futures they deserve.”

Data centre planning direction

Harnessing opportunities of data centres in Scotland

Planning authorities will be required to notify Scottish Ministers of new data centre applications within seven days of validation.

A new direction, issued by Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad, applies to data centre developments exceeding 50 Megawatts (MW) power capacity. It will support strategic monitoring of the pipeline of such planning applications and of the implications for wider infrastructure. 

Ms Goodlad has also recalled a planning appeal for Ministerial decision relating to a proposed green data centre in Edinburgh, and has issued directions requiring Environmental Impact Assessments at locations in Fife and Edinburgh.

She said: “Data centres is a rapidly emerging sector, and planning has an important role to play in considering applications, harnessing economic opportunities, and finding solutions which align with our climate goals.

“We must balance the economic and employment interests in developing data centres with national energy, climate and community wealth building ambitions, which are vital to our future prosperity, as well as the potential impact on local communities.

“It is essential to secure public benefits from this type of development, and I am clear that voices of communities that will be affected will be central to any considerations on data centres.”

Choir Wanted For FACE Christmas Fair

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE: SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER

We’re looking for a choir or singing group to help us spread some Christmas cheer at our FACE Winter Fair on Saturday 28th November 2026 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

The fair is from 11am – 3pm and we’re looking for some festive entertainment for an hour approx 12noon – 1pm while people shop and enjoy the cafe. Sing-a-longs and flash mobs welcome!

If you think you can help, or would like to know more, please send us a message.

FACE (are part of NHS Lothian Charity, and money we raise helps go towards the little things that make a big difference to people with cancer and their families in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Mindful Colouring In at Blackhall Library Davidsons Mains

Next Monday, 24th August we will be starting Mindful Colouring In at Blackhall Library. These are casual sessions for anyone to join, no need to book, just come along.

For more information contact Blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Celebrating Leith’s community champions: nominations now open

HARBOUR HOMES – NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY AWARDS

There will be more than a few winners on the books at the north Edinburgh Community Awards next month. An evening of prizes, entertainment and local pride will shine a light on the unsung heroes who make Leith one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Leith has no shortage of local champions, whether that is supporting vulnerable residents, bringing people together, improving local spaces or helping to create opportunities for others.

Residents across the north of Edinburgh can nominate people who help make Leith one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and connected communities across the following categories:

  • A neighbour who goes the extra mile
  • A young person doing something great
  • A volunteer who’s always lending a hand
  • A community group making a big difference

Those up for an award will be invited with friends and family to the free community awards night on Wednesday 30 September. This will feature Leith’s Big Bingo Night, a community supper and prizes.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour said: “Leith has always been a place where people look out for one another.

“The Big Bingo and Community Awards are a chance to celebrate that community spirit, recognise the incredible people making a difference, and bring everyone together for a great night out.

“Let’s make it a full house to thank the people who help make Leith such a special place to live, work and belong.”

To nominate a local hero, head over to the Harbour website.

To nominate by phone, call us on 0131 554 0403 during our opening hours.

Nominations close on Sunday 30 August.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s Keep It Fringe US returns for 80th Anniversary of Festival Fringe

THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has launched the Keep It Fringe US bursary initiative for a second year ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe 2027, which will be the Edinburgh Fringe’s 80th anniversary year. 

In 2026, 555 shows from the United States participated in the Edinburgh Fringe, highlighting what an important market this is for the festival.  

Keep It Fringe US will provide five artists based in the United States with bursaries of $2,500 to help bring work to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2027. In addition to financial support, successful recipients will receive a tailored support package of marketing, screen development, and industry networking opportunities to help with audience and career development.

Supported by Fringe Ambassador, Brian Cox, Keep It Fringe US was an initiative designed to help reduce the financial barriers faced by US-based artists taking part. Keep It Fringe US was launched in 2025, when five US-based artists each received a $2,500 grant. The fund followed the successful launch of the original Keep It Fringe fund in 2024 by the Fringe Society’s honorary President Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

In 2025, more than 130 artists applied for the five bursaries available through Keep It Fringe US. Keeping in the spirit of the original fund, Keep It Fringe US aims to encourage applications from the widest possible range of artists with professional ambitions. Successful recipients will have the flexibility to use their grants in the way that best supports bringing their work to the Edinburgh Fringe and making the most of the opportunity to perform for a global audience.

Heather and Paul Innella, and Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet, The American born Queen Consort of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria and Edinburgh Fringe performer herself, have confirmed their support to help bring Keep it Fringe US back for 2027.

Through Keep It Fringe 2027, the Edinburgh Fringe Society hopes to continue supporting artists to access the festival and are inviting partners, sponsors and donors to get in touch to see how they can support this important work.

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive Officer of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘I am pleased to announce the return of Keep It Fringe US for a second year.

“Next year will be Edinburgh Fringe’s 80th anniversary, and throughout its history artists, from the United States and beyond, have pushed boundaries and responded to the world around them. I do not doubt that 2027 will continue in that tradition.

“We look forward to receiving applications from artists across the United States when applications open and welcoming many to one of the greatest demonstrations of arts and culture on Earth in Edinburgh next year.’

Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet, The American born Queen Consort of Eti-Oni, Osun State, and Keep It Fringe US 2027 supporter said: “Opportunities for performing artists are crucial to the survival of the arts and to their power to bring people together for the greater good.

“Supporting Keep It Fringe US helps ensure that American artists have the opportunity to bring their stories to the world’s largest arts festival, while strengthening the historic cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.

“Having experienced the Edinburgh Fringe firsthand, I know the extraordinary work, courage and talent not mentioning the financial constraints that could stop artists from being part of it. I want to help ensure that other American artists have that same once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the support needed.”

Final call as Scottish football heritage survey enters stoppage time

HES is urging the public to get submissions over the line before the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026

Cathkin Park, an early footbal ground in Glasgow.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is issuing a final call for submissions to its Scottish football heritage project before the final whistle sounds and the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Members of the public, local communities, supporters and historians across the country are being encouraged to get their suggestions in before full time by submitting sites connected to the history of football in Scotland for further investigation and recording.

Submissions could include grounds, pavilions, parks, buildings or other locations with a strong connection to the history of the game in Scotland.

Scotland is recognised as a pioneering football nation, but many places linked to that story are not widely known or recorded. With the help of the public, the project aims to build a fuller picture of locations throughout the country that have helped shape the game.

The project will mainly look to focus on the development of Association Football from the 1860s onwards, a time when Scotland’s first teams and players played an important role in developing and popularising the version of the sport that is played worldwide today.

The information gathered through the survey will be used to help HES identify sites for further research, recording and possible recognition as Protected Historic Places, such as listed buildings and scheduled monuments.

Cathkin Park, an early footbal ground in Glasgow.

Victoria Murray, Head of Heritage Information, Recording and Business at HES, said: “With the deadline approaching, we’re asking anyone with knowledge of places connected to Scotland’s football heritage to make a submission before 20 August.

“Football is Scotland’s national sport and a key part of our history, and this project is helping us better understand the sites that are important to our football heritage. We want to hear from anyone who knows about the places that have played a part in the development of football in Scotland.

“These could be the remains of grounds themselves – such as recently scheduled Cathkin Park or the site of First Hampden – or more varied sites with football links – such as the listed Rose Reilly pub in Glasgow’s southside, where we recently updated our records to recognise the former Hampden Bar’s connection to Reilly, who is an icon of women’s football in Scotland.

“We know that there are many people right across the country who are keen to get involved in how the history and impact of football in Scotland is recorded and celebrated. This is the final opportunity to take part in the survey and help ensure these places are in the running for consideration.”

Members of the public can suggest sites they would like to be considered via the consultation page on the HES website before the survey closes on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Leith’s first French wine bar officially opens

Partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have officially opened the doors to Chez Bernard, a new neighbourhood French wine bar and bistro located on the waterfront of The Shore in Leith.

As the first French wine bar in the area, it is set to become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, whether for a long lunch or evening drink.

Chez Bernard is more than just a name to Jonathan and Isla. The new bar is a tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard, and to the simple moments that shaped his lifelong love for food, wine, and the table. 

Jonathan spent many summers near the Atlantic coast of France, which is where his appreciation for a traditional ‘long lunch’ began.  While these long French lunches are a huge inspiration behind the venue, the space is also a vibrant wine bar, making Chez Bernard the ideal place to visit in the evening for a bottle of wine, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie, or simply a relaxed glass at the bar.

Opening Chez Bernard is the couple’s way of keeping Jonathan’s grandfather’s memory alive. In a fitting tribute, the perfect waterfront space for their vision became available just off ‘Bernard Street’, a clear sign to Jonathan and Isla that they had found their home.

Drawing on 15 years of combined experience in hospitality between them, Jonathan and Isla who are engaged, are bringing that expert knowledge and passion for wine to Leith with Chez Bernard. The pair have curated an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the bistro’s authentic French and seafood offerings.

The menu at Chez Bernard caters to all occasions, offering great options whether diners are looking for a solo bite or food to share. Guests can expect classic French sharing plates, including a selection of artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie.

The bar also boasts an array of seafood dishes, featuring a salmon platter, dressed crab, and fresh oysters, alongside an assortment of hot dishes and additional sharing plates.

Co-owner Jonathan Heredia, said: “Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.

“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began. When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like absolute fate for both of us.

“This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore. We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine, and spend time around the table with the people you love.”

Chez Bernard promises an inviting, relaxed atmosphere perfect for afternoon grazing, evening drinks, or celebratory dinners with loved ones.

For more information, to view the menus, and to book a table, please visit:

https://www.chezbernard.co.uk/