A consultation is now open inviting Edinburgh residents to share their views on Community Payback Orders and the unpaid work carried out in their area.
Last year alone, just under 50,000 hours of unpaid work was completed in Edinburgh – equivalent to over 6,000 working days. Projects supported over the last year include:
Gyle Park Pavilion – Improvement work to the appearance of Gyle Park Pavilion and the car park. This included repainting exterior doors and step bannisters to cover up unpleasant graffiti and work in the car park to clear vegetation in the car park drainage channels.
The Ferry Road project – The unpaid work team helped clear areas in the community blighted by rubbish and fly tipping. The work had a big impact on the local environment making a previously heavily littered area useable and accessible.
Leith Theatre – The unpaid work women’s group cleared the outdoor space at Leith Theatre. This included weeding, gardening and pruning trees to make the area safe and accessible.
Edinburgh residents are encouraged to share their views on the unpaid work part of a CPO, which replaced community service in 2011. We want to know:
Do you have any experience of people doing unpaid work in your community?
Do you think unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for the crimes they have committed?
Do you have any ideas about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support?
CPOs are given by the Court to enable people to make amends for their crimes as an alternative to a prison sentence, with communities putting forward ideas to their local authority for the unpaid work carried out where they live.
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership Jane Meagher, said: “Community Payback Orders (CPOs) offer an alternative and more positive way for people to repay locally for crimes committed.
“We know that CPOs are mutually beneficial to both the individual and the wider community. For those completing a CPO, they have the chance to learn new skills, work as part of a team, and make a positive contribution to society.
“This year alone, with just under 50,000 hours of unpaid work carried out, we’ve seen a real difference to communities with previously unused or neglected areas transformed and, in some cases, put back into use.
“I encourage all Edinburgh residents to take the opportunity to have their say on the future of unpaid work and how it could benefit their local community in the future.”
Watch England-Norway World Cup quarter-final clash on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh
Football fans can witness one of the most talked-about matches of the FIFA World Cup yet in spectacular fashion at Vue Edinburgh Omni as England face Norway in a blockbuster quarter-final clash this Saturday.
Following popular screenings of Scottish group matches at Vue venues across Scotland, fans will now have the opportunity to follow more of the action on the big screen, whether they are cheering on another home nation, or feeling Norwegian for the weekend!
Those wishing to enjoy some quarter-final drama with fellow fans can do so with the ultimate seat, screen and sound by coming along to Vue where every moment will play out on the big screen.
Kicking off at 22:00 BST, England will be aiming to take the next step towards World Cup glory, but standing in their way is a Norway side boasting world-class talent across the pitch.
Norway’s squad is packed with Premier League experience, with a host of players who know England’s stars inside out and will be hoping to use that knowledge to halt the Three Lions’ march to the semi-finals, while players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice will look to do the same.
Harry Kane and Erling Haaland will step onto the biggest stage in world football as they continue their competition for the crown as the world’s best striker. With both the strikers aiming for the coveted golden boot, fans can expect a duel between two generational goalscorers in what promises to be one of the stand-out matches of the tournament.
Rachel Bland, Senior Screen Content Manager at Vue Entertainment, said: “Even though Scotland is out of the championship, we wanted to make sure fans here could continue to follow the action on the big screen after earlier successful screenings.
“No matter who you’re supporting, there’s no better place to experience the drama than at Vue. Our next-level screen and sound technology brings every tackle, every goal and every unforgettable moment to life, making you feel like you’re right there in the stadium.”
Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up
Saturday: England vs Norway (Quarter-Final) – 22:00 BST
Last few places left for Monday’s performance of Gaggle!
Gaggle is a joyful, non-verbal physical comedy made especially for young audiences with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.
Join three lighthouse keepers as they spend three days and three nights watching the sea. By day they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather. By night, lanterns are lit and things get weird, wonderful, and wild.
“We all loved the sensory experience which we could all enjoy together. It was a truly inclusive experience.” – Audience feedback
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.
Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings.
The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.
Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.
The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.
However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.
Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.
“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.
“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.
“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”
Iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many more are making their way to the big screen this summer at Vue in Edinburgh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary British animation studio Aardman.
A trailblazer in stop-motion animation, Aardman became a household name for British families with the release of beloved duo Wallace & Gromit in 1989’s A Grand Day Out, which saw a cheese-loving Yorkshire man and his heroic, silent dog Gromit set off on a space-faring adventure to the moon.
It is fitting, then, that Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out and crime caper Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers will kick-start the Aardman 50th anniversary season at Vue, combining the two short films into one animated double bill exclusively for the big screen from 10 July.
The dynamic duo continue their adventures on 18 July with a double bill of Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, which introduces fan favourite Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, where Gromit must uncover the identity of a deranged assailant targeting bakers before they can cause more harm.
Their first feature-length release, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, wraps up the duo’s animated adventures at Vue on 1 August, as they face off against the fluffiest monster around after a series of carrot catastrophes threatens the village’s annual giant vegetable competition.
It is not just Wallace & Gromit in the spotlight, though, as other popular features from Aardman are also returning. Shaun the Sheep’s big-screen adventures, including 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie from 28 August and 2019’s A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon from 5 September, will also return to Vue.
Families can follow everyone’s favourite woolly rascal as he gets involved in everything from an action-packed day out in town to dealing with an alien invasion. These laugh-out-loud family films are not to be missed.
Other iconic Aardman releases returning as part of the anniversary season include Chicken Run from 24 July, Flushed Away from 7 August, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! from 14 August and Early Man from 21 August.
This summer, Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with the launch of its new Summer Family Passport Book, designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the season.
Families and children can collect stamps in their Summer Family Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest family releases, including all of the Aardman classics returning to the big screen. They are also encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures on a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card.
Vue has also introduced discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme, meaning children aged 14 and under can enjoy big-screen escapes for less, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the holidays.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Aardman Animation and its beloved characters have charmed UK audiences since the very first adventure of Wallace & Gromit, and we’re thrilled to be able to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary by bringing its most iconic stories back to the big screen this summer holidays.
“Whether you’ve seen these films before or are new to the stop-motion worlds of Aardman, this back-on-the-big-screen season is guaranteed to provide plenty of moments and memories for families to treasure.”
Aardman 50th Anniversary Back on the Big Screen Season
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out/The Wrong Trousers – From 10 July
Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave/A Matter of Loaf & Death – From 18 July
Chicken Run – From 24 July
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit – From 1 August
Flushed Away – From 7 August
THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS! – From 14 August
SEPHORA UK has officially arrived in Scotland with the opening of its first-ever Scottish store at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.
The landmark opening kicks off ‘Sephora Summer’, a major period of UK expansion that will see four new stores open in just eight weeks.
Spanning 4,961 sq ft, the Edinburgh store is Sephora UK’s 15th UK location and the third opening of 2026, with Glasgow Silverburn set to open in August.
London’s Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market will also open in the coming days. Together, the openings represent Sephora UK’s biggest period of physical expansion since returning to the UK in 2023.
Thousands of beauty fans queued to be among the first through the doors, before Sephora UK Managing Director Sarah Boyd officially cut the ribbon to open the retailer’s first Scottish store.
The moment was celebrated with a parade through St James Quarter, featuring homegrown talent including DJ Lu, drag artist Sally Saint Scott and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director, Sephora UK, said: “Scotland has been one of the most requested locations from our community, so opening our first Scottish store is an incredibly exciting milestone for Sephora UK.
“Edinburgh is a city with an amazing beauty community, incredible creativity and visitors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to continue our UK expansion.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both local customers and visitors into the Sephora experience for the very first time.
“This opening also marks the beginning of a hugely exciting summer for Sephora UK as we continue expanding our footprint across the country with both destination stores and new boutique formats, allowing us to bring prestige beauty to more communities than ever before.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director for St James Quarter, said: “The opening of Sephora’s first-ever Scottish store is a landmark moment for both the brand and St James Quarter.
“It’s exciting to see Sephora mark this significant milestone with a memorable launch event, from the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the performances taking place throughout the day.
“Welcoming such an internationally recognised beauty retailer to the Quarter further strengthens the destination’s appeal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sought-after beauty brands right here in Scotland.”
Christina Hill, 40 from Fife travelled to the store launch with her husband, Kenny. She said: “This is the first time that I’ve ever been in a Sephora store but I have always wanted to visit.
“It’s amazing they’re finally here – I’ll be travelling into Edinburgh to shop here all the time now”
Her husband Kenny (50) was enjoying himself too: “This is quite an experience, I didn’t know what to expect.
“I enjoy a wee face mask now and then, so who knows, I might buy something as well as my wife.”
Chloe Hicks, 24, from Harthill and Paige McNaught, 19, from Breich got up at 4am to get glam for the store launch – but say it’s all in a day’s work for them.
Chloe said: “We’re both cabin crew and so make-up is an essential part of routine – in fact, I was on call this morning for work and I was so worried I’d get called up and miss this launch. We’ve been so excited about it.”
Paige continued: “It’s so brilliant to finally have Sephora here because we can finally go and see products that have never been in Scotland before.
“It’s been such a party atmosphere today, it feels like a party, everyone is dancing and singing.”
Following yesterday’s official opening (Thursday 9 July 2026), customers visiting throughout the weekend can enjoy a packed programme of exclusive experiences, entertainment and giveaways celebrating Sephora’s long-awaited arrival in Scotland.
Highlights include:
● A tartan-themed photobooth.
● The chance to feature on a digital billboard outside the store by sharing queue selfies.
● Surprise brand moments from Scottish-born brand BYOMA, as well as Inde Wild, Le Monde Gourmand, Kayali, Sephora Collection and more.
● Treats for customers from Wingstop, Oakberry and local charity Coffee Saints.
As part of the celebrations, customers making any purchase between Thursday 9 July and Sunday 12 July 2026 (or while stocks last) will receive a Beauty Bonus Card, giving every customer an equal chance to instantly win prizes including goodie bags, Sephora merchandise, complimentary beauty services, exclusive products and discounts.
For the first time, Scottish beauty lovers can shop many of Sephora UK’s most sought-after and exclusive brands in person, including rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, Half Magic, Yepoda and Tower 28, alongside viral favourites such as Tatcha, Tarte, Summer Fridays and Kosas.
The Edinburgh store will also feature Sephora’s latest Beauty Scan technology. Powered by an advanced lens attached to a Beauty Advisor’s phone, the service analyses hydration levels, oil levels and foundation shade matching to deliver personalised product recommendations tailored to each customer’s individual skin needs.
Customers can also enjoy Sephora UK’s growing range of redeemable beauty services, alongside access to the MySephora loyalty programme, which offers free delivery for every member, points on every purchase, early access to launches, exclusive rewards and invitations to special events through the Sephora UK app.
Today’s opening marks the beginning of ‘Sephora Summer’ – Sephora UK’s biggest period of expansion since returning to the UK in 2023.
Following Edinburgh, the retailer will open a second Scottish store at Glasgow Silverburn before launching its first-ever UK boutique stores at Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market later this month, bringing the Sephora experience to even more beauty lovers across the UK.
Fundraising drive aims to raise £7,000 to support vital Ageing Well project tackling isolation and inactivity
Edinburgh Leisure is calling on people across the city to lace up their walking shoes and join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, helping older adults stay active and connected.
Taking place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is a chance to enjoy a memorable day out one of Scotland’s most uplifting mass participation events while raising vital funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project. The charity is aiming to raise £7,000 this year to help sustain the service amid growing demand and limited resources.
Ageing Well is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities project and supports older adults through welcoming, inclusive physical activity sessions designed to improve health, confidence and social connection. The project particularly supports people experiencing long-term health conditions, isolation, inequalities and financial hardship.
Last year, Edinburgh Leisure’s Kiltwalk team raised over £4,000, helping to keep Ageing Well sessions running across the city. With no external funding currently supporting the project, fundraising initiatives such as the Kiltwalk are essential to safeguarding its future and enabling more people to benefit.
Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“Ageing Well is about so much more than staying active – it helps older adults feel connected, confident and part of their community.
“The sessions offer a welcoming space where people can move at their own pace, meet others and build friendships. Everyone walking with Edinburgh Leisure at this year’s Kiltwalk is helping us protect that sense of belonging and make sure more older adults across the city can continue to benefit.”
Liz, Ageing Well Walk Leader, said:“I was in the house on my own and found out about Ageing Well through a friend. I joined and was welcomed with open arms.
“I was allowed to learn to lead the walks at my own pace until I felt confident. I even discovered parts of Edinburgh I never knew existed!”
Join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Kiltwalk
Participants who sign up to walk for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the Kiltwalk registration fee, along with an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and tartan-themed snood. Walkers can choose from three distances:
The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £10 registration
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £10 registration
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for children
This is a new activity we are piloting which hopes to connect generations through play, storytelling, singing and company. Here at LifeCare we run our own day club and support older people to remain active and apart of the community.
Even if you can’t make the taster session, please let us know if you would be interested in further dates we are planning!
A student who has laid solid foundations for a career in construction has two reasons to celebrate – after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) on her birthday.
Madison Smith, from Glenrothes in Fife, collected her BA (Hons) Business Management at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh yesterday [Thursday 9 July], the day she turned 22.
As the first member of her immediate family to go to university, she has become used to blazing her own trail.
Madison’s degree has already proved to be life-changing, as a work placement at BAM Construction as part of her studies led to a full-time job with the firm.
Reacting to her graduation, Madison said: “I would not have thought I’d be here four years ago.
“There was no pressure on me to go to university, neither side of my family have.
“It was daunting because I wanted to make them proud – although that pressure was all from myself, not mum and dad.
“Seeing their faces makes it all a bit emotional. Graduating on my birthday is extra special – a two-in-one celebration.
“University has really exceeded my expectations. My lecturers were so helpful during my whole time here. Whenever I struggled, I got support. I’ve loved it.”
Madison’s role at BAM, which focuses on sustainability, has offered her on-site involvement in several major projects.
She credits her course at ENU with providing her the skills to make an impact straight away.
She added: “When I was looking at what to study, I really liked the Edinburgh Napier programme. It seemed fun and modern.
“I really liked the sustainable business development module – it’s closely linked to what I do now, so it applied by university learning to my job really well.
“I didn’t really consider that I’d end up going into construction before I started.
“It was intimidating at first as I was the only girl on site, but everyone was so lovely.
“I remember first applying to university and thinking ‘what am I actually going to do?’. I’m so glad it has worked out this way because I love my job now.”
Madison graduated alongside fellow students from The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University.
ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.
Consultation on packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products
Views are being sought on proposals aimed at restricting the appearance of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products and how they are packaged and displayed in shops to make them less enticing to children and young people.
The consultation fulfils a 100-day Scottish Government commitment and builds on government action to reduce preventable deaths from smoking and introduce tougher measures on vaping, including the introduction of a ban on the sale of single-use vapes last year.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Scotland has been a world-leader on a range of tobacco control measures, and while there has been a steady reduction in smoking rates, we know it still damages lives and kills more than 7,000 people a year in Scotland.
“The use of vapes has increased in recent years, particularly among children and young people – with almost one in five children saying they have tried vaping.
“We know that colourful packaging and displays are used as an enticement to children and young people, which is why we are taking action and consulting on options to address this issue.
“We urge everyone to have their say on how these products are marketed and sold in the future to help protect children and young people and reduce preventable harm in Scotland.”
Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: “This is a vital step to protect public health and support Scotland’s aim of a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Scotland’s ‘Tobacco and Vaping Framework and Population Health Framework’ place a strong emphasis on prevention and reducing the use of health-harming products, including tobacco and nicotine.
“Action on how these products are promoted is central to that aim, and the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 provides a strengthened legislative basis for action. This work will help reduce health harms, address health inequalities, and respond proportionately to emerging risks from vaping.”
Public Health Scotland Consultant in Public Health, Dr Garth Reid said: “Public Health Scotland welcomes the Four Nations consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products.
“We strongly support the ambition to reduce the appeal, accessibility and normalisation of products that cause significant harm to population health.
“The proposals represent a timely and evidence‑informed extension of existing tobacco control measures, and they align with Scotland’s goal of achieving a tobacco‑free generation.”
The consultation will run from 10 July 2026 for 12 weeks.
