A package has been announced to support the retention of manufacturing jobs at Alexander Dennis in Scotland.
On a visit to the bus company’s site in Larbert, Falkirk, First Minister John Swinney confirmed approximately £4 million towards a furlough scheme until work can recommence.
To access this salary support funding, the company will need to provide evidence of sufficient orders to sustain its operations in Scotland.
The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government wants to retain the manufacturing workforce of Alexander Dennis. My officials have discussed detailed terms with management and reached agreement on the principles of a company run furlough scheme.
“To access the Scottish Government funding, the company will need to provide evidence of orders that will enable its manufacturing to continue in Scotland. Although the details are commercially sensitive, I am aware Alexander Dennis is working hard to do that.
“This is intended to act as a bridge to a sustainable future for the company in Scotland. During this period, training will also be offered by Scottish Enterprise.
“It is essential we protect the skilled manufacturing jobs we need to build our transition to a green industrial economy.”
Alexander Dennis President and Managing Director Paul Davies said: “We are deeply grateful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to preserving jobs, skills, and industrial capability in the region.
“This announcement marks a turning point. The Scottish Government’s support allows us to propose a new outcome to our statutory consultation.
“This has been made possible by collaboration, determination, and a shared belief in the value and future of domestic manufacturing.”
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie said: “This welcome announcement signals a strong commitment to supporting and retaining vital Scottish manufacturing expertise in an important, growing market.
“We’ve reached this outcome through partnership working at its best, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their dedication. Scottish Enterprise looks forward to working with the company to build a successful future in Scotland.”
THIS October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.
From myth-busting monster hunts to late-night planetarium thrills, Dynamic Earth promises a Halloween season filled with discovery, imagination, and just the right amount of fright!
At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Monsters and Myths Trail – a Halloween adventure curated and illustrated by Dynamic Earth’s own talented team. Visitors are invited to journey through immersive galleries and track down legendary creatures, both real and imagined. From Halloween favourites such as zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster to icons of Scottish folklore including selkies and the Loch Ness Monster, this self-guided trail reveals the fascinating science behind the stories.
On the trail, interim CEO Anastasia Rocke said ‘October is one of our favourite times of year at Dynamic Earth. Our new Monsters and Myths Trail brings together creativity, science and storytelling in a way that captures the wonder of Halloween while staying true to our mission – helping people of all ages understand the incredible world around them. We’re especially proud of our incredible staff whose passion and talent made this programme possible. Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something here to make your October unforgettable.’
Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team is delivering brand-new spooky science sessions to celebrate the season. For families with younger children, under 6, the Dynamos and Dynamites sessions will combine gentle Halloween-themed fun with hands-on discovery, helping children explore some of the world’s spookiest creatures.
Dynamic Earth’s October programme runs throughout the month, with highlights including:
Monsters and Myths Trail
Daily from 3rd October – 2nd November | £4.50 add-on to Science Centre & Planetarium
Embark on a thrilling journey through Dynamic Earth’s immersive galleries and uncover the real-life science behind legendary creatures. Upon purchase, visitors receive a Trail Passport to guide their adventure, collecting stamps and tackling interactive science challenges along the way.
Budding explorers will uncover both myths and monsters whilst discovering the real creatures that shaped the stories we know and love today. Uncover different legends: from the shadowy waters of Loch Ness and its famous monster to Halloween favourites like vampires and zombies. Complete the trail and claim a fossil detective set to take home – perfect for budding explorers.
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for under-4s. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for 4 – 6 year olds. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
Dino’s: Monstrous Myths
Saturday 1st November, sessions throughout the day | Book here
Dynamic Earth’s Dino’s Saturday Science Club invites 6–12 year olds to get hands-on with spooky science this Halloween. Through fun activities and a take-home craft, children will explore the real creatures that inspired famous myths and monsters
This October, children aged 7–12 can join Dynamic Earth’s Holiday Club for four days of discovery and adventure. Each day brings new scientific challenges – from outdoor investigations in Holyrood Park and wildlife spotting, to creative crafts, games, and experiments. And, with flexible booking, families can choose the days that best suit their holiday plans. Led by Dynamic Earth’s Learning & Engagement team, the club offers the perfect mix of fun and hands-on science, inspiring the next generation of planet protectors.
Step into the role of a space detective in What’s Up – Dark Matter Detectives, the latest presenter-led Planetarium show from Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers. The Universe is full of mysteries, from dark energy to the elusive dark matter that shapes the cosmos. Join Dynamic Earth’s team of astral agents to discover the hidden clues the Universe leaves behind and explore one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: what is dark matter?
Planetarium Lates
16th – 18th October | 18+ | Various concession prices available | £20 per ticket | Book here
Adults can enjoy an atmospheric evening under the stars with cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Aliens, or lose themselves in The Dark Side of the Moon dome shows. Cocktails and a spine-tingling atmosphere guarantee a Halloween night to remember.
Family Film Screenings
13th – 19th October daily | £6 per ticket | Book here
Every Saturday and Sunday between 4th October and 2nd November | £6 per ticket
Family favourites including Monsters Inc., Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, and Scooby Doo: Frankencreep light up the dome every morning from 10:00 am.
October Membership Offer:
This October, there’s more than just Halloween fun in store at Dynamic Earth! Visitors can upgrade their Annual Pass from £25 and receive a 12-month membership at Dynamic Earth.
A Dynamic Earth Annual Membership Includes:
Exclusive invites to Members Only events
Free tickets to selected seasonal events
Welcome £5 voucher for the Cafe or Gift Shop
10% discount in the Cafe and Gift Shop every time you visit
20% discount on parking at Dynamic Earth every time you visit
£2 per child entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play
Priority access to skip queues
Regular updates via Dynamic Earth’s Members e-newsletter
Priority notification on special events
T&C apply.
Visit Dynamic Earth and Transform Your Halloween! Celebrate Halloween at Dynamic Earth with a mix of science, storytelling, and spooky fun. From uncovering legends on the Monsters & Myths Trail to family-friendly Planetarium shows and late-night screenings for adults, October at Dynamic Earth offers unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Olympic and paralympic heroes judge design to cap ten years of swimming success
YOUNG swimmers in Edinburgh are being handed the unique chance to see their creativity celebrated by sporting royalty for Learn to Swim Month.
A new competition has been launched for children design a commemorative swim cap marking a decade of the trailblazing Learn to Swim programme.
The winning design will be announced live by Learn to Swim Ambassadors, Olympic medallist Duncan Scott and Paralympic champion Toni Shaw, during the official 10th Anniversary Celebration Event later this year.
Delivered in partnership by Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, the Learn to Swim Framework has grown into one of Scotland’s most successful programmes – supporting more than 210,000 children and adults learn to swim and help them to become safer, more confident and competent in water.
Duncan Scott, the most decorated Scottish Olympian of all time, said: “The success of the Learn to Swim programme over the past decade has been phenomenal.
“We’ve reached hundreds of thousands of young people and are continuing to grow year after year. What I really love is just how inclusive it is, welcoming children of all ages, all backgrounds and abilities, and giving them the chance to thrive in and around the water.
“This competition is a brilliant way to celebrate everything that’s been achieved and gives one lucky youngster the chance to create a special memory and have their very own unique swimming cap.”
The competition runs throughout Learn to Swim Month this September, with entries welcomed via a dedicated form hosted online from those currently enrolled in the Learn to Swim programme.
A judging panel including representatives from Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water will select the winner.
The design brief asks children to show what swimming means to them – whether that’s fun, freedom, learning or adventure.
Paralympic medallist Toni Shaw, who has been a passionate ambassador for the initiative since 2021, added: “This is such a fun way to celebrate the past 10 years and really mark the occasion in style.
“To now see so many opportunities opening up for young people, especially those facing unique challenges, is special for me personally.
“This competition is a great way to shine a light on everything that’s been achieved – and I can’t wait to see the creative designs the children come up with.”
The young designer behind the chosen cap will receive a one-of-a-kind cap featuring their artwork, a goodie bag and the chance to see their cap design produced in limited numbers for use by learners at their own Learn to Swim provider.
The Learn to Swim programme is now delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across the country. It currently sees around 84,000 children and adults take part in swim lessons every week – with ambitions to reach a further 50,000 by 2028.
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “The 10-year milestone of the Learn to Swim programme represents an opportunity to celebrate all the great work that’s been done so far.
“We are proud to support the Learn to Swim programme and work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create ‘Generation Swim’, a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence – and the programme plays a vital role in teaching essential water safety skills, helping individuals stay safer in, on and around Scotland’s vast network of pools, rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines.”
Since its inception, the Learn to Swim Framework has championed inclusive access to lessons, helping over 2,700 children with disabilities take part – with more than 80% now swimming in mainstream lessons.
John Lunn, Chief Executive at Scottish Swimming, said: “The 10th anniversary is a chance for us to reflect on just how far Learn to Swim has come – and the Celebration Event will be a fantastic way to recognise the people and partners who’ve made it all possible.
“From improving water safety to driving inclusion and supporting physical literacy, the programme has achieved so much – and this competition adds a brilliant, creative twist to the milestone.”
The 10th Anniversary Celebration Event – where the winner will be unveiled – is due to take place on October 30th at Dynamic Earth bringing together key partners and supporters to reflect on a decade of progress in water safety, inclusion, and physical literacy.
On September 15, the nation will commemorate the 85th Anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, when the remarkable generation that became known as ‘the Few’ fought and won against incredible odds in the skies over southern Britain.
During the height of the battle in the summer of 1940, the then Chair of the RAF Benevolent Fund, The Viscount Wakefield, wrote to a national newspaper highlighting that: ‘The wonderful achievements of the Royal Air Force in these critical weeks have naturally led to various suggestions being made as to the best way in which the heroism and sacrifices of our airmen can be assessed or our debt to them in any way liquidated….in the near future, there must be heavy calls on the RAF Benevolent Fund.
“I am confident that as a tribute to their ceaseless fight for the cause of freedom, many will wish to support their cause.’
Eighty-five years on, the RAF Benevolent Fund continues to stand alongside the Royal Air Force. From the first day in uniform, throughout service, the transition to civilian life, and into retirement, we are with the RAF Family every step of the way.
Today we answer thousands of calls for help – supporting individuals and families in financial hardship, veterans facing loneliness and isolation, carers in need of respite, and those struggling with mental health.
As we commemorate and remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who played such a vital role in the Battle of Britain, we recognise that the Royal Air Force of today continues to protect the skies above the UK. As they do, the RAF Benevolent Fund, like it did in 1940, stands with the RAF ready to provide meaningful, lasting, and tailored support to those who serve, those who have served, and their families.
The demand for our support never ends. If you know anyone who could benefit from the life-changing services we provide, you can find more details at rafbf.org, or you can call on 0300 102 1919.
Coulters Property, one of Edinburgh’s fastest-growing estate agency and legal firms, has announced a landmark partnership with Watsonian Football Club, becoming the club’s exclusive property sponsor for 2025.
The partnership includes a five-figure investment to support the club’s junior section, the Warriors and Wildcats, funding new equipment, enhancing coaching programmes, and helping more young people across Edinburgh experience rugby.
Founded in 2013, Coulters has grown rapidly with a reputation for delivering a client-first approach by combining estate agency and legal expertise under one roof. By backing Watsonian Football Club, who are celebrating their 150th year this year, Coulters is extending this ethos beyond property services and into the heart of the Edinburgh community, where many of its clients live, work, and raise families.
Michael Fitzgerald, Chairman of Coulters Property, said: “We are proud to sponsor Watsonian Football Club’s junior section, as the club is deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s community and dedicated to nurturing talent from the grassroots up.
“With its proud history and strong family ethos, Watsonian Football Club reflects the very values we hold at Coulters – a commitment to delivering lasting value, honouring heritage, and supporting growth.
“The EH10 community is at the heart of who we are as a business, and many of our clients and colleagues live, work, and raise families here. Supporting the Warriors and Wildcats allows us to give back in a meaningful way – by investing in youth rugby, fostering wellbeing, and strengthening community connections.
“Just as Watsonian Football Club strives for excellence on and off the pitch, we are dedicated to guiding people through their property journey with the same care, clarity, and commitment.”
Richard Kelly, President of Watsonian Football Club, added: “Youth rugby is the foundation of our sport, and the Warriors and Wildcats play a crucial role in introducing children to the game.
“Coulters’ backing means we can invest in the right resources, reach more young players, and ensure rugby continues to thrive in Edinburgh for generations to come.”
The partnership was officially launched at the Watsonian Family Day on Saturday 6 September at Myreside Pavilion, where Coulters played a central role in the celebrations. The event brought together players, parents, and supporters to enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, and a BBQ, all in honour of the club’s 150 years of rugby history.
First Minister welcomes industry leaders to global showcase
First Minister John Swinney says Scotland is positioned to become “a global hub for digital innovation” as a prestigious computer games conference being held in Scotland for the first time gets underway.
The DICE Europe summit – supported by the Scottish Government – will see 150 global gaming industry leaders come to Edinburgh for key talks and to hear from Nintendo’s Managing Executive Officer Satoru Shibata, who was invited to speak by the First Minister.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will address an opening reception at Edinburgh Castle where global delegates will be entertained by Nicola Benedetti.
Roundtables will focus on Scotland’s rise to become a global powerhouse in the industry and the role Artificial Intelligence will play in game development. Scotland is now home to 130 gaming companies with a £340 million annual industry turnover with staff numbers have doubling from 1,045 to 2,125 since 2015.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s gaming industry is experiencing extraordinary growth that demonstrates our nation’s capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. The transformation from 15 companies to 130 in just over a decade shows how quickly Scottish talent can compete on the global stage and create real economic value for our communities.
“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide – they are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment, and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation. This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence.”
Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman, 4J Studios, developers of Minecraft Console Edition, who helped bring DICE to Scotland, said:
“It’s monumental so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland. After a couple of challenging years worldwide, confidence and growth prospects have returned to the sector.
“With the forthcoming release of GTA 6, which is set to reshape the video game landscape, and our own new game Reforj alongside all the other incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage.”
UK Government has announced over £1.25 billion of inward investment from US finance companies, creating 1,800 jobs
New US investments will create 1,800 jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh and boost benefits for millions of customers.
Total of over £1.25 billion of private US investment committed to the UK’s world-leading financial services sector including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P.
Demonstrates the enduring strength of the UK-US ‘golden corridor’ in financial services, with British banks expanding operations into the US and booming cross-border investment flows reinforcing that working with America is best for Britain.
Deal lines up £20 billion in trade between the two nations – including an expected £7 billion commitment from BlackRock to grow in the UK.
London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester are set to benefit from a wave of new US investment into the financial services sector, reinforcing the strength of the UK-US economic partnership ahead of next week’s Presidential State Visit.
The Westminster government says working with America is best for Britain — and today’s announcement proves it. A total of over £1.25 billion in private sector commitments from leading US firms — including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P Global — will support job creation, drive innovation, and deliver improved services for consumers in the UK.
US giants are capitalising on Britain’s leadership in financial services – expanding operations and opening new offices across the nation, with London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester set to gain from a wave of skilled job creation.
Bank of America is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, marking its first-ever operation in Northern Ireland — a major milestone that underscores the region’s growing role in global financial services.
Citi Group today confirms it is investing £1.1 billion across its UK operations, including a further commitment to growing its presence in Northern Ireland where the bank is already one of the top employers in Belfast now employing over 4,000 people — firmly establishing Belfast as a major technology powerhouse.
BlackRock are celebrating the opening of their new Edinburgh office this week, which will see their 800-strong footprint nearly double, as part of their multi-billion dollar investment into the UK.
In Manchester, S&P Global are investing over £4 million into their Manchester offices which will support 200 permanent jobs to boost their nearly 3,000-strong UK workforce.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Today’s announcements reinforce the UK’s position as the world’s leading investment destination. Our financial services sector is at the heart of a modern, dynamic Industrial Strategy.
“Strengthening ties with the US boosts our economy, creates jobs, and secures our role in global finance, delivering on our Plan for Change.
“These investments reflect the strength of our enduring ‘golden corridor’ with one of our closest trading partners, ahead of the US Presidential State Visit.”
This marks a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s position as a global financial hub and in the government’s plan to make Britain the best place in the world to invest — a vision underpinned by the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which is driving investment into priority sectors like financial services.
These investments highlight the enduring value of the transatlantic relationship — a cornerstone of shared prosperity that supports millions of jobs and drives growth in every region.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This commitment from America’s leading financial institutions demonstrates the immense potential of the UK economy, our strong relationship with the US and the confidence global investors have in our Plan for Change, which is making the UK the best place in the world to invest and do business.
“These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh, kickstarting the growth that is essential to putting money in working people’s pockets across every part of the United Kingdom.”
Broadridge is making major investments into their new London office, further strengthening its UK presence and deepening transatlantic ties in financial services.
As part of the UK’s expanding fintech and digital innovation sector, PayPal is announcing a £150m investment in product innovations and growth that will benefit customers throughout the UK, reinforcing Britain’s position as a key market for the brand globally.
Jane Fraser, Citi Group CEO said:“Citi’s commitment to the UK runs deep. This is home to many of our most senior leaders and nearly 14,000 colleagues across London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Jersey.
“We’re proud to be serving 85% of the FTSE 100 and to have stood beside UK companies through every market cycle, raising capital, financing growth and helping them compete on the world stage.
“The UK isn’t simply one of our largest markets; it is core to Citi’s foundation as a truly global bank.”
The UK-US investment relationship has never been stronger, with over £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s countries at the end of 2023.
These new investment announcements are accompanied by new significant commitments by financial companies to ramp up their commercial activity and capital flows between our two economies in the coming years.
Blackrock is expecting to allocate over £7 billion to the UK market next year on behalf of clients, and is investing £500 million into enterprise data centres across the country.
Rothesay is planning to double its investment in the US (by £7 billion) over the next few years, and OakNorth is committing to increased capital and lending of over £3.5 billion to support its US operations.
British banks are expanding their US footprint; Barclays alone has deployed over $2 trillion in capital across the US in 2024 and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening UK-US investment ties. The bank has an ambition to double this amount over the next decade, expanding its footprint and supporting growth across sectors.
All in all, that will see investment and capital commitments of over £8 billion coming to the UK, and over £12 billion going the other way, creating jobs and opportunity in both countries.
Earlier this year, the Chancellor launched the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which included financial services as a high growth sector, signifying the UK’s commitment improving financial regulations and driving investment and skilled jobs into the UK.
The UK and US agreed an Economic Prosperity Deal which secured major tariff reductions for key sectors and protected jobs in the automotive and aerospace sector. Discussions continue with the US on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, strengthen supply chains and boost access for our world-leading services companies.
BlackRock will open their new Edinburgh offices on 18 September, which shows their ongoing commitment to the area – this new home will allow Blackrock to grow from 800 to 1,400. Once complete, two of the top five largest BlackRock offices will be in the UK.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “As the largest asset manager in the UK, BlackRock is proud to serve over 13 million British people who are saving for retirement. Today we are announcing an investment of half a billion pounds into enterprise data centres across the country, advancing digital infrastructure for British-based businesses.
“In addition, over the last year our clients around the world invested over £7bn into UK public equity and fixed income securities. We expect this trend to continue, supporting jobs, growth and innovation across a wide range of British industries.”
POLICE have arrested a number of people, executed several warrants and recovered a significant amount of drugs in the Hailesland area of Edinburgh.
Acting on concerns from within the community, numerous patrols were carried out and action taken between Friday, 1 August and Thursday, 18 August, 2025.
Cocaine and cannabis with a street value of up to £74,400 was recovered after a warrant was executed in Hailesland Grove. A 21-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection.
Six vehicles involved in criminal activity were seized, 20 stop and searches carried out and five outstanding arrest warrants executed. As a result six people have been charged with a total of 32 offences.
Chief Inspector Niven Bull, local area commander, said: “This result shows we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to trace those committing crimes in our communities.
“We continue to carry out regular activity in the Wester Hailes area and would like to thank the local community for the information they have provided.
“We will continue to work with a range of partners to develop and deliver tailored plans to detect, deter and respond to crimes reported and information received.
“Anyone with information or concerns should speak to officers or call Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
“I’d like to thank the public once again for their cooperation in working to make the area safer for all.”
Big Wig Comes Out of the Woods for Wigtown Book Festival
Meet spectacular Scottish Woman Rose Reilly
Enjoy great stories with Vivian French, Joseph Coelho, Chae Strathie and Philip Ardagh and many more
Big Wig, the big furry blue creature who lives in the woods near Wigtown, is heading into town for his annual festival of children’s literature and storytelling.
The event, which runs from 27 September to 5 October as part of the annual Wigtown Book Festival, is designed to delight and inspire the youngest readers.
Most of the events are at the town’s primary school and nearly a third are free.
This year the Big Wig Children’s Festival includes the chance to meet the amazing Rose Reilly, the only Scottish footballer to have won a world cup final.
She’ll be telling the remarkable story of how she had to pretend to be a boy to be allowed into a team and was later banned from playing in her home country, before going to Italy and becoming a world cup winner.
Rosie’s story is just one of 30 featured in the book Spectacular Scottish Women and the event is among more than 30 in the Big Wig line-up.
Others include a reading by the award-winning Philip Ardagh and illustrator David Melling of their latest colourful creation Do You See The Tiger? in which it takes something quite spectacular to happen before grown-ups believe there is a stripey big cat on the subway.
Then there are immersive storytelling experiences with Scottish-based Fidan Meikle who introduces her debut novel My Name is Samim which follows the story of a boy forced from his homeland and trying to build a new life in a strange foreign country.
Fidan looks at why people end up as refugees and the ordeals they face as well as reinforcing how empathy and kindness are superpowers we all possess.
Michaela Morgan brings together the themes of refugee life and women’s football with her book Star!
It tells the true story of Nadia Nadim’s escape from Afghanistan through to her arrival in a country where she had no idea of the language, and on to her rise to become a world-famous soccer-player, doctor (and surgeon), a linguist, a broadcaster and a role model.
Anne Barclay, Operations Director, said: “One of the biggest gifts we can give young people is a love of reading. It transforms lives, gives huge pleasure and makes a massive difference to their prospects in life.
“That’s what the Big Wig children’s events are all about – they are bright, fun and inspiring.
“So it’s always a big day for us when Big Wig himself comes out of hibernation, leaves his den in the woods and heads into Scotland’s National Book Town to get ready for the annual festival named in his honour.
“And we know that lots of children out there can’t wait to head into Wigtown to meet him and all the authors and illustrators he’s invited to join us.”
And there’s so much more:
Former children’s laureate Joseph Coelho reads from Luna Loves Gardening.
Chae Strathie takes readers into the stormy seas with Seal, goes fishing with Small Penguin and plays hide-and-seek with Seahorse – who all feature in his Tales From The Ocean.
Illustrator and author Nick Sharratt will take youngsters on the silliest and most fun museum tour ever, with jokes puns and lots of drawing activities and the chance to discover his latest book Mr Wizard’s Magic Presents.
Join much-loved writer Vivian French and artist Astrid Jaekel for a special interactive session on how to reinvent your home town where the only limit is your imagination.
Rossie Stone, award-winning, dyslexic creator and director of Dekko Comics leads a practical and interactive workshop which teaches simple strategies to make learning at school more accessible and enjoyable, even if you have a learning difficulty.
THE City Art Centre opens a new exhibition TODAY (Saturday) celebrating Scottish portraiture
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture showcases a rich selection of historic and contemporary portraits from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art.
Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, includingFCB Cadell, Victoria Crowe, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, David Eustace, George Jamesone, Dorothy Johnstone, John Kay, Sekai Machache, James Pittendrigh MacGillivray, Flannery O’kafka, Henry Raeburn, Allan Ramsay and Maud Sulter.
Portraiture is an age-old artform with a seemingly simple purpose: to record the likeness of a human subject. Yet the enduring appeal of portraiture lies in its complexity. Behind every portrait is a series of stories – interwoven narratives about the sitter, the artist, and the circumstances that brought them together.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture examines this fascinating genre in depth, with a series of highlights from the City Art Centre’s collection. The exhibition spans almost 400 years of artistic production, with examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography.
Among the stand-out historical artworks are Allan Ramsay’s celebrated portrait Katherine Hall of Dunglass (c.1736), James Cadenhead’s sumptuous oil painting Lady with Japanese Screen and Goldfish (1886) and Scottish Colourist FCB Cadell’s masterpiece The Black Hat (1914).
Modern and contemporary highlights include Pat Douthwaite’s vibrant homage to Amy Johnson Final Instructions Before Take-Off (1976), Maud Sulter’s impactful self-portrait Calliope (1989) and Sekai Machache’s exploration of symbolism and identity A Hint of Blue I and II (2021).
Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Portraiture is such a compelling, multi-layered artform. Whether you’re looking at portraits that have been commissioned to publicly commemorate peoples’ lives and achievements, or private portrayals of friends and loved ones that give glimpses into personal relationships, there are so many stories to uncover.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing new research findings with our visitors. We have, for example, recently discovered fresh information regarding a rare 18th century miniature portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
“And we’ll be displaying a number of new acquisitions for the first time, including artworks by Milein Cosman, David Eustace, George Jamesone, John Henry Lorimer and Flannery O’kafka.
“The exhibition celebrates Scotland’s rich tradition of portraiture, but it also demonstrates how absolutely relevant the genre remains today.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, said: “I am delighted that ‘Unmasked’ will be presented at the City Art Centre from this month.
“With both historic and contemporary works on display, ‘Unmasked’ highlights the enduring power of portraiture to tell personal, political and cultural stories. Showcasing the work of over 30 artists and spanning 400 years of artistic production including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, visitors will be able to view old favourites and discover new treasures and the fascinating stories behind the works.
