Port of Leith Open Day – come and see us this Sunday 7th June!
Tomorrow: Port of Leith Open Day
Category: Uncategorized
Edinburgh residents invited to shape the future of walking in the capital
Living Streets Edinburgh to host special speakers and community discussion on 11 June
Residents from across Edinburgh are being invited to attend Living Streets Edinburgh’s annual public meeting on Thursday 11 June, bringing together campaigners, community leaders and local people passionate about making the city safer, healthier and more accessible for walking.
The event will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh (EH1 2JL), and is free and open to all.
Attendees will hear from two guest speakers who have made significant contributions to creating people-friendly places and improving public health:
- Malcolm Fraser, architect, cyclist and pedestrian advocate, known for championing the renovation of existing buildings and promoting development that serves local communities.
- Helga Rhein, former GP and trustee of B Healthy Together, who has campaigned extensively for healthier neighbourhoods and improved pavements in Broomhouse.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for Edinburgh residents to share their experiences, identify walking-related problem hotspots across the city, and help shape Living Streets Edinburgh’s priorities for the coming year.
The organisation will celebrate a number of recent successes, including helping secure reduced waiting times at 24 standalone pedestrian crossings and supporting the pedestrianisation of the Lawnmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
David Hunter, Convenor of Living Streets Edinburgh, said: “Walking is the most accessible form of transport and one of the simplest ways to improve our health and strengthen communities.
“We’re delighted to welcome Malcolm Fraser and Helga Rhein to this year’s meeting, and just as importantly, we want to hear directly from Edinburgh residents about their experiences and ideas.
“We’ve seen real progress over the past year, from shorter waiting times at pedestrian crossings to more space being given over to people rather than traffic. But there’s still much more to do.
“Whether you’re a regular campaigner, a local resident concerned about a particular street, or simply interested in making Edinburgh a better place to walk, I’d encourage you to come along and join the conversation.”
Living Streets Edinburgh is the local branch of the UK’s charity for everyday walking and works to improve conditions for pedestrians across the city.
Event details:
Living Streets Edinburgh Annual Public Meeting
Thursday 11 June
6.00pm – 7.30pm
Friends Meeting House
Victoria Terrace
Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Celebrate Pride Month at Vue Edinburgh with a selection of LGBTQ+ titles
This Pride Month, Vue is celebrating with a curated line-up of queer cinema – including a timeless classic, a modern favourite and a brand-new release.
Kicking off the season is an adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s best-selling memoir Fairyland. Produced by Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola, the film follows a young girl whose life is uprooted by her father following the death of her mother. Landing in 1970s San Francisco, dad Steve flourishes with the freedom to develop his writing and date other men, however his bohemian lifestyle clashes with the expectations of parenting.
Be transported to 18th century France as one of the greatest love stories ever told, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, returns to screen from 3 June. The critically acclaimed film follows Marianne, who is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow, with the portrait soon becoming a collaborative act of and testament to their love.
Arriving from 5 June is Madfabulous, the true story of fabulously flamboyant Henry Paget as he claims his aristocratic inheritance in 1890s North Wales. His theatrical flair disrupts the upper-class elite, much to the delight of the townspeople. Alongside his cousin Lily and loyal butler Gelert, Henry navigates suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by his estranged father.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Birdcage is sashaying back onto the big screen as part of Vue’s Pride season from 6 June. Expect lots of laughs in this 90s cult classic, as gay cabaret owner (Robin Willians) and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing moralistic parents, played by Dianne Weist and Gene Hackman.
Rounding off the season, animated intergalactic sci-fi Lesbian Space Princess will be arriving on the big screen from 20 June. Watch as Princess Saira, from the planet Clitopolis, travels the GAY-laxy on a chaotic rescue mission to save her ex, who is being held ransom by the Straight White Maliens.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “At Vue we’re committed to showcasing films that reflect the rich diversity of our audiences and this Pride we’re especially proud to highlight stories that celebrate and represent our LGBTQ+ communities.
“We can’t wait to welcome film fans to switch off and immerse themselves in human stories with big emotions, deep connections – and moments that stay with will last long after the credits roll.”
To find out more, visit www.myvue.com
Blackhall Library reopens at D Mains Primary School on Monday
We’re delighted to let you know that we’re planning to open the new temporary Blackhall Library at Davidson Main’s Primary School on Monday (8th June).
The opening hours for the library, alongside a programme of planned events and activities, will be available on the Blackhall Library webpage soon.
Due to essential works the library will be closed for one day only on Thursday 25 June. Unfortunately it hasn’t been possible to schedule these works ahead of the library opening, but we’ve been working with contractors to minimise disruption and limit the closure to a single day.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you all into our new space very soon!
The Centre Livingston celebrates it’s 50th anniversary in style
The 50th anniversary celebrations at The Centre, Livingston got off to a great start at The Centre, Livingston at the weekend (Saturday, 30th May), with a local boy from Bathgate winning a £500 Gift Card in a plinko game hosted by Go Radio’s Gina McKie and the unveiling of the ‘Livi the Unicorn’ mascot.
Excited shoppers queued to take part in the ‘50 Gift Cards Giveaway Competition’ of varying denominations, with Kasper Wong, who was visiting The Centre, Livingston with his dad and younger brother, hitting the jackpot and securing the one-off £500 prize.
Picture by Stuart Vance
The ‘Livi the Unicorn’ mascot was also unveiled and introduced to visitors for the first time and handed out free wildflower seeds. Shoppers were invited to join in the celebrations with complimentary popcorn and face painting, with donations optional for the shopping centre’s charity partner, Firefly Arts, who have been running drama classes and workshops for young people in the local community for over 30 years.
The Centre, Livingston also celebrated their golden anniversary on Friday, 29th May, with pupils from nine local primary schools, proudly watched on by teachers and parents, in a time capsule lowering ceremony, following a project with the schools to help mark the 50th milestone.
Contributions included poems and letters which represented their experiences of life today and their sense of community and hopes for the future.
A ‘Blether Bench’ was also launched next to Primark to encourage visitors to share their memories and reminisce about years gone by.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “What a fantastic buzz in the shopping centre over the past few days as we launched the start of our 50th anniversary celebrations.
“It was great to welcome pupils in from the local primary schools to help fill and lower our time capsule and invite all of our shoppers to help mark our major milestone with us on Saturday with the chance to win a gift card to treat themselves, which kickstarted a programme of exciting events which will take place throughout the year.”
Picture by Stuart Vance
Keep an eye on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels for more information on upcoming celebratory events throughout the year.
Edinburgh school pupils recognised for teamwork and personal growth
- National Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement shines a spotlight on personal development achievements beyond exam results
- Eleven Edinburgh pupils receive award out of 2,000 national programme participants
A group of S5 and S6 pupils from Edinburgh have received recognition for developing the skills Scotland’s employers value most – including teamwork, communication and problem-solving – at a national awards ceremony celebrating exceptional achievement this week.
Eleven pupils from Portobello High School, Liberton High School, St Augustine’s RC High School, Craigroyston Community High School and Drummond Community High School were selected as part of a Scotland-wide cohort in recognition of the remarkable personal growth, resilience and workplace-readiness they demonstrated whilst completing the Powering Futures Challenge Programme – a SCQF Level-6 qualification which sees pupils work in teams to tackle real-life challenges set by business and industry partners.
Through the programme, pupils develop practical workplace skills while strengthening links with locally-based mentors working in Scottish businesses.
Millie Williams, Sophie Morrison, Sira Johnston, Michelle Ogheneme and Charlotte Reid (pictured above) were among over 2,000 young people nationwide to take part in the Powering Futures Challenge Programme created to celebrate achievements that go beyond traditional academic attainment.
While over 2,000 pupils nationally undertook the Powering Futures Schools Challenge Qualification, the Edinburgh award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme – with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers.
The Ken Muir Awards for Exceptional Achievement were launched in June 2025.
Professor Ken Muir of the University of the West of Scotland – after whom the awards are named – has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education. As a key contributor to the 2023 report, It’s Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland’s system of education, including preparing learners better for the world of work.
Professor Muir said: “We need a culture and mindset shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, examination grades are important – but these Awards, and the ethos of the Powering Futures Schools Challenge Programme overall, is about reimagining what success looks like by valuing and recognising achievement in every sense of the word.
“Whether that is developing communication skills, learning to work in a team, or building confidence in presenting an idea, I am delighted to present these Awards to pupils who demonstrate the immense value of Powering Futures’ exciting and motivating learner-centered approach.”
Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “We are delighted to celebrate this year’s Ken Muir Award winners, recognising the immense personal growth and achievement they have demonstrated this academic year.
“By connecting these young people directly with Scottish business and industry through a hands-on approach, we are not only celebrating their success but actively opening up vital career pathways and empowering them to confidently shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Scotland.”
New parents urged to claim Child Benefit for their baby now
- 6.8 million families are claiming Child Benefit.
- More than 30% of new parents are missing out on payments by not claiming in their baby’s first year.
- Parents urged to claim via the HMRC app to ensure they get their payment as quickly as possible.
One in three new parents are missing out on Child Benefit payments in their baby’s first year, new figures reveal.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents who welcomed a baby this Spring to claim now via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.
While more than 6.8 million parents received Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, only 68.8% of them claimed the crucial government support before their baby’s first birthday.
More than 140,000 babies were born between April and June last year and while many parents are enjoying new beginnings this Spring, the latest statistics show thousands of families could be missing out on much-needed cash by delaying their claim.
Child Benefit is worth £27.05 per week – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week – or £930.80 a year – for each additional child, with no limit as to how many children parents can claim for.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much-needed financial support.
“It is quick and easy to claim Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you.”
Child Benefit can be claimed 48 hours after the baby’s birth is registered but can only be backdated for up to 3 months from the date HMRC receives the claim, meaning thousands of families are not getting what they’re entitled to receive.
Parents can access their Child Benefit account quickly and easily via the HMRC app.
In a recent survey, half of parents with children under the age of 18 said that they would like to be able to conduct all of their tax matters digitally.
To make a new claim for Child Benefit, parents can create an online HMRC account and will need:
- child’s birth or adoption certificate
- bank details
- National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
- child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK.
HMRC has released a YouTube video explaining how parents can make a claim, with payments usually paid every 4 weeks automatically into a bank account.
If a claimant or their partner has an income of more than £60,000 a year, they will be liable to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), with more information including about how to pay on the HICBC PAYE digital service on GOV.UK.
The Amazing Digital Circus heads to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh
Viral internet sensation The Amazing Digital Circus is coming to the big screen this June at Vue Edinburgh.
Created by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, the popular animated series has become a global phenomenon since debuting online in 2023, captivating audiences with its surreal humour, emotional storytelling and unique visual style.
The global spectacle comes to its long-awaited conclusion in The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, which arrives at Vue cinemas from Thursday 4 June.
The feature-length release combines episode eight with an all-new extended ninth episode finale, giving fans the chance to experience the conclusion of the story on the big screen before its wider release.
Set within a bizarre virtual circus controlled by the unpredictable AI ringmaster Caine, The Amazing Digital Circus follows a group of humans trapped inside a digital world with no way to escape. As the circus falls into darkness and long-hidden truths begin to surface, the group confront their past traumas and uncover the secrets behind The Digital Circus itself.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “We always endeavour to bring unique and innovative cinematic experiences to Vue audiences, and we know that fans of the series are excited to watch the finale on the big screen, with the best seat, screen and sound experience.
“A trip to Vue means switching off from everything else and switching on to something bigger – bigger emotions, deeper connections, moments that stay with you and you feel forever. The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act will certainly deliver that experience, for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.”
Elevating Vue’s big screen experience further, the menu includes delicious hot mains and sides including signature hot dogs, stone baked pizza slices, chicken tenders and popcorn chicken, as well as mouthwatering mini doughnuts and mini pancakes desserts.
Tickets can be booked at www.myvue.com.
Missing Man: Body Found
Around 1.20am this morning (Sunday, 31 May, 2026), the body of a man was found in the Colinton Road area.
Formal identification has yet to take place however, the family of Christopher Rodger, 53 who had been reported missing from the area, has been informed.
The death is not believed to be suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival kicks off this weekend
- Festival opens with a free Family Day tomorrow – Saturday 30 May – at the National Museum of Scotland
- A spotlight on disabled-led works including new Festival commission Boys Don’t Dance by award-winning Marc Brew
- 15 productions from 9 different countries unite in a programme that spans circus, dance, music, puppetry and theatre.
- Shows for all ages – from immersive experiences for babies in ISLAND (for 0-12 mths), to wonderfully absurd work for teenagers in It Would be Such a Shame if You Missed Out (10-16 yrs)
- Festival dates: 30 May to 7 June
The 36th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (24 May to 1 June) kicks off this weekend with a packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre for young people, their schools, and families.
Over the week, the Festival programme explores timely topics such as bullying, our fear of missing out, grief and the search for identity, weaving in humour and excitement to connect with children regardless of their circumstances, access needs or location.
Some of this year’s highlights include:
- A poignant dance theatre show for 7-12 year olds, Boys Don’t Dance by Marc Brew reflects on the artist’s journey who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance, first as a boy growing up in rural Australia, and then when he acquired a disability following a car crash in his early twenties.
- It Would be Such a Shame if you Missed Out (for 10-16 yrs) hilariously captures our fears about missing out and features 3 hapless performers trying to rehearse a play next to a giant party box, while select audience members join in.
- A focus on circus with The Fabulous Tale of BasarKus (for 3-7 yrs), a dazzling display of juggling and acrobatics which has been performed over 1,000 times in its native France, Gretel (for 5-10 yrs), a blend of circus and object manipulation inspired by fairy tales,
Everything/Nothing (for 7-11 yrs) featuring an artist defying gravity with chains, sand, and magnets, and The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl (for 8-12 yrs), a visually stunning aerial show celebrating the power of friendship. - A powerful new play by Tim Crouch, Toto Kerblammo! (for 10-14 yrs) will be experienced wearing headphones through binaural audio technology.
- Brrr (for ASN 10 yrs+), a new multi-sensory performance created specially for young audiences with complex needs and set in a unique inflatable dome.
The popular Family Day opens this year’s Festival on Saturday 30 May – a full day of free, pop-up performances and artist interventions at the National Museum of Scotland, which has been programmed in partnership with festivals across the country including Light the Blue festival in Aberdeen, Merchant City Festival in Glasgow and the Paisley Book Festival.
Highlights from the Family Day includes:
- Dreich, Drookit and Braw by Julian Chan, Robyn Gray, Michelle Ross and Vee Smith (in partnership with Merchant City Festival) and featured in today’s photocall
- Tufts! by Kerry Cleland, Ben Winger, Katy Wilson and Ella Mackay (in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts)
- Windbags by Ronan McMahon (in partnership with OneRen)
Incoming new Festival Director Adjjima Na Patalung said: “I am very excited to be opening this year’s Festival as the new director with such a wonderful programme. Imaginate has built a Festival with real clarity of purpose, a deep commitment to children’s rights, grounded in artistic quality, inclusion, and international exchange.
“Many of the shows this year reflect the realities of children growing up today. Questions around mental health, bullying, displacement, belonging, identity, friendship, and resilience run through the programme in very different ways. That is what makes this programme feel so alive and relevant.
“I look forward to witnessing children’s reactions and hearing their voices and different perspectives.
“It is always our hope that for every child who experiences this Festival, something stays with them, big or small. A feeling. A question. A spark of imagination.”
Full programme and booking information: www.imaginate.org.uk/festival. Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0131 226 0019.