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QMU’s Community Open Day returns this May

SATURDAY 30th MAY 12 – 3pm

Queen Margaret University (QMU) will welcome local residents and the wider public to its annual Community Open Day on Saturday 30 May, inviting people to explore the campus, enjoy its facilities and take part in a fun, family-friendly afternoon.

Running from 12 noon to 3pm, the free event will feature a wide range of activities for all ages, including drumming workshops, bug hunting, den building, Therapets, face painting, and creative sessions celebrating books and music. Attractions such as a bouncy castle and the Cycling Without Age group from Musselburgh will add to a lively programme designed to offer something for everyone.

This year, the University is also delighted to host a landscape art competition run by Musselburgh Creates. Artists of all ages are invited to capture the University’s distinctive campus setting.

Taking place across the grounds from 11am – 3pm the competition offers a lovely, creative focal point for the day, with participants encouraged to respond to QMU’s architecture, landscaped gardens and natural surroundings. Anyone who would like to participate in the competition should register at 10am and bring their own materials and equipment (no need to book in advance).

Beyond the activities, the Community Open Day aims to showcase the facilities and services QMU makes available to the local community. While children enjoy the entertainment on offer, adults can explore the University’s range of spaces for hire, including meeting rooms, conference facilities, the Sports and Fitness Centre, and Maggie’s Bar and Café.

In addition to its specialist teaching facilities, QMU offers a wide variety of spaces suitable for community events and meetings. These range from small meeting rooms to an attractive conference suite with break-out spaces overlooking the pond, as well as a large lecture theatre seating up to 250 people. The University is keen for local residents, community groups and organisations to benefit from its flexible learning and social spaces.

Lynn Barclay Commercial Manager at Queen Margaret University, said: “Our gardens, Sports and Fitness Centre and Students’ Union bar are already well used by the community, but we want to ensure more people are aware of the full range of spaces and facilities available to local groups and organisations.

“We can support anything from seminars and conferences to voluntary group meetings, AGMs and corporate dinners. With everything from small classrooms and a piano bar to a conference suite overlooking the pond and large lecture theatres accommodating 150 to 250 people, we have something to suit almost every need.

QMU’s Community Open Day takes place on Saturday 30 May, from 12 noon to 3pm. Booking is not required for this free event.

Organisations involved in delivering activities on the day include: Cycling Without Age Musselburgh; Mansfield School of Music; Therapets East Lothian; Scottish Book Trust; Bouncy Castle Man; Event Buddies Scotland; East Lothian Council Arts Service; Seeds of Disruption SCIO; and Musselburgh Creates.

See more details on the landscape art competition by Musselburgh Creates at landscape event.

Scottish Charity Awards finalists revealed

35 organisations and individuals in running for national awards

The finalists for this year’s Scottish Charity Awards have been revealed.

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 35 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. 

A judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories following a rigorous shortlisting process.

Winners will be announced on 11 June 2026 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “Across Scotland and beyond, voluntary organisations are making an extraordinary difference, and the breadth and depth of their impact never fail to inspire. Our 2026 finalists epitomise this. 

“Our voluntary sector is truly essential to Scottish society – we see the positive impact organisation and individuals make in communities across the country every single day.

“Best of luck to all of our finalists, and I look forward to celebrating with them in June as we highlight the phenomenal work each and every one of them contributes to.”

The full shortlist for 2026 is: 

Campaign of the Year

  • Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust – Don’t Neglect The Night
  • Victim Support Scotland – It’s the final chance of getting to the truth
  • Who Cares? Scotland – Action on Advocacy
  • Scottish Environment LINK – Scotland Loves Nature

Volunteer of the Year

  • Men Matter Scotland – Jim Cassidy
  • Govan Housing Association – David Wright
  • Midlothian Community Action – McKenzie Rayner
  • Fife Pride – Jenny Black

Climate Impact

  • Crail Community Partnership – Turning Crail into a sustainable community
  • Letham Climate Challenge
  • Magpie (Part of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action)
  • Social Flock

Employee of the Year

  • The Killie Community – Scott Montgomery
  • Reach Lanarkshire Autism – Keith Manson
  • Mark Williams Foundation – Sarah Peacock
  • Grey Matters Active Ageing – Alison Gildea

Partnership of the Year

  • Care4Calais Scotland & Passion4Fusion – Saturday Football
  • Space at The Broomhouse Hub & the Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh International Festival in Space
  • The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth & 6VT – Time to Talk
  • ATAP: Aberdeen Task and Activation Partnership
  • Dogs for Good & Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Community Dog Stroke Support Partnership

Trustee of the Year

  • Bedrule Church Future – Alan Bailey
  • Glenurquhart Rural Community Association – Susan Griffin
  • Greener Kirkcaldy – Ian Stirton
  • Break the Silence – Elaine Crichton

Charity of the Year  <£100k 

  • Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club
  • Beyond Srebrenica
  • Edinburgh Garden Partners
  • Norinemindeyes Culture Connect

Charity of the Year £100K – £500K

  • Advocacy Western Isles
  • Isle of Luing Community Trust
  • Megan’s Space

Charity of the Year >£500k 

  • WithYou
  • The Big House SCIO
  • Amma Birth Companions

MSPs prepare for first day of new Scottish Parliament

Oaths, affirmations and a new Presiding Officer

Newly elected MSPs will take part in their first formal meeting at the Scottish Parliament at 9.30am on Thursday 14 May.

All MSPs will start their work in the Parliament by making an oath or affirmation, which must happen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.

John Swinney MSP, as leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, will be the first to be sworn in, followed by the other party leaders. Other MSPs will be called forward in alphabetical order.

This initial meeting will be chaired by current Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP.

In the afternoon MSPs will be asked to elect a new Presiding Officer, who will serve for the rest of the new parliamentary session. It is expected that two Deputy Presiding Officers will be elected later in the afternoon.

Ahead of their first meeting in the Chamber, MSPs will have taken part in the first part of an induction programme in the parliament building. The programme aims to welcome MSPs to their roles and will:

  • allow MSPs to establish a temporary office within the Parliament
  • help MSPs establish their constituency or regional offices
  • inform MSPs about what support is available to them to help their constituents
  • give MSPs information about how to take part in debates and votes in the Chamber
  • let MSPs know more about the parliamentary roles and responsibilities

Speaking ahead of the MSPs arriving at the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, the Parliament’s Clerk/Chief Executive, said: “It is great to be able to welcome new MSPs into the Parliament, where our dedicated staff team will be on hand to help them get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities.

“This Parliament’s first formal meeting, on Thursday 14 May, will be particularly significant for those performing their first duties as MSPs, and for those seeking to become Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.

“The first sitting day has an important role in formally introducing MSPs to the public, but the election of the Presiding Officer in particular starts to set the agenda for the session ahead.”

The first sitting day will be able to be view live on the Parliament’s website.

Scots celeb hotspot hits Scotmid shelves in Edinburgh

A much-loved Glasgow Indian restaurant, popular with famous faces including Mel Gibson, Orlando Bloom and Sir Billy Connolly is bringing its best-loved dishes to homes across the country for the first time.

This week, Mister Singh’s – which has built a loyal following serving patrons for over 30 years and regularly attracts sports stars and celebrities – is launching two of its top selling signature curries in Scotmid stores nationwide.

The family-run restaurant, led by four generations of Scots with Punjabi heritage, will roll out its iconic Chicken Bhoona and South Indian Garlic Chilli ready meals in Scotmid stores from 6 May.

Until now, curry loving fans have travelled from across Scotland for a taste of Mister Singh’s rich flavours and perfected recipes. Now Scotmid customers can pick them up locally and enjoy them in the comfort of their own homes.

The dishes have been expertly developed alongside Glasgow-based PK Foods, which has more than 25 years’ experience in producing top quality, ethnic foods.

The move into stores across the country follows Mister Singhs India and PK Foods’ success in Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition, which helps local producers secure listings across Scotland.

Working in collaboration with Mark Singh – third generation of the Singh family – and the restaurant’s executive chef Manesh Joshi, PK Foods has scaled up the recipes while keeping the bold flavours and authentic cooking style that built their iconic reputation.

Jason Stevenson, Sales Director at PK Foods, said: “We’ve built a strong relationship with Scotmid over many years, and we understand what their customers are looking for.

“These are dishes people already know and love, so the focus was on retaining that restaurant level flavour and quality and converting it into a format that was accessible to everyone, all whilst working hard to stay true to what makes Mister Singh’s so popular.”

Satty Singh, on behalf of Mister Singh’s, added: “We’ve been feeding Glasgow for decades and have welcomed some very familiar faces through our doors, with people travelling from all over to visit us.

“Bringing our curries to Scotmid shelves across the country is a proud moment for our family and a chance to share our heritage with even more communities.”

Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites initiative, delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, champions local producers and helps bring new products to customers.

Steve Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “Scottish Favourites is about championing the best of local producers, and this is a great example of that.

“Mister Singh’s has built a fantastic reputation in Glasgow, and we’re proud to help bring those much-loved flavours to customers across Scotland through our stores.”

Mister Singh’s Chicken Bhoona and South Indian Garlic Chilli (350g) will be available in 120 Scotmid stores from 6 May 2026, priced at £4.95 and will feature on an Any 2 For £8 launch promotion until 26th May.

Tomorrow: Community Lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

We have another delicious menu planned for this Monday’s Community Lunch!

Come along 11:30am – 12:30pm for some baked tatties (different toppings available) and a fancy bread and butter pudding for dessert. You’ll have to come along to find out what makes it fancy!

Our Community Lunch is free for everyone, and you can sit in or take away.

We also have our free breakfast cafe running 9 – 10:30am with hot breakfast rolls and hot drinks too.

A big thank you to everyone who came along to the cafe last week – we fed 26 people! Our busiest day yet!!

Bloom boom

New surge in spring blossom interest

Scotland’s spring blossom is in full bloom across the country – and online – with petal-powered posts and searches rising sharply this season.

According to national tourism and events organisation, VisitScotland, online search terms such as “cherry blossom season Scotland” and “when do cherry blossoms bloom in Scotland” have doubled year-on-year, while entirely new searches like “where to see cherry blossoms in Scotland” have emerged for the first time.

Specific searches for “cherry blossom Edinburgh” have risen by over 400%. Although the blossoms are fleeting – most displays lose their bloom by the end of May – parks and tree-lined avenues continue to attract both visitors and locals.

The rise reflects a growing appetite for seasonal experiences, with Scotland’s towns, cities and countryside offering a rich variety of spring blossom – from ornamental cherry trees to apple, plum and hawthorn lining streets, parks and green spaces.

This growing interest is also reflected across VisitScotland’s own social media channels, where blossom content has seen strong engagement this spring. Vibrant videos shared across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have gained over half a million views. Featuring everything from city-centre displays to scenic rural spots, the clips show audiences are increasingly interacting with and sharing seasonal imagery, highlighting the widespread appeal of Scotland in bloom.

Across the UK, interest in blossom is also on the rise. Total monthly searches for cherry blossom-related terms now exceed 352,000, while “cherry blossom near me” has seen a significant increase (+3,967%) as people seek out local places to enjoy the season.

The data reflects a growing awareness of global traditions. Terms such as “sakura” and “hanami”, associated with Japanese blossom viewing, continue to see consistent UK search interest, suggesting a broader cultural appreciation of the season. 

In Japan, the hanami cherry blossom season has long been a tourism driver. It attracts millions of visitors and is estimated to generate £7-9million for the economy each year.

Jill Walker, VisitScotland Director of Marketing, said: “Spring is one of the most special times of year to experience Scotland, and the growing interest in blossom shows just how much people value these seasonal moments.

“From cherry blossom in our cities to the wider mix of flowering trees across parks, gardens and rural areas, these displays are proving a social media hit and helping to inspire more people to seek them out – often right on their doorstep.

“With only a short window to see the blossoms before the petals fall, their fleeting nature may make them even more appealing to experience and share.

“Extending the visitor season is a core part of our work to grow the value of the visitor economy, and these latest figures show that spring blossom is becoming an increasingly noticeable feature in Scotland’s tourism calendar, with exciting opportunities for attractions and communities alike.”

Find out what Scotland has to offer this Spring here: 

www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/when-to-visit/spring

Ben Macpherson holds Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith

LEES, David – Reform UK: 2,746

MACPHERSON, Ben – Scottish National Party (SNP): 13,630

NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party: 10,559

OWEN, Liss – Scottish Liberal Democrats: 1,895

THOMAS, Oliver Philip – Scottish Labour Party: 7,894

YOUNG, Haris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party: 1,297.

Ben Macpherson (SNP) has been duly elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith constituency with 13,630 votes.

SNP HOLD

Letter: The hidden mental health impact of children’s healthcare

Dear Editor, 

I would like to draw your readers’ attention to a pressing matter. Every day, despite some of the best medical care available in the world via our NHS, children are traumatised in hospital. 

Clinical environments, complex and painful procedures and isolation from friends can all build up to immense levels of stress. The anxiety can be particularly acute for little ones, who find it hard to understand what’s going on. 

Healthcare-related trauma experienced in childhood can lead to the avoidance of medical appointments and delayed diagnosis and treatment. It can also affect access to care in adulthood and have a devastating impact on long-term emotional wellbeing. According to our research, 10% of adults in the UK said their childhood experiences of healthcare had negatively impacted their mental health. 

Another little-known fact is that play can stop this trauma in its tracks. Starlight provides play resources to hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. We also provide support and high quality training to health play specialists and healthcare professionals to help them support children through play.

We have launched an appeal to reach even more children as soon as they need it because play can be the best medicine for babies, children and young people.

Find out how you can help children like nine-year-old Arlo who has a rare genetic condition and has spent weeks in hospital at starlight.org.uk. 

Sincerely, 

Hannah Mattock, 

Individual Giving Manager, Starlight 

Strachan House Care Home say goodbye and good luck to retiring senior nurse

After 12 years of continuous service at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh, much-loved senior nurse Dawn Sharp has decided to retire.

Dawn had worked for the company since 1995 across many of Barchester’s services before spending her last 12 years at Strachan House. The home couldn’t have been happier to have Dawn with us throughout the years providing a steady hand and a calm approach. 

Staff and residents at the home sent Dawn off in style with flowers, cards and a huge hug of course. Everyone at the home has very fond memories of Dawn and she will be sadly missed. 

During her time at Strachan House Dawn has been a wonderful nurse, someone dependable with Gladys one of the residents saying Dawns wonderful nature was the reason she was her favourite.  

Dawn said: “Strachan House is like a family to me and though I’m looking forward to retirement, I’m really going to miss everyone here so much!”

Fran Fisher General Manager at Strachan House said: “Dawn is one of those people who was born to care for others – she has such a huge heart and was greatly loved by the individuals living at Strachan House Care Home. She was an inspiration to her colleagues and we will all miss her. We wish her all the best!”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Aldi Scotland challenges Edinburgh shoppers to take on Scotland’s strongest men

First ever Highland Games-inspired Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland challenges Edinburgh shoppers to take on Scotland’s strongest men in its first ever Highland Games inspired Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is kicking off the 2026 Highland Games season with a first of its kind, high-energy trolley dash, challenging shoppers across the country to take on the world’s strongest brothers in a Highland Games inspired Supermarket Sweep, all in support of CHAS.

Coinciding with the opening games of the season at Gourock, the retailer is inviting duos to apply for the chance to beat the time set by strongmen Luke and Tom Stoltman, in a one-of-a-kind trolley dash, with winners also taking home their haul of goods.

Putting a fresh spin on the much-loved Supermarket Sweep format, the selected pair will be invited to compete in the ultimate in-store showdown, where strength, speed and skill will be put to the test. The challenge includes a range of new Highland Games-style challenges, from haggis hurling to trolley tug o’war. Their final shop total will be donated to CHAS, and if they beat the time set by the Stoltman brothers, they’ll double their haul.

Applications open from 10 May until 10 June, with entrants required to apply as a duo.

Each year, CHAS supports more than 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions, along with their families. In 2026, every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to the charity, with £10,000 pledged in support.

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Supporting local suppliers and celebrating Scottish culture is central to what we do, and our first-ever Highland Games–inspired Supermarket Sweep is a fantastic way to bring those together with our community initiative.  

“Teaming up with Scotland’s strongest brothers adds a real sense of fun and competition, and we’re looking forward to seeing how challengers rise to the occasion. It is a brilliant way to celebrate national tradition while raising valuable funds for CHAS and the life-changing support they provide to children and families across Scotland.”

Offering advice to future contestants, Luke Stoltman added: “There’s more to it than just strength. Speed, teamwork and a bit of strategy will all come into play.

“We’re always up for a challenge, but this one’s a bit different from what we’re used to. Mixing Highland Games events with Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep is something really unique, and it’s going to be great fun seeing how people get on.

“Most importantly, it’s all for a brilliant cause, and we’re proud to be supporting CHAS and the incredible work they do for families across Scotland”

Entry is free and customers can apply by emailing ‘Highland Sweep’, their names, phone number and chosen store to supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk before 10 June.

Further details and full T&Cs can be found at:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/supermarketsweep

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:

 https://www.chas.org.uk/