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All A-board! New bus service to Lost Shore and Climbing Arena

Service 67 launches after years of campaigning for better public transport to Edinburgh’s adventure sports hub

A new direct bus service connecting Edinburgh city centre with Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) and the village of Ratho has launched, following years of campaigning for improved public transport links to the area.

Service 67 is initially operating hourly, Monday to Friday, creating a direct public transport connection between central Edinburgh and two of Scotland’s leading adventure sports destinations. The service is expected to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks.

Operated by HcL, Service 67 will connect central Edinburgh with Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA Ratho, with stops including Haymarket Station, Hermiston Gate Park & Ride and Ratho Village.

The launch is a major milestone following several years of work to restore a direct public transport connection between Ratho and Edinburgh, including sustained campaigning by the Ratho Bus Working Group and support from Lost Shore and EICA for better transport links to the area.

Research carried out as part of the campaign demonstrated strong demand for improved public transport. More than 2,200 people responded to a community survey, with 90% saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.

The new route will make it significantly easier for Edinburgh residents and visitors without access to a car to reach Ratho and its growing adventure sports hub, bringing surfing and climbing within a direct bus journey of the city centre.

Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.

“We’ve believed from the beginning that world-class adventure should be accessible to as many people as possible. Lost Shore and EICA offer two incredible experiences right next door to each other, but getting here without a car has been a real barrier for too many people.

“Service 67 has the potential to change that. For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.

“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”

Stacey O’Flaherty, Ratho Bus Working Group, added: “This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.

“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.

“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”

Victoria Harper, Manager at the EICA said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community. 

“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.

“We’re proud to be part of a destination that brings climbing, surfing and outdoor adventure together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people through our doors.”

Service 67 will initially operate as a six-month trial, with passenger use and feedback helping to inform decisions about the future of the service.

The service currently runs hourly, Monday to Friday, using accessible 16-seat minibuses, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single journey costs £2.40, with cash and card payments accepted. Under-22 and eligible concessionary National Entitlement Cards are also accepted. 

The route will make it significantly easier for people across Edinburgh to reach Lost Shore and EICA by public transport, opening up access to two major adventure destinations without the need for a car.

It also creates a stronger connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, bringing surfing and climbing together as part of a distinctive active day out at Edinburgh’s adventure hub.

The timetable for Service 67 is available here – HcL Service 67  

Amazon staff summer celebration at Edinburgh Zoo

Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration

Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.

The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.

Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.

“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”

Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.

“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”

 The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.

Green Light for Major New Housing and Green Skills Hubs

The UK Government has now released £14.09m to Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Partnership after signing off on its locally designed three-year Local Growth Fund investment plan, which targets areas with the lowest household incomes to create jobs and boost living standards.

Funding for Years 2 and 3 will be rolled out as the region progresses through its plans.

A partnership between the four regional colleges of Borders, Edinburgh, Fife, and West Lothian plans to train over 20,000 new entrants across the region over the coming decade as well as upskill existing workers.

South East Scotland is the fastest growing region in Scotland, with some of the highest housing demand for now and into the future. The new training hubs will be strategically important in the delivery of 40,000 new homes across the region’s seven strategic housing sites.

The training centre in the south of Scotland will also benefit from Scottish Government funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “This is a great example of colleges coming together and taking a proactive approach to meet the skills needs of the region that we serve.

“The construction sector is going to be hugely significant to Edinburgh and the Lothians over the coming years, and these training hubs will ensure it has the workforce it needs to flourish.

“Projects like this emphasise the potential that colleges have to work hand in hand with key employers to provide a pipeline of skilled labour for future employment opportunities.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “(Today) the UK Government is releasing more than £14 million to Edinburgh and South East Scotland partners who know their communities best.

“These funds will be crucial for addressing skills shortages, driving green innovation and removing barriers to local employment and infrastructure development.

“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.

“These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.” 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “This investment in new training hubs will give thousands of local people the chance to gain new skills and build rewarding careers in construction and green technology.

“With strong demand for new homes together with our work to reach net zero, having a skilled local workforce will be essential.”

According to a report undertaken by the University of Edinburgh and West Lothian College, the region has a construction workforce of 57,000, of which 21,000 (34%) commute for work into the region from other parts of Scotland daily.

The study identified that the region requires an additional 20,000 new entrants, upskilling roles and replacement construction workforce over the next 10 years.

Sky’s the limit as CHAS children take flight with Loganair

Children with life-shortening conditions from across Scotland and their families enjoyed a day to remember at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, taking to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast, courtesy of the UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair, and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600s, which flew under flight number LM1996, marking the year CHAS’s children’s hospice, Rachel House, opened its doors.

Before take-off, families enjoyed a morning of fun in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, with character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play. Even Police Scotland joined in the fun, making a beeline for the ball pit.

There was plenty of magic on board too. With support from Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom, Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joined the families for the round trip across the Highlands and Islands to the delight of the young flyers, before the aircraft returned home to Glasgow Airport.

After the aerial adventure over Scotland’s west coast, the flight was then welcomed back in style with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Among the excited flyers was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow. Isla lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and she and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home service for the past year.

Isla’s mum, Georgeta, said: “This flight was so special for us as Isla hasn’t been on a plane since she was a baby and she was always asking me when she can fly again, but because of her condition, it just hasn’t been possible until now.

“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience.  We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”

Isla said: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”

Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer at Loganair, said: “This flight has become one of the moments we look forward to most each year.

“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

“CHAS is there for families when they need support most, and the generosity of the businesses and people across Glasgow Airport is what makes days like this possible. Five years into our partnership, our commitment to CHAS has never been stronger.

“We’re incredibly proud to play our part, and we’ll continue to find new ways to raise vital funds, support the charity and, most importantly, help families make memories together.”

The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, supported by AGS, ground handling team Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2024, Loganair added a voluntary £2 donation option to online bookings, raising further funds for CHAS, and the airline also supports CHAS at Home, the charity’s outreach service that flies nurses to families in remote island communities. The service made 1476 visits in the last year. Since 2021, Loganair has raised over £100,000 for CHAS, supporting its work with families across Scotland.

Aimee Russell, senior partnership executive at CHAS said: “For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs. Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure.

“Experiences like this mean so much to the families we support, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Loganair and their partner organisations for making this incredible flight possible once again.”

Loganair operates more than 70 routes across the UK and Europe, proudly serving communities across Scotland and further afield for over 60 years with initiatives including its GreenSkies Community Fund, which has seen Loganair donate over £120,000 to sustainable projects since its inception in 2021.

For further information on the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, visit: https://www.chas.org.uk/loganair

National funding roadshow heads to Scotland after unlocking more than £10m for UK businesses

Scotland’s most ambitious businesses are set to gain direct access to funders, investors and expert advisers when the national FUEL roadshow arrives in Edinburgh this September, building on the success of the first two events which have already generated a funding pipeline of more than £10 million for UK businesses.

On Thursday 24th September, hundreds of ambitious business owners will descend on Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for a day of pre-arranged meetings with lenders, investors and business advisers, giving the nation’s SMEs the opportunity to explore funding options, receive expert guidance and build the relationships needed to accelerate growth.

The roadshow follows successful events in the North East and Yorkshire, where businesses took part in hundreds of one-to-one meetings with finance providers. Many of those conversations have already resulted in significant investment potential, with more than £10 million in funding now expected to flow into businesses across the two regions.

Rather than a traditional exhibition, FUEL has been designed as a practical event that removes many of the barrier’s businesses face when raising finance. Every attendee is triaged, and if appropriate, matched with relevant funders and advisers before the event, ensuring each meeting is tailored to their ambitions and funding requirements.

For business leaders that are unsure of which funding option is right for them or are not yet ready to seek finance, workshops are also available throughout the day which are designed to build confidence, develop investor and finance readiness and connect them to advisers who can help them on their journey.

Businesses attending FUEL Scotland will have the opportunity to meet representatives from a broad mix of funding organisations, from high street banks and specialist commercial lenders to alternative finance providers and investors.

Confirmed organisations include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Allica Bank, Scottish Enterprise, Creative UK, Maven, DSL Business Finance, The FSE Group and more, offering delegates the chance to explore funding options tailored to businesses at every stage of growth.

Delivered by business support and funding specialists, UMi, FUEL builds on almost two decades of helping businesses navigate funding, unlock investment and access expert advice. Since 2007, UMi has helped businesses secure more than £1 billion in grants, loans and private investment.

Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, said: “The response to FUEL has exceeded our expectations. Businesses have told us they value being able to speak directly with the people making funding decisions, while funders have welcomed the opportunity to meet ambitious companies that are ready to grow.

“With more than £10 million expected to be unlocked through our first two events, we’re excited to bring that momentum to Scotland, whether a business is looking to invest in innovation, expand its workforce or overcome cashflow challenges, FUEL is designed to make accessing finance, simpler, faster and far less daunting.”

Cameron Gordon, Accelerator Community Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we know that access to the right support is crucial for businesses to succeed.

For time-poor business owners, however, knowing what help is out there and what is best for their circumstances is not always clear. Through our Accelerator, we support a growing community of more than 30,000 entrepreneurs across the UK, and I am pleased that the Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting UMi’s FUEL roadshows, building on this work to champion small businesses and help them find the right support at the right time.”

Small Business Minister Lord Leong said: “One of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Scotland is securing the right finance at the right time to invest, expand and create the good jobs local people deserve. 

“That is why we are proud to support roadshows such as FUEL, which bring practical advice, specialist expertise and potential funding partners directly to founder-led and owner-managed businesses. By helping entrepreneurs understand their options, become investment-ready and access finance suited to their ambitions, FUEL helps turn growth plans into reality. 

“Alongside this, we are working with the British Business Bank to increase the supply of finance across every region and nation of the UK. Our message to ambitious business owners is clear: wherever you are based and whatever your background, we want to help you overcome the barriers to growth, fulfil your potential and build the successful businesses and good jobs of the future.”

FUEL roadshows will be taking place throughout the UK at the following locations:

  • Edinburgh – Thursday 24 September – Murrayfield Stadium
  • London – December – Excel
  • Birmingham – TBC
  • Manchester – TBC
  • Cardiff – TBC

Business owners interested in attending any of the events above can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, via the website: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.

Barkcloth wedding outfit goes on display at National Museums Scotland

An outfit by Fijian designer Hupfeld Hoerder has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The outfit was created in the early 1990s using barkcloth and was worn as a wedding dress.

Barkcloth is a type of natural cloth made by stripping, soaking, and beating or weaving lengths of the inner bark from certain trees, often decorated with intricate painted or stamped patterns.

Pacific Islanders have been making barkcloth for millennia, but its use declined during the 19th century. Today it is being revived in places such as Hawai’i and Niue and remains strong in the Islands of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa thanks in part to contemporary fashion designers who create couture from barkcloth.

The striking outfit consists of a skirt, bodice and jacket. It is now on display in the Facing the Sea gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.

National Museum of Scotland  

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF    

Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00  

nms.ac.uk/Scotland 

Pics: Neil Hanna

Letter: Take action to improve lymphoma care this Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Dear Editor

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our Let’s talk lymphoma campaign, Lymphoma Action is inviting people affected by lymphoma to write to their MP, MSP or MS and ask them to raise important issues about lymphoma treatment and care in Parliament.

The campaign aims to make it easier for decision-makers to understand the realities faced by people affected by lymphoma, and to encourage practical action to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.

Lymphoma is officially categorised as a rare or less common cancer. The recent National Cancer Plan recognised that people affected by rare and less common cancers often face major challenges with diagnosis and care. Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer, but too many people still experience delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatment and unequal care.

For the first time, the National Cancer Plan gives rare and less common cancers dedicated focus and commits to improvements in treatment and care. It recognises that people with these cancers must receive the same priority as those with more common cancers. But making promises is only the first step – they need to become reality.

This September, we want to hold the government to account and make sure the plan is put into action, leading to meaningful change for people affected by lymphoma and other cancers. If you are affected by lymphoma, you can write to your representative this September and ask them to raise lymphoma in Parliament.

Together, we can push for the improvements people affected by lymphoma deserve and help make sure the National Cancer Plan delivers real change.

Find out more about how you can get involved at www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/BCAM.

Once you register your interest, we’ll send you a draft email with the information your representative needs and details of how to send it.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Harris

Lymphoma Action

Utilita Energy Hubs Unite for National Football Rebooted Day 2026

Communities across the UK encouraged to donate pre-loved football boots and help give the beautiful game a second life

Saturday, 3 October 2026 will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host Football Rebooted Day 2026, a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots, raise awareness of the award-winning Football Rebooted campaign, and make football more accessible for families and young people.

Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.

Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.

Visitors to any Utilita Energy Hub on the day will be invited to donate football boots via dedicated Football Rebooted collection points. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including football tickets, Utilita Arena tickets, signed shirts, and other household and spot prizes.

The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Sam Cook, Senior Marketing Partnerships Manager, at Utilita, said: “Sport participation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

“Football Rebooted Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and make a real difference with a simple donation. Every pair of boots collected can help another young player stay involved in the game they love, while also preventing perfectly usable footwear from going to waste.”

The event forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.

As well as collecting boots, Football Rebooted Day aims to increase awareness of how individuals, schools, grassroots clubs, businesses and community organisations can get involved in the initiative, including becoming an official Football Rebooted collection point.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home.  

All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.

Event Details

Event: Utilita Energy Hubs Football Rebooted Day 2026 

Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026 

Locations: All 12 Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK

For more information about Football Rebooted and how to get involved, visit www.footballrebooted.co.uk.

Summer’s legacy lingers into Autumn

SEPA – WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT

Scotland has entered autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, as prolonged rainfall deficits continue to affect river flows. 

Significant Water Scarcity has now been recorded somewhere in Scotland in each of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) past six weekly reports, although the areas affected have changed during that time.  

The latest Water Scarcity Report from SEPA shows The Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed & Lauderdale have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. No abstraction licences are affected by this change.  

Significant Scarcity is reached when representative river flows remain exceptionally low for 30 consecutive days. 

Meanwhile, Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water have now moved out of Significant following rain this week, though the wider area remains at moderate scarcity. Across Scotland nine areas are at Moderate Scarcity, a level where environmental impacts are clear.  

The picture varies sharply across Scotland. Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the north-east, with Deveron, Ythan and Don (Aberdeenshire) moving from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. Doon, Irvine and Ayr have returned to Normal Conditions. 

Further down the east coast, very low river flows continue. In Fife, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) both reached Significant Scarcity earlier this summer before conditions improved following rainfall. Both have now recorded 25 consecutive days of very low flows again.  

Stonehaven, North Esk and the Lower Earn areas are also at risk of moving to Significant next week.  

The report comes at the beginning of meteorological autumn, which began on 1st September.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland has a reputation for rain, so it can seem surprising to be at the start of autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, particularly when it may be raining where you are. 

“But water scarcity isn’t determined by today’s weather. Rainfall deficits build up over time, and a few days of rain may not be enough to reverse the effects of a prolonged dry period. 

“We can see that clearly this week. Conditions have improved in some areas, while rivers in parts of the south and east remain exceptionally low. 

“This summer has shown why businesses which rely on water from the environment need to plan ahead. The impacts of dry conditions can last beyond the dry weather itself. 

“As our climate changes, periods of water scarcity are expected to become more frequent and severe. Businesses need to understand what that could mean for them and have plans in place before water becomes constrained.” 

Further showers are forecast on Friday, with potentially heavy rain on Sunday. SEPA will continue to monitor rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels and update water scarcity levels as conditions change. 

Arrest following Leith incidents

A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.

You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.

If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ

#SaferCommunitiesEdinburgh