Category: Uncategorized

A World Cup Winning Scottish Footballer, Comics and Tales from Under the Ocean

  • 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.

UNMASKED at City Art Centre

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, including FCB 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.

Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture opens on Saturday 13 September 2025, and continues until 31 May 2026. Admission is free.  

Pictured: Curator Helen Scott, with A Hint of Blue I and II Digital Photographic Print by Sekai Machache

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts team aims to turn miles into meals!

TOMORROW (Sunday 14 September) our 2025 team – Anne, Claire, Donald, Finn, Harvey, Julia, Maureen, Oliver, Tom, Trish and Sarah – are taking on the Kiltwalk to turn miles into meals!

Every £5 that you sponsor is a healthy meal pack cooked, packed and delivered to a person in need – alongside wellbeing and referral support.

Everyone deserves to know where their next meal is coming from. You can take away that worry from a person or family today.

To support the team, click here: https://emptykitchens.enthuse.com/cf/kiltwalk-2025

Shaun of The Dead, Hot Fuzz and other Edgar Wright classics return to Vue this autumn

From one of Britain’s most acclaimed and beloved filmmakers, classic genre comedies Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are back on the big screen at Vue this September and October as part of a special Edgar Wright season.

Ahead of his reimagining of the Stephen King’s action-thriller classic The Running Man, the works of the fan-favourite director will once again take centre stage, including his iconic Cornetto Trilogy.

The three cult classics Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, all starring actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as they face off against the undead, a murderous cult and aliens, will be back on the big screen starting from 12 September.

Wright’s other celebrated work – including Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Baby Driver and psychological horror Last Night In Soho- also make their big screen return throughout October.

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “At Vue, we celebrate the very best of British filmmaking, and there are few names who have done more for the UK film scene over the past few decades than Edgar Wright. 

“Ahead of his upcoming release The Running Man, we’re excited to showcase his very best work where it belongs – right at home up on the big screen at Vue.”

To find out more, visit myvue.com

Back on the Big Screen at Vue

  • Shaun of the Dead – 13 September
  • Hot Fuzz – 20 September
  • The World’s End – 27 September
  • Scott Pilgrim Vs The World – 10 October
  • Baby Driver – 17 October
  • Last Night In Soho – 24 October

Young dancer from Scotland to take part in prestigious ballet competition

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce that Heather Lyon from Edinburgh, Scotland will be taking part in the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition which takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 11-19 October 2025. At this annual competition, young dancers from around the world will come together for a week of dance, to win competition prizes and scholarships. 

Heather age 18 started ballet at the age of three in her hometown Edinburgh, Scotland, and it soon became her passion. She took RAD ballet classes at a local dance school, KS Dance Academy. 

Currently studying at Northern Ballet School, England Heather watched others from previous years benefit from attending The Fonteyn competition. Heather is delighted and grateful to be a part of this year’s competition and excited for all the challenges and opportunities it will offer.

“I am so excited to take part in this competition and represent my home country of Scotland”, says Heather. 

Named in honour of RAD’s longest-serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, The Fonteyn is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, representing the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. 

Beginning in 1931, the competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launch pad for a professional career, past winners have become professional dancers with companies worldwide and enjoyed long-lasting careers in the arts.

At The Fonteyn, candidates compete for a chance to win the coveted Genee Gold medal supported by Freed of London, Silver and Bronze medals and cash prizes, and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award.

Alongside the prizes, candidates have the chance to be awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious ballet schools across the globe including English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy and The Royal Ballet School. F

or more information and to book your tickets visit: The Fonteyn | Tickets

Over 2,000 P6 pupils take part in Scotland’s largest outdoor learning event at Holyrood Park

Learners from primary and special schools across Edinburgh have taken part in the Outdoor Learning Challenge, Scotland’s largest outdoor learning event.

Over 2,000 P6 children took part in a range of sustainability focused activities at Holyrood Park across two days on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September.

The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh.

More than 25 different partner providers contributed a huge diversity of outdoor activities to make the event happen.

Designed to offer learners a chance to try a range of outdoor learning activities and experiences, the event also aimed to inspire and demonstrate to teachers how they can integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum.

This is the first time the event has run since 2019 and this year it focused on the theme of Learning for Sustainability. Activities included orienteering, archaeological excavation, ropes/tents/knots challenges, learning about geography, biodiversity, conservation and environmental art. Each group of pupils attends three 40-minute activity sessions.

The event supports the delivery of outdoor learning through the Curriculum for Excellence and Learning for Sustainability as a national priority as well as raising awareness of the twin nature and climate crises.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “The Outdoor Learning Challenge is a truly unique event that brings together a large number of our learners to experience an exciting and action-packed day outside of the traditional classroom learning environment.

“This year’s theme was Learning for sustainability, and it has been fantastic to see the next generation being inspired in an outdoor setting and really engaging with the range of activities on offer.

“A key aim of the event is to showcase to school staff how they can incorporate outdoor learning into their everyday teaching and I’m confident that those who attended will go back to school inspired and full of ideas.

“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”

Conor Ellis, Science Learning and Engagement Director at Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, said: Connection to nature is so important in promoting positive health and wellbeing and stewardship of the planet.

“I’m so delighted to see the Outdoor Learning Challenge return and know that the event will provide fantastic opportunities for thousands of the capital’s children and young people across the two days!”

Poppyscotland call for volunteers to help change the lives of our Armed Forces Community

At Poppyscotland, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Without them, the Scottish Poppy Appeal simply could not happen. 

Their dedication keeps our work visible in communities across Scotland and ensures that every donation translates into real, practical support for the Armed Forces community. As we prepare for the 2025 Appeal, we need you to step forward and be part of something truly meaningful.

Our biggest annual fundraising campaign depends on Poppy Appeal Area Organisers (AOs) across the country to coordinate collections in their local communities this October, leading up to Remembrance Sunday on 9 November 2025.

This year, we are looking for more AOs in Edinburgh and East Lothian to help deliver this vital Appeal. As an AO, you’ll play a key role in your community by distributing poppies and collection tins to busy shops, bars, and local venues, and where possible, arranging collections in supermarkets, shopping centres, and transport hubs. You’ll also meet new people and act as the friendly, local ‘face’ of Poppyscotland.

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager at Poppyscotland, said: “The Scottish Poppy Appeal is vital to our work. It raises funds that enable us to provide year-round support to veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families.

“Last year, our welfare team helped more than 800 individuals and families with needs ranging from housing and finance to mobility and mental health. We also reached many more through funding provided to partner organisations such as Legion Scotland, SACRO, and the Forces Employment Charity.

“The quality of our support is of the highest standard, but none of this would be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Every year, they line the streets of Scotland with their iconic red tins, raising vital funds from the public.

“That’s why we are calling on anyone willing and able to join our team of AOs this year. Full training and support will be provided by our staff and most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference.”

For more information on becoming an Area Organiser, please visit:

poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer-area-organiser

World Suicide Prevention Day: You can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts

The 10th of September 2025 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and Samaritans Scotland is urging people across Scotland to show they care, interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts, and help save a life.  

To mark the day, iconic buildings across Scotland will light up green to raise awareness of Samaritans and the help available to people struggling with suicidal thoughts. In Edinburgh, the striking Balmoral Hotel will light its clock tower green, whilst in Glasgow the Science Centre will also be illuminated. Dundee’s Discovery Point will also light up green, and further north, Shetland’s Lerwick Town Hall will also be lit in the charity’s well-known colour. 

The message to people in Scotland is that suicide is not inevitable. An interruption could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, text or any other way of connecting with someone when they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.  

Research released by Samaritans this year indicated that over half of adults in Scotland (68%) would appreciate someone check offering words of support if they were struggling to cope. However, nearly half of the respondents in Scotland (38%) admitted avoiding initiating a conversation with someone who didn’t seem okay. For some, they were worried they’d say the wrong thing. For others, they worried their help wouldn’t be welcomed.    

To help people feel empowered to initiate a conversation with someone who may be feeling suicidal, Samaritans has put together a guide on how to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts with simple tips and advice, led by those with lived and living experience. You can find the guide here. In the guide, people can find ways to begin a conversation, how to be there for someone in the moment, how to listen without judgement, and how to help the person take their mind off how they’re feeling.  

Many people may feel uncomfortable asking someone outright if they are having suicidal thoughts. Samaritans is encouraging people not to be afraid to ask the question, or of using the word ‘suicide’, as this gives people permission to open up. The charity has said that talking about suicide doesn’t have to be frightening, it shows that you care and gives the person space to share how they’re feeling.  

Whilst it can be a difficult topic, you don’t have to be an expert or know the exact ‘right’ thing to say. Being there and showing that you care can make all the difference. Listen with empathy and without judgement to help the person open up about how they’re feeling, and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal. 

Representatives from Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group said: “If you think someone is struggling, even a stranger, it’s okay to reach out. A simple question like ‘are you okay?’ can be an interruption that saves a life.  

“Even a small moment of connection can bring hope. That moment whispers: wait, stay, breathe.” 

Danielle Rowley, Head of Policy and Communications at Samaritans Scotland, said: “It’s so important that we talk about suicide in order to prevent suicide, even though it can be challenging to approach and difficult to know what to say. 

We want to encourage people to feel confident and safe speaking about suicide, and not to be afraid of using the word. If you are worried about someone, asking them if they feel suicidal almost gives permission for them to talk about it too. By allowing people to talk about how they really feel, we can help to save lives.” 

Samaritans offers a free and confidential helpline for those in crisis and struggling to cope. If you’re suicidal or struggling to cope, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123.

More information about the campaign can be found on our webpage here.