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TODAY: Tickets for major summer exhibition Monkeys: Our Primate Family go on sale on Earth Day

Tickets for the biggest exhibition of primate behaviour ever staged go on sale today, Earth Day, Tue 22 April

  • Tickets for Monkeys: Our Primate Family available to book at nms.ac.uk/Monkeys 

To mark the occasion, Louie the orangutan swung by the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland to meet Scottish primary school pupils Azalea Moghrabi aged eight and Marley Beamish aged seven.

Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, children can visit Monkeys: Our Primate Family (28 Jun – 30 Nov 2025) for free. 

For the first time, the National Museum of Scotland is also offering those on Universal Credit and other named UK benefits discounted exhibition entry. 

From huge gorillas to tiny mouse lemurs, Monkeys will explore the remarkable lives of primates, our closest relatives. The exhibition will bring together more than 50 species and will raise awareness of continuing conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary animals and their fragile habitats. 

Monkeys: Our Primate Family is the first exhibition of its kind, capturing primates acting as they would in the wild. Taxidermy specimens created for the exhibition reveal behaviours rarely seen by humans and demonstrate how primate species have adapted to survive in diverse environments. 

The exhibition first opened at the National Museum of Scotland in 2016 before embarking on an international tour. It returns to Edinburgh for a final time having been seen by over 500,000 visitors in six countries around the world. 

Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland, said: ““We are all primates, but how much do we really know about our extended family? 

“Following a successful global tour, I am delighted that more Scottish audiences than ever will be able to experience this remarkable exhibition, with discounts available for those receiving Universal Credit and other named UK benefits.

“Kids will also go free thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Monkeys: Our Primate Family provides a unique opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close and learn what we can do to protect them in the wild.” 

Visitors to Monkeys will discover how primates have evolved and adapted, their unique methods of locomotion, and the tools they have developed to obtain food.

A gibbon swings through the trees while a chimpanzee fishes for termites.

The exhibition will also reveal the fascinating ways they communicate and their complex social systems. A tarsier shouts its ultrasonic calls and a vervet monkey reveals how its different calls warn about each different predator. 

The final section of the exhibition looks at conservation as well as some of the threats humans pose to primates today, including the climate emergency, conflict, and the bush meat trade.

Visitors will see endangered primates, including the Sumatran orangutan and the black-and-white ruffed lemur and learn about how we can make a difference to their survival. 

All the primates on display are part of National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant natural sciences collection which comprises more than 10 million specimens and is in constant use for study.

Recent pioneering research has included the first comprehensive osteobiography of a zoo animal, Choppers, star of the PG Tips adverts of the 1970s, published in Scientific Reports in March 2025. 

Monkeys: Our Primate Family 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh  
28 June–30 November 2025 

Tickets are available to book at nms.ac.uk/Monkeys 

The exhibition will be supported by a programme of public events. 

National Walking Month Sparks a New Trend: The Rise of the Walking Marathon

THE RISE OF THE WALKING MARATHON

  • As thousands of runners prepare to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival at the end of May, you might be wondering: could I complete a marathon?
  • Many people feel inspired by the challenge of a marathon, but are not runners, sparking the rise of the walking marathon!

Taking your first steps to conquering a marathon

  • Cancer charity Walk the Walk offers a feel-good way to fulfil your marathon dreams with The MoonWalk Scotland 2025
  • The MoonWalk is the original 26.2 miles overnight walking marathon and takes place on Saturday 6th September 2025, starting and finishing at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
  • For those who are new to walking for fitness, Walk the Walk also offers an overnight 13.1 miles half marathon, as well as a family friendly 5K ZOOM Walk on the morning of Saturday 6th September, designed for all ages and abilities

The Power of Walking

  • Why not take the plunge, sign up for a walking challenge and make walking a regular habit?
  • May 2025 marks National Walking Month, spotlighting the simple but powerful benefits of walking for both physical and mental wellbeing.
  • A survey** commissioned by cancer charity Walk the Walk reveals:
    • 82% of adults say walking boosts their mood and mental health
    • 69% go for a walk at least once or twice a week to support their wellbeing
  • In a fast-paced world, walking is proving to be one of the most accessible and effective tools for self-care

Angela Mairs, 58 from Livingston was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, following a routine mammogram. She’ll be taking on her second Full Moon (26.2 miles) at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland. 

“The MoonWalk Scotland 2019 was my first ever marathon – I’d never done anything like it before. Although it was a tough challenge, I felt such a huge sense of achievement when I finished.

“Having now been diagnosed with breast cancer myself, this time my marathon will be very personal. I need to build up my stamina following all my treatment and all the training I’ll need to do before September will give me a fantastic focus.”

Edinburgh Tool Library: Repairmongery programme feedback

Over the last 9 months we have been piloting our Repairmongery programme in Leith supported by Leith Chooses. This programme offered repair services for broken household items, plus was a great research opportunity to see if this service would be something we could sustain long term as we asked everyone who visited what they would be willing to pay.

At ETL we believe that products should last longer and so when broken, they should be repaired. And thus the Repairmongery was born!

In total we had 7 open days in the last 9 months where people living and working in Leith could drop off their broken items. We received 88 items (of which 8 items were not broken in the first place !!) but from the 80 broken items our repair technician was able to repair a whopping 73% ⭐️

As for how much people were willing to pay for a repair, an interesting thing we learned was that this was more heavily influenced by the financial or sentimental value of the item rather than by the amount of work needed to repair it. Overall, it seems people were eager to have items repaired rather than having to dispose of them and buy replacements.

Whilst our Leith Repairmongery has come to an end, the Repairmongery in Portobello and Craigmillar supported by Action Porty is still running for one last intake day on Friday 25th April this week.

We’ll be sending out a feedback form to collect your feedback in the coming month and help us reflect on these two pilots.

UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank

UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace

UK fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.

The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.   

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.

“This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.

The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.

The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.  

The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.

First Minister to convene gathering on strengthening democratic resilience

PROTECTING SCOTLAND’s VALUES

First Minister John Swinney will convene a meeting to examine the resilience of Scotland’s democracy.   

Political, faith and community leaders will be brought together to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system by examining root causes that might undermine shared values – now and in the future.  

The gathering will be held on Wednesday (23 April) when the First Minister hopes to find agreement on a set of principles that can strengthen and protect the country’s democratic foundations. 

The discussion will be centred on four key themes, each moderated by a civic leader: 

  • Combating inequality and discrimination. 
  • Tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment. 
  • Enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions. 
  • Strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation.  

The First Minister said: “Government has a clear role to play in protecting the health of our democracy. 

“Across the world, we can see democratic systems under pressure, with fundamental principles being challenged and, in some cases, actively undermined. Scotland is not immune, so we must ensure we are prepared.  

“As First Minister, I want to bring people together to help shape our response to these threats, and make sure we work together to protect and strengthen the democratic values that underpin who we are as Scots.  

“Bringing together political, faith and community leaders will enable a discussion about key issues such as tackling misinformation, strengthening trust in politics, combating electoral interference, and ensuring Scotland’s democracy delivers equality.  

“It will provide the initial foundation that will ensure Scotland has united leadership on values and principles that can help guide us in this age of uncertainty.” 

The Conservatives say they will not be attending the session, saying the meeting is nothing more than a talking shop. Reform UK, who do not currently have any Holyrood MSPs, have not been invited to participate in the discussion.

EARLY FINISH

I am experiencing problems when trying to upload new pictures and graphics due to a database running at 100% capacity.

I will have to do some serious deleting to free up space so there won’t be any more new posts today. I’m sure I’ll come across lots of images that will spark happy memories, though!

Be back soon – Happy Easter!

Princes Street serious assault: Police release images

Police Scotland have released images of two males they believe may hold information which might assist in relation a serious assault in Edinburgh which occurred around 8.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024 on Princes Street.

One of the males is described as white, aged approximately 18 years old, slim build, short light, brown hair. He was wearing a grey coloured Nike hooded jumper, a dark coloured cross body bag and dark coloured trousers.

The other male is described as white, aged approximately 20 years old, medium build, short dark hair and dark stubble. He was wearing a black Canada Goose gilet top with a dark top underneath and dark trousers.

Anyone who has any information about the incident or who recognises the males pictured is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3251 of 07 December 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.

More than half a million more people in line for savings boost

  • Government’s Help to Save scheme now open to 550,000 more people to help with cost of living
  • Those saving £50 a month can expect £25 Government top-up, putting more money in people’s pockets
  • Part of Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on Plan for Change

More than half a million more UK savers are in line for Government bonuses worth up to £25 a month to boost their cash pots and help ease rises in the cost of living, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced today.

As part of the Government’s mission to grow the economy and improve lives in every corner of the UK and to deliver its Plan for Change, Help to Save is now open to anyone working and receiving Universal Credit – rewarding 550,000 more people.

Its extension to April 2027 means more can benefit from the scheme, which has paid out millions of pounds in bonuses to more than 500,000 people since Help to Save was launched in 2018.

This is evidence of the Government backing the most vulnerable in society with 93% of savers paying in the maximum £50 every month to their Help to Save account.

In Scotland, 36,050 Help to Save savers have paid in a total of £33,584,000 into their accounts, since September 2018.

An account can be set up in less than 5 minutes and easily managed through GOV.UK or the HMRC app, making it accessible to people throughout the UK.

Savers who deposit the maximum amount of £2,400 over four years will receive a bonus totalling £1,200 into their bank accounts, with payments coming at the end of the second and final year.

Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds said: ““Security for working people is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

“We want more people to have a bit in the kitty for a rainy day, which is why we are giving hundreds of thousands more working families on tight budgets access to this support.”

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Thousands of customers have already benefitted from Help to Save and many more are now eligible to get a great return of 50% on top of their savings, no matter how little you can save each month. Go online or via the HMRC app to find out more and apply today.”

Savers can deposit between £1 and £50 each month earning an extra 50 pence for every £1 saved, with bonuses paid in the second and fourth years of the account being opened. The bonus payment applies to the highest amount saved within the period.

Nearly 18,500 people opened a Help to Save account via the HMRC app in 2024. App users have access to their savings account at their fingertips. They can view their account, check their balance and bonus details, and make a deposit via debit card, bank transfer or standing order.

Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.

Michelle Highman, Chief Executive of The Money Charity, said: ‘We are really pleased to see the Help to Save scheme extended and made available to more people.

“It’s a brilliant way for people to start to save and to build their financial resilience and futures. Saving even just a little each month will help, and the added 50% bonus payment from the Government means that if you are eligible, then it’s a great place to boost your savings.”

Find out more about Help to Save at GOV.UK.

Man convicted of 2023 murder of teenager in Edinburgh

A 21-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of Lewis McCartney in Edinburgh. 

The 18-year-old was found with serious injuries on Viewcraig Street around 3.45am on Sunday, 12 February, 2023. Lewis was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later. 

Bailey Dowling was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Thursday, 17 April, 2025). He will be sentenced at a later date. 

World’s Leading Festivals to gather in Edinburgh for European Arts Festivals Summit 2025

This month, Edinburgh – the world’s foremost festival city – will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.

From 27-30 April 2025, more than 200 festival directors, pioneering artists, and cultural leaders will assemble at The Hub – the iconic home of the Edinburgh International Festival, the original festival that sparked Edinburgh’s legacy as the festival city, 78 years ago.

Over four days of provocative dialogue, vital networking, and groundbreaking collaboration, the Summit will delve into the transformative power of festivals, examining how they drive innovation, ignite creativity, and forge unbreakable bonds between culture, cities, and communities worldwide.

Festivals are central to Edinburgh’s identity and success, drawing millions of visitors each year, generating substantial economic benefit, and enriching lives through access to world-class art and performance.

Hosted by the European Festivals Association (EFA), the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh, the Summit will highlight Edinburgh’s unique position as a global leader in cultural programming, offering delegates the chance to engage with the city’s festivals and cultural organisations.

Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, said: “In Edinburgh, festivals are part of the city’s DNA and are a driving force for creativity and international exchange.

“Hosting the Arts Festivals Summit at The Hub reflects both the International Festival’s proud legacy in shaping cultural dialogue, but also its role in driving international connection for nearly eight decades.

“As we come together to share ideas, navigate common challenges, and explore new possibilities, we reaffirm the power of festivals not only as stages for artistic excellence, but as essential spaces for understanding, empathy, and collaboration across borders.” 

The Summit will spotlight the transformative power of festivals, underscoring the substantial economic, social, and cultural value that festivals contribute to Edinburgh and to countries throughout Europe, and shaping strategies to ensure festivals remain vital forces for societal good.

The Summit’s dynamic programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops exploring the evolving role of arts and festivals in shaping cities.

Speakers lined up include author and social philosopher, Roman Krznaric; independent researcher and co-founder of think tank Culture Policy Room, Elena Polivtseva; CEO of International Society for the Performing Arts based in New York, David Baile; Director of Performing Arts at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Nele Hertling; Head of the Arts for the Rural Development Foundation in Hungary, Natália Oszkó-Jakab; and Project Director of European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), Donika Rudi among many others.

Sessions will address key issues such as sustainability, accessibility, and artistic freedom while also examining the relationship between festivals and emerging artists. Looking ahead, the programme will invite participants to consider the future of festivals in an ever-changing global landscape, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural sector.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted Edinburgh is hosting this year’s European Arts Festivals Summit – it’s a fantastic opportunity for festival makers to get together and discuss all the key issues we all face.

“As the world’s Festival City, Edinburgh exemplifies how festivals can unite communities, inspire creativity, and drive social change. This summit celebrates our city’s cultural leadership and the transformative power of the arts.”

Jan Briers, President of EFA, said: “To be with 200 festival makers from all over the world together in Edinburgh, the festival city of Europe, for 4 days, is a great opportunity for everyone to learn, connect, and plan projects.”