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From the science behind sins to the chemistry of Star Wars: Edinburgh Science Festival 2025 continues

Still to come at Edinburgh Science Festival 2025

From the science behind the seven deadly sins to the chemistry of Star Wars, there’s lots still to uncover at Edinburgh Science Festival 2025.

Running until Sunday 20 April, the Festival explores the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration with the theme Spaceship Earth.

This week’s highlights include:

A Climate of Truth (15 April) 
We have all the technology we need to live better than ever before, and yet humanity is still accelerating into a climate emergency. Sustainability expert, Prof Mike Berners-Lee looks at the challenge from new angles, and reveals how the need for radically higher standards of honesty in our politics, media, and business is the single most critical point of leverage for those seeking change. Berners-Lee shows what all of us can do to be part of the evolution that humanity so urgently needs to deal with the polycrisis.

Seven Deadly Sins (15 April)
Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Pride. Envy. Lust. Anger. Do these sins really represent moral failings, or are they simply important and useful human functions that aid us? Professor of neurology, Guy Leschziner reveals the hidden science and humanity behind our so-called flaws and follies.

Mission Bake: From Bake Off to Blast Off (18 April)
Are you ready to see some “out-of-this-world” treats? Join scientist and Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley as he showcases the wonders of space through the art of baking, with edible meteorites and macaron planets. Plus, space expert Dhara Patel from the National Space Centre will be bringing real meteorites to the show!
Josh Smalley also joins the Festival for The Easter Baking Show, also on 18 April.

Memory Lane: the Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember (18 April)
We often think our impressions of the past remain preserved somewhere inside our brains. In fact, we reconstruct our memories every time we try to recall them. But a faulty memory isn’t always a bad thing…Explore the cutting-edge science of human memory, the ethical implications of memory manipulation and the pitfalls of false recollections. Psychologists Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy reveal the surprising benefits of a flexible memory system and explain why no two trips down memory lane are ever quite the same.

The Chemistry of Star Wars (20 April)
In a galaxy far, far away, there is a Star Wars universe packed with captivating science, from the biology of alien species to the astrophysics of hyperspace. But what about Chemistry? Join Alex Baker, a chemist from the University of Warwick, as he explores the freezing of Han Solo, the colours of lightsabers, the reactions that power star ships and much more.

DiscoveryLab (Running until 19 April)
Visit the Festival’s reimagined flagship family experience at City Art Centre and explore five floors packed with hands-on activities designed for all the family to get involved in. Children aged 5–11 can also book entry to one premium workshop including Splat-tastic, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Wild Vets.

To view the full programme, visit: 

https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/festival/whats-on/

Last Call for Community Councillors

Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 April

Community Council Elections 2025 : 2nd call for nominations update

A second call for nominations for the following 8 community councils opened on 27 March 2025. 

Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

If you work with networks, groups, or community organisations in any of these areas we would be most grateful if could pass on this information.

Anyone who wishes to stand should complete a nomination form signed in ink, and return it to the Governance Team at Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG by the closing date at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025. Alternatively, a mobile phone picture or scan of the nomination form can be returned by email tocommunity.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk by the same deadline.

Candidates can download a nomination form by clicking on the community council name above (download an example completed nomination form)

Local Interest Groups can download the Local Interest Group Nomination Form (download an example completed Local Interest Group nomination form)

Please visit our community council election webpages for more information.

Opportunities in TV production

Are you based in Scotland, aged 18 or over, and looking to gain hands-on experience working behind the camera in TV?

The #HETVSkillsFund is partnering with Screen Scotland on this training programme offering aspiring trainees the chance to work across various departments on a TV production filming in Scotland!

Trainees will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the industry’s top technicians and creatives, gaining essential skills and on-set experience.

Read more about the programme and apply now:

https://www.screenskills.com/…/80a44e3e-7869-4f64-a6b7…/

Applications close on 21 April 2025

#TV

#Television

#CreativeIndustries

#BehindTheCamera

#HETV

#ScotlandTV

#TVproduction

‘Carnage’ at the Scottish Grand National – Animal Rising react

As the fates of several horses hang in the balance at Ayr following the multiple injuries and falls at the Scottish Grand National festival, Animal Rising have condemned the racing industry and its continued use of horses for entertainment and profit.

Rose Patterson of Animal Rising, who was arrested in 2023 for her attempts to bring the Epsom horse races to a halt, commented: “This race was nothing short of carnage.

“The sheer number of horses falling, injured or violently whipped was shocking – this is inexcusable. Over the last week, the racing industry has exposed its grim reality to the viewing public. This cruelty won’t end until racing is halted for good.

“We cannot call ourselves a nation of animal lovers while turning a blind eye to the violence of racing. This industry exploits horses for profit, masking cruelty behind tradition. Until no more horses die for sport, we will keep demanding change.”

Campaigners from Animal Rising were arrested in 2023 after entering the racetrack at Ayr, just a few hours after the death of horse Oscar Elite. The group had attempted to enter the tracks earlier to put the races to a halt to avoid any horse deaths.

Multiple trials are due to take place later this year following the 118 arrests at 2023 Grand National at Aintree, with defendants charged with causing a public nuisance. On Friday 4th April, Animal Rising campaigners also attended a plea hearing regarding the disruption of the Epsom races in 2023, facing charges of public nuisance.

Government acts to save Scunthorpe steel production

  • Parliament recalled to introduce emergency powers that will allow the Government to protect the Scunthorpe site
  • Unique action to gives the best chance of safeguarding steelmaking, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains.
  • This strategic decision aims to secure domestic steel production for nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing and deliver growth at part of the Plan for Change.

Steelmaking is set to continue in Scunthorpe following urgent action by the UK Government.   

The Prime Minister requested the recall of Parliament to vote on emergency legislation to prevent the blast furnaces being shut down.

The move will maximise the chances of securing domestic steel production – a crucial national capability which was at risk of collapse under the site’s current ownership. This is a very specific intervention taken in exceptional circumstances.

British Steel’s owners Jingye confirmed their intention to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe immediately, despite months of negotiations in good faith and a generous offer of co-investment from the UK government of £500 million. 

If the blast furnaces were to be immediately switched off, this would put at severe risk the future of steelmaking at this unique site. 

The legislation will give the Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnace running.

In the meantime, the Government has instructed the company’s UK management to continue the running of the plant to ensure the furnaces keep burning. This legislation means that anyone employed at the plant who takes steps to keep it running, against the orders of the Chinese ownership, can be reinstated if sacked for doing so.

Steel is vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing, and crucial for the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million new homes in the UK as part of its Plan for Change, with construction projects requiring millions of tonnes of steel. 

Given global economic instability, it is crucial that manufacturing is protected at home. That’s why the Government took action earlier this week to support the car industry by easing the path to the EV mandate and deliver a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.  

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.

“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process, and left us no choice but to act. 

“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this government has done.” 

A Bill was voted on by MPs on Saturday 12 April to ensure continuity of production at the Scunthorpe site – avoiding the danger and cost of allowing it to stop.  

Funding for the site will come from the Government’s £2.5bn steel fund, to help rebuild the industry over the next five years.

British Steel crisis: Starmer recalls parliament

WESTMINSTER PARLIAMENT SITS TODAY

PRIME Minister Keir Starmer said yesterday: “As Prime Minister, I will always act in the national interest to protect British jobs and British workers.

This afternoon, the future of British steel hangs in the balance. 

Jobs. Investment. Growth. Our economic and national security…are all on the line.

I’ve been to Scunthorpe. I’ve met the steel workers. I know how important steel is, not just to the region, but to the whole country.

It’s part of our national story. Part of the pride and heritage of this nation. And I’ll tell you this – it is essential for our future.

Our Plan for Change means we need more steel not less. So we will act with urgency.

Now, we should be clear – This situation – and our response – is unique.

While it is true that we are facing a new era of global instability our concerns about this plant and negotiations to protect it have been running for years.

This moment could have happened at any time. But it has happened now.

And I will not stand by. There is no time to waste.

So we are recalling Parliament tomorrow for a Saturday sitting.

We will pass emergency legislation in one day to give the Business Secretary the powers to do everything possible to stop the closure of these blast furnaces.

And as I have said, we will keep all options on the table.

Our future is in our hands.

This government will not sit back and just hope. We will act to secure Britain’s future.

With British steel: made in Britain, in the national interest.

Motorcyclist who died in Queensferry Road crash named

Road Policing officers are continuing to appeal for information following a fatal crash on the A90 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh.
 
Around 11.15pm on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki motorcycle and a Peugeot 306. Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old motorcyclist, Ian Harrower from Rosyth, was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
The 31-year-old male driver of the car has now been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. Further enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.


 
Ian’s family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:

“Ian was a much loved son to Elizabeth, brother to Elaine and dad to Lewis, Kim and Owen. He was a loving husband to Norah and stepdad to Gavin and will be very much missed grandad to Brooke and Taylor. 
 
“He was a true and loyal friend to many and will always be in our hearts never to be forgotten.”
 
Sergeant Paul Ewing added: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation and our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Harrower.
 
“Anyone with any further information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.”

Edinburgh launches new accessibility guide for the city

Forever Edinburgh has launched a brand-new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide in partnership with award-winning Edinburgh-based disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide.

The guide highlights Edinburgh’s leading attractions, experiences and travel tips that provide facilities, products and services for people’s differing accessibility requirements. It supports Forever Edinburgh’s work to promote the city’s kaleidoscope of experiences and offerings as an ideal holiday location for everyone. Forever Edinburgh has worked closely with Euan’s Guide, a leading UK charity that helps disabled people find accessible venues.

The new guidebook reinforces the historical city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility to allow everyone to enjoy its heritage status. Designed to help disabled visitors enjoy everything the city has to offer, it covers all 11 neighbourhoods of Edinburgh and showcases accessible experiences for all tastes – including Edinburgh’s cultural events and year-round festivals, heritage experiences, museums and galleries, sports and outdoor activities and places to stay, eat and drink.

It also provides essential practical information, such as:

  • Details on relaxed sessions and dementia-friendly spaces.
  • Venues with ground-level access and flat floors for wheelchair users.
  • Location of accessible toilets.
  • Audio-described shows and sensory-friendly experiences.
  • Links to full AccessAble Guides for applicable attractions.

Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said:  “We really want everyone to enjoy our city and to feel safe and included. That’s why I’m pleased to see this joint work with Euan’s Guide, which is a welcome move towards ensuring all visitors can fully experience the joy of our capital.

“The latest estimates indicate 16.1 million people in the UK have a disability, which is around one in four people. We also know that 21.4% of Scots have a long-term illness, disease, or condition. These figures emphasise the importance of accessibility initiatives like this, to ensure inclusivity for all.

“Plus, by enabling those with disabilities to book a stay in Edinburgh more easily and confidently, local businesses will also benefit. Tourism in Scotland by those with an impairment raises a significant £1.69 billion.” *sources: The Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey In Scotland; the 2022 Census; VisitScotland.

These figures underscore the importance of accessibility initiatives to ensure inclusivity for all. Additionally, by enabling those with disabilities to book a stay in Edinburgh more easily and confidently, local businesses will reap the financial benefits of a large number of potential visitors.

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Antonia Lee-Bapty, CEO of Euan’s Guide said: “Our community regularly tells us that they continue to be excluded from everyday activities, like going for a simple cup of coffee with friends, because of poor or non-existent disabled access information.

“Insights from our 2024 Access Survey report that 78% of disabled people don’t feel confident about visiting new places when it comes to accessibility.

“Businesses don’t appreciate the importance of sharing disabled access information and are undervaluing disabled people in terms of both social inclusion and spending power by neglecting their accessible toilets and parking facilities. That’s why we encourage them to list on EuansGuide.com for free to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for great places to go.

“Equally, we want to encourage disabled people to review the Edinburgh places they visit on EuansGuide.com and use our website to find first-hand experiences of disabled access across the city.

“We’re delighted to partner with Forever Edinburgh on this guide, which will allow disabled people to find accurate disabled access information for great places to go in Edinburgh, the city we’re proud to call home.”    

A lady browses the stalls at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market.

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Inclusive tourism is a hugely valuable market and a key part of VisitScotland’s responsible tourism activity. More than that, it is vitally important tourism, and events are accessible and inclusive, so that we can be sure to extend the same warm welcome to all visitors and help them create special memories. 

“The latest Scotland Visitor Survey shows that while many visitors with access requirements find it very easy to get around Scotland there are clear areas for improvement. A simple and effective way our industry can engage with disabled customers is providing clear, detailed, and easy to access information, such as this new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide.” 

The new guide forms part of Forever Edinburgh’s wider efforts to promote sustainable tourism and ensure Edinburgh is a truly welcoming destination for all. The Forever Edinburgh team continues to upskill through training courses to strengthen its approach to inclusive destination marketing.

This is the first version of Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide, which will be regularly updated. Forever Edinburgh encourages people to send in any feedback or comments they may have to help shape future updates via an online form (see link below) or via email to visit@edinburgh.gov.uk

Alongside the guidebook, visitors can now filter businesses based on accessibility needs via The Official Guide to Edinburgh website edinburgh.org, which also integrates disability-inclusive content across its blogs, listicles, newsletters,  and wider destination marketing resources.

The Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide is now available online at www.edinburgh.org/AccessibleHighlights

A large text version of the guide is also available. Feedback on Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide can be given via a form on this webpage.

Appeal following fatal hit and run on the A90 Queensferry Road

Police officers are appealing for information following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh.

Around 11.15pm last night – Tuesday, 8 April, 2025 – officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki KLE650 motorcycle and an unknown car.

Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old male rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car left the scene prior to officers attending and headed in the direction of Edinburgh city centre.

The road was closed to allow for investigations to be carried out and reopened around 6.35am on Wednesday, 9 April, 2025.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace the car and driver.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage in an effort to trace the car and its driver, and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the crash or seen any cars in the area or who may have dash-cam footage which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.