The Scottish Government is supporting households struggling with the rising cost of oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas.
From today – 1 April – households will be able to apply for £300 of support with their bills through our Emergency Heating Oil Scheme.
For more information:
http://gov.scot/news/support-for-households-using-heating-oil-and-lpg
On Monday Living Rent campaigners took action outside Edinburgh City Chambers as the councillors voted to strike off four landlords from the landlord register.
Living Rent said: ‘This is a big win and shows the tide is turning against landlords in the city who thought they were untouchable. But now the council needs to go further and faster if they are going to fully clamp down on the city’s rogue landlords.
‘Across the city, many of Edinburgh’s tenants are being forced to live under the thumb of rogue landlords who force tenants to live in slum-like conditions, with chronic disrepair, force up the rent illegally, threaten and abuse the privacy of tenants and neglect their legal responsibility as a landlord.
‘Everyone should have a safe, warm and affordable home. The council has proven they can take action, now they need to go further and clamp down on all rogue landlords across the city!’
This historically autonomous port town, whose motto is ‘Persevere’ and whose independence has been contested across its nine centuries, has an incredibly rich heritage, and a distinct modern culture and attitude to life. A vibrant swagger that is modern Leith, and on which a community-led bid aims to shine a spotlight.
The proposal for UK Town of Culture 2028 has been developed from the ground up by a collective of volunteers based in Leith – residents, artists, cultural organisations, schools, community groups and independent businesses who want to celebrate its identity and its creativity, while making sure that more people feel welcome, included and proud of where they live.
Over 70 organisations and public figures including Leith Theatre, Hibs FC, Leith School of Art, Grid Iron Theatre Company, Historic Environment Scotland, Unique Events, Forth Ports, FirstStage Studios, Coburg Studios, Leith Civic Trust, Leith Community Centre, Leith Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, VOCAL, Citadel, EHFM, Leith Academy, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith Library and many others have signed up to back the bid, alongside its three community councils, elected officials, and with the backing of City of Edinburgh Council as accountable body.
The bid area spans the community council areas of Leith Central, Leith Harbour & Newhaven, and Leith Links, home to around 50,000 residents and one of the most diverse, densely populated, and fast-changing areas in Scotland.
Leith is internationally recognised for its creative energy, food scene and waterfront – ranked fourth coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in their influential annual list of 2021, and 16th in 2023. The home of The Proclaimers whose “Sunshine on Leith” remains the people’s anthem, Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting, undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World Ken Buchanan, Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson, and pioneering physician and suffragette Grace Ross Cadell; the place where a cure for scurvy was found, the site of the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, where the first set of rules for golf were written, and where the first ship to cross the Atlantic purely using steam was built. Leith is a place rich with culture, innovation and history.
It is also an area of sharp contrasts where pockets of significant deprivation sit alongside rapid development. The partnership bid seeks to address these tensions, widening opportunity, creating pathways, building skills development and employability in order to protect what makes Leith distinctive while building a stronger future for its communities through a celebration of culture, investment, pride and developed partnerships.
Leith’s Town of Culture plans, designed following a round-table session with interested residents and organisations, include large-scale public moments on the waterfront; a year-round rhythm of community-led festivals and commissions; a £1 million Community Culture Fund empowering grassroots organisations; what the team are calling “Sunshine on Leith”- public-realm legacy improvements; and long-term investment in skills, access and cultural infrastructure.
The events, it proposes, would draw not just pride, but also a reflection on the history that has brought it to this point, a story which included the transatlantic slave trade, industrial decline and an amalgamation into the city of Edinburgh that Leithers voted overwhelmingly against back in 1920.
Participation is central. Should Leith be shortlisted, people of all ages will help shape and curate the programme through participatory forums, youth leadership, and neighbourhood-based activity. Accessibility is embedded from the outset, with a commitment to free and low-cost events, inclusive design, clear access information, and partnerships with local and national access organisations.
The bid also looks forward – positioning Leith as a cultural gateway once again. Building on its working port and growing role in green energy, the programme connects industrial heritage with a sustainable future, supporting local makers, creative businesses and pathways into work across culture, events, hospitality and the screen industries.
If shortlisted, Leith is ready to move quickly into a development phase, formally establishing the partnership as a charitable delivery body and continuing deep engagement with communities to co-design the final programme.
Those behind the bid say the process itself is already having an impact:
“This bid has been built by the people of Leith, for Leith,” said a spokesperson for the partnership.
“It’s about confidence, connection, care for our place, and fun! – and about showing what culture can do when it’s led locally, shared widely, and rooted in everyday life. Leith has never stood still. In 2028, we hope to stand tall as the UK’s first Town of Culture.
“Share your passion and care for Leith by getting behind our bid on social media using the hashtag #Leith2028”
Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council Margaret Graham said: “This bid is about far more than recognition – it’s a celebration of Leith’s creativity, its rich heritage, and, above all, the people who make this community so special.
“From our historic waterfront to our thriving arts scene, this is an opportunity to reaffirm Leith’s place on the international stage.
“Reaching this point has been a true team effort, with incredible support from local organisations, community representatives, and residents. I hope everyone will get behind Leith as we make our case to become the next Town of Culture.”
Bob Last, CEO of FirstStage Studios commented: “The people of Leith are constantly seeking new ways forward built on its rich and complex history, it’s a town, a community, a home to diverse creativity, and crucially Leith is a unique attitude, where better to celebrate culture?”
“Leith is more than a town of culture. Leith is culture.” said Irvine Welsh as he put his name to Leith’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.
Hibernian FC Chief Executive, Dan Barnett added his support: “We are extremely proud to be part of the unique culture and heritage of Leith.
“The people and community of this historic port town have helped shape our identity for over 150 years and will continue to do so going forward.”
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre Trust said: “What an incredible opportunity this would be for Leith and for Leithers, old and new.
“It’s a chance to connect all of Leith’s creative spaces, talent and energy, working together to celebrate Leith’s growing culture and creativity in a meaningful and lasting way. Being a Town of Culture would provide a powerful springboard to galvanise the momentum, creating new possibilities and helping shape the next chapter of Leith’s cultural future.”
Andy Thomas, Acting Manager of The Citadel said: “The Citadel has supported generations of young Leithers for over 45 years. We’re proud to be supporting a bid to celebrate Leith’s unique culture and identity, both psst and present.
“The Town of Culture is a fantastic pportunity to bring all Leithers together and ensure that the benefits of cultural development reach everyone in the community.”
Gunnar Groves-Raines, architect and Director of GRAS said: “Leith is a town defined by cultural exchange, creativity and productivity. It is in the midst of an exceptionally exciting period of evolution, with an explosion of ambitious cultural activity matched by a highly engaged audience of residents and visitors.
“Designating Leith as Town of Culture would be a powerful catalyst – recognising this deep-rooted creativity and investing in its future as a civic, inclusive and outward-looking neighbourhood.”
Jed Milroy, Tinderbox Collective, said:“Leith’s strength has always been its people – a community that makes, shares and builds culture together, not just for audiences, but for each other.
“It’s a place where you can arrive as yourself and be welcomed as you are. Community arts education is keeping this spirit alive and nurturing it in the next generation of Leithers.”
Jenny Mungall, volunteer bid mobiliser, and director of JUMP said: “Leith’s got swagger, I call it Big Dock Energy. It’s a vibrant, creative, collaborative community, and we’ve seen all of that at every stage of putting this bid together.
“I hope that the people of Leith get the chance to shape an amazing programme in 2028 as the first UK Town of Culture, but whatever the outcome, we’ve got bags of ideas to celebrate culture and community and we’ll find a way to get some of them off the ground.”
Rod Jones, Idlewild guitarist, record producer and artist manager added: “I first moved to Leith around 20 years ago and was immediately taken by the community spirit and feel.
“Over these last 2 decades there has been a wealth of changes and growth with studios, venues, art spaces opening all over Leith and its become a cultural home to me and many more as well as my actual home. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Chitra Ramaswamy, author and journalist said: “I moved to Leith almost 20 years ago and have witnessed its many changes. My children were born here, and go to school here, and it’s the diversity, heritage, and open-hearted welcome of the place that has made me so proud to be a Leither.
“Again and again, as a writer, I return to Leith as deep inspiration – my first book opened on the Water of Leith. What has remained, in so many ways, when so much has changed, is the republic’s fiercely independent spirit, its commitment to grassroots community action, protection of its complex industrial heritage, and, above all, its people.”
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports commented: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Leith. With the development of the Forth Green Freeport, the film studios, and new industries shaping the future economy, the area is at a pivotal moment – one where culture, industry and innovation go hand in hand.
“Becoming a Town of Culture would amplify that momentum, bringing together heritage and creativity to tell Leith’s story to the world.”
Nick Devison, Principal of Leith School of Art commented: “I have always been inspired by Leith’s independence, energy, and creativity. Leith School of Art stands at the very heart of this vibrant community and this bid is all the more significant for us as we approach our 40th anniversary in 2028.”
Bryony Knox, silversmith said: “Leith is the perfect spot to celebrate culture. I am a silversmith, with a business over 25 years old, based in studios with over 70 artists, right by the Water of Leith.
“I can think of at least 8 other sets of independent studios, with woodworkers, jewellers, ceramicists and painters within a 2 minute walk… Where else could boast that?
“It makes for a strong collaborative creative community, and I have chosen to live, bring up my children and run my silversmithing business from Leith because it’s the best place to be!”
Susie Gray, volunteer bid mobiliser and Executive Director of Premier Scotland, commented: “I am hugely lucky to work with some of the most recognised cultural organisations in the world, and still nothing beats coming home to Leith.
“It wears its heart on its sleeve. It believes in the power of a song. It’s wildly eclectic and endlessly inventive, a place where creativity belongs to everyone and is passionately shared. Having seen up close the impact of City of Culture on Hull, it’s exciting to see the programme broadened out to towns across the UK.
“Leith could do so much with the investment and opportunity that comes with an accolade like UK Town of Culture, it would be spectacular, and more people could discover its magic.”
On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States, The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America.
Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the UK and the US, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
The King will continue to Bermuda to undertake His Majesty’s first Royal Visit as Monarch to a British Overseas Territory.
Millions of motor finance customers will receive compensation this year under an FCA scheme for those treated unfairly by firms who broke the law by failing to disclose important information.
Consumers were denied the chance to seek a better deal and, in some instances, paid more for their loan.
The FCA has made several changes to the free to use scheme in response to conflicting feedback from consumers, their representatives, firms, manufacturers and industry bodies.
This ensures it is fair for consumers and proportionate for firms. The eligibility criteria have been tightened, average compensation increased for older agreements and a minimum 3% compensatory interest rate per annum added. Payouts will be capped in around 1 in 3 cases to ensure no one is put in a better position than had they been treated fairly.
12.1 million agreements made between 2007 and 2024 are now eligible for compensation, fewer than under the FCA’s original proposals. The average payout has increased to around £830 per agreement. The FCA estimates that 75% of eligible consumers will make a claim. If so, total redress paid would be £7.5bn.
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, said: ‘We’ve listened to feedback to make sure the scheme is fair for consumers and proportionate for firms. It will put £7.5 billion back into people’s pockets.
‘Now we need everyone to get behind it and ensure millions get their money this year. Payouts should not be delayed any longer, especially as household bills come under greater pressure.
“Delivering compensation promptly also gives lenders the chance to rebuild trust, and means we can draw a line under the past and support a healthy motor finance market for the future.’
An industry-wide scheme is the most efficient way of compensating affected consumers while supporting the ongoing availability of competitively priced motor finance for millions who rely on it. Without such a scheme, the cost to lenders of dealing with complaints through the Ombudsman or courts is estimated to be over £6bn higher.
Motor finance loans taken out between 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 are covered.
There will be a short implementation period so firms can prepare. This will be up to:
Lenders will have 3 months from the end of the implementation period to inform complainants whether they’re owed compensation and how much. This means that people who have already complained or who complain before the end of the relevant implementation period will be compensated sooner.
Lenders will only contact people who haven’t complained if they are likely to be owed money. They have 6 months from the end of the relevant implementation period to do so. This avoids unnecessary and potentially confusing communication with people who won’t get compensation. Anyone not contacted has until 31 August 2027 to make a claim.
Claims for high value loans – amounts higher than 99.5% of other loans that year – are not covered by the scheme, which is designed for the mass market. These consumers can still complain to firms and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
People will only be compensated if they were not told clearly that either:
There will be some exceptions, with cases considered fair, if:
Where the commission was very high (50% of the total cost of credit and 22.5% of the loan) and another relevant factor of unfairness existed, consumers will receive the commission paid.
For most people compensation will be made up of 2 parts, the average of:
Consumers should not be put back in a better position than they would have been had they been treated fairly or than those who suffered the most unfairness, so in around 1 in 3 cases, compensation will be capped.
Interest will be paid on compensation, based on the annual average Bank of England base rate per year plus 1%, at a minimum of 3% in any year.
The FCA has established a dedicated supervisory team, led by a Director, to monitor if firms are meeting the scheme’s rules and act if they’re not. If people disagree with their firm’s decision, the Financial Ombudsman will be able to assess whether the scheme rules have been followed.
The FCA has also joined with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Information Commissioner’s Office and Advertising Standards Authority to launch a taskforce to tackle poor handling of motor finance claims by some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms.
The taskforce is the latest measure by regulators to improve standards. The FCA has already removed or amended 800 misleading adverts, over 28,000 consumers have been able to exit contracts free of charge, and 3 CMCs reduced their high fees, protecting over 500,000 consumers.
Consumers can choose not to take part in the FCA’s compensation scheme and instead go to court, where they may get more or less compensation, based on the facts of their case. However, the outcome of a court claim is uncertain and accounting for legal fees they may pay, many consumers could end up with less. The FCA’s scheme is also likely to be faster and simpler.
Aidan Rushby, CEO and founder of car finance organisation Carmoola, said: “Millions of drivers could receive compensation after not being fully informed about how broker incentives affected the cost of their finance. The FCA has now confirmed a framework for putting that right.
“What matters now is whether drivers actually receive compensation quickly, clearly and without hassle.
“Redress must reflect genuine harm. But it must also be applied proportionately and consistently. Restoring confidence depends on delivering compensation clearly, consistently and as quickly as possible.
“Our research shows 73% of drivers say access to fair and affordable finance is crucial to owning a car, and 61% worry it could become harder to access. That balance is critical.
“We believe car finance should be simple to understand, transparent in how it works, and fair in how it treats people. Trust now has to be earned. That is a healthy shift for the market.”
A plan to “deliver dignity in work” has been launched by Scotland’s largest trade union body as the Scottish Trades Union Congress reveals its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
The manifesto, which builds on the successful Scotland Demands Better march and rally last October, sets out clear demands from trade unions on investment in public services, high quality jobs and a proper industrial strategy for Scotland.
The STUC has called for measures to raise an additional £3.7 billion for the public purse which include the introduction of wealth taxes, scrapping council tax for a proportional property tax and ending the £3 billion scandal of outsourcing within Scotland’s public services.
In addition to equity stakes in national infrastructure projects such as offshore wind and making government funding for manufacturing conditional on Fair Work terms and conditions, the trade union body say the manifesto “leads the way” for politicians to support Scotland’s workforce.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Our manifesto is a clear plan to deliver dignity in work, revitalise our public services and rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.
“For too long have politicians, especially those now seeking our votes, been allowed to ride roughshod over the expressed will of Scotland’s workers. Many in our communities are desperately seeking positive change that, all too often, doesn’t materialise after the ballots have been counted.
“From high quality jobs to an economy that prioritises the needs of workers, our manifesto leads the way in showing the politicians exactly how they can support workers across the country.
“There can be no half-measures. People are under suffocating pressure from the cost-of-living crisis that, without urgent political intervention and support, will drive workers further from the political process and present an open goal to those in our communities intent on dividing working-class people.”
The STUC Manifesto, Workers Demanding Better, is below:
Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies’ Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2 April at the Edinburgh store.
Bring friends and family together to join the local community to mark the start of the season, with entertainment from local groups, hands-on workshops, delicious samples from Dobbies’ new foodhall, and in-store garden inspiration.
Start the evening with a complimentary drink on arrival and be in with the chance to receive a pair of gardening gloves, available to the first 100 customers that come through the door at the Edinburgh store. Browse Dobbies’ Easter Bank Holiday Weekend offers and receive a free £5 gift card when you spend £40 or £10 when you spend £70.
Shoppers can enjoy live musical entertainment from local community groups while they get inspired this spring by Dobbies in-store garden furniture and 2026 spring summer trends. There will also be samples on offer from the brand-new Dobbies ‘cottage kitchen garden’ foodhall as they shop and the restaurant will be open until 7.30pm for drinks and light bites.
A free Create Your Own Spring Container Workshop will begin at 6pm, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the Dobbies’ Green Team as they demonstrate how to design and plant a beautiful spring container using seasonal foliage and flowers. They will also share tips on plant combinations, soil preparation and feeding, and how to keep your container looking vibrant all season long.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, said: “We are excited to invite our customers to Dobbies for our Spring Shopping Evening at the Edinburgh store, where they can discover fresh planting ideas and explore the latest outdoor living trends.
“This special event is the perfect way to kick off the season, celebrate community spirit, and spark garden inspiration. We can’t wait to welcome our customers and help everyone make the most of garden living in the months ahead.”
Tickets for Dobbies’ Spring Shopping Evening are free but sign up is required to receive an arrival drink. To book visit dobbies.com/events.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC | FOLK FILM | STORYTELLING
FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May 2026
Edinburgh Tradfest has announced full details of its 2026 programme of traditional music, film, storytelling, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events. Taking place from 1to 11 May at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
The festival kicks off with RURA and special guests Astro Bloc at Potterrow on Friday night before moving to the Traverse Theatre for a jam-packed programme of live music. Folk film screenings take place at the Cameo Cinema, and there will be storytelling and special events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Music highlights include: folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie;Scottish supergroup Session A9; The Furrow Collective (Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts); RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; and Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies.
In addition, the international line-up showcases: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.
Other must-sees include A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), the festival’s new music commission presented by singer songwriter Josie Duncan, celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction; fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr; master of the melodeon Tim Edey; The Nexus Project exploring contemporary and ancient Highland bagpipes; multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black; and Deiseil: Dancing in Time– a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance told through fiddle, feet, stories and Gaelic song.
Also, not to be missed on both weekends during the day, are music workshops led by Bruce Ncube (group singing), Laura Jane Wilkie (fiddle), Anna Massie (guitar) and Cahalen Morrison (songwriting); two glorious instrumental shows: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbatt, Laura Jane Wilkie and Angus Lyon; and Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish Four Seasons with Kristan Harvey, Emma Tomlinson, Natalie Haas, May Halyburton and Iona Reid; a child-friendly concert on Sunday 3 May, with award-winning singer Fiona Hunter; and this year’s Rebellious Truth talk with folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation with Dr Lori Watson from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Celtic and Scottish Studies.
Finally, on the last Sunday of the festival, our much loved Spotlight event returns with three amazing up-and-coming combos: Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza, Curlew and Dauntless.
At the Scottish Storytelling Centre there is an exciting line-up of ceilidhs, talks, workshops and storytelling sessions all programmed and supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).These include two storytelling shows: The Cold Heart by storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine which explores the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging; and The Corpse Roadby Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright, who perform a collection of stories and songs about the roads that for many, formed their final journey to the grave.
There is also a whole series of free talks, held both online and in-person at the Centre, exploring the roots and origins of the traditional arts. Each with a guest speaker giving a fresh perspective on their artform and asking ‘What is…’ traditional dance, music, craft, and storytelling in a contemporary Scotland? In addition, following the passing of the Scottish Languages Act last year, there will be talks on the central role that Gaelic and Scots play in defining the Traditional Arts in Scotland, as well as Edinburgh’s regular night of Gaelic culture and community Bothan Dhùn Èideann on Fri 8 May.
Alongside these talks there will be various workshops, where participants can get hands-on and learn different skills including step-dance, hand-bound brush making, willow-weaving, Gaelic song, Scots singing for the next generation of Young Scots Sangsters; and using the Ogham alphabet as a prompt for creating improvised music.
These talks and workshops will culminate in a jam-packed Living Heritage Discovery Day on Sunday 10th May which will include a talk with Michael Fortune, one of Ireland’s leading folklorists, to discuss approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Living Heritage) and tradition-bearing. On the day there will also be a Living Heritage Fayre, Come and Try Sessions, and a traditional ‘house cèilidh’.
Furthermore, there will be an exhibition of Highland Story Quilts at the Storytelling Centre created by storyteller and artist Lizzie McDougall (3 April to 10 May); Dougie Mackay returns with Hearth Fire Sessions on Thu 7 May alongside Danica Boyce, Tom Muir and Riikka Palonen; and Claire McNicol andLinda Williamson present their quarterly full-moon celebration Moonspinners with guests Josie Duncan and Anna Lehr and a Beltane theme under the full Flower Moon.
Finally, to celebrate the Outer Hebrides Film Archive’s new website (www.faodailfilm.scot) accordionist composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil, will perform a live score for FAODAIL | FOUND to accompany a screening of some recently digitised archive films from the Outer Hebrides. This event at the Storytelling Centre, is part of the Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland which returns this year, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest with a selection of films from the world’s archives, and a focus on Scottish culture and traditions.
Other highlights from the Folk Film Gathering’s 12th edition include the opening film at the Cameo which is a World premiere of a new documentary celebrating the life and work of Trad treasure Jimmy Hutchison,featuring a one-off live concert with Jimmy and his protégé Erika Douglas. Plus, fresh from its acclaimed World premiere in Glasgow, there will be a screening of Sailm nan Daoine or (Psalms of the People) directed by Jack Archer, exploring the rich tradition of Gaelic psalm singing, and featuring Rob MacNeacail; the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia, a lively documentary celebrating Ireland’s current folk renaissance and featuring Lankum, The Mary Wallopers, The Deadlians and others; and a rare selection of early silent short films by Bill Douglas screening with the newly-digitised Ring of Truth written by Douglas and produced by students at Strathclyde University in 1996.
International folk film highlights include Czech romance thriller Hastrman about a nobleman/water spirit who faces an agonizing dilemma over whether to remain a wild creature or find happiness in love; 1970s Polish folk horror Lokis, A Manuscript of Professor Wittembach; cult Slovakian classic Perinbaba (The Feather Fairy); Canone Effimero directed by the De Serio brothers showcasing Italy’s vibrant folk traditions and the natural beauty of its local cultures; and the festival’s closing film, the newly-remastered 1954-Ukrainian classic Andriesh with a live performance from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.
Plus, there will be a rare cinema screening of Heiny Srour’s groundbreaking Lebanese drama-documentary Leila and the Wolves introduced by the Scottish-Palestinian poet Nada Shawa; two films celebrating the work of the Rojava Film Commune in North East Syria; and a special double-bill titled Women in Resistance: featuring Las Damas Azules and Daniel Draper’s Iron Ladies.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “At Soundhouse we have a very broad definition of traditional music and are always most excited by those artists carrying it forward in new and innovative ways.
“This year’s line-up is packed with trail-blazing musicians from the USA, Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland and India alongside a broad programme of Scotland’s finest. We’re certain that Edinburgh Tradfest ‘26 will be the best yet!”
Daniel Abercrombie, Scottish Storytelling Centre said:“Tradfest continues to be an important celebration of the traditional arts in Scotland, where Edinburgh gets to show off her blooming spring beauty with a ceilidh welcome for all.
“The Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS are proud to provide a programme of storytelling, music, crafts and dance as part of the festivities.”
Jamie Chambers, Folk Film Gathering producer, said: “We’re excited to be back for another year, as the world’s first folk film festival, exploring the many possibilities of what a folk cinema might be.
“As usual, our programme explores a core of rare Scottish films (including a chance to see some very rare work by the brilliant Bill Douglas) placed within a global context of the most exciting community-engaged filmmaking from across world cinema, with films from Lebanon/Palestine, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Peru and Italy.
“In particular, we’re really proud of our special strand exploring some of the different ways in which Eastern European folk tales have been translated to screen”
Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Tradfest 2026 looks to continue the festival’s trend in programming exciting emerging acts alongside household names and international visitors to make an innovative programme.
“New commissions, film screenings and workshops will sit alongside a range of activity across the traditional arts to entertain and delight Edinburgh at the start of the festival season. Creative Scotland is proud to support Soundhouse to sustain this important element of the cultural calendar.”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Scotland has taken an ‘important step forward’ in recognising childhood dementia by funding specialist support for families affected by it, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.
The Scottish Government is providing £118,873 to Alzheimer Scotland to support the employment of two childhood dementia development officers – the first country in the United Kingdom to fund this kind of dedicated support.
The development officers will be responsible to raising awareness of childhood dementia, developing understanding amongst professionals, and ensuring a support network is in place for families affected by it.
Childhood dementia is a term used to describe a range of rare, inherited conditions that affect children and young people. Often life-limiting, it can lead to symptoms more commonly associated with adult dementia – including loss of speech, memory, mobility and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Mr Gray said: “My sympathies go out to any young people and families affected by childhood dementia.
“Childhood dementia may still be considered rare but for many it can be life-limiting. That’s why we’re doing all we can to maximise life expectancy and to ensure families have access to the support and care they need.
“The First Minister and I recently met with campaigners and families living with childhood dementia. I thank them for sharing their experiences and that meeting had a profound impact on us.
“That’s why I’m pleased we have become the first country in the United Kingdom to provide specialised support, through Alzheimer Scotland, for childhood dementia. It’s an important step forward in recognising the impact of childhood dementia in Scotland and providing the care and advice to those who need it.”
People will be able to benefit from warmer homes, lower bills, greater job opportunities and be less exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices under plans to cut emissions published today.
Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026-2040 sets out over 150 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years, bringing over £42.3 billion in financial benefits and cost savings to the economy over the same period.
Scotland is already over halfway to net zero having reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990 – the largest reduction in the UK and faster than the EU average, using comparable statistics.
The final plan details how Scotland will meet our next three carbon budgets, along with a range of delivery indicators. These include:
Actions in the Climate Change Plan will also contribute to both the Environment Strategy, and the Circular Economy Strategy, also published today.
The new Environment Strategy creates an integrated framework for environment and climate policies, while harnessing the powerful synergies between the health of our environment, the well-being of Scotland’s people and the success of our economy while the Circular Economy Strategy underpins delivery of our climate goals by cutting the amount of waste produced in Scotland, and managing our resources more sustainably, to reduce emissions.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The Climate Change Plan is Scotland’s pathway to net zero and outlines the action we will take to meet our first three carbon budgets.
“However it is also a routemap to realising economic and social gains for people across Scotland as part of a fair and just transition. It highlights the potential of growth areas ranging from renewables to heat networks to the circular economy, and sets out our commitment to increase investment in areas that will simultaneously decarbonise Scotland and improve our lives.
“Together with the Environment Strategy and Circular Economy Strategy, our Climate Change Plan forms a blueprint for how we will use this once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformation to reduce emissions while ensuring that our economy prospers, our communities are supported to become more resilient to the effects of climate change and to redress the issues of poverty and energy security that affect individual households.”
