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Whooping cough is serious. The first symptoms include a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat and a slightly raised temperature. For more information on the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, visit http://nhsinform.scot/whoopingcoughsymptoms

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Code Concepts, the Edinburgh-based hospitality operator known for its boutique hotels and urban hostels, announces the future opening of The Bindery, a new design-led boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Construction is set to begin on 20 October 2026, with an expected opening in Q1 2027.

The Bindery will occupy the historic Stewart House Book Bindery, offering 84 private rooms including  a mix of double, twin, and family rooms, across approximately 24,000 sq ft. Located on Thistle Street Lane, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s golden rectangle and surrounded by some of the city’s finest boutique restaurants, The Bindery will offer premium accommodation alongside a dynamic ground-floor experience.

Guests and locals alike will be able to enjoy a bar, daily food menu, co-working spaces, and flexible event areas, creating a vibrant community hub at the centre of the city. These offerings will be open to both guests and locals, creating a vibrant community hub.

The hotel’s interior has been crafted by award-winning design studio a-nrd, blending contemporary design with a nod to the building’s bookbinding heritage.

The interiors will feature a refined loft aesthetic with exposed features, a mix of vintage and modern furniture, bespoke detailing, and subtle references to the building’s historic past.

The soothing, nature-inspired colour palette draws from the landscapes surrounding Edinburgh, creating a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests.

Sustainability is central to The Bindery’s design, with smart, demand-driven systems set to optimise energy use throughout the building. An all-electric heating and cooling system, intelligent ventilation with heat recovery, and a central management system will minimise waste and maximise efficiency.

Native planting in the rear garden will support biodiversity, while local supplier partnerships and a walkable city-centre location will further reduce the hotel’s environmental impact.

The Bindery marks Code Concepts’ desire to grow into the boutique hotel segment, expanding beyond its capsule hostels into a more premium market.

“With The Bindery, we are responding to the growing demand for unique, design-led hospitality in Edinburgh,” said Andrew Landsburgh, CEO of Code Concepts.

“We are creating more than just rooms, with a focus on an exciting F&B offer, flexible spaces, events, and partnerships with local businesses will differentiate us in a highly competitive market.”

Edinburgh continues to see strong growth in tourism and hospitality, attracting both domestic and international travellers. With increasing competition in the city, hotels must offer distinctive experiences to stand out.

The Bindery’s combination of unique design, community-focused events, and collaboration with local suppliers positions it as a compelling choice for modern, digitally savvy travellers seeking authentic, curated stays.

It’s October Holidays so that means our PY Lunches are back on for the week

Lunches for children and young people are available to pick up 12:30 – 1pm

Please let staff at the door know any allergies or dietary requirements

A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.

If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.

It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.

The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.

Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway. 

Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.

“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.

“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website.

Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October

Our next volunteer session is this Saturday (11th), 10:30–12:00!

This week’s main task will be preparing the enlarged wildflower meadow for seeding — by removing strips of turf ready for planting later this month.

We’ll also be litter picking and finishing the weeding of the big white steps.

Thanks to Tuesday’s all-day session with SYSTRA volunteers, the old fence around the meadow has been removed and several new wildflower strips are already seeded and protected with wire mesh. The plan is to create 12 strips in total, all safely covered with chicken wire to keep birds off the seeds.

Our big seeding session will take place on Saturday 25th October — we’re hoping for a strong turnout then as there’ll be plenty to do!

And a huge thank you to Lyn, one of our volunteer committee members, for designing our lovely new volunteering poster, which you can see here.

Everyone’s welcome — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Here is our week of events for the October holidays! Everything is free and there is no need to book ahead.

Bookbug is on as normal on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

On Monday, we will get the Virtual Reality headsets out. Enjoy some experiences and games through the power of VR technology!

On Wednesday, we have Explore Learning joining us with a session on telling the time. While this is aimed at ages 5-7, slightly older children looking to improve their skills can enjoy and benefit from this too.

On Thursday, join Andrew for some spooky stories in the children’s area to get in the mood for Hallowe’en.

On Friday, our usual Crafternoon has also been taken over with a spooky theme. Join in from 2pm, best for middle primary school children.

All week, you can play our board games or on the Xbox One, but if you want to meet people to play with, Saturday afternoon is the time to come in! Staff can also help teach you some new board games.

Hundreds of people gathered in central Edinburgh today (10 Oct) to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE.

Sir Geoff, who died in June aged 85, was a renowned scientist, humanitarian, and the former Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.

Widely admired as Scotland’s first black professor, he was a tireless advocate for equality and justice.

The memorial celebration, held at the historic St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town, brought together friends, colleagues, dignitaries, and members of the public to pay tribute to his extraordinary contributions.

The service featured personal reflections, speeches, and musical performances by the University’s Chamber Choir, including an uplifting tribute featuring songs by the legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley.

Speaking afterwards, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “Today’s memorial celebration has allowed us the opportunity to reflect on the life, work and enduring legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer.

“Sir Geoff was more than a distinguished academic. As Scotland’s first black professor, he broke barriers in science and society, pioneering grain and brewing research while inspiring generations of students and colleagues.

“His scientific achievements, including the internationally recognised barley abrasion process and his leadership in brewing and distilling, are matched by his role as a mentor, teacher and advocate for truth and justice.

“In his service as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt, Sir Geoff brought humility, warmth and an unwavering belief in education as a driver of opportunity. He championed inclusion, encouraged ambition, and reminded us that universities must be places of openness and responsibility to society.

“He also challenged us to confront uncomfortable histories with honesty and courage, ensuring that remembrance was not passive but active. That commitment to fairness, respect and humanity remains one of his greatest legacies.

“His life and values continues to inspire our work at Heriot-Watt and far beyond, and we will carry forward his vision of education, scholarship and justice as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life.

“In a lasting tribute to his memory, we have launched the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship to support a student of Jamaican descent or Jamaican citizenship to follow in his footsteps; breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and shaping a fairer future.”

Many of Sir Geoff’s family attended the memorial celebration including his daughter, Catherine Bisset, who said: “We wish to thank everyone who have shared their stories and offered their condolences.  We would also like to thank Marie Curie, who looked after him so well in his final weeks.

“Scotland gave our dad a home and a career, so he was dedicated to giving back through education, public service, and the pursuit of justice. He was also extremely humbled and grateful to have been recognised at the highest level for his work, especially for his impact on Scottish and global economies.

“He was focused and worked incredibly hard, but he also had a brilliant sense of humour, and he loved people.  Most importantly, he saw humanity in all things, and that is his true legacy.”

The memorial was hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who said: “It was an honour and privilege to offer a short reflection on Sir Geoff’s impact upon our Capital at today’s service. This was a tall order, as he achieved so much, and influenced so many people and places.  

“With his gentle manner, Sir Geoff had the ability to persuade policy makers, political leaders, and community leaders alike, of the benefits and richness of equality and diversity – and that we should be able to live in harmony, with mutual understanding and respect for different traditions and heritages.

 “In 2022, I was delighted to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.

His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.

 “He has gifted our city with a strong legacy, improving our collective efforts on academic research, equality, diversity, and tackling discrimination wherever we find it.

“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations.”

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour.

The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

THE city council is looking for your views on their plans to improve provision for walking, wheeling and cycling along Dundee Street and in the wider Fountainbridge area.

The proposed improvements include changes to footways, pedestrian crossings and public spaces along with upgrading the infrastructure along the existing cycle lanes.

The project will also provide an improved connection between the Telfer Subway and the Union Canal via Gibson Terrace, improving the connectivity of the surrounding network.

The full list of improvements and further information about the project can be found on our website.

The consultation commenced on Monday 6 October 2025 and will run until Monday 12 January 2026.

You can give your views on the consultation website or come down to one of the drop-in events at Fountainbridge Library on 12 November and 19 November, from 1pm to 6:30pm.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “This is an important stage in our plans to make Fountainbridge a safer, more accessible, and pleasant place for everyone to move around and spend time in.

“Providing safer conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling alongside improving connectivity are key principles of our City Mobility Plan. Keeping Edinburgh moving means looking effectively at our whole transport network and how we can improve it for the benefit of all.

“I’d encourage everyone to give their views and help shape these ambitious proposals.”