Join Spirit Song Choir and Friends for an unforgettable evening of soulful music and uplifting vibes at St Vincent’s Chapel, Stockbridge, on Saturday 27 June, in support of the Hospice.
Featuring the internationally travelled Spiritsong Choir from Canada and the USA, this special concert marks the final night of their very first tour of Scotland. Expect an inspiring celebration of community, friendship, and music.
Targeted programme ahead of further and higher education terms in Scotland
Thousands of young people in Scotland are to be offered free vaccination against meningococcal B disease (MenB) ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and/or septicaemia, is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases.
The transition to university or college – particularly into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for the disease, as close contact with large numbers of new people increases the risk of it spreading.
The programme will start in July 2026 and two doses are essential for full protection. It is open to:
young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Protecting the health of young people in Scotland is an absolute priority.
“We know that starting university or college – especially moving into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for this disease, and we are acting now, ahead of the new academic year, following recent outbreaks.
“The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record and the evidence is clear that it works. I want every eligible young person in Scotland to come forward for both doses and take this important step to protect their health as they begin what is for many of them an exciting new chapter in their lives.”
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith said: “MenB can spread rapidly in shared living environments and can lead to serious disease.
“This targeted programme offers strong protection to those most at risk, and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer, especially if you are heading to university or college for the first time.”
Further updates will provide more detail on how eligible people can take up the offer.
Police Scotland has released a CCTV image of a man who they believe may be able to assist them with their enquires into a serious assault on Lower Granton Road, Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 4.30pm on Saturday, 16 May, 2026. The man is described as white, 6ft in height, of heavy build, aged 40-50 years-old and bald.
Detective Sergeant Keith Morrison said: “We would ask the man in the image, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2173 of Saturday, 16 May, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
I am writing in the hope that your newspaper can help raise awareness of the difficulties facing Fair Price Supermarket at Drylaw Shopping Centre, a business that has been at the heart of our community for decades.
For more than 50 years, Fair Price was run by Mohammad Shahid, a well-loved and highly respected member of the local community. Mohammad Shahid was far more than a shopkeeper. He was a friend to many, always ready with a warm welcome, a kind word, and a smile. Generations of local families knew him and valued the service, care, and sense of community he brought to Drylaw.
Sadly, My father passed away just over a year ago after a short illness while visiting family members in Pakistan. His death came as a great shock to those who knew him, and the loss is still being felt deeply throughout the area.
In fact, some customers are only now discovering the sad news. Many have spoken of how heartbreaking it is to walk into the shop and not see my father’s familiar smiling face behind the counter, greeting them as he had done for so many years. Some have even found it too emotional to return, such was the affection and respect they had for him.
Despite their grief, me and my family have worked tirelessly to keep the business running and preserve the legacy he built over half a century. They continue to serve the community with the same dedication and commitment that he showed every day of his working life.
Now, however, the business faces another challenge. The ongoing construction of zebra crossings within the shopping centre’s parking area has caused disruption and reduced accessibility for customers.
Many local people feel these works are unnecessary and fear they could have a damaging impact on the businesses that rely on convenient access and passing trade.
At a time when Fair Price is still adjusting to the loss of its founder, this additional disruption could not have come at a worse time.
I would like to appeal directly to the local community. If Mohammad Shahid ever served you, helped you, or brightened your day with his smile and kindness, please consider supporting the business he devoted his life to building.
Every visit and every purchase helps. It would be a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to this community if local residents rallied around Fair Price and helped ensure that his legacy continues for future generations.
Fair Price has supported Drylaw for over 50 years. Now it is our turn to support Fair Price.
I hope your newspaper will help tell Mohammad’s story and encourage readers to stand behind this treasured local business during a difficult period.
Terror at Conifox Scream Park in Edinburgh expands to six nights with four immersive scare mazes, live entertainment, fireworks and a brand-new attraction this October.
Following a completely sold-out season in 2025, Terror at Conifox Scream Park is returning this October with its biggest and most intense experience yet.
Located just 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, the immersive horror experience has quickly established itself as one of Edinburgh’s most intense Halloween horror events, attracting thrill-seekers from across Scotland looking for something far darker than the traditional haunted house.
After selling out every available ticket last year, Terror is expanding for 2026 with two additional event nights, an all-new scare maze, live entertainment, Fast Track tickets and even more immersive experiences throughout the site.
For the first time ever, Terror will run across six nights, giving even more horror fans the opportunity to experience the fear.
Guests will come face-to-face with four immersive scare mazes, including an all-new attraction created exclusively for 2026. Returning favourites include the twisted Sadistic Circus, where distorted laughter echoes through a maze of disfigured clowns and warped funhouse corridors; Blackout, a pitch-black descent into the Butcher’s slaughterhouse where fear takes over your senses; and Redneck Rampage, a backwoods nightmare where Tucker and his blood-soaked family are always hunting for their next victim. Organisers are keeping details of the fourth maze tightly under wraps, with a terrifying new nightmare set to be unleashed this October.
While details remain tightly under wraps, organisers promise a brand-new nightmare waiting behind the doors this October.
“We were blown away by the response to Terror in 2025,” said James Gammell, Managing Director of Terror at Conifox Scream Park.
“To see the event sell out completely in its first year was incredible. The feedback we received from guests was fantastic and it was clear people wanted more.
“For 2026 we’ve gone bigger in every sense. We’ve added two extra nights, created an all-new maze, introduced Fast Track tickets and expanded the overall experience to make it more immersive than ever before.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome guests back this October and if last year’s demand was anything to go by, we’d encourage people to book early.”
Guests attending Terror 2026 will enjoy:
Entry into four immersive scare mazes
Brand-new scare maze for 2026
Live Fire Performer
Spectacular Firework Display
Live Music
Immersive Photo Opportunities
Free On-Site Parking
Available at an additional cost:
• Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides • Food vendors • Event bar
New for 2026, guests can choose a Fast Track ticket, providing one priority entry per maze across all four immersive scare mazes, with unlimited regular maze access then available throughout the evening.
For the first time, Terror will also welcome guests aged 16 and over, opening the experience to an even wider audience of horror fans.
First to Fear tickets go on sale on Thursday 19th June and will be available for a limited time with 15% off standard ticket prices.
With the 2025 event selling out completely, organisers are encouraging guests to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Feeling inspired by the World Cup? Or just fed up that the kids get all the fun?
Brand new for summer 2026
Our coaches are running informal tournaments for the grown ups in July and August. Everyone welcome (as long as you’re over 18) no matter your ability.
The Youth Arts Open Fund is now open for applications!
Artists, youth organisations and community groups across Scotland are invited to apply to the fund, which supports youth-led arts projects for children and young people who face barriers to accessing creative opportunities.
Freelance artists can apply for up to £10k, and organisations can apply for up to £20k.
A man has been jailed for three years and four months for violence against women and drug supply offences in Edinburgh.
Douglas Dunbar, 65, pled guilty to supplying controlled drugs to several women, assault and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 3 February, 2026.
On Sunday, 25 February, 2024, officers attended a shopping centre in Edinburgh following a report of concern for an unresponsive female within a vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and her death was treated as drug related.
Enquiries revealed Dunbar had supplied the woman with class A drugs for several months prior to her death, and he had been engaging with other people involved in prostitution in the Edinburgh area in exchange for cash and controlled drugs.
He admitted disposing of her phone in an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
Dunbar was also convicted of violently assaulting another woman by restraining her arm then compressing her neck within his van in January, 2024.
On Tuesday, 9 June, 2026, Dunbar was ordered to serve three years and four months in prison, at the same court.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea, Gayfield CID, said: “Dunbar prayed on vulnerable women, supplying them with drugs, which he knew could cause serious harm.
“When one woman suffered an overdose in his van, he disposed of her phone in an attempt to cover his tracks before then calling emergency services for help. His actions were reckless and deplorable, with no concern for the risk posed to these vulnerable women.
“I want to commend the women who came forward to report what had happened to them. I want to thank them and the family of the woman who died for providing key information which resulted in charges against Dunbar. It’s thanks to their combined strength and determination throughout the process that Dunbar is now behind bars. I hope the outcome in court will bring them some form of justice and comfort.
“I also want to acknowledge the work done by detectives and criminal justice partners to bring him to justice.
“Police Scotland is dedicated to tackling violence against women and commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from all forms of violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation.
“We understand how difficult it can be to report violence or abuse. It is important people understand they are not alone, help is available. We have specially trained officers and partners who take a trauma-informed approach. Anyone who reports such crimes is fully supported throughout.”
SAVE THE DATE!
Freelance artists can apply for up to £10k, and organisations can apply for up to £20k.
Deadline 21 July
Find out more at the link in the comments
Administered by 
? Stomach bugs can be very unpleasant but usually clear up by themselves within a couple of days.
stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.