Category: Uncategorized

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh to Host Hard Rock Rising, Global Music Competition for Emerging Artists

The grand prize: a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000, a Hard Rock Orlando performance and more

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is inviting Scotland’s emerging music talent to take centre stage as it hosts Hard Rock Rising, the global music competition launched by Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola.

Spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, the competition gives singer-songwriters, bands and DJs the opportunity to perform live, build a local following and compete for a career-launching global prize package.

For more than five decades, breakthrough artists and legends have taken the stage at Hard Rock Cafes. Coca‑Cola has built a global platform for musicians through Coke Studio L.A. Live. Now, the two brands are joining forces to help singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs launch their careers. 

Hard Rock Rising unfolds as a series of live performances at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. Local fan votes advance artists round by round. The Coke Studio team then selects one grand prize winner who earns a recording session, $10,000, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and more. 

Artist submissions are open now through August 18th, with four live competition rounds running 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd September. The global winner will be announced 5th October. 

Nick Chiverton, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for championing live music and emerging talent, so we’re thrilled to bring Hard Rock Rising to the city.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for local singer-songwriters, bands and DJs to perform in front of live audiences, grow their fanbase and compete for an incredible global prize package, including a recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and $10,000.

“We can’t wait to discover the next generation of Scottish talent and showcase them on the global stage.”

Multi‑platinum, GRAMMY‑ and Juno‑nominated executive producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team. The Los Angeles facility houses a professional recording studio built for career‑launching sessions, giving the winning singer‑songwriter, band or DJ a genuine industry platform. 

“This partnership taps into Hard Rock’s unparalleled reach and iconic stages while leveraging Coke Studio’s production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists,” said Rettberg 

The competition is amplified by a full Hard Rock Rising lineup, from a limited-time menu with cocktails made with Coca-Cola products for fans watching the live performances, to collectible merchandise available at Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com.  

Extending the competition’s celebration of music and self-expression beyond the stage, Hard Rock is partnering with Cult of Individuality, the streetwear brand renowned for its deep roots in music culture and strong connection to today’s artists and fans. Together, the brands will launch a limited-edition Hard Rock Rising tee and an exclusive co-branded apparel collection, bringing the spirit of emerging music talent into fashion.   

The Search Is On

Every performance is a chance for friends, family and new fans to champion local artists, helping emerging talent build a real following in their own hometowns. 

The competition kicks off in September. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will host up to nine acts across four live rounds, with singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs all welcome. In every round, the audience becomes the judge, voting in real time via a mobile app. Fans score each artist on Musicianship, Fan Support, Vocal Talent, Originality and Stage Presence. 

In the fourth and final round, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will crown a local winner with a cash prize. Every local champion then advances to the global round. There, the Coke Studio team reviews recorded performances from all 64 Cafe winners and names the grand prize winner on October 5th. 

 The selected artist will receive a career-launching package: 

  • World-class recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, including flights and accommodation 
  • Music distribution across all major streaming platforms 
  • Performance at Hard Rock Orlando  
  • Two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 
  • $10,000 cash prize 
  • An exclusive assortment of Marshall amplifiers and accessories  

A Menu to Match the Moment

From August 17th to September 30th, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will serve a limited‑time menu for fans to enjoy while cheering on local artists.

Perfect for bringing a crew to cheer on fan-favourite bands, these shareable bites and vibrant cocktails are designed to bring the excitement of the evening and the victory celebrations that follow. 

  • Thai Peanut Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a ginger and soy gastrique, finished with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame and scallion  
  • BBQ Pulled Beef Sliders: Slow-braised pulled beef piled high on soft buns with tangy coleslaw, crispy onions, pickled Fresno peppers and house BBQ sauce 
  • Lemon & Lime Black Pepper Wings: Jumbo wings glazed in charred citrus, served with pickled onions and fresh cilantro  
  • Barbacoa Beef Queso: Braised barbacoa beef folded into creamy house queso, topped with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and scallions 
  • Cheesecake Dip: A decadent whipped cheesecake dip with a brown-butter graham crumble, served with cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites, seasonal fruit and whipped cream  

The menu also features a selection of exclusive cocktails and mocktails featuring Coca-Cola products, including: 

  • Last Call Guava-rita: A vibrant tequila and triple sec cocktail with dragon fruit syrup, shaken with fresh strawberries and blackberries, topped with Sprite 
  • Orange Cream Soda: A creamy, nostalgic mocktail made with Orange Fanta, vanilla syrup and cream 
  • Spiced Jack & Yuzu Soda: A citrus-forward whiskey cocktail made with Coca-Cola, yuzu purée and spiced brown sugar; also available spirit-free 

34 Countries, One Iconic Tee

Limited‑edition Hard Rock Rising merchandise arrives at select Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com on 17th August. The collection centers on a campaign tee with the Hard Rock logo on the front and all 34 participating country names on the back. It also includes exclusive apparel and a collectible pin. 

Make the most of Playday with Tax-Free Childcare

  • Working families urged to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare on Playday to help pay for holiday clubs, after-school clubs, nurseries and childminders
  • Latest statistics show families save almost £100 a month with Tax-Free Childcare
  • Number of families using Tax-Free Childcare for children aged 8 and above increased by 20%

Working families are being encouraged to check if they could cut the cost of childcare this Playday (5 August), as HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) latest statistics show families using Tax-Free Childcare saved an average of almost £100 a month.

Playday, the national day for play, is a reminder for eligible parents to see if they could benefit from the scheme. Tax-Free Childcare can provide up to £2,000 per year per child (or £4,000 for a disabled child) helping manage childcare costs while balancing work and family life.

People can visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and sign-up for Tax-Free Childcare.

Once families have signed up, they can receive a £2 government top-up for every £8 they deposit into their account. Families can open an account for each of their children aged up to 11 and, if they have a disabled child, aged up to 16.

It can be used to pay for any approved childcare including nurseries, childminders, holiday clubs, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs. Almost 75,000 providers are now signed up to receive Tax-Free Childcare payments.

While the majority of families who use the scheme have younger children, recent statistics show the number of families using it to pay for childcare for children aged 8 and above increased by more than 20% compared to the previous year.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Tax-Free Childcare can help with your summer childcare plans and, looking to the term ahead, with whatever type of care you require for your child.

“If you haven’t signed up already, do it today so you don’t miss out. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’.”

Families can receive up to £500 worth of top-up money, or £1,000 for a disabled child, every 3 months.

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in their account to use it whenever it’s needed. Unused money can be withdrawn at any time.   

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:     

  • have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they can receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday   
  • the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average  
  • each earn no more than £100,000 per annum   
  • do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers    

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the government funded childcare hours, subject to eligibility. 

A psychologist’s top tips for parents this results day

With results for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers and Skills for Work Awards being issued on Tuesday 4 August, Dr Marguerita Magennis, psychologist, parenting consultant and psychology tutor at FindTutors, shares her advice for helping young people feel supported, whatever the outcome.
Manage your own expectations before the day:

Results day can be emotionally charged for parents as well as young people. It is important for parents to recognise their own hopes, fears and expectations before the day arrives.

Children are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them and can quickly absorb parental anxiety, often feeling responsible for managing not only their own emotions but those of their parents too. Remaining calm and keeping the focus on unconditional support helps create an environment where children feel valued regardless of the outcome.

Regulate your own reaction before you respond

The first few moments after results are opened may be remembered long after the grades themselves. Before speaking, parents should take a moment to regulate their own emotional response. Young people instinctively look to trusted adults to judge how serious a situation is. Calm body language, a relaxed posture and a reassuring presence help communicate emotional safety, allowing the child to begin processing their disappointment without feeling they have also disappointed those they love.

Do not rush to reassure or solve the problem

When children experience disappointment, they first need their emotions to be acknowledged rather than redirected.

Well-intentioned reassurance or rushing into practical solutions can unintentionally minimise what feels like a significant loss to them.

From a psychological perspective, emotional validation helps regulate the nervous system and enables clearer thinking. Once a child feels understood, they are usually far better placed to consider solutions and future options.

Give them space while keeping the door open

Children and young people process disappointment differently. Some need to talk immediately, while others require time to make sense of their emotions before they feel ready to engage.

Respecting that need for space demonstrates trust rather than indifference. Parents can remain emotionally available without placing pressure on their child to talk before they are ready, recognising that conversations often happen once emotions have had time to settle.

Choose your words carefully

Parents should focus on acknowledging their child’s feelings, reassuring them that their worth extends far beyond academic performance, and reinforcing that disappointing results do not define their future.

Equally important is avoiding comments that minimise emotions, assign blame or compare them with siblings, friends or classmates. While these responses are often intended to motivate or reassure, they can increase feelings of shame and reinforce the belief that love or approval is conditional on achievement.

Wait until emotions have settled before discussing next steps

Immediately after receiving disappointing news, emotions often override logical thinking. Parents should allow time for those initial feelings to settle before introducing discussions about appeals, alternative pathways or future plans.

A child is usually ready when they begin asking questions, expressing curiosity about their options or engaging more openly in conversation. Allowing emotional processing before practical planning encourages more thoughtful decision-making.

Avoid comparing your child with others

Comparison can be deeply damaging because it shifts the focus away from individual strengths and reinforces the idea that success is measured against someone else’s achievements.

Every young person develops at their own pace, with different abilities, challenges and aspirations.

Supporting children to value their own progress rather than competing with others helps build resilience, confidence and a healthier sense of self-worth.

Put social media celebrations into perspective

Social media can magnify disappointment by presenting a carefully curated version of success. Young people may mistakenly believe that everyone else has achieved the outcomes they hoped for, when in reality they are only seeing selected moments.

Parents can help by encouraging perspective, reminding children that social media rarely reflects the full picture and reinforcing that their own journey does not need to mirror anyone else’s to be meaningful or successful.

Celebrate commitment, not just grades

When rewards become closely linked to grades, children may begin to associate love, approval or self-worth with achievement rather than effort and personal growth.

This can contribute to perfectionism, fear of failure and increased anxiety around future performance.

Where possible, celebrations should recognise the commitment, perseverance and resilience shown throughout the examination process rather than being determined solely by the final outcome.

Remember that results do not define a young person

As a psychologist, I would encourage parents to remember that results D=day is not simply about grades, it is about identity, self-esteem and hope for the future.

The way parents respond can have a lasting influence on how a young person interprets both success and disappointment.

Examination results may shape the next step in their journey, but they do not define their potential, their character or their value. Feeling accepted and supported, regardless of the outcome, is one of the greatest protective factors for a young person’s emotional wellbeing.

About Dr Marguerita Magennis

Dr Marguerita Magennis is a psychologist, parenting consultant, early years specialist and psychology tutor at FindTutors with more than 25 years’ experience working with children, families and educators.

She works with schools, preschools and parents to support children’s learning, emotional development and wellbeing, with a particular focus on neurodivergence and early childhood development. Professional profile is here.

Decades-old worm treatment could help tackle rare childhood cancer

Glasgow woman who had cancer four times welcomes development

A drug commonly used to treat parasitic worm infections could offer a new way to tackle one of the most difficult childhood blood cancers to treat, research funded by Leukaemia UK has identified.

Dr Noelia Che and her colleagues at UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, investigated whether the drug mebendazole, could be repurposed and used in combination therapies to treat childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

While survival rates for childhood leukaemia have improved dramatically in recent decades, AML remains one of the most challenging forms of the disease.

Established treatments such as chemotherapy and stem-cell transplants, while effective, are intensive and can often lead to relapse and serious long-term side effects for patients.

This was the case for Nichola Smith, whose diagnosis of AML at aged 12 led to decades of difficult treatment, relapse and serious life-long consequences. “I was constantly tired and run down,” recalled Nichola, now 44, from Glasgow.  

“Then one day after playfighting with my cousins I noticed an enormous hand-shaped bruise where one of them had grabbed me. Then the next day I collapsed and my mum took me to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital where, to my shock, I was diagnosed with leukaemia”.

Nichola underwent intensive chemotherapy. After relapsing a year later months later, she also required a stem cell transplant and more chemotherapy.

While her treatment was successful, the impact on Nichola has been life-long. In 2006, a routine mammogram revealed pre-cancerous cells in both her breasts, a recognised long-term effect of the leukaemia treatment she had received as a child. She underwent a double mastectomy and several major operations.

Then, in 2022, Nichola was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer that can develop into AML.

“I was devastated,” she said. “I kept saying to myself, ‘Here we go again’ and ‘Why me?’ I couldn’t believe I was going to have to fight another blood cancer after everything I’d already been through.”

Her condition later progressed and she once again required chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

Experiences like Nichola’s are driving researchers to find more targeted and less toxic ways of treating AML. Reducing the devastating long-term effects.

Dr Che, a recipient of the Leukaemia UK John Goldman Fellowship, is focusing her research on a protein called MYB, which AML cells rely on to survive and grow.

She and her colleagues found that mebendazole can reduce levels of MYB within leukaemia cells, depriving them of a key survival mechanism and causing them to die.

She hopes the approach could form part of a new generation of targeted therapies. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies attack cancer cells more precisely while reducing damage to healthy tissue.

Dr Che and her colleagues are now exploring further how mebendazole can be used with newer targeted therapies rather than chemotherapy, identifying a promising treatment strategy for children with AML. Potentially avoiding the increased toxicity associated with more intensive chemotherapy.

Dr Noelia Che said: “Our research is exploring whether mebendazole, a safe and well-established drug, could be used in a completely different way to target vulnerabilities within AML cells.

“We hope this work will contribute to gentler, more effective treatments, so that children survive without life altering complications.”

Simon Ridley, Director of Research and Advocacy, Leukaemia UK, said: “We’re proud to support innovative researchers such as Dr Che who are exploring bold new approaches to treatment.  

“It is important to note that this research is still in early stages, but it shows one of the many routes that researchers are working to fight leukaemia through new strategies, repurposed medications and innovative combinations. 

“Which, in the future, could reduce the long-term impact of treatment on patients and their families.”

Scottish Labour: ‘Unite and Renew’?

Marra comments ahead of nomination period opening

Commenting ahead of the nomination period opening in the Scottish Labour leadership contest, Michael Marra said: “I’m running in this contest to unite and renew the Scottish Labour party.

“Having spoken to and listened to colleagues across our movement it is clear we have to rediscover our sense of moral purpose. To offer hope again and to spell out what Scottish Labour is for, not simply who and what we are against. 

“That means drawing on the strength and talent of all of our movement. Scottish Labour has always been strongest when it has been rooted in the lives of working people.

“That means working alongside trade unions, businesses, civic Scotland and local communities—not talking at them but listening to them and building solutions together. That approach is how we unite and renew Scottish Labour.”

The leadership election was triggered when former leader Anas Sarwar decided to leave Holyrood to take a seat in the unelected House of Lords

TODAY: Scottish-inspired lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Join us today for a Scottish-inspired lunch featuring haggis shepherd’s pie, a twist on the classic dish, accompanied by a side of fresh greens.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, our white currant cake is a delightful treat. Made with currants picked from the garden, of course!

Enjoy your meal from 11:30am – 12:30pm, with the option to dine in or take away.

We look forward to seeing you there!

More than a Sunday Market at Leith Community Croft

More than ever, we need to take back control of our food system.

Recent droughts and extreme weather have highlighted just how fragile our food supply chains have become. When food travels thousands of miles to reach our plates, we’re left vulnerable to climate shocks, rising costs and global uncertainty.

Our market is part of the solution. By supporting local growers, producers and community food businesses, you’re helping to build a stronger, fairer and more resilient food system right here in our community.

Every pound spent supports local livelihoods, keeps money circulating in the local economy, reduces food miles and helps ensure that good food remains accessible to everyone.

This market is also a celebration of diversity, bringing together producers, cultures, flavours and traditions that reflect the richness of our community. It’s a place to connect with the people who grow, make and share our food, and to be part of a movement that values sustainability, fairness and local self-reliance.

In a time of climate uncertainty, supporting local food isn’t just a shopping choice. It’s an investment in our collective future.

Join us, support your local producers, and help build a food system that works for people, place and planet.

Sew sew at Granton Goes Greener!

TWO SEWING EVENTS NEXT WEEK

This coming week at Granton Goes Greener we will be focusing on sewing and have 2 FREE sewing events on offer:

Monday 3rd August: – fabric picture hand stitching session open also for CHILDREN (must be accompanied by an adult), usual time 10-12 noon. There will be no other sewing option on the day, we will all be making some hand stitched fabric pictures,

Thursday 6th August: – first Thursday of the month regular evening sewing class, ADULTS ONLY.

We would like to ask everyone interested in the classes to arrive on time and help tidying up after the class.

There is no need to register, all the classes are drop-ins 💚💚💚

Support for domestic abuse victims

Making it easier to stay at home

‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth

New legal provisions that help some domestic abuse victims to remain in their home where it’s their wish, and where it’s safe and appropriate for them to do so, come into effect today (Saturday 1 August).

They allow social landlords, in certain circumstances, to apply for a court order on domestic abuse grounds to end an abuser’s tenancy.

If an order is granted by the court, the landlord can transfer the tenancy to the victim, allowing them to remain in, or return to, their home.

This means that for the first time, social landlords, rather than victims themselves, have power to help end an abuser’s tenancy.

Equalities Minister Simita Kumar is now urging the sector to make use of these new powers in appropriate cases.

Ms Kumar said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children, working with the sector to find victims the safest and most suitable form of accommodation to begin to rebuild their lives.

“Social landlords must make use of these new powers, where appropriate, to protect victims of domestic abuse and I urge them to do so.

“This removes a significant barrier for domestic abuse victims, the vast majority of whom are women and are too often trapped by violence. I will continue to work with the sector to ensure these powers are utilised.”

Parliament approved the regulations in January 2026 and today brings Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.

CEO of Scottish Women’s Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the new legal provisions in place from today. For many women experiencing domestic abuse, housing, and fear of uprooting their children, is a barrier when it comes to leaving an abusive partner.

“We hope making abusive behaviour a ground for eviction, will reduce children’s and women’s homelessness by allowing housing officials to help survivors stay in their own homes, forcing the abuser to leave.  This should provide safety and stability and move the consequences of abuse onto the abuser for a change.

“We now look forward to Part 1 of the Bill being implemented, which will introduce emergency barring orders as another housing protection, as we continue to work with the Scottish Government, in making Scotland safer for women and children.”

Domestic abuse victims can obtain further advice on these new powers from their social landlord, or the Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

IMAGE (TOP) Laura Dodsworth

Candidates confirmed for Edinburgh by-elections

The candidates standing in the upcoming Southside/Newington (Ward 15) and Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) by-elections have been confirmed.

23 candidates will stand in these by-elections, which will elect one new councillor per ward, on Thursday 3 September 2026.

The candidates standing for election in the Southside/Newington ward are:

  • Ruth Elliot: SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY
  • Derrick Emms: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE
  • Isabella Gastel Alejandre: SCOTTISH GREENS
  • Roisin Keirdashian: INDEPENDENT
  • Artie Khovanov: SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
  • Nick Layden: SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST
  • Richard Crewe Lucas: SCOTTISH FAMILY PARTY – CHRISTIAN VALUES
  • Sam Alexander Mackenzie: SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY (SNP)
  • Sean McGregor Moffat: ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
  • Gary Neill: REFORM UK
  • Markham Rowbotham: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE
  • Richard Shillcock: COMMUNIST PARTY OF BRITAIN
  • Marc Wilkinson: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE

The candidates standing for election in the Portobello/Craigmillar ward are:

  • David Craig Ballantine: ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
  • Niel Deepnarain: SCOTTISH FAMILY PARTY – CHRISTIAN VALUES
  • Pete Gregson: WORKERS PARTY OF BRITIAN
  • Lorenzo Martinico: SCOTTISH GREENS
  • Silas McGilvray: SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY (SNP)
  • Andrew McLaughlin: REFORM UK
  • Peter Olech: COMMUNIST PARTY OF BRITAIN
  • Liss Owen: SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
  • Jim Patrick Wyke: SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY
  • Haris Young: SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST

The final candidate lists and further information are also available on the Council website.

Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month to go until polling day, residents in these wards can start thinking about who they will vote for.

“Councillors play a key role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city.

“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to register to vote in plenty of time, and then make their voices heard in September.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today, with further information on when and where to vote.

If you live in these wards, the deadline to register to vote in these by-elections is 18 August. For new postal vote applications, it’s 19 August and for new proxy votes it’s 26 August.

Find out more about registering to vote on the Council website.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than using a single cross. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they like.

Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 September.

Please check your polling place as this may have changed since the last time you voted. If you bring your polling card to vote this will help us and speed up the process, but this isn’t mandatory.

Polling Places (Ward 15):

  • Nelson Hall Community Centre (New for 2026)
  • Blackford and Grange Parish Church Centre
  • St. Catherine’s Argyle Church
  • Newington Trinity Church
  • Reid Memorial Church Hall
  • 75th Braid Scouts’ Millar Hall
  • Cameron House Community Education Centre

Polling Places (Ward 17):

  • Portobello Library (New for 2026)
  • Branch Out Together
  • St Mark’s Episcopal Church (New for 2026)
  • Bingham Community Centre
  • St Martins Parish Church
  • Craigmillar Library
  • Hays Business Centre
  • Newcraighall Leith Victoria FC

The electronic count will take place at Waverley Court, starting at the close of poll at 10pm on September 3.