“We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.
“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.
“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.
“Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.
“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.
““At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.
“We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
As far as Wallace is concerned, though, everyone else is to blame …
The Business Management student has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with first class honours
A new Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) graduate feels as though she has achieved the impossible by graduating with first class honours – after a series of frightening seizures left her studies in doubt.
Business Management student Emma Sullivan suddenly began experiencing convulsive episodes in the summer of 2022, which became increasingly intense and unpredictable. Months of tests and appointments revealed a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder.
After carefully balancing the condition with her studies, Emma has now been formally presented with her degree at the Usher Hall – where she paid tribute to her family for their support.
The 22-year-old from Edinburgh said: “The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control ‘episodes’, which I didn’t know were seizures at the time. Me and my parents went to A&E as we could tell something was wrong.
“After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities, and it was put down to stress. I left the hospital feeling more confused than when I went in, as though I had wasted their time.
“I continued to have these ‘episodes’ every few weeks. They were becoming more intense, and I would be very disoriented before and after them.
“It took around seven months to finally have an explanation of what I was going through. I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and explained that I was having functional seizures.”
FND affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Treatments focus on managing and improving the condition through rehabilitation therapy.
For Emma, this meant carefully balancing her everyday life. She left her part-time job to focus on her health and her studies.
She added: “Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality. Other things in my life needed to take a back seat.
“During flare ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies.
“It was a constant concern whenever I was out of the house that I might have a seizure, which added an extra layer of stress to everyday activities.
“Alongside the seizures I would also experience limb and muscle weakness, muscle spasms, chronic pain, fatigue and dissociation.
“Two months before the first seizures I was also diagnosed with autism. So alongside navigating this new, massive health change, I was also coming to terms with what the autism diagnosis meant for me.
“It has been a lot to process during the past few years.”
Now that she has achieved her degree, Emma hopes to raise awareness of conditions like hers, while championing disability advocacy and support.
Her dissertation focused on the impact working from home can have on autistic employees – and she shared her findings at the Edinburgh Napier’s ENclusion conference in May.
She said: “There were many times during the past couple years that the thought of graduating and finishing my studies seemed absolutely impossible.
“I am extremely proud of myself for getting to the stage, but I absolutely could not have done it without the love of my family. My mum and dad have been an incredible support and have been with me every step of this journey.
“Although it has been incredibly difficult and challenging at times, these experiences have also helped me to grow in resilience, determination and strength.
“Planning for the future can be very difficult due to the unpredictability of my health, but I remain passionate about raising awareness about both chronic illnesses and autism.
“I would love to be part of a movement that drives positive change and supports others facing similar challenges, and helps to build a more inclusive, understanding society.”
Chancellor launches new £500m Fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people and deliver Plan for Change.
World’s largest fund of its kind will boost pupil achievement and could fund programmes to reduce reoffending or provide specialist workers for children struggling with exclusion, mental health or crime.
Better Futures Fund will run for ten years, with plans to raise another £500 million from local government, social investors, and philanthropists on top of government’s funding
The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish.
The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future.
It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance, behaviour and overall achievement of pupils, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.
The fund, which is the largest of its kind in the world, will be launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at a visit to a school today in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild.
It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance and behaviour, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.
By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive – delivering on a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.
It comes ahead of the government hosting the first Civil Society Summit this week, where the government will set out a comprehensive plan on how this government will partner with experts from outside the traditional corridors of power to create solutions that work for real people – all through the principles of fairness, collaboration and trust.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:“I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance.
“For too long, these children have been overlooked. Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:“This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.
“As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
“We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.”
Social Outcomes Partnerships have already been used with success across the UK, with over 180 commissioners using the model across the country. The Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP), for example, works with young adults in the Greater Manchester area who are at risk of homelessness.
AllChild’s projects have already halved persistent school absences, and 80% of children have improved emotional wellbeing. Other programmes like the Skill Mill offer paid work experience and qualifications, reducing reconviction rates from 63% typically to 8% and three quarters of those in the programme progress to further employment, education or training.
This fund is a big step in the government’s work with the impact economy – unlocking extra resources from philanthropy, social investors and businesses to tackle urgent social challenges. Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Child Poverty Strategy is to be published in autumn to ensure it delivers fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the UK.
The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
Today’s announcement is informed by consultation with the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and other representatives from civil society, purpose-driven business, and local government.
Over the coming months the UK Government will build on this and develop a strategic approach to working with the impact economy, who have long played an important role across the UK economy in unlocking innovation, driving inclusive growth and strengthening community resilience.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said:“Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government.
“I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.”
Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AllChild said: “I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country.
“It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way. Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.
“I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships. This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.”
Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs, The King’s Trust said: “At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not.
“The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind. We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures.
“By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.”
Further details on the fund will be set out in due course. It will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
NorthEdinburgh-based social enterprise Scran Academy has announced the official opening of its exciting new youth empowerment café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) – the New Sick Kids.
Scran Academy is an Edinburgh youth work social enterprise on a mission to help young people realise their full potential in learning, work and life. Set within the Edinburgh children’s hospital, the new Scran Café is a key milestone in its drive to open doors for young people in the region.
Building on four successful years running a popular café at NHS Lothian’s Comely Bank site, Scran Academy’s new café at RHCYP will provide employment and support for dozens of young people across Lothian, giving them opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and grow in confidence within a supportive work environment.
Initially employing six young people, the site will also provide a platform for hundreds of work placements and paid jobs.
The RHCYP offers world-class healthcare facilities for children and adults both locally and nationally with 600,000 staff, patients and visitors coming through its doors every year.
The bright youth-led space at Scran Café has been thoughtfully designed to offer a calm and comforting environment for both patients and their families navigating a hospital stay as well as staff taking a break from a busy shift.
Commenting on the opening, Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy said:“Getting the keys to our Scran Café at the RHCYP is such huge step for us! We’ve got big plans to make this a brilliant, buzzing youth-led hub that brings young people’s voices and choices to life.
“Over the next 3 years our café at the RHCYP will provide work and training for over two hundred young staff and volunteers. Every one of these young people will access the opportunities, relationships and experiences needed to help them build their own futures.
“We’ve demonstrated our model through our partnership with NHS Lothian in the Comely Bank Centre, where we see dozens of young people step out of their café experiences proud, capable and ready for what’s next. Now we are ready to step it up a gear – and we are so excited to be doing it at the RHCYP, one of the most important places in our city.”
Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director for Women’s and Children’s at NHS Lothian said: ”We are thrilled to be welcoming Scran Café to RHCYP this summer. For our hard-working teams, patients and families alike, the new café will offer a bright and welcoming space to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the hospital.
“NHS Lothian is proud to be an Anchor Institution. Our mission to deliver world class health and social care is complemented by our desire to make our buildings and service delivery work in ways that support community wealth building and stable, secure employment.
“Building on our partnership with Scran Academy’s successful café at our Comely Bank site, we look forward to working together to increase access to fair work opportunities for young people in the region.”
Councillor Jane Meagher said“What makes Scran and this cafe unique, is that they really live the principle that every young person has the potential, and the power, to thrive when given the right support. The young staff team here today are shaping their own futures.
“This is exactly the kind of innovative model we want to champion in Edinburgh, where employability goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing, and where young people are supported not just to work, but to feel happy, valued and confident while doing so.
“I am especially proud to know that Scran is fully integrated into the Council’s Accredited Pathways Framework for Schools, which means they are a key delivery partner in offering meaningful learning routes that equips young people right across Edinburgh with real-life experience, accredited training, and a strong sense of purpose.”
Games are part of a four-year pipeline of major events
The largest event ever hosted in Orkney begins today, as part of four years of international sport in Scotland which are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and provide a significant economic boost.
Orkney is welcoming more than 1,600 athletes from 24 island groups for the 20th International Island Games, which run until 18 July. Orkney is the smallest island group to ever host the Games and competitors have come from as far afield as the Falklands, the Cayman Islands, Saaremaa in Estonia and Åland in Finland.
It is the first of a series of high-profile sporting events being hosted in Scotland, which include this weekend’s Genesis Scottish Open, the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 Grand Départ of the Tour de France, the 2027 Open Championship and the 2028 UEFA European football championships.
The Scottish Government invests in major events to maximise local and national economic benefits. At the end of 2024, it was revealed that the last Open Championship in Scotland added more than £300 million to the economy, highlighting the scale of opportunity for the next four years.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Orkney Island Games represent a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and build a lasting legacy for people and businesses in Orkney and beyond.
“They also provide a taste of what is to come and illustrate our wider ambition to make sure every corner of Scotland benefits from the prestigious events we are increasingly able to attract.
“This is a team effort and the benefits go way beyond the events themselves. The global platform they provide enables us to highlight Scotland to tourists, businesses and potential inward investors across the world.”
Information about the Orkney 2025 International Island Games is available online.
This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.
An iconic fixture at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 20 years since 1996, The Famous Spiegeltent has been instrumental in promoting the international careers of variety, cabaret, independent music and new circus arts.
This summer the grand dame of travelling venues opens her doors for 8 weeks of spellbinding performances, hosting the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival before delivering her own mesmerising programme of live performances, magic, enchanting melodies, and maybe a few surprise faces!
Opening its Edinburgh festival season, The Famous Spiegeltent will be hosting the renowned Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival for almost 30 concerts from 11 – 20 July.
Beginning with raconteur and brilliant jazz violinist, George Washingmachine, over 9 days, The Famous Spiegeltent will welcome performances from renowned musicians including leading force on the UK jazz scene, Joe Webb, and one of Scotland’s foremost trumpeters, Colin Steele.
Full programme and ticket details for The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival can be found here.
La Clique
2025 marks both The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary as well as the 21st birthday of her notorious, multi-award-winning house show, La Clique!
Since its inception in 2004 in The Famous Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, La Clique has taken the world by storm.
The very essence of live entertainment, the international Oliver Award-winning sensation is a unique blend of daring acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts, scintillating burlesque and raucous comedy. Visceral, ethereal and in-your-face, each act a masterpiece of artistry and athleticism, La Clique showcases a riotous troupe of crème de la crème artistes from around the world.
From 23 Jul – 31 Aug leave your troubles at the doors of The Famous Spiegeltent, be a part of history and come raise a glass to the 21st Birthday of this trailblazing icon of entertainment! This iteration of La Clique celebrates over two decades of cult status as the true pioneering classic within the cabaret/circus canon, bringing heritage artistes and the next generation of performers together for a spectacular six-week season of subversive revelry.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, La Clique’s birthday show promises an unforgettable night of pure wonder, joy and delight. Sexy, funny, and dangerous, the handpicked cast includes: the iconic Ursula Martinez, Captain Frodo, Tara Boom, LJ Marles, David Periera, Daredevil Chickens, Aurora Kurth, Masha Terentieva, Mikael Bres, Byron Hutton, Heather Holliday, Miranda Menzies and more
Over your head, under your skin, and below the belt! Hang on to your hat and strap yourself in, as we present … La Clique!
Bold Performances
Watch closely … are you paying attention? Introducing The Unfair Advantage (1 – 25 Aug)an intimate,unique and unprecedented hour-long theatrical event. Take a seat at the card table, sign a legal contract of secrecy and Australia’s leading sleight-of-hand magician Harry Milas will reveal the secrets behind the skill that saw him become a security weapon for the world’s top casinos.
Edinburgh’s own Captivate Theatre enter The Famous Spiegeltent to deliver two stellar musical theatre shows. Performed entirely by talented students, Les Misérables (School Edition), running from 1 – 10 Aug,has been seen by an estimated 22,000 people, with sell-out crowds, standing ovations and multiple five-star reviews.
Les Mis is the story of love, compassion and redemption, featuring hit songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home and many more – don’t be put off by School Edition! From 12 – 24 Aug, prepare to be drawn into a dark and ghoulish world as the streets of Victorian London come to life in their thrilling production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd.
Mesmerising Music
The Paris icon and the Glasgow girl, Christine Bovill established her reputation as one of Europe’s finest interpreters of French song with her smash-hit Piaf. With a fresh take on this self-penned work, she now returns with Christine Bovill: Piaf Revisited on the 5, 12 & 19 Aug, to the venue of her original triumphs, looking back on her remarkable journey.
Performing for two nights only, on 11 and 18 Aug, see multi-award-winning vocalist Niki King take to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent for Time. A deeply connecting musical experience, Time explores universal truths of loss, fear and the power of love and connection, while reflecting the concept of time itself.
What are synths? Where did they come from? And why are they synonymous with cats in space? Laurie’s got answers. Part live gig, part TedTalk, Laurie Black: Deadly Synths (12 & 19 Aug) tells the history of the sound of the future through seven decades of synth tunes.
Sounds of Scotland
Presented in association with Scary Biscuits Promotions, The Famous Spiegeltent is delighted to announce Sounds of Scotland. From African dancebeats, Americana, Folk, Roots, Funk, Blues, Rock and Indie, this strand of the 2025 programme, running outwith the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, showcases some of the best music being created in Scotland, welcoming artists and audiences to The Famous Spiegeltent for a series of intimate, one-off performances.
Enjoy an evening of exuberant Afrobeat, Mbalax, Ska, Reggae dance grooves with double-bill Samba Sene & Diwan + Makossa (28 Jul). Samba Sene & Diwan is an eclectic mix of musicians, led by charismatic Dakar-born singer Samba Sene.
The music is a thrilling fusion of funky mbalax/Afrobeat grooves, with undercurrents of ska, rock and Senegalese soul. Makossa is a long-standing Edinburgh institution, a feelgood band, led by Peter Akyeampong, with influences from African to Latin, Funk, Reggae and Classic Rock.
BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award nominee, and daughter of Proclaimer Craig Reid,Roseanne Reid, takes to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent on 29 Jul supported by The Rezillos’ Fay Fife, with her alt country Countess of Fife band member, guitarist Brian McFie.
In a night that promises to be musical medicine for the soul, acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter and one of the brightest stars of the UK roots music scene Adam Holmes performs with some very special guests on 30 Jul.
On 4 Aug enjoy a stunning double bill with Liz Jones & Broken Windows and Steve Ray Ladson. Taking tones dynamically from blues, folk-rock and psychedelia for a classic stage buzzing live performance, Broken Windows will be led by force of nature singer Liz Jones. After blowing audiences and judges (including Simon Cowell) away on his recent performance on America’s Got Talent, singer Steve Ray Ladson brings his specialty Blackgrass Brothercana to the tent.
Award winning troubadour and proud Leither Dean Owens occupies the unlikely common ground between post-industrial Scotland, America’s desert states and the lush Italian hills. On Aug 6, he will be accompanied by his band The Sinners – expect a joyous, melancholy mix of songs and stories from Dean’s 12 album international career.
A darkly magnetic experience as blues meets alternative rock in a cinematic descent through Edinburgh’s shadowy underbelly The Filthy Tongues on13 Aug. Spawned from Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, expect pounding rhythms, brooding melodies, and razor-sharp storytelling.
On 20 Aug, Main Street Blues bring their popular show Kings of the Blues to The Famous Spiegeltent celebrating the music of blues legends BB King, Albert King, and Freddie King. Following their forthcoming sell-out show at The Famous Spiegeltent as part of The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025, Black Cat Bone bring their raucous, blues infused rock’n’roll to the tent again on 26 Aug.
Experience the primal force of their music: thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, prowling, fuzzing basslines and a haunting voice that carries the ecstasy and agony of a lifetime.
Award winning Kirsten Adamson (daughter of rock legend Stuart Adamson Big Country/Skids) is performing double duties on 26 Aug. She headlines with her band The Tanagers, who have just finished recording the highly anticipated follow up album to her widely acclaimed Landing Place album. She’ll also play a short opening set with her duo band, The Marriage.
Closing the Sounds of Scotland music programme in style, get ready for a night of fearless funk, creative jazzy fire, and groove-soaked energy from Edinburgh- based collective James Brown is Annie on 27 Aug.
Keep an eye out for more special events and some surprise faces yet to be revealed in The Famous Spiegeltent’s grand return to Edinburgh!
Creative producer and Spiegelmaestro David Batessaid: “Leave your troubles at the gates to St Andrew Square and step into our world to discover our specially curated spellbinding programme.
“After almost a decade away, we are delighted to return to Edinburgh, where it all began, to salute The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary and the coming of age 21st birthday of the one and only La Clique.
“We are honoured to share this celebration with the people and the place that has forever changed all our lives. To our Edinburgh devotees and newcomers alike, we can’t wait for you to join us and raise a glass to this historic season!”
Summer is here and our July Climate Bites event will be hosted by … Earth in Common!
When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm
Where? Leith Community Croft
Whether you’re interested in learning more about our hosts, having a catch-up with other network members or talk about a climate issue that is important to you, this is the place to be!
MEMBERS OLD AND NEW CAME TOGETHER TO SHARE MEMORIES OF THE CLUB’S HISTORY, INSPIRED BY MAROON AND WHITE STRIPES
As The Watsonian Football Club celebrates its 150th year, former players and current members came together at the Pavilion at Myreside, adorning variations of the club’s famous maroon and white kit.
With every kit telling a story and sparking memories both on and off the pitch, the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the ‘Sonians’ that came before them, and for some of the club’s greats to be remembered for their contributions.
From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club’s lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years.
Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club’s on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section.
Through sharing their memories made in maroon and white, it quickly became clear that no matter where life has taken people, being part of The Watsonian Football Club is something that leaves a lasting impact.
With a framed shirt by his side, former Club Captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing for Watsonians, saying:“This is all very nostalgic.
“I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they’ve seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.”
The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game.
Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of Watsonian Women’s in the late 90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series.
Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonians Women’s for 17 years, repping a stitched-together 2005 Watsonian Women’s kit, shared memories of success:“When we won the top league in Scottish women’s rugby, it was something truly special.
“Being able to bring the trophy here, to Myreside, is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect.
“Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone’s throw away from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.”
Departing Club Captain and Super Series winner, Neil Irvine-Hess, reminisced on recent memories, adding: “Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders.
“It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it’s something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club.
“When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club’s history.”
With multiple Watsonians teams across different generations enjoying the highs of success and battling through tougher seasons, it has been important for the club to welcome players from across Edinburgh and further afield to sustain competitiveness and create a growing community.
By rediscovering the magic and the memories possessed by old stripes of maroon and white, The Watsonian Football Club continues to inspire its community to come together during its milestone 150th year.
With a full calendar of events planned in the lead-up to the 150th Gala Dinner in November, The Watsonian Football Club warmly invites past and present members to be part of this historic 2025 celebrations.
For more information on Watsonian Rugby Club, please visit:
When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm
Where? Leith Community Croft
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