Let’s come together on October 7th to celebrate the power of reading and the vital role libraries play in our lives!
From novels and comics to recipes and poems, every kind of reading matters. This is your chance to pause, pick up something you love, and join a nationwide moment dedicated to the joy of reading – and the positive impact it has on our wellbeing, learning, and everyday life.
Libraries across Scotland are ready to welcome you on your reading journey. By taking part, you’ll be joining thousands of others – schools, libraries, workplaces, community groups, families, and individuals – helping to build a Scotland where reading is valued, shared, and enjoyed by all.
Ready to inspire others? Make your pledge and share what you’re reading! Let’s show the world that Scotland is a nation of readers.
Designer Charles Jeffrey brings Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to Edinburgh
Rock band swim school headlined a night of live performance, DJ sets and Scottish design at Westfield St James Quarter on Thursday night (10 September), as the centre officially became Westfield St James Quarter with the opening of ten days of cultural programming curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey.
The evening was one of three UK events held on the same night for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, with sister events at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.
In Edinburgh, guests were treated to a headline set from swim school, a performance from drag act Jonbers, a DJ set from Jungle Hussi with guests piped down to the stage by trans piper, Malin Lewis.
Westfield Days centres around Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room, an immersive installation built from his own archive and soundscapes, and his PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products. Guests got a first look at both ahead of the wider ten-day programme, which runs at Westfield St James Quarter until 20th September.
Born in Scotland, Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.
Returning home for the takeover, he said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that inspire my work, on home turf here in Scotland.
“This is ten days of everything that’s shaped me – the music, the people, the chaotic creativity of it all – and I want Edinburgh to feel like it’s part of that story, not just watching it happen.”
Alice Johnson, singer with swim school said:“Headlining the opening night of Westfield St James Quarter was brilliant, and playing alongside everything Charles Jeffrey’s put together for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style made the night feel like something genuinely different for the city.
“Westfield St James Quarter feels buzzing – and we’re proud to have been a part of the launch.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said:“This is what the new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter looks like – bold and built around real creative talent.
“Becoming Westfield St James Quarter is an exciting evolution for this destination, and we wanted the launch to feel like that. Ten days of music, fashion and ideas from Charles Jeffrey, one of Scotland’s most exciting creative voices, is exactly the statement we hoped to make.”
Highlights of the Westfield St James Quarter launch included:
An exclusive Listening Room and soundscapes built from Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey
The opening of Jeffrey’s PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products
A headline performance from rock band swim school, alongside drag performer Jonbers, DJ Jungle Hussi and piper Malin Lewis
Guests to Westfield St James Quarter can experience a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances continuing at each centre as part of the wider Fashion Britain initiative.
Highlights include:
Fri 11 Sept, 5.30-6.15pm: Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation. Charles Jeffrey and V&A Dundee’s Kirsty Hassard discuss Scottish fashion history, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir.
Sun 13 Sept, 10-11.30am: Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts. A hands-on session on building a fashion image from concept to shoot, with real models. Ages 16+.
Sun 13 Sept, 12-1pm: Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock. An energetic Hip Hop-rooted movement session from the choreographer behind Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. Ages 16+.
Wed 16 Sept, 2-2.30pm: Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente. Jade Mordente explores tarot and fashion as parallel tools for self-expression.
Full programme of activity is available to view here.
The Council’s Transport and Environment Committee may have voted to prioritise the Sothern section this week, but the debate about the Northern tram route – should it ever happen – continues:
LIB-DEM Inverleith Councillor Hol Osler said on social media: ‘On Thursday at the Transport and Environment Committee there was a report to consider the next steps on the Granton to Bio Quarter leg of the tram.
‘The Liberal Democrat’s put an amendment in to remove the Roseburn Path from being used for the Northern Leg and consideration given to other proposals.
‘Unfortunately Labour/SNP/Greens voted to keep the Roseburn Path in.
‘Presently there is no funding and priority is being given to progress the southern part of the route.
‘I am very disappointed that Labour/SNP/Greens, having been given another chance to remove the Roseburn Path and consider other options, have again voted to keep it in. This is despite the SNP having committed that they would not support Roseburn as an option.’
With November being men’s mental health awareness month we wanted to make a powerful statement in addressing it and what better way.
Frank Bruno MBE is a former WBC world heavyweight champion who has faced many challenges in boxing and with mental health and we are delighted he is going to share some of these stories with us on the night.
The evening will consist with doors opening at 6 with some welcoming refreshments (non alcoholic), a photo with Frank and then listening to Franks journey. With the evening coming to an end around 8.15.
Tickets are on sale now for all BLAST members or affiliations.
On general sale from September 18th.
Please note, tickets are limited to only 100. This is a very small and intimate event.
Please contact the FB page with any enquiries or to secure your space.
After 20 years of independent cultural journalism and with a very heavy heart, we have to tell you that September’s edition of The Skinny is our final issue as Radge Media CIC, the company which publishes The Skinny as well as Fest and GNAW magazines, has ceased operations.
Firstly, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has been involved with The Skinny over these two decades. The dedication, skill and care of every writer, editor, photographer, illustrator, proofreader, designer, salesperson and member of the team has made this magazine what it is. Thank you all for everything you’ve done to create an incredible legacy.
We have always drawn motivation from the energy and talent of Scotland’s creative community, even when the work has been hard and we have faced struggles, difficulties and real challenges. To Scotland’s artists, musicians, authors, theatremakers, actors, DJs, filmmakers, party-throwers and creatives, thank you all for sharing your work with us and for letting us share it with the world.
We are devastated that our work has come to such a sudden end. We have not been immune to the economic difficulties in the Scottish arts and despite our very best efforts, funding pressures across the sector, rising costs and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have contributed to an increasingly challenging situation.
The Skinny is a key asset to Scottish cultural life, but it was produced by a small team with all the challenges that entails. We did the best we could with the resources at our disposal, and we can only apologise to our readers, colleagues and advertisers for making such a sudden exit, but we have been unable to find a way to continue the work at this time.
This may be the end for The Skinny, but it’s not the end of what we believe in: the power of independent journalism, the value of art and creativity, and the importance of print media.
The Skinny has offered something very important and valuable to Scotland’s cultural scene and none of us wanted or expected things to end this way. The closure of this business does nothing to change our belief in the need for a vibrant Scottish media that connects with our communities, and our faith in print as a vehicle to share new stories with audiences.
Finally, thank you to all of our readers, whether you have been here from the start or are seeing our work for the very first time. If you have ever picked up a copy in a bar or read it on the bus, pored over our reviews, found a new favourite night out in the listings, shared our work online or fired up our newsletter, we really do appreciate it.
Even in dark times, there is still a wealth of vibrant, creative and exciting art being created across Scotland, and dozens of scenes and movements worth championing. That drive and spirit has inspired and invigorated us at The Skinny so many times over the years – let’s all do what we can to help that continue.
Feel free to share this statement far and wide; we only ask that you attribute the words to ‘The Skinny’ and repeat what we’re saying in good faith. For any further media enquiries, please contact Peter on peter@theskinny.co.uk
Four ultramarathons and London Marathon planned for The Yard
AN EDINBURGH mum is preparing to cover more than 300 miles in 2027 for a beloved Scottish disability charity.
Katie Fairbairn, 36, will take on four ultramarathons and the London Marathon during the 40th anniversary year of The Yard, which supports disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland.
A mum of three young boys, Katie has gone from completing her first ultramarathons earlier this year to building an Instagram community of nearly 7,000 followers and being selected as a Rat Race ambassador for 2027.
Katie said: “I’m not an elite athlete. I’m an ordinary mum of three who decided to find out what might happen if I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
“I never imagined that would lead to completing a 70-mile and 100-mile ultramarathon, becoming a Rat Race ambassador and signing up for five huge challenges in a single year.
“Balancing training with family life, work and a new business won’t be easy, but The Yard is a charity that means a great deal to us and that will keep me going when things get tough.
“Its 40th anniversary feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved and help ensure more families can benefit from its support in the years ahead.”
Before her recent challenges, the only organised running event Katie had completed was a 10K race back in 2008.
This year she completed Rat Race’s 70-mile The Wall ultramarathon and the 100-mile Castle to Castle challenge from Edinburgh to Glamis, raising close to £4,500 for charities including Held In Our Hearts and The Yard.
Through her Instagram account, @frommummytoultra, Katie shares the realities of balancing endurance training with work, family life and everyday commitments.
Dan Gerrard, Head of Fundraising at The Yard, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, everyone at The Yard is absolutely thrilled to have Katie’s support.
“To complete four ultramarathons and the London Marathon in a single year will be an incredible achievement and we could not be more proud of her. The Yard provides vital opportunities, support and inclusive play for disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland, and we simply couldn’t do that without champions like Katie.
“She is an inspiration and we’ll be right behind her every step of the way. We hope as many people as possible will support her challenge and help us continue delivering life-changing services for families across Scotland.”
Founded in Edinburgh in 1987, The Yard provides inclusive play, family support and community services for disabled children and young people from birth to age 25. The charity operates centres in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy, alongside outreach services supporting families in communities across Scotland.
Each year, thousands of children, young people and family members benefit from The Yard’s services, which provide opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.
Rat Race is one of the UK’s best-known adventure and endurance event organisers, staging challenges across the country ranging from ultramarathons to multi-day expeditions.
As a Rat Race ambassador, Katie will help promote events, share her experiences with fellow participants and encourage others to take on challenges they may never have thought possible.
Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.
Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.
The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires.
The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh.
Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:“The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners.
“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.
“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.
“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar.
“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”
The family of ayoung Scottish mum who lost her life to bowel cancer earlier this year is taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.
Various members of Abigail Millar’s close family will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this Sunday 13th September after she sadly died from bowel cancer on 12th May this year aged just 41, leaving behind her husband Ross Millar and their two young children Gregor and Katie.
All funds raised by the team, named Abigail’s Star Team, will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
At the time of writing, the team has raised over £3,000 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.
“Abigail was a much-loved member of our family whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Abigail’s cousin, Fiona Durkin said on the family’s JustGiving page.
“Her loss has left a huge gap in our lives, and she is remembered every day with love and affection.
“By taking on this sponsored walk, we hope to honour Abigail’s memory, raise awareness of bowel cancer, and support the vital work being done to improve research, treatment, and early diagnosis.”
Abigail, who was originally from Corstorphine in Edinburgh before settling in Botley, Hampshire with her husband and children, first visited her GP with abdominal pain in October 2024, thinking there was a problem with her ovaries.
She gave a stool sample, was referred for a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer on 6th December 2024.
She underwent surgery in January 2025 where part of her colon was removed and was relieved not to need a stoma. She and her family thought she was through the worst, particularly with doctors thinking that they had managed to catch her cancer early enough.
“Following surgery Abigail’s cancer staging results came through and that is when the bombshell hit us,” Abigail’s husband Ross said. “She was told that she had stage 3 cancer and needed to have some preventative chemotherapy.”
Three months into chemotherapy, doctors told Abigail that her cancer had spread due to a genetic mutation, it was aggressive and couldn’t be cured but could be managed.
In March 2026, Abigail and her family were told that her cancer was terminal. She enjoyed the time she had left with her family before passing away at home with them by her side on 12th May 2026.
Abigail’s family are now determined to continue her legacy of fundraising for bowel cancer. Abigail’s husband Ross is now in training to complete a series of fundraising events to support Bowel Cancer UK.
Abigail and Ross’s son has always wanted to be a doctor, and this sad experience has solidified his focus on this goal, with the ultimate aim of helping other people in similar situations.
“Abigail and I spent 20 years of our lives together – she had such a zest for life,” Ross said. “She was bright, funny, fiercely loyal, and devoted to her family. She was a beautiful soul and created so many great moments in life for all those fortunate enough to be around her.
“It was one of Abigail’s wishes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly because cases are rising in younger people like her.
“Sadly, she can’t do that now, but I can, our children can, and our family can. If her story helps someone get an early diagnosis or saves a life, her message will have done what it needs to do.”
Jenny Poulter, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Abigail’s family for sharing her story with us and selecting Bowel Cancer UK as their chosen charity as they take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in her memory.
“Every 11 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money raised by Abigail’s Star Team will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
“We hope that Ross and the rest of Abigail’s family know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for their walk. We’re sure that Abigail would be immensely proud of their efforts.”
GATHER is a brand new exhibition showcasing work by artists and community members from across Edinburgh, coming together for the very first time.
As well as artwork from the other hubs, the exhibition features 21 Art for Grown Ups members showing their work, plus our community banner (still a work in progress but almost complete!) on display alongside artwork created by NEA and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre members.
This is a truly special exhibition, and we’d love for you to join us!
GATHER EXHIBITION
Opening: Friday 11 September 2026, from 4:30pm
Main Exhibition: 12 – 26 September 2026
St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE
Free. No need to book.
The Creative Community Hubs Network consists of eight partner organisations based across Edinburgh: WHALE Arts, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Granton:hub, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Leith, The Crannie, Lyra and Craigmillar Now.
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