The dates for Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2025 have been announced. Taking place on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November, the show will feature artworks from over 150 local artists with at least fifty percent of the proceeds going to help Macmillan Cancer Support.
This year, ‘Misty Night, Glencoe’ by Yulia Allan has been selected as the lead image to promote the show.
The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show is free and open to everyone.
The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show was created to raise essential money for a great cause whilst also increasing the exposure of local artists from Edinburgh and across Scotland.
It comprises a two-day exhibition at a central Edinburgh venue as well as an online gallery for those unable to attend the show. The event encourages the best in exciting and contemporary original artworks that are designed to be very affordable.
The artist decides how much of the price they wish to donate to Macmillan with at least half going to the charity.
About Yulia Allan
Yulia Allan is a professional artist and a modern contemporary landscape and seascape painter. Born in Ukraine and with close family members still there, she has embraced the land- and sea-scapes of Scotland to incorporate dramatic shifts of light and atmosphere as a central part of her work. Slightly abstract in nature, her work uses layers and textures to accentuate the ever-changing Scottish landscape.
Join us to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of humanity as we share stories of John Edmondstone, Joseph Knight and Ann Thompson, Malvina Wells and Jack Gladstone whose lives were marked by the Slave Trade and fight for freedom while discovering the darker side of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Reserve your free tickets, supported by The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh 900 Civic Fund, ahead of the Friday event at:
Specsavers at Shandwick Place in Edinburgh is celebrating it’s over two decade long commitment to promoting better eye health in the local community this National Eye Health Week (22nd – 28th September).
As a locally owned and run store, Specsavers Shandwick Place is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of people in the area. The high street retailer is keen to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye checks this National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22nd – 28th September 2025.
With figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealing that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime*, Specsavers Shandwick Place is urging locals to prioritise their eye health.
Store director, Aly Uka says: ‘Many people don’t realise that sight loss can often be prevented or treated if a condition is caught early.
“Regular eye tests are essential for everyone, even if you think your vision is fine. Eye tests are not just about glasses, they can detect serious conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even high blood pressure or risk of stroke.’
National Eye Health Week highlights how preventative care and early diagnosis are crucial in reducing unnecessary sight loss.
According to RNIB, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight every day, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages*.
Eye health can also be affected by screen fatigue, especially as more people spend time on devices. Specsavers recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to help reduce strain and preserve vision.
As a long-standing part of the Shandwick Place community, Specsavers is focused on highlighting that essential health services must be accessible and visible to everyone.
For more information on Specsavers Shandwick Place or to book an appointment, call the store on 0131 240 8860 or visit:
A ‘major public consultation’ on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network opened yesterday (25 August) and will run for 12 weeks.
The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.
A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.
This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:
GRANTON TO THE CITY CENTRE:
From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.
For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.
It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.
For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.
This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.
It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.
The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.
CITY CENTRE TO BIOQUARTER & ROYAL INFIRMARY
The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.
The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
POTENTIAL EXTENSIONS TO MIDLOTHIAN and EAST LOTHIAN
The city council is working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).
Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.
“We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.
“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.
“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”
The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.
Residents can give their views until 17 November online on the Consultation Hub or at in person drop-in sessions. Details of these sessions are also on our Consultation Hub.
The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.
DROP-IN SESSIONS
Drop-in at Blackhall Primary SchoolFrom 2 Sep 2025 at 16:00 to 2 Sep 2025 at 19:00More informationBlackhall Primary School, 83 Craigcrook Road, EH4 3PH Add to my Calendar (.ics)
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted on Queensferry Street.
Around 11.40pm last night (Tuesday, 12 August, 2025), a 39-year-old man was seriously assaulted on Queensferry Street at the junction with Melville Street.
Emergency services attended and he was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The suspects are described as white males. The first around 5ft 10in in height, of medium build with a bald head and dark clothing.
The second man is described as being around 5ft 10in in height, of medium build, with short dark hair and possibly wearing a red t-shirt.
It is understood they left in the direction of Randolph Place.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone with any information to contact us.
“We understand the area was busy with people at the time and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident and who haven’t already spoken to police to get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone with dash cam or private CCTV footage to contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0003 of 13 August, 2025.
Chef Dean Banks launches revamped restaurant at the iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
In response to changing consumer demands, Chef Dean Banks has relaunched his signature restaurant in the historic Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street, launching 1925 at Pompadour which opened its doors on Wednesday (23 July).
The new offering will provide diners with a delicious a la carte menu in the heart of the city that showcases the best of local produce, across land and sea. 1925 at Pompadour opens following a change in consumer desires away from multi-course tasting menus to a more accessible dining option that has flavour and creativity at its heart.
Located in the West End, diners can enjoy the new menu at 1925 at Pompadour while taking in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and learning all about the local suppliers Chef Dean Banks works with to create his renowned dishes.
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
To celebrate the launch of 1925 at Pompadour, diners will receive 50% off food until Wednesday 30 July, providing an opportunity to sample the new dishes and explore the revamped restaurant.
Featuring fresh, local, produce, seafood lovers can sample Dean’s signature lobster thermidor, Orkney hand dived scallops with vadouvan carrot, or champagne baked market fish. Diners can also enjoy corn fed chicken with king oyster mushrooms, pomme mousseline and a madeira sauce, or smoked ricotta and egg yolk raviolo, served with leeks and lemon butter.
With starters from £15 and mains starting at £26, and a three-course lunch for just £39.50, 1925 at Pompadour aims to provide a premium food offering at an accessible price point in the heart of the city.
Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
Commenting on the launch, Chef Dean Banks said: “Consumers are moving away from multi-course tasting menus, instead preferring restaurants where they can enjoy premium dishes at an accessible price point.
“When considering the future of Dean Banks at the Pompadour, it was important to reflect these changing consumer demands while ensuring the high quality offering we pride ourselves on remains.
“1925 at Pompadour perfectly brings this together, all under the iconic setting of Edinburgh Castle, and we look forward to welcoming diners to experience this next chapter in our restaurant’s history.”
The Pompadour restaurant first opened its doors at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, in 1925, with the new restaurant named as an homage to the venue’s rich history.
For more information on 1925 at Pompadour, or to book your table, visit:
Poppyscotland, working in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations on the upcoming Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh.
Taking place on Saturday, June 28, volunteers are needed to help at Waverley or Haymarket train stations during timed slots over the course of that weekend (28th and 29th).
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support, including making a donation to Poppyscotland to allow us to continue the valuable work we do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
We even help with needs that have arisen long after someone has left the Armed Forces. Whenever, wherever support is needed, we are here.
If you would be interested in volunteering on Saturday, June 28 at Haymarket train station then please sign up now at https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDHaymarket
or
to volunteer on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, at Edinburgh Waverley station, please sign up at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/AFDWaverley.
For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk
Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist officers with an ongoing investigation into an assault in Edinburgh which occurred at around 2.05am on Saturday, 26 April, 2025 on Lothian Road.
The man in the images is described as being of South Asian appearance, slim build, 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in tall and aged late teens to early twenties, with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, dark bottoms and dark trainers.
Detective Constable Christopher Stewart said: “I would urge this man or anyone who recognises him to please make contact with us.
“I would also ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information relating to the incident, to please speak to officers via 101, quoting reference 1272 of 27 April 2025.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Edinburgh-based digital marketing agency, MB Media has acquired a stake in the Edge Media Group. Launched in 2018, MB Media is one of Scotland’s leading marketing agencies, headed up by founder and local entrepreneur, Barrie Wilkins.
The partnership is part of a wider growth strategy at Edge Media Group, owned by former Radio Forth presenter, Jay Crawford.
The group which owns and operates Edinburgh’s Hit Music Station, Edge 1 and Edinburgh’s Classic Tracks station, Edge 2 has also appointed former Forth 1 and Real Radio presenter, Micky Gavin, as the radio station’s new Programme Controller and the host of a brand-new breakfast show: ‘Micky in the Morning’.
The show, which goes live on Edge 1 on Monday 9th June, will feature Edinburgh’s biggest hit music as well as up-to-the-minute travel news and chat focused on the capital city. On-air every weekday, from 6am to 10am, ‘Micky in the Morning’ will broadcast live from Edge 1’s new state-of-the-art studios In Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, which were formally opened by the city’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, in March.
Edge 1 and Edge 2 are available across Edinburgh and the Forth Valley on DAB digital radio and on the Edge Radio app.
The collaboration enables Edge Media Group to benefit from MB Media’s expertise in digital and social marketing while also working on innovative new sales and client partnerships.
Commenting on his appointment, Micky Gavin, said: “I’m really thrilled to be launching a brand-new breakfast show, live from Edinburgh for Edinburgh! I have dusted off the alarm clock and can’t wait to get started!
“I’m also looking forward to working with the on air team and will be looking to further strengthen the sound of Edge 1 and the line up in the near future.
“Finally, I get to work with my old pal and boss, Jay Crawford again! It’s an exciting time for both Edge Media Group and MB Media and I’m excited to be part of this new chapter.”
Barrie Wilkins, MD, MB Media, said: “Micky and I worked together in radio before he came to join the team at MB Media. When the opportunity came to acquire a stake in Edge Media Group, we talked about the possibilities and the benefits it could potentially have for our clients.
“I was introduced to Edge’s owner, Jay Crawford and was completely inspired by him and his vision for the radio station.
“MB Media has almost 100 marketing clients, from restaurants to large hotel chains. We’re always looking at ways to increase brand awareness for them and having radio as an option makes perfect sense.”
Jay Crawford, Owner, Edge Media Group, said: “This is an exciting time as we take our stations to the next level. Having MB Media on board for support and to help expand our brands with their expertise is fantastic.
“I’m looking forward to working with Barrie and his team, but getting Micky on board for Edge 1’s Breakfast Show and to help steer our programming is amazing”
Current breakfast show presenter, Mark Martin joins Edge 2 and will present the weekday afternoon drive time show from 2-6pm.
