The biggest exhibition of primate behaviour ever staged is returning to the National Museum of Scotland. From huge gorillas to tiny mouse lemurs, Monkeys: Our Primate Family (28 Jun – 30 Nov 2025) will explore the remarkable lives of our closest relatives.
The exhibition will bring together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with our primate relatives. Atmospheric lighting and naturalistic displays will create a jungle experience as visitors enter the exhibition and discover some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on earth.
Monkeys: Our Primate Family is the first exhibition of its kind, capturing primates acting as they would in the wild. Taxidermy specimens created for the exhibition reveal behaviours rarely seen by humans and demonstrate how primate species have adapted to survive in diverse environments.
The exhibition will also explore continuing conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary animals and their fragile habitats.
The exhibition first opened at the National Museum of Scotland in 2016 before embarking on an international tour. It returns to Edinburgh for a final time having been seen by over 500,000 visitors in six countries around the world.
Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology, said: ““We are all primates, but how much do we really know about our extended family?
“Following a successful global tour, this will be the last chance to experience this remarkable exhibition. Monkeys: Our Primate Family provides a unique opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close. Visitors will also learn about the threats facing primates and what we can do to protect them.”
Visitors to Monkeys will discover how primates have evolved and adapted, their unique methods of locomotion, and the tools they have developed to obtain food. A gibbon will swing through the trees while a chimpanzee fishes for termites.
The exhibition will also reveal the fascinating ways they communicate and their complex social systems.
A tarsier will be shown using ultrasonic communication and a vervet monkey will reveal how its different calls warn about each different predator.
The final section of the exhibition looks at conservation as well as some of the threats humans pose to primates today, including the climate emergency, conflict, and the bush meat trade.
Visitors will see endangered primates, including the Sumatran orangutan and the black-and-white ruffed lemur and learn about how we can make a difference to their survival.
The exhibition will be supported by a programme of public events.
I AM VERY SAD TO PASS ON THE NEWS THAT CELEBRATED NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNER BETTY McVAY PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY (10.1.25)
Betty’s family broke the news in a Facebook post last night:
It’s with a heavy heart that the McVay family share that our much loved Mum, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Betty, passed away peacefully this morning after a short illness. We will all miss her very much.
‘LEGEND’ is an over-used word, but I can’t think of a better one to sum up the remarkable wee wifey from West Pilton.
I will add further comment later, but for the moment I pass on my heartfelt condolences to Betty’s family and friends.
Global pop superstar and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran wowed children and young people in North Edinburgh today with a surprise visit to local music initiative, Tinderbox Collective.
The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a new music education initiative setting out to support and develop young talent and make music accessible to all.
During his visit, EdSheeran stunned a local youth club at Muirhouse Library, where he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments, and chatted to them about his journey, offering tips to aspiring musicians.
Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said: ““We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music and now I feel even more motivated.”
A member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno said: “Unbelievable. I really like Ed and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring.”
Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries”– an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.
The initiative was established by Tinderbox Collective in partnership with Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group and has since spread to over 30 libraries in 12 local authorities across Scotland.
The ambition to spread this as widely as possible across the country continues, and other libraries or library services interested in joining this programme and offering instruments as part of their service should get in touch.
Ed then joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed his hit single ‘Bad Habits’ with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.
Rhian from Craigroyston High School said: “Singing with him is something we’ll always remember.”
Lily from Pirniehall Primary Schooladded: “He came in and we all started screaming and there were happy tears.”
The visit to Edinburgh marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, an initiative designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.
Speaking about the foundation, Ed Sheeran said:“Music education has shaped who I am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.”
As one of the first organisations across the UK to benefit, the foundation will support Tinderbox’s “Live in Libraries” tour to help kickstart Instrument Libraries around the UK, as well as elements of its signature programmes including its multi-genre orchestra, music technology lab and youth music hub.
Tinderbox Collective is a local charity offering a vibrant and inclusive space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. From creative youth clubs filled with instruments, bands, song-writers and game design, to their flagship 20-piece Tinderbox Orchestra, their work builds a strong sense of community that has a profound impact on the lives of budding young artists.
Ed Sheeran’s visit underscores the importance of music education and the positive impact of making it accessible to all. In Scotland, a successful campaign to make instrumental tuition in schools free across the country was adopted by all parties in the last Scottish elections, and research from “What’s Going on Now” – a report on youth music in Scotland – has shown that over 100,000 more young people would take up opportunities to learn music if the service was expanded.
Ed Sheeran added: “It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school. It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”
Jack Nissan, Director of Tinderbox Collective, said: “Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry.
“We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible, and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, education, children and families convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We are committed to nurturing and encouraging local music talent in our city.
“In Edinburgh around 5,000 pupils currently receive free instrumental music tuition, with over 19,000 receiving free whole class music through the Youth Music Initiative. There is always more that can be done to make learning an instrument and access to music education more inclusive.
“Programmes run by Tinderbox Collective open up musical opportunities for youngsters who may not otherwise have had the chance, bringing young people and the wider community together.
“It’s fantastic to see Ed’s commitment to using his platform to champion accessibility to music and I have no doubt that he will have inspired all those he has met in Edinburgh.”
Mae Murray from Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group said: “It is amazing to have Ed Sheeran visit young people in Scotland and help advocate for music education here.
“In 2021 we won a campaign to make music tuition free in all Scottish schools, but we still don’t reach all of Scotland’s young people, and we need more investment both in school and in the community to ensure that music is accessible to everyone.”
Guests from 159 countries sampled Edinburgh’s unique dark history experience in 2024
The Real Mary King’s Close has announced a record-breaking year for 2024 after welcoming over 282,000 guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh.
Located beneath the capital’s iconic Royal Mile, the Close welcomed 282,525 visitors from 159 countries, smashing the previous record set in 2023 by nearly 25,000, July was the attraction’s best month in its history, welcoming 32,517 guests.
The Real Mary King’s Close, has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but was recently revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in 2024’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best.
The Royal Mile must-visit is operated by Continuum Attractions, which manages a successful portfolio of attraction brands across the UK, including the Coronation Street Experience, Emmerdale Village Tour and The Loch Ness Centre.
Even with the increased visitor numbers, The Real Mary King’s Close’s reviews are at an all-time high, with 4,870 posted online across Google and TripAdvisor last year – with 94 per cent of those above 4-stars. Guests from as far afield as Fiji, Tanzania, Pitcairn Island and Botswana were drawn to Edinburgh.
Over the year, the new interactive and immersive experience, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation, saw guests uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine. Following his favourite method of examining his patients’ health, analysing their urine for its colour, smell and… TASTE, guests examined 2,465 patients’ samples in 2024.
The attraction invites visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories. It stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
4,487 guests wanting to leave with a reminder of their visit and channel the history of Edinburgh’s last plague doctor, George Rae, left the experience with a Plague Doctor Rubber Duck, ‘The Plague Ducktor’.
This unique collectible features a leather-look cloak, hat, and a beaked mask, reminiscent of the 17th-century plague doctors who believed the mask would protect them from “miasmas.”
This year saw a number of firsts for The Real Mary King’s Close, in April taking part in Edinburgh Science Festival for the first time with a brand-new Medical History Tour – due to its popularity it extended its stay and will be back in February and March 2025.
This December, visitors were invited to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th-century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today with a brand-new underground Victorian Christmas experience.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful year and welcome a record number of people from all over the world. It is a true testament to the team who help make the experience as unique and engaging as it is.
“We first opened our doors over 20 years ago, since then, we have grown from strength to strength, positioning ourselves as a top attraction in Scotland’s historical tourism sector, and a leading attraction in Europe.
“At the Close we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. As we do this, we also look forward to the future and we can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring!”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:
First Minister says harm reduction approach will help save lives
Scotland’s First Minister has welcomed the opening of the UK’s first safer drugs consumption facility in Glasgow.
The First Minister and Health Secretary Neil Gray received a tour of the Thistle Centre, ahead of it supporting its first service users on Monday 13 January.
The facility will provide a supervised healthcare setting where people can inject drugs in the presence of trained health and social care professionals in a clean, hygienic environment.
The facility is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
The centre aims to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs, including the risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, support people to get help to improve their lives and reduce the negative impact of outdoors injecting on those using substances, local residents, communities and businesses.
Speaking during the visit, First Minister John Swinney said: “The Thistle Centre in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK and it is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
“Every death related to drug misuse is one too many, and drug deaths in Scotland remain far too high.
“There has been lot of encouraging progress since we launched our National Mission, and while this facility is not a silver bullet, it is another significant step forward and will complement other efforts to reduce harms and deaths.
“Scotland’s public health and human rights-based approach to tackling drug misuse means we’re focused on ensuring our healthcare services are not only listening to people but also drawing on their experiences as we work to support them.
“Families and those with lived experience have been pivotal in bringing change and helping shape our response to drugs misuse in Scotland. Of course, my sincere condolences go to anyone in Scotland who has lost a loved one to drugs.
“Those with lived experience have been involved in the designing the service and had input on staff recruitment. Indeed, people with lived experience, who know what it’s like to see people injecting drugs in unsafe conditions, have joined the workforce at the facility.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Worldwide evidence demonstrates that drug consumption facilities can help save and improve lives.
“The Scottish Government wants every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and record levels of funding have been protected in next year’s budget.
“We’ve maintained £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for local treatment and support services in 2024-25 – including £28.1 million to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP – and will continue to invest in residential rehabilitation.
“A recent PHS report suggests that, in 2022-23, the Scottish Government reached its target of 1,000 individuals a year being publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation and that the number of individuals starting a placement which was publicly funded is likely to have almost doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in getting this life-saving service up and running for their hard work.”
The Scottish Lib-Dems responded: “When almost 100 Scots are dying every month from drugs the priority must be saving lives.
“These centres are proven to keep people safe and support them into recovery.That is why this pilot should herald the first of many more consumption facilities across the country.”
Aldi launches care package mission to snowed-in guests at Tan Hill Inn pub
Four guests and six staff remain at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales yesterday after being snowed in since Saturday.
The supermarket rushed to the rescue after snowed in guests ran out of two important items – sausages and Malbec.
Whilst the pub-goers were initially left with “sore heads” from partying after four-foot-high snow drifts cut them off from the outside world, the atmosphere changed as some supplies dwindled, with one explaining: “We are fine, but we have run out of sausages.”
After hearing that the ten stranded tourists had been left sausage-less, Aldi commandeered a local farmer’s snow plough to get ’emergency essential rations’ to the remote Inn.
The snow plough consignment included, Malbec wine, sausages, de-icer, loo-paper, as well as boardgames and colouring books to stave off boredom.
Dog treats were also sent for the poor pup stranded inside the pub.
A spokesperson for Aldi said: “When we saw the guests had run out of key supplies and faced further days trapped by the snow, our store team at Catterick sprang into action, commandeered a farmer’s snow plough and set off to deliver a care package.”
A total of 23 customers and six staff were originally stuck inside the pub, which is situated 528 metres (1,732 ft) above sea level in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
During their lock-in, the pub-goers kept themselves entertained with snowball fights, movies, games and a disco – becoming “friends for life” along the way.
Pub manager Nicole Hayes said that the supermarket supplies would lift the spirits of her remaining snowed-in guests. She said: “Everybody needs a good pork sausage – and when we realised Aldi had come to the rescue, we were absolutely chuffed – it definitely livened up our lock in!”
Snowed in guest Angus Leslie, said: “Thanks to Aldi we can now stay for longer. Bring on the snow!”
Landlord Andrew Hields, said “Cheers Aldi for sorting us with our sausages and wine…our knights in shining snow plough”.
Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging paw-rents to show their pooches some love this Valentine’s Day at its brand-new dog event at its Edinburgh store that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies is hosting this event from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving customers a great opportunity to take a paw-fect digital picture against the Valentine’s backdrop to treasure for years to come. Dogs will snuffle around the store in a sniff-ari trail, with a gift bag reward at the end featuring a Valentine’s dog toy, dog treats and money off vouchers.
Customers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be able to share the love and add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming a variety of dog breeds to the event, supporting a wonderful cause. She said: “This is the first in our series of experiences for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this year and we’re excited to see every customer (paws included) enjoy all the fun that can be had at the My Paw-fect Valentine event.
“Share the love with your pooch, create a memorable moment and support Dogs Trust who are doing remarkable work for dogs in need.”
Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.
Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.
Dobbies’ Paw-fect Valentine event at the Edinburgh store is priced at £12.50 per pooch.
For more information about the event and participating stores, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
What’s your Edinburgh? To celebrate Edinburgh 900, join Dr. Katie Ailes for a free poetry workshop inspired by your impressions of the city.
We’ll write short poems about places and experiences in Edinburgh that are meaningful to you. No previous experience writing poetry required; all are welcome-
Come along and join in Tuesday 21st of January at 6pm!
Workshop participants will be invited to submit their poems to the Edinburgh 900 bookmark competition, where winners will have their poems printed on 300 bookmarks and distributed at libraries across the city.
To take part in the workshops and bookmark competition, you must be resident in the Edinburgh (EH) postcode area.
Please note that you do not need to participate in a workshop in order to submit to the bookmark competition, and participation in a workshop will not be a factor that judges will consider.
New major awards scheme for the British Business Community unveiled
NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, are unveiling a brand-new national business awards event to recognise the achievements of significant companies and leaders across the UK.
The British Business Awards, in association with NatWest, will take place on April 24th, 2025, at the EICC in Edinburgh. The event will be run on a not-for-profit basis and has set a target of raising £1million for this year’s beneficiary charity, Social Bite.
Chaired by Alan Jope CBE, the former CEO of Unilever, the awards are expected to attract some of the UK’s most important companies and preeminent business leaders to convene in Edinburgh. The dinner will feature a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting.
The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star, Rob Brydon and feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.
Anticipated to be the largest business dinner in the UK, the British Business Awards is anticipated to have 2000 business leaders in attendance, representing companies with a combined turnover of over £200 billion.
There are 18 award categories to enter including: Entrepreneur of the Year, Socially Responsible Business of the Year, International Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Retail Business of the Year. To enter businesses are required to submit a 1000 word written application by 7th of March 2025.
The independent judging panel is made up of 18 key figures from British industry including; Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank; Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore, Shaf Rasul, serial entrepreneur and investor; and Vinodka Murria OBE, known as the ‘Queen of Tech’ having founded three tech companies that have a – “multi-unicorn’” valuation in excess of $2.5 billion.
Josh Littlejohn MBE had previously founded the Scottish Business Awards, which went on to attract keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sir Bob Geldof, British Business Awards patron, said: “The British Business Awards is a vital event. For one night, the leaders of British business will come together in Edinburgh to celebrate success and make a difference. I look forward to seeing you on the night”
Alan Jope CBE, Chair of the judging panel, said: “The British Business Awards will bring together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the UK for one amazing night in Edinburgh, to celebrate their achievements.
“As well as enjoying the proud distinction of being nominated or winning, businesses will be helping to raise vital funds for the most vulnerable people in society.”
James Holian, Head of Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest Group said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is proud to support the launch of the British Business Awards.
“This event is the perfect way to bring together the UK’s leading companies and entrepreneurs to recognise their achievements and make a difference. I look forward to hearing about the many success stories on the night.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “British Business has seen a huge amount of change, turmoil and challenge over recent years, yet despite this we seeing companies continue to thrive to be major market leaders across the world.
“The British Business Awards will recognise the very best of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, as well as supporting the important work of Social Bite in tackling homelessness across the UK.”
For further information on the awards or for more details on how to enter visit:
Major new drive to get offenders into stable jobs and away from a life of crime
New Employment Councils to bring probation, prisons and local businesses together
Household UK names including the Co-op and Oliver Bonas backing new initiative
Scheme aims to get more offenders into work to cut crime as part of Plan for Change
Bosses from household names including Greggs, Iceland and COOK will be among those to sit on new Employment Councils supporting offenders serving their sentence in the community into work.
They will build on the success of prison Employment Advisory Boards, which were created by Lord Timpson before he became a government minister. These have brought local business leaders into jails to improve education and prisoners’ ability to get work when released.
The new regional Employment Councils will expand this model out to the Probation Service and the tens of thousands of offenders serving their sentences in the community.
Each council will also have a representative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help improve links with local job centres.
The initiative was a manifesto commitment and will play a crucial role in the Government’s mission to make streets safer by tackling reoffending under the Plan for Change.
Around 80% of all crime is reoffending but latest data shows offenders employed six weeks after leaving prison had a reoffending rate around half of those out of work.
Alongside breaking the cycle of crime, getting offenders into work helps employers fill vacancies, build their businesses, plug skill gaps and boost the UK economy.
Minister for Probation, Prisons and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said: “Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer. That’s why partnering with businesses to get more former offenders into work is a win-win.
“The Employment Advisory Boards I spear-headed have made huge progress and now these Employment Councils will expand that success to steer even more offenders away from crime as part of our Plan for Change.”
Employment Councils will provide support to frontline probation staff already involved in getting offenders into work. They will provide them with a greater understanding of the local labour market and help build better relationships with suitable employers.
Further support from the DWP will help link offenders with work coaches placed at job centres throughout the country.
These coaches will be on hand to get offenders job-ready through mock interviews, CV advice and by sharing tips on how to secure further training opportunities in the community.
DWP Lords Minister, Baroness Maeve Sherlock, said: ”As well as making our streets safer, helping offenders into work will enable employers to fill vacancies and plug our skills gaps.
“This work is vital in our Plan for Change as we begin our task of fixing the fundamentals of the social security system and progress with wider work to reduce poverty, put more money in people’s pockets and keep our streets safe.
“That’s why I am pleased that DWP staff will also be a part of the new regional Employment Councils to directly connect them with the frontline support delivered every day by Jobcentre staff across the country – offering work experience and access to our employment programmes.”
Research from the Ministry of Justice shows that 90% of businesses that employ ex-offenders agreed that they are good attenders, motivated and trustworthy
Rosie Brown, co-CEO of COOK, said: “A job provides a key way to help people restore their lives and relationships following a stretch in prison.
“In return, we get committed, loyal team members to help us build our business. Re-offending is reduced, and families, communities, and society as a whole wins.”
Employment Councils will serve as the successor to regional Employment Advisory Boards and will officially bring together probation, prisons, local employers and DWP under one umbrella for the first time, with a renewed focus on broadening support to offenders in the community.
The Boards will continue at 93 individual prisons but the addition of regional Employment Councils will help prison leavers look for work across an entire region, not just the immediate vicinity of the last prison they were in.
