Join The Poverty Alliance

📢 Do you want to be part of Scotland’s anti-poverty movement? Then join the Poverty Alliance!

For over 30 years, we’ve been campaigning for the changes needed to end poverty, and we know that our strength comes from our network. Our members include individuals and organisations from across Scotland, from grassroots community groups to national charities, trade unions, faith groups, and research institutions.

Together, they bring the diversity of perspectives needed to build a Scotland rooted in justice and dignity for all. We work collaboratively with our members to influence policy and practice, support communities to challenge poverty, build evidence through research, and grow public support for lasting solutions.

Membership is open to all organisations committed to tackling poverty, and it’s free for civil society organisations with an income under £500,000. Individuals can also join as supporters.

As a member, you’ll gain access to the latest briefings and research, invitations to exclusive events and networking opportunities, and the chance to help shape our policy work.

Interested? Find out more and join us via our website.

Japan Sakura at Lauriston Castle

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 weekends (Sat 18/Sun 19 & Sat 25/Sun 26 April), celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.

Full details of #Japanese#cultural events here: https://cultureedinburgh.com/…/japan-sakura-at…

Free and drop in. #Edinburgh#Scotland

Scotland’s only children’s hospice charity launches £20M appeal to transform care

‘More Than a Hospice’ will rebuild, renew and reimagine children’s palliative care across Scotland as stays at CHAS’ hospices increase by 45% in the last 3 years.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) launches More Than a Hospice, a £20 million appeal to change how Scotland cares for dying children, no matter where they live, and ensure all families have real choice in joined up care, so no one faces the death of their child alone.

The bold £20 million initiative appeal will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families.

Stays at CHAS’s hospices have increased by 45% in the last 3 years* underscoring the increasing pressure on services and the urgent need for facilities and world-class models of care to keep pace with families’ needs. The surge is being driven by medical advances meaning more children and families need specialist support over longer periods whether at home, in hospital or in hospices.

CHAS supports babies, children and young people with life‑shortening conditions, and the families who care for them, providing specialist palliative care. For families, that can mean months or years of round‑the‑clock care, exhausting routines and constant emotional and practical pressure, while trying to protect ordinary moments together.

More Than a Hospice is an urgent call to Scotland to recognise what children’s hospice care really means today, and to back a long‑term plan to ensure families continue to have choice, comfort and support for decades to come.

Caroline Johnstone, from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, was introduced to CHAS when her daughter Ayla was born in 2011. Ayla lives with Edwards’ Syndrome and has been receiving support from CHAS for the past 14 years.

Caroline said: “Since Ayla was diagnosed, CHAS has supported us as a family at Rachel House in Kinross. CHAS makes sure we have a choice in care for Ayla. We feel part of a community of families who are going through the same challenges and experiences. CHAS and the Rachel House team have helped Ayla continue to thrive and are always just a phone call away”.

“I’ve phoned at midnight and during the day and they’re always there. If I’m lying awake during the night worrying about something to do with Ayla and need to chat to someone, I know I can phone CHAS – that truly is a lifeline.”

“Ayla absolutely loves the sensory room and going out for walks around the beautiful grounds. She is quite sassy and loves a bit of nonsense but is also tactile and affectionate and the staff all know her personality so well which is great”.

Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said: “More Than a Hospice is a movement to rebuild, renew and reimagine what children’s palliative care can be.

“We want to unite communities, medical professionals and policymakers behind a shared mission: that every family has genuine choice and unwavering support during the hardest moments of their lives. Real choice is what we would all expect to have when we are facing the most devastating times.

“Every week, in Scotland, three children die from an incurable condition, and CHAS provides unwavering care at every step on this hardest of journeys for families facing this devastating reality, in our two hospices, in hospitals and at home.

“We welcome advances in medicine which mean more children are living longer with complex needs, but too many families still lack real choice about where and how their child is cared for.

“This is our biggest ever fundraising appeal since Rachel House was built over 30 years ago. Back then CHAS was founded thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Scottish public, today, this More Than A Hospice Appeal is an invitation for the people of Scotland to stand together again behind a simple belief: that no one should face the death of their child alone.”

The £20 million will allow CHAS to bring real choice to families as their child dies by:

  • Rebuilding Rachel House, Scotland’s first ever children’s hospice as a modern, flexible space designed around the needs of today’s families, including those caring for children with the most complex conditions.
  • Renewing Robin House so it continues to be a welcoming home‑from‑home where families can access specialist care, respite and support.
  • Reimagining care for the long term by strengthening children’s palliative care across Scotland, including closer working with the NHS and improving support for families at home at the end of life.

Together, these improvements will help ensure CHAS can continue to deliver highly specialist, family‑centred care as needs evolve, supporting families not just through the hardest moments, but through the long journey that often comes before.

To mark the launch of the appeal CHAS is asking people to ‘Make Their Mark’ on a giant fingerprint tree. Each print is a pledge to support CHAS More Than A Hospice Appeal and help transform hospice and palliative care for Scotland’s children and families, now and for the future.

The beautiful large-scale visual, created in partnership with artist Marion Deuchars, starts with a single fingerprint and grows with every addition from children and their families. It will create a lasting reminder that no family should face the death of a child alone.

Make your mark by donating today and ensure no one face the death of a child alone at chas.org.uk

PM calls social media companies into Downing Street

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

  • Prime Minister calls senior leaders from some of the biggest social media companies into Downing Street
  • Follows government taking powers to act quickly once its consultation concludes, including on measures to protect kids from social media harms
  • PM puts children’s safety first and tells companies this is the time to meet the moment, address parents’ concerns and prepare for next steps

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

For parents, the stakes could not be higher – this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility. When it comes to keeping young people safe online, the Prime Minister has been clear this is not a question of if the government will act, but how.

Throughout the government’s consultation, he has heard first hand from parents on the worries they have about the growing grip of social media on their children’s lives and the need for greater support.

The Prime Minister has said his government will not sit on its hands after the consultation, but instead has acted swiftly to take the legislative powers needed to move quickly once it has concluded to deliver change within months, not years.

Some social media companies have already stepped up by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving parents greater control over screen time and introducing curfews. But the Prime Minister has argued we must go further to protect children and meet the moment.

During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will set out the government’s principles and values when it comes to protecting children, and press for answers from companies on what they are doing to keep children safe online and responding to families’ concerns.

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.

“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.

“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2028788258843328611

The meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses to proposals aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing online.

With around six weeks left before the consultation closes on 26 May, the government is urging parents and children to get involved and help shape the next steps.

The consultation is the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It explores key questions including whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.

Almost 6,000 young people have already taken part, and more than 80 organisations – including schools, charities and community groups – have participated in engagement sessions with ministers and officials in recent months.

Take part in the national consultation: https://gov.uk/growing-up-online

Call for support of Leonardo activists

EDINBURGH SHERIFF COURT – THURSDAY 16 APRIL from 9am

🚨COURT SUPPORT IN EDINBURGH🚨

👉 Leonardo 5 – Trial

📆 Thursday 16th April 2026 (Day 1, day 2 not yet scheduled)

📍Edinburgh Sheriff Court & Justice of the Peace Court, 27 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LB

🕣 From 9AM

Please support these 5 SPSC members who, from early morning on 10th December 2024, blockaded Leonardo arms factory in Edinburgh with vehicles, disrupting production for 8 hours.

After arrest, they were treated disgracefully at Livingston and Dunfermline stations, released at 10.00pm without coats in sub-zero temperatures, (confiscated) to make their way home to the Borders without breaking their bail conditions of not entering Edinburgh.

*Two are very bravely self-repping* to ensure they can have their say in court.

❗️PLEASE LET FRIENDS KNOW AND GET A GREAT TURN OUT FOR THESE BRAVE ACTIVISTS BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE COURT❗️

#shutdownleonardo

#endthegenocide

#protestisnotacrime

UK sends £752 million to back Ukraine’s defence, Reeves confirms in Washington

  • Chancellor confirms the UK has sent the third £752 million payment as part of its £2.26 billion loan for Ukraine to buy military equipment
  • Ahead of meeting the Ukrainian PM on Wednesday, Reeves says the UK will keep pressure on Russia – including action against sanctioned “shadow fleet” vessels – and keep options open to join the EU’s €90bn loan effort
  • Announcement comes as Chancellor flies to Washington for IMF Spring Meetings, setting out Britain’s plan to keep costs down for people and build a more resilient economy.

The Chancellor has confirmed the UK has sent £752 million to Ukraine, as part of the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to spend on military equipment. 

Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings, where she is urging international partners to act together on global security and stability, including sustained support for Ukraine. 

She will be setting out Britain’s plan for economic security through the Middle East crisis — prioritising stability, keeping costs down for families and businesses, taking back control of our energy costs, and going further and faster on our plan for a stronger, more resilient economy. 

The loan to Ukraine is backed by the profits of immobilised Russian sovereign assets held in the EU, and will help Ukraine procure equipment to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression. This does not count as part of the UK spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.

This funding will be spent on critical military equipment to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, including long‑range strike capabilities, air defence missiles and systems, and Ukrainian‑produced drones to help protect civilians and national infrastructure from Russia’s attacks. 

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary confirms that the UK is set to deliver 120,000 drones as part of a separate £3.75 billion UK military support package for Ukraine. 

In Washington tomorrow, Reeves will meet with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and hold talks with G7 finance ministers, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Russia. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: ““The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. This funding will help deliver the military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war. 

“I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more while keeping pressure on Russia.” 

The Chancellor also confirmed the UK would look carefully at options to enable participation in the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine. 

She also highlighted how the UK is increasing pressure on Russia following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK is ready to deploy Armed Forces and law enforcement to interdict UK‑sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” vessels transiting UK waters, stepping up pressure on Putin’s war effort. 

Sir Thomas Allen’s hit production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro opens this May

Sir Thomas Allen’s production of Mozart’s comic masterpiece, The Marriage of Figaro, opens in Glasgow this May, before touring to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. With 17 performances, including two Access shows, this sumptuous Scottish Opera staging is sung in English and set to reach up to 22,000 audience members all over Scotland.  

A revival of his 2010 show, the great British baritone’s take on this timeless tale of social revolution and change is full of humour, subtlety, and wit. Allen directed recent Scottish Opera productions of The Magic FluteDon Giovanni and The Barber of Seville, the latter also sung in English with the same central character of Figaro.

Conducted by Dane Lam (Carmen 2023) and Scottish Opera Chorus Director, Susannah Wapshott (Don Pasquale 2024), Mozart’s bubbling score shows him at his theatrical best – with a true genius for getting to the heart of each character.

Simon Higlett’s lavish designs provide the backdrop for this much-loved production of an opera that is as relevant today as ever.

By presenting this revival in English, it lets the laugh-out-loud comedy speak for itself and allows a better understanding of the fast-paced plot and quick-witted dialogue. The storytelling is prioritised, and audiences can better connect with Mozart’s energetic music.  

Power, class, gender and complicated personal relationships, including between the working and upper classes, as well as husband and wife, are all examined during The Marriage of Figaro, which is set over the course of one chaotic day.

The once charming Count Almaviva, now a scheming bully, spends his days pestering the serving girls. Figaro, his head of staff, is engaged to Susanna, but Almaviva has a particular soft spot for her and is doing everything he can to delay their wedding. Figaro, Susanna and Rosina, the Count’s disillusioned wife, conspire to expose his schemes but then Figaro’s old foe Dr Bartolo turns up, with a revelation of his own to tell.

Emerging Artist Edward Jowle (Tristan und Isolde 2026) and Emyr Wyn Jones (Oedipus Rex 2024) share the lead role of Figaro, with Ava Dodd (in her Company debut) and Emerging Artist Kira Kaplan (The Office Party 2026)as Susanna, Ian Rucker (also making his debut) as Count Almaviva, Alexandra Lowe (The French Collection 2022) as Countess Almaviva, and Simone McIntosh (The Barber of Seville 2023), and Emerging Artist Chloe Harris (The Great Wave 2026) alternating Cherubino. Also in the cast are Jeni Bern (The Magic Flute 2019) as Marcellina, Edward Hawkins (The Great Wave 2026)as Doctor Bartolo, Emerging Artist Luvo Maranti (The Great Wave 2026) as Don Basilio/Don Curio and Francis Church as Antonio.

Sir Thomas, who was awarded The Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, and performed in The Marriage of Figaro as a singer at opera houses all over the world during his illustrious career of more than 50 years, said of the production: ‘The Marriage of Figaro, recognised worldwide as one of the greatest cultural creations known to man, returns once more to Scottish Opera.

“But this time it’s different. The opera will be sung in English, making it even more accessible for audience, and personally I am very excited to bring the piece to life for a cast and audiences alike, relishing a language that speaks directly to them. It’s where I began my acquaintance with Figaro nearly sixty years ago. I wonder what I’ve learnt in the meantime?’

Conductor Dane Lam (Music Director of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia, and Principal Conductor & Artistic Director of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra) said: ‘For me, The Marriage of Figaro is where opera really begins. Mozart marries his musical wit to librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte’s razor-sharp words to create an opera that speaks to us almost 250 years after its premiere.

‘In this era of renewed examination of class, power and privilege, The Marriage of Figaro is unusually timely. Gone are references to Kings and Queens, Gods and Titans. Instead, we have ordinary people, getting one up on ‘the man’. And throughout it all, we have some of most sublime, perfect music that any human has written.’

Scottish Opera is offering two specially created Access performances of The Marriage of Figaro, whichrun alongside the mainstage productions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. With Dementia Friendly values at their core, afternoon Access performances are for those who enjoy a more relaxed opera experience.

With a shorter running time (under two hours including an interval) and tickets at just £12.50, these performances are open to all, including those who may be living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the more relaxed atmosphere.

Those who are visually impaired can also take advantage of audio-described performances where live commentary is provided by a specialist audio-describer during the show, describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance, as well as a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.

At select performances, audiences can book on to a free Touch Tour to become more familiar with the set, scenery, props and costumes. Pre-show talks are also available. These half-hour sessions delve into the detail of each opera, enhancing the audience’s enjoyment and extending knowledge of the piece.

To book tickets for The Marriage of Figaro, visit The Marriage of Figaro | Scottish Opera

Performance Diary

Theatre Royal Glasgow  

9 • 13 • 15 • 20 • 23 May 2026, 7.15pm  

17 May 3pm  

Access performance 22 May 3pm

Festival Theatre Edinburgh  

29 May 7.15pm  

31 May 3pm 

2 • 4 • 6 June 7.15pm 

Access performance 5 June 3pm

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen  

11 June & 13 June 7.15pm 

Eden Court, Inverness  

18 & 20 June 7.15pm 

Pre-show talks  

15 May, 4 June, 13 June, 20 June  

Audio description / Touch Tours  

17 May, 31 May, 13 June, 20 June

Children’s coalition demands action as mental health problems soar

A leading coalition of children’s services providers has challenged political parties to “stop talking and start delivering” after a dramatic surge in additional support needs (ASN) conditions among Scotland’s pupils.

New analysis of Scottish Government data reveals a sharp rise in complex needs over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025:

  • Mental health problems have surged by 526%
  • Communication support needs have risen by 296%
  • Autism diagnoses have increased by 252%
  • Interrupted learning has jumped by 497%
  • Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties are up 144%
  • Physical health problems have grown by 142%
  • Dyslexia has increased by 129%
  • Substance misuse has increased by 245%

Overall, the number of pupils identified with ASN has almost doubled—from 153,143 to 299,445—now accounting for 43% of all pupils, experiencing an increased complexity of need.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education for vulnerable children and young people, has warned that rising need is being met with falling support.

Despite the sharp increase in demand:

  • Specialist ASN teachers have droppedfrom 3,038 in 2015 to 2,864 in 2025.3
  • Educational psychologist numbers have barely shifted, rising only from 370 to 396.4

The SCSC notes that the gap between need and provision is being driven by a combination of improved diagnosis, the lasting impact of Covid-19, social media pressures, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Associated with this, we are witnessing increasing levels of classroom disruption, a key cause of this being the increase in the number of those with ASN, who are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

The SCSC has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of mainstreaming—where pupils are educated in mainstream classrooms unless exceptional circumstances apply—warning that without adequate support, it is failing many children.

An SCSC spokesperson said: “Scotland’s politicians must stop talking and start delivering. The scale of this increase in need is staggering—but the support simply isn’t keeping pace.

“Too many children with ASN are being left without the help they are entitled to. That is failing them, their classmates, their teachers and support staff.

“Mainstreaming can work—but not without the resources to back it up. Right now, that support just isn’t there, and we are seeing the consequences in rising classroom disruption and unmet need.

“The next Scottish Government must act decisively, providing adequate support for children and young people with ASN,  who disproportionately come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Reasons for support for pupils with ASN (pupils may have more than one reason for additional support).

Reason for support20252015% change on 2015
TotalTotal
Dyslexia39,03617,034129
Other specific learning difficulty (e.g. numeric)30,72017,55275
Other moderate learning difficulty30,48423,22831
Visual impairment5,7393,83949.5
Hearing impairment4,3762,73859
Deaf blind644742.5
Physical or motor impairment8,6187,52814.5
Language or speech disorder20,75814,70441
Autistic spectrum disorder41,28511,722252
Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty77,40531,684144
Physical health problem21,9619,059142
Mental health problem14,6382,338526
Interrupted learning15,9312,669497
English as an additional language61,10721,997178
Looked after10,6737,53042
More able pupil3,0753,123-1.5
Communication Support Needs19,3744,894296
Young Carer10,3021,653523
Bereavement7,2611,304457
Substance Misuse762221245
Family Issues31,8659,700228.5
Risk of Exclusion2,610925182
Learning disability12,24115,324-20
Other25,40614,15679.5

BBC launches Bitesize Parenting as parents look for guidance on how to support children through school

New resources help parents support learning from primary to secondary

BBC Bitesize, the UK’s number one trusted education brand, is now the home of Bitesize Parenting, a new service from BBC Children’s & Education to support parents through their children’s education from primary school to right through to exams.

As the nation’s teenagers prepare to for GCSE and A Levels, new research conducted by Ipsos reveals parents are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure when it comes to supporting their children through exam season.

The new parenting offering includes a range of resources to help parents support learning from primary school years to secondary, and beyond.

The free resources such as a glossary on what to say and what not to say during revision, expert advice from psychologists on supporting your child’s mental health, and ways parents can avoid burn out provide easy to use, practical information and the ability to see and engage with your child’s learning on Bitesize.

The expert led resources include a brand-new podcast series, Bitesize Parenting Teens, hosted by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, with advice and support on the trickier aspects parenting teens, launching with an episode on exams and revision.

As exams start from May, the new research goes on to suggests many parents are unsure how to help with revision, with 1 in 5 saying they are not confident in how to support their teenager during this time, and 35% saying revision season makes them feel anxious as a parent.

The research highlights common challenges driving this anxiety, including managing their child’s screen time and distractions (33%), helping their child cope with exam stress (25%), and worrying they will say the wrong thing about revision (19%).

Revision season is also putting pressure on family life, with 21% of parents surveyed saying it leads to more arguments or tension at home. Children are feeling the strain too, with 37% of parents saying their child becomes more irritable or emotional during this period.

The research suggests parents are taking practical steps to help, often at the expense of everyday life. 44% have helped create revision timetables, 38% have reduced social plans to prioritise revision, and 36% have paid for revision guides or learning materials.

But despite their efforts, many parents surveyed feel they are navigating this without clear guidance. Almost half (48%) say they find it difficult to keep up with the range of revision resources available.

In conversations with parents, the BBC found just how much pressure exam time is putting on family life. One parent said their child “gets more stressed about me suggesting he revise than he does about exams,” highlighting how difficult it can be to strike the right balance.

Another parent described the experience as “a super stressful period for all concerned,” while others said they have to “put my own emotions to the side to keep [their child] calm.”

BBC Bitesize Parenting aims to engage parents in their child’s education journey, helping to reduce stress and giving families the confidence to support learning at home. According to the latest Socioeconomic Impact Of BBC Children’s And Education report, the BBC provides education resources like Bitesize, that are associated with better exam results, improved life opportunities and social mobility.

Kerry Godliman says: “Exam season can feel intense for the whole family. As a parent, you want to help, but it is not always clear how to do that without adding more pressure. This podcast is about honest conversations and helping parents feel less alone.

And it’s not just revision we talk about on Parenting Teens. We tackle familiar challenges like screen time, how to get your teen to tidy their room, and the much-feared hormones.”

Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, says: “Parents are telling us they feel unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to supporting their children, particularly during high-pressure moments like exam season.

“Bitesize Parenting has been developed in response to what families say they need most, bringing together trusted, expert-led advice in one place.

BBC Bitesize aims to be the most trusted, accessible and used education platform in the UK, and this is about making sure families can access simple, practical support that helps them navigate learning at home and feel more confident supporting their child.”

Bitesize Parenting content, including new Parenting Teens Podcasts are available on the BBC Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.

OMNi To Host The Big Meet Event in May After £5M Transformation

OMNI NEARS COMPLETION OF £5 MILLION TRANSFORMATION AND INVITES  EDINBURGH TO BIG REVEAL EVENT ON SATURDAY 2 MAY 

Edinburgh’s leisure and entertainment destination, OMNi, is adding the finishing touches  to its fresh new look as the £5 million pound refurbishment enters its final stages – signalling the start  of an exciting new chapter for the much-loved city centre destination. 

The refurb project has delivered significant enhancements to the public realm with the aim of creating  a more welcoming space for visitors to meet and enjoy.

Improvements include new flooring throughout  the centre, an upgraded and more visible main entrance, modern LED lighting, new seating zones,  and extensive internal structural improvements. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “OMNi is on a mission to get Edinburgh to meet more and enjoy more. With a renewed focus  on community and connection, the revitalised OMNi aims to become the go-to spot for affordable fun, and meeting point for everyday moments in Edinburgh, from morning coffees  before exploring the city and family meals after a day out.

“We’re excited for everyone to  experience the newly refurbished entertainment destination for all.” 

The refreshed centre marks the start of a new chapter for OMNi and brings with it a programme of  planned and surprise enlivenment and events into 2026 and beyond.

To celebrate new beginnings,  OMNi is hosting The Big Meet on Saturday 2 May – a free event designed to bring the people of  Edinburgh together and give back to the community. 

The Big Meet will bring a burst of feel-good energy to the centre between 11am and 5pm. OMNi brand  ambassadors will be surprising visitors with complimentary coffees, meals, cinema tickets and other  treats, while brands offer up one-day-only deals. Guests can also take home a personalised sketch  from a live illustrator, along with a few extra surprises along the way. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, OMNi has donated a significant £180,000 over three years to the University of Edinburgh’s Access Edinburgh Scholarship  programme, which supports students from low‑income backgrounds.

The funding will aid 30  undergraduates, with each scholar receiving a total of £3,000 per year. This is funded equally from  OMNi and the University, to help students with personal and academic costs.

Thomas Archer Bata, Director at Triple B, said: “At Triple B, our ambition is always to enrich the lives of the communities we serve.

“OMNi is  especially meaningful to me, having studied at the University of Edinburgh and seen first hand the role it plays as an important social hub for the city. Its transformation reflects our  commitment to creating a welcoming place for the local community to come together and  enjoy accessible, affordable fun.

“We’re proud to build on that by supporting the University of  Edinburgh’s Access Edinburgh Scholarship programme, helping students focus on their  studies without financial strain.” 

Visit the OMNi website for full details on The Big Meet event on 2 May 2026. Join OMNi on its social  channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. 

OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including  Bank Holidays.