Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026
The Centre – Walk of Fame Stars and Halloween preview
The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest shopping centres in Scotland, has launched its ‘Walk of Fame, 50 Stars for 50 Years’ campaign to mark its golden anniversary celebrations and launch into leisure with the arrival of Hollywood Bowl this winter and raise money for the children’s hospice charity, CHAS.
Shoppers, members of the local community and businesses can buy their own personalised star for a minimum donation of £10 or gift someone special with a star, creating a lasting way to be part of the shopping centre’s 50th anniversary.
The first 25 stars will be released on Monday, 5th October at 2pm at a CHAS pop up, located next to New Look, with all proceeds going to the charity, which provides specialist hospice care for young people with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Each star purchased will form part of the ‘Walk of Fame’, positioned on the floor leading up to the new Hollywood Bowl, which will be in situ for two months. Thereafter, the stars will be part of a ‘Wall of Fame’ display, located across from the History Wall, near Boots.
Everyone who purchases a star will be invited to the unveiling of the ‘Walk of Fame’ on the 7th November and get their very own star as a keepsake.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We’re so honoured to be a part of such a special anniversary and celebrations!
“Each star will help us provide care, comfort and moments of joy for families going through the hardest of times. Knowing that their community is alongside them means so much. Thank you to The Centre, Livingston team and to everyone who purchases a star for helping families make the most of their precious time together.”
Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating such a significant milestone with our ‘Walk of Fame’ initiative that brings together our 50-year history, our local community and an important cause.
“It’s such a memorable way for people to get involved, whether they choose a star for themselves or as a gift for someone special, while helping us to raise much-needed funds for CHAS.
“It also marks where we’ve come from and the start of a new exciting chapter with the arrival of Hollywood Bowl.”
The second batch of stars will be released on Saturday, 17th October. Check out The Centre, Livingston website for more information including all Terms & Conditions.
Two artists in Edinburgh have co-founded a new co-operative agency with the aim of giving professional actors, writers and directors greater ownership of their careers while building a collaborative community for Scotland’s creative talent. They have launched a call out for members and are encouraging other local artists to apply.
Theatre Maker Sarah Marie Mooney and actor Annabel Logan are two of five performing arts professionals who have co-founded Ignis Artists Agency which will bring together artists from across Scotland under the innovative co-operative model in which members run the agency themselves.
The agency will represent actors, writers and directors, putting its clients forward for professional roles and opportunities while also creating a space in which members can develop new work, strengthen their portfolios, build their industry knowledge and support one another throughout their careers.
They work alongside actors Cieran Low, Myette Godwyn and Elissa Grace. Ignis grew from their shared belief that artists can play a more active role in shaping their own careers and that greater collaboration across creative disciplines can open-up opportunities both for individual artists and for new work.
The five founders met while taking part in Lisa Nicoll’s Creative Hub, facilitated by Perth Theatre. The supportive environment of the Hub allowed artists to share work, keep match-fit through workshops and build creative relationships, and its collaborative ethos became an important influence on the development of Ignis.
Unlike an actor agency focused on a single discipline, Ignis has been created to bring actors, writers and directors together under one banner. The founders believe that connecting these different perspectives can help individual careers to develop while also creating the conditions for new writing, projects and collaborations to emerge through new and well-established contacts within the industry.
Ignis aims to provide its members with professional representation alongside opportunities for continued creative and professional development. The co-operative wants its artists to feel informed and confident about the industry, proactive about their careers and invested in the successes of the wider Ignis community.
Sarah, said:“With the arts and culture sectors changing in recent years, it has become increasingly important for performing artists to take greater control of their careers and collaborate with their peers to create opportunities for themselves.
“The actor cooperative agency model has been around for some time but is less well-known in Scotland. We want to change that by establishing and growing Ignis here, offering casting directors an exciting roster of actors while providing an opportunity for directors and writers to be represented too.
“Collaboration is key to my practice as a theatremaker, so working as part of a cooperative with the other co-founders, and soon our first members, feels like the perfect fit for me, allowing us to build on the networks of contacts we already have with venues, producers and creatives, while also making new and wider connections.”
Annabel said: “As someone who has at times felt isolated in an already challenging career path, the chance to have a community who not only understands this but who is ready to actively champion and lift up their peers, gives those in the performing arts industry a chance to perhaps be braver, brighter and bolder in our art and less afraid and affected by rejection or set backs.
“That is my hope for not only those represented by Ignis Artists Agency but for the wider Scottish professional performing arts community through a collective shift in how we make and find work.
“Personally, I love being a cheerleader for other people’s talents. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone recognise their own potential and celebrating when they succeed.”
NEW MEMBER CALL OUT
Ignis Artist Agency has opened its books to its first new members. It has launched a call-out for applications from interested actors, directors and writers who would like to be represented by a cooperative agency. They are aiming to recruit their first five new members during October and November with auditions and interviews in Perth, Edinburgh and online, with further members joining in the New Year.
Actors
Submissions are now open to actors from across Scotland.
To apply, actors should fill in the following submission form.
The agency’s first auditions will take place at Perth Theatre on the 15th and 16th October, Utilita Energy Hub, Edinburgh on the 6th and 7th November or online.
Directors and Writers
Applications for writers and directors are also open.
To apply, directors and writers should fill in the following submission form.
Interviews will take place online.
If prospective actors, writers and directors wish to apply in a way more accessible to them or have any questions, then they can also email submissions@ignisartists.com.
The deadline for submissions will be the 6th October.
Building Relationships in Theatre, Film and TV
Alongside welcoming approaches from artists, Ignis is keen to establish relationships with casting directors, producers and other industry professionals looking for Scottish talent.
The agency aims to become a point of contact for theatre, film and TV productions casting in Scotland and further afield, connecting industry professionals with its growing roster of actors, writers and directors.
Looking ahead, Sarah and the other founders want Ignis to become more than an agency: a creative home where new writing can be developed, collaborations can begin and artists can continue to learn from and champion one another throughout their careers.
By bringing actors, writers and directors together, Ignis aims to build a community that reflects the collaborative nature of Scotland’s creative industries while giving its members the representation, knowledge, confidence and support they need to develop sustainable careers in Scotland and beyond.
Police Scotland has released images of six males officers believe can assist with ongoing enquiries into a serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 10.55pm on Saturday, 29 August, 2026, on Rodney Street at the junction with Broughton Road.
A 34-year-old man was injured and required hospital treatment.
The males are all described as aged 16 to 18.
The first one has brown hair and was wearing a black hoodie with a white motif on the arm and chest, black trousers and black and white trainers.
The second is described as having black hair and was wearing a black hooded top and black trousers.
The third has brown hair and was wearing a grey t-shirt, black trousers and black trainers with a white line.
The fourth has blonde hair and wearing black rimmed glasses, a long sleeve grey top, grey shorts and white trainers with a black sole.
The fifth was wearing a black puffer style jacket and black trousers.
The sixth was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.
Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We believe the males pictured can assist with our investigation and we are keen to speak to them.
“I would urge the males, or anyone who knows them, to get in touch with us.
“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3971 of Saturday, 29 August, 2026, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Edinburgh College has established a new National Centre for Modern Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), bringing together its expertise in language education to support students, employers and communities across Scotland and beyond.
The Centre will act as a hub for the College’s Modern Languages and ESOL delivery with a focus on developing the language skills Scotland needs for the future.
The College delivers one of the largest and most diverse language portfolios in the UK. Its award-winning online Modern Languages provision spans 95 schools across 20 local authorities, while more than 1,000 students study ESOL at the College each year.
More than 300,000 people in Scotland reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English in 2022, highlighting the scale of the need for accessible language support.
The launch of the Centre brings together the College’s significant ESOL provision, both college and community-based, recognising the role English language skills play in helping people access employment, progress in their careers and participate fully in society.
Earlier this year, the College published a research report – Addressing Language as a Barrier to Work and Progression – which identified a lack of English language skills as an overlooked contributor to economic inactivity.
It is now building on this work through its employment-focused ESOL for Work provision, helping learners to develop the practical English skills they need for the workplace alongside their wider language development.
Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford said: “Language skills are increasingly important to Scotland’s future. They strengthen our workforce, help businesses connect with international markets and enable people from different backgrounds to participate fully in our economy and society.
“Edinburgh College has a strong track record in both Modern Languages and ESOL delivery, and the launch of our National Centre brings that expertise together to create a hub for language education and innovation.
“We want to use our scale, research and partnerships to support language education across Scotland and help ensure learners have the skills they need for further study and employment.”
The Centre’s provision will also support refugees and people seeking sanctuary to access education. The College was awarded College of Sanctuary status in June 2025.
The College also has extensive international experience, having delivered specialist English language teacher training in more than 30 countries over the past decade.
Alongside its work in Scotland, the College will use its international partnerships and experience to support language education globally, building on specialist teacher training.
The new Centre aims to strengthen the role of Modern Languages and ESOL within Scotland’s skills infrastructure and help more people access the opportunities that language learning can provide.
Tyres screeched, engines roared, and confidence soared as a group of visually impaired veterans, all supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, recently took to the track at Driftland in Fife, accomplishing something many thought impossible following visual impairment.
The adrenaline-fuelled day was made possible by disability driving charity Speed Of Sight and Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who generously donated the experience. The event gave veterans the opportunity to get behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment, boosting confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Among the veterans’ taking part was Kim McFarlane, who served with Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Army Medical Corps.
She comments: “I lost my sight following a diabetic stroke, and when I was first introduced to Sight Scotland Veterans two years ago, I had no idea what support was available to me. Since then, I have made great friends, the staff have been amazing, and I’ve learned to do things I never thought I would be able to do.
“When I heard about the driving experience, I was excited to try something completely different. As someone who is visually impaired and had never driven before, it’s not something I ever imagined would be possible. Getting behind the wheel was absolutely brilliant.
“The first time around I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the second run I was really looking forward to it and could not wait to get back out on the track. It was such an adrenaline rush. The instructor kept encouraging me to pick up a bit more speed, and I felt like Nigel Mansell out there. It was brilliant.
“Opportunities like this show that being visually impaired does not mean you have to stop trying new things. With the right support, you can achieve things you never thought were possible.”
Derek Donaldson, who has diabetic retinopathy, who began his military career as an infantry soldier and later became a transport driver, adds: “As a former truck driver, being behind the wheel was a huge part of my life, so losing my sight and having to stop driving was incredibly difficult. Getting the chance to drive again at Driftland was something I never thought I’d experience.
“I’ve got a new car sitting at home that I’ll never be able to drive because of my sight loss, so being back behind the wheel today meant a great deal to me. With the instructor guiding me through the corners and encouraging me to pick up speed, I felt safe, confident, I just loved it and couldn’t really believe what I was doing. It was an incredible feeling.”
Derek adds: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Sight Scotland Veterans for making experiences like this possible. Everything the charity does is about improving people’s lives and helping them live independently and confidently.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities they give to me and so many other veterans. Without their support, I would never have had the chance to get back behind the wheel again.”
Niamh Waldron, Social Impact & Sustainability Director at Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who donated the driving experience to Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We were delighted to offer Sight Scotland Veterans an exclusive track day as part of our 2026 programme and are thrilled to hear how much the veterans enjoyed the experience.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sight Scotland Veterans and Speed of Sight, and to giving many more veterans the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving in the years ahead.”
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.
Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.
“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
Would you like to help shape how Scotland’s institutions are held accountable for racism?
ELREC is the Edinburgh hub for the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS). We believe that people with direct, lived experience of racism in Scotland are the true experts, and their knowledge belongs at the centre of our scrutiny work.
Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS)
The Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) is a community-rooted anti-racism organisation set up to scrutinise and hold public bodies in Scotland accountable for tackling systemic racism and advancing racial equity through evidence-based change. It’s hosted by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), and funded by the Scottish Government.
It’s anticipated AROS will eventually become fully independent, and it will be guided by an independent Board.
Join Our Experts by Experience Panel (EEP)
The EEP gives those most impacted by racism a formal, structured role in shaping how AROS holds institutions to account. This isn’t consultation on the side it’s community voice shaping accountability, not just informing it.
EEP members will also play a vital part in the co-design of AROS’s Digital Interactive Library, by ensuring that anti-racist research, resources and data are accessible for everyone in Scotland.
Why join?
· Your lived experience is expert knowledge, and it matters.
· You’ll hold a role within AROS’s governance.
· You’ll help shape real, systemic change, not just offer input.
· Your expenses will be covered and your time is paid.
· You’ll benefit from development opportunities.
Who can apply?
There’s only one requirement: a genuine interest in creating a difference and supporting systemic change through lived experience. That’s it. If that’s you, we want to hear from you.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the form linked below by this Wednesday
Unique Assemblyhas announced the addition of world-renowned sexy circus cabaret La Clique to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas line-up as the city’s festivities cross the bridge into the historic Old Town, marking the first time a Spiegeltent will take residence in Bristo Square.
Providing a glamorous cabaret option for the festive season, La Clique Noël will light up the stage in the Palais du Variété’s new home of Bristo Square, for seven weeks of Sexy, Funny and Dangerous Christmas Kabaret.
Brand new for 2026’s season, La Clique Noël joins a packed line-up for Edinburgh’s Christmas with Santa’s Stories, LNER Big Wheel and the Around the World Starflyer already on sale. The world-famous traditional Christmas markets will once again pop up in Princes Street Gardens in the capital’s New Town from 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, hosting beautifully decorated chalets selling gifts, decor and festive food.
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, La Clique has gained international acclaim as the original trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show performing all over the world from Edinburgh to London, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris and more.
The Olivier Award winning show will take over its new home in Bristo Square for six nights a week, with matinees on weekends, kicking off on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm. Plus, a host of more festive announcements to come from Edinburgh’s Christmas.
La Clique Noël will once again host the best of the best boundary pushing performers set to entertain Christmas crowds with dazzling acrobatics, razor-sharp wit, sights and sounds you will never forget in the intimate setting of the Palais du Variété fusing cabaret, circus, and sideshow burlesque for a specially curated festive show.
This year’s cast includes Heather Holliday, renowned sword swallower and firebreather; David Pereira, award-winning ‘shaving cream’ acrobat and sublime aerialist; Mario Queen of the Circus, a showman comic known for his crowd surfing, juggling and much more.
With sold out seasons and critical acclaim from around the world under its belt, La Clique’s Christmas edition is sure to add an extra touch of magic to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year under the warm glow of the Spiegeltent. The perfect festive night-out for party-goers and groups looking for the perfect Christmas Cabaret experience.
La Clique’s David Bates said:“Christmas and Hogmanay feel like the perfect time for La Clique to return to its birthplace in Edinburgh. This very special cast are delighted to be in town for 7 weeks – resident in the perfect environment which itself is the star of the show – the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent in Bristo Square.
” La Clique has played to millions of folk in its 22 years but none more special than the audiences in its Auld home toon! Fresh, New, Cutting Edge – La Clique is a reinvention of itself and this year will be no exception. Strap yourself in, leave your troubles at the door and escape with us!”
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Christmas said:“Unique Assembly are delighted to welcome back ‘La Clique’ to Edinburgh for festive fun guaranteed to get you on Santa’s naughty list. “
“La Clique was born in Edinburgh and has grown into an international smash-hit, celebrated around the world as well as the city we pride ourselves on representing.
“Unique Assembly has made Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay some of the most celebrated events in the world, which last year welcoming over 3M visitors to world-class attractions, making both events accessible to local and international audiences.’’
La Clique Noël takes place from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January.
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations spread across the city for seven weeks of festive fun, with more events still to be announced.
Community challenge shortlisted after raising over £45,000 to help older adults and people living with dementia stay active and connected.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian Pool Crawl has been recognised as a finalist in the Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative category at the Scottish Fundraising Awards 2026, celebrating a community challenge that turned one memorable day of swimming and walking into lasting support for people across the capital.
The recognition comes as entries open for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl, inviting a new group of participants to take on the city-wide challenge and raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
In April 2026, 61 swimmers completed the challenge, walking 16 kilometres through the city and swimming a total of five kilometres across Dalry, Warrender, Glenogle, Leith Victoria and Portobello Victorian pools.
Together with sponsors and supporters, they raised over £40,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
The funds are helping people across Edinburgh stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Of the total raised, £22,000 was allocated to Ageing Well, helping older adults maintain their independence and wellbeing, and £22,000 to Movement for Memories, which works with people living with dementia or early-stage memory loss, as well as their carers. The remainder is supporting other Active Communities projects where it is needed most.
For 98-year-old June, Ageing Well helped her return to swimming after many years away from the pool. With the reassurance of an Ageing Well buddy volunteer, she now attends twice a week and has regained her confidence in the water.
June said:“I’ve really missed swimming, so I was excited to get back in the water. The water frees you up – you can move in ways you can’t on land.”
Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We are proud to see the Victorian Pool Crawl recognised alongside such strong fundraising initiatives from across Scotland. This recognition belongs to everyone who made the event possible – from the swimmers and volunteers to the sponsors, donors, partners and colleagues who brought so much energy to the day.
“What matters most is what their efforts have made possible. The money raised is helping people like June return to activities they love, grow in confidence and connect with others. We hope this recognition inspires more people to join us in 2027 and help create more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.”
The Victorian Pool Crawl began in 2025 as an idea from a regular swimmer at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. It has since grown into an Edinburgh-wide community fundraiser celebrating the city’s Victorian swimming heritage while raising money to help people overcome barriers to being active.
Sign Up for 2027
Entries for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl are now open.
Participants will walk 16km and swim up to 1km in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s historic Victorian pools, all in a single day, while fundraising for Active Communities.
