SATURDAY 1st AUGUST from 10am – 3pm
Look out for Drumbrae Library’s Family Fun Day on Saturday 1st August from 10am!
There are lots of fun things to do including workshops with Stina Sparkles, a performance by Jed and Jo’s Acoustic Music, craft and refreshments.
Everything is totally free with no need to book, just bring your family along for a great time.
2026 is the National Year of Reading #GoAllIn
Families who fled the war in Ukraine and arrived in Scotland will take to the Edinburgh Fringe stage this August in a moving new performance exploring freedom, identity and belonging.
On 21 August, Mission of Innocents will present Liberty at C Aurora at Lauriston Halls for one night only. The production has been created and directed by Tetiana Hordiienko, an award-winning Ukrainian choreographer and director who built a career of more than two decades across theatre, television and film before rebuilding her own life in Scotland.
Drawing on both her professional experience and personal experience of the war, Liberty brings together Ukrainian families to tell a story of freedom, identity and belonging through dance, music and projected visuals.
Spanning the 1990s to the present day, Liberty reflects the history of Ukraine and its people, highlighting the strength they have shown through decades of fighting for freedom.
Featuring performers as young as eight-years-old, it draws on the performer’s own experiences of displacement following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
From living aboard temporary accommodation ships in Leith and Govan to finding friendship, confidence and a sense of belonging in Scotland, the production traces a journey from uncertainty and upheaval to hope and opportunity.
Tetiana Hordiienko, Creative Director of Liberty said: “When I came to Scotland, I wanted to create something that would help Ukrainian children reconnect with their culture while giving them confidence in their new home.
“Liberty has been created with and for the families taking part, and every scene reflects their own experiences.Ukrainian culture runs through every part of the show, from the music to the movement.
“Blending contemporary dance with traditional influences, Liberty celebrates not only the country’s rich heritage but also the creativity and spirit of its people. Full of energy and colour, it carries audiences with it on an unforgettable journey.”
For many of the families involved, Liberty is a celebration of how far they have come since arriving in Scotland. It reflects the confidence, friendships and brighter future they have built through Mission of Innocents’ creativity-led programmes.
Nataliia Pidruchna, Director of Children’s Programmes at Mission of Innocents, said: “These children have lived through experiences that most adults would struggle to comprehend. Some arrived in Scotland unable to speak English, having left behind family members, friends and everything familiar to them.
“What audiences will see on stage is a story about friendship, identity, hope and the extraordinary resilience of our performers. Every movement, piece of music and creative decision has been shaped by their own experiences and imagination.”
The show marks Mission of Innocents’ second appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe following last year’s successful performance of Life in One Suitcase. While the company’s debut told the story of arriving in Scotland, Liberty explores what it means to rebuild a life, create a sense of belonging and continue the fight for freedom.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the world’s great stages for storytelling and these young people have earned the right to have their stories heard.
“Many of the performers in Liberty first arrived in Scotland living in temporary accommodation, uncertain what the future would hold. To see them now standing on a Fringe stage, sharing their culture, their creativity and their voices with an international audience, feels incredibly special.
“Their journey is remarkable and says so much about the resilience of these young people and the power of creativity to help those rebuild confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.”
Performers hope the audiences will leave feeling hopeful and inspired, carried by the warmth, joy and energy that they bring to the stage.
Mission of Innocents is a Scottish charity which helps children displaced by war, conflict and crisis feel safe again, rebuild confidence and rediscover hope through creativity. Since 2022, it has worked with hundreds of young people from Ukraine and other conflict affected communities, using art, music, dance and storytelling to help restore confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
To book tickets to the Liberty performance on the 21st August, please visit:
CORSTORPHINE LIBRARY – THURSDAY 4 AUGUST at 2pm
We are very happy to release the last of our special summer events to help you #ReadToTheBeat: “Once Upon a… What?” with award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller.
Using games, sound, movement and a very opinionated magic carpet, we need lots of families along to craft an exciting story with her!
This will be on Thursday 4th August at 2:30pm, for around an hour.
Please sign up on Eventbrite with the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/once-upon-a-what-with…
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
Two of Glasgow’s greatest icons have come together in one spectacular artwork to mark the opening of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Glasgow Rose will be visible high above the River Clyde, transforming the city’s iconic Finnieston Crane with a giant contemporary interpretation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh’s celebrated roses.
Created by Glasgow artist Emer Tumilty in collaboration with internationally renowned creative studio NEWSUBSTANCE, the landmark commission brings together the city’s industrial and artistic heritage in a single, unforgettable image.
For generations, the Finnieston Crane has stood as a symbol of the engineering brilliance, shipbuilding and innovation that made Glasgow famous across the world. The Mackintosh rose has become an equally powerful emblem of the city’s creative imagination and influence on global art and design. Now for the first time, the two enduring symbols meet.
Suspended from one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, The Glasgow Rose creates a bold new addition to Glasgow’s skyline and a striking welcome for athletes and visitors arriving for the Commonwealth Games.
Drawing inspiration from the work of the Mackintoshes, Tumilty has reimagined the iconic rose through a contemporary lens, celebrating a city that has never stopped making, creating and reinventing itself.
Emer Tumilty creates playful interventions in space using bold colours and abstract forms, and this commission is also a celebration of Glasgow’s creative future. While inspired by one of Scotland’s greatest artistic legacies, the work has been made by a new generation of Glasgow talent, reflecting the confidence and energy of the city’s thriving contemporary arts scene.
Phil Batty, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “This is far more than a spectacular artwork. It is the coming together of two of Glasgow’s greatest icons.
“The Finnieston Crane tells the story of the city that built the world. The Mackintosh rose tells the story of the city that inspired the world. Together they create a powerful symbol of the Glasgow we are welcoming people to today – creative, confident, bold and proudly looking to the future.
“It feels entirely fitting that this has been created not only in honour of one of Glasgow’s greatest artistic legacies, but by one of Glasgow’s exciting new artistic voices. That’s exactly what these Games are about, celebrating where we’ve come from while championing the talent shaping where we’re going.”
Emer Tumilty said:”As someone who came to Glasgow to study at The Glasgow School of Art before making the city my home, this has been an extraordinary commission to create.
“The Mackintosh rose is recognised around the world, and to see it reimagined at this scale, suspended from the Finnieston Crane, has been incredibly special. I hope people see a work that celebrates Glasgow’s creativity, optimism and character, and feel the affection for the city that inspired every part of it.”
Patrick O’Mahoney, Founder and Creative Director of NEWSUBSTANCE, said: “Projects like this only happen when art, engineering and creative ambition come together. The Glasgow Rose is as much an engineering achievement as it is an artistic one.
“To transform one of Glasgow’s most iconic structures into a canvas at this scale has been an extraordinary challenge and a privilege. The result is something that belongs uniquely to Glasgow.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations said: “Glasgow has a world leading reputation for hosting ground-breaking international major events that seamlessly blend sport and culture and this contemporary rendering of Mackintosh’s iconic rose is a perfect example of this.
“Not only will The Glasgow Rose stand as a powerful symbol of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, it is a significant way marker as we approach the centenary of the death of Charles Rennie Mackintosh which will be commemorated in 2028.”
Matthew Williams, Director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has said: “Charles Rennie Mackintosh has been at the heart of Scottish culture for over 150 years so it’s exciting to see an interpretation of his work included as part of the Commonwealth Games and to showcase the work of emerging Glasgow-based artist Emer Tumilty.”
Visible across the Clyde throughout the Commonwealth Games, The Glasgow Rose is commissioned as part of Glasgow 2026 Festival, a ten-week celebration of the city’s creativity, culture and communities running alongside the Games.
PICTURES: Colin Mearns/Glasgow 2026
Following the fire which began in Holyrood Park on Sunday evening, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has called for recognition of the impact that climate change is already having on our city while highlighting the need for better wildfire awareness.
While wildfires can be an important part of the ecological cycle, the rate and intensity that we are seeing them occur with is a clear indication of climate change and its impact on our day-to-day lives.
Longer, hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm within Scotland and now areas that previously rarely saw such fires are affected more often. Given the number of visitors and the variety of purposes it serves, Holyrood Park is particularly susceptible to fires that are started by human activity.
Holyrood Park is a uniquely important ecological site with a wide range of trees, plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species. The effects of climate change threaten the destruction of these species within our city, reshaping how the park will look, sound and feel for the future.
Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: – “I am deeply concerned by yet another fire in Holyrood Park and want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and all emergency responders for their swift and professional efforts to tackle the blaze.
“Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s most striking natural landscapes which provides a vital habitat for wildlife and a valuable green space for residents and visitors alike. Fires of this nature can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, destroying vegetation, disrupting breeding habitats and leaving long-lasting damage.
“The effects of climate change are not a distant threat and we are already seeing its impact across our city. As climate change contributes to more frequent periods of hot, dry weather we need investment in wildfire prevention. We also need better education about wildfire risks due to human activity such as campfires and discarded cigarettes.
“Above all, we must increase our efforts to reduce emissions, support renewable energy and step up adaptation measures in these ecologically important areas so that they can be safeguarded for future generations.”
FULL STATEMENT:
Printed in Kilmarnock by John Wilson during the summer of 1786 and published on 21 July 1786, the Kilmarnock Burns is regarded by many as one of Scotland’s most important books. The collection introduced readers to many of Robert Burns’ best-loved poems and songs, including the enduring classic To a Mouse.
The volume is in a fine red leather binding created in the 1880s by distinguished London bookbinder Francis Bedford. Over the following decades it passed through the hands of several notable owners, principally in the United States, before eventually returning to Scotland and joining Dr Zachs’ collection at the Blackie House Library and Museum.
Originally printed in a run of just over 600 copies, only around 90 copies are known to survive today and each copy is different.
The copy on display at the Writers’ Museum, generously loaned by renowned Burns expert and scholar Dr William Zachs, contains a particularly interesting inscription on its title page: “Helen Montgomerie From her Friend J.S.”
The inscription dates from around the time of publication. The initials ‘J.S’ may refer to Burns’ friend James Smith of Mauchline, who purchased 40 copies of the book on 8 August 1786 and was the inspiration for Burns’ poem To J.S., which appears in the volume. Alternatively, the inscription may refer to Jean Smith, James’ sister and one of Burns’ celebrated ‘Belles of Mauchline’.
The identity of Helen Montgomerie, however, remains a mystery.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “As we mark 240 years since the publication of this remarkable book, I’m delighted that visitors to the Writers’ Museum will be able to experience first-hand one of Scotland’s greatest literary treasures.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr William Zachs for generously lending this extraordinary copy to the museum and helping us share this important piece of Scotland’s cultural heritage with residents and visitors alike.
“Perhaps one of our visitors may even be able to help solve the mystery of who Helen Montgomerie was.”
Dr Bill Zachs said: “240 years on, the poems in Burns’ first publication remain not only a landmark in the history of Scottish literature but an enduring expression of creative genius.
“Seeing the original printing of such timeless pieces as ’The Cotter’s Saturday Night’ and ’To a Mouse’ brings us closer to the world and wonder of Scotland’s National Bard.”
To celebrate the loan, the Writer’s Museum will host a special event on Friday 28 August from 2-4pm, featuring live music and readings of Burns’ poetry.
The museum is free to visit and is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.
BUT YER NO’ GETTING ANOTHER REFERENDUM
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office.
This afternoon [Thursday 23 July], the Prime Minister will hold meetings in Glasgow with the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, before watching the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games later on.
During his talks the Prime Minister will set out how he plans to work collaboratively with the heads of the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments – based on a genuine partnership.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters.
“I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope.
“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”
In his first week, the Prime Minister has taken action to give families more breathing space by cutting taxes on energy bills for tens of millions of families this winter.
But this is just the start. As the Prime Minister has said, we need to rewire the Westminster-centric system that has left too many people feeling disconnected from decision making. That’s why he has set up No10 North to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and put power closer to people’s lives.
The government says they are building a new economy, re-industrialising the United Kingdom and using public procurement to back our industry and create jobs.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the United Kingdom in August, where he will visit places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Through this tour, the Prime Minister will hear from people about what is needed in their communities as we restore hope that’s not been there in recent decades.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provides a huge opportunity to showcase the best of Scotland on the world stage, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The First Minister welcomed heads of visiting delegations from the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House, Glasgow, ahead of the Games beginning in the city tomorrow (Thursday 23 July).
Officially opened by Minister for Sport Maree Todd, Scotland House will operate as both a space for the athletes and their families, as a well as a central hub for business engagement, hosting a programme of sporting and business events throughout the Games.
The First Minister wished Team Scotland good luck ahead of the Games and encouraged people across the country to get involved in the ‘Summer of Sport’.
He said: “Since the success of 2014, Glasgow has reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s leading sporting cities. The excitement is gearing up here once again as the city gets ready to welcome the Games and the stage is set for the opening ceremony.
“The world will be watching, and this is a huge opportunity for us to showcase what Scotland has to offer – our passion, our warmth, our enthusiasm, our respect for others and our belief in the power of sport to inspire people and bring communities together.
“The Scottish Government is investing £20 million through the ’Summer of Sport’, to encourage children and young people across the country to be inspired by the Games and get active, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Sport should be accessible to all, and we want to ensure the legacy of the major sporting events taking place this summer to stretch far beyond the next few months.
“To our Team Scotland athletes – the whole country is behind you. On behalf of everyone in Scotland I wish you all the very best as you compete at the highest level. Whether or not you win gold, silver or bronze – I know that you will make us all proud and inspire the future generation of sporting talent.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “As well as providing a place for Team Scotland athletes, families and friends, partners and supporters to come together, Team Scotland House will enable international collaboration and engagement and help the Scottish Government maximise wider opportunities for Scotland and deliver a lasting sporting, social and business legacy.
“The Games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit, supporting local businesses and jobs.
“By bringing sport, culture and business together we will ensure Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the Games.”
RoSPA have partnered with Xylem to address one of the world’s most urgent and preventable public health challenges: drowning.
Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, we have worked together to develop a set of free resources than can be used to promote practical advice that can help keep people across the world safe in and around water.
Covering topics like cold water shock, safety at the coast, supervision of children around water and alcohol awareness, the resources can be used by employers, families, community groups and educators to promote lifesaving information and safe behaviours around water.
The resources include leaflets and social media assets, a ready-to-use water safety presentation, and a parent-child workbook designed to help parents and carers discuss water safety with children.
Download the free resources on the RoSPA website and help your family, friends, colleagues and community to enjoy the water safely:
