THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 4.30 – 6pm
The last of the summer fun for our young people – Come along for some active games and giggles!
Corstorphine Community Centre: Youth Club Sports Day
New programme at Dr Bell’s
Our new programme is live!
If you live in the Leith Community, have at least one child under the age of 5 or an expectant parent then you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups.
To sign up for our groups please follow the link –
Police: Suspicious item discovered in Restalrig
PROPERTIES EVACUATED AND AREA CORDONED OFF
Restalrig Avenue in Edinburgh is closed between Loganlea Avenue and Loganlea Drive following a report of a potentially suspicious item.
Emergency services are in attendance alongside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
A number of properties have been evacuated, and a cordon is in place as a precaution.
The public is asked to avoid the area.
UPDATE at 6.15pm
Restalrig Avenue in Edinburgh has re-opened following a report of a potentially suspicious item.
Emergency services, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), attended, and the item was made safe. No injuries were reported.
The public is thanked for their patience.
Edinburgh community groups invited to join the 2026 People’s Procession
Community groups and organisations from across the city are being invited to register by Saturday 15 August to take part in the 2026 Edinburgh People’s Procession.
The People’s Procession takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 and forms part of the spectacular Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, an annual event celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage while showcasing the city’s vibrant communities, culture and future. The procession gives local organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their work and celebrate their contribution to life in the capital.
Organised by Edinburgh March Riding Association, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, the procession will bring together more than 600 participants representing groups and organisations from across the city.
Participants will travel from Holyrood, near the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyroodhouse, along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral ahead of the arrival of the Riding of the Marches cavalcade later that afternoon.
The Riding of the Marches will once again be joined by the Lord Provost Rt Hon Cllr Robert Aldridge, alongside the Edinburgh Captain and Lass, who will lead the cavalcade of 280 horses and riders up the Royal Mile watched by an audience of thousands.
City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the People’s Procession for 2026. The enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural procession demonstrated the pride, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special city.
“The procession is a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to come together to celebrate the invaluable work they do and be part of one of Edinburgh’s most unique and historic events.
“I look forward to seeing even more community groups represented this year as the People’s procession continues to grow and become an established part of Edinburgh’s Riding of the Marches.”
Further information on the event including expected timings and the registration form is available via the events Eventbrite page.
Jess Fuchs: Feral
Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two: 5th – 30th August: 6:55pm
Sydney-based stand-up comedian Jess Fuchs brings her bold, high-energy new show Feral to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, marking her highly anticipated first full festival run following an Australian tour.
Jess Fuchs left home to avoid her problems and returned even more broken. Not all those who wander are lost. Sure… but some who wander are walking slowly because they’ve shattered their coccyx on the Cliffs of Moher. Sometimes it takes literally breaking your ass on the Cliffs of Moher to realise you were fine all along…and it was the trying to change that was the problem.
In Feral, Fuchs explores what happens when you meticulously plan, rehearse, and overthink your way through life… only for everything to unravel anyway. At its core, Feral is about pressure: where it comes from, how it builds, what it forces you to hide – and what happens when you can’t release it.
Tackling everything from body image, shame, and what it means to be ‘different’, to unsolicited advice, healthcare, and the myths of change and self-improvement, she dissects the contradictions of modern existence with wit, warmth, and unflinching honesty.
After overidentifying with the Titanic, a boat scrutinised for her size, loaded with impossible expectations, and sunk in the middle of nowhere, Fuchs turns her attention to the pressures women face. Especially loud, big women. Get married. Have kids. Be skinny. Feral is about her complete inability, or rather refusal to do any of that, and choosing to return to a feral state instead.
Feral is a show bursting at the seams with a lively off-the-cuff energy. It’s big, bold, high-energy storytelling – highly relatable, personal, but not trauma-dumpy – weaving anecdotes, observations and stories throughout a central narrative of a girls trip to Ireland gone wrong.
With a fast-growing international profile and over 100,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Fuchs has built a loyal digital audience who connect with her sharply observed, effortlessly funny takes on everyday life. Translating that same magnetic energy to the stage, Feral sees her blend incisive stand-up with electric crowd work and deeply personal storytelling.
“When you’re a big, playful, extroverted woman, people feel comfortable telling you how you should be, rather than celebrating who you are,” says Jess. “This show is about pushing back, but also about human contradictions… being confident and vulnerable at the same time, even when people don’t want you to be.”
A Sydney-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, Fuchs is known for her razor-sharp crowd work and dynamic storytelling style. She has performed across Australia, Europe, the UK, and the United States, and is a regular host at The Comedy Store in Sydney, Comedy Republic in Melbourne, and Top Secret Comedy Club in London. She has opened for major international comedians including Fortune Feimster, Gianmarco Soresi, Morgan Jay, Craig Conant, and Rafi Bastos.
Her comedy centres women’s experiences, social behaviour, and the unspoken rules people are expected to follow, delivered with a playful irreverence and fearless perspective. In 2025, she independently released her debut stand-up special Thick & Thin on YouTube, further cementing her reputation as a rising global voice in comedy.
The Edinburgh Fringe run of Feral follows her biggest Australian festival circuit tour to date, with a show designed for audiences who enjoy intelligent, feminist, self-aware comedy that moves seamlessly between big laughs, audience interaction, and bold storytelling.
Instagram: @jessfuchs
What the press have said about Jess
“At her finest, she can unleash a flurry of withering, impudent gags worthy of Joan Rivers.” – Chortle
“Uproarious and raunchy show had the audience continuously laughing” – Sydney Arts Guide
“…finding a new comic that hits every note is a rare treat” – Theatre Thoughts
Listings Information
Show: Jess Fuchs: Feral
Dates: 5th – 30th August (not 18th)
Time: 6:55pm
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two
Address: 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ
Price: £9 – £14
Box Office: https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://www.pleasance.co.uk/
Solar Eclipse on Wednesday
The UK will experience a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August.
The extent of the Sun’s coverage and the timing of maximum obscuration will differ across the country.
Never look directly at the sun; use a pinhole projector or certified eclipse glasses to view it.
First phase of £10 million funding announced as FM visits Western Isles
Strengthening islands resilience
Financial support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption will be made available through the first phase of the £10m Islands Resilience Fund.
This will provide a further £3 million in 2026-27 to help mitigate the disproportionate impact faced by people and businesses living and operating in Scotland’s islands. It builds on the £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund delivered in 2025-26.
The funding announcement comes ahead of a three-day visit to the Western Isles from the First Minister, during which he will visit Barra, South Uist, Grimsay, Scalpay, Lewis and Harris. His engagements on the islands will cover key areas including housing, energy and community wellbeing.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s islands are home to a wealth of talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, but too often island businesses are held back by circumstances outside their control.
“The £10 million Islands Resilience Fund was one of our commitments for the first 100 days of government. This fund will support businesses to cope with challenging circumstances, helping them to thrive and ensuring that Scotland’s islands remain attractive places to set up businesses and livelihoods.
“Crucially, this phase of investment will ensure support can be put in place immediately while we establish the foundations for longer-term investment over the course of this Parliament.
“Over the next few days I will meet a wide range of organisations in the Western Isles, where I look forward to discussing more about how the Scottish Government can support island communities to build the resilience needed for a bright future.”
Rachel Hunter, Director of Enterprise and Community Support, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: “The Islands Resilience Fund will ensure that support reaches more island communities and sectors experiencing the effects of ferry disruption.
“By opening eligibility, we can provide practical assistance to businesses and community organisations that have experiences additional costs and challenges beyond their control.
“Working on behalf of the Scottish Government, HIE’s focus will be on delivering the fund and ensuring support reaches those who need it most. Organisations that received support through previous rounds of the IBRF will be contacted directly by HIE, rather than needing to submit an application.
“This investment will help strengthen resilience across our island communities, supporting organisations to adapt, recover and continue contributing to vibrant and sustainable local economies.”
The First Minister will visit the Western Isles from 10 – 12 August.
Children First offers ‘lifeline’ support for parents and carers as children head back to school
As children across Edinburgh head back to school this week, Children First is reminding parents and carers that support is available now and all year round for families facing challenges.
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring additional pressures for children and families. For some, returning to routines, managing anxiety, navigating friendships, dealing with financial worries or accessing the right support can feel overwhelming.
Children First’s support line offers free and confidential practical, emotional and financial support to families across Scotland. Parents and carers can contact the team at any time on 08000 28 22 33 or through webchat.
The charity’s support line has seen increasing demand, with close to 14,000 people* benefiting from support over the past year with concerns including mental health, money worries, family relationships and online harm.
Mum Laura and her son Sean** recently received support from Children First after facing challenges at home. Laura described the service as a “lifeline during a very difficult time”.
She said: “From the beginning, the support I received made a significant difference. My support line worker, Jenny, immediately understood our situation and provided advice that was practical, relevant and completely tailored to what was actually happening at home.
“For the first time in many years of seeking help, I felt truly listened to and supported with guidance I could realistically put into practice.
“I genuinely cannot say enough about how much this support has helped. The support has been consistent, thoughtful and effective and has made a lasting difference to both my life and my son’s.”
Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow, added: “Children First’s support line regularly hears from parents and carers from across Edinburgh that are finding raising their babies, children and teenagers harder than ever.
“The return to school can bring a mix of emotions for children and families. While some children look forward to seeing friends and getting back into a routine, others may feel anxious, worried or unsure about the months ahead.
“Whatever challenges families are facing, Children First are here to help. Our support line team provides compassionate, expert support on a wide range of issues, including financial worries, mental health, family relationships and accessing practical support.
“You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re here for you.”
Children First helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support in their homes, communities and through its national support line.
Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat with one of the team and find out more.
Poverty Alliance: ‘a beautiful journey’
RIGHTS IN ACTION PROJECT: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH
Our research team has great experience in working alongside community researchers – people with lived experience who get help and support to study the issues that matter most to them.
Find out what we’ve learned along the way!
Ian Murray opens new permanent home for the Fringe
THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society officially opened Fringe Central on Infirmary Street in the heart of the Old Town at the weekend.
The new permanent home for the Fringe Society was opened by Culture Minister Ian Murray, City of Edinburgh Council Culture & Communities Committee Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Tony Lankester, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cllr Jane Meagher and Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Benny Higgins.
Fringe Central will be an inclusive, year-round hub for the Fringe community, providing support to artists in preparing and delivering their Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience. They will be able to access services which include guidance on developing their show, support in achieving their future career ambitions and industry engagement, and advice on how to market and promote their work.
Throughout August, Fringe Central will be open daily, providing a friendly hub for artists and industry to connect and build relationships within the Fringe community. The 2026 Fringe Central programme includes a range of networking and industry events, helping performers build relationships with industry professionals from theatre, film and television to aid onward touring opportunities.
Practical, in-person support from the Fringe Society team will be available to participants through one-to-one advice and artists will be able to access wellbeing services from local mental health partner Health in Mind.
Throughout the project, the Fringe Society has engaged with co-tenants Canongate Youth, who support young people in Edinburgh aged between 5 and 18, as well as other local community schools and groups, such as Royal Mile Primary School, Sciennes Primary School, James Gillespie’s High School and LGBT Youth Scotland, to ensure a space for local cultural expression and development was co-designed.
The project was made possible due to support from a range of partners, including the UK Government via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, The Foyle Foundation, SP Energy Networks Transmission Net Zero Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund.
The Fringe Society would also like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for supporting this project with the signing of a 99-year building lease.
Ian Murray, Culture Minister said: ‘It was an honour to open the Fringe Society’s official new permanent home today. It’s been a long time coming and I am so pleased that we have been able to support this project with £7 million from the government.
“I know from my experience working at the Fringe when I was young just how transformational it can be, both for aspiring artists, comedians and producers, but also for the entire creative and cultural ecosystem of the UK.
“I hope this permanent new home will enable the Fringe Society to keep Edinburgh on the map as a world cultural hub and deliver more and more for our up and coming artists, as well as their international audiences and local communities, for decades to come.’
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: ‘I’m so pleased that the new home for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now officially open. This fantastic year-round city centre hub will provide a welcoming space for everyone involved in the Fringe, while also creating valuable opportunities for local cultural organisations to connect, collaborate and thrive.
“This is an important and significant investment by the Council in the future of the Fringe and in Edinburgh’s cultural life, ensuring that the world’s greatest arts festival has a permanent home at the heart of the city it belongs to and that Canongate Youth will be returning to their familiar home too.’
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: ‘Opening Fringe Central today marks the realisation of nearly a decade of work for the Fringe Society, and we are incredibly proud to be opening this physical hub for performers and industry.
From today, Fringe Central is a welcome space to the Fringe community with artists able to access practical in-person support to deliver their work at the Festival Fringe. Year-round, Fringe Central will be open to Edinburgh’s residents, stakeholders, and our local arts community through support services and bookable rehearsal spaces.
“We are grateful for the support from the UK Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, and our wider funders and supporters in achieving this ambition.
“We look forward to welcoming the Fringe community into Fringe Central this August, and we encourage them to make the most of the opportunities available this month and beyond.’