UNIONS URGE BURNHAM TO REVOKE PERMISSION FOR US AIR STRIKES
Ten trade unions, including the UK’s largest union UNISON, have called on UK prime minister Andy Burnham to revoke permission for US air strikes on Iran launched from RAF bases:
Read the full release at @TransitionSec
: https://transitionsecurity.org/update/iran-war-cost-of-living/
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the UK Premiere of Na Hong-jin unique and epic sci-fi action thriller HOPE. The film will screen in IMAX at Cineworld Fountainbridge on Sunday 16th August.
Fresh from blazing a trail across Cannes, HOPE is the new film from incendiary filmmaker Na Hong-jin (The Wailing, The Yellow Sea, The Chaser) and stars South Korean talent Hwang Jung-min (The Wailing, Veteran), Zo In-sung (Moving, Smugglers)andHoyeon (Squid Game, Disclaimer)as well as Taylor Russell (Bones and all, Waves), Michael Fassbender (Shame, The Killer) and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider, The Danish Girl).
In the remote South Korea village of Hope Harbor, police chief Bum-seok (Hwang Jung- min) and officer Sung-ae (Hoyeon) are called to find a mysterious creature that has wreaked havoc on the village.
In the nearby forest, a coterie of hunters, including Sung- ki (Zo In-Sung) set out to track the beast and find themselves hunted instead. But all is not as it seems, and perceptions can be misleading. What begins as ignorance plants the seed of disaster, escalating through human conflict into a tragedy of cosmic proportions.
Delivering action on a thrillingly huge scale, prepare for the biggest action-adventure a screen can handle.
This special screening joins 38 new feature film presentations including 21 feature film World Premieres at this year’s EIFF as well as special presentation screenings of including Anthony Minghella’s iconic film The Talented Mr Ripley, Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, Takeshi Miike’s Visitor Q, Hal Ashby’s Coming Home and Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton’s Little Miss Sunshine.
EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “For almost three hours this spectacularly exciting and unpredictable film from one of the most exciting filmmakers currently working takes us on a breakneck thrill ride through the Korean countryside, via a decimated town, and into dense woodland, as hapless mortals do battle with extraterrestrial forces on foot, on horseback and in cars.
This is big budget, big scale genre filmmaking of the highest order and we are over the moon to unleash its UK Premiere on Edinburgh audiences”
Press and Industry accreditation is now open for this year’s Festival and available to apply for via the EIFF website.
This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer and closes with Louise Lockwood’s powerful debut documentary feature Bel.
EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and VisitScotland.
The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.
The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie Aftersun; Peter Rice, former chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.
Richard Shillcock and Peter Olech are launching a campaign featuring Palestinian flag leaflets to challenge UK complicity in the Gaza genocide and the involvement of local arms manufacturers.
Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the Southside/Newington council by-election, has declared that the formal twinning of Edinburgh with Gaza City will be a key issue in the party’s campaign.
Speaking ahead of the 3 September 2026 council by-elections, Shillcock condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis, uniting with fellow Communist candidate Peter Olech (standing in Portobello/Craigmillar ward) to call on all candidates to join a cross-party pledge supporting this international friendship move.
The Communist Party campaign features a unique election leaflet that folds out into the Palestinian flag for window display.
“As a father myself, it breaks my heart to have been protesting against the genocide in Gaza for nearly three years and to have been unable to prevent the murder of some 20,000 children there by the US-backed Israeli state, and the damaging and wounding of untold more children,” said Shillcock.
“I don’t need to describe this further—we’ve seen it on our screens every day.”
The move deliberately revives a contentious local political debate. In 2022, a citizen-led petition and a subsequent motion brought by Green councillors to explore twinning options were rejected by the City of Edinburgh Council following legal objections and administrative delays.
Richard Shillcock and Peter Olech are asking voters to use these elections to overturn that precedent.
In a joint statement, the candidates said: “We welcome other candidates and parties joining the pledge to pursue the twinning issue, whether or not elected to the council. Let’s see a majority of voters choosing candidates who support twinning Edinburgh with Gaza City.”
Richard Shillcock made three points linking Palestine directly to the Scottish capital:
The Communist Party of Britain is urging Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar voters to send a clear message against domestic complicity in overseas conflicts.
Aldi Portobello set to welcome visitors from around the world after being recognised as an authentic food and drink destination, with hundreds of Scottish products on its shelves.
As millions of visitors descend on Edinburgh for this summer’s Fringe, Aldi is preparing to welcome festival-goers in search of an authentic Scottish food experience.
The Aldi Portobello store has become one of the only supermarkets in Scotland to feature among Edinburgh’s top Things To Do on Tripadvisor, putting it alongside many of the capital’s most iconic visitor attractions.
Recognised for its extensive range with hundreds of Scottish food and drink products, the store is becoming an unlikely foodie destination for international and UK visitors keen to taste the very best of Scotland.
In 2026, Aldi topped the National Farmers Union (NFU)’s largest-ever supermarket shelf study for Scottish own-label sourcing, with an average of 65% Scottish-origin products, significantly ahead of other major retailers.
Aldi’s extensive range offers festival-goers the chance to discover produce from some of the country’s best-loved suppliers, including ice cream from Equi’s made with Scottish milk and cream, locally grown berries from Angus Soft Fruits and baked favourites from Brownings, making the Portobello store an unexpected but distinctly Scottish addition to the Fringe itinerary.
To celebrate its new Things To Do status, visitors can also pick up one of Aldi’s limited-edition Edinburgh Fringe postcards for free giving festival-goers a fun way to share their favourite memories and foodie discoveries with friends and family, while inspiring others to experience Edinburgh and its vibrant food scene for themselves.
Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland said: “The Edinburgh Fringe welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year, and for many, trying Scotland’s fantastic food and drink is an essential part of the experience.
“We’re proud to work with so many Scottish suppliers to bring high-quality local produce to our shelves, so it’s fantastic that our Portobello store has been listed as somewhere visitors can enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland.
“Whether people are stopping by to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce, picking up essentials before a show or sending one of our limited-edition postcards home to share the excitement of the Fringe, we’re looking forward to welcoming festival visitors through our doors.”
Aldi Scotland has an ongoing commitment to championing Scottish producers, with the supermarket working with a range of local suppliers and investing millions in Scotland’s food and drink industry every year.
To explore Aldi’s Scottish produce, visit: Best of Scotland | ALDI UK
Visit Aldi’s Tripadvisor page at: ALDI (Edinburgh, Scotland): Address, Phone Number – Tripadvisor
The City of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost marked a special milestone this evening as he took on the prestigious role of Salute Taker at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo opening night, celebrating his final Tattoo in office as Lord Provost.
Taking his place on the Castle Esplanade, the Lord Provost watched this year’s spectacular show, A Call to Gather, joining thousands of audience members as performers from around the world came together in a celebration of music, military tradition and culture.
The evening offered a fitting final Tattoo in office for the Lord Provost, whose role has seen him champion Edinburgh on the global stage and celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Running from 7 to 29 August, A Call to Gather features more than 800 performers from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, the USA and beyond, bringing cultures together on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.
The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.
While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.
Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.
“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students.
“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.
“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.”
During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.
In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.
It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates.
“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.”
Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.
They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages.
Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university.
Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses.
As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.
Do you have any unused, new or pre-loved stationery in the run up to back to school? We are working alongside The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, with our donation drop-off boxes in both locations from 12th August – 12th September (writes EILIDH BARR).
I founded The Pencil Case Project when I was 16 during my National 5s and we are a youth-led non-profit organisation that provides schools and children across countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Indonesia with stationery, pencil cases and tools to learn!
I still run the project now whilst at University and have managed to secure charity partnerships with 2 international charities, 7 partner schools as well as working with schools and groups in Scotland and England.
We also have a youth volunteering team and board of trustees made up of young people from across the world!
We accept any stationery including things like jotters and maths equipment which is often difficult for these schools to source. We would love any stationery you have, which will be distributed to our network of partner schools in September.
We would love your help in making education more accessible whilst also supporting the amazing Leith Collective too!
The wife of a motorcyclist killed in a road traffic collision in 2024 has shared her family’s story as part of Police Scotland’s National Motorcycle Safety Campaign 2026.
56-year-old father and grandfather Ian Sloan died when his motorcycle collided with a car on the A719 Waterside to A77 Ayr Road around 3.10pm on Saturday, 15 June, 2024.
His wife, Shirley Sloan, is sharing her family’s story to raise awareness of the importance of road safety and encouraging all road users to remember to take care on Scotland’s roads.
The campaign follows the publication of a joint study published last year with Transport Scotland examining motorcycle fatalities between January 2015 and August 2024.
The study found that 269 people – including 253 riders and 16 passengers – were killed during that period. Despite accounting for less than 1% of traffic, motorcyclists represented 18% of all road fatalities in Scotland.
Shirley Sloan, wife of Ian Sloan, said: “Ian had bikes for all the time that I knew him, it was his love. Any time he was stressed or just not feeling great, he would go out on his bike.
“Hearing the words ‘I’m sorry but your husband was killed in a motorcycle accident’ was dreadful. Losing a loved one, in the manner that we lost Ian, it was so traumatic. You don’t have time to say goodbye, you don’t have time to put plans in place.
“One minute you’re a family of four, making plans for the future, and just in the blink of an eye, the heart of your family is gone.
“It’s left myself and my son and daughter with terrible anxieties as well. It’s like we are waiting for something bad to happen again.”
Inspector Hugh Niccolls, Head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “On behalf of Police Scotland, I’d like to thank Shirley Sloan and the Sloan family for taking the time and courage to share their story.
“Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of the devasting and lasting impact that road collisions can have, not only on those directly involved, but also on the families, friends, and communities affected.
“We know our roads are busier with motorcyclists during the summer months, and so we continue to remind all road users to be mindful of one another.
“As Shirley mentions, road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle, driving a car, are cycling or walking, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe on Scotland’s roads.”
Shirley continues: “My message to all road users, whether you’re on a bike or a car, is ride to the road conditions. Don’t take chances, don’t cut corners and just take another look.
“That extra second to take a second look, even a third look, could make the difference to someone’s life.
“If someone has a collision in a car, there’s a fair chance they’re walking away. But that’s not the same for a biker.”
For more information and guidance on road safety, you can visit Road Safety Scotland at https://roadsafety.scot/.
Edinburgh’s festivals provide a “global platform” for Scotland as well as the artists who take part in performances, the Deputy First Minister has said.
Jenny Gilruth will attend the opening concert of the Edinburgh International Festival – All Rise – tonight along with Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad.
It comes after the First Minister last night (Friday) attended the opening evening of ‘A Trial’, a special collaboration between the Edinburgh International Festival, Festival d’Avignon and Holland Festival, the three European festivals established in 1947.
Funding for the August festivals in Edinburgh has increased to £6.3 million this year through both the Multi-Year Funding programme and Expanded Festivals Fund provided through Creative Scotland. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society received £500,000 in 2026-27 to support ongoing digital transformation work, including a new website to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Fringe next year.
Ms Gilruth said: “Edinburgh’s festivals provide a global platform for Scotland and for all the talented performers who take part. They also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the capital throughout August with all the economic benefits that brings.
“They are invaluable for Scottish artists and performers to develop and support their ambition and creativity, providing opportunities to showcase their work nationally and internationally.
“These festivals also send out a clear message that Scotland is an open and welcoming country, reinforcing how the culture and arts sector occupy such an important place at the heart of our national identity.
“Increasing investment into Edinburgh’s Festivals forms part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase culture funding by £100 million annually by 2028-29, ensuring the benefits and chances to participate are enjoyed across the country.
“I am delighted to be attending the opening concert of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival and thank everyone involved in the tremendous range of shows on offer across all the festivals in the city this month.”
The Scottish Government has a long term commitment to providing £100 million more per year into the culture budget as a whole by 2028-29, compared to 2023-24
As part of this commitment, the 2026-27 Expanded Festivals Fund supports the ambitions of 55 arts festivals across Scotland and recognises their vital role as platforms for artists and performers.
Taken together, eight Edinburgh Festivals will receive just over £20.5m of Multi-Year Funding under Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year (2025-28) Funding Programme (MYF).
Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual policing campaign to keep members of the public safe throughout the International Festival and Fringe.
Operation Summer City 2026 will provide a high-visibility police presence within the city-centre between 7 and 31 August, with the Capital’s population expected to double to around one million people during this time.
Local officers from Edinburgh, in particular, the division’s new City Centre Policing Unit, will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring local policing divisions, as well as officers from specialist and national departments, including Road Policing, Intelligence, CID and Public Order.
Police Scotland’s Special Constables will also be deployed throughout the month to support full-time colleagues, while PSYV teams will also undertake various engagement activities and share useful crime prevention and personal safety information with members of the public.
In addition to police undertaking reassurance patrols and responding to any incidents that may arise, a number of Project Servator deployments will take place.
Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to reassure the public. It targets criminal activity, including terrorism.
Officers utilise a range of resources and also make use of various technology including CCTV cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). They will speak to people and local businesses to let them know what they are doing, remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.
For the duration of the Festival and Fringe Edinburgh Division’s Facebook and X channels will be utilised to provide those who live, work and visit the city centre with useful information on staying safe, as well as giving an update as to the activity officers are involved in.
Superintendent Kathryn Fairfield, Gold Commander for Operation Summer City, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is the largest festival in the world, given the length of time it runs for, and brings to the city people from all around the globe, all of whom wish to savour the sights, sounds and experiences of the Capital during the summer.
“We’ve been running Operation Summer City for several years now and are fully aware of the demands and challenges this time of year places on the city-centre and as such, we’ll have an appropriate and proportionate policing response in place throughout August to keep people safe and respond to any incidents that may arise.
https://twitter.com/PoliceScotland/status/2085731241987289433/video/1
“The public can assist us with our efforts to maintain safety and reduce criminality by always keeping hold of their belongings and never leaving valuables unattended. Similarly, if you see anything suspicious, please report it immediately so we can respond.
“If you’re enjoying the city’s night-time economy, look out for those in your group. Please also remember that we will utilise our Think Twice bail conditions for anyone charged with an alcohol-related violent offence and this will prevent you from entering a licensed premises during the Festival period until the outcome of court proceedings.
“Don’t let alcohol ruin your summer. Help us keep everyone safe and have a wonderful Festival period. Stay tuned to our social media channels for regular updates and crime prevention advice throughout the month.”
