Are you interested in joining a book group? We have one that runs every month here at Muirhouse Library
The group are meeting TONIGHT from 6-7pm – all welcome to come along, have a chat and cup of tea!
See you tonight!
Today, Wednesday 29 October, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce Graham Norton as the newest Ambassador of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The role will see Graham act as Ambassador for the festival, alongside previously announced Ambassadors Suzy Eddie Izzard and Brian Cox and honorary President of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Known for his popular BBC1 chat show, and as the UK’s host for Eurovision, Graham’s entertainment career dates back to 1991 when he was refining his craft as a standup comedian at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performing ‘Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s Grand Farewell Tour’ in the Pleasance Attic, a newly opened 60-seat venue at the Pleasance.
In the years following he made the move to mainstream television (as priest Father Noel in Father Ted) while still making frequent appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe, culminating in him being shortlisted for the prestigious Perrier Award in 1997.
Launched in 2007, The Graham Norton Show is one of the BBC’s top-rated entertainment shows, with stars from across the world taking to the red sofa every Friday night in what is seen as a key fixture of the network’s programming. Such is Graham’s star power; it was where Taylor Swift gave her first broadcast interview during the release of her recent album.
Graham continues to support the Fringe and returns most summers to watch shows, support friends and check out the next generation of talent making their name at this unparalleled global marketplace for the arts. Graham is also a celebrated author, with several published novels under his belt, and hosts the popular podcast Wanging On with Maria McErlane.
Speaking of the appointment, Graham Norton said: ‘It’s hard to believe that my connection to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe dates back nearly 35 years.
“As an emerging comedian back in the early nineties, everyone in the industry knew that you had to make the journey to Edinburgh and its Fringe for the opportunities that you have to develop your craft with a live audience, but also to meet and network with the thousands of industry that go there to look for talent.
“Through my chat show I meet and talk to those across the entertainment industry every week, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone on the sofa that hasn’t been to the Fringe either to perform or to watch shows at some point in the past.
“I’m delighted to be announced as an ambassador of the Edinburgh Fringe and look forward to visiting the festival next August.”
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Our Ambassadors represent the critical role the Fringe plays in the lives of so many who got their start on the stages of Edinburgh and, today, are at the top of their game in the world of the arts.
“Welcoming Graham to the fold is a real pleasure – he is someone who exemplifies the joy and generosity of the Fringe spirit, unapologetically passionate about the arts and a huge advocate of the importance of the Fringe in his own career.
“As an Ambassador he will be uniquely positioned to help inspire the next generation of artists, and we’re excited to be working with him on this mission.”
Scotland’s capital city is gearing up to host what has become a firm fixture in its calendar this week. Supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal, Edinburgh Poppy Day returns tomorrow (Thursday, October 30), live from St Andrew Square throughout the day.
Working in partnership with Poppyscotland to provide the day’s entertainment is BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) with presenters Mark McKenzie and Jim Gellatly who will host a concert with music from the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland, Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, Rosyth Military Wives Choir, RBLS Dunfermline & District Pipe Band and Wave of the Flood, Royal Marine veteran Richard Kerr and George Heriot’s School Pipe Band.
They will also speak to a host of special guests live on air throughout the day from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Scores of volunteers will also be out on the day to collect the vital funds the charity needs to continue supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “Edinburgh Poppy Day is always a huge hit across our capital city with locals and visitors taking in the atmosphere and entertainment in St Andrew Square and further afield.
“It is a day where people come together to show their support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal as we lead up to our national day of Remembrance. So, please pop along, donate what you can, wear your poppy with pride and say hello to our wonderful team of volunteers.”
Radio presenter Mark McKenzie, of BFBS, said: “This is always a great day where BFBS teams up with fantastic musicians to highlight the work done by Poppyscotland and how the charity supports our Armed Forces and the veteran’s community.”
Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility.
Ahead of the Just Transition Commission Summit getting underway in Edinburgh today [Weds 29 Oct], First Minister John Swinney has highlighted the importance of supporting workers and livelihoods in the journey to net zero.
The First Minister will speak at the summit and announce the Scottish Government’s intention to renew the Just Transition Commission for the next Parliamentary term.
The Just Transition Commission provides independent scrutiny and advice to the Scottish Government on how to deliver a resilient, low carbon economy that delivers fairness and tackles inequalities.
Since being established in 2019, the Commission has provided detailed insight on investment and regional planning, commissioned research and identified strategic opportunities for progress.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr Swinney said: “Tackling the climate emergency is the one of the most pressing issues faced by governments around the world, and it is one of my overarching priorities as First Minister.
“It is my firm belief that the drive to net zero offers real opportunity for Scotland, and that the transition to renewable energy is vital to economic growth. To harness these opportunities however, we must ensure that we are bringing people, workforces and communities with us on the journey.
“In practice, that means delivering support to help oil and gas workers gain skills they need to access jobs in the sustainable energy sector and working with businesses to ensure workforces are equipped for green technologies.
“The Just Transition Commission has played an important role in supporting progress to a low carbon economy while ensuring fairness and equality.
“Our intention to renew the Commission will enable it to continue delivering meaningful engagement, analysis and expert advice with a clear focus on delivery.”
Young people in Edinburgh are set to benefit from a share of more than £3 million (£3,092,915) awarded today (Wednesday 29th October) to 40 project across Scotland run for and by young people.
Seven youth projects from across Edinburgh will share a total award of over £450,000. These are Granton Youth, Multicultural Family Base. Passion4Fusion, Children in Scotland, Lothian Autistic Society, The Fruitmarket Gallery and Think Circus.
The dormant assets funding from Young Start and delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, helps 8-24 year olds build confidence, develop confidence and thrive in their communities.
Each organisation will use its share of funding to deliver projects that will boost wellbeing, encourage community involvement and equip young people with the skills to excel and champion their voices. See full list of projects.
Passion4Fussion receives £65,529 to develop and expand its sports outreach, volunteering and peer mentoring programme to support at least 180 children and young people in Edinburgh and West Lothian, helping them to build their confidence and leadership skills.
Vinomaandero Tjihumino, 22, joined the charity as a young person before becoming a volunteer coach.
He said: “When I first came to Edinburgh, I had no friends and felt isolated as an immigrant. Joining Passion4Fusion changed everything, I made so many friends, grew in confidence, and later became a volunteer.
“The organisation supported me through my coaching licence, and now I’m studying a sports programme at university! I’m so proud that I can give back to my community and help others overcome the same challenges I once faced.”
When asked what the Young Start funding means for the charity, Isaac Akhadelor, Project Coordinator, Passion4Fusion said: “This funding will be transformational for our sports programme.
“It’s empowering us to reach more young people across Edinburgh and West Lothian, using sport as a tool for inclusion, confidence-building, and community connections.”
Another organisation, The Fruitmarket Gallery, also based in Edinburgh will use its £57,286 grant to launch and run its Youth ART Connects project, which aims to engage young people aged 16 to 25 who are blind and or visually impaired, from ethnically minoritised communities, and or identify as LGBTQIA+, to create three bodies of work to be exhibited at The Fruitmarket Gallery.
The Youth ART Connects project will run over two years supporting young people through the creative process and providing career and access opportunities within the arts and culture sector.
Tracy Morgan, Community Engagement Manager, The Fruitmarket Gallery said: “Delivered by Fruitmarket in partnership with leading artists and youth organisations across Scotland, this programme aims to reshape how galleries engage with young people – creating lasting change by amplifying the voices and visions of those who deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
EDINBURGH AWARDEES:
Children in Scotland £62,250
This group will use funding to run the two year ‘My Rights, My Say. Building Bridges’ project, led by young advisors aged 12-15 year old with additional support needs (ASN), aims to empower and connect children and young people with ASN across Scotland while bridging the gap with education professionals.
Granton Youth Ltd £53,481
This group will use the funding to support up to 60 young people aged 14-25, in Granton, across two years. The young people will be supported to volunteer, peer mentor and work toward accreditation with recognised awards.
Lothian Autistic Society £99,518
This group will provide wrap around support and mentoring for 45 young people with autism and other developmental disabilities, aged 12-18 years old in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, over three years.
Multi-Cultural Family Base £65,785
This group will use two years funding to deliver and expand their Young Ambassadors programme, for 60 young people aged 12-15.
Passion4Fusion £65,529
This group will use funding to develop and expand their sports outreach, volunteering and peer mentoring programme for up to 200 young people from ethnically minoritised communities, aged eight-24 years.
The Fruitmarket Gallery £57,286
This group will use their funding to engage with young people from three underrepresented groups (blind and visually impaired, ethnically minoritised communities, and LGBTQIA+ young people), over two years, in Edinburgh within the arts sector to create three bodies of work to be exhibited at the Fruitmarket Gallery.
Think Circus SCIO £49,415
This group will use the funding to support up to 65 girls from primary six to first year in high school in Edinburgh, over two years.
See below for full list of successful applications:
Announcing the funding Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “Organisations such as Passion4Fusion and The Fruitmarket Gallery empower young people to play an active leadership role in their local and wider community.
“Equipping them with the skills, network and confidence they need to unlock their full potential.
“We’re incredibly grateful to support them on this journey through this latest round of Young Start funding, that will improve the lives of young people across Scotland, through 40 inspiring projects.”
Young Start helps young people aged eight to 24 become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. Funding of up to £100,000 is available for youth led projects.
Groups can apply by emailing advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or calling 0300 123 7110.
Find out more at:
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start
Healthcare Improvement Scotland today (Wednesday 29 October) published a report relating to a Maternity Services Safe Delivery of Care inspection visit to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian.
We carried out the unannounced inspection of maternity services at the hospital on 23-24 June 2025.
Speaking of the report, Donna Maclean, Chief Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “During our inspection of the maternity services we saw staff working hard to provide compassionate and responsive care in very challenging circumstances. All interactions observed during inspection between women, babies and families were positive and respectful.
“We saw good teamwork and innovation within the maternity triage department involving extended members of the multidisciplinary team including obstetricians, midwives and the healthcare support team.
“However, during the course of this inspection, we escalated serious concerns within NHS Lothian to senior staff and Scottish Government. These concerns related to culture, oversight of patient safety and staff wellbeing within Edinburgh Royal Infirmary maternity services.
“Some staff were complimentary and described their line manager as supportive. However, the majority of the multidisciplinary team we spoke with were frustrated at staffing levels and told us this presented a safety risk, which they’d raised on multiple occasions with managers.
“They shared their concerns and feelings of being overwhelmed, unsupported and not listened to. They said this has impacted staff confidence to escalate staffing concerns.
“During the inspection we observed delays to the induction of labour process of up to 29 hours and other delays to women who required ongoing care within the labour ward due to lack of staff availability, capacity and the complexities of patient conditions.
“Staff described suboptimal skill mix and challenges in providing and maintaining one to one care for women within the labour ward, as well as delays to observations or escalation of clinical concerns.
“Our inspection has highlighted gaps in incident reporting and a reluctance to submit incident reports, with staff describing a culture of mistrust. These are concerning issues that may have significant impact on the learning from adverse events in the system and reduce opportunities to improve safety.
“Women told us of mixed experiences within the hospital, whilst some were complimentary of their care, they also informed inspectors of poor communication that left them feeling uninformed and with no ‘voice’ in their care.”
Other areas for improvement identified included fire safety requirements, safe storage of cleaning products and improvements to the environment.
Speaking of our expansion of Safe Delivery of Care inspections into maternity services, Eddie Docherty, Director of Quality Assurance and Regulation, said: “In response to Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Neonatal Mortality Review in 2024, we made a commitment to expanding our Safe Delivery of Care inspection approach to include inpatient maternity services.
“The maternity inspections will provide women, and families with an assessment of the quality of care provided by their local maternity service and an independent review of any required improvements.
“Our organisation is also producing a set of standards for maternity services, which will in time support our inspection process for maternity services.”
The maternity services inspection at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh resulted in five areas of good practice, two recommendations and 26 requirements.
An improvement action plan has been developed by NHS Lothian to meet the requirements for maternity services.
The full Lothian maternity inspection report is available to view at:
Pre-empting the report, NHS Lothian issued a statement yesterday:
KEY MESSAGES FOR PATIENTS
You are likely to read or hear some stories in the media this week about maternity services in NHS Lothian.
A new BBC documentary will air on Tuesday and will explore challenges in maternity services across Scotland. It is looking at situations and cases in the bigger units of Glasgow and Edinburgh and is following up on the improvement work that is already underway in NHS Lothian.
Then on Wednesday, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) will publish a report into Women’s Services following two unannounced visits in June.
You might understandably have some questions or concerns about what is going on. It is also to be expected that you may feel more anxious than normal.
We can reassure you that your health, and that of your baby, is our main priority.
If you have any questions at all, please raise them. If your expert midwife can’t answer them, they will be able to find someone else who can help.
A phoneline has also been established to help answer any questions or concerns. It will be manned by our Patient Experience Team with a local contact in Women’s Services for any specific issues.
You can make contact on: Tel 0131 536 3370 (open Mon-Fri, 9am to 2pm) and on email: LOTH.Feedback@nhs.scot
Many of the things to note are:
Kick off the festivities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and tuck into a tasty breakfast with Santa and his elves at the ever-popular Santa’s Breakfast this winter.
Families can enjoy a morning full of Christmas magic at Santa’s Breakfast, taking place in the Edinburgh store from 29 November to 24 December. Each child will get the chance to meet Santa and build their very own collectable soft toy to name, personalise, and take home to cherish for years to come.
The event starts with a cooked breakfast in the Dobbies’ restaurant, with vegetarian and continental breakfast options also available. Then children will get to meet Santa to share their Christmas wishes, before getting the opportunity to take part in family-friendly games, festive activities, and the toy-making workshop with the help of Santa’s elves.
Tickets are priced from £18- £20 per child, depending on the date, with adult tickets from £9. While the build-a-buddy activity is not suitable for children under three years old, a pre-made version of the toy will be provided for the younger children to decorate and take part in the festive fun.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming families to Santa’s Breakfast at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
She said: “Our Santa’s Breakfast event is extremely popular with families looking for a magical morning that everyone can enjoy.
“With festive fun and games, and a special meet and greet with Santa and a hands-on build-a-buddy activity with his elves, this event is great fun for the kids and a perfect way to start the countdown to Christmas.”
Families are now encouraged to purchase their tickets for the Santa’s Breakfast event at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store before they sell out. For a limited time only, customers can get 10% off the price of Santa’s Breakfast tickets using the code SB10 when booking online at www.dobbies.com/events
Tickets for all events and experiences are on sale now with an option to make a donation during your purchase to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK. To learn more about the Christmas events and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events
ALL DATES ON SALE NOW HERE
Have you ever considered how a single weapon could change the course of history? What stories lie behind the guns that shaped empires, wars, and even criminal underworlds? How did these firearms influence not just battles, but entire societies?
Acclaimed TV historian David Olusoga, known for his powerful BBC series A House Through Time and Black and British: A Forgotten History, has announced 2026 dates for his A Gun Through Time show.
As he is currently appearing on Celebrity Traitors, and fresh from interviewing Barack Obama on stage at The O2 in London, David is preparing to take this brand-new show on tour for the first time through November, asking the question of how a single weapon can change history.
Further dates have been added throughout April & May 2026, with tickets for all shows on-sale now via www.fane.co.uk/david-olusoga.
In A Gun Through Time, David takes audiences on a gripping journey into the hidden stories behind three firearms that changed the world. Each gun carries a complex legacy, entwining conquest, survival, and social upheaval.
This show couldn’t be timelier. With Europe witnessing the return of mechanised warfare, the echoes of past conflicts feel all too present. Young Ukrainians are now fighting in trenches eerily like those from a century ago, and here in Britain, politicians discuss rearmament and a potential expansion of the military—history, it seems, may be poised to repeat itself.
David explains his fascination: “My first passions as a boy—when I first got into history—were the First and Second World Wars. But I was always much more interested in the experiences of ordinary people caught up in those great events than I was in the speeches and strategies of politicians and generals.
“So this is not a show about guns and how they work technically, nor is it about the tactics of battle. It’s about the cultures that emerged from the millions of people for whom these weapons became part of their lives.”
Why now? David continues: “I come from a generation that, unlike our ancestors, has had little contact with firearms. This makes us incredibly fortunate and unique, living in a rare era of peace.
“In the last century, two generations were conscripted into massive armies, with millions bearing arms in wars. Today, most of us have never even seen a gun, thanks to strict gun laws and a smaller military.
“This show explores how guns were once integral to life, shaping our history and culture. Yet, as conflicts re-emerge, the peace we’ve known feels fragile, with echoes of the past returning to modern battlefields and a renewed call for defence readiness in Britain”.
David will bring four legendary firearms onto the stage, each with its own world-changing story: the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, which transformed from a WWI “wonder weapon” to the notorious “Tommy Gun” of Prohibition-era America; the Maxim Gun, used to subdue African territories and later causing unimaginable devastation on the Western Front – a weapon still seen on today’s battlefields in Ukraine.
The Lee-Enfield Rifle, the soldier’s companion in both World Wars and a legacy passed through two generations of British families. And going back to the 18th and 19th Centuries the British Brown Bess flintlock musket – the weapon British soldiers took to Waterloo and that American rebels used to win independence for the United States.
In this powerful live experience, you’ll get to see these historic artifacts up close, understand their hidden social histories, and ask David your own questions about the stories behind them.
Don’t miss this chance to experience history like never before, one weapon, one story at a time.
TOUR DATES 2025
2 November Beacon Hall Bristol
3 November Barbican Hall, London
4 November Theatre Severn, Shropshire
7 November Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
9 November Storyhouse, Chester
10 November Lyric Theatre, Lowry, Salford
13 November The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
15 November Corn Exchange, Cambridge
16 November Norwich Theatre Royal
20 November Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle
22 November Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh (Matinee)
22 November Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
*NEWLY ANNOUNCED 2026 DATES
14 April Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
16 April Charter Hall, Colchester
19 April Leeds Grand Theatre
20 April Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
21 April Town Hall, Birmingham
22 April Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham
26 April Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
27 April G Live, Guildford
28 April Anvil Arts, Basingstoke
5 May Derngate Theatre, Northampton
7 May Richmond Theatre, Richmond
11 May Cadogan Hall, London
12 May The Alban Arena, St Albans
15 May Grand Opera House, York
18 May Hall for Cornwall, Truro
19 May New Theatre, Cardiff.
People of State Pension age will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland this winter.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. Eligible people will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10
Payments will start from November this year and will be made into the same bank account as someone’s State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit.
Most people will receive the payment automatically – no action is needed.
Pensioners with a taxable annual income over £35,000 will have the payment taken back through their tax code or Self Assessment Tax return by HMRC.
Shareable resources are available for those who support people of pension age.
Europe’s largest inland surf resort, Lost Shore, has unveiled its 2025 festive line-up, complete with a special visit from Mrs Claus, the return of the resort’s much-loved festive cinema, and glittering Christmas party nights perfect for groups of all sizes.
Just 25 minutes from Edinburgh’s city centre, the resort is set to sparkle this season with a packed calendar of festive fun for families, friends, and colleagues alike.
Lost Shore will welcome Mrs Mary Claus, Santa’s better half, for an immersive theatrical experience on 6, 7 and 22 December. Guests will be treated to enchanting stories from Lapland, learning all about the Christmas preparations and discovering why kindness is the real magic of the season. Tickets start from £15, suitable for children aged 0 through to 7+.
Building on last year’s success, Lost Shore is bringing back its festive favourites cinema, screening beloved Christmas classics including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frozen, The Polar Express, Home Alone, The Holiday and Love Actually.
The cosy setup will feature rugs and beanbags for children, a wood-fired stove in the resort’s on-site restaurant, Canteen, and plenty of mulled drinks, hot chocolates, and delicious festive food to enjoy by the fire.
Looking for the perfect festive night out for your team or friend group? Lost Shore’s shared Christmas party nights promise a celebration like no other, combining great drinks, a buzzing party atmosphere, and an unlimited pizza buffet catered by Civerinos.
Whether you’re a group of friends, family or even a business looking to take your annual night out to the next level, these party nights are designed to be fun, relaxed, and guaranteed to get everyone into the festive spirit.
The resort will be beautifully dressed in festive décor, created in partnership with Rogue Village, and set against the stunning backdrop of Lost Shore’s iconic wave pool, creating the most unique Christmas party setting in Edinburgh.
Each ticket includes a welcome glass of fizz or mulled wine on arrival, followed by an unlimited festive pizza buffet served from 7:30–9:00 pm. Guests will also enjoy two drinks tokens (redeemable for beer, wine, or soft drinks), access to an open bar serving beer, wine, softs and festive cocktails, and DJ entertainment with dancing until late.
Party nights run on 30 November and 4, 5, 11 & 12 December, with individual tickets priced at £45. Private party nights are also available for those looking for a more exclusive celebration, with the ability to host groups of 90 Monday-Friday throughout December.
Guests can also pick up a real Christmas tree from the resort’s car park throughout December.
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Lost Shore offers monetary vouchers redeemable across the resort, including surf, stay, Canteen, and spa experiences. Visitors can also choose from surf bundles, Lost Shore Surf Club memberships, and a range of unique gifts in the on-site surf shop.
For more information about Lost Shore Surf Resort’s festive calendar, please visit: www.lostshore.com
