Week Two Bestie Winners

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the week two winners of The Besties:

The Good Immigrant – The Truth to Power Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “We wanted to call this the Fuck the Government Award but then we thought the award name should probably come from a more positive place, so we’re putting it in the copy instead. It’s been ten years since essay anthology The Good Immigrant was released and in those intervening ten years, everything has gotten a lot worse.

“We are giving this award in recognition of the seminal work The Good Immigrant has done in reframing conversations around immigration in this country, and to recognise how much work we all still have to do in the next ten years, and the next and the next. Congratulations to the team behind The Good Immigrant, winners of The Truth to Power Award! Here to collect the award is Nikesh Shukla, who edited the anthology.”

Dracula Lucy’s Dream – The No Strings Attached Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “Here at The Skinny, we love a puppet. And so when it came to awarding a show for its puppetry credentials, which obviously we had to do, Dracula: Lucy’s Dream was an easy call.

Plexus Polaire have created a production which showcases the magical possibilities of physical theatre: the ways in which materiality and liveness can be central to the emotional and narrative qualities of a piece.

From our review: “Dracula: Lucy’s Dream is both a visual and literary tour-de-force, using astonishing puppetry to frame Lucy’s descent into vampirism as an act of violation and psychological devastation.” Congratulations to Dracula Lucy’s Dream, winners of The No Strings Attached Award!”

Tia Rey: Oot Ma Banger – The Debut Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “There are some comedians you come across who you feel were simply born to do it, and Tia Rey is the perfect example. First trying stand-up in 2024, as well as hosting Too Queer, a comedy night in Glasgow, she is one of the most exciting emerging Scottish talents to burst on to the scene.

Her debut hour ‘Oot Ma Banger’ takes us with her on a wild psychedelic journey which she experienced in her twenties, told with the skill and tenacity of a performer who would appear to have been on the circuit for years – decades, even. We’re so excited to see where Tia Rey will go next and how she will develop.

And of course, to see her back at the Fringe next year with a brand new hour! Congratulations to Tia Rey, winner of The Debut Award.”

 The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of its Flight – The Visionary Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “Theodore Schafer’s dizzyingly experimental sophomore feature, The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of its Flight, recalibrates the very notion of what a film can be.

This black-and-white portmanteau triptych acts like a love letter to New York, unfolding as three surreal stories centred on love, money and faith that feel closer to poetry than any straightforward narrative.

Schaefer’s filmmaking style is as unpredictable as the plot, and the resulting work is one of the most confident, original and exciting American indies we’ve seen in quite some time. The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of its Flight had its world premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival. Congratulations to the team behind The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of its Flight, winners of The Visionary Award. Here to collect the award on their behalf is Lynda Myles.”


T.F. Cia de Dança: Border Bodies – The Outwith Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “Part of the Sao Paolo showcase at this year’s festival, Border Bodies is unlike anything we’ve seen before – a frenetic celebration of plurality and collectivity told through meticulous choreography and seven dancers’ bodies. In a time of increasing political and geographical division, it speaks to what is possible when we transcend the borders between us. Congratulations to Border Bodies, the winners of the Outwith Award.”


Sam Eley is Basil Crumbwick: Soul Sewage – The Night Owl Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “It’s getting to that part of the Fringe where tiredness is setting in and it takes the rumblings of something special to tempt many a punter to stay out past 11pm.

Well, Basil Crumbwick – AKA Sam Eley and his giant papier mâché head – is that something special. Boiling over with “impotent rage”, as Fest’s reviewer put it, Basil Crumbwick is an act worth sacrificing many a good night’s sleep for. Congratulations to Sam Eley, winner of The Night Owl Award.”

Jack Anderson, Charlotte Mclean, Malin Lewis: not for glory – The Collaboration Award

The Skinny / Fest magazine team commented: “not for glory meets at the crossroads between dance, theatre, gig and comedy, as well as therapy for those who have survived the youth competition culture of the traditional arts world. In it, dancers Jack Anderson and Charlotte Mclean and piper Malin Lewis bind together their pasts in order to examine the interaction between passion, reward, and memory.

The show has a genuinely unique point of view – Fest reviewer Eilidh Akilade singled it out for its “thoughtful dissection of heritage and all its complexities” and “empowered disregard of tradition for tradition’s sake”.

We also loved it for its humour, for the weird and obscure elements of the scene that the trio so generously bring to life for us – after all, bearing witness to these absurd joys is normally the privilege of an exclusive club, one whose membership is earned through years of toil and despair. Congratulations to the team behind not for glory, winners of the Collaboration Award.”

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. 

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. 2026 winners will be announced at weekly ceremonies taking place at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 15, 22 and 29 August.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally. 

Improving lives across Scotland?

FM outlines progress made in first 100 days of government

Helping people with the cost of living, strengthening public services and growing the economy are the focus of policies delivered so far in the first 100 days of government, First Minister John Swinney has said.

Since appointing the Cabinet on 20th May, the Scottish Government’s action has included setting up the First Homes Fund to help first-time buyers with up to £10,000 support towards a deposit, investing in and expanding health and social care provision, and setting up initiatives to boost business.

Work is also underway on key commitments including expanding support for breakfast clubs, extending the £2 bus cap beyond the Highlands and Islands, the Welcome to School Bag which builds on the success of Scotland’s Baby Box and on mobile phones in schools.

First Minister John Swinney said: “From day one, this government has been focused on the issues that matter most to people across Scotland – helping people with the cost of living, making our public services like the NHS stronger, and supporting our economy to prosper. My government will deliver on its promises to the people of Scotland.

“In our first 100 days, we have taken decisive action to support these priorities. That includes investing £90 million to bring down NHS outpatient waiting lists, boosting the social care workforce and opening new GP walk-in services.

“Our First Homes Fund is helping first time buyers to get on the property ladder, and launching the £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund will make sure fewer people reach the point of crisis.

“To support our economic growth, we have established the National Council for Economic Growth and set up a fund to support island business impacted by travel disruption.

“As we near the end of the first 100 days of this government, we will continue to deliver action that will help improve people’s lives – including launching the consultation on the food price cap and delivering more school breakfast clubs to help families with essential costs.

My Programme for Government will then set out how we build on the progress to go further in improving lives and delivering change to build a stronger,fairer Scotland.”

Sign up for Big Forth Cleanup

Big Forth Cleanup! 28th, 29th,30th August

We’re calling on people all around the Firth of Forth coastline to join us and this is a special callout to folk in East Lothian who might be interested in organising or joining a beach clean along our coastline!

We already have a few beach cleans taking place in east Lothian, but we’d love to see even more communities getting involved!

When you register your beach clean, you’ll have the opportunity to add it to the Big Forth Cleanup map. You’ll also receive lots of useful information, including:

♻️ Top tips for beach cleaning

📍 Information to help you plan your event

🗑️ Guidance on waste disposal from your local authority

Every clean makes a difference, so why not get involved and help us make an even bigger impact along the East Lothian coastline?

👉 Register your beach clean and get involved! https://balancedhorizon.org/big-forth-cleanup/

Have questions? Email us at bfc@balancedhorizon.org

Girlguiding Scotland hosts Camp CEO

Girlguiding Scotland members “inspired” to aim for the top by leading female executives at Camp CEO

86 Girlguiding Scotland members aged 14-18 took part in Camp CEO, a 4 day camp with top female CEOs and industry leaders from a range of sectors.

Taking place in rural Perthshire, young members were able to take part in workshops on everything from goal setting and personal branding to feminist leadership and networking.

Girlguiding’s recent Girls’ Attitudes Survey showed that 64% of 7-21 year olds want to be leaders in their chosen job and 58% of 11-21 year olds want more support in building their skills and confidence so they can become leaders of the future.

Girlguiding Scotland hosted Camp CEO to give their young members the opportunity to develop skills that will help them get through exams, prepare for college or university or start their first job.

Camp CEO was an adventurous 4 days of fun activities and workshops aimed to help young women be the best they can be, and to realise that they don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else.

One of the young people (15) who attended shared: “Camp CEO has really inspired my potential at a time I have felt mostly worried for my future.

“I didn’t realise how much listening to other people’s experiences could change my mindset. It has made the world feel bigger and with hard work, my goals feel achievable.

Another young person (17) said, “I really enjoyed Camp CEO.

“Talking to the CEOs and learning that none of them really knew what they wanted to do in life when they were in school made me feel better about feeling unsure what I want to do in the future.”

Young members who attended Camp CEO had the opportunity to speak to CEOs and other women in leadership positions and learn from them.

They were also shown what other opportunities Girlguiding can offer and took part in some fun activites including:

  • Ask a CEO where girls got to ask CEOs questions, like what inspired them, and what their career journey was like.
  • Dragons Den where girls came up with a project to sell to a panel of Camp CEOs very own “dragons”
  • Team building with the Navy where girls worked together to build items they could use in a crisis – such as a wind turbine.
  • Goal setting where girls thought about what they’d like to achieve and all the things that will help them get there.
  • Storytelling session where girls learned how to have and develop more confidence in public speaking.

A young person (15) shared, “I had the best time and am so grateful for the opportunity. Talking to the CEOs at the networking event and being given advice on various subjects as well as having to meet a whole new set of people really boosted my confidence.”

Another attendee (15) said,:“It was great to learn that experience opens more career options than exam results.”

There were female leaders present from various sectors including the Scottish Government, the health sector, charity sector, youth work sector and more.Opportunities like this are just one of many opportunities Girlguiding Scotland offers girls and young women. 

As the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland with nearly 40,000 members, Girlguiding Scotland’s unique programme includes badges in everything from mindfulness to bushcraft, plus opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventure, gain awards, develop leadership skills, use their voice and take action.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or know a girl who would like to join guiding, please visit girlguidingscotland.org.uk. 

Mr Lego: Visual Impairment Doesn’t Have to Hold You Back

Stewart Lamb Cromar, from Edinburgh, has achieved a lifelong ambition after Lego turned one of his designs into an official set.

It is a goal he has been working towards for more than a decade, and one he feared might never become reality after a detached retina left him with a visual impairment in 2020.

Lego has always been an important part of Stewart’s life. During some of the most difficult periods following his sight loss, the hobby helped him stay focused, motivated and creative. Today, Stewart is sharing his story to raise awareness of visual impairment and encourage others to seek support when they need it.

Living With Sight Loss

Stewart experienced significant sight loss after suffering a detached retina in 2020, a complication linked to his Type 1 diabetes. What followed was a series of surgeries and ongoing challenges, leaving him with permanent sight loss in one eye.

He explains: “I would love to raise awareness for people with visual impairment. Sight loss is an invisible disability, which is why it’s so important to talk about it, raise awareness of available support, and remind people they are not alone.

“Losing my sight meant having to adapt to a completely new reality, and I found that incredibly difficult. There were some very dark days when I genuinely wasn’t sure how I was going to cope. As everything changed around me, I started desperately searching online for advice, support and someone who understood what I was going through.

“Before my sight loss, I had never heard of Sight Scotland. During lockdown, when things were at their toughest, I found myself searching for Scottish charities that could help.

As my situation became more serious, I realised I couldn’t face it on my own. Making that first call wasn’t easy, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, but looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I made.

“That’s the message I want to share with anyone going through something similar: support is there and it can make a real difference, so don’t be too proud or too scared to ask for help.

“I had great support from my family, but I really needed to hear another voice who was removed from my inner circle but who genuinely knew what I was going through. I was really scared and felt so alone. When I made the phone call to Sight Scotland’s helpline and someone called me back, it made such a difference. Suddenly I found reassurance that help was out there, that I wasn’t alone, and that, yes, it was going to be hard but that I could get through it.

“I was still depressed, but I was given reassurance when I needed it most. They talked me through what I was going through, all the feelings I was experiencing, and told me about the help and support available. There was so much kindness and understanding from the support line. Finding that kind of support when you are struggling isn’t always easy, but it can make an enormous difference.

“Having someone listen without judgement, acknowledge what I was going through and reassure me that my feelings were normal helped me more than I can put into words. Looking back, I honestly don’t know where I would be today if I hadn’t made that call.

“A huge turning point for me was accepting that I needed a white cane and being shown how to use it properly. I kept bumping into things and walking into people who thought I was being rude, which I found really embarrassing.

It was difficult because using a white cane felt like a public acknowledgment of my disability. But it has huge benefits. It helps people understand that I have sight loss, even though it isn’t immediately visible, and makes everyday life much easier to navigate. Coming to terms with using a white cane was a significant step in accepting my visual impairment and adapting to a new way of living.

The charity also does fantastic work campaigning for change, from making streets more accessible for people with sight loss to helping secure free rail travel for companions of blind and severely sight-impaired people. Seeing the real difference it makes is incredible.”

Flora the Highland Cow

Known by many friends as “Mr Lego”, Stewart has built hundreds of models over the years and says his passion for Lego became even stronger after losing his sight.

“I have always loved Lego, and I was so worried that I would no longer be able to do it with my visual impairment. But in reality, it has driven me on.

“Lego is much more than a hobby for me – it keeps me moving forward. I’m always trying new things and pushing myself, and it is actually a really practical, tactile, activity for someone with sight loss.

“I build sensory models that people can touch and feel, and it has text-based instructions that can be read by screen readers. Through Lego, I’ve also met and helped other families affected by sight loss.

“At a recent exhibition, a young boy with a visual impairment kept returning to my display and, after speaking to his dad, I gave him some Braille Lego bricks. The boy could see that I was still creating all these models despite having a visual impairment myself, and it showed him that he could do it too.”

In 2026, Stewart achieved something he had been working towards since first submitting designs to Lego more than 10 years earlier.

His model, Highland Hike, featured a Highland cow called Flora and was inspired by childhood family holidays in the Scottish Highlands. The design was selected as a finalist in a Lego Ideas challenge before being put to a public vote. Stewart’s entry won, meaning Lego chose it to become an official Lego set.

“I never thought this would be possible, I had been trying for so long. It shows what can happen if you keep going. The goal of having one of my models released as an official Lego set has been a genuine dream for over a decade. After all the setbacks, surgeries and difficult times, to see Flora become a real Lego set is incredible.”

Stewart hopes his story will encourage others living with visual impairment to keep pursuing the things they love.

“No one chooses to be visually impaired. It is vital to make peace with it, try to be optimistic and be honest about the hard times because that is normal. Reach out for help because you will need it.

“If I can help or inspire one person through sharing my story, that would be fantastic. Visual impairment doesn’t have to stop you achieving your goals.”

For more information please visit sightscotland.org.uk

Louise Lockwood’s documentary Bel gets a cinema release

The producers of Louise Lockwood’s powerful theatrical debut Bel are delighted to announce the details for the film’s cinematic release.

Ahead of its world premiere as  Closing Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival on 19 August, Bel opens at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh on 4 September with dates to follow across the UK including post-show discussions featuring the film’s director, Louise Lockwood, Beldina’s sister, Leah McAleer and Producer Sarah Howitt. Tickets on sale via individual cinemas.

  • Filmhouse Edinburgh | 4th-11th* September | tickets here
  • Dundee Contemporary Arts | 18th, 20th, 21st and 23rd September
  • Macroberts Arts Centre, Stirling | 23rd September*
  • Eden Court, Inverness | 5th-7th September
  • Cromarty Community Cinema | 20th September
  • Sea Change Film Festival | 18th* and 20th* September on Isle of Seil & Isle of Tiree

*indicates post show discussion scheduled

More venues to be announced in due course.

The producers are also pleased to announce that Cargo Sales & Releasing, known for their work with independent, often cutting-edge titles, has been engaged as the international sales agent for Bel.

September 2017. Pics of Beldina Odenyo Onassis, aka Heir of The Cursed, at a gig at Camphill Gate tenement rooftop, in Shawlands, Glasgow.

David Piperni, Cargo Film & Releasing said: “Sometimes a film comes along that knocks your socks off. Beldina’s story is powerful on multiple levels and in director Louise Lockwood’s hands, her story will touch audiences around the world.”

Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities. After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.

This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.

Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.

Produced by award winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer and Nancy Bornat [Hopscotch Films] Mark Thomas [Screen Scotland] and associate producer – the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.

Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, BBC Documentaries and BBC Commissioning Editors, David Harron and Emma Loach with Commissioning Executive Shona Thompson.

Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

RoSPA supports Health Equals campaign

Your postcode shouldn’t determine your shelf life.

Right now, people in parts of the UK are living up to 18 years less than in others. That’s not because of bad luck or just individual choices, but because things like mouldy homes, toxic air, and the struggle to afford the basics are cutting lives short.

We are proud to support the Health Equals campaign, which is calling for a change in the law to tackle health inequalities.

Explore the campaign and find out how to get involved here:

👉https://bit.ly/4bGLDLR

Travelling Gallery coming to Drumbrae Library Hub on Monday

Reminder that on Monday we will joined by the travelling gallery with their exhibition called ‘User Interface: Coded Craft‘.

Travelling Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in a bus. Since 1978 it’s been bringing exhibitions to communities throughout Scotland.

The current exhibition is called ‘User Interface: Coded Craft’ which is a group exhibition featuring contemporary craft artists and makers whose work combines traditional handcraft skills with digital technology.

The artists use technology to expand what they can create and explore how craft can help develop more sustainable ways of living and making in the future.

Come along to view the exhibition!

#GoAllIn

#TheNationalYearOfReading

#travellinggallery

TODAY: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns

Capes, crafts and community: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns to raise vital funds for children’s hospices

The UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft, is calling on the nation’s creative superheroes to get involved as its much-loved Superhero Saturday fundraising event returns to stores across the UK today, raising vital funds for long-standing charity partner, Together for Short Lives.

Hobbycraft colleagues and customers will be encouraged to unleash their creative superpowers, with stores transformed into heroic headquarters for a day of fundraising, fun and creativity. From dressing up as favourite superheroes to taking part in creative activities, bake sales and other fundraising challenges, there will be plenty of ways for customers to get involved and show their support.

Every pound raised will help support Together for Short Lives and the UK’s 52 children’s hospices, providing vital care and support to children living with serious illness and their families.

Hobbycraft has partnered with Together for Short Lives since 2012, with colleagues and customers raising an incredible £3.4 million and counting over almost 14 years. The partnership is built around a shared belief in the power of creativity, art and play to bring joy, connection and precious moments to families facing unimaginably difficult circumstances.

Natalie Amosu, Marketing Director at Hobbycraft, comments: “At Hobbycraft, we believe creativity has the (super)power to bring comfort, joy and connection, and there’s no better example of that than Superhero Saturday.

“Every cape made, every craft sold and every pound raised helps give families facing unimaginable circumstances a little more support. Powered by our incredible colleagues and customers, we are all committed to making this event magical and memorable.”

Nick Carroll, Chief Executive at Together for Short Lives, comments: “Sitting right at the heart of our partnership is the shared belief that art and play have the power to enrich the lives of the children and families we support.

“To them, it’s not just painting, drawing and crafting. It’s a smile, a story and a memory made which that family will treasure forever.

“We’re so grateful to every single caped crusader and creative customer at Hobbycraft who no doubt will make this year’s Superhero Saturday the best one yet.”

Superhero Saturday will take place in Hobbycraft stores across the UK today – Saturday 22nd August.

Customers can visit their local store to take part in fundraising activities and help support children’s hospices and the families who rely on their vital services.

Award-winning Fringe Show prompts Assisted Dying discussions

An award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show is helping audiences discuss assisted dying, death and family relationships in a supportive and judgement-free way. 

Written and performed by Bonnie Oddie, That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland is based on her experience of taking her mother to Swiss clinic Dignitas to end her life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and the intergenerational dynamics of a family experiencing the exceptional. 

The show won Best Solo Show at Riverside Studios’ Bitesize Festival in 2024 and has since garnered a positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth. 

To give visitors space and time to reflect, the team supporting the show have set up a space in the Festival’s Bristo Square area for people to write down their thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the complex issues raised by the show. 

One audience member said, “Anyone with a daughter, mother, or grandmother will be moved. Generational storytelling all while hanging laundry.”

Another added, “[a] compelling piece of storytelling. Loved the washing line and Bonnie’s movement…” 

The show has drawn attention from organisations from both sides of Scotland’s assisted dying debate who have complimented the way it humanises the issue of assisted dying and presents an even-handed, personal depiction of the emotive subject. 

That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland runs until 31 August (not 24th) 11:25am in Underbelly Bristo Square (Clover).

Writer and performer, Bonnie Oddie, said: “One of the things I wanted to do with this show was to help create a non-partisan and non-judgemental discussion around death, assisted dying, and family relationships. 

“As a team, we decided the best way to do that is to take a washing line, a prop from the show, and provide space and materials to let our audiences write down what they think and feel after they come to see us. 

“I’ve been blown away by some of the reactions and conversations that we’ve had, it’s been inspiring, emotional, and has shown to me that people want and need to talk about these difficult topics.”