First Minister @JohnSwinney will represent Scotland at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The First Minister will travel to Rome to attend the funeral alongside heads of state and government from around the world.
A consultation has been published on potential for certain exemptions from rent controls or increases above the rent cap.
Last year, the Scottish Government set out its plans for long-term rent controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which will help create a fairer, better-regulated rented sector for tenants and landlords.
Tenants, landlords and others in the rented sector are being asked to share their views on possible exemptions to the rent cap, for example in connection with mid-market and Build to Rent properties.
The consultation also considers where landlords could be allowed to increase rents above the cap, for example where there have been improvements to their property or where rents have consistently been charged at a level below market rates.
Views are also being sought on how Ministers’ regulation-making powers could be used to clarify how private sector joint tenancies are ended.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The rent control proposals we have published as part of the Housing Bill are just some of the measures we are taking to improve lives and work towards achieving our goal of ending child poverty in Scotland.
“Our rent control proposals will help provide certainty for tenants by keeping them in their homes and ensure rents remain affordable during a cost-of-living crisis.
“Rental properties are a crucial element of our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and we want landlords to have the confidence to invest and continue to provide good quality, affordable homes.
“We have published this consultation as part of our ongoing engagement with those who will be affected by rent control. The responses will help us strike the right balance between supporting tenants, whilst ensuring the rights of landlords are protected and we continue to support investment in the rented homes we need.”
Housing (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space
We’re doing it! On Sunday 18th May, from 1pm to 3:30pm at Leonardo Hotel, Murrayfield we will be hosting Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab to raise funds to tackle local loneliness. 
This unique event, hosted by Vintage Vibes, brings together 100 local people to create the ultimate cake-sharing experience.
HOW IT WORKS
100 brilliant bakers will each bring a homemade cake to share.
Our VIP judges, members of Vintage Vibes Community, will award prizes for the most exciting and unusual cakes.
Then, the fun begins! Each guest will receive a box and a set time limit to grab as many different slices as possible.
No cake left behind! Once time’s up, any remaining cake becomes a free-for-all—so pace yourself wisely!
But it’s not just about the thrill of dashing for cake. Throughout the afternoon, you can chat all things baking, enjoy eating your chosen treats, take part in fantastic raffles and games, and even grab a drink at the on-site bar. All whilst making a difference to Edinburgh’s most isolated older people.
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
We’ve had so much interest in this event and limited ticket numbers, so we are announcing the time and date that the tickets go on sale in ADVANCE!
Tickets will go on sale on our website https://vintagevibes.org.uk/support/ at 11am on Saturday 26th April.
Tickets will be first come, first served but you can book multiple tickets in one go. Add a reminder to your diary now!
Practical Bits and Bobs
Yes, there is free parking and good bus connections
Yes, bakers of all levels welcome
Yes, if there are enough bakers we will have tables for Gluten Free and Vegan cakes
Yes, it is a fully accessible venue
Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends and fellow cake lovers! 
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
The list was established in 2016 to address the lack of diverse representation on other 30 Under 30 lists. It seeks to celebrate young women, girls and non-binary people in Scotland who are making change in their lives, communities or in society. Each year since its launch, the list has showcased some of Scotland’s most inspiring young artists, activists, carers, volunteers and trail-blazers from across the country.
This year’s successful nominees will form the tenth cohort to appear on The Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 list.
Last year’s list included Eilidh Craib, a champion teenage kickboxer from Aberdeenshire; Elsie Ong, a 13-year-old activist from Dumfries and Galloway; Shannon Boston, a researcher investigating Shetland’s drug and alcohol culture; alongside artists, campaigners, journalists and community champions.
Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘Young women are leading change across Scotland – within their own lives and communities, as well as at a national level.
“In a climate of rising misogyny online and offline, 30 Under 30 is a much needed opportunity to celebrate and recognise young women’s achievements and the positive impact they have.
“Reading the nominations is always a moving experience, and we’re excited to discover this year’s 30 in the tenth iteration of the list.’
Nominations can be submitted until Monday 2nd June at youngwomenscot.org/30Under30, where more information can also be found.
Self-nominations are also welcomed, and The Young Women’s Movement is hoping to see stories from a wide range of age groups, parts of Scotland and areas of life.
Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 days (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April) celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.
Full details of #Japanese#cultural events here:
https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/…/sakura-lauriston…
Free and drop in.
Future faces of stage and screen will dazzle audiences with a live theatrical performance at The Traverse Theatre this month in Queen Margaret University’s Acting and Performance Showcase.
Produced at the end of every academic year, the showcase is an opportunity for family, friends, industry experts and the general public to witness the emerging and versatile talent of the BA (Hons) Acting and Performance graduating cohort at QMU, just before they step out into the working world of the creative industries.
This year’s showcase promises an imaginative and high-energy performance, featuring a diverse selection of scenes directed by Bruce Strachan, Lecturer in Acting and Performance at QMU.
It’s a true celebration of collaboration — a core value within QMU’s Performing Arts department. Students will work together to bring the production to life, from stage management and technical support to costume and wardrobe design.
Marion Scott, Programme Leader for Acting and Performance at QMU, said: “The Acting Showcase is always an exciting pinnacle that marks the end of the academic year – not just for our graduates, but for everyone who has supported their journey.
“For the Tuesday evening show on 29 April, our talented 3rd year students will be joining us to perform some devised pieces, followed by songs and some award presentations. After the interval, our 4th year students will present a selection of scenes and songs, interwoven with showreel-style monologue and duologue film clips displaying the versatility of their talents. These clips were produced by Roddy Walker— a QMU graduate who is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker and Company Director of RWP.media.
“What audiences will see is the result of rigorous practice, risk-taking, the honing of their craft and a genuine commitment to exploring what performance can be. It’s also a reminder of the importance of new voices and perspectives in the arts – and these students have plenty to say!”
The QMU Acting and Performance Showcase is also an invaluable opportunity to introduce the graduating cohort to the industry — particularly the agents, casting directors, and artistic directors invited to the show.
Marion continued: “For the Wednesday matinee on 30 April, we will be joined by an array of creative professionals. After the showcase, students will have the chance to network with these experts – a fantastic opportunity which could offer them a real springboard for their acting careers.
“We’re also delighted to be partnering once again with the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh — a perfect stage for our new emerging talent to take their first steps into the professional world.”
QMU’s BA (Hons) Acting and Performance Showcase will take place at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh on Tuesday 29 April at 7.30pm and Wednesday 30th April at 1.30pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the bundles of creativity and acting prowess of tomorrow’s talent as they take centre stage in Scotland’s capital city.
Scotland’s new national suicide prevention campaign went live on Wednesday 16 April 2025. The campaign asks a simple question, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life“?
It features four people with lived and living experience of suicide, each of whom agreed to share their story having been bereaved by, attempted or actively considered suicide.
The idea behind the campaign is that we need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.
Alongside the campaign, a new website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory is being launched at suicideprevention.scot.
This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
In addition to those with their own experiences of suicide, the campaign was developed with a group of people which also included those with professional experience and academic expertise. Suicide prevention specialists from local areas (Forth Valley and Ayrshire) were also involved, as was SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith who lost her uncle Joe to suicide said: “This is an extraordinary campaign. It’s deeply moving, extremely personal, and yet is full of hope. It is also very bold, which is no wonder given it was completely co-produced with people who bring their own experiences.
“The message could not be clearer: if you’re worried about someone, ask them how they are, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening. And if you’re worried about yourself, please reach out. It might be the bravest thing you ever have to do, but it will probably be the best thing you ever do, too.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson added: “Within COSLA and across all spheres of Government, we recognise the importance of early intervention – providing the right support at the right time as early as possible.
“I’m confident that this campaign will contribute to our early intervention outcomes by prompting people to have vital conversations about suicide that might just save a life.
“I commend Seonaid, Ross, Clare and Laura for sharing their stories and helping to encourage these conversations. They are all active members of our communities with lived and living experience, which is an essential factor in helping to normalise talking about suicide and ensuring people in need are supported within their local communities.”
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87NHS 24 mental health hub on 111
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
Following the great box office and family audience success of Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, Vue Lumière is releasing a second Bluey adventure on the big screen. Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection will be playing in over 500 cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection is an hour-long treat courtesy of BBC Studios and Ludo Studios, made up of eight episodes from the TV show’s three series, all based around the fun of food. The compilation will showcase memorable moments such as Takeaway, Fancy Restaurant, and highlight the Heeler’s skills in the kitchen with episodes such as Omelette and Duck Cake.
Commenting on the new and continued offer of Bluey in cinemas, Johnny Carr, Head of Event Cinema and Distribution, Vue Lumière said: “Following the tremendous success of Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, which garnered over 250k admissions at the box office last summer, we’re delighted to announce this unmissable cinema event – the world’s leading animated series and global phenomenon – for the May Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.”
Vue Lumière is the new film distribution division of Vue, bringing the best of independent and international films directly to audiences. Launched in 2024 with the release of the Italian break-out There’s Still Tomorrow and family hit Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, the company is now building a slate for 2025 with the aim of releasing 10-12 films per year in the UK and Ireland – and ultimately beyond to other Vue territories. Vue is one of the world’s leading cinema operators, managing the most respected brands and spanning eight countries with 223 sites and 1959 screens.
About Bluey
The series follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun.
Bluey is created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by Emmy® Award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family. Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is proudly 100% created, written, animated, and post produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government. BBC Studios Kids & Family hold the global distribution and merchandise rights.
In Australia, the show is broadcast on ABC. The series airs and streams to U.S. and global audiences (outside of Australia, New Zealand and China) across Disney Channel, Disney Jr. and Disney+ through a global broadcasting deal between BBC Studios Kids & Family and Disney Branded Television.
Bluey has won multiple craft and production awards around the world, including the 2019 International Emmy Kids Award and a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category. In 2024 alone, Bluey won a Peabody Award, Television Critics Association (TCA) Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming” and a Rose d’Or award in the “Children & Youth” category, and many others.
This May, Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience at its Edinburgh store, combining an exclusive afternoon tea with a seasonal planting workshop, inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies’ 160-year heritage.
The Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea will take place during the week of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, on Tuesday 20 May and Saturday 24 May. Taking place in the Edinburgh store, this event will give guests the perfect opportunity to create their very own bespoke planted container and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
Attendees will enjoy a 90-minute experience where they will join Dobbies’ Green Team in the plant area for a seasonally relevant planting demonstration and Q&A session. Each guest will receive a limited-edition 160 heritage Dobbies’ pot and a selection of seasonal plants, carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which they will plant up and take home.
Customers at the Edinburgh store will then make their way to the restaurant to enjoy a traditional Heritage Afternoon Tea, which has been carefully curated in honour of celebrating Dobbies’ 160th birthday, and features three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, including Dobbies’ famous scones, plus unlimited tea and coffee refills.
Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer and Chair of Assessors at the RHS Chelsea Garden Show, said: “We are excited to be celebrating 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow by bringing this new event to our Edinburgh store.
“Our planting and afternoon tea events have been really popular with our customers, and it’s been fantastic to have one that celebrates RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I’ve loved selecting the plants and hope those attending enjoy creating their own seasonal containers that they can take home and enjoy.”
Tickets for the Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience at the Edinburgh store are £45 per person.
For more information and to book on Dobbies’ events, visit:
AN INSPIRING new art exhibition will showcase the creative talents of Martin Birkhans, an 88-year-old Edinburgh care home resident who has rediscovered his passion for painting, proving that creativity has no age limit.
Martin, who resides at Cramond Residence, is preparing to unveil his first public exhibition, ‘Sketches from a Wheelchair’ – a collection of striking nature-inspired artworks encouraged by his daughter.
Upon arriving at Cramond Residence, physiotherapists helped Martin channel his determination into walking again, an achievement that garnered attention from BBC documentary makers. With age returning him to wheelchair use, Martin found a new outlet for his energy and resolve through painting.
“I have never considered myself an artist, nor do I claim to be one now. But painting has been a wonderful way to keep my mind active,” Martin said. “Nature has always fascinated me, and much of my work is inspired by the world outside my window.”
Martin approaches his art with the same curiosity that made him a respected academic during his career as a senior lecturer at the Edinburgh School of Architecture. His late wife, Joan Lingard, was a renowned author and together they shared a lifetime of creativity and inspiration.
“The exhibition wasn’t my idea – my daughters encouraged me to share my work, and I’m looking forward to seeing how people react to it,” he added.
Set to open tomorrow (Friday 25th April) in the cinema space at Cramond Residence, the exhibition will allow fellow residents, family, and guests to enjoy Martin’s creations. His work will remain on display over the weekend and will also be showcased in reception ahead of the event.
Despite his professional background in architectural academia, Martin’s paintings take a more organic approach, drawing heavily from the natural world. He credits Cramond Residence’s gardens as a major source of inspiration.
“I started drawing the flowers outside, and it evolved from there. My daughters send me photographs of places they know I love, and I paint from memory, imagination, and a little artistic licence,” he explained. “Painting is relaxing, almost addictive, and has become an important part of my routine.”
Creativity runs through Martin’s family. Born in Latvia, Russian occupation forced him and his family to relocate to Canada in 1948. His sister, who still lives in Canada, is a professional painter, and Martin keeps her artwork alongside paintings by his father in his room at Cramond Residence.
The team at Cramond has been instrumental in Martin’s artistic journey, encouraging him to explore his creativity despite health challenges that have kept him from other beloved hobbies such as golf and fishing.
Richard Annan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cramond Residence said: “Martin is a truly inspiring individual, and his exhibition is a testament to his talent, humour, and sheer determination.
“He has a unique way of seeing the world, and we’re thrilled to help him share his work with others. His paintings are not just beautiful; they tell a story of resilience and creativity.”
The exhibition is a personal event for Martin, who has chosen to gift his artworks rather than sell them. Family members and close friends will have the first opportunity to choose pieces before they are distributed to others who have supported him.
Martin’s wider circle includes generations of architecture students, including the current Professor of the Edinburgh University School of Architecture. This exhibition marks another chapter in his extraordinary life where he shares his creative talents with the community.
“I hope people enjoy the paintings as much as I enjoyed making them. I never set out to exhibit them, but I’m glad my daughters convinced me otherwise,” Martin concluded. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll inspire someone else to pick up a paintbrush, no matter their age.”
