Fairness at the heart of how Scotland adapts to a changing climate
Communities hit hardest by wildfires, flooding and drought will have a stronger voice in shaping Scotland’s climate resilience with the establishment of the third Just Transition Commission.
The Commission brings together 15 experts in public health, economics and community engagement to advise Ministers and ensure resilience measures reach those who need them most. It will engage directly with workers, rural communities and vulnerable groups to shape costed recommendations for government.
Running until 2031, the Commission will focus on adaptation, reflecting the increasing toll extreme weather is taking on people’s daily lives, while working to ensure the costs and benefits of adaptation measures are shared fairly.
The Commission will also support a just transition to net zero. It will advise on the impact of decarbonisation on jobs and industry, including in Scotland’s offshore energy sector, and work with businesses, unions and communities to help shape a fairer, greener economy.
Minister for Business Tom Arthur said: “The invaluable advice that previous commissions have provided have helped shape policy on areas including on Grangemouth and informed the creation of just transition indicators within Scotland’s Climate Change Plan.
“Communities hit hardest by climate change are often the ones least equipped to deal with its effects. This Commission will make sure that the people facing the greatest risks are at the heart of how we build resilience.
“Solutions to adapting to and tackling climate change must be proportionate, appropriate and effective as we work together across all sectors of society to build a greener and fairer economy.”
Co-chair Professor Dave Reay said: “Climate change is the biggest risk multiplier for inequality this century.
“Our role as a Commission is to show how, with a bold and innovative approach, we can still succeed in reducing our emissions and adapting to climate impacts in a way that builds a Scotland that is truly resilient in terms of our society, our economy, and the infrastructure we all rely on.”
Co-chair Satwat Rehman said: “Since 2019 the Just Transition Commission has worked hard to put a strong focus on how different communities are experiencing Scotland’s climate transition, and how we can do better.
“We need to address existing inequalities and proactively tackle the risk of new forms of injustice being created as our climate and our economy are reshaped.
“We will build on those insights and keep pushing our government to act with the urgency this moment requires.”
Community organisations, charities, social enterprises and local residents are being invited to help shape the future of the Norton Park Conference Centre as part of a new study exploring how a bespoke heritage space could better serve Edinburgh’s third sector as well as the local communities round Easter Road.
Norton Park has commissioned a comprehensive options appraisal to identify new and enhanced uses for its Conference Centre, with the ambition of creating greater social impact, stronger community benefit and improved long-term sustainability.
The study will explore how the building could support voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, local residents and purpose-driven businesses, while respecting the heritage character of the building.
The project is being led by Community Enterprise and Fraser/Livingstone Architects. A central part of the project is understanding what Edinburgh’s third sector actually needs. The team is keen to hear from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, networks and public sector partners about the challenges they face, the facilities they currently use, the gaps in provision across the city and the opportunities they would like to see developed.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting the voluntary and community sector in Edinburgh.
“We know there is potential for the Conference Centre to play a much bigger role in supporting organisations and communities across the city. This project is an opportunity to think creatively about the future and ensure that the building responds to real needs.
“We are keen to hear from as many organisations as possible so that any future plans are rooted in evidence, demand and community benefit.”
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s leading third-sector hub, providing affordable, high-quality workspace and a supportive community for charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The study will examine a range of possibilities, including workspace, meeting facilities, training and event space, partnership working opportunities and other community-focused uses. The findings will help Norton Park identify a preferred option and develop a longer-term vision for the building’s future.
Robin Livingstone, Director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects: “Sitting next to Easter Road stadium in Leith, Norton Park has a legacy in building repair, having rescued a Victorian school building from disrepair.
“This feasibility commission is an opportunity to build on that heritage by transforming the Conference Centre, housed in a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church.
“We will open the building to the community, unlock underused spaces, and improve energy efficiency by enhancing the building fabric to reduce carbon emissions. Creating a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Park’s charitable purpose.”
Douglas Westwater, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise, added: “Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant third sectors in Scotland, but organisations are facing significant pressures around costs, sustainability and access to suitable space.
“We want to hear directly from the sector about what would make the biggest difference. Whether you are a small community group looking for meeting space, a charity seeking collaborative opportunities, or a social enterprise with ideas for the future, we would love to have a conversation.”
Get Involved
Organisations and individuals with an interest in the space are encouraged to get in touch and share their views.
To discuss your organisation’s needs, opportunities for collaboration, or wider priorities for Edinburgh’s third sector, please contact Douglas Westwater at Community Enterprise, email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk
For a one-week, special engagement, the award-winning, off-Broadway, country rock musical, OIL & WHISKEY, will make its way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ahead of a 3-week Off West End London run.
OIL & WHISKEY will perform at The Nightclub at The Street as part of PBH’s Free Fringe, Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 August.
‘The Last Five Years’ meets Nashville Honky Tonk; Oil & Whiskey is a dramedy about two ex-lovers who meet for a drink and relive their entire relationship over a couple of rounds of whiskey.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and by the end you will remember why: you don’t text your ex. At the forefront of the recent Americana resurgence in Edinburgh and NYC, this toe-stomping musical written in Nashville, Tennessee, will immerse audiences in an authentic country rock cabaret concert akin to an evening at the Grand Ole Opry.
Oil & Whiskey is the debut musical for producer, musician, and songwriter Kit Nolan. The Nashville based multi-instrumentalist who has toured the world performing for millions as the Music Director for Lindsey Stirling, and as a session musician for Robbie Williams and One Direction.
He is joined by award-winning playwright and storyteller Dax Wiley. Wiley has written and produced musicals across the U.S.A. such as New York’s first immersive musical, The Limbo Lounge, and Good Fishermen Know A Lot About Sex, a powerful drama performed on theatre row in Los Angeles about the dangers of opioid abuse in America.
First debuted at the New York City Fringe Festival 2025 where it won the SOLD-OUT Award, Oil & Whiskey has big plans for 2026; beginning in June as one of two shows performing in New Musical Theater Nashville’s First Stage Showcase, and touring to popular Honky Tonk and off-Broadway venues in NYC, including iconic venues such as The Bitter End; home to where artists like Bob Dylan got their start in Greenwich Village, NYC.
Oil & Whiskey comes to the Edinburgh Fringe for a one-week special engagement, Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 August, 19:45 at The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street.
Oil & Whiskey Kit Nolan | Dax Wiley | Alexa Karas | AK INK
19:45 23 – 30 Aug | The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street
The Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million conditional support towards the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow, supporting its reopening to the public.
This is an essential part of efforts to reopen one of the city’s most recognisable, cherished and free-to-access attractions. The People’s Palace has long made culture and heritage available to all, which is why the Scottish Government has prioritised this support during the first 100 days of the new Government.
This investment is in addition to £19.55 million of funding contributions from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to date, with further funding opportunities continuing to be explored to ensure the full refurbishment of the site.
The refurbishment is also expected to support jobs and footfall in Glasgow’s East End, helping local businesses and strengthening the wider visitor economy. It will safeguard historic collections and artefacts that tell the story of Glasgow’s working people and help protect the Winter Gardens attached to the venue as a green space for community use.
Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “”I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million in conditional support to the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and secure its reopening to the public.
“This is about far more than bricks and mortar. The People’s Palace has welcomed generations of Glaswegians as well as visitors from further afield, and this investment will ensure they can continue to enjoy it for decades to come.
“It will also protect historic collections which tell the story of Glasgow’s working people, safeguard the much-loved Winter Gardens as a space for the whole community, and support jobs and footfall in the city’s East End.
“This conditional support reflects an exceptional cross-sector partnership and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, funders and cultural organisations work together around a shared vision.
“The People’s Palace is a cherished part of Glasgow’s story and Scotland’s cultural heritage. This investment demonstrates our support for preserving that legacy, and I look forward to seeing the refurbishment plans move forward.”
Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie said: “The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation.
“It’s a complex and ambitious project that has been co-created with the people of Glasgow and will secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most treasured and nationally important cultural spaces.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this welcome investment, which is a significant vote of confidence in our plans and brings us an important step closer to creating an inclusive, accessible and world-class social history museum and visitor destination in the city’s East End.
“Glasgow has a strong track record of delivering major cultural and heritage developments, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and wider partners to deliver a revitalised People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
“When complete, the project will reflect the aspirations of local communities, provide new opportunities for learning, participation and employment, support tourism, and boost our economy.
“Above all, it will ensure these remarkable buildings, which hold a unique place in Glasgow’s history, can continue to play an important role in the life of Glaswegians for generations to come.”
Positive progress is being made on in tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency, according to updates considered by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday (25 August 2026).
Since the Housing Emergency Action Plan was agreed in 2024, 1,473 affordable homes have been completed by the Council and partners, 1,144 sites started and 866 additional suitable temporary accommodation properties purchased.
There has also been a significant reduction in the number of families with children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
In addition the Ask and Act pilot scheme has been launched in Wester Hailes, which aims to prevent people from becoming homeless at the earliest opportunity by working with partners across the public and third sector.
Members also agreed to end the suspension of the Council’s allocations policy, put in place to prioritise people facing homelessness, following progress in reducing the number of void Council homes alongside an increase in the supply of suitable temporary accommodation. This follows the commitment of the Council to invest £1.6bn in affordable housing.
A new grant scheme will also provide eligible owners of empty homes with up to £20,000 to bring properties up to a lettable standard. In return, owners will be required to make the property available for Private Sector Leasing for a period of three or five years.
The grant scheme is intended to allow empty home owners who do not have the financial means to address necessary works to bring the home into use. In turn, this will contribute to the number of suitable temporary homes available, easing pressure on the current housing emergency. Overall up to £600k is to be granted through the scheme.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “I’m encouraged by the progress being made to tackle Edinburgh’s housing emergency, with significantly fewer people not being provided with temporary accommodation, and a reduction in the number of children living in unsuitable accommodation.
“Everyone has the right to a safe and suitable place to call home. The pause on housing allocations has helped us prioritise those facing homelessness, while we work to increase the supply of temporary accommodation across the city.
“Bringing empty homes back into use is another important part of increasing the supply of housing. This funding will help owners meet the costs of essential works while, in return, making these homes available for private sector leasing for a 3 or 5 years.
“If you or a friend or relative own an empty home, I would urge you to find out more about how the support available.
“There is still much to be done, but I’m encouraged by the progress being made on the Housing Emergency Action Plan, which demonstrates tangible improvements being made.”
Efforts to increase suitable temporary accommodation include bringing houses back into use, purchasing properties and commissioning new temporary accommodation.
While in place, the suspension of the allocations policy allowed more than 350 households, including 200 families, to be moved out of unsuitable temporary accommodation and directly into a settled tenancy.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you all to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm for an afternoon of food, activities and things to see and do.
There’ll be plenty happening throughout the day, including:
Apple picking and apple pressing
Garden activities with Trudi and our volunteers
Garden plant sale
Tummies Not Trash stall and a free lunch from the Scran Van
Dr Bike activities
NGS Cargo Bike art activities
Craft stall, henna artist, face painting and temporary tattoos
Tombola and bake sale
Drumming with Moving Music
Football activities with Spartans
Bouncy castle
Musical statues with Bev
…and more!
The event is free to attend, so bring along family, friends and neighbours and spend some time in the garden with us!
Our creative sessions for local children are back this week after the summer break! Let’s get messy, move, and make things together.
CREATE (ages 0–5, with parents/carers)
Thursdays 10am–12pm & Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 27 August
A hands-on, messy-play art experience for our youngest artists and their grown-ups, using low-cost materials you can easily recreate at home.
Saturday Arts & Dance (ages 5–12)
Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 29 August
A relaxed morning of art-making, games, movement and play, split into two age groups (5–7 and 8–12).
Both sessions are completely free and run during term time, for families living in Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton & Drylaw. Healthy snacks are provided.
Places are first-come, first-served, so we’d recommend arriving in good time to avoid disappointment. Registration is required (but if you’ve already signed up earlier, no need to do it again)
Visit our website for more details or get in touch with us:
As Britain prepares to welcome the start of the 114th Tour de France in 2027, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been appointed by Grand Départ GB 2027 to deliver the opening moment of the Grand Départ – the iconic official team presentation.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce a spectacular opening ceremony celebration to begin the Grand Départ, including the official Presentation of Riders Ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France, on the early evening of Wednesday 30 June. The event will see the world’s top elite cyclists and their teams introduced to fans, ahead of the stage starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, during a spectacular event to be held at The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Blending the Tattoo’s seven decades of world-class outdoor performances with the heritage and energy of the Tour de France, the ceremony will feature the cultures of all three nations that the race passes through, as well as a Highland welcome, massed pipes and drums, a bespoke song created by Angus MacPhail of the iconic Scottish band Skippinish, and cultural showcases celebrating the best of Britain and France. The event will blend elite sport, world-class Scottish traditional arts and community participation.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoosaid: “We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the Riders Presentation Ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade next year.
“This event is not only a chance to showcase the United Kingdom and Scotland to a global audience, honour the athletes, and inspire millions, it’s also a celebration of our ability to adapt and innovate.
“For over seventy-five years, the Tattoo has delivered unforgettable performances rooted in Scottish tradition, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we expand our production portfolio into other iconic major international events.
“By partnering with the Tour de France, two globally recognised national brands on a world stage, we are creating an experience that will resonate far beyond Edinburgh, leaving a legacy for audiences both at home and abroad.”
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: “The creative production team have perfected the process of making a Tattoo on the iconic esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle.
“The opportunity to apply those years of experience in the service of a different global story is exciting all of us. Same breathtaking stage, same traditional Scottish performance at our heart, a different compelling story to be told to the audience!”
Positioning Edinburgh Castle at the heart of an unforgettable international moment for sport and culture, a live audience of 8,500 fans within the arena – and millions watching live globally – will experience a production filled with music, movement, special effects, and storytelling.
In addition to fans at Edinburgh Castle, thousands more are expected to line the Royal Mile to join in the celebrations to ensure that as many fans and residents as possible can watch.
The event will honour the athletes, celebrate the cultures and landscapes of Scotland, England, and Wales, and set the tone for their epic journey of the men’s Tour de France across its opening three stages through the Scottish Borders, the Lake District and north west England, and the heart of Wales across the 2, 3 and 4 July 2027, before Le Tour continues in France.
The 2027 Grands Départs will make history as Britain becomes the first nation outside of France to host both the men’s and women’s race starts in the same year, thanks to the support of funding partners the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, UK Sport and British Cycling.
Further details of the celebrations planned ahead of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which begins in Leeds on Friday 30 July, will be announced in the coming months.
Paul Bush OBE, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB Ltd said: “The Grand Départ is always a celebration of sport, culture, and community, and the 2027 edition promises to be something truly special.
“Partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony allows us to begin the Grand Départ celebrations on a stage unlike any other, in a way that honours British traditions, while sharing our creativity and spirit with the world.
“The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders, and millions of fans, an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris.”
Scottish Government Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “Teaming up with the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo is an amazing way to continue the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027.
“Bringing together two extraordinary events – the world’s greatest cycling race and the Military Tattoo, part of Edinburgh’s world-renowned Festival season – will be a spectacle to behold.
“It’s great to see major events teaming up with the local creative sector to enhance the Grand Départ when the eyes of the world will be on Edinburgh.”
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Grand Départ will be a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and heritage of our city to millions of people around the world.
“I’m delighted that The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony, there truly is no better place to begin this historic sporting event than Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
“I’m confident it will offer a memorable welcome for competitors and visitors alike, setting the stage for an unforgettable Tour.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events, said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most spectacular cultural events. It’s fitting that the highly experienced and talented team behind the REMT will help deliver a celebration to mark the start of what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has ever hosted.
“Major events like the Tour de France Grand Départ shine an international spotlight on Scotland, driving global awareness and delivering lasting benefits for our visitor economy. They demonstrate our ability to host world-class experiences that bring together sport, culture and community on an extraordinary scale; the 2027 Grand Depart will be another global moment in Scotland.”
Gillian MacDonald, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland which manages Edinburgh Castle, said: “Edinburgh Castle has provided a backdrop to many defining moments across Scotland’s history, dominating the skyline of the capital for centuries.
“We’re very proud to be providing the venue for one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, with the Tour de France Grand Départ bringing fans from across the country and around the world to the heart of Edinburgh in what is sure to be a historic occasion.”
Further details of ticketing information for the Edinburgh opening celebration and presentation will be announced in the coming months.
To be the first to find out more and to benefit from an exclusive pre-sale window, subscribe to the Grand Départ GB 2027 newsletter via letourgb.com
We’re delighted to let you know that our popular Chat and Chill sessions are returning.
10 days to go until our Harvest Festival!
Apple picking and apple pressing
Garden activities with Trudi and our volunteers
Garden plant sale
Tummies Not Trash stall and a free lunch from the Scran Van
Dr Bike activities
NGS Cargo Bike art activities
Craft stall, henna artist, face painting and temporary tattoos
Tombola and bake sale
Drumming with Moving Music
Football activities with Spartans
Bouncy castle
Musical statues with Bev
Saturday 5th September
11am–2pm
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
CREATE (ages 0–5, with parents/carers)
Images by Olly Benton: Creative sessions at the North Edinburgh Community Festival 2026
