Travelling Gallery’s 2025 tour to conclude with In Another Realm

Text reading 'In Another Realm' over a blurred image

Rounding off Travelling Gallery’s 2025 programme we present In Another Realm a group exhibition developed in collaboration with Sculpture Placement Group (SPG) and featuring the work of artists Laura Aldridge, Nick Evans, Louise Gibson, Aimee Lax, Aniara Omann and Daisy Richardson.

Launching in Edinburgh outside Portobello Town Hall as part of Art Walk Porty on Saturday 13 September from 10am to 4pm, the exhibition will tour to arts venues, community centres, high streets and schools across Scotland including in Edinburgh, West Lothian, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

In Another Realm takes inspiration from science fiction’s engagement with the environment and the genre’s value as a tool for thinking critically about climate change. The selection of works on display in the exhibition suggest an imaginary world and landscape, where traces of human existence can be found, but where life is continuing without us.

Throughout 2025, Travelling Gallery has been touring exhibitions themed around the Environment & Climate Emergency. For In Another Realm, we have worked with Sculpture Placement Group (SPG) – an organisation developing creative initiatives and tools for artists and the wider arts sector to address the urgent challenges posed by the Climate Emergency.

The exhibition highlights their Loan Toolkit, an initiative that loans artworks to community groups and organisations. It provides an opportunity for artists to extend the life-cycle of artworks, often languishing in long-term storage, and brings work to new audiences.

This exhibition foregrounds SPG’s vision to provide new display opportunities for existing artworks. It looks to playfully exploit the idea of creating an alternate form of existence for them, one beyond the ordinary and perhaps in parallel to or beyond our current physical world.

All of the works included in the exhibition are a part of SPG’s Loan Toolkit and are available for loan. As part of this project we hope to secure a number of year-long loans supported by the Travelling Gallery.

Organisations are welcome to enquire about works shown within the exhibition or select another one from the artists’ wider body of work or SPG’s online catalogue.

In Another Realm is accompanied by a number of events hosted by Sculpture Placement Group introducing artist’s audiences and communities to their Loan Toolkit.

These events will take the form of Speed Networking events and will take place in a number of venues local to the Travelling Gallery’s tour route including Narture (Ayr), The Stove (Dumfries) and another venue to be confirmed. Details of the events will be made available on SPG’s Social Media Platforms and website.

Louise Briggs, Curator, Travelling Gallery said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with Sculpture Placement Group (SPG) on this exhibition.

“SPG are an organisation whose work I have followed for a long time. They develop unique and interesting projects that whilst addressing the urgency of the Climate Emergency, centre the work of artists and their practice, aiming to retain ambition and creativity whilst thinking sustainably. SPG’s work also aligns with, and compliments, the aims and ambitions of the Travelling Gallery.

“We both look to reduce the barriers to engaging with contemporary art, placing it out in communities and and showing how it can play a vital part of everyday life for everyone.

“This Autumn we’ll visit a number of schools, colleges, community centres and public spaces across Scotland. We hope this playful exploration of climate change through the lens of an alternate world inspired by sci-fi might capture the imaginations and thoughts of those we meet along the route of our tour.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The Travelling Gallery’s latest exhibition offers a fascinating perspective on the environment, and climate change in particular.

“There’s a real range of talented artists and media on display, thanks to a collaboration with the Sculpture Placement Group, and I’d encourage people to get along to take a look.

“Art should be accessible to everyone, and the Travelling Gallery makes that possible for communities across Edinburgh and Scotland. Through our ongoing support of the gallery, I’m pleased that we’re helping to bring thought-provoking exhibitions into town centres around the city.”

Details of confirmed tour dates and venues can be found at: 

https://travellinggallery.com/tour-dates 

Edinburgh Leisure to welcome customers to Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary school with swimming pool

Edinburgh Leisure is opening the doors of its newest community hub at Currie Community High School today (8 September), a landmark facility that sets a new benchmark for sustainable design and inclusive access to leisure in Scotland.

The new £67 million campus, delivered through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, is the first Passivhaus-certified secondary school in Scotland to feature a swimming pool. The new school will support Edinburgh’s aim of net zero emissions by 2030.  

Passivhaus is a rigorous energy standard which reduces the amount of energy needed for heating by up to 90%. Designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional buildings and minimise carbon emissions, the school and its leisure facilities will serve both students and the wider Currie community for generations to come with daytime learning activities to evening access to shared facilities.

Through Edinburgh Leisure’s management, the school’s leisure facilities provide high-quality fitness and recreational opportunities for the community.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Operations Director, Perrotine Orr said: “We’re thrilled to be managing the leisure facilities at Currie High School, which represent a bold step forward in sustainable community infrastructure.

“The local community will be able to access fitness classes, gym, swim and family fun sessions, out with school operating times. This Passivhaus-designed hub isn’t just about energy efficiency – it’s about creating welcoming, high-quality spaces where people of all ages can stay active, connect, and thrive.”

Facilities available to the public in community time include:

  • A four-lane Passivhaus swimming pool
  • Four-court sports hall
  • Gym hall and fitness suite
  • Dance studio
  • 3G pitch
  • Access to fitness classes, family swim sessions, and recreational activities

The building’s Passivhaus design features airtight construction, triple glazing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and sustainable materials such as cross-laminated timber in the pool block. These innovations support Edinburgh’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.

Currie Community High School also includes a wellness centre and wellbeing hub, STEM and expressive arts zones, and integrated support spaces – ensuring the campus meets the educational, emotional, and recreational needs of its students and community.

The school opened to pupils earlier this term, following a multi-year design and construction process led by Kier North & Scotland. The project also delivered over £1.8 million in social value through apprenticeships, SME contracts, and educational outreach.

There will be a No Joining Free from 8th-30th September.

To find out more about memberships and opening times, visit: 

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/currie-community-high-school/

Scottish Government ‘Fanning Flames of National Antisemitism Crisis’?

‘IS OUR SAFETY REALLY A PRICE WORTH PAYING FOR THIS KIND OF GESTURE POLITICS?‘

Scotland Against Antisemitism has delivered an open letter to First Minister John Swinney, warning that the Scottish Government’s recent announcement on Israel risks inflaming antisemitism and further endangering Scotland’s Jewish community.

The letter has already gathered almost 3000 signatures, including lawyers, politicians, educators, clergy, students, and concerned citizens across Scotland and beyond, with numbers continuing to rise.

Scotland’s Jewish community numbers around just 5,000 people — 0.093% of the population — yet were victims of 17% of all religiously motivated hate crimes last year. The letter warns that language from government risks legitimising this hostility, emboldening extremists, and deepening the isolation of Jewish Scots.

Leah Benoz, Founder and Director of Scotland Against Antisemitism, said: “The Scottish Government has no power over foreign policy, and the proposed funding cuts are tiny and will have no effect on events in the Middle East.

“Not one Palestinian life will be saved by these measures, but Jewish life in Scotland will be put further at risk. Our question to Mr Swinney is simple; is our safety really a price worth paying for this kind of gesture politics?”

The letter calls on the government to:

•        Retract inflammatory language, particularly around “genocide”

•        Engage with the Jewish community in Scotland

•        Commit to concrete measures to protect Jewish safety

THE LETTER READS:

Dear First Minister Swinney,

We at Scotland Against Antisemitism write with grave concern following yesterday’s announcement from the Scottish Government regarding Israel.

As you are no doubt aware, our small and increasingly vulnerable community is living in an extraordinarily hostile environment, one that has only worsened since October 7th. We number around 5,000 people, just 0.093% of Scotland’s population, yet we were the victims of approximately 17% of all religiously motivated hate crimes last year. That figure alone should be a matter of national shame.

The human suffering in Gaza is real and cannot be understated, nor is it our intention to do so. But we must be absolutely clear with you about the real-world impact of the measures your government has announced.

The accusation of genocide is one of the gravest under international law. It requires an exceptional standard of proof that can only be met in a court of law by producing irrefutable evidence of intent. Neither viral propaganda nor the claims of discredited UN figures such as Francesca Albanese, who denies proven sexual atrocities and is accused of misrepresenting her legal credentials, or Tom Fletcher, author of the immediately debunked “14,000 dead babies” allegation, are sufficient. For the Scottish Government to endorse this modern-day blood libel will not save a single innocent life in Gaza, but it will embolden those who now use the language of genocide to justify the harassment and intimidation of Jews here in Scotland.

The Scottish Government holds no power over foreign policy and no meaningful influence over the State of Israel. The decision to pull a tiny amount of funding from a handful of commercial projects will not impact the Israeli government or change the course of the war. In short, the only people this announcement will materially affect are Scottish Jews who are already under siege.

We believe, with sorrow and outrage, that this decision was made to appease a small, extremist, and increasingly aggressive fringe of the activist class,a group whose support is being courted for political reasons. It appears the government has calculated that the cost of alienating Scotland’s Jews will be outweighed by electoral rewards.

But in the very week that yet more members of our community are leaving Scotland for Israel out of fear, we ask you plainly:

Is our safety really a price worth paying?

We call on the Scottish Government to retract its inflammatory language and meet with the Jewish community to discuss how the government plans to protect us — not just in words, but in action.

Sincerely,

Scotland Against Antisemitism

Singing, selfies and self-expression!

Marco’s unveils first-of-its-kind interactive karaoke room

Got the voice of an angel? The soul of a disco diva? Or the raw energy of a rock god? Or perhaps you see yourself more as a Simon Cowell figure, wielding the power of the red button and letting your friends know exactly what you think of their singing!

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression. 

Described as a bold, immersive, musical playground, this private room features hand-painted cityscape murals, quirky lighting and interactive props — all designed to make revellers feel like they’ve snuck into a rooftop party above the city.

Visitors can choose their top tunes, set the mood with their choice of lighting effects, then take to the stage. The audience can show just how impressed (or unimpressed!) they are by the performance by pressing buttons that play hilarious snippets and soundbites of praise and put-downs from well-known celebrities. 

Those wanting to wet their whistle while they wait for their time in the limelight can choose from a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as more than 50 gins – and order them via a retro phone booth. And if belting out hit after hit works up an appetite, they can order fresh, stone-baked pizzas and have them delivered straight to the room.

This fully immersive, interactive karaoke room is unlike any other, continuing Marco’s legacy as entertainment trailblazers.

Speaking ahead of the launch, owner Paul Demarco commented; “Marco’s was the first ever big screen karaoke venue of its kind in the country, kickstarting the karaoke craze in Scotland.

“Back in the 1980s, more than 500 people would flock to Marco’s karaoke per night at the weekend to sing their hearts out. And now this extensive redesign has taken karaoke at Marco’s to the next level. It’s a unique and creative setting that’s perfect for showcasing talent, making memories and capturing it all on social media.” 

The unveiling of the interactive karaoke room is just the latest development at Marco’s as it continues to challenge preconceptions of a traditional pool hall. From the edgy, graffitied walls and life-size subway carriage art installation, to the retro video games and fun interactive dartboards – Marco’s has upped its game and cemented its position as one of Edinburgh’s most creative entertainment venues. 

The interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is available for private hire for groups of 6-16 people, with prices starting at just £30 per hour. It’s perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during the day, and will no doubt also prove popular with corporate, stag and hen parties in the evening.

Edinburgh hosts International Fair Trade Towns Conference

Last weekend, Edinburgh welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, a three-day event dedicated to strengthening the international movement for fair and sustainable trade. 

The event opened on Friday 30 August with a reception at the City Chambers, chaired by Rachel Farey of the Edinburgh City Fair Trade Group. Among the speakers were Foysol Choudhury MSP, Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, Europe and International Development; Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron; Thembisile Mnisi from Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa; and Louise Davies from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. 

Delegates also visited the Scottish Parliament, where they joined a Q&A session with Foysol Choudhury MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.

The visit set the tone for the week, with Mr Choudhury opening the programme by reflecting on Scotland’s achievements: “In 2023, Scotland marked 10 years as a Fair Trade Nation, a milestone reflecting the dedication of communities, campaigners, and businesses working to make trade fair, just, and sustainable.

“Today, we continue to champion Fair Trade with pride, and I am delighted that Edinburgh is at the heart of that journey.” 

This year’s conference theme, “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, framed discussions on how local initiatives can contribute to global system change. Delegates took part in interactive workshops on climate action, wellbeing economies, youth engagement, digitalisation and the power of storytelling in driving social change. 

Closing the weekend, Mr Choudhury added: “Fair Trade has always shown us that local action can drive global change, and the stories we are hearing here in Edinburgh prove just that.

“I am proud that Scotland is hosting this conversation, and I look forward to seeing the collaborations and commitments that emerge from this weekend.” 

ELGT: West Pilton Park activities

Thanks to funding from a local charitable trust Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are able to deliver a programme of community engagement activities as part of the redevelopment of West Pilton Park.

The first sessions are on 10th & 17th September. 

ELGT are keen to work with local groups and individuals so please contact emily@elgt.org.uk  to get involved.

Emergency Alert: Sunday 7 September

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday, 7 September, 2025 at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate.

If you receive an alert while driving, do not pick up your phone and attempt to deal with the message. Continue driving as normal, staying in full control of your vehicle. You will not need to take any action.

Find out more at https://orlo.uk/QkQJ9

CBRE appointed to market two Student Accommodation assets in Edinburgh

Global real estate advisor, CBRE, has been appointed by the University of Edinburgh to bring to market two well-located student accommodation (PBSA) assets in the south of the city. 

David Horn House and Kitchener House and are within walking distance of the University’s King’s Buildings campus. Both assets benefit from excellent transport links and proximity to key city amenities, including the forthcoming tram extension and major redevelopment plans at nearby Cameron Toll. 

Comprising 48 and 60 student beds respectively, the buildings have a solid track record of student occupancy, reflecting consistent demand in a sought-after location. The assets offer potential for investors to either refurbish and retain them for student use or explore alternative uses, subject to consents. 

David Horn House consists of four elegant townhouses combined into a single operational building, while Kitchener House is a distinctive former mansion with later extensions and mature external grounds. 

Damien Toner, Director of Estates at the University of Edinburgh, commented: “Edinburgh remains a highly desirable location of choice for students, residents and visitors alike, with demand for competitive accommodation options consistent across the city.   

“Given their size, character and condition, these sites offer a unique opportunity for developers in a sought-after location, and we are pleased to be working with CBRE to explore the market potential.” 

Steven Hendry, a Director in CBRE’s Investment Property team in Edinburgh,  added: “We are pleased to be working with the University of Edinburgh on this important instruction. 

“These are two distinctive assets in a highly sought-after part of the city, offering both immediate student accommodation use, and clear potential for repositioning. With strong demand in Edinburgh’s student market and the excellent proximity to King’s Buildings, we expect these properties will attract strong interest from a wide range of investors.” 

The properties will be marketed on an individual and combined basis. 

New students benefit from Pots and Pans Recycling Scheme

Thousands of unwanted kitchen items have been donated by Heriot-Watt students over the summer to help new classmates settle into university life.

The University Chaplaincy has just completed its annual Pots and Pans Recycling Scheme. The popular initiative, which has been running for over a decade, encourages departing students to donate dining and cookware items they no longer need. These items are then cleaned, organised, and made available free of charge to new arrivals moving into accommodation at the start of the academic year.

This summer, the scheme collected 660kg of donations – roughly the weight of a polar bear. Items included everything from pots, pans and cutlery to plates, mugs and kitchen utensils.

The donations formed part of the wider 2025 Unirecycle campaign, which champions sustainability and waste reduction on campus. The Chaplaincy team, supported by a dedicated group of student volunteers, worked tirelessly to wash, check and display every item ready for the first week of arrivals.

The University Chaplain, Reverend Jane Howitt, said: “The Pots and Pans Recycling Scheme continues to be an absolute lifeline for our new students, particularly those arriving from overseas who may not have the resources or time to buy everything from scratch.

“It’s always wonderful to see their relief and excitement as they pick out what they need. A few local Scottish students also came along, either to find a particular item or to save the expense of buying brand new kitchenware.”

She added: “This scheme is about much more than pots and pans; it’s about building community. It sends a message to our new students that they are warmly welcomed here and that generosity is part of the Heriot-Watt spirit. It also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, as we give items a new life rather than letting them go to waste.”

In total, around 350 students have benefitted this year, each permitted to take a basic starter set consisting of one pot, one pan, one set of cutlery, along with additional essentials. This ensured that the supplies could be shared fairly among everyone in need.

Looking ahead, Reverend Howitt encouraged the entire university community to keep the momentum going: “We urge students and staff to continue donating their unwanted, non-electrical kitchen items to the Chaplaincy.

“These will be put to excellent use for our next intake of students in January. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing students whose kindness and generosity make this scheme a success year after year.”

Edinburgh Leisure shortlisted for National Learn to Swim Award

Edinburgh Leisure has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award, recognising its outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive swimming education across the capital.

The award, part of the 2025 Scottish Swimming Awards, honours local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers who have demonstrated excellence in implementing the Learn to Swim programme. Edinburgh Leisure is shortlisted alongside Active Stirling and East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure.

“At Edinburgh Leisure, we are proud to foster a culture where every swimmer feels welcome, supported, and inspired to progress,” said Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager.

“This culture is driven by our passionate and dedicated Learn to Swim workforce, who consistently go above and beyond to create a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s Learn to Swim programme delivers the full Scottish Swimming National Framework, supporting swimmers of all ages, abilities, and aspirations.

As of 2025, the programme has 7,991 participants across eight Edinburgh Leisure pools and two school pools – a 9.12% increase from the previous year, marking a return to pre-COVID capacity.

The pathway spans from Adult & Baby sessions through to Adult Learn to Swim, with tailored support for ASN swimmers through both mainstream and ASN-specific classes. The programme also includes a thriving Learn to Dive initiative with 615 participants – a 31% increase, and Artistic Swimming at Portobello Swim Centre.

Edinburgh Leisure maintains strong links with nine swimming clubs across the city, supporting smooth transitions from Learn to Swim into club environments. Their club prep class, introduced in 2022, offers swimmers from SS4 upwards a second weekly session focused on club-style training.

In 2024, Edinburgh Leisure’s swim galas returned bigger and better, with 500 children taking part in venue galas and 124 attending the Medallist Gala at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

The 2025 Scottish Swimming Awards Evening will take place on Saturday, 20th September at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow, celebrating achievements across the aquatics community – from grassroots to elite levels, and honouring athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs.

For more information on learning to swim with Edinburgh Leisure, visit:  

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-activities/swimming-for-children/