FOR 9 – 11 YEAR OLDS
21st OCTOBER – 16th DECEMBER
Spartans Skills Centre is HERE!
Ball mastery
Speed, Agility, Quickness
Flicks, Tricks & Football Magic
For 9–11s ready to take their game to the next level!
For further information and to sign up – https://scf.classforkids.io
Edinburgh Leisure celebrates National Sporting Heritage Day (30 September) by spotlighting the Sporting Memories Club at Meadowbank Sports Centre – a lasting legacy of the Edinburgh 900 exhibitions.
As National Sporting Heritage Day (#NSHD2025) shines a light on ‘Collections at Risk’, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to showcase the Sporting Memories Club – a weekly gathering for older adults, including those living with dementia and their carers to share stories and relive sporting moments.
Launched in April 2025, the club was inspired by a one-off Sporting Memories event held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool last year, which coincided with the launch of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions. The success of that event led to the creation of a regular Wednesday session at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
“The club is more than just a chat over tea – it’s a celebration of shared history, community spirit, and the joy of sport,” said Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at the Sporting Memories Foundation.
“Thanks to lead volunteer Bob Irvine, sessions are engaging and inclusive. No booking required – just turn up!”
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply enjoy a good story, the Sporting Memories Club welcomes you.
Celebrating Heritage Through Exhibitions
The Sporting Memories Club is one of several legacies from Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900, a City of Edinburgh Council initiative marking 900 years of the city’s history. Over the past year, Edinburgh Leisure delivered three pop-up exhibitions:
Hosted across venues including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Glenogle Swim Centre, Meadowbank, and Ocean Terminal, the exhibitions attracted over 12,000 visitors.
“These exhibitions have strengthened community connections and laid the groundwork for future collaborations,” said Kerry Teakle, PR Officer and Edinburgh 900 lead.”
Supporting Heritage Through Community Grants
To mark last year’s National Sporting Heritage Day, Edinburgh Leisure received a £500 micro-grant from the Sporting Heritage Community Grants Programme, funded by National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund.
This supported a small permanent golf heritage exhibition at Silverknowes Golf Course, complementing Teeing Off Through Time and uncovering untold community stories.
The success of this project led to an invitation to present at the Sporting Heritage Study Day at the Heart of Midlothian Museum on 26 September.
Collections at Risk – Can You Help?
This year’s theme highlights the vulnerability of sporting collections. If you have memorabilia related to Edinburgh Leisure venues – such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the ‘old’ Meadowbank Stadium or any of the golf clubs that use Edinburgh Leisure courses – please contact Kerry Teakle, PR Officer at kerryteakle@edinburghleisure.co.uk.
Share your stories: #NSHD2025
Partnerships That Keep the Memories Alive
A collaboration with the Living Memory Association (LMA) has extended the reach of the exhibitions.
Currently, Great Lengths and 25 Things are on display at LMA’s Ocean Terminal space until 28 October, opposite the Wee Museum of Memories.
LMA also runs social history projects, free play areas, and reminiscence groups, and is working with Edinburgh Leisure on a podcast capturing personal stories from Glenogle Swim Centre, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Learn more: www.livingmemory.org.uk/activities.php
Twin brothers who have spent their entire working lives looking after the grounds of Fettes College in Edinburgh have won a Tatler Schools Award in the Unsung Hero category.
George and Kevin McNab were announced as the winners in London yesterday (Monday 29th September). They attended the awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel with their wives.
George and Kevin McNab joined Fettes on the same day back in January 1985 when they were only 16. Following in the footsteps of their father, who worked at the school as a joiner for nearly 30 years, they quickly became part of the fabric of Fettes’ life.
The Tatler Schools Guide celebrates the top prep and public schools in the UK and the Tatler Schools Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of UK staff, pupils and school communities.
The Unsung Heroes category shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is totally invaluable to a school and makes a lasting difference behind the scenes. George and Kevin were the only shortlisted nomination from Scotland and beat competition from candidates from four English schools.
Over four decades, George and Kevin have seen a lot of change, from chalk-clogged pitch markers to today’s robot line marker, affectionately nicknamed “Lionel Pitchie” and much more, witnessing thousands of children grow up at the school. But what hasn’t changed is their friendship, humour and loyalty to each other and to the school community.
Over the years, the brothers have shared countless memories at Fettes, including George meeting his future wife in the school dining hall. This moment remains one of their most cherished stories alongside decades of tending rugby pitches and cricket squares in all four seasons.
Head of Grounds Kevin McNab said: “Being nominated for this award is a huge surprise and a real honour and to win is even better.
“We never imagined that our work behind the scenes would be recognised in this way. It’s very humbling to be included alongside so many outstanding people and we are looking forward to attending the Award Ceremony in London.”
His brother George, who is Deputy Head of Grounds, added: “It’s wonderful to have our efforts acknowledged.
“We’ve always loved what we do and to win this award is something we’ll never forget. It feels like a recognition of the whole team, not just the two of us.”
Peter Worlledge, Bursar and Head of Operational Staff at Fettes said: “Everyone at Fettes is delighted for George and Kevin – now nicknamed our ‘Tatler Twins’!
“They are pillars of our school community, who have spent over four decades going the extra mile for students and staff alike.
“Their dedication, care and humour have shaped Fettes in countless ways over the past 40 years and their contributions to our school are innumerable.
“This win is a fitting recognition of everything they have done for generations of students and staff, and we hope they enjoyed the experience of attending this prestigious event.”
The winners of the Tatler Schools Awards 2026 were announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025.
ENTER WATCHED. EXIT AWARE: TREVOR JONES UNVEILS EXPOS3D, A RADICAL IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE IN EDINBURGH
12–18 October 2025 | Custom House, Edinburgh
Acclaimed artist Trevor Jones recently announced the launch of EXPOS3D, a groundbreaking immersive exhibition that fuses painting, sculpture, stained glass, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology into an experience unlike anything the art world has seen.
For one week only – from 12 to 18 October – the historic Custom House in Leith will be transformed into a living system of interactive artworks, augmented reality and AI-driven installations.
At its centre is LOGOS, an all-seeing artificial intelligence that challenges audiences to reconsider how we live, think, and rebel in the age of technology.
EXPOS3D explores three defining tensions of our time:
The result is a multi-sensory exhibition where visitors do not simply observe, but become participants in shaping their own digital world.
Key Works & Experiences
Trevor Jones explains: “This is not an attack on tradition. It’s an observation of how much our world has changed.
“Where once people turned to God for answers, we now turn to machines. As the roots of faith weaken, we must confront what has been lost, what has been gained, and what it means for our future.”
LED light – LOGOS (I Am The WORD)
A Seismic Shift
EXPOS3D responds to a profound cultural transformation: as religion loses its central role, technology steps into the vacuum, with phones, algorithms, and surveillance systems increasingly shaping human behaviour, choices, and beliefs. The exhibition challenges audiences to confront this shift and ask:
Exhibition Details
For more details on EXPOS3D, please visit: Trevor Jones Art – EXPOS3D
For more details on Trevor’s work, please visit: Trevor Jones Art
WATERFRONT ART WALKS RESTART 20th OCTOBER
Our Waterfront Art Walks are back next month! They’ll be starting from 20th October, and leaving from St Columba’s Hospice Care reception.
Spaces are limited, so contact Emma to book your spot at emma.kelso@funerals.scot
The walks are designed for people who have experienced loss in the past two years, and are gentle, creative strolls designed especially for those navigating grief.
Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection, and connection.
Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.
An additional 100 offshore oil and gas workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into the sustainable energy sector – following a £450,000 increase in Scottish Government funding.
The funding has been awarded to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, a joint Scottish Government and UK Government initiative, in response to demand from oil and gas workers. It means that over this financial year, at least 300 oil and gas workers in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire will be able to access careers advice and funding for training to move into sustainable energy roles.
More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the future.
The funding comes as the First Minister opened Scotland’s largest energy transition skills hub in Aberdeen, which will support 1000 people from the North East and beyond into roles in sustainable energy.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Today marks the beginning of Scotland’s Climate Week, which gives us a chance to recognise how the skills, experience and expertise of Scotland’s valued oil and gas workers are essential to delivering a fair and managed energy transition.
“This additional funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector.
“The North East has long been a titan in the oil and gas industry and it is only right we support the talented and skilled workforce to move into new roles in the evolving sustainable energy sector.”
NORTH – SOUTH TRAMLINE CONSULTATION PROPOSALS
TUESDAY 7th OCTOBER 6.30 – 8PM at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Drylaw Telford Community Council has organised a public meeting to find out YOUR views on proposals to extend the Edinburgh tram network.
It’s your local opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to share your views.
Guest speaker is City of Edinburgh Council Transport & Environment Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson.
ALL WELCOME!
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south
Business confidence in Scotland fell 20 points during September to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 20 points at 45%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 18 points to 34%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 59% in August).
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (44%), evolving their offering, for example by launching new products or services (39%) and introducing new technology (30%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence fell 12 points in September to 42%.
Firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects fell 12 points to 51%, and their optimism in the wider economy fell 11 points to 33%.
The North East of England was the most confident UK nation or region in September, climbing 13 points to 68%, followed by London (57%).
Sector insights
Firms across manufacturing, construction, retail and services all saw confidence fall this month. The biggest change was in manufacturing with a decline of 31 points to 31%, a two-year low. Retail sentiment fell 17 points to 40%, its lowest level in four months.
Similarly, confidence in the service sector fell six points to 47%, the lowest reading since April. Construction continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month, dropping 5 points to 35%.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in confidence, Scottish firms remain focused on growth – planning to invest in their people, evolve their products and services, and explore new technologies.
“As we head into the busy festive trading period, we’ll continue to support businesses across Scotland as they take the next steps in their strategies.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “While increased market volatility earlier in the month may have impacted confidence, levels of trading prospects and economic optimism remain above their long-term averages.
“Businesses may find reassurance that the Bank of England is expected to reduce interest rates further in the next six months, while long-term global bond yields have calmed which, if sustained, may have a positive impact on businesses as we move into the last few months of the year.”
Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business and Commercial said: “While business confidence has returned to levels seen earlier in the year, a range of metrics remain well above the long-term average.
“Businesses still have opportunities ahead, whether that be upskilling their workforce, evolving their products or exploring new markets.”
Bookings go live today, Tuesday, 30th September for Edinburgh Leisure’s latest Mind & Body Event, a full-day celebration of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Taking place on Saturday, 25th October at Meadowbank Sports Centre, this special event invites both members and non-members to explore the variety of mind/body classes available across Edinburgh Leisure venues.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a moment of calm, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can choose from energising sessions in Studio 1 or calming, restorative classes in Studio 2 and the Cycle Studio, with expert instructors guiding each experience.
Classes include:
Studio 1 – Higher Energy
Studio 2 – Slow It Down
Cycle Studio
Additional classes are still to be confirmed, promising even more opportunities to explore what moves you.
All classes are just £5.25 for non-members and are free for Edinburgh Leisure Members. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious, this is your chance to try something new in a welcoming, relaxed space.
Book via the Edinburgh Leisure app or on the website from 30th September and join Edinburgh Leisure for a day of movement, mindfulness, and feel-good energy.
For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/mind-body-fitness-event/
Guidance to help schools support transgender children and young people has been updated.
The refreshed guidance takes account of recent court decisions while also providing greater clarity for schools on provision of toilet facilities and support for pupils.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has made clear it accepts the Supreme Court ruling and since April has been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling. That work is ongoing.
“The rights of all children and young people must be respected in our schools. We have brought forward updates to guidance to provide clarity and confidence to teachers and staff as they work to support the mental, physical and emotional health of transgender young people in our schools following recent significant legal and policy developments.”
Supporting Transgender Children and Young People: Guidance for schools.
