Big Wig Comes Out of the Woods for Wigtown Book Festival
Meet spectacular Scottish Woman Rose Reilly
Enjoy great stories with Vivian French, Joseph Coelho, Chae Strathie and Philip Ardagh and many more
Big Wig, the big furry blue creature who lives in the woods near Wigtown, is heading into town for his annual festival of children’s literature and storytelling.
The event, which runs from 27 September to 5 October as part of the annual Wigtown Book Festival, is designed to delight and inspire the youngest readers.
Most of the events are at the town’s primary school and nearly a third are free.
This year the Big Wig Children’s Festival includes the chance to meet the amazing Rose Reilly, the only Scottish footballer to have won a world cup final.
She’ll be telling the remarkable story of how she had to pretend to be a boy to be allowed into a team and was later banned from playing in her home country, before going to Italy and becoming a world cup winner.
Rosie’s story is just one of 30 featured in the book Spectacular Scottish Women and the event is among more than 30 in the Big Wig line-up.
Others include a reading by the award-winning Philip Ardagh and illustrator David Melling of their latest colourful creation Do You See The Tiger? in which it takes something quite spectacular to happen before grown-ups believe there is a stripey big cat on the subway.
Then there are immersive storytelling experiences with Scottish-based Fidan Meikle who introduces her debut novel My Name is Samim which follows the story of a boy forced from his homeland and trying to build a new life in a strange foreign country.
Fidan looks at why people end up as refugees and the ordeals they face as well as reinforcing how empathy and kindness are superpowers we all possess.
Michaela Morgan brings together the themes of refugee life and women’s football with her book Star!
It tells the true story of Nadia Nadim’s escape from Afghanistan through to her arrival in a country where she had no idea of the language, and on to her rise to become a world-famous soccer-player, doctor (and surgeon), a linguist, a broadcaster and a role model.
Anne Barclay, Operations Director, said: “One of the biggest gifts we can give young people is a love of reading. It transforms lives, gives huge pleasure and makes a massive difference to their prospects in life.
“That’s what the Big Wig children’s events are all about – they are bright, fun and inspiring.
“So it’s always a big day for us when Big Wig himself comes out of hibernation, leaves his den in the woods and heads into Scotland’s National Book Town to get ready for the annual festival named in his honour.
“And we know that lots of children out there can’t wait to head into Wigtown to meet him and all the authors and illustrators he’s invited to join us.”
And there’s so much more:
Former children’s laureate Joseph Coelho reads from Luna Loves Gardening.
Chae Strathie takes readers into the stormy seas with Seal, goes fishing with Small Penguin and plays hide-and-seek with Seahorse – who all feature in his Tales From The Ocean.
Illustrator and author Nick Sharratt will take youngsters on the silliest and most fun museum tour ever, with jokes puns and lots of drawing activities and the chance to discover his latest book Mr Wizard’s Magic Presents.
Join much-loved writer Vivian French and artist Astrid Jaekel for a special interactive session on how to reinvent your home town where the only limit is your imagination.
Rossie Stone, award-winning, dyslexic creator and director of Dekko Comics leads a practical and interactive workshop which teaches simple strategies to make learning at school more accessible and enjoyable, even if you have a learning difficulty.
THE City Art Centre opens a new exhibition TODAY (Saturday) celebrating Scottish portraiture
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture showcases a rich selection of historic and contemporary portraits from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art.
Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, includingFCB Cadell, Victoria Crowe, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, David Eustace, George Jamesone, Dorothy Johnstone, John Kay, Sekai Machache, James Pittendrigh MacGillivray, Flannery O’kafka, Henry Raeburn, Allan Ramsay and Maud Sulter.
Portraiture is an age-old artform with a seemingly simple purpose: to record the likeness of a human subject. Yet the enduring appeal of portraiture lies in its complexity. Behind every portrait is a series of stories – interwoven narratives about the sitter, the artist, and the circumstances that brought them together.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture examines this fascinating genre in depth, with a series of highlights from the City Art Centre’s collection. The exhibition spans almost 400 years of artistic production, with examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography.
Among the stand-out historical artworks are Allan Ramsay’s celebrated portrait Katherine Hall of Dunglass (c.1736), James Cadenhead’s sumptuous oil painting Lady with Japanese Screen and Goldfish (1886) and Scottish Colourist FCB Cadell’s masterpiece The Black Hat (1914).
Modern and contemporary highlights include Pat Douthwaite’s vibrant homage to Amy Johnson Final Instructions Before Take-Off (1976), Maud Sulter’s impactful self-portrait Calliope (1989) and Sekai Machache’s exploration of symbolism and identity A Hint of Blue I and II (2021).
Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Portraiture is such a compelling, multi-layered artform. Whether you’re looking at portraits that have been commissioned to publicly commemorate peoples’ lives and achievements, or private portrayals of friends and loved ones that give glimpses into personal relationships, there are so many stories to uncover.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing new research findings with our visitors. We have, for example, recently discovered fresh information regarding a rare 18th century miniature portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
“And we’ll be displaying a number of new acquisitions for the first time, including artworks by Milein Cosman, David Eustace, George Jamesone, John Henry Lorimer and Flannery O’kafka.
“The exhibition celebrates Scotland’s rich tradition of portraiture, but it also demonstrates how absolutely relevant the genre remains today.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, said: “I am delighted that ‘Unmasked’ will be presented at the City Art Centre from this month.
“With both historic and contemporary works on display, ‘Unmasked’ highlights the enduring power of portraiture to tell personal, political and cultural stories. Showcasing the work of over 30 artists and spanning 400 years of artistic production including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, visitors will be able to view old favourites and discover new treasures and the fascinating stories behind the works.
TOMORROW (Sunday 14 September) our 2025 team – Anne, Claire, Donald, Finn, Harvey, Julia, Maureen, Oliver, Tom, Trish and Sarah – are taking on the Kiltwalk to turn miles into meals!
Every £5 that you sponsor is a healthy meal pack cooked, packed and delivered to a person in need – alongside wellbeing and referral support.
Everyone deserves to know where their next meal is coming from. You can take away that worry from a person or family today.
New research by our office, SAMH & Young Scot shows not enough is being done on mental health.
The Scottish Government accepted Youth Commission on Mental Health Services recommendations, but 6 years on, lack of transparency means young people feel little progress & change.
Co-founder Robin Dow’s 25-mile challenge to celebrate 25 years of the neurodiversity charity paves the way for change
Board members and Charity’s CEO embark on challenges to drive donations further
Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by co-founder Robin Dow, who, at 81 and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, has already raised a huge £70,000 following his 25-mile walk from Mindroom’s Leith office to Tantallon Castle.
Robin’s epic walk is homage to the charity’s 25-year journey since he co-founded it with author, journalist and wife, Sophie Dow, on 2 August 2000. ‘A Mile for Every Year,’ which was expected to raise £50,000.
Reflecting on the experience, Robin Dow commented: “People are enormously generous, and we are incredibly grateful. The substantial amount we have already raised reflects countless small and large contributions coming together.
“The fact that so many people have responded and actively engaged shows that we not only have wonderful families and friends, but also that, in Mindroom, we have a very worthwhile charity.”
Adrian Astley-Jones – specialist in private equity tech advisory and Non-Executive Director for Mindroom – will also soon join the fundraising efforts with his own epic swim, inspiring colleagues and supporters to rally behind the cause.
On the 14th and 15th of September, Adrian will step out of his comfort zone and embark on a big challenge with three close friends, when he attempts to swim across the 3rd largest ocean whirlpool, The Gulf of Corryvreckan, located around 3 miles out from mainland Scotland’s West Coast, and deemed ‘unnavigable’ by the Royal Navy.
Commenting on the challenge ahead, Adrian adds:“Passion and commitment are part of the work we do with the Mindroom’s community.
“We have one goal, and that is to offer as much direct support as we can and make a difference to real people. I will certainly do my very best to contribute as much as possible to this very important mission. Every stroke counts!”
Adrian’s fundraising challenge carries a deeply personal meaning, as he has chosen to split donations between two causes close to his heart: Mindroom and Dementia UK.
CEO for Mindroom, Alan Thornburrow, will also be pushing fundraising efforts even further when he takes on the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 28 September.
Talking about the joint fundraising efforts and the team spirit, Alan said: “Participating in the Loch Ness Marathon is more than a personal challenge…It’s an opportunity to channel energy into meaningful change.
“I’m proud to contribute every step of the way.
“Powered by individuals’ efforts and public generosity, Mindroom’s support has been growing steadily since I began as CEO in 2022, and our fundraising feats will benefit people directly, with donations translated into both the future of the charity and the development of new and expanded services, offering tangible support.
“This is why we do what we do, to inspire real change!”
To donate to the three individual fundraising efforts, the links are:
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide. From Friday, September 19 to Thursday, October 2, film fans and families alike can enjoy the ultimate immersive experience from just £5.99 per film or FREE for Unlimited members.
Available only at Cineworld, 4DX is a thrilling multisensory experience, featuring motion-synchronised seats, gusts of wind, sprays of water, aromatic scents, bubbles, fog and strobe lighting, bringing every scene to life in the comfort of your seat.
Audiences can experience the excitement of multi-sensory cinema during this exclusive two-week celebration, showcasing some of the most exciting films that 4DX has to offer. This includes two blockbusters screening in 4DX for the very first time in the UK – smash hit Frozen will make you feel every icy gust of magic while 90s classic Jumanji will capture the adrenaline rush of the adventure with moving seats.
The full list of films available to watch include:
Frozen (2013) – never before seen in 4DX in the UK!
How To Train Your Dragon (2025)
A Minecraft Movie
Jumanji (1995) – never before seen in 4DX in the UK!
F1 The Movie
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Twisters (2024)
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Final Destination: Bloodlines
28 Years Later
Casey Cohen, VP of International Marketing at Cineworld, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back 4DX Rewind this year. There’s nothing like a 4DX experience which is why we’re excited to be screening such a wide range of films this year, including two epic films never seen before in 4DX with Frozen and Jumanji.
“4DX really makes you feel every spark of magic, every monsoon lashing down rain, and every single adventure. It’s perfect for a family day out or for fans looking to experience their favourite films in a whole new way.”
Tickets for the first week of 4DX Rewind are available now via the Cineworld website and Cineworld app, with further tickets to follow.
A historic street, a climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, an inclusive visitor attraction and two tourism champions have been crowned Edinburgh’s best at Scotland’s top tourism and events industry awards.
Six businesses and individuals from the city received awards at the Central and East of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday night (11 September).
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working.
They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries, and inspiring staff.
Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
Winners from across the Capital include:
Edinburgh Zoo, who took home two awards – Best Visitor Attraction and Climate Action Award, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.
Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:“We are incredibly proud that Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best visitor attraction in Central and East Scotland.
“Nature needs us all more than ever and we want everyone who visits the zoo to learn more about our natural world and how they can protect wildlife.
“Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife.
“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award too, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”
The Real Mary King’s Closewas also a double winner, scooping bothEmployer of the Year and Individual of the Year – General ManagerPaul Nixon.
The historic street sits beneath the Royal Mile, where guests explore authentically preserved 17th-century streets on immersive, one-hour tours led by costumed guides.
Paul, who also chairs the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), said:“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as Employer of the Year. This award reflects the passion, care and creativity of our brilliant team — the heart of everything we do.
“From wellbeing to development, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and inspired.”
And reflecting on his personal accomplishment, Paul added: “It’s an incredible honour to be named Tourism Individual of the Year. I’m fortunate to work in an industry that’s all about people — their stories, experiences and communities.
“This award reflects the brilliant teams I’ve worked with and the passion that drives us all to keep making Scotland’s tourism offer world-class.”
Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored bySTV.
The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.
As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.
Jenny Niven, Director & CEO, Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised for our work bringing authors and audiences together through a shared love of books, ideas, and conversation.
“This win is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of our team and the many brilliant partners we collaborate with across Scotland and beyond.”
The Inclusion Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland, was won by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction earned the judges’ favour through initiatives like sensory backpacks and quiet spaces, and their new virtual tour shows thoughtful consideration and offers reassurance and flexibility for all visitors.
These showed their commitment to inclusivity – especially for neurodiverse visitors.
General Manager Andrew Johnson said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award for Inclusivity.
“It’s a powerful recognition of the commitment our entire team has made to ensure Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a place where everyone feels welcome, represented, and inspired.”
Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours.
Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.
He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.
Hugh said:“As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “A huge well done to all our regional winners for this amazing achievement. Having such strong representation from Edinburgh highlights the quality found across the city.
“Being recognised by the Scottish Thistle Awards, means tourism businesses are considered some of the best in the country. The awards help to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are praised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.
“I wish everyone the best of luck for the national final in November where they will be representing Edinburgh.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Regional winners for Central and East were announced at a ceremony hosted by radio DJ Grant Stott and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the West, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
This year’s sponsors also include AccessAble, Fishers, Get Your Guide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
From one of Britain’s most acclaimed and beloved filmmakers, classic genre comedies Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are back on the big screen at Vue this September and October as part of a special Edgar Wright season.
Ahead of his reimagining of the Stephen King’s action-thriller classic The Running Man, the works of the fan-favourite director will once again take centre stage, including his iconic Cornetto Trilogy.
The three cult classics Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, all starring actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as they face off against the undead, a murderous cult and aliens, will be back on the big screen starting from 12 September.
Wright’s other celebrated work – including Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Baby Driver and psychological horror Last Night In Soho- also make their big screen return throughout October.
Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “At Vue, we celebrate the very best of British filmmaking, and there are few names who have done more for the UK film scene over the past few decades than Edgar Wright.
“Ahead of his upcoming release The Running Man, we’re excited to showcase his very best work where it belongs – right at home up on the big screen at Vue.”
Gordon Macdonald MSP has welcomed new proposals laid before the Scottish Parliament which will see unpaid carers in Edinburgh receive greater financial support, including a brand-new annual payment worth up to £520 for those who care for more than one person.
The Carer Additional Person Payment is expected to benefit around 18,000 people across Scotland and will form part of the SNP Scottish Government’s new Carer Support benefit package. This marks another milestone in Scotland’s distinct approach to social security, built on the SNP’s principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
Other measures include extending the Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds, widening access to Carer Support following the death of the cared-for person, and easing rules around breaks in caring responsibilities.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said:
“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution in communities across the city, supporting family, friends and neighbours with dedication and love. The SNP is once again showing it recognises that contribution by putting money directly into the pockets of those caring for more than one person.
“This new payment, alongside the existing Carer Support Payment and Carer Supplement, will provide vital help at a time when so many carers are juggling even more financial pressures with the demands of looking after loved ones because of Labour’s austerity measures and cost of living crisis.
“This is another clear example of the SNP doing everything we can with the powers we have to deliver a fairer social security system for Scotland – one rooted in compassion and respect, and that improves lives where Westminster has failed carers for far too long.”
For the first time pupils across Scotland, from age 3 to 18, will have the opportunity to study Film and Screen as a practical arts subject
Screen Scotland, with Education Scotland and Scottish Government has officially launched the national rollout of Film and Screen into Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.
Over the last three years, Screen Scotland has devised, designed and delivered a programme to test and evaluate the Film and Screen Curriculum, a curriculum for every level of formal Scottish Education for learners age 3 to 18.
Schools in 30 local authority areas across Scotland, including Shetland, Scottish Borders, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway and Angus have been involved in this globally unique programme delivered to over 6000 children across early years, primary and secondary education.
Fi Milligan-Rennie, Head of Education – Screen at Screen Scotlandsaid: “Screen Scotland’s film and screen curriculum creates democracy of opportunity for every child and young person to learn about the film and screen industries in Scotland, to understand how it works and most importantly to recognise that they can be part of it.
“Filmmaking, making television programmes or content online requires the ability to tell stories well, to persuade colleagues to work with you, to gather resources and plan ahead. It builds confidence and we have seen across the development period the tremendous positive impacts it has already had for pupils across Scotland.
“It is thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to creatively experiment from schools across the country that we can now celebrate Film and Screen as a subject in its own right.”
The curriculum is endorsed by some of Scotland’s key acting, filmmaking and presenting talent, including James MacAvoy, Lucy Halliday, Mark Bonnar, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Edith Bowman, Chloe Pirrie, Martin Compston, Dougray Scott, Sanjeev Kohli, Mark Cousins and Lauren Lyle.
Neil Millar from Education Scotlandsaid: “Over the last three years I have been proud to work with, and support, the inspiring work that has been undertaken in creating and facilitating the draft Film and Screen Curriculum across Scotland.
“From the outset, the educational and social impact of the pilot Film and Screen curriculum on schools, teachers and most importantly pupils, has been immense. The proof of this is in the curriculum work developed and showcased by the children and young people themselves.”
Laura Heggie, Teacher at Graeme High Schoolsaid: “I’ve been so impressed…by how much the curriculum gives pupils ownership over their own learning. They’re so engaged and want to get it right that they are working and challenging each other within their film crews.
“I can hear them critiquing each other’s work and offering suggestions to improve as I walk round the room. This is unprompted by me. The development in their confidence and ability to contribute has really grown…as they have moved to working within the production groups.”
Kian McLear, S5 pupil at Drummond Community High School said: “Film and Screen has allowed me to express creativity with my fellow classmates, as well as giving me an in interest in the film industry as a whole.
“There’s a very good balance between practical work and analysis, and there’s never any lessons or practical tasks that drag on.”
James MacAvoy, Actor and Director said: “Teaching film and screen in schools is the most equitable way to engage in an art form, while demystifying something that can seem distant or inaccessible.
“It’s not just about the next generations of Scottish filmmakers, it’s about understanding the creative right to be seen and heard and making the space and time for that to happen, for every child in Scotland.”
Julie Wilson-Nimmo, Actor said: “I’m so happy that the Film and Screen curriculum is going on the school curriculum, when I was a young girl growing up in East Kilbride and I went to see my favourite film of all time Gregory’s Girl, I never thought I could be a part of that world, as an actor or behind the camera.
“The fact nursery, primary and secondary kids will be able to tap into this on their school curriculum is amazing. I’m 100% behind it.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The arts are vital to the success of Scotland’s young people, inspiring them to develop a wide range of skills – film and screen learning is very much part of this story.
“The initial Film and Screen pilots demonstrated the innovation that lies at the heart of Scotland’s curriculum. This further roll out of support and advice to teachers across Scotland will help to support the continued growth of film and screen learning in our classrooms.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to welcome this world-first curriculum, which brings the magic of film and screen to the classroom for learners of all ages. In addition to encouraging untapped creativity, it will be instrumental in the career development of the next generation of Scottish film and screen talent.
“The Scottish Government is clear that a skilled, diverse workforce is essential to the continued success of our screen sector, which is set to be worth £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030.
“Working with Screen Scotland, we are investing in Scottish skills and talent to ensure Scottish voices are represented throughout the production journey, and that this growth leaves a legacy of an ever-stronger crew base across Scotland.”
