Kids club primary 1-3 will start TOMORROW – Monday 18th August.
All kids attending must be signed up on arrival by a parent 
LIFT: Kids Club for P1-3s at Muirhouse Millennium Centre tomorrow
How May I Help You?
TOGETHER WE REPAIR: EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
I met a nice couple after our Citizen Group’s performances at the Book Festival on Monday. Time was really tight at the end of the evening – we must have been among the last to leave the Edinburgh Futures Institute – and I’m sorry we didn’t have longer to discuss the event, but thanks for being so kind about it!
As I explained the other night, we had to pare our contributions right back to three minute slots due to time constraints. I think my original draft was over six minutes, but with careful editing (i.e. removing large chunks of swearie words!) I got it down to the required length.
So as promised, here is my Stories and Scran contribution How May I Help You? I am really chuffed that you enjoyed the piece so much and I do hope you’ll enjoy reading it again.
Stories and Scran is a real community event and I know my fellow Citizen writers get just as much pleasure from participating at the event as I do – there’s always a very warm and welcoming atmosphere and audiences are invariably supportive. It’s that enthusiasm that makes Stories and Scran so special.
It was nice to meet you, and who knows – maybe we’ll do it all over again next year!
HOW MANY I HELP YOU?
I was sitting in a queue of morning rush hour traffic when I was startled by a loud blast on a horn. I thought the traffic had moved again while I had been daydreaming, but no: the driver alongside me was pointing down to the back of my car.
Confused, I wound down my window. “Your back tyre is flat”, he called across.
Fortunately there is a big AutoCare Centre just along the road and I was able to trundle along there. The tyre was completely flat now and the wheel made a horrible squealing noise as it rumbled along.
I parked and approached the Reception Desk. John was in charge. I know this because he wore a big badge with his name on it – and he also answered the phone many times while I waited to be seen.
“Good morning AutoCare Centre, John speaking, how may I help you? Ah yes, Mr Wilson. The Zafira, wasn’t it? Let me check …”
I don’t know what John checked. He didn’t move, or even look at a screen. He stood, eyes closed, in a trance-like state for ages … maybe he was psychic?
“Mr Wilson? Sorry about that, sir. Yes, the lads are on it now. Can you give us a call back around lunchtime? … I do realise that, sir, but we have been very busy this morning … yes, I’ll call you back with an update. Of course … Yes, you have a nice day now …
Maybe I imagined it, but I’m sure he muttered: “Phone you back? Aye,right!”
Barely had John put the phone down than it was ringing again. “Good morning, Autocare Centre, John speaking how may … ah hello, Mrs Hill I was just going to call you. Great minds think alike, eh?
“Some bad news, I’m afraid – we are still waiting for parts … yes, six weeks IS a long time but we have to get the parts sent over from France you see … I do understand, Mrs Hill, but between Covid and Brexit … yes, yes, I can only apologise. You know what the French are like … I will chase them up again the second I put the phone down. I’ll call you right back … ‘
He put the phone down, gave a mighty sigh and raised his eyes. “Be with you in a second, sir,” he told me. “Help yourself to a complimentary tea or coff …”
The phone rang again. “Good morning Autocare Centre, John … och it’s just you, Benny!. How you doin’, my man? Are yous busy down there – we’re rushed off our feet here …’
I did fancy a coffee but a lengthy queue was building up behind me and I didn’t want to lose my place.
After quite a while, one customer had had enough. “This is bloody ridiculous!” he said in a very loud voice.
I heard it, the whole queue heard it, the tyre fitters in the workshop heard it – but John was oblivious. His conversation went on and on …
Finally, he glanced up … “Sorry, Benny, I’ll have to love you and leave you … we’re stowed oot the door here!”
I WAS NEXT!
“Sorry about your wait, sir, we’ve been UNBELIEVABLY busy this morning. Now, what can I do for you? What appears to be the problem?
Now, I would have thought that the problem would have been fairly obvious to John, but I pointed to my shredded tyre.
“Ah yes, we’ll take a look at that for you. The lads are busy just now but have a seat and we’ll get it up on a ramp as soon as we can. Help yourself to a coff …
The telephone rang again.
“Good morning, AutoCare Centre, J …Nearly afternoon? What a quick morning it’s been! Ah yes, Mrs Hill! Ye’ll no’ believe this – I was just going to call you …
A dram good idea turns whisky waste into packaging
MycoPack is one of 11 projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero
University researchers will help turn whisky production leftovers into compostable packaging in a newly funded collaboration.
The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between Arbikie Distillery, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee. MycoPack combines innovation with sustainable design, turning waste into valuable packaging and supporting a circular economy.
It is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between Scotland’s universities to support Scotland’s drive to net zero.
Arbikie Distillery have partnered with Dr Dongyang Sun, Edinburgh Napier University and Dr. Wenbin Zhou, University of Dundee, to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products like spent grain to create durable, lightweight packaging. The material created is impact-resistant, fire-retardant, and fully compostable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Over the next 10 months the project team will focus on proof of concept, testing the material and the design.
Kirsty Black, Distillery Manager said: “At Arbikie, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier and Dundee Universities on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging made from mycelium that’s not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values.
“Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.”
Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities – this project is one of 11 new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.
Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund panel said: “This is the second round of our seed fund, we have now supported 19 innovative and collaborative projects with a total of around £300k of funding.
“Each project involves at least two of our member universities and one external partner, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector.
“This collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to us meeting Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets. We cannot achieve these targets in isolation, we must work together to innovative, inform and adapt.”
Other funded projects include a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh working with Community Energy Scotland, Orkney Housing Association, THAW Orkney (Tackling Household Affordable Warmth) and Teeside University to tackle fuel poverty in rural Scotland.
Typically, energy flexibility involves people having access to advanced technology, but this project explores if it can benefit those in fuel poverty. The idea is to create local energy communities and trading systems, letting residents buy cheaper local electricity.
HI-SCOT, a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University, Robert Gordon University and Historic Environment Scotland, will focus on integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology into Scotland’s historic buildings, addressing challenges with aesthetics, regulations, and public acceptance.
The initiative will explore how PV systems can blend with historic architecture. Research will explore mimicking traditional materials and using coatings to minimise visual impact, creating guidelines for Scotland’s historic architecture.
To find out more about each of the eleven projects, please visit the Scotland Beyond Net Zero website: www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk.
Besties week two winners announced
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the week two’s The Besties, in the following categories:
The Genre Chaos Award – Sam Kruger and S E Grummett: Creepy Boys SLUGS at Summerhall
The Emerging Talent Award – Ayo Adenekan: Black Mediocrity at Monkey Barrell
The Heart Award – Sami Abu Wardeh: Palestine Peace de Resistence at Pleasance Dome
The Collaboration Award – Opera Queensland and Circa: Orpheus and Eurydice at Edinburgh International Festival
The Nature Award – Karine Polwart: Windblown at The Queen’s Hall
The Kids Award – The Listies: Make Some Noise at Assembly George Square Studios
The award ceremony took place on Saturday 16th August at the Festival Theatre, hosted by Michelle Brasier, whose show It’s a Shame we Won’t be Friends Next Year is at Gilded Balloon this Fringe with performances from rapidly rising singer-songwriter Pippa Blundell who played in Friday night’s Wide Days’ Made in Scotland Gigs.
The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a recent graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.
Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.
There will be one further award ceremony on Saturday 23rd August.
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre gets set to celebrate 30th Birthday
ALL WELCOME AT DRYLAW’s BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!
We are gearing up for our big party day in only 4 weeks!
We have so much planned for the day and can’t wait to have you all there 
Lunch provided by Scran Academy, Bookbug session, Moving Music drumming circle, National Galleries of Scotland art session, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) Dr Bike and bike activities (make your own bike-powered smoothie!), Tinderbox Collective are here with their Escape Drylaw game for you to try, Tummies Not Trash will be here with a food stall.
Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!
Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September! 
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Edinburgh’s Pubs Go for Gold at the Hospitality Industry’s Very Own Oscars
Edinburgh’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.
Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great. Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.
This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles.
Local finalists include the Athletic Arms, The Belfry and the Mother Superior which are up for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, The Cocktail Geeks, Hey Palu and Lady Libertine who are fighting it out to become Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year and the Boston Bar, Malones, O’Connnor’s and Seamus’s who are all hoping to be crowned Jameson Best Irish Bar!
However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!
Publisher, Susan Young, said, “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!
“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”
Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Athletic Arms – Edinburgh
The Belfry – Edinburgh
Mother Superior – Edinburgh
The Pot Still – Glasgow
Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh
Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh
Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr
Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin
Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport
Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh
Hey Palu – Edinburgh
Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow
Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow
Lady Libertine – Edinburgh
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Anchorage – Dunure
Bag o’Nails – Glasgow
The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin
Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs
Campari Bar Apprentice 2025
Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh
Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow
Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone
Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder
Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh
Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh
Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride
Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh
Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh
De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues
The Corner House – Kilwinning
Draffens – Dundee
McLarens On The Corner – Edinburgh
The Torfin – Edinburgh
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
Ross Barr, Scotch at the Balmoral – Edinburgh
Chris Chambers, Cask & Vine – Edinburgh
Lucy Connor, Tipsy Midgie – Edinburgh
Jane Ross, Mother Superior – Edinburgh
Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year
Bucks Bar Group
Cru Hospitality
Eden Group
Rocks Leisure Group
Fireball Best Late Night Venue
Berlinkys – Glasgow
The Corset Club – Glasgow
Freddy’s – Edinburgh
Slouch – Glasgow
Vic’s – Prestwick
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Apex Hotels
Cru Hospitality
Lisini Pub Co.
Manorview
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Michael Eaton, Café Royal – Edinburgh
Lorraine Ferguson, Billy Bridges – Ayr
Pete Harvey, Aboukir – Carnoustie
Fiona Joyce, Solway Lodge – Gretna
Stewart Kilpatrick, Hope & Vincent – Glasgow
Gavin Ruthven, The Dome – Edinburgh
Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year
Bar 1819, Apex Waterloo Place – Edinburgh
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh
Red Sky Bar – Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering
Brewhemia – Edinburgh
The Criterion – St Andrews
The Keys Bar – St Andrews
Scotch & Rye – Inverness
Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
DRAM Best Beer Garden
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
The Fox & Willow – Ayr
Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay
Weavers – Paisley
Jameson Best Irish Bar
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow
Malones – Edinburgh
O’Connor’s – Edinburgh
Seamus’s – Edinburgh
Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year
The Birds and The Bees – Stirling
The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn
The Bridge Inn – Ratho
Stravaigin – Glasgow
DRAM Community Pub of the Year
Aboukir – Carnoustie
The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh
Montagues – Kirkcaldy
The Newton Bar – Millport
The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria
New Bar of the Year 2025
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Berlinkys – Glasgow
Cask & Vine – Edinburgh
The Marlborough – Glasgow
Sebbs – Glasgow
Schweppes Mixologist of the Year
Branford Edgar, Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow
Jake Harris, Old Pal – Edinburgh
Poppy Kerr, Bartenders Lounge – Aberdeen
Chris Mullen, Mar Hall – Bishopton
Toby Peters, The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh
Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year
Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone
Hope & Vincent – Glasgow
Lochy’s – Barrhead
The Tap Yard – Glasgow
Staropramen Award For Outstanding Quality
Brewhemia – Edinburgh
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Louie Brown’s – Dalgety Bay
The Phoenix – Dundee
Siberia – Aberdeen
Pub of the Year
The Anglers – Annan
Athletic Arms – Edinburgh
Four Marys – Linlithgow
MacSorley’s – Glasgow
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Showcasing Scotland’s arts festivals
£1.8 million to expand funding reach
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country.
The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them ‘push creative boundaries’ and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.
The fund builds on the success of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and helps deliver a key commitment in the Scottish Budget 2025-26 to expand the reach of the fund across Scotland.
Awards of up to £200,000 will be available in the first year and will be administered by Creative Scotland. The grants can be used for raising the international profile of festivals and to support other areas vital to their success, such as for sector and talent development and to open access to educational groups.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland has a wealth of outstanding festivals up and down the country. They are at the at the heart of our culture sector and national life, bringing us together through our enjoyment of art, literature, music and other performing arts.
“By increasing investment into festivals across the country we are supporting their commissions of and collaborations on new and exciting works, increasing opportunities for participation in creative pursuits and ensuring Scotland’s cultural highlights can be enjoyed at home and abroad.
“The new fund is a direct result of discussions through the Strategic Partnership for Festivals, a focal point that brings together diverse representation from arts festivals and a broader range group of partners who support them.
“Collaboration with the sector is vital and this group will be crucial in supporting the implementation and development of this fund in the coming months.”
Chief Executive of Creative Scotland Iain Munro said: “Scotland’s festivals are a vibrant celebration of our creativity and culture, recognised and enjoyed by local communities and people from around the world.
“The expanded festivals fund is a new opportunity to profile incredible creative work in every corner of the country and support other areas vital to success – from sector and talent development to further experimentation and space to develop ambitions with specific groups and communities.
“Working with festivals nationwide, this investment will support artists, widen community engagement and further strengthen Scotland’s impressive international reputation.”
Further information and detailed guidance notes for festivals will be available through Creative Scotland.
PM statement on Ukraine
PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THE UKRAINE SITUATION YESTERDAY:
President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.
While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.
This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.
I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.
In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.
Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.
KEIR STARMER WAS ALSO A SIGNATORY TO A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ‘COALITION OF THE WILLING EUROPEAN LEADERS:
Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen:
Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.
Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.
As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.
We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.
We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees.
The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.
Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.
As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.
UKRAINE’S leader Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington tomorrow for talks with the US President Donald Trump.
Letters: Beauty treatment regulation cannot come soon enough
Dear Editor
Cosmetic treatments which do not require surgery, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and liquid Brazilian butt lifts, are rocketing in popularity. Many people might not know that, as yet, the industry is largely unregulated.
All too often we hear of some such beauty treatments going horribly wrong, and people who have suffered severe, and even life-changing, injuries as a result.
Cases include people left with permanent scarring to their faces from botched chemical peels. Multiple cases of the over-use of Hyalase injections to dissolve filler have led to tissue loss and cavities to the face, which then required multiple fat grafting treatments.
The Scottish Government has now said it will forge ahead with legislation this autumn. The sooner this burgeoning industry is regulated, the safer consumers will be.
Gordon Dalyell
Scotland representative, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Rennie Hogg Road,
Nottingham NG2 1RX
Oasis fans ‘Roll With It’ at Fort Kinnaird with free Oasis tribute
Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
The event allowed fans who missed out on tickets to the Murrayfield shows to still join in the fun and the gig saw the group perform classics such as Wonderwall, Live Forever, and Don’t Look Back in Anger
Oasis fans of all ages turned up for the tribute, including families and little ones proudly sporting iconic bucket hats
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it was only right that we brought a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act, and their free show was the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It was a great way to spend a Sunday – with attendees grabbing a bite, enjoying the music, and making a proper day of it with friends and family.”
The event was just one of the free events that took place at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences. The centre also hosted character visits inspired by popular blockbuster films including Wicked and Lilo & Stich.