New Art Gallery opens in Picardy Place

Unveiling Yaniv Edery Gallery: International artist opens new Edinburgh venue for contemporary art and exclusive events

 A new gallery showcasing the work of internationally acclaimed artist, Yaniv Edery, is opening in the heart of Edinburgh, establishing a world-class destination for contemporary art and exclusive private events. 

Housed within an elegant Georgian townhouse on the city’s historic Picardy Place, Yaniv Edery Gallery officially opened on Thursday (26 March 2026) marking the artist’s UK debut.

The new gallery, Yaniv Edery’s first in the UK, presents his vibrant, immersive collection of artworks that has captivated audiences worldwide, from private collectors to luxury venues across the globe.

The destination is also introducing a unique new luxury events venue in Edinburgh, available for private hire for weddings and exclusive occasions.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1977, Yaniv’s artistic journey began in fashion and textile design before evolving into a distinctive contemporary practice. 

A self-taught artist, he has developed a one-of-a-kind technique through years of experimentation, layering resin over carefully injected acrylic and ink on brushed aluminium. The result is richly textured works with striking dimensionality, extraordinary depth and intricate detail. 

Blending bold colour with luxury motifs, Yaniv’s signature animal portraits incorporate resin, crystals, and metallic finishes to create light, reactive pieces that blur the line between pop art and contemporary sculpture. 

Each piece is a dynamic, almost living work revealing intricate detail, encouraging viewers to engage with each artwork from multiple perspectives. 

Yaniv Edery said: “I’m proud to present my collection in this extraordinary new setting in Edinburgh, a city rich in art, history and culture. This new gallery is designed to bring contemporary art and curated events together, creating a unique experience where audiences can connect with vibrant, immersive works. 

“Art is constantly evolving, and my aim is to celebrate this growth by combining creativity, luxury, and pop culture in a way that engages, inspires, and surprises. I hope this gallery becomes a special place where people come together to explore, reflect, and celebrate, while hosting unforgettable private occasions.”

Throughout his career, Yaniv Edery has led several unique collaborations that blend styles and disciplines. Among the most notable, he was honoured to create a custom piano for Stevie Wonder and to paint family portraits for an array of international celebrities. 

Now based in Monaco, Yaniv enjoys international recognition and is represented by prestigious galleries worldwide. His work has been exhibited at Art Basel in Miami, one of the world’s most renowned art fairs, and he was selected as the opening artist for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.  

For the past eight years, Yaniv has been the official artist of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. His pieces also reside in prestigious private collections, including the Royal Palace of Monaco, as well as the homes of Formula One drivers Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc.

The opening marks Yaniv’s first UK gallery, bringing his creative vision to Edinburgh in a space that seamlessly merges contemporary art with a refined event setting. 

Located within a UNESCO World Heritage site on 4 Picardy Place, famously the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the gallery preserves its classical architectural character while providing a striking backdrop for the distinctive artworks and a versatile setting for events. 

Featuring a dedicated function room, reception bar, private basement bar, and boutique suites, the venue combines elegance with versatility, making it ideal for intimate weddings, private gatherings, exclusive business events and celebrations.

Yaniv Edery Gallery operates seven days a week for private viewings by appointment, offering visitors the chance to experience the artist’s immersive works firsthand and explore the event spaces. It is also available for private event hire seven days.

Pricing is available from the gallery on enquiry, but each artwork is produced in a limited-edition collection of five copies per size, a conscious choice that preserves exclusivity while maintaining accessible pricing, despite the complexity and cost of the artist’s process. It is also possible to commission a unique, fully customised, bespoke piece of artwork.

For further information on visiting the gallery or hosting private events, visit:

https://yanivederygallery.com or contact info@yanivederygallery.com

Drivers undeterred by fuel price concerns with nearly 21m Easter getaway trips planned

New figures show most drivers are sticking to Easter travel plans, despite surging fuel prices

Drivers are committed to making the most of the four-day Easter bank holiday despite sharply rising fuel prices, with nearly 21m leisure journeys planned, according to a new study of drivers’ getaway plans by the RAC and traffic analytics specialists INRIX.* 

With over a million more trips planned than last year, this Easter weekend is set to be the busiest on the roads since 2022 – which was the first full getaway after the Covid lockdowns.

RAC data suggests traffic will be at its busiest on Good Friday 3rd April with drivers planning around 3.3m leisure trips. Over 2.3m trips are planned on Thursday 2nd, while drivers are expected to make 3m journeys on Saturday 4th. The number of trips planned drops slightly on Easter Sunday to 2.3m, before increasing again to a further 3m on bank holiday Monday as travellers return home.

A further 6.7m journeys are anticipated at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with drivers undecided on their exact date of travel. But with some early indications that the weather could warm up in time for the weekend, the number of ad hoc journeys could rise.

New separate research by the RAC also shows that while 31% of drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel costs – driven by the current conflict in the Middle East that has seen pump prices soaring – most aren’t changing their plans. Only 6% expect to drive shorter distances and another 6% say they won’t drive at all, as a direct result of the higher prices.*

This is despite the fact that filling up a typical diesel family car this Easter will cost at least £19 more than it did on Good Friday in 2025, and a tank of petrol nearly £8 more, with further increases likely.

On Thursday 2nd – the day when many schools break up for the Easter holidays – some of the worst delays of more than 40 minutes are expected on the M25 clockwise between J15 and J19 around 2.45pm, and on the M4 westbound across the Prince of Wales Bridge towards Bridgend with delays of an hour and a quarter in the evening, according to data from INRIX. The anticlockwise stretch from J17 to J12 will also see similar delays closer around 4pm, close to the evening rush-hour. 

Meanwhile, on Good Friday, many major roads are expected to be busy throughout the day from 10am-7pm. The M5 southbound between J15 at the RAC tower north of Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater – a key holiday route – could see journey times extended by more than 50 minutes at lunchtime, while the M25 anticlockwise between J17 and J12 may see delays of 30 minutes mid-morning, nearly trebling normal journey times.

On Saturday 4th, drivers are advised to avoid 10am to midday when traffic will be at its busiest. The M40 northbound from J12 to the Umberslade interchange with the M42 will see delays of around 48 minutes at 11am, with journey times almost four times longer than usual. 

The roads are expected to be busy for most of Easter Monday 6th April as families return from their Easter trips. Delays of over an hour (65 minutes) are expected at midday in the South West on the M5 northbound between J25 for Taunton and J15 at the RAC tower.

Elsewhere, the M25 clockwise between J15 to J19 will be hit with queues at 5.30pm, with journeys taking over 38 minutes longer than usual, double usual travel times.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “The Easter bank holiday getaway is traditionally one of the biggest of the year, and 2026 looks no different.

“In fact, the number of planned leisure journeys by car has risen for the second year running and as a result we expect this to be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, when the country opened up after the Covid lockdown. 

“Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it’s often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family.

“While a significant number of drivers are concerned about rising fuel prices, a much smaller contingent are actually changing their plans this Easter as a result. This is despite the cost of filling up a family diesel car increasing by around £19 compared to this time last year, and a tank of petrol being £8 more expensive. In the face of rising prices, we urge everyone to use the myRACapp to find the cheapest forecourts near them.

“We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday when many schools break up. We advise drivers to plan for the best time to travel if they want to avoid significant queues, especially in traffic hotspot areas such as the M5 heading towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25. Congestion is likely to be at its worst from 10am from Thursday to Saturday and on Easter Monday, so leaving early in the morning is the best way to avoid the jams.

“The Easter bank holiday is always a particularly busy period for our patrols, but many breakdowns can be avoided if drivers ensure their vehicles are fully prepared before they travel. It’s still not too late to book an RAC Mobile Mechanic who can service or repair cars at home or at work, removing the need to visit a garage and giving drivers peace of mind their vehicles are fit for a long road trip.”

National Highways’ traffic contraflow system, ‘Operation Brock’, will be in place throughout the Easter weekend from 1st to 7thApril, with lorries travelling to the Port of Dover being directed to a specific lane at Junction 8 of the M20. 

Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: “The port is preparing for a busy Easter getaway period, with an early increase in traffic expected from Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, followed by the predicted getaway volumes through to mid-April.

“Between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 19th April, we will welcome in the region of 37,000 cars through the port. To help ensure a smooth departure, we kindly ask all customers travelling with our ferry partners not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their scheduled sailing, just as you would if departing from a UK airport.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience, should there be any additional waiting time due to the increase in traffic levels.”

For drivers planning a long Easter getaway journey, the RAC advises booking an appointment with one of its Mobile Mechanics. RAC Mobile Mechanics can complete services and repairs on the driveway or at a customer’s place of work, giving drivers peace of mind before they lhit the roads.

Scottish Ambulance Service: Gathering patient feedback through text messages

The Scottish Ambulace Service has been issuing text messages via GOV.Notify to patients to gather their feedback on their experiences with the service.

To date, feedback messages have been sent to patients who have used the Falls pathways, those who experienced breathing difficulties, NHS24 callers who were transferred onto SAS, and patients who were triaged through our clinical hub and did not require an ambulance.

The primary aim of gathering patient experience data is to understand how patients are treated, identify service gaps, support learning and development, and inform resource allocation and service improvements.

SAS will be issuing text messages to patients who have experienced breathing difficulties and falls.

The text will be issued via GOV.Notify and link to a Webropol survey. If you receive this text, please complete the survey so we can ensure the Scottish Ambulance Service is proving the right care in the right place.

Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

See behind the scenes as Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

Work is progressing on redevelopment of the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, the historic home of the Crown, Sword and Sceptre which make up the Honours of Scotland.

Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.

A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.

The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room.

Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said: “I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity.

“I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.”

Mackenzie added: “We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn.

“It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.”

The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617.

The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security.

Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said: “The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

“With this redevelopment, we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards.

“The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.”

The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website.

Gilded Balloon announces a bumper programme of new shows now on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe

105 new shows across comedy, theatre, musicals, cabaret, variety and children’s shows go on sale today from Gilded Balloon, marking its biggest on sale to date, with more programme announcements still to come.

On sale from 12pm, Monday 30th March

 tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk 

These newly announced shows form part of a wide-ranging 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, bringing together leading names, rising stars and international artists. From big nights out to thoughtful theatre and side-splittingly clever comedy, August at Gilded Balloon offers something for all ages and tastes.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “We’re delighted to be putting a further 105 brilliant shows on sale as part of this year’s Fringe programme, with even more still to be announced.

“This line-up brings together some of the most exciting talent working today alongside the next generation of performers, and truly reflects the breadth and energy of the Fringe.”

The programme brings together established names including Gregor Fisher, Phil Nichol (returning with two shows), The Guilty Feminist and Rich Hall, alongside a strong wave of new voices making their Fringe debuts. Rising talent includes includes Madeleine Brettingham, Adi Parmar, Fab Goualin, Hannah Byczkowski and Shane Daniel Byrne, while Gilded Balloon continues its commitment to Scottish artists with debut shows from Eva Peroni and Alan Jay, and returning favourites Kim Blythe and Kathleen Hughes. The programme also features new Scottish music and theatre, including Crocodile Rock and a range of bold new productions across the theatre programme.

Gilded Balloon’s legendary shows return for 2026. Late’n’Live is back as the original late-night show, featuring stellar line-ups of your favourite acts from across the festival, hosted by some of the best MCs in the country every night.

Described as “The best late-night show on the Fringe” (Scotsman) and “A Fringe institution for a reason” (TheRecs.co.uk), previous acts have included Johnny Vegas, Bill Bailey, Rich Hall, Jason Byrne, Mawaan Rizwan, John Bishop, Larry Dean, Maisie Adam, Reuben Kaye, Jordan Grey and Viggo Venn. Late’n’Live remains an essential addition to any Fringe bucket list.

Best Of So You Think You’re Funny? returns with an unmissable line-up of fresh talent, including finalists Reb Day, Joel Walker and Rachel Porter, offering audiences the chance to see the best emerging comedians before they become household names.

So You Think You’re Funny? Heats continue the search for comedy’s next big star, as contestants compete for a place in the final of the UK’s biggest newcomer competition. Previous winners include Peter Kay, Aisling Bea, Sara Pascoe and Lee Mack.

Comedy highlights includeGregor Fisher: An (Early) Evening With Gregor Fisher, where the Scottish stage and screen legend shares stories from his life and career; Madeleine Brettingham: Legend, the debut show from the So You Think You’re Funny? 2025 winner exploring myth, identity and growing up in a world of booze-soaked bad behaviour; and Rich Hall: Chin Music, a typically sharp, improvisational hour from the acclaimed comedian.

The Guilty Feminist, hosted by Deborah Frances-White, brings its Road to Gilead Project to the Fringe, alongside rising Scots comedy star Kim Blythe: Puzzle, following a sold-out 2025 run, and Smack The Pony’s Fiona Allen: White Lies, a sharply observed new show about social anxiety and human interaction.

Further highlights include Kathleen Hughes: Twig, exploring family and legacy; Reuben Solo: Someone in This Crowd Will Betray Me [Revenge Edition], a chaotic, high-concept return; and two shows from Phil Nichol, with a brand-new work Aren’t We Lucky and the 20th anniversary of his Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning The Naked Racist.

New additions to the programme include Comedy Night at the Museum, a Gilded Balloon production bringing together top international comedians for a wholly improvised late-night show inspired by real artefacts from the National Museum of Scotland; Shane Daniel Byrne: Baby It’s Time, showcasing one of Ireland’s fastest-rising comedic voices; and Christian Dart: GUMSHOE!, a multi award-nominated, sell-out hit blending noir parody with high-energy character comedy.

Rising voices and distinctive perspectives continue across the programme with Adi Parmar: Sunny Boy, Alan Jay: Hell Hath No Humour Like a Gayboy Scorned, Eva Peroni: Jungledand Fab Goualin: Mixed Messages, alongside Hannah Byczkowski: Killer, a darkly comic debut from the winner of The Traitors, and Aoife Dunne: Good Grief,returning after a sell-out run. Emmy and Golden Globe-winning comedian Guy Branum brings Be Fruitful, a bold, thought-provoking hour blending humour with social commentary.

Theatre highlights include SLAY, a darkly funny and unflinching exploration of trauma, therapy and modern coping mechanisms, andSilent Disco, an inventive, headphone-led experience blending psychology and music.

Further standout work includes HESS, Michael Burrell’s powerful and timely revival exploring the psychology of extremism and its lasting impact, and Broke & Fabulous in the 21st Century,a riotous, raunchy dramedy celebrating friendship, ambition and modern love.

Other theatre shows on sale today include Ostrich, a sharp look at modern dating and identity; Top Gunchained, a high-energy parody from the team behind Yippee Ki Yay; Boy in a Box, a confronting and urgent piece examining race and identity in America; and Waiting For Wonka, a darkly comic reimagining of childhood nostalgia.

Themed shows bring a mix of interactive and late-night entertainment, includingThe Thinking Drinkers’ Great British Pub Ride, an epic, drink-fuelled journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats; Dreamgun Film Reads, where comedians perform unrehearsed parody versions of classic films; and Not Another Quiz Night, a high-energy, chaotic late-night favourite.

Cabaret and variety sees Fake, a critically acclaimed blend of magic, storytelling and illusion from Chris Cook that explores truth, deception and identity; EIGHT: The One (Wo)Man Drag King Musical Parody, a high-energy, genre-bending musical comedy reimagining Henry VIII through drag, parody and pop and Fungasm: Save or Smash offers up bold, interactive performance.

Music and musicals range from nostalgic fun to powerful storytelling, including Crocodile Rock, a touching coming-of-age musical set on Cumbrae; Primary School Bangers, a high-energy singalong experience; Unheard Voices, Unbroken Spirits, a new musical exploring the Scottish care system; and Antigone: A Town Hall Musical, a contemporary retelling of a classic tragedy.

Also featured is Charlene Kaye: Diversity Shredder, introducing audiences to the unhinged, razor-sharp world of Charlene Kaye — guitar god, internet legend and “breakout comedy star” (Rolling Stone), alongside Siobhan Wilson: Flowercore, an immersive performance celebrating Scotland’s wildflowers through music and visual art.

Children’s and family shows include Max Fulham’s Monkey Business, a lively, family-friendly mix of puppetry, sketches and slapstick comedy and Mama G: The Magic Bookmark comes to Teviot. “Everyone’s favourite pantomime dame!” (Metro) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G discovers the magic of books and the power of being yourself in this hilarious award-winning panto adventure for the whole family! 

Bring Yer Bairn Comedy is the adult comedy show where you can bring yer bairn! A selection of our favourite comics from the Scottish scene and beyond, performing to parents, carers and bairns under 15 months old! The perfect morning show!

All shows will take place across Gilded Balloon’s four venues this August, including the welcome return to Teviot, alongside Patter House and Gilded Balloon at the Museum, as well as the newly added Gilded Saloon, GB’s year-round pub and live venue.

It’s set to be a very pink summer!

Further programme announcements will follow in the coming months. For full listings visit www.gildedballoon.co.uk or follow @gildedballoon.

Gilded Balloon is one of Scotland’s leading and best-loved entertainment producers, presenting a cross-genre programme annually at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and touring productions across the UK throughout the year.

Book online from 12pm TODAY 30th March at tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk 

or call Tel: 0131 622 6552

Former council leader convicted of sexual offences

A man has been convicted of sexual offences while he was working as a politician. Jordan Linden, 30, was convicted of ten offences following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court of crimes which included sexual assault, stalking, and sexual communication.

The victims were all boys or young men, and the offences took place between 2011 and 2021. The age of the youngest victim was 14.

One of the offences saw Linden sexually assault two victims at a house party in Dundee after a Pride march in 2019.

Linden, who was former leader of North Lanarkshire Council and earlier chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, was arrested and charged by specialist officers from Police Scotland in February 2024.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr said: “This was a protracted investigation which involved speaking with a broad range of people, many of whom regarded Linden as being in a position of trust.

“He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however his conduct toward them was far from professional.

“I’d like to thank the victims who came forward to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts.

“No-one should be subjected to sexual offending, and we will always investigate reports, regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is.”

Linden was placed on the sex offenders register and is due to be sentenced in May.

STUC launches Workers’ Manifesto for the Holyrood elections

A plan to “deliver dignity in work” has been launched by Scotland’s largest trade union body as the Scottish Trades Union Congress reveals its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

The manifesto, which builds on the successful Scotland Demands Better march and rally last October, sets out clear demands from trade unions on investment in public services, high quality jobs and a proper industrial strategy for Scotland.

The STUC has called for measures to raise an additional £3.7 billion for the public purse which include the introduction of wealth taxes, scrapping council tax for a proportional property tax and ending the £3 billion scandal of outsourcing within Scotland’s public services.

In addition to equity stakes in national infrastructure projects such as offshore wind and making government funding for manufacturing conditional on Fair Work terms and conditions, the trade union body say the manifesto “leads the way” for politicians to support Scotland’s workforce.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Our manifesto is a clear plan to deliver dignity in work, revitalise our public services and rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.

“For too long have politicians, especially those now seeking our votes, been allowed to ride roughshod over the expressed will of Scotland’s workers. Many in our communities are desperately seeking positive change that, all too often, doesn’t materialise after the ballots have been counted.

“From high quality jobs to an economy that prioritises the needs of workers, our manifesto leads the way in showing the politicians exactly how they can support workers across the country.

“There can be no half-measures. People are under suffocating pressure from the cost-of-living crisis that, without urgent political intervention and support, will drive workers further from the political process and present an open goal to those in our communities intent on dividing working-class people.”

The STUC Manifesto, Workers Demanding Better, is below: 

stuc-manifesto-workers-demanding-better-scottish-parliament-election-2026Download



https://www.stuc.org.uk/resources/stuc-manifesto-workers-demanding-better-scottish-parliament-election-2026.pdf 

Tackling poverty in Edinburgh

Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish writes about work to address child poverty across schools and communities:

It has a been ten years since the introduction of our 1 in 5 Raising Awareness of Child Poverty campaign – ambitious and extensive work to tackle the stigma associated with poverty and to support families and children.

We built on this in 2018 with the rollout of our Making Education Equal for All framework, providing schools with practical guidance on how to help those in their communities living in poverty. I’m pleased that an updated version has just been launched.

A decade on and around 18,000 children and young people citywide are still living in poverty. It is hard to comprehend what this means day to day unless you’ve seen or experienced it first-hand. The tired faces of children starting the school day with an empty tummy, the endlessly forgotten school trip money – and on top of this the extra burden of shame, isolation and exclusion that living in poverty can bring.

It is unacceptable that this is Edinburgh’s reality and it is imperative that we continue to do everything we can to level the playing field for all children and young people.

It is positive that in the last ten years, the action we’ve taken has narrowed the poverty related attainment gap, helped more learners to take part in activities and to achieve, and supported families with their wellbeing and finances.

Reducing the cost of the school day – including removing/reducing the cost of uniform, trips and extra-curricular activities has been a priority. We went even further last year, when we removed the requirement for branded school uniform – minimising unnecessary costs and reducing pressure on family finances.

Our Active Schools teams provide extra-curricular sport activities, before and after school and at lunchtimes at no charge. We have also invested in musical instruments to enable more pupils to learn an instrument and to progress – it is fantastic that those who wouldn’t have done before, are now taking part in our ensembles.

I firmly believe that our schools should be a place of equity, where regardless of a child’s background, where or who they live with – they have every opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions.

There is still a long way to go to remove poverty-related barriers. We are committed to doing all we can to make sure that all children and young people in Edinburgh have equal access and opportunities to participate in, and make the most of, their school experience – and every chance to succeed.

This article fist appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

Amazon team celebrates success with special event

The team at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre enjoyed a celebratory event recently at Glen Pavillion to mark the company’s busiest trading period.

Hundreds of Amazon employees gathered to mark the successful completion of ‘peak’ – the weeks leading up to Christmas when customer orders reach their highest levels of the year.

The festive shopping period sees Amazon welcome thousands of seasonal colleagues across its UK operations network, all working alongside permanent team members to ensure packages arrive on time for customers nationwide.

The post-peak celebration has become an annual tradition, giving teams the opportunity to come together and reflect on their collective achievements.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “While many businesses are quietening down for the holidays, our teams come together to deliver for our customers locally and around the UK.

“This celebration is our way of saying thank you to every single person who played their part in making Christmas special for our customers.

“It’s been fantastic to bring everyone together to celebrate what we’ve accomplished as a team, and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together in 2026.”

Christina Watson, an Amazon employee who attended the celebration, said: “The party was a great way to celebrate everything we accomplished together during our busiest time of year.

“There’s a real sense of camaraderie here, and it’s brilliant to work alongside such a dedicated team. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2026 brings.”