Local school kids team up with viral Grammy-longlisted young rappers to create new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians (aged 9-12) from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration, blending Irish and Scottish Gaelic in a creative celebration of language, culture, and connection.

The project, led by Cork’s Kabin Crew (the collective behind the Grammy Award longlisted viral hit ‘The Spark’) and Tinderbox Collective, brings together nine young artists from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce (Parkside Primary School), a Gaelic-medium primary school in Edinburgh and five experienced young performers from the Kabin Studio’s ‘Kabin Crew’ project in Cork, who have been co-writing a rap song exploring their shared heritage.

Funded by the Foras na Gaeilge – Colmcille Fund, and supported by Barr na gCnoc, University College Cork, the initiative has seen the group connect through eight online writing sessions, where they have shared stories, built friendships, and co-written a rap track that explores the theme “Edinburgh vs Cork.” 

During the online sessions, the young artists shared stories about their hometowns, swapped slang, and exchanged other phrases in Irish and Scots Gaelic. The writing process became a cultural exchange as much as a musical one.

Each group writes in their own language, yet the similarities between Irish and Scots Gaelic have sparked a lot of interest, fun and humour, which really highlights the deep linguistic and cultural ties between Scotland and Ireland. The result is a vibrant, joyful track that reflects their creativity, curiosity, and cultural pride.

Jed Milroy, General Manager at Tinderbox Collective, said: “Tinderbox Collective are so excited to be collaborating with The Kabin Studio on this unique creative project.

“Their ambitious approach to making youth music both accessible as well as of the highest quality is truly inspiring for us all and to be part of them using that platform to promote Gaelic and Irish is a real honour. Long may it continue!”

From grass-roots youth work to award-winning productions, Tinderbox aims to ignite a spark in people – one which fills them with confidence, imagination, and sense of possibility, and helps them achieve things they never thought possible.

Their work uses music and the arts to bring people together and strengthen communities, providing exciting opportunities to those who need them most, and supporting young people to build their confidence, skills, self-esteem, and professional experience.

Máire Dineen, Programme Manager at Kabin Crew, said: “The Kabin Studio is delighted to be part of this project and looks forward to building new relationships with our Scottish friends through music and language.”

The collaboration will culminate in a professional recording and music video. Five of the Edinburgh participants will travel to Cork on 27th June to record the track at the Kabin Studio, while five members of Kabin Crew will later visit Edinburgh to film the video alongside their new collaborators.

The Kabin Studio, based in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is a dynamic youth music and creative hub known for empowering young people through songwriting, rap, and performance. It provides a safe and inspiring space for young artists to express themselves, collaborate, and develop their talents.

Talking about this project, Heidi from Kabin Crew, said: “I feel it’s an amazing way for kids in the North Side to learn Irish and Gaelic.

“I can’t wait to meet my new friends in Edinburgh, they were really nice over Zoom, super sweet and I can’t wait to meet them”

Archie, aged 10, from Edinburgh said – “It’s been working really well getting to write a song in Gaelic and Irish and meeting the Kabin Studio guys.

“It’s really interesting to meet Irish Gaelic rappers. I hope is that if we keep doing this we could get as famous as the Kabin Crew!”

By writing and performing in Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, these young artists are helping to bring these rich, historically underrepresented languages to audiences who wouldn’t usually engage with them and showing them that Gaelic languages are not only alive but thriving in the voices of the next generation.

The Tinderbox and Kabin Crew collaboration will be released later this year.

Swinney pays tribute to Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem

First Minister marks lives given in public service

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem.

The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or a terrorist attack.

The First Minister said: “I warmly welcome the awarding of The Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.

“This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service. They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray said: “I pay tribute to all of those Scots who have been recognised today. Every one of these brave public servants gave their life to protect others. They are people who stepped forward when most of us would step back, and they paid the ultimate price.

“I am particularly pleased that Dunblane teacher Gwen Mayor has been recognised. No-one will ever forget the horror of the shooting at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, when Mrs Mayor was killed trying to protect her pupils.

“I hope that the families of all those recognised will take some comfort in knowing that their loved ones, and their service, has not been forgotten.” 

The family of Dunblane Primary School teacher Gwen Mayor including her husband Rodney Mayor said: “As a family we are extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen. We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

“You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment. Finally we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”

The full list of Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem are:

  • Joseph Stewart Drake, a Constable with Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. He died on 11 August 1967 when a stolen lorry intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it. 
  • Gwen Mayor, Primary 1 teacher at Dunblane Primary School died on 13 March 1996 alongside 15 of her pupils when a gunman entered the school.
  • Rodney (Rod) Moore, a retired NHS paramedic from Falkirk with 40 years’ service, rejoined the Scottish Ambulance Service to support its Covid-19 response and died on 21 November 2020 having contracted coronavirus.
  • Roderick Nicolson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash.
  • Richard Paul North, a Constable with Tayside Police died on 17 March 1987. He was on duty driving a marked police patrol car when it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drink and drugs.
  • William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps died at the Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960. He was instantly killed alongside 18 others when some casks ruptured causing a massive boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.
  • Ewan Williamson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. He became trapped in a fire at the Balmoral Bar public house in Edinburgh and died on 12 July 2009.
  • Alastair Soutar, of HM Customs and Excise died of his injuries on 29 July 1996 after he was crushed between ‘The Sentinel’ HM Customs and Excise vessel and the ‘Ocean Jubilee’ smugglers vessel. Mr Soutar, from Dundee, was participating in Operation Balvenie to apprehend drug smugglers.

Menopause Goals at Spartans

Join us for the next block on Menopause Goals!

Come along and meet like-minded women who understand the challenges that all stages of menopause bring!

Contact Jenni for more info 07831 721086, jenniferpullen@spartanscf.com

Online regisration: https://app.upshot.org.uk/survey/b1381be5/9806/af0a13fa/

Mental Health Foundation: Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be frightening. But there are things you can do during a panic attack that help, like breathing and grounding techniques.

A panic attack can be caused by a traumatic or very stressful life experience.

If you’re having lots of panic attacks, you might be diagnosed with a panic disorder – and there’s help available for this.

🔗 Read our guide on panic attacks: https://bit.ly/3YNWmfG

Goa Tourism Showcase in Edinburgh

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Travel Vision 

India’s coastal gem reimagines itself beyond beaches and casinos at landmark cultural showcase, drawing dignitaries and Scottish Tourism Leaders

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with a Scotland-based cultural initiative, unveiled its bold new identity as a global leader in regenerative tourism.

Hosted at the elegant elegant Virgin Hotels in Edinburgh on 27th June, the event drew senior Indian delegates, British parliamentarians, cultural leaders, and tourism innovators into a shared dialogue to promote Goa’s evolving identity as a hub for regenerative tourism, wellness, and cultural heritage.

A Prestigious Gathering

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Naval Kumar Verma, Advisor (Medical & Wellness Tourism) to GTDC, who travelled from India alongside Mr. Parvesh Shukla, Director of Worldwide Travel and NRI Head at Rejoice Health Foundation, and Mr. Jigar Bhaglia, Deputy Chair of Selly Oak Conservatives.

The evening was graced by MP Christine Jardine and MP Dr. Scott Arthur, alongside respected voices from Scotland’s tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy sectors. Celebrated author and India advocate Ms. Aline Dobbie also graced the gathering, underscoring the evening’s spirit of Indow-Scottish amity.

Celebrating Culture and Connection

The programme opened with the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, symbolising unity and enlightment, led jointly by the Indian and Scottish dignitaries.

A captivating Odissi performance by classical dancer Shilpi Dhar set the cultural tone for the evening. The event was seamlessly emceed with warmth by Mrs. Nidhi Walker, a bridge between Indian roots and Scottish identity.

In a keynote that stirred minds and hearts, Dr. Verma presented Goa’s pioneering approach as India’s first state to embrace regenerative tourism — a paradigm that transcends sustainability, focusing on restoring ecosystems, empowering local communities, and preserving and honoring cultural legacies.

“Goa is not just about beaches and casinos,” said Dr. Verma. “It’s a land of Ayurveda, spiritual heritage, waterfalls, wellness festivals, and sacred sites — where tourists can now leave a positive impact through mindful travel.”

Speeches from Dr. Scott Arthur, MP Christine Jardine, Ms. Aline Dobbie, and Ms. Preena Verma echoed these themes emphasizing the potential for India and Scotland to build equitable, eco-conscious partnerships in tourism and culture.

 A Colourful Cultural Showcase

The showcase culminated in an exuberant cultural segment that brought Goa’s vibrant spirit to life. Youthful performers Aarya, Tiara, Aadhya, and Anoushka enchanted the audience with traditional Goan dance, culminating in a breathtaking Kathak recital by Himadri, whose elegant footwork drew heavy applause.

Curated short films transported attendees to Goa’s diverse landscapes — from spice plantations to colonial-era churches, serene temples to Sufi shrines — painting a cinematic portrait of a state where spirituality, biodiversity, and community coalesce.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, affirming a shared vision between India and the UK: one where tourism becomes a transformative force for cultural diplomacy and planetary stewardship.

 About Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)

GTDC is the official body under the Government of Goa responsible for the promotion and development of tourism in the state. GTDC is committed to positioning Goa as a holistic destination that champions regenerative tourism, wellness, and heritage.

Scottish Government: Bringing more empty homes back into use

More support for local authorities

Additional empty homes officers are being recruited to bring more privately owned houses back into use.

The new posts are being supported as part of a £2 million investment through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26 which will see staff take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues.

Funding will also help to train and induct new staff, grow services and ensure empty homes are utilised, including by increasing support for local authorities to make compulsory purchase orders.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Bringing homes back into use is a vital part of our plan to tackle the housing emergency. When too many families are struggling to find somewhere to live, it is unacceptable to me that that houses should lie empty.

“It’s important to help councils step up measures to turn privately-owned empty properties into much-needed homes and it’s encouraging that local authorities have already come forward to make use of this support.

“As the First Minister has set out, this government is determined to eradicate child poverty – and tackling the housing emergency by making sure families have access to a home is a crucial part of that.”

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership National Manager Tahmina Nizam said: “Every home matters as we work together to end Scotland’s housing emergency. 

“In councils across the country Empty Homes Officers are delivering results, with over 11,000 homes having brought back into use since 2010. The additional posts supported by this funding will expand on that vital work. 

“New Empty Homes Officers are already in post at City of Edinburgh Council, while recruitment is underway in several other local authorities. 

“Homes weren’t built to sit empty; every empty home has the potential to transform a family or individuals’ life but collectively they have an enormous role to play in reducing housing need and tackling the housing emergency.  

“We look forward to welcoming more new Empty Homes Officers as they come into post and supporting their efforts to bring more homes back into use.” 

Accounts Commission: Change needed to secure East Lothian Council’s financial future

East Lothian Council must make significant progress in changing how it delivers public services as it addresses significant demographic challenges, with rapidly expanding younger and older populations. 

In its latest report, the Accounts Commission recognises many of the council’s services have improved, or at least maintained levels of performance, in the face of financial pressures. But this has come at an unsustainable cost. The council can no longer rely on using money saved in reserves to support the delivery of services. It needs to be clearer about how it will balance its budget in a sustainable way. 

Given financial constraints and increasing demand, the council now focuses on a smaller number of key priorities. The council’s commitment to engaging with residents and communities is encouraging. But it must be clear about the services deprioritised and the impacts, as it looks to bridge a £46 million budget gap in the four years from 2026/27.

The council must make significant changes in how it delivers services. It benefits from having plans for change in place, but now needs to invest further and set clear actions and targets to drive digital transformation and save money through efficiency. Continuing to develop opportunities to collaborate and share services in the face of recruitment and retention challenges is critical.   

Jo Armstrong, Chair of the Accounts Commission said: ‘Unlike most councils in Scotland, East Lothian has numbers of both rapidly expanding younger and older populations.

“This presents real opportunities as well as significant challenges and strains on staff, money and resource.

“The council must continue to hold ongoing conversations with staff and communities to shape and agree the changes it needs to make to services. 

‘It’s reassuring the council’s latest financial plans limit the use of reserves.

“Now we need to see progress on the council’s programme to change how it delivers services and improves efficiency.

“This must happen, to ensure the council’s future financial security.” 

Iona Cafe at St Columba’s

Temporary Closure Notice – Iona Café

Due to a combination of staff/volunteer holidays and illness, the Iona Café will be closed from Monday 7th July to Sunday 20th July.

We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding.

We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen on Monday 21st July!

Digging in to develop a community garden in Morningside

People carrying out unpaid work as part of a community sentence have been helping to develop an NHS community garden in Morningside.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s justice services have teamed up with the Cyrenians charity so that people carrying out a community payback order (CPO) can learn how to care for the garden.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of Edinburgh’s Community Safety and Justice Partnership, said: “We have been exploring innovative ways to support those who have committed offences to repay the community for their crimes while at the same time, giving participants the opportunity to learn valuable skills and work as part of a team.

“Through joining forces with the Scottish charity Cyrenians we’ve been able to support the environment through the development of a community garden project offering placements to people completing unpaid work as part of a CPO.”

Cyrenians delivers the project in a supportive environment, delivering learning, while providing help to those on the project to access additional supports they may need to be reintegrated into their community and become contributing members of society.

The project has proved to be a great success with participants saying how working in the garden had improved their mental health and led to a renewed appreciation of the outdoors. Many have enjoyed contributing to a wider project team while being supported by Cyrenians through a low point in their lives to move on from their crime to a more positive space and a crime-free life.

A supervised team of people work together on the garden woodland and orchard, including landscaping, planting, pruning and composting. Participants learn how to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers and develop skills in making garden furniture.

Hannah Macrae, Community Gardens Service Manager at Cyrenians, said: “We have loved working in partnership with community justice services, to offer placements to people completing a community payback order.

“Our community gardens provide a lot of solace to people and we are very grateful to those who have come on placement for all their efforts to maintain and improve this special space. Many of the people who come really enjoy the time working in the garden and we hope that they take away a new set of skills and a sense of pride in what they have achieved.”

A  number of areas across Edinburgh have been transformed by people carrying out a CPO and previous projects have included fencing and decking work at Dr Neil’s Garden in Duddingston and supporting garden maintenance at Inverleith Park.

More than 11.6 million hours of unpaid work have been completed across Scotland since CPOs were introduced in 2010 – with around 1.4 million hours recorded benefiting communities for the reporting year 2023-24. There were 15,086 CPOs imposed by the courts – a three per cent increase on the previous year.  

There are various projects highlighted in the new annual CPO report 2023-24 by Community Justice Scotland. It shows that the number of CPOs imposed has increased and how people have been held to account and supported to reconnect and contribute to their communities. 

Catherine Dyer, chair of the board of Community Justice Scotland, said: “Community payback orders allow people to repay locally for the harm they’ve caused and access support to services, such as addiction counselling, to tackle the behaviour which led to their offending.

“The increase in the number of CPOs imposed by courts shows the confidence of Sheriffs in community-based sentences which can help reduce the risk of reoffending compared to short-term imprisonment.

“Unpaid work has transformed areas across the country, making a meaningful impact on communities such as improving school playgrounds, painting and gardening for local organisations as well as helping individuals who need work done.”

  • Edinburgh is seeking the public’s views on unpaid work and suggestions for new projects. You can complete the short survey online here at the City of Edinburgh Council’s website (until 8 September 2025).

Spotlight on dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes across Scotland

The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a new campaign appealing for information about the dangerous and illegal use of off-road motorbikes and other mechanically propelled bikes across Scotland.

There has been rising concerns and reports from communities across Scotland over the illegal use of off-road bikes and other mechanically propelled bikes including mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Complaints often centre around off-road bikes becoming a threat to the public as the bikes are ridden recklessly in residential areas, town centres, on pavements and in green spaces – with no concern from the riders for their own safety or that of the public.

Crimestoppers spoke to people in Scotland who has been directly affected by dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes:

  • A Farmer in Dumfries told us his fields had been ripped up overnight, costing thousands in repairs and increased security costs.
  • An elderly lady in Edinburgh almost stepped in front of a bus to prevent a bike on the pavement from crashing into her.
  • In February Whinhill Golf Club in Greenock experienced extensive damage to the greens and fairways.
Angela Parker

Angela Parker, National Manager, Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off-road bikes. This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair.

“Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.”

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: “I’m pleased to support this important campaign.

“Using off-road vehicles illegally is dangerous, anti-social and can cause huge disruption to residents in local communities as well as causing damage to parks, playing fields and the natural environment.

Crimestoppers enables individuals to report crime anonymously and these reports help the police to tackle this crime. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “These bikes are causing untold damage and misery in our community, damaging public and private property and leaving residents feeling scared and intimidated, which is simply unacceptable.

“Areas like Grieve Road have been particularly affected by the rise in off-road bikes and the course at Whinhill Golf Club, which the council owns, has also been damaged so there is a cost to the taxpayers to repair the fairways and greens, not to mention the inconvenience caused for golfers and staff.

“As with most things, the authorities need the help of the public to tackle this problem by reporting illegal and anti-social activity and Crimestoppers is a way in which people can do that and do it completely anonymously.”

Useful information includes:

  • Who is riding them illegally and what they were wearing?
  • The names of those responsible for putting the public and themselves in danger.
  • Where are they being stored?
  • The exact location, date and time the bike/s were seen?
  • Anything distinctive: colour, make, number plate details.

If you own or ride an off-road bike or other mechanically propelled bike, (that includes e-bikes and e-scooters), you must ensure that you comply with UK law. Our campaign webpage gives useful information on all manner of bikes.

To pass on information about the illegal use of off-road bikes completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.

For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.