Edinburgh Direct Aid International proudly announces the completion of a powerful and evocative mural at its warehouse at West Harbour Road in Granton, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the spirit of humanitarian aid.
This significant artwork was made possible through a generous grant from the Diversity and Inclusion Fund 2023/2024 awarded by the Edinburgh Council which seeks to support the work of ethnically diverse artists.
The mural, a vibrant testament to the charity’s mission of providing aid to refugees in Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza, and other war-affected regions, was designed and directed by internationally-awarded Mexican muralist Draya Madú.
Draya, whose works have garnered global recognition for their depth and social impact, was joined by Mexican beginner artist Eva Paredes, and a dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom brought this vision to life through a campaign of research, surveys and consultations.
“The mural is not just a piece of art; it represents a light of hope and a reminder of our shared and caring humanity as well as a call to action to keep helping those in need,” said Draya Madu.
“Working with Edinburgh Direct Aid and seeing the community come together in support of refugees worldwide has been a unique inspiring experience.”
The mural project reflects Edinburgh Direct Aid’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the power of collective action. It showcases a blend of cultural motifs and symbolism, creating a visual narrative that connects the local Edinburgh community with global refugee populations.
One of the most striking elements of the mural is the depiction of a child being given wings by a charity volunteer,
“Why the wings on the child? you may ask” says Ian McHaffie, representative from Edinburgh Direct Aid. “Because humanitarian aid spreads out from the boxes in our warehouse to help people rise above their immediate circumstances, to fly up from their troubles, and see a new vision and new hope for their future.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Fund from the Edinburgh Council has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. By supporting initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, the Council has enabled the creation of a lasting symbol of solidarity and compassion in the heart of Edinburgh.
Join Edinburgh Direct Aid for the unveiling ceremony. The event will take place on June 30th at 1.30 pm, at the local charity warehouse.
Representatives from the Edinburgh Council will be in attendance to honour the collaboration and community effort that made this project possible.
Assembly Festival is inviting locals living amongst the world’s largest performing arts festival to celebrate it to the fullest with the announcement of thousands of £6.50 tickets for residents at this year’s Fringe.
Residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians, Falkirk and Fife with an EH, FK, or KY postcode will have access to over 230 of the best shows at Assembly Festival 2024, with over 6000 £6.50 tickets made available for the very first days of the Fringe – Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 04 August inclusive.
Assembly Festival returns this year with a jam-packed programme of world-class entertainment full of jaw-dropping acrobatics, outrageous comedy, show-stopping theatre, energetic children’s shows, live music, and much, much more.
One of Assembly’s top selling shows of 2023, Afrique en Cirque, returns to wow Fringe audiences once more with their daring acrobatics sharing the beauty and artistry of African culture. This 2023 sell-out show is a dazzling circus spectacular and promises a show-stopping night out for the whole family.
There’s plenty more Circus in this year’s programme, with the internationally renowned Recirquel Cirque Danse returning off the back of My Land and IMA with a brand-new show, Recirquel: Paradisum, exploring the myth of regenesis following the silence of a perished world.
Award-winning Australian circus cabaret Rouge is back at Assembly with a non-stop celebration of the astonishing, subversive and the outrageously sexy. Assembly also joins forces with House of Oz and presents the critically acclaimed Gravity & Other Myths’ brand-new show, Ten Thousand Hours, an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things, told through spectacular gravity-defying acrobatics.
Festival legend Camille O’Sullivan returns for her 20th Fringe with Camille O’Sullivan: Loveletter, an intimate and heartfelt show celebrating friends and legends of music including Shane McGowan, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor, and more. Jason Byrne joins Assembly once more with Jason Byrne: NO SHOW and Adam Hills is back at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since 2015 with brand-new material in Adam Hills: Shoes Half Full.
TikTok superstar and Queer celeb Dylan Mulvaney brings her debut Fringe show Dylan Mulvaney: F*g Hag and a bucket-load of Trans and Queer joy to Assembly George Square Studios. Fresh off the back of winning the Pinder Prize, Aussie comic Bronwyn Kuss joins Assembly with her award-winning debut comedy show Bronwyn Kuss:Sounds Good,promising an evening of dry wit and tales of misadventure. Takashi Wakasugi brings a fresh new perspective to Japanese and Western cultures, in debut comedy show Takashi Wakasugi: Welcome to Japan.
Assembly welcomes an incredible lineup of international artists bringing Children’s Shows to this year’s festival. Her Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet of Eti-Oni, Nigeria, and her puppet Milk the Cow host a historic vaudeville theatre piece incorporating ventriloquism, comedy, music and storytelling in Ventriloquist Queen: A True African Queen. Returning favourites, and winners of Japan’s Children and Performing Arts Expo 2019, Cartooon!!rejoin Assembly with unparalleled contemporary Japanese clowning.
There’s plenty of local Scottish talent too, including ART Award winner Gracie and the Start of the End of the World (again) from Zoë Bullock and Louise Oliver. National treasure Susie McCabe returns with a brand-new show Susie McCabe: Merchant of Menace. Futuristic Folktales at Assembly @ Dance Basebrings a dance for hope scrutinising reproductive injustices by re-imagining the tale of the first womb told through contemporary movement, storytelling, and Scottish Highland dance, alongside music from Malin Lewis. Edinburgh locals Captivate Theatre are back with their five-star, energetic and emotional production of Sunshine on Leith, and Pretty Knickers Productions debut their brand-new musical Mary, Queen of Rock!
Discounted tickets for all these shows and more will be available to purchase from assemblyfestival.com between 18-25 June at 23.59. Tickets included in the offer are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
To claim your £6.50 tickets, log in to your assemblyfestival.com account, add the Local Resident tickets to your basket then use the discount code LOCALS24 at the checkout and pay with a card that is registered to an address in an EH, FK, or KY postcode.
This offer is limited to a maximum of two tickets per performance, six per transaction, and is only valid for participating shows between 31 July – 04 August inclusive. Full terms and conditions are available on the Assembly Festival website.
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) today release a new report: ‘Orgreave Truth and Justice: 40 years on, the case for an Inquiry’ which contains some new information recently uncovered – including public statements of police and government vs the truth of their private acts.
Orgreave represents one of the most serious abuses of power by police and government in this country’s industrial and trade union history, the truth of which has never been told or acknowledged by the State.
Instead, successive Conservative Governments and senior police have worked to cover it up. It is important that the truth is established via an independent inquiry and that the police and government are brought to account.
Today, a copy is being hand delivered to the Home Office, and the major political parties on the 40th anniversary – 18 June 2024. Courtesy copies are being sent to the Cabinet Office. A further copy shall be delivered to the new Home Secretary following the election.
To help restore public trust in government and police, through an inquiry,the OTJC wants:
• the public to know the truth; • to reset standards in public life; • to reinforce the operational independence of the police; • to reset democratic diligence in public office; • a public acknowledgement and apology.
Due to the age and health of many miners impacted we need to quickly secure an inquiry and a public acknowledgement of why and what the State did to the miners and their communities.
Orgreave, 18 June 1984 represents one of the most serious abuses of power by police and government in this country’s industrial and trade union history, the truth of which has never been told or acknowledged by the State.
Instead, as this report confirms, successive Conservative Governments and senior police have worked to cover it up. Many files remain unexamined or inaccessible to the public until at least 2066.
Patrick McCarroll, Miner at Orgreave said: “At Orgreave I was terrified. Anyone that says they weren’t is a liar. We were in the field, near the back. There were dogs everywhere. I was chased all the way. The dogs were barking, I ran across the railway line, away from them.
“I ran and ran, there was an Asda, I ran through that, there were horses chasing men through the car park. There were people hiding up trees, people trying to hide everywhere”
Kate Flannery, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Secretary said: ““It is important that the truth is established via an independent inquiry and that the police and government are brought to account for their actions at Orgreave on 18 June 1984.
“This day is particularly significant as it shines a light on what was going on in mining villages and communities throughout the year-long 84/5 miners’ strike. With the National Archive files released it is obvious that Conservative Prime Minister,
“Margaret Thatcher’s involvement alone is enough for an inquiry into Orgreave on 18 June 1984. There are STILL many government files held back – some of which are under lock and key until at least 2066. An inquiry should reveal what is in those files and what has been held back for 40 years.”
Kevin Horne, Miner arrested at Orgreave said: “There has been no accountability of policing at Orgreave. This sent a very clear message that the police could employ violence with impunity.
“This must surely have set a culture for the police cover up in 1989 at Hillsborough. The police lied in their statements and in court about what they did at Orgreave. We want the answers to questions about the lying and violent behaviour of the police. “We want to know how police officers were briefed and why they were not held to account by the Director of Public Prosecutions or their own employer.”
An inquiry of full disclosure can help to right the wrongs of the past and influence the future behaviour of public officials. An early and suitably empowered inquiry into government and police action in relation to events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984 is essential.
We are more used to seeing him sitting high up in the coach’s box at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on matchday, but Scotland Rugby Head Coach Gregor Townsend yesterday swapped one lofty position for another as he ascended the iconic Forth Bridge to help launch a much-loved Barnardo’s fundraiser.
The charity’s ‘Your View’ event – now in its sixth year – affords members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland; namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience has brought joy to thousands and raised vital funds for the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.
Gregor Townsend said: “I have long admired the work that Barnardo’s Scotland undertakes to support thousands of children, young people and their families across the country, so it is a pleasure to be a part of the launch of this year’s Your View event.
“Standing on top of the world-famous Forth Bridge has been a superb experience – the views are amazing – and I would encourage people to take this rare opportunity to climb the bridge. As well as enjoying this bucket-list moment, you will also be contributing to the work of Barnardo’s as it continues to do so much to help young people all over Scotland.”
Your View 2024, which is run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place from Friday, 20th to Sunday, 22nd September, with tickets going on sale at 10am on Thursday (20th June).
To date, more than 5,200 visitors have experienced the event and there have been no fewer than ten marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.
Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £325,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.
Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Your View is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. Not only is it a never-to-be-forgotten experience for those atop the iconic bridge, it is also a crucial fundraiser for Barnardo’s Scotland as we continue to support children, young people and their families throughout the country.
“We cannot thank Gregor Townsend enough for his support for the event and the wider work of our charity. I must admit that it was one of the more surreal moments of my career to be alongside the Scotland Rugby Head Coach more than 350 feet above the Firth of Forth!”
Martin Crewe added: “As I am often reminded, tickets for Your View sell out very quickly indeed, so I would urge all of those keen to attend to sign up as quickly as possible. And, who knows, we might even get to enjoy another Your View wedding proposal this year!
“Your View would not be possible without the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, and I wish to thank both organisations and our wonderful volunteers for making this special weekend happen.”
Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support disadvantaged children and families in Scotland.
“It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”
Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.
In the past year, Barnardo’s has provided essential support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland through more than 150 specialised community-based services and partnerships across the country.
The charity works to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
Following extensive consultation, plans for the first phase of a £1.3bn sustainable new coastal town at Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh are available to view on the Council’s Planning Portal.
In partnership with Cruden Homes, the Council plan to transform part of the Capital’s largest brownfield site into an exciting new development comprising over 800 net zero homes, capacity for a new primary school and low carbon heat network, commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.
At least 35% of the homes will be of affordable tenure.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve been consulting with people every step of the way to deliver this project. I’m really pleased that after listening to feedback from the local community and others interested in the area, the team has submitted plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration.
“To deliver our net zero targets for the Capital, sustainable regeneration is so important and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 20-minute neighbourhood completely from scratch which includes affordable net zero homes, shops, cultural, leisure and education facilities all close by.
“Our plans show how the new neighbourhood will link to the rest of the city and beyond as well as to the many established communities nearby.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the Council, local community and key stakeholders to create a transformational design that reconnects the Capital to the Firth of Forth.
“This landmark, landscape-led development of Edinburgh’s coastline takes a fresh approach to urban regeneration which will create an exciting new coastal community set to become one of Europe’s largest waterside amenities.
“Moreover, the delivery of 847 much needed, high quality and sustainable new homes across all tenures will make an important contribution to alleviating the well documented housing emergency.”
Cinnabon, the makers of the world’s most famous icing covered cinnamon rolls, which started out it in Seattle in 1985 and is now in over 48 countries, is set to open its first site in Scotland in The Centre, Livingston this summer.
The American bakery specialises in freshly baked large and mini Bons, which come in a variety of flavours, including the original roll which is the Classic Cinnabon with Makara cinnamon and signature frosting, ChocoBon and Carmel PecanBon.
Visitors to The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest in Scotland with over 150 shops and eateries, will also be able to enjoy various drinks to accompany their Cinnabon sweet treats, including espressos and Chillatas milkshakes at the new kiosk which will be located in the heart of the shopping centre.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the arrival of Cinnabon, which is guaranteed to be a big hit with fans and those yet to try them out, and we are delighted to be the first site in Scotland to welcome them.
“This is a very exciting time for us at The Centre, Livingston with the recent opening of Rituals and Cinnabon coming soon, which are both great additions to our existing portfolio of fantastic places to shop and dine out.
“We are planning to announce the arrival of even more fantastic new brands to The Centre, Livingston which will really enhance the overall experience for our visitors.”
Local Edinburgh organisations receive transformational grants to expand community programmes in Lochend, Craigentinny and Restalrig.
The Ripple Project celebrated local community enterprise this weekend, distributing £10,000 of vital funding grants to support community initiatives.
Now in its third year, ‘LCR Stands Up’ is a participatory budgeting programme, which this year saw over 600 residents in the Lochend, Craigentinny and Restalrig area vote to back 6 local projects, who each received a grant of up to £2,000 each.
The grants are funded by several private donors, including Harbour Homes, who are the owners of The Ripple’s community hub in Restalrig.
This year’s chosen projects are ‘Lochend Boxing Club’, ‘Tai Chi and Tea @ Craigentinny Garden’, ‘Just Dance at Disneyland’, ‘Investing in Youth Drama’, ‘The Botanical Mural at Craigentinny Primary School’ and ‘Mindfulness for Wellbeing’.
‘LCR Stands Up’ is led by Tristan Green (above), Community Action Worker at The Ripple, who commented: ‘One of the key benefits of participatory budgeting is that our local residents have democratically chosen who receives this additional funding to enhance our community.
‘We’re proud that over the last 3 years we’ve been able to support initiatives with almost £50,000 of funding. This year’s grants will be used across a spectrum of initiatives, including those supporting greater mental health, the creation of a new mural at a local primary school, the upgrade of fitness equipment at the local boxing gym and helping 20 children go to Disneyland Paris to take part in a performing arts programme.
‘I’d like to thank all of our amazing donors and to SCDC for their continued support of The Ripple and the LCR Stands Up programme and to our local community in North East Edinburgh for their dedication in offering vital voluntary initiatives to support and enhance the lives of residents in such a challenging financial and social climate’.
For anyone looking to find out more about how to get involved in participatory budgeting or support future ‘LCR Stands Up’ campaigns, contact Tristan at Tristan.green@theripple.org.uk or visit www.rippleproject.co.uk.
Cameron Hutchison, 13, is taking on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Mary’s Meals
A young teenager from Edinburgh is aiming to cycle the West Highland Way in just 24 hours for charity later this month.
Cameron Hutchison, 13, and his dad, Colin, 55, are taking on the challenge on mountain bikes for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals, in the last week of June.
Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, provides a daily school meal to more than 2.4 million children in 17 of the world’s poorest countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children to the classroom where education is key to a brighter future.
Cameron plans to support the charity by cycling the 96-mile (154 km) route from Milngavie to the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William, with 4,312 m (12,143 ft) of ascent along the way, non-stop.
Kind-hearted Cameron says: “I really enjoy riding my bike and I love that Mary’s Meals supports the world’s poorest children. Doing something for charity always makes me feel better but also reminds me of how fortunate I am.
“Hikers normally take between four and seven days to complete the trail or three to four days to complete it by bike. I’ll be aiming to cycle the whole route in just one day. My little legs are going to be working hard!”
Throughout June, Mary’s Meals is running its annual active challenge, From Dalmally To Malawi. By signing up to the challenge, participants will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded – only 12 miles away to the closest point on the West Highland Way – to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals.
People can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose, whether walking, running, swimming or cycling, like Cameron. The money raised through sponsorship from family and friends will help to feed hungry children living in the world’s poorest countries.
The charity hopes people will be inspired by Cameron to add their miles for From Dalmally To Malawi, this month.
Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “What an inspiration young Cameron is! Not only is he attempting a really tough challenge, but he’s also raising money to better the lives of hungry children. No matter how he finds the West Highland Way, Cameron can hold his head high thanks to his fantastic fundraising.
“We’re not asking you to take on such a difficult challenge, why not get active for Mary’s Meals this month too? Whichever way you want to move, if you sign up for From Dalmally To Malawi, your miles will help us reach our cumulative team goal!”
To sign up for From Dalmally To Malawi, please visit:
There’s something for everyone this summer at the National Galleries of Scotland, with lots of free events in Edinburgh across the National, Portrait and Modern to discover.
Dive deeper into the Galleries exhibitions with ticketed tours from the experts. Explore the fascinating stories behind the art with tours and talks. Be swept away with magical music performances in the Portrait and National. Bring the whole family along for fun accessible events or try your hand at creating your own art in the joyous Drawing Room workshops.
Visitors can get an insight into the exhibitions, acquisitions and collections with captivating talks from National Galleries of Scotland’s curators and guest speakers in person at the National and streamed free online.
Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.
Delve into the wondrous imagination and spectacular installations of leading contemporary artist Do Ho Suh with guest speakers Amie Corry, Director of Publications for Do Ho Suh and independent curator Fatoş Üstek.
Be whisked away to the sun, sea and society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in a special opening talk for An Irish Impressionist: Lavery on Location with Professor Kenneth McConkey. For those fascinated by Scottish history, join Jim Phillips, Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Glasgow and author of Scottish Coal Miners in the Twentieth Century.
Looking at the Before and After Coal exhibition, he will explore the meaning and relevance of the strike 40 years on. Uncover the new works in Scotland’s national collection with a special look at the rare Encounter by Remedios Varo 1959, the first oil painting by the artist to enter a public collection in the UK.
Be immersed in magical free live music events all while soaking up the beautiful art and surroundings of the Portrait and National gallery. With performances from Live Music Now musicians, including clarinet quartet The Four Keys, Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski joins Scottish violinist Roo Geddes and Mexican singer-songwriter Lavinia Negrete.
In July, celebrate American Independence Day with the Phoenix Duo. Edinburgh-based Sangstream Folk Choir perform a programme of songs about the challenging lives which miners and their families have faced over the centuries inspired by the Before and After Coal exhibition.
Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.
Experience the galleries with a tour guide and learn the fascinating history and stories behind the art. Get to know the artworks and themes in the new Scottish galleries at the National in the Scottish Art in Focus tours which take place every month on Saturday afternoon.
Learn more about the changing landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland and the people who made it all happen. For those wanting a more detailed look into Edinburgh’s evolving cityscape and how it captivated the imagination of artists, join the Inside Out: Edinburgh Old and New walking tour.
Those taking a trip to the National Galleries of Scotland’s summer exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, An Irish Impressionist: Lavery on Location, can join the Sunday Afternoon Tour on Sunday 28 July. The tour travels through the key themes from the extraordinary life of the Belfast-born artist, from Scotland to New York via Paris and Morocco.
Indulge your own creative energy with The Drawing Room workshops. Offering a unique space to playfully explore creativity and drawing, with absolutely no experience necessary to get involved in these hands-on making sessions. These joyous sessions bring fresh, relevant and accessible approaches to drawing from some of Scotland’s most exciting artists
Be inspired by the empowering world of Woman in Revolt! at Modern Two, with the workshop looking at how mark-making can also be conceived as sculpture, installation, video, writing, textiles and more.
For those unable to make it to the gallery there is the opportunity to get involved online via Zoom with The Drawing Room Kitchen Table. Exploring some favourite experimental drawing exercises and techniques, aimed at boosting drawing confidence.
There are free family activities for all ages and stages to enjoy, as well as accessible events for visitors with specific access needs. Weekly Family Friday events let your children’s imaginations run wild.
Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.
With mornings dedicated to little ones expect interesting textures, lights, sounds and sensory art-fun. Later in the afternoon older kids can get involved in the trails, new play activities and, of course, hands-on making with artists. Sensory-Friendly Sundays for families with children with additional support needs, ensure a quiet, comfortable space is available at all times.
For adults, discover fascinating audio-described and deaf led British Sign Language tours for visitors with a visual impairment.
With events for exhibitions including Woman in Revolt!, Do Ho Suh and Vermeer. With the opportunity to meet other people, see artworks in the gallery and take part in creative activities. All with access to a comfortable quiet space.
The Royal Highland Show, running from June 20th – 23rd 2024, promises to offer an unforgettable experience with a wide array of trade stands featuring everything from artisanal crafts to cooking demonstrations and agricultural machinery. With over 800 exhibitors spread across the 110 acre site, it is set to surprise and delight show-goers with this year’s theme being ‘acres of epicness’.
For the foodies:
Stuffed full of food and drink, the show offers boundless opportunities to sample Scotland’s finest produce. There are also cookery demos on offer in the Food for Thought Cookery Theatre, with some of the country’s top chefs including Head Chef at The Globe Inn, Fraser Cameron, FutureChef Winner, Phoebe Lawson, and Head Chef at Benugo, Emma Clark-Szabo, to name a few. There will also be a huge choice of food vendors serving everything from haggis neeps and tatties to freshly prepared fish and chips and from lobster rolls to Greek gyros.
With Scottish staples such as Mrs Tilly’s, Mackies of Scotland, Innis and Gunn and Highland Park, there are options for those with a sweet tooth or looking for a tipple to tide them over. The world-renowned Johnnie Walker whisky will have a pop-up bar showcasing their vintage truck, ensuring the taste of Scotland’s quintessential whisky is shared with visitors. There will also be a Taproom Bar from Innis & Gunn.
For the shopaholic:
For the avid shoppers, a vast range of retail opportunities await, spread across numerous shopping villages, offering clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village. Event attendees also might be surprised to find the Renewable Village, offering a variety of sustainable products and services including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal, biomass companies and more.
This year the Home and Gift Hall has had a layout revamp and now includes the Scottish Handcrafts Championships. There will be a number of notable clothing retailers available such as Beaumont & Bear, Elm of Burford and Lanx Shoes. Hoggs of Fife, known for its hand welted country footwear, will also be offering a 20% discount on all items for RHASS members.
For music lovers:
For those wearing their dancing shoes, the West Stage line-up is not to be missed. Performances to suit all music tastes from folk rock and swing to reggae and opera will take place in addition to daily ceilidh sessions.
Additionally, tickets are available to purchase for the Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmer’s Bash which is back with eight live folk and country music acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June. From viral sensation Nathan Evans, Scottish folk pioneers Tide Lines and the eclectic sounds of the Peatbog Faeries, the diverse range of sounds offers a little bit of something for everyone.
For families:
Experience a world of fun and creativity at the Royal Highland Show, where kids go free! Explore and discover activities linked to food, farming and the working countryside under one roof at the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Discovery Centre. Circa Alba’s exciting mix of movement and circus skills, including juggling, parkour, capoeira, along with professional face painting and Annie the alpaca and her family from the Alpacas Trekking Centre, will let little imaginations soar. Dive into abstract art where kids can engage in animal-themed arts and crafts, creating personalised keepsakes to take home.
For the farmers:
The Royal Highland show offers farmers the chance to see some of the best livestock and machinery available up close and personal! As well as the latest labour, time and money-saving gadgets being on display at the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards.
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) will also be present throughout the show, with visitors encouraged to stop by and experience what it means to be part of Scotland’s largest rural youth movement.
David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show, said:“This year’s Royal Highland Show is bigger and better than ever and it’s all thanks to the wide variety of exhibitors. The diverse array of trade stands is a true celebration of everything Scotland has to offer in agricultural heritage, artisan crafts and rural communities.
“We are on track for a sold-out show, so if you’d like to experience a mix of entertainment, sample Scotland’s wonderful larder and see the very best in livestock, from the traditional to the unexpected, it’s worth purchasing your tickets now. It’s not to be missed!”
Explore a wide variety of products and services at the Royal Highland Show. Mark your calendars for June 20-23, with limited tickets available please visit https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/ to book your spot.
Programmes for the show can be purchased from the Official Royal Highland Show Merchandise Shop opposite the Main Ring clock tower or from roving sellers throughout the site.
Please drink responsibly – UK Chief Medical Officers recommend men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily and women, 2-3 units daily.
