Membership of Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy Advisory Forum announced

Newly appointed Chair Julie Ashworth has selected 12 Edinburgh individuals to form the city’s first Visitor Levy Advisory Forum.

Bringing experience from the third sector to academia, the hotels industry to local communities, the Forum met for the first time to receive a briefing on the Edinburgh Visitor Levy.

Each member has been interviewed by the Chair and joins the Forum as an individual who is able to bring a broad range of personal expertise and background to the group, rather than a representative for their current organisation.

It is expected that the Forum will meet at least twice a year. They will advise advise Councillors as they agree final details of how the proceeds of the scheme will be invested before it launches next summer.

Forum members will also discuss and provide feedback on the efficiency of the scheme and advise the Council on any recommended modifications when it is reviewed after three years.

The appointments to the Visitor Levy Advisory Forum are:

  • Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh
  • Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Co-chair of Edinburgh’s Living Wage Action Group
  • Garry Clark, Development Manager, East of Scotland for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and member of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group
  • Audrey Cumberford, Principal and Chief Executive of Edinburgh College
  • Fran van Dijk, B-Corp Ambassador for B Lab UK and Advisory Board member of Green Element 
  • Neil Ellis, Chair of Edinburgh Hotels Association and member of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group
  • Euan Hamilton, Equality and Rights Network Development Worker for Volunteer Edinburgh
  • Terry Levinthal, Director of the Cockburn Association
  • Graeme Smith, Regional Industrial Officer, Unite the Union
  • Douglas Tharby, Deputy Chair of the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils
  • Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive of Young Scot
  • Alex Williamson, Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby.

Julie Ashworth, Chair of the Visitor Levy Advisory Forum, said: “Edinburgh’s visitor levy scheme has been shaped by years of debate and views from all sectors and communities, and it is in this spirit I’ve appointed a group of people with fantastic experience and expertise from different fields and from civic life. I’m confident we have a really strong Forum in place and we’re excited to get to work.

“Our introductory meeting focussed on ensuring that all members are up to speed with the Edinburgh Visitor Levy scheme, and the requirements of the group itself. Now that Forum members are familiar with this, the real work of advising the Council on levy matters can begin.

“With just over a year to go until the levy is launched, it will be our job to fairly and accurately represent the views of the city, and to encourage the Council at all stages to take these views into account. I’m grateful to every member for coming on board.

Council Leader Jane Meagher added: “I’m delighted that mere weeks after her appointment as Chair, Julie has established a full Visitor Levy Advisory Forum.

“Edinburgh’s upcoming levy will provide us with a once in a lifetime opportunity for raising much needed funds for the city. Important decisions will need to be taken on how this money is spent so that visitors and residents can benefit, so I’m pleased to see a balanced and broad range of views represented on the Advisory Forum.

“These are individuals with great knowledge about their industries and the city, and I understand they’ve had a productive first meeting. I look forward to their input as we prepare to launch Scotland’s first visitor levy next summer.”

College future secured until 2027

£1.4 million in funding for continued pilot

Scotland’s first dedicated complex needs college will receive up to £1.4 million to secure its future for the next two years.

Since launching in 2022, the Corseford College pilot has received over £1 million from the Scottish Government, which has helped to provide 35 students with complex and additional needs an opportunity for further learning beyond school.

An independent evaluation found the pilot provided valuable support to young people with complex needs. It also included key recommendations for the future model of provision in Scotland which the Government will be considering in the months ahead.

The College has now received additional funding to continue the pilot for two more years. A total of 41 young people will benefit from specialist support in the 2025-26 academic year starting in August.

Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Corseford College has delivered vital support to many young people with complex additional needs since its launch three years ago. This has been recognised in an independent evaluation of the model, which is why we are securing the College’s future for another two years to ensure that its students can continue to be supported.

“We are keen to explore a sustainable approach for specialist provision going forward, and the continued pilot at Corseford will help inform this. The evaluation provided a number of important insights and recommendations which we will be reflecting on and will allow us to evolve the best possible model for the future.

“We are determined to support Scotland’s young people with complex additional needs and disabilities. Last month, we published our first national strategy that ensures young disabled people can access the help they need as they transition to adulthood. Our continued funding for Corseford will support this work.”

Capability Scotland Chief Executive, Brian Logan, said: “The Scottish Government’s funding decision following the independent evaluation is a vital endorsement of Corseford College’s pioneering approach to specialist post-school education.

“We would like to thank Minister Graeme Dey and his team for their cooperation and unwavering commitment in making this possible.

“This success reflects the dedication of the college’s staff, whose work is transforming the lives of young people with complex needs. The funding secures Corseford College’s future, but also marks a key step towards a national solution for those young people living with complex needs across the country.”

The Scottish Government published its National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young People in June 2025.

Healthy Heart Tip: Guide to children’s nutrition

Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, explores how good nutrition is one of the most important building blocks for a child’s health and offers advice on how to support your child’s heart health.

In today’s world, where convenience foods are often within arm’s reach, it can be challenging for parents to ensure their children are eating nutritious, balanced meals.

Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, says: “Children can be quite picky, and dealing with a stubborn child who refuses to eat any vegetables can be a real challenge.

“However, making small, consistent changes in how we approach children’s diets can have lasting positive effects on their health, energy levels, and even behaviour.

“At the core of a healthy diet are three main principles: eating foods as close to their natural state as possible, limiting processed foods and eating balanced meals.”

Prioritising whole foods

When we talk about whole foods, we mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, a banana is a whole food and banana chips are a processed food; a potato is a whole food, but crisps, which are made from potatoes, are a processed food.

Whole foods should be the foundation of children’s diets as they are full of essential nutrients, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development.

“Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Amie explains. “Fruits and vegetables, for example, are full of antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which support immune function and eye health. Wholegrains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide steady energy throughout the day and help maintain healthy digestion.

“Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, contain vital building blocks for muscle and support cognitive function. Including healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and olive oil is important as these fats support brain development and hormone production.”

Childhood is a stage of rapid growth, and it is vitally important that we give their bodies what they need to grow properly. When children regularly eat whole foods, they get the nutrients they need to grow strong and stay healthy, while also developing their taste buds for healthy foods.

Limiting processed foods

Processed foods are foods that were once whole foods or a group of whole foods that have been modified somehow. When this happens, essential nutrients are lost and often, especially with pre-packed foods, ingredients have been added such as salt, sugar, sweeteners, flavourings and unhealthy fats.

Processed foods are everywhere, and they often appeal to children due to their convenience, added flavours and eye-catching packaging. For parents, it can be hard to avoid these, especially as children get older and start noticing food products in the wider world, rather than just what is in their house.

Processed foods include sugary cereals, crisps, fizzy drinks, fast food, ready meals, packet noodles and packaged snacks.

The added ingredients in these products can lead to overeating, energy crashes, and may increase the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health issues, affecting children’s behaviour.

Amie explains: “The key to limiting processed foods lies in focusing on balance and moderation rather than completely banning them. It’s okay for kids to occasionally enjoy these foods, but parents should be mindful of how often these foods are part of daily meals. Try to cook as many meals as possible from scratch and limit your reliance on convenience foods.

“A helpful tip is to make healthier swaps where possible, such as offering water or milk instead of sugary drinks or opting for wholegrain crackers and natural peanut butter as a snack, rather than crisps and chocolate. Start with small swaps and layer them as the weeks go by, so it doesn’t upset your little one too much.”

Creating balanced meals

Thinking about offering balanced meals can help parents ensure they are providing nutrient-dense plates that will keep children nourished and full. A balanced plate typically consists of a variety of food groups such as vegetables and/or fruits, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats.

Amie says: “A good example of a balanced meal for a child could be baked homemade chicken goujons using whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade sweet potato chips, steamed broccoli drizzled with a little olive oil, and a side of fresh fruit such as apple slices or melon wedges.

“This combination offers a range of nutrients, including protein, fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats, which are essential for growth and energy. The combination of these foods will help keep children feeling fuller for longer and keep their blood sugar stable, which means steady energy and fewer sugar cravings.”

Encouraging kids to eat a variety of colours on their plate is a fun and effective way to ensure they are getting a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different antioxidants and nutrients, so diversity is key.

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy.

Heart Research UK has created a Rainbow Food Challenge to help encourage your children and yourself to try some new foods, so download your copy now.

Amie advises: “Parents can often feel a sense of failure if their children don’t eat what they make or try tactics to encourage children to eat by offering rewards and treats, which in the long-term don’t help establish healthy eating patterns.

“Parents cannot control what children will decide to eat on any given day, but they can, to some extent and at least in the home environment, control what foods are on offer, and lead by example and nourish ourselves with healthy food.”

Building healthy eating habits from a young age sets children up for a lifetime of good health, which includes heart health. By focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods, and creating balanced meals, parents can provide the essential nutrients their children need to grow, thrive, and feel their best.

It may take time and patience, but with consistent effort, the benefits of a nutritious diet will soon become clear in a child’s energy, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeing.

July Climate Bites at Earth In Common

EDINBURGH COMMUNITIES CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

Summer is here and our July Climate Bites event will be hosted by … Earth in Common!

🗓 When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm

📌 Where? Leith Community Croft

Whether you’re interested in learning more about our hosts, having a catch-up with other network members or talk about a climate issue that is important to you, this is the place to be🍃!

As always, lunch is on us🥗🍲.

Book your place🎟 now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/climate-bites-at-leith…

#climatebites

#sustainabilitynetworking

#eccan

#edinburgh

#julyevent

Heritage attractions in Scotland urged to take steps to prevent crime

  • Specialist insurer recommends heritage property owners take security steps this summer
  • Caution urged after 2024 survey reveals nine in ten heritage properties affected by crime
  • Clackmannan Tower a victim of graffiti attack in April 2025 and Kilwinning Abbey damaged in August 2024

Specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical is urging heritage sites in Scotland to take steps to prevent being a victim of crime ahead of a bumper summer for UK tourism.

Last year Ecclesiastical carried out a survey of 500 heritage decision makers and found 92% of heritage organisations have suffered crime between 2023-24.

These included incidents of anti-social behaviour, physical abuse towards staff and volunteers from visitors, theft of metal, damage by vehicles, and theft of oil.

In some instances, these attacks on heritage properties led to closures – with over a third (35%) saying they were forced to close their doors as a result.

With tourism set to generate £33.7 billion [i]in spending in 2025, heritage properties, grappling with rising costs, are relying on the busy summer season to secure essential funds. Any enforced closures threaten their ability to do so, putting their future at risk.

Earlier this year VisitBritain published their forecast, based on International Passenger Survey (IPS) data, of tourists visiting the UK and estimated an increase in numbers from 2024, from 41.2 million visits to 43.4 million visits (5% growth) this year.

Ahead of the summer, when many of the UK’s heritage sites will welcome visitors, Ecclesiastical is encouraging heritage property managers to take precautions.

Laura Carter, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage. In recent years we’ve seen thefts from heritage properties increase – causing damage to items and places of real historical significance.

“There are a number of measures heritage organisations can take to better secure property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection. Our guidance has been developed by our risk management experts and we hope it will encourage heritage property owners and managers to review the measures in place to help protect their properties from future attacks.”

In the UK, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) work with Historic England and members of Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage (ARCH) to tackle the threat of heritage crime. Ecclesiastical works alongside the partnership to provide valuable insight in the fight against crime.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, National Policing Lead for Heritage and Cultural Property Crime, said: “Stealing from or damaging any historic buildings or cultural sites is abhorrent. They are attacks on both our national and local heritage and can cause irreplaceable damage.

“We are committed to tackling this issue and our heritage crime officers across the country will continue to work with partners to reduce offending and raise awareness about the long-lasting damage heritage crime can have.”

Ecclesiastical recommends heritage property owners take practical steps to protect themselves, including:

  • Try to locate portable valuable items away from the building perimeter, as far from external doors and windows as possible. The further into a property thieves have to go, the longer it will take them and the greater the risk of detection.
  • Where valuables are out on display to members of the public, house them in security designed attack resistant display cabinets. Laminated/security glazing should be used and cabinet frames, locks and hinges should be designed to resist physical attacks.
  • If virtual tours of a property are included on websites avoid including the location of electronic security measures, such as intruder alarm and CCTV systems, which could be used to inform a planned attack.
  • Review perimeter security arrangements. Restrict vehicular access to the site and locate any designated parking as far from the main property as possible. The further thieves have to travel on foot the greater the risk of detection and the less they can carry away with them.
  • Watch out for visitors acting suspiciously. Behaviour such as walking speedily through some rooms but lingering in front of particular exhibits; studying nearby windows and doors; looking for electronic security measures such as closed-circuit television and intruder alarm detectors may be indicative of attack planning
  • Electronic security measures should be reviewed alongside physical security arrangements. Consider the installation of an intruder alarm system to aid early detection of unauthorised access if not already fitted. Where fitted review existing coverage to ensure the system adequately covers potential access points into the property and target areas where there is a concentration of valuables.

For more information visit www.ecclesiastical.com/riskmanagement.

Wee Scientists Needed!

🔍Looking for wee scientists aged 17-19 months! 🔎

You and your child can help us understand how children learn new words by taking part in a 30-min study in our lab at the University of Edinburgh.

Please follow this link to register your interest:

https://forms.office.com/e/cgcGL0rkhz

or email us directly at ppls.phonotactics@ed.ac.uk

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our lab!

BBC ALBA explores what the future holds for the Catholic Church

The passing of Pope Francis, and the election of Pope Leo XIV, puts a new man in charge of a global church with 1.4 billion members. It’s an institution of enormous religious, cultural, and at times political influence, but also one that has been rocked by a number of controversies over the years.

For BBC ALBA’s latest Eòrpa documentary, The Catholic Church: Questions of Faith / An Eaglais Chaitligeach: Ceistean Creideamh, Anna Macleod reports from Scotland and Spain to get a sense of the state of the church today and where it’s heading under the stewardship of its first American Pope.

Pope Francis established a global church-wide consultation, bringing together views from across the Catholic community on issues that mattered the most to its members. The handling of abuse cases, the role of women in the church, the debate on whether priests should be allowed to marry and the church’s relationship with LGBT people were among the main issues raised.

In London, Anna meets Hugo Kennedy. Sexually abused by a teacher at the Fort Augustus Abbey Catholic School in the 1970s, he now campaigns for justice for survivors of abuse like him. For Hugo, a new Pope gives little reason for optimism that much will change.

Hugo says: “It’s best to have zero expectation. I find with the Catholic Church, Pope, Vatican, whatever, because generally they’re pretty consistently good at coming through for you on zero expectation, they deliver nothing.”

Cases of abuse continue to the present day.

In the north-western Spanish region of Galicia, lawyer Aida Blanco Arias has represented survivors of abuse by a previously-respected priest: “All the children, one after another, always said he was a role model, he was like a father, a friend who was always there.

“Some even explained that he had had dinner at their house. So, like victims of domestic violence, they don’t understand how someone they love can hurt them.”

The question of married and female priests was raised in many congregations worldwide during the synodal process. The ordination of women is banned by the church, but in past decades, there has been a global movement to ordain female priests.

In the city of Á Coruña, Anna meets Christina Moreira who shares why she felt compelled to ask to be ordained in a clandestine ceremony.

Christina comments: “In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree on punishment for the most serious offences, for priests who harm children and women.

“Paedophiles and others. It is a decree which is called ‘the most serious faults’. Then, there was a second part. Women who are ordained priests, whoever ordains them and whoever participates in their ordination, will also be considered as committing the most serious, grave sin comparable to the one I had just read. Ordaining a woman cannot be as serious as raping a child.”

In South Uist, home to one of Scotland’s longest-established Catholic communities, Anna meets Father Colin MacInnes.

Father Colin, who is from South Uist, spent much of his priesthood in South America where he saw how vital women were in guiding congregations: “What does Jesus Christ want in the modern world? If He wants female priests, that’s not a problem.

“I worked in Equador and would put women in charge of a parish. They are good at parish work, prayer, and Bible readings. They do it beautifully.”

Reflecting on those she met and their testimonies, reporter Anna Macleod remarked: “The affection felt for the late Pope Francis was evident among many of those we spoke to – his attempts to reach out to marginalised communities was something that mattered to many members of the Church. 

“Despite a decline in population the long-standing Catholic community of South Uist continues to nurture the faith, with the next generation taking a central role in Church life and there was a tangible sense of vitality there.

“But it’s also evident that the scandals surrounding the Catholic church – historical and current – and the way the Church hierarchy dealt with them have done immense damage to people for whom faith was very important. And despite the efforts Pope Francis made to modernise some aspects of the Church, change isn’t coming fast enough for some.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: The Catholic Church: Questions of Faith / An Eaglais Chaitligeach: Ceistean Creideamh will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Monday 7 July (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

The Watsonian Football Club honours it’s legacy by celebrating over a century of it’s iconic kits

MEMBERS OLD AND NEW CAME TOGETHER TO SHARE MEMORIES OF THE CLUB’S HISTORY, INSPIRED BY MAROON AND WHITE STRIPES

As The Watsonian Football Club celebrates its 150th year, former players and current members came together at the Pavilion at Myreside, adorning variations of the club’s famous maroon and white kit.

With every kit telling a story and sparking memories both on and off the pitch, the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the ‘Sonians’ that came before them, and for some of the club’s greats to be remembered for their contributions.

From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club’s lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years.

Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club’s on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section.

Through sharing their memories made in maroon and white, it quickly became clear that no matter where life has taken people, being part of The Watsonian Football Club is something that leaves a lasting impact.

With a framed shirt by his side, former Club Captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing for Watsonians, saying: “This is all very nostalgic.

“I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they’ve seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.”

The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game.

Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of Watsonian Women’s in the late 90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series.

Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonians Women’s for 17 years, repping a stitched-together 2005 Watsonian Women’s kit, shared memories of success: “When we won the top league in Scottish women’s rugby, it was something truly special.

“Being able to bring the trophy here, to Myreside, is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect.

“Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone’s throw away from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.”

Departing Club Captain and Super Series winner, Neil Irvine-Hess, reminisced on recent memories, adding: “Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders.

“It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it’s something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club.

“When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club’s history.”

With multiple Watsonians teams across different generations enjoying the highs of success and battling through tougher seasons, it has been important for the club to welcome players from across Edinburgh and further afield to sustain competitiveness and create a growing community.

By rediscovering the magic and the memories possessed by old stripes of maroon and white, The Watsonian Football Club continues to inspire its community to come together during its milestone 150th year.

With a full calendar of events planned in the lead-up to the 150th Gala Dinner in November, The Watsonian Football Club warmly invites past and present members to be part of this historic 2025 celebrations.

For more information on Watsonian Rugby Club, please visit:

 https://watsoniansrugby.com.

Celebrate International Moon Day at Dynamic Earth

SUNDAY 20th JULY from 10am – 6pm

Join us to celebrate International Moon Day on Sunday 20th July 🌕 Get involved with moon-centric activities from 10am – 6pm!

FREE Drop-in Activities

Enjoy a variety of free drop-in activities to commemorate this iconic day in space history. Have fun creating your own Lunar Wheel, guessing what the moon is made of, making your own asteroid and crater, and building a Lunar Lander.

🎟 11am – 3pm | Free | Drop-in | No ticket required.

Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail

Find and follow the seven markers around our immersive galleries to embark on a unique Augmented Reality trail to help Wallace & Gromit ready their rocket for blast off! Enjoy meeting and posing alongside the inventive duo, try on Wallace’s Techno Trousers, take a selfie as Feathers McGraw and launch a rocket through our rainforest! Included in your add-on ticket is an activity pack with colouring, dot-to-dots and a build-your-own rocket to take home.

🎟 10am-4pm | Annual Pass and ‘All Systems Go’ Trail Add-On Required.

Meet the Astronomer Live Talks

Meet our in-house astronomer, Dr. Alastair Bruce, as we find out more about the iconic Saturn V rocket. Listen to insights from Alastair and have the chance to ask your burning questions about space!

🎟 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm | Free | No ticket Required.

Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out

Join the inventive duo in our Planetarium as we screen this Wallace & Gromit classic. Wallace & Gromit enjoy a day out with a difference when a quest to find cheese takes them to the moon!

🎟 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.

CapCom Go: The Apollo Story

Enjoy this full dome film in our Planetarium for one day only. Learn about the Apollo moon landings, and the journey that led up to the famous small step for man. Check out our Planetarium schedule here.

🎟 11am, 4pm, 5pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.

Find out more:

INTERNATIONAL MOON DAY