Festival Commission celebrates the work of 16th century Scots Poet and “Scottish Sappho” Marie Maitland

Monday 4 May, 8.15pm, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

This year’s Edinburgh Tradfest commission A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), is a tribute to the life of Scots 16th-century poet Marie Maitland, popularised in recent years as the “Scottish Sappho”.

Presented by folk singer, songwriter and composer Josie Duncan and a specially formed band, it will celebrate Marie’s powerful lesbian love poetry through new music and songs, reflecting on her life, her relationships and the world she lived in, whilst also challenging the notion that queerness could ever be considered ‘modern’. 

Marie Maitland was a 16th century Scottish poet born into a wealthy and influential family in East Lothian. She was a noblewoman and the daughter of Sir Richard Maitland of Lethington, a prominent Scottish statesman, judge and poet. When Marie’s father lost his sight, Marie acted as his scribe and began writing her own verse. 

For this new music commission Josie, who works both in English and Scots Gaelic, has written a variety of new songs and instrumental tracks inspired by Marie Maitland’s life and poetry. These include several composed in the style of a ‘waulking’ song, a type of singing that was traditionally performed by women while fulling newly woven tweed cloth usually in the Hebrides.

In addition, historian Ashley Douglas, who has written extensively on Marie Maitland and brought her work to light, will read a verse known as Poem 49 from a manuscript created by Marie.

This powerful nine-stanza poem is one of the very earliest examples of lesbian verse in any language in Europe since Sappho herself (620-570 BC). In it, Marie speaks openly and passionately of her love for another woman, even stating her desire for the two women to be married. In the final stanzas, she reluctantly accepts the impossibility of their formal union, but nonetheless vows her ever-lasting devotion. 

Speaking about the commission, singer songwriter Josie Duncan said: “Marie Maitland’s poetry is a rare and powerful testament to queer love in 16th-century Scotland. Through this music, I hope to amplify her passionate, brave and vulnerable voice and celebrate a story that still resonates deeply today.

“I felt an immediate emotional connection to her work. Marie, like Sappho, wanted to be remembered and she is because of Ashley Douglas, who I knew had to be part of this show.

“It’s an honour to have her work to be inspired by so many years later. Work like this challenges the idea that queer love could ever be considered ‘modern’.” 

Historian and author Ashley Douglas said: “Women who love women have always existed – and remarkable women like Marie Maitland, who bequeathed us her love story, in her own hand, left us the records that prove it.

“When those stories are recovered from the margins, they have the power to validate and inspire the women who love women of today. I’m overjoyed that Marie’s story has so inspired Josie to create such beautiful music and song, and I’m so excited to work with her in continuing the legacy of Scotland’s sixteenth-century Sappho.” 

Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producer of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Through our connections with Bogha-Frois (Queer Voices in Folk), Edinburgh Tradfest has always been an ally to LGBTQ+ artists, so Josie’s suggestion for a show about Marie Maitland really appealed to us.

“It is a fascinating subject, and is proof-positive that queerness was not invented in the 21st century. Working with Josie on this special commission has been an enlightening and inspiring experience, and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished show on Monday 4 May.” 

About Josie Duncan 

Josie Duncan is an award-winning singer, songwriter and composer from the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis. In 2017, she was awarded the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, and in 2021 her acclaimed New Voices commission for Celtic Connections, showcased her versatility as a composer and performer, and led to her debut album As the Moonlight Melts a collection of self-penned songs. 

Josie has performed at major festivals across the UK and beyond, including Celtic Colours (Canada), the National Celtic Festival (Australia), Tønder Festival (Denmark), Sidmouth Folk Festival and the Hebridean Celtic Festival, for which she composed the 2022 Opening Concert commission. Alongside her work as a performer, she is an emerging composer for film and theatre, bringing her distinctive melodic touch and sensitivity to visual storytelling. 

A’ Chiad Litir has been specially commissioned by The Soundhouse Organisation, who programme Edinburgh Tradfest (1-11 May). It will be performed by singer songwriter Josie Duncan (vocals, harp, tenor guitar and effects); Charlotte Printer (bass and vocals), Laura Jane Wilkie (fiddle), Eilidh Rodgers (percussion), Jenny Clifford (guitar), and author and historian Ashley Douglas (spoken word). With special guests: Kisna Panesar (concertina) and Rae MacIver (piano), a Glasgow-based duo sharing a love of Scottish and Irish traditional music, blended with contemporary influences.

Guitar Group’s back at Muirhouse Library

TUESDAYS 3.45 – 4.30pm from 28th APRIL

Guitar group is back at Muirhouse library!

Chris will be running drop-in sessions from Tuesday 28th April 3:45-4:30pm, every Tuesday until the summer break.

Please come along if you want to learn or develop your guitar playing. Guitars will be available to play and borrow or you can bring your own.

Resolution Foundation: Improving the Universal Credit system

This month marks a true milestone for the UK benefits system: the end of the thirteen-year rollout of Universal Credit that has brought together all means-tested working-age benefits.

This moment is an opportunity to consider how the system can be improved

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resolution-foundation-UCDownload

Scottish parents’ top online searches about their children revealed – with one important topic being overlooked

  • The average Scottish parent turns to online search 3.92 times a week to make sense of their child’s world – from rock obsessions to cardboard box fixations 
  • Yet experts say one crucial topic is being missed – research shows that searches of children’s eye health are strikingly low (6%), despite good vision being vital to children’s development
  • Challenges persist in being able to spot vision problems in children early, with experts warning around 1 in 5 children under 10 are living with a sight condition, meaning up to 1.6 million children across the UK are impacted 

Almost 88% of Scottish parents say they turn to the internet to decode how their child sees the world, with the most obscure and quirky searches revealed. These queries include ‘why do kids say 6 7?’, ‘why do kids eat sponges?’, ‘why do kids like sitting in a box?’ and ‘do kids naturally hate vegetables?’. 

A massive 79% of parents in Scotland struggle to understand their child’s weird and wonderful world, according to the research. However, the eye care experts at Specsavers, who commissioned the study, warn that a crucial topic is being missed – with 6% of parents seeking advice on their child’s vision.

When it comes to their child’s physical health, 90% of Scots have searched for answers online, with most common themes including high temperatures (47%), developmental milestones (41%), rashes or skin conditions (35%), or eating habits and nutrition (24%). Yet only 6% have ever sought advice about ways to improve kids’ eyesight.

Of those who haven’t, many say it’s because they didn’t spot vision problems in their child (32%) or believe their child is too young for it to be a concern (9%). Dr Nigel Best, Optometrist from Specsavers, highlights that children often don’t report vision issues because they assume what they see is normal – and regular eye tests are recommended from the age of three.

Child psychologist, Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, adds: ‘It’s not surprising parents are turning to search engines to help navigate the many questions that come with raising children – from behaviour and development to the often weird and wonderful things kids say or do.

“Children are curious and imaginative, and this plays a vital role in how they learn, explore and build confidence. Because so much of that discovery is visual, clear vision is crucial to their development.

“In all areas of life, and the classroom especially, clear vision is fundamental. Being able to see and focus underpins learning; when vision is affected, it can influence a child’s attention, engagement and behaviour. That’s why parents should prioritise eye health as an important part of their child’s overall wellbeing.’

The survey uncovers what Scottish parents search for most, with more 32% saying they search about their child’s habits or routines, 33% question whether certain behaviours of their child are common. Interestingly, while 88% admit their online searches regularly start with “Is it normal for my child to…”.

When it comes to their child’s eye health, 23% of Scottish parents are not aware of any common eyesight issues which can affect children, such as short-sightedness or lazy eyes (amblyopia). Worryingly, 9% of those polled, have never taken their child for an eye test, while 2% haven’t done so within the last two years.

The main reason for this was simply because their child hasn’t complained about their vision (26%), with 16% saying they would make an appointment if there appeared to be an issue. 

Dr Nigel Best, Optometrist from Specsavers, says: ‘This research proves how easy it is to overlook a child’s eye health unless obvious symptoms appear. But that’s why being proactive is so important.

“Regular eye tests can identify issues early – often before a child realises anything is wrong. What many parents may not realise is that many sight conditions, such as myopia in kids, can be managed or corrected if they’re detected before the age of eight, while vision is still developing.’

The research aims to encourage parents to prioritise their children’s eye health and reveals how children’s sight problems are going unnoticed. In fact, around 1 in 5 children under 10 experience sight conditions according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists* – which is up to 1.6 million children in the UK.

Book your child’s NHS-funded eye test at Specsavers.co.uk for children under 16.

TOP 20 QUIRKY SEARCH TERMS ASKED BY SCOTTISH PARENTS

  1. Why are kids saying 6 7
  2. Do kids naturally hate vegetables
  3. Why do kids like sitting in a box
  4. Why do kids love cardboard boxes so much
  5. Why do kids say are we nearly there yet
  6. Why do kids fold their ears
  7. How common is it for children to get stuck in a washing machine
  8. Do kids write diaries without being told to
  9. Why do kids draw dogs all the same
  10. Why are kids talking in letters these days
  11. Why do kids like food in shapes
  12. Why are kids throwing popcorn at chicken jockey
  13. Why do kids act like cats
  14. Do kids poke each other’s bum
  15. How come most kids just instinctively make potions in the bathroom
  16. Why do kids cheer during fire alarm
  17. Do kids like to watch the water tornado in the bath
  18. Why do kids draw loads of fingers on hands
  19. Why do kids eat sponges
  20. Why are kids mewing

Foundations mark next phase of Powderhall regeneration

Foundations have been laid on the next phase of the Powderhall regeneration, marking significant progress in delivering new homes and an educational facility as part of the long-term transformation of the former waste transfer station, bowling greens and adjacent stables sites.

Above-ground construction is now underway on the former bowling greens site, where contractors CCG (Scotland) are installing substructures, foundations and drainage.

This phase will deliver 27 council homes for older people alongside a 128-place early years centre and improvements to St Mark’s Path which is part of QuietRoute 20. The homes will deliver much needed affordable housing in the city centre including 19 wheelchair adapted homes which there is an acute shortage of across the city.

The new nursery, which will be managed by Broughton Primary School, is part of the city’s expansion of early learning and childcare provision and will increase the accessibility, affordability, flexibility and quality of funded early learning and childcare places to meet the needs of the local community.

The regeneration of Powderhall also includes the restoration of the historic Powderhall Stables into flexible workspace and artist studios, which is due to open soon, and upgrades to the Broughton Road and McDonald Road junction.

The final phase of the project will redevelop the former waste transfer station site where over 200 new affordable and private homes, as well as a new civic square on Broughton Road, will be built.

The complete  redevelopment of Powderhall will create a new residential neighbourhood alongside community facilities, green space and improved walking and cycling routes completing the transformation of Powderhall into a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The development received a £1.4m funding boost from the Scottish Government through the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This is a very exciting moment for the Powderhall regeneration. Seeing foundations now laid for the next phase marks real progress in delivering more homes our city urgently needs.

“I am looking forward to seeing the new affordable homes and early years centre take shape. Once all phases of Powderhall are complete there will be more than 200 homes alongside new community facilities and green space. This development will create a vibrant and inclusive new neighbourhood for people to live and thrive in.

“Two years on from declaring a housing emergency, we know we must keep pushing forward with solutions to deliver more housing at pace. Plans to regenerate city centre brownfield sites such as the former waste transfer station will form part of this.”

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “Powderhall will soon become a valued asset for Canonmills. Not only will it help to address the growing demand for amenity housing and nursery spaces, but its delivery will also help to create a lasting positive legacy for the wider community, far beyond bricks and mortar.

“Six new jobs, one trade apprenticeship and 13 work placements are set to be created, alongside £7,500 of investment and a commitment to undertake 50 volunteering days in support of Broughton Primary School.

“We thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their continued support, and I look forward to seeing how construction will take shape in the months ahead.”

199 New Shows On Sale for This Year’s Edinburgh Fringe at theSpaceUK

Spring is gathering pace and so is theSpaceUK’s 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, with a fresh wave of shows now on sale at at www.theSpaceUK.

Highlights Include:

  • Fringe First Winners Mulberry Theatre returns with two new productions
  • The Last of Liz Truss? comes to Edinburgh following a West End Transfer at The Other Palace.Five standout graduate productions take centre stage as LMA and theSpaceUK expand their Fringe partnership for 2026
  • There’s a striking folk musical re-imagining of Greek mythology in Heracles: Of Men and Beasts from The Barden Party.

Drama & Theatre

The theatre programme offers a powerful mix of historical insight, new writing and imaginative storytelling. Operation Market Garden (Inspired Theatre) draws on real wartime diaries to present a raw account of survival and captivity, while Against the Grain (Darren Katz) explores moral conflict during the Siege of Leningrad.

Contemporary voices come to the fore in Jessies (A bunch of Jessies ltd), charting queer life across fifteen pivotal years, and Woman Seeking Cuddles (The Robot Company), a darkly comic exploration of identity, grief and connection.

Inventive storytelling shapes productions such as O Brave New World, That Has Such People In’t! (Mulberry School for Girls), where a young girl navigates isolation through imagination, and Film Noir Frog (On The Fly Theatre), a surreal detective tale steeped in parody and intrigue.

Playful theatricality takes centre stage in The Great Shakespeare Showdown (Flying Solo! Presents), while boobytrapped offers a bold, body-swapping romantic comedy that confronts identity, prejudice and understanding with humour and heart.

And finally, join Liz, on her last morning at number 10 in The Last of Liz Truss? (Oxia Theatre) which comes to Edinburgh following a West End Transfer at The Other Palace.

Now in its third year, the LMA x theSpaceUK Graduate Scheme expands to five productions including The Woman in the Box, The Girls Who Made Us, Scallyw*nkers, Knot at the Moment and Bite, forming the first dedicated LMA/theSpaceUK season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and showcasing an exceptional new generation of theatre makers.

Music & Musicals

Musical storytelling takes many forms across this year’s programme. Heracles: Of Men and Beasts (The Barden Party) offers a striking folk musical reimagining of Greek mythology through live-looped soundscapes, while BeetleMania (LUU Musical Theatre) captures the spirit of 1960s pop culture through a comedic audition story.

In Pieces (Laura Sofia Productions) presents a contemporary song-cycle exploring love and self-discovery, while Trains in the Night (Maiden Mother Moan) delivers a tender, sapphic coming-of-age story filled with longing and connection.

Elsewhere, Earth to Squiggy (Radland Media) blends intergalactic adventure with rock and roll nostalgia, and Solo From the Pit (Teater KEF) sees a virtuoso trombonist reinterpreting opera through a unique mix of music and personal storytelling/

Music lovers can also experience the non-verbal vocal spectacle Boom Boom Battle of the Big Bad Bosses (Yat Po Singers Limited), the unpredictable showmanship of Frankie Mack: Wired Differently, and the deeply rooted storytelling of An Tinne (Anne Martin), which connects Scottish history with global migration through song.

Comedy

Absurdity and originality lead the charge in this year’s comedy line-up. Achtung! The Only Sauerkraut in Town (Jürgen Strack Productions) blends Bauhaus sensibilities with beer hall chaos in a sharply offbeat hour of storytelling and stand-up.

Elsewhere, This Little Thing of Ours (This Little Thing of Ours) delivers a mafia musical comedy packed with rivalries, family loyalties and unexpected falsettos.

Personal storytelling meets sharp observation in Theologist (Panad Productions), as Oli Riordan unpacks Catholicism with wit and irreverence, while Scallywankers (Surely Not Productions) offers a riotous, adult-only panto adventure full of audience interaction, reworked songs and unapologetically crude humour.

Children & Family

Family audiences are well catered for with a range of interactive and imaginative productions. Improv Banana – Kids Comedy (Taking Cover Ltd) invites young audiences to take part in a lively, supportive introduction to improvisation led by Roy “The Boy” Allaway.

CinderGorilla: The Musical (The Ministry of Mini Musicals) transforms a picture book into a one-performer, one-audience musical experience using live instruments and puppetry, while Beauty and the Beast (Flying High Expressive Arts CIC) brings fresh energy to the classic tale with original songs and a vibrant young cast.

Adventure awaits in The Hobbit (ETC), a dynamic retelling of Tolkien’s beloved story, combining stage combat, puppetry and original music to bring Middle-earth to life.

Cabaret & Variety

Cabaret this year is bold, playful and unapologetic. Mickey’s Uncut Hits: A Raunchy Cabaret (KAJOLE) reimagines familiar childhood songs into a cheeky, adult-only parody packed with audience interaction and irreverent humour.

For something more gently curious, Rainbows! (Tim Clarkson) blends live science demonstrations with storytelling in an autism-friendly exploration of colour and chemistry. Magic fans can choose between the clever deception of A Case for Magic (Robert Malissa Magician) or the deliberately outrageous 18+ Magic – The Magic Show Your Mum Shouldn’t See (Sean Alexander Productions), which returns following a sold-out debut.

Tickets for hundreds of shows across theSpaceUK’s 2026 programme are now available at www.theSpaceUK.com.

With new work arriving alongside returning favourites, this year’s Fringe promises a season full of discovery, creativity in an unforgettable Fringe.

Farmer Autocare Joins with Kerr’s Tyres Group in new chapter of investment and expansion

Farmer Autocare has been acquired by Belfast-based Kerr’s Tyres Group, bringing together two family-run organisations with strong community roots and a shared long-standing commitment to looking after their customers and people.

Founded by Sir Tom Farmer in 2003, Farmer Autocare is recognised as one of Scotland’s most successful car maintenance and servicing businesses. The Company has grown rapidly over recent years and now operates 21 sites across Scotland, employing almost 200 people, many of whom have been with the Company since its beginning.

Strong staff retention, coupled with Farmer’s major focus on training and development, has created one of the most talented teams in the sector. 

Farmer Autocare will continue to operate in Scotland under its existing management team, led by Managing Director, Colin McNeill, providing stability and continuity for both colleagues and customers.

Kerr’s Tyres Group was founded in 2002 by Norman Kerr in Antrim and has grown to be a trusted business with over 27 retail sites, a large commercial tyre business and a successful tyre distribution group. The retail business has a strong customer service focus providing tyres, services, maintenance and repair across Ireland.

Over the next five years Kerr’s Tyres Group plans to expand to 250 sites throughout the UK. Backed by its investors, Chiltern Capital, this expansion will be achieved by acquiring industry leading businesses, like Farmer Autocare, to create a national chain of centres.

A spokesperson for The Farmer Family said: “The Farmer Autocare business has been built and grown on the key principles that Sir Tom Farmer brought to the car maintenance and servicing sector over his sixty years in the business.

“Look after your customers by offering good value with excellent customer service and look after your people by giving them quality jobs and great opportunities. 

“When Kerr’s Tyres Group approached us we quickly recognised a shared belief in how our businesses should operate and a natural fit between the two organisations.

“We also saw an opportunity to accelerate the expansion plans that were already in place for Farmer Autocare.

“There are tremendous prospects ahead for Farmer Autocare under the guidance of an experienced owner such as Norman Kerr with ambitious plans.

“This will be good for Scottish motorists and good for all colleagues at Farmer Autocare.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Norman Kerr, Founder and CEO of Kerr’s Tyres Group, said: “Farmer Autocare is an exceptional business, built on genuine care for customers and colleagues, values that very much mirror our own.

“We aim to continue delivering what makes Farmer Autocare so successful and share those best practices across Kerr’s Tyres Group, whilst providing operational scale to both businesses.  

“Our growth and investment plans will create new opportunities for colleagues, while ensuring the Farmer Autocare standards and ways of working, are embedded as we expand.

“Together, we will help the business move forward without changing what makes it special.

“Having worked for Sir Tom Farmer much earlier in my career, it is an absolute privilege to build on what he created and help the team thrive for decades to come.

“Community matters to both of us and we understand the responsibility that comes with serving customers who rely on us every day.”

Looking ahead to the future, Colin McNeill, Managing Director of Farmer Autocare, said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for us all in Farmer Autocare. 

“The Kerr’s Tyres Group investment creates tremendous opportunities for our people.

“Their ambitious growth plans for our already successful business, will mean we expand our centres even faster and offer our great value for money service to even more Scottish customers.”

Employment Rights Act 2025: What’s changing from 6 April

TUC GUIDE

A further wave of employment rights introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025 came into force yesterday (6 April).

Trade union campaigning has delivered a transformative package of new rights. The April changes will improve statutory sick pay for millions of workers, enable more working parents to take leave and give more workers a voice at work, by making it easier for unions to get recognised by employers for the purposes of representation and negotiation. 

But changes delivered by the ERA will go much further than just these protections, with wide ranging new rights coming into force in a staggered timetable.

The first tranche of rights, which revoked large sections of anti-trade union legislation came into force on the 18 February 2026.

Further rights are scheduled to come into force on October 6 2026, with many more to follow in 2027. 

Keep an eye on our Employment Rights Act homepage for further details.

What’s changing from April 6?

Statutory sick pay 

No more earnings threshold and no more waiting days. All eligible employees can receive Statutory Sick Pay regardless of how much they earn. From their first full day of sickness absence. 

Day one rights to Paternity Leave or Unpaid Parental Leave  

Currently there are lengthy qualifying periods before working parents become entitled to paternity and parental leave. Both types of leave will become “day one” rights. Employees will also be able take Paternity Leave and Pay after Shared Parental Leave and Pay (currently they can’t). 

Stronger protections against unfair redundancy  

If an employer fails to comply with collective redundancy consultation obligations, employees may be entitled to a higher “protective award” (fine paid by the employer). The maximum protective award that an employment tribunal can make where an employer has not properly consulted during large scale redundancies – is increasing from 90 days’ pay to 180 days’ pay. 

Whistleblowing protections – sexual harassment 

Workers will have stronger legal protection if they ‘blow the whistle’ on sexual harassment at work. If a worker makes a whistleblowing disclosure about sexual harassment they may be protected from detriment (adverse treatment) and dismissal by their employer, as long as certain conditions are met. 

New Fair Work Agency enforcement body 

A new government agency called the Fair Work Agency will: 

  • Bring together enforcement of key workplace rights in one place.
  • Work closely with Acas to provide better support and guidance to workers about their rights.
  • Investigate employers who break the law.
  • Issue penalties to employers who don’t comply.
  • Enforce rights including the national minimum wage. 

Trade unions will have representation on the Fair Work Agency Advisory Board, ensuring workers’ voices are heard in how the agency operates. 

Easier union recognition 

The process for statutory recognition of a trade union has been simplified: 

  • When applying for recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), unions will no longer have to show that a majority of the bargaining unit is likely to support recognition. The requirement that ten per cent of the bargaining unit are members remains in place, although the government has committed to consult on lowering this later this year.
  • A simple majority voting in support will secure recognition. The requirement that 40 per cent of workers in the bargaining unit must vote in favour to achieve recognition will be abolished. 

What this means for you

The ERA will continue to transform the lives of all workers in years ahead. 

Improvements to statutory sick pay will mean that up to 9.6 million workers will have improved rights if they are unwell. Trade unions will be given groundbreaking new rights enabling them to access workplaces and speak to workers who have never seen or heard from trade unions before. 

And enforcement of core workplace rights will improve as the new Fair Work Agency is given new powers, a wider remit, and increased resources.  

The changes are too significant and too wide reaching to reference in one blog. But the TUC will be developing its guidance to reflect the new changes as they happen. 

More information

  • Learn about the full range of new rights in our guide.
  • Talk to your union rep about the new rights, think about how they might impact colleagues in your workplace and think about next steps.
  • Keep an eye out for an extensive, new Trade Union Education offering.
  • Share this with colleagues in your workplace.