Dragon flies in to city centre!

  • From the Triwizard Tournament to the heart of Edinburgh, a Hungarian Horntail dragon has stunned locals with its arrival, bringing to life the awe-inspiring filmmaking props and animatronics featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  • Complete with moving head, mouth and eyes, the hydraulic dragon, roars and bares its teeth to visitors of Castle Street, Edinburgh
  • The dragon has stopped off in the region as part of a UK tour, aiming to take a piece of filmmaking magic from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to Harry Potter fans across the country
  • The dragon’s journey is to celebrate the new Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
  • Marking the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the feature will allow visitors to go behind-the-scenes to discover how filmmakers created the magical tournament, with never-before-seen secrets revealed

Edinburgh locals were advised to keep their wands handy as a 25 foot-long Hungarian Horntail dragon made a pit stop at Castle Street yesterday. Onlookers were left spellbound as the ‘captured’ dragon made a rare appearance outside of its usual home at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

Locals lined up at the eye-catching display to get up close and personal with the iconic creature, which fans will recognise from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

The huge animatronic dragon, which weighs 1.3 tonnes, brings to life the fan favourite, nail-biting scene where the Hungarian Horntail dragon breaks free of its chains during the first task of The Triwizard Tournament to chase after Harry Potter.

It was created to mark the launch of the new Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London running from 15th May to 8th September 2025. The feature celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and invites visitors to go behind-the-scenes of the Triwizard Tournament to discover how filmmakers created the iconic competition we see and love on-screen.

Harry Potterfilmmaker and Animatronic Designer, Joe Scott, designed the dragon which visited Edinburgh, replicating the creature in the film, complete with moving head, mouth and eyes and sound effects.

The skilled recreation of the famous dragon was carefully crafted over 750 hours, using materials that included 40 metres of fiberglass. The team first created a series of detailed sketches and CGI mock-ups, before Sculptors, Carpenters and Scenic Artists meticulously built the dragon’s head, which was 3D printed using a scan of the original Hungarian Horntail from the film.

A total of 119 spikes were individually applied to garnish the dragon’s head and tail, taking 265 painstaking hours, whilst 38 razor-sharp teeth were 3D printed in resin to create bite in the creature’s animatronic mouth. 

As part of the new summer feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, for the first-time ever, fans can explore the Backlot Stage, showcasing the Secrets of Special Effects. This new, dedicated indoor space, offers visitors the opportunity to discover how filmmakers brought the action-packed scenes from the Triwizard Tournament to life. 

Comprising a digital screen, a stage and tiered seating, it promises to uncover secrets that not even the most knowledgeable Muggle will know. From creating the Hungarian Horntail dragon to understanding how Harry Potter held his breath for so long underwater, all will be revealed as part of the feature. Visitors can also witness a mesmerising demonstration reminiscent of the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students’ arrival at Hogwarts.

Geoff Spooner, Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London says: “We’re excited to launch our brand-new summer feature, Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, where visitors can learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the fourth Harry Potter film.

“To celebrate, we wanted to bring the magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to Edinburgh, recreating the iconic moment of the escaped Hungarian Horntail dragon 20 years on from ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.”

Joe Scott, Harry Potter Filmmaker and Animatronic Designer, says: “Revisiting the creation of the Hungarian Horntail 20 years on from ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ has been magical.

“Creating the dragons for the Triwizard Tournament was no mean feat, with Engineers, Animatronics, Designers and the Special Effects teams all working together to bring them to life. It’s fantastic to see the craftsmanship that went into this on display at the new feature – inspiring visitors with the magic of our filmmaking secrets.” 

Those who are brave enough can take their name from the free Activity Passport and put it into the Goblet of Fire which will be waiting for them in the wand room. 

Further additions to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London summer feature include Mad-Eye Moody’s arrival into the Great Hall and wizarding journalist Rita Skeeter, best known for her poison pen articles.

Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions is a special feature running from 15th May – 8th September and all new additions are included in the ticket price. Head to www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/dragon-tour/ for more info

SGN: Improvement work in Gorgie starts on Monday

From Monday 2 June SGN will be upgrading the gas network in Gorgie Road.

Work is taking place in Gorgie Road, near its junction with Stenhouse Drive. This particular location has experienced multiple gas leaks in recent years and by upgrading our pipes now, we can prevent future emergency work and disruption.

Temporary traffic lights and a road closure will be in place around our working area. These lights will ensure traffic flow can be maintained and vehicles can safely pass our site and excavations in the carriageway.

For the duration of the project, Stenhouse Drive will be closed and local diversion routes will be in place for motorists.

You will find more information and details here:

https://sgn.co.uk/…/major-planned…/gorgie-road-edinburgh

Man to apear in court following series of break-ins

A 35-year-old man has been arrested & charged in connection with breaking into business premises in Dalry, Gorgie and the city centre.

Cafes, take-aways and food stores were broken into between Saturday 17 & Thursday 22 May.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (2nd June).

Summer payment to around 90,000 carers in Scotland

Carer’s Allowance Supplement to be paid this June

Around 90,000 carers are set to receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement this June – an additional payment of £293.50.  

The payment is extra money for people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on a particular date. 

Only available in Scotland, the summer payment will be made between 18 and 19 June 2025. Carers are eligible if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 14 April 2025.  

Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made. Carers do not need to apply as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible.  

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This benefit was the first that we introduced when we formed Social Security Scotland back in 2018. It’s an additional payment to recognise the important contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland. A payment not made anywhere else in the UK. 

“It’s another example of how we’ve built a radically different social security system in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.”    

Claire Cairns, Director at The Coalition of Carers in Scotland added: “At a time when many carers are struggling to pay the bills, while providing essential support to loved ones, this payment is a vital acknowledgment of their role and a much-needed financial boost that helps ease some of the pressure they face every day.” 

If a carer is eligible for Carer’s Allowance Supplement but has not received a letter or payment by 30 June 2025, they should contact Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. 

The next Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid in December 2025.   

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year. It’s an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   

Carers who have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside the UK in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or Gibraltar may be eligible.

Find out more Applying outside of Scotland – mygov.scot 

LifeCare launches ‘Love the LifeCare Hub’ campaign to save vital North Edinburgh community space

GIVE SOME LOVE TO THE LIFECARE HUB

  • LifeCare’s community hub has supported local people for half a century
  • LifeCare’s dedicated staff team with volunteers, room-bookers and hub-goers 
  • “It’s there for everyone, young to old and the combination of everyone interacting together is just priceless”’

Opened as Stockbridge House in 1975, the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street has been a vital part of the local community for fifty years.  

Originally established as a day centre for older people, it has evolved into a fully accessible, intergenerational community hub for everyone.  A hugely popular big, bright and beautiful space, the hub hosts over 80 different weekly activities and welcomes over 47,000 visits a year from people who live across the city.  

Run by local charity LifeCare Edinburgh, the organisation ensures all its services are affordable, or offered for free, so that everyone gets the chance to take part in community activities which help to keep them connected and support their health and wellbeing.  

However, with continuing rising energy, staff and insurance costs the charity is bracing itself for an anticipated 30% increase in overall running costs this year creating a shortfall of around £30,000 this year alone.  

The charity is launching an urgent appeal to help cover this shortfall and help sustain its hub and support for those that need it most.

Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare hub is a really important place for local people.  We are very proud of the support we offer and the accessible spaces we make available for everyone in our community.  In an increasingly isolated world, where would people go if we didn’t exist?  

“We want to be here for years to come, but we need support.  No donation is too small, if we received £1 each time a person visited, we’d cover our shortfall and help sustain our future. Please give what you can.”

Lynne Herbert provides LifeCare’s free hairdressing for unpaid carers and runs her own yoga classes from the hub on a Monday and Thursday. Lynne said: “The LifeCare Hub is such an amazing place.  

“From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and full of joy. It’s there for everyone, young to old and the combination of everyone interacting together is just priceless.”

LifeCare works alongside a dedicated group of volunteers who generously give their time to ensure the smooth running and a friendly greeting for visitors. 

 Shirley Galbraith is often one of the first happy faces visitors encounter when they enter the hub.  Shirley said: “I feel that I am making a small difference to some peoples’ day by just chatting or helping them see what classes or services they could use. It makes me feel great!

“People should support the hub appeal to make sure that these services can continue – it is such a fantastic charity.

“The best thing is the variety of amazing services and classes that are offered. Supporting this appeal will ensure they are there for years to come!”

The charity is running an information morning from the LifeCare Hub on Monday 2nd June 11am-1pm.  Come along to find out more and chat about how to get involved.  

Everyone is also welcome at LifeCare’s Community BBQ on Friday 20th June 12noon – 4pm, with free food, bouncy castle and a whole range of activities for local people of all ages.  

Visits www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.

Westminster’s Block Grant for Scottish Government hits £50 billion

The block grant for the Scottish Government this year is £50 billion following Main Estimates 2025-26 published on Thursday

The Scottish Government already had the largest real terms spending review settlement in the history of devolution of £47.7 billion. Following revisions at the Spring Statement and Main Estimates, the Treasury has now confirmed the latest settlement is £50 billion.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “The UK Government delivered the largest spending review settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, now Scots rightly expect to see that record finding deliver better results like lower NHS waiting lists, better attainment in Schools, more police on the beat and more housing. 

“I was very concerned this week to see that attainment targets for Scottish schools have been reduced and housebuilding has fallen by 4,000, meanwhile police officer numbers are lower than when police Scotland was established and 800,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list.

“Where the UK government has responsibility for public services, we are seeing NHS waiting lists fall, more housing being built and more bobbies on the beat, all part of our Plan for Change. This historic funding deal for the Scottish Government should be delivering similar results.

Boy seriously injured in Drylaw road accident

POLICE were made aware of a collision involving a car and a seven-year-old male pedestrian which happened on Ferry Road in Wester Drylaw shortly after 6.35pm this evening (Friday, 30 May, 2025).

The wee boy has been taken to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for treatment. His injuries are serious but not described as life threatening.

Enquiries are ongoing and the slip road in Wester Drylaw is currently closed.

Police remain in attendance.

BBC ALBA broadcasts live coverage from Hampden for SWNT Nations League home finale tonight

BBC ALBA is set to air the latest League A UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture as Scotland Women’s National Team (SWNT) continue their campaign against Austria at Hampden tonight (Friday 30 May).

Broadcasting live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer from 7.25pm ahead of kick off at 7.35pm, fans can join BBC Spòrs reporter and UEFA Scotland correspondent Alex O’Henley to watch the action unfold in this latest meeting between the two international sides. English commentary from Stuart Mitchell and Grant Scott will also be accessible via the ‘Red Button’.

Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “BBC ALBA has been supporting SWNT’s Nations League campaign since the tournament kicked off earlier this year.

“We – along with so many others across the country – have followed the highs and lows of the international competition, and we’re excited to see how they perform in the penultimate league match against Austria this week.”

Following a 1-0 away defeat against the Austrian side in February, this highly anticipated rematch comes ahead of Scotland’s final second-leg battle against the Netherlands on 3 June at Tilburg.

Watch live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ctst

Queen Margaret University named Higher Education Institute of the Year at Herald Awards

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has been crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025, held in Glasgow on 29th May.  

Coming in QMU’s 150th anniversary year, this accolade celebrates the institution’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support.

The university impressed judges with its outstanding achievements across multiple categories, securing wins for ‘Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member’ – honouring podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir for her decades-long service to Scotland’s homeless community – and ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ for its pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland.

QMU was also shortlisted in four additional categories, reflecting the University’s innovative approach to education, inclusivity, and public service. The judging panel praised in particular the University’s holistic impact.

Queen Margaret University’s Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: “We are over the moon to be awarded Higher Education Institute of the Year – particularly in the year that we celebrate our 150th anniversary.

“This accolade is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners, and reflects our mission to make a real difference in the world, enabling people and communities to flourish.”

Sir Paul continued: “It was particularly pleasing to see Evelyn Weir, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, recognised for her outstanding contribution. Evelyn has dedicated 30 years of her life to supporting the homeless community and has encouraged our students and graduates to work alongside her in the running of specialist foot clinics for people living on the streets.

“She is also a staff member who goes “above and beyond” – particularly for our care experienced students. She has never wavered in her personalised support of students – providing the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance required to ensure students have a transformative university experience, reaching their potential during their time at QMU and beyond graduation.

“She epitomises the values of QMU in her education and support of students, and in her drive to be a force for good within the university, the wider community and the podiatry profession.”

QMU’s pioneering role in advancing Frame Running for disabled athletes was formally recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. Frame Running, a sport that utilises specially designed three-wheeled frames, empowers individuals with limited or no walking ability to experience the freedom of independent movement.

The Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, based at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, is the first of its kind in Scotland – and is believed to be the first dedicated facility of its kind anywhere in the world.

This ground-breaking initiative has been made possible by support from the Wooden Spoon charity, and is the result of a collaborative partnership between QMU, Neil’s Wheel Charity, Frame Running Scotland, and ACE Frame Running, in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport.

The Hub forms part of QMU’s wider commitment to shaping the future of Frame Running. Through its research into athlete classification for para sport, the University is helping to build the foundations for fairer, more inclusive competition. The creation of the Hub reflects this broader ambition – translating academic insight into real-world impact for athletes and communities.

Sir Paul concluded: “In such a special year, we are delighted that a record number of our entries made it into the finals of the Herald Higher Education Awards.

“The Award of Higher Education Institute of the Year allows us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and continue to lead with purpose – demonstrating that education can be a powerful force for good.

“Our thanks go to the Herald Scotland, and all of the college and university award winners, who together showcase so much of what is good about the education sector.”