Enhancing the environment in Murrayfield

MAJOR £3 MILLION PROJECT TO START NEXT MONTH

Work on a major £3million project to protect an iconic Edinburgh watercourse from rags, wet wipes and other sewer related debris gets underway next month.

From Sunday 8 June 2025, Scottish Water will be working on the A8 Corstorphine Road in Murrayfield, upgrading a storm overflow that protects homes and businesses from flooding.

Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “Sewer related debris in the Water of Leith has been a recurring problem after spells of heavy rain.

“The outfall is designed to divert excess rainwater into the watercourse, but unfortunately it isn’t screened.

“While less than one per cent of the waste water comes from toilets, if people have flushed wipes or plastic items, they can end up in the natural environment which is a real problem.

“This project will help to prevent anything larger than 6mm making it out of the sewer network and into the river.”

The A8 Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under two-way traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens for approximately six months.

This is to allow new screens and spill chambers to be installed to the existing outfall which is located under the road surface.

Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme is a £500million package of additional investment to improve water quality through increased monitoring and reporting, and targeted infrastructure projects to significantly reducing sewer-related debris and spills.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ over 70 improvements will have been delivered by the end of 2027 benefitting watercourses across Scotland. More are in design for delivery beyond 2027.

The infrastructure programme is being carried out by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance.

Tiny Plates: Tuesdays at PCHP

How messy can you get? Pretty messy, in our experience! No problem, though. We fully believe in telling our little ones to “play with your food.” How else would they get the chance to explore flavours and textures and then decide what they want to eat?

Everything we prepare for you and your tiny people is colourful, delicious, and ultra-nutritious. We want you to explore food with your child, share ideas of what works for you, or learn new ways to offer new foods to your little ones. Most of all, we want you to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere with other mums and littles.

If you live in Granton, Pilton, Muirhouse, Drylaw, Royston or Wardieburn, and you’re a mum, grannie or auntie who is caring for your under 5, and you’d like to know more about healthy food, weaning or picky eating, then you can sign up here:

https://forms.office.com/e/X81msFBkPA

Tiny plates currently runs on Tuesdays from 1pm until 2.30pm

🍎🍐🌽🥕🥝🍅🫐🫑🥑🍠🍇🍉🍓

Tickets on sale for John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture

Major exhibition to feature over 80 works, including never-before-seen sketchbooks

Tickets are now on sale for John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, opening on Saturday 31 May.

The exhibition offers the public a rare opportunity to view over 80 works by one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists. Many of these works, including a selection of Bellany’s private sketchbooks, will be displayed publicly for the first time.

Curated by Bellany’s close friends and colleagues, Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat, the exhibition spans five decades of the artist’s prolific career from the 1960s until 2013. Over two floors of the City Art Centre, this captivating exhibition invites visitors into Bellany’s world through the lens of his own self-exploration.

John Bellany was one of the most prolific and fearless self-portraitists in history, obsessively documenting his own image throughout his lifetime. From his early student studies in the 1960s to the epic pictorial narratives of his later years, Bellany’s works reveal the artist’s complex relationship with himself, his identity, and the world around him.

A particularly special element of the show is the inclusion of Bellany’s sketchbooks, personal visual diaries kept throughout his life, now generously loaned by his family. This is the first time they will be on public view.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “This exhibition promises to be real highlight of the year.

“It is a great privilege to bring such a collection together and for many of the works to be brought into the public eye for the first time. It will offer visitors a fresh perspective on a much-acclaimed giant in Scottish art who was born in East Lothian.”

Curator Sandy Moffat, said: “The exhibition will feature a number of works which have never been shown before including sketch books, drawings from his student days and his last self portraits, offering a unique opportunity to see these works for the very first time.“

The exhibition is accompanied by a publication featuring a foreword by Helen Bellany and essays by curators Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat.

In addition to the exhibition, a rich programme of events has been developed to offer deeper insights into the artist’s work, his personal life, and his ongoing legacy.

One third of employers think AI will increase productivity

More than a third (35%) of employers think that artificial intelligence (AI) will increase productivity, according to a new survey.

Workplace expert Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employers in Britain what they thought was the most important benefit of AI at work.

The survey also found that:

  • 12% thought AI would give a competitive edge.
  • 11% thought it would increase knowledge.
  • 11% thought more work would be done with fewer staff.
  • 11% thought there would be no benefit.

Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: “Our survey shows optimism amongst some employers about the potential for AI to boost their productivity, decrease costs and increase knowledge.

“Used responsibly, AI has the potential to empower workers and support the delivery of different workplace tasks.

“Businesses should be proactive in having early discussions about AI with staff, trade unions, and other worker representatives to understand the potential implications and ensure its adoption is well-informed. A good clear policy will help businesses stay safe, transparent and reassure staff that they are valued.”

Some top tips for employers from Acas on the use of AI at work include:

·       Employers should develop clear policies regarding the use of AI in the workplace and should consult employees and any representatives on its introduction. If there is an expectation that certain roles begin using AI, that could mean a change of terms and conditions.

·       Employers investing in AI should highlight how it can improve employees’ roles and reassure staff that human involvement will still be needed.

·       Organisations should remember that AI is not perfect, so outputs should be checked for accuracy, tone and bias. AI should be cited when used and staff may require training on how to get the best outputs.

·       A company’s data privacy policies will apply for the use of AI, and it is wise to check with your IT team for approved platforms. Employees should be careful entering any information that is business sensitive or personal into public tools. Any information that you do enter could be made public or used by others, so check company policies on the use of AI in the workplace and be aware of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

There is a lot of debate around the introduction of AI at work and a growing recognition of the need for more detailed guidance around its use. Acas stands ready to influence the debate and help inform government policy making.

Acas held a special conference on 15 May 2025 where experts debated the introduction of AI in workplaces. It discussed the type of new roles and opportunities that AI could create and the risks employers should consider when introducing AI.

For more information please visit https://www.acas.org.uk/conference-2025  

Mental Health Awareness Week: Giving Back

We get so much from our communities: connection, a sense of belonging and purpose, and protection from mental health problems.

One of the ways to get involved with our community, and boost our mental health, is by giving back. 💜

Taking part in community activities, like volunteering, boosts our self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Find out more about ways to get involved in your community: https://bit.ly/4kcDalm

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

#ThisIsMyCommunity

Heading Down Under: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tatoo announces Australia and New Zealand tours

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced they will be touring the Show The Heroes Who Made Us in Australia and New Zealand in 2026.

The dazzling spectacle, a key part of the Scottish events calendar, will be performed in Brisbane and Auckland in February next year, and will include performances by national military forces from Australia and New Zealand as well as from the UK.

2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the organisation and these events further extend the international reach of the Tattoo that traditionally takes place on the stunning Edinburgh Castle Esplanade every August with a global cast.  

The Shows will take place 12 and 14 February at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and in Auckland’s Eden Park, home of the All Blacks national rugby team, on 19 and 21 February. The Australian Defence Force will play a key role at the Brisbane Show, and the New Zealand Defence Force will do the same in Auckland.

The Shows will incorporate elements of this year’s Tattoo theme, The Heroes Who Made Us, spotlighting the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years. Top Secret Drum Corps will join the line-up, alongside other performer groups from New Zealand, Australia, the UK and from throughout the globe.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has previously travelled down under to delight audiences with performances in Wellington, Syndey and Melbourne in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2016 and most recently in 2019 at the ANZ Stadium in Syndey. This tour will be the first time the spectacular event has been performed to Brisbane and Auckland audiences.  

While The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show has been screened at more than 150 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand in recent years, in 2026 people across the countries have the opportunity to once again truly experience the iconic spectacle in person.

If down under is too far to travel, tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025 75th Anniversary Show at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade are available at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling 0131 225 1188. For the Australia and New Zealand 2026 Show, tickets can be purchased tickets can be purchased from 21 May 2025 from Ticketek.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing The Royal Edinburgh Military to Australia and New Zealand once again in 2026.

“Throughout the 75-year history, the Tattoo has proudly crossed oceans, continually reaching new audiences and connecting Tattoo fans in the unique Tattoo spirit. This upcoming tour will blend our Scottish traditions with the distinctive military heritage of Australia and New Zealand all set against the backdrop of two spectacular venues.

“We eagerly anticipate hosting new audiences and welcoming back Tattoo fans to witness a truly remarkable spectacle.”

Six Midlothian mums take on the Kelpies Challenge for Children First

Six mums from the Midlothian area are climbing the Kelpies to raise funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity. 

The brave mums are taking on the challenge of a lifetime, having had first-hand experience of the life-changing difference the charity can make to children and their families.  

Children First provides practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through its national support line and in their homes, schools and communities. 

The Children First Midlothian support group, which helps families move on together from a range of challenges has been a “lifeline” for the mums and their families. 

The group focuses on wellbeing activities and the power of community support to help parents having a tough time to overcome challenges like isolation, make friends and gain confidence.  

Rachel, who used to come to the group with her mum before she sadly passed away last year has recently returned for support. Now she is excited to take on the amazing Kelpies Challenge with her friends and Charles Graham, a Children First support worker.  

Rachel said: “The group has been a lifeline to us and helps me get out of the house.”  

Donna shared: “We love the group – it means the world to me and to all of us. It’s amazing and so are the Children First team who run it.” 

Georgina says: “Children First means a lot to me and my kids. This group has been great for me, it’s encouraged me to get out and about and the ladies have been such a great support.” 

Lyndsay added: “When I think about climbing the Kelpies I get nervous but then I remind myself that it can’t be worse than all I’ve been through!” 

Laura shared: “I enjoy coming to the group to get connection with other women who understand.”  

Margaretrose Graham from Children First who runs the group with colleague Charles shared: “I used to attend a support group like this a few years ago and now I’m running this one in Midlothian. 

“I’ve seen the group thrive through thick and thin, and it has been an incredible support to so many families over the years. At Children First we believe when parents do well so do children and that’s why we run support groups like this one. 

“When life is tough and you are feeling isolated and alone, being supported by people in your local community can really make all the difference. This group has helped so many parents and carers to build their confidence and emotional wellbeing so that they and their families can thrive. 

“If you can, please support Children First to help us give children and families across Scotland a brighter future.” 

Four of the women are also running in the Edinburgh Marathon Relay Race later this month to boost funds further for Children First.  

To sponsor these brave mums and support the charity’s work to protect Scotland’s children, please donate here: Laura Stacey is fundraising for Children First 

If you’re interested in conquering the world’s largest equine sculptures, there are still limited places available!  

You can sign up here and find out more about how to get involved in Children First’s fundraising events here: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111. 

There’s now extra time to tell us about your experience with Social Security Scotland in 2024-25

We’re extending the closing date of our survey about your experience with Social Security Scotland over the last year. The survey will now close on Friday 30 May. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

If you have already taken part please ignore this email and accept a huge thank you from us for your help.

If you haven’t yet done so, you can take part in the survey online.

A dark mode-friendly version of the survey is also available.

Who can take part?

The survey is open to everyone who works with our clients or works in partnership with Social Security Scotland.

We would like to hear from as many people as possible. Please feel free to share the survey with others who deal with Social Security Scotland or work with our clients.

Confidentiality

Taking part is voluntary and your responses will be confidential. No one will be able to identify you in any of the reported results. Only people working in the research team will be able to see your responses.

What do we do with the results?

Your views are very important to us. They help us to understand if we are delivering the commitments of Our Charter and what improvements we can make. After the survey closes, researchers will analyse the results and publish a research report. We also survey our clients and our colleagues and all of this contributes to the Charter Measurement Framework results that we publish annually.

Further questions?

If there’s more we can do to help you take part, please let us know. You can contact us by emailing research@socialsecurity.gov.scot or you can phone our research helpline for free on 0800 029 4974, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. 

Yours sincerely,

Charter Measurement and Client Panels Team, Social Security Scotland

Calling All Mini Explorers: Sandcastle Creators Wanted!

Win Your Spot at Tumbles’ Exclusive Reopening Celebration

Edinburgh Leisure invites brave young adventurers to join Emma, Fox, and Squirrel on an epic journey through the newly reimagined Tumbles Soft Play at Portobello, Edinburgh.

The lucky adventurers will be among the first to discover the exciting new world that awaits within Explorer Island.

Ashliegh Murray, Manager at Tumbles at Portobello, said: “Our Explorer Island is a whole world of fun.

“An island where anything is possible, and adventure awaits! We’re looking to our customers to be part of the excitement when we reopen.

“Our new play frame will feature Emma, an adventurous redhead with a baseball cap and torch, alongside her trusty companions Fox and Squirrel. These young explorers are searching for brave new friends to join their quest for play and discovery.”

“We’re inviting parents and kids to unleash their creativity and to send us a photo of their little adventurer with a sandcastle they’ve built, (even if it’s with a little help from their friends, siblings or parents), and a short description explaining why their little adventurer should be part of this grand adventure.

“The Edinburgh Leisure team will select their favourite 15 explorers to join us at the exclusive reopening party, date and time still to be announced.”

As the latest of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft plays to receive a makeover, Tumbles at Portobello is undergoing an exciting transformation.

The renovations include:

  • Interactive elements in the baby and toddler zones
  • Reconfigured layout for enhanced play experiences
  • Upgraded versions of current favourite features
  • Extended café seating with fixed options to maximise space
  • New flooring in the soft play and café area
  • A refreshed reception area on first floor
  • Redecorated birthday party room for the return of celebration packages

How to Enter:

  • A photo of your little explorer, dressed for adventure, next to their sandcastle creation
  • A brief explanation (300 words or less) of why they should join Emma, Fox, and Squirrel at the reopening party
  • Child’s name and date of birth
  • Parent/guardian contact number and email

All entries must be received by 5pm, Tuesday 27th May 2025.

The Tumbles team will select 15 children from across age groups to be their special “star guests” at the grand reopening celebration, where they’ll join other young adventurers in being the first to explore the reimagined play space.

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives. They operate over 30 sports and leisure facilities throughout Edinburgh, including three soft play centres designed to inspire active play and imagination in children.