SUNDAY 21st JUNE at VICTORIA PARK 12.30 – 3.30PM
Pack your picnic baskets and join us this Sunday, 21st June in Victoria Park!
Trinity Community Croft and Drakkar’s Drift garden, located on the bowling greens, will be open to all. There will be live music, tours and activities throughout.
See you there!
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh is set to welcome more than 550 senior school pupils from across Scotland to its popular Healthfest event, designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and support informed career choices.
Taking place TOMORROW Wednesday 17 June 2026, the festival-style event is aimed at pupils in S4 to S6. Now in its fourth year, Healthfest will see young people – many from schools in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities – take part in a programme of interactive workshops and campus experiences, providing valuable insight into a wide range of healthcare courses and careers.
With a strong focus on hands-on learning, pupils will have the opportunity to explore both well-known and lesser-known career roles within the health sector. These include occupational therapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy, alongside careers in radiography, paramedic science and nursing.
Suzanne Ewing, from Queen Margaret University’s Widening Participation and Outreach team, who has helped organise the event, said: “Healthfest has a real science festival feel, with lots of engaging, practical workshops for young people to get involved in.
“Activities range from using ultrasound technology to observe tongue movement during speech production, to CPR demonstrations delivered by paramedics, as well as sessions demonstrating foot injections to improve foot health and discussions around the psychology of food and eating.
“Pupils can also take part in bespoke campus tours, giving them a first-hand look at our specialist labs and clinical learning environments. This helps them understand what studying a healthcare degree at QMU is really like.”
Suzanne concluded: “Healthfest continues to grow in popularity because it opens pupils’ eyes to the wide variety of opportunities available within the health sector.
“Importantly, it supports them to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways as they gain an insight into different professions and learn about the facilities and equipment that they would use as students on healthcare degree courses.
“In addition, it creates more equality of opportunity for Scotland’s young people – opening up the healthcare sector to a wider pool of young talent.”
Alongside the workshops, pupils can also enjoy creative activities including a themed photobooth, with props such as prosthetics, lab coats and masks, offering a fun and memorable element to the day.
QMU will host two sessions for schools to choose from: 10.00am–12.00pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm.
Schools interested in attending this widening participation healthcare festival can contact Suzanne Ewing E:Healthfestteam@qmu.ac.uk for further information.
Aly Bain, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and influential musicians, has been selected to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award in its 20th year.
The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople.
Born in Lerwick, Shetland, Aly began playing the fiddle at the age of 11, inspired by his neighbour the renowned fiddler and teacher Tom Anderson. Under Anderson’s guidance, Aly developed an exceptional talent that would go on to shape traditional music in Scotland.
As Aly Bain celebrates his 80th birthday this year, his contribution to Scottish culture and music remains unparalleled. Widely recognised as a Scottish icon, he has proudly called Edinburgh home since his early twenties, establishing the city as the base for a outstanding international career.
His deep connection to Scotland has been reflected throughout his life and work, including performances at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and at the funeral of Scotland’s First Minister, Donald Dewar, in 2000.
In his early years he performed with The Humblebums which included two then-emerging talents, Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly. He later became a founding member of the influential folk group Boys of the Lough, touring extensively across the world and recording more than 20 albums.
Alongside these achievements, he developed a distinguished solo career through collaborations, recordings, and acclaimed television projects including the creation of the internationally renowned Transatlantic Sessions.
Aly will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge said: “Aly Bain is a most deserved recipient of the Edinburgh Award, and I’m really pleased that he has accepted.
“Aly’s contribution to Scottish music and culture is simply immeasurable. For more than six decades, he has carried the traditions of Scotland to audiences around the world while remaining deeply connected to the communities and heritage that shaped him.
“Through his extraordinary musicianship, generosity of spirit, and commitment to nurturing traditional music, Aly has inspired generations of performers and music lovers alike. As he celebrates his 80th year, it is fitting that we recognise not only a remarkable artist, but a true cultural ambassador whose legacy will endure for many years to come.”
Aly Bain, said: “I’m honoured indeed to accept the Edinburgh Award.
“Edinburgh has been my home for the last sixty years. The city where I have raised my family and where my professional musical journey began.
“From small beginnings in places like Sandy Bells pub Scottish traditional music has spread and is now respected worldwide.
“My life has been spent performing in cities all over the world but after every tour I have been lucky enough to return home to the most beautiful city of them all.
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this award possible.”
Homebuyers seeking a coastal lifestyle within easy reach of Edinburgh have a fresh opportunity to secure a home in one of East Lothian’s most sought-after locations, as Cruden Homes releases 14 new properties at its award-winning Longniddry Village development.
With prices starting from £240,000, the latest release includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, two bedroom bungalows, three-bedroom terraced homes and the last chance to buy four-bedroom family homes.
Located in the heart of Longniddry, one of East Lothian’s most desirable villages, the development combines the charm of coastal living with excellent transport connections and everyday convenience.
Residents benefit from easy access to beaches, woodland walks, golf courses, local shops and schools, while Edinburgh city centre can be reached in under 20 minutes by train.
The newly released homes include the four-bedroom Hamilton A and Huntington house types, alongside a range of other properties designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of buyers.
Each home has been thoughtfully designed to offer modern, energy-efficient living, complemented by green spaces and a strong sense of community.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “Longniddry Village offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining the benefits of coastal village living with fantastic connections to Edinburgh and the wider East Lothian area.
“We’ve seen consistently strong demand from people attracted by the area’s natural beauty, strong community spirit and excellent local amenities. This latest release provides further opportunities for buyers at different stages of life, whether they’re purchasing their first home, looking for more space for a growing family or seeking to downsize without compromising on quality or location.”
Longniddry Village forms part of a wider vision to create a sustainable and connected community, with high-quality homes, landscaped public spaces and pedestrian-friendly routes that encourage active travel and outdoor living.
For more information on the latest release, visit www.cruden.co.uk or contact the sales team on 01875 666002. Showhomes are open Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm.
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is set to give beloved toys a new lease of life this weekend (20 – 21 June), as it hosts the Leith Toy Hospital for the very first time. Offering free toy repairs for local families. Coinciding with the buzz around Toy Story 5, visitors can bring along their well-loved teddies and dolls for expert TLC.
Run by skilled toy surgeons, the Toy Hospital based in Musselburgh specialises in soft toy and doll repair and restoration, giving cherished toys a new lease of life.
Visitors are invited to bring along teddies or dolls in need of repair to OMNi on 20 and 21 June where the Leith Toy Hospital team will be on hand to carry out first aid style repairs, along with prescription cards for toys needing further work offsite.
The pop-up toy hospital service is free of charge and charity donations for OMNi’s charity partner Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) are welcome on the day.
Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted to host Leith Toy Hospital’s expert team for the first time at OMNi.
“Offering free toy repairs is a fantastic way to give back to our community and bring families together around something truly special.”
Mari Jones, director of Leith Toy Hospital, added: “Favourite toys become part of the family, and just like Woody and Jessie, they each have a story to tell. It’s an honour to care for these treasured companions so that their stories can continue for many years to come.”
The free pop-up will take place from 10am-4pm on the 20th and 21st June, with no booking required. Free on-the-day repairs will include seam repairs, stuffing top ups, surface cleaning and sprucing up of fur.
The family fun doesn’t stop there… OMNi will continue its family entertainment into July, with money saving offers and a free craft station to keep little ones busy.
For full details, visit the OMNi website and join OMNi on its social channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
A new National Audit Office (NAO) report examines the progress and evidence underlying the costed proposals for the programme to restore and renew the Palace of Westminster (the Palace) and assesses them against established practice to determine whether the programme is currently set up for success.
The Palace, a Grade I listed building within a UNESCO World Heritage site, requires extensive restoration to address serious risks, including failing mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety issues and high levels of asbestos.
The Restoration and Renewal Programme (the Programme) is intended to address these concerns.
The Programme is now at a critical stage, with parliamentary approval being sought to reduce the number of options from four to two.
The two recommended options are:
Building on its previous work, this new report by the independent public spending watchdog finds that further delaying the decision on which option to pursue carries risks to achieving value for money, with each year of delay adding between £320 million to £420 million to the overall cost of delivering the Programme.
Although the options and their underlying estimates have been through a standard process of development and have been subject to internal and external checks to examine and assure them, all are at an early stage and are likely to face cost and schedule pressures as designs develop.
The costed proposals provide enough information for a decision, although the EMI options are less developed and more uncertain.
The proposals also recommend that Parliament approves an initial seven-year programme of ‘Phase One’ enabling works capped at £3 billion.
Undertaking these works is a sensible approach, as this allows the Programme to progress while managing several risks. But plans for how the works will be overseen and delivered need to be finalised.
Suitable temporary accommodation is essential if the Houses are to decant and Parliament is to function properly. All Programme options depend on this accommodation being ready on time, but current risks could delay the move, particularly the full decant option.
The Programme must also strengthen its governance arrangements to be able to bear down on cost, schedule and scope; manage interdependencies across the Programme; and support Parliament’s decision on the final delivery option.
To put the Programme on a stronger footing, the NAO recommends that the responsible delivery teams:
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, said: “Today’s NAO report on the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster provides valuable information to parliamentarians on the costs of the proposals and the significant decisions they will need to make.
“This project will affect the working lives of parliamentarians and staff for many decades to come. It is therefore vital that they are provided with comprehensive and accurate information in advance of a parliamentary vote, so that they can reach an informed judgement on this important matter.”
SUNDAY 28th JUNE from 11am – 2pm
Got something that’s broken? Want to try fixing it but not sure how?
Repair Café is a free community event where you can bring your item and volunteer fixers will guide you through your repair.
Sunday 28th this month, Repair Café Edinburgh will be at the LifeCare community hub at 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.
Repair Café volunteers will be on hand to help you to repair your broken electrical, electronic and mechanical devices such as toys, small / low-voltage electricals, laptops. We’ll have experts who can help you with bicycles, and our fabrics and clothing fixers will be here too.
Our café will be open for breakfast rolls, and refreshments
Want to learn how to fix something? The event is free, but we’re limited by time, spare parts, safety and capacity.
Please book in advance to check suitability and avoid disappointment!
Unfortunately not everything is fixable at our events to avoid disappointment we encourage you to email us at repaircafeedinburgh@gmail.com with your questions and to reserve your place. Or just turn up on the day and we’ll try to take a look.
Vote today for your favourite Pocket Garden – designed by children and young people, inspired by fresh water, including food for people, plants and habitats for wildlife.
Check out the inspiring designs, build photos and finished miniature gardens on the showcase, and vote for your top three – you have until the 22 June!
The UK and Japan are expected to agree investment creating tens of thousands of new jobs and more than £18 billion in economic gains, alongside a new partnership at the forefront of next-generation technologies.
Together the deals will back British industries across technology, clean energy, infrastructure development, and life sciences, supporting long-term growth across the country. These are sectors at the heart of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and building on a relationship with Japan already worth £140 billion.
The Prime Minister welcomed his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi to Downing Street yesterday [Sunday] ahead of the G7 in Évian-les-Bains.
Japanese and British business leaders will join the two prime ministers for a roundtable discussion on future opportunities for economic growth where over ten commercial and government agreements are expected to be signed.
The visit delivers a major vote of confidence in the UK economy, with Japanese investors setting out a five-year investment pipeline worth more than £9 billion, expected to build new towns and provide high-quality office space and innovation hubs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “These landmark agreements will bring multibillion pound investment into the UK, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and driving new developments.
“As G7 economies and close security partners, we are working together with Japan on some of the most innovative technology in the world, harnessing the best of British and Japanese research and industry to deliver growth and security to every corner of the United Kingdom.”
At the heart of the visit will be a landmark Offshore Wind Compact, developed in close partnership with Great British Energy to unlock up to £9 billion in Japanese investment into the UK’s offshore wind sector.
It will support the development of 5.9GW of floating offshore wind projects in the UK, including the Ossian and Green Volt projects off the East Coast in Scotland alongside the Erebus project in the Celtic Sea.
These pioneering projects will support jobs across the country, and when built, generate enough clean electricity to power 8 million homes.
By boosting homegrown clean energy, the deal will help reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets, strengthen energy security, help get bills down for good, and makes the UK Japan’s leading clean energy partner in Europe.
Hitachi Energy UK is set to create at least 500 new jobs over the next five years, providing vital expansion of the UK grid and bringing clean power that delivers growth. This includes 100 highly skilled roles at Hitachi Energy’s newly opened Glasgow Centre of Excellence, and over £18 million investment in a purpose-built facility in Stafford.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce will deepen collaboration with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency signing a new agreement with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory to develop next generation nuclear technologies. And our national laboratories (UKAEA and QST) and leading private companies will deepen their collaboration on fusion energy.
Communities like Hatfield are set to benefit from the package of deals, where Japanese life science firm, Eisai, is set to invest £48 million. The investment will create a new packaging facility for its innovative dementia treatment, backed by government funding.
The leaders are also expected to agree a new partnership to accelerate cooperation on the technologies of the future. The cutting-edge UK-Japan Frontier Tech Partnership (FTP), will see British research translated into scalable technology with Japanese investment, from AI and quantum, to civil nuclear and defence tech.
Building on momentum from London Tech Week, the FTP will deliver groundbreaking impact for the UK and Japan. This includes British firm ORCA Computing landing a landmark export deal – one of the first times a major corporation anywhere in the world has bought a quantum computer.
For the first time, a formal partnership between the UK Semiconductor Centre and Rapidus, Japan’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, creates a direct pathway for the UK semiconductor sector to manufacture cutting-edge chips used to power mobile phones, vehicles and modern devices.
During the meeting, the Prime Ministers are expected to confirm their shared commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, and discuss the launch of the next phase of the international programme, including through the international contract that will be signed by the end of the month.
A new Defence Capability and Industrial Council will foster greater industrial cooperation between the UK and Japan, accelerating the development of each other’s dual-use technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, helping UK defence firms access significant Japanese investment.
