Edinburgh International Book Festival welcomes Alice Oseman

Full day of FREE themed activities to coincide with headline YA event at McEwan Hall

  • On Tuesday 13 August award-winning YA author and HEARTSTOPPER creator Alice Oseman appears in an EIBF event in conversation with author Lauren James
  • In tandem a full day of FREE themed events will take place at the Festivals new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute
  • From the chance to write a letter to your younger self, to posting your letter to Alice via the onsite postbox, making your own zine, and chilling out with some gorgeous dogs from Therapets®, there is something for all ages to enjoy 

On Tuesday 13 August the Edinburgh International Book Festival will welcome award-winning author and HEARTSTOPPER creator Alice Oseman to the Festival with a whole day of FREE events and activities for audiences of all ages.

Alice Oseman says: ‘I always love visiting the Edinburgh International Book Festival and I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with them and BKMRK for a whole bunch of extra special Heartstopper activity on site this year.

“There’s loads for fans and festival goers to get involved with, whether that’s coming along to the event itself or getting creative with the free zine making sessions, hugging a Therapets puppy, or joining in on the Heartstopper treasure hunt – I can’t wait to see you all there!’

Alice, who enjoys global success thanks to their graphic novel HEARTSTOPPER series (and subsequent Netflix show of the same name) will be in conversation with young adult author Lauren James at an event at McEwan Hall as part of the Festival’s Front List.

The pair will discuss the success of the series which tells the story of the ups and downs of first loves, friendships, coming out and mental health.

Aspiring illustrators, comic creators and all round creatives can relax in the dedicated Chill Out Zone on site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute throughout the day.  Inside there will be drop-in zine making sessions courtesy of the Glasgow Zine Library. 

For those needing a more mellow moment, Therapets® will also be joining us for the day in this brand new outdoor area. In keeping with the relaxed vibe of this space, the Therapets® are dogs with calm and gentle dispositions, who love being petted, and bring canine cuddles to site.

Throughout the day of Alice’s event, LGBT Youth Scotland will be onsite at EFI delivering self led activities in Venue C, and there will be Heartstopper leaves for visitors of all ages to write messages to their past selves. 

If you would like to share your experience pre-or-post event you can catch a sound recorder roaming around site, and there will also be a podcast episode with Alice to listen back to after the day is over.(TBC) You will have the option to add your stories and letters to their (Un)seen, (Un)heard archive.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is also delighted to be partnering with Young Scot, with the Young Scot Reward scheme offering 15 members an opportunity to win the chance to attend Alice Oseman in conversation with Lauren James with a friend, as well as an exclusive meet and greet with the author.

Fans of Alice’s will also have the opportunity to share their very own letters with Alice via an onsite postbox and will be able to record dedicated vox pops via a special sound recorder.

Before all of this, from Mon 29 July you can also snap a selfie with a series of illustrated posters at three city centre sites, to be in with a chance to win a signed complete HEARTSTOPPER Vol 1-5 set, and tickets to Alice’s event on 13 August.

Young Scot Chief Executive, Kirsten Urquhart, said: “We continuously aspire to provide unique opportunities for young people.

“It is therefore extremely exciting to have partnered with the Edinburgh International Book Festival to offer a chance for Young Scot Members to win tickets to see Alice Oseman, author of the global phenomenon Heartstopper, in conversation with Lauren James. If you’re not already a member you can sign up for free here. We hope the lucky winners have an incredible day!”

At a time when the cost of living crisis continues to impact families, the Book Festival is committed to providing free events and entertainment through its two week run to ensure that all young people in the capital, and indeed from further afield, can enjoy engaging with books and the power of words.

These events make up Future Tense, the first Edinburgh International Book Festival programme from Director Jenny Niven, and it will unfold for the first time at the Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

The full programme can be found here: 

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on

Four arrested after police chase

Around 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday, 28 July), two cars which had been stolen from the Trinity area were seen by officers on Maybury Road.

The occupants of the vehicles made off from the scene on foot and were traced nearby by officers a short time later in possession of a number of weapons.

Four males aged 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Police would like to thank the public for their help with this investigation.

Rachel Reeves: “It is time to level with the public and tell them the truth”

  • Chancellor to pledge to ‘fix the foundations of our economy’ as she unveils the spending inheritance left by the previous government.
  • Reeves to set out reforms to deliver economic stability and protect the public finances, as she announces date of Budget later this year.
  • Office of Value for Money formed to challenge government to deliver better value for money for taxpayers.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will this afternoon (Monday 29 July, after 3:30pm) vow to ‘fix the foundations of our economy’ as she publishes an audit of the spending inheritance left by the previous administration.

Accusing the previous government of ‘covering up the true state of the public finances,’ the Chancellor will announce immediate action to restore economic stability and deliver departmental savings this financial year.

The announcements will be a response to the findings of the Treasury’s spending audit, which shows that the previous government overspent this year’s budgets by billions of pounds after making a series of unfunded promises.

The Chancellor will confirm that she has commissioned an Office for Budget Responsibility forecast to coincide with a Budget and Spending Review to be held later this year.

The Budget will set out how the government’s robust fiscal rules will be met: balancing the current budget so that day-to-day costs are met by revenues and getting debt falling as a share of the economy by the fifth year of the forecast.

Speaking in the House of Commons later today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to say: “Before the election, I said we would face the worst inheritance since the Second World War.

“Taxes at a seventy year high. Debt through the roof. An economy only just coming out of recession. I knew all those things. I was honest about them during the election campaign. And the difficult choices it meant.

“But upon my arrival at the Treasury three weeks ago, it became clear that there were things I did not know. Things that the party opposite covered up from the country.”

She will add: “It is time to level with the public and tell them the truth.

“The previous government refused to take the difficult decisions. They covered up the true state of the public finances. And then they ran away. I will never do that.

“The British people voted for change and we will deliver that change. I will restore economic stability. I will never stand by and let this happen again.

“We will fix the foundations of our economy, so we can rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off.”

The Chancellor will announce she is committing the government to one major fiscal event per year to put an end to ‘surprise budgets’ which have previously caused uncertainty for both the markets and family finances across the country.

A new Office of Value for Money will be established, using pre-existing civil service resource, to put an end to wasteful spending in government, providing targeted scrutiny of public spending so that value for money governs every decision government makes.

The Office will immediately begin work on identifying and recommending savings for the current financial year, while also establishing where targeted reforms of the system can ensure that poor value for money spending is cut off before it begins.

Reforms bearing down on waste in the public sector will also be announced today, driving efficiency through government departments and arms length bodies (ALBs). Immediate action will be taken to stop non-essential spending on consultants, alongside disposing of surplus estates and hastening delivering admin efficiencies in departments.

Earlier this month, the Government introduced the Budget Responsibility Bill at the King’s Speech to deliver economic stability by guaranteeing that never again can a government play fast and loose with the public finances.

The Bill ensures all significant fiscal announcements on tax or spending which are worth more than 1% of the UK’s GDP will be subject to scrutiny by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility. This will guard against large-scale unfunded commitments in the future.

FORMER Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the new Labour government is ‘peddling nonsense’. He added: “The books were wide open and what they show is a healthy, growing economy.”

The Conservatives claimed throughout the recent election campaign that Rachel Reeves secretly plans to raise taxes.

Drumbrae Library Hub: Summer events continue next week

THIS week Drumbrae library saw a lot of great gaming, including some cool creations like a powered beacon in Minecraft and a spectacular volcano!

Next week we have some crafty events which are so popular they’ve already been booked up, but our usual Friday Craft and Lego Time will still be on and open to everyone of suitable age.

Keep an eye out for our updates on food delivered to the sharing shelf and any extra news we’ve got to share.

Gilded Balloon announce foodie pop-ups at brand new bar

PLUS LOCAL BREWERY NEWBARNS LAUNCH GILDED BALLOON’S VERY OWN PINKTASTIC PINTS

A brand new bar is set to open in the heart of Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August, as some of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.

The hidden gem will serve up everything from frozen cocktails, Kegronis and Gilded Balloon’s very own beer. 

Located at 19-20 Teviot Place, in the former Saboteur venue, Lucky Penny will welcome Fringe fans, acts and industry to the bar, which will be run in partnership with local brewery Newbarns, serving up fresh pints and cocktails as well as the very best Edinburgh food and drink pop-ups.

Gilded Balloon is a family run business, operated by mother-daughter duo Katy and Karen Koren, with Lucky Penny named after the newest member of the family, Katy’s daughter Penny. 

Lucky Penny opens from 12pm on 31st July until 26th August meaning foodie fans have almost four weeks to pop in and try some of the incredible Edinburgh vendors taking over the bespoke bar from 1-6pm for daytime dining like no other.

Locals and tourists alike can take a break from Fringe fun to feast on the capital’s very best food offerings in Lucky Penny before heading off to experience over 3000 shows on offer at the Festival. 

Plus, renowned Leith brewers Newbarns have introduced a special Gilded Balloon themed IPA ‘Hiya Pals’ with pinktastic pints set to be poured in the Leith Newbarns taproom, at Lucky Penny and across all Gilded Balloon venue bars at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland.

Gilded Balloon work with Scottish brands Tennent’s Lager, Newbarns and Leith Spirits to provide spirits, beer,cider and more across all of their Fringe bars. 

Open 7 days a week from 12pm – late, Lucky Penny will welcome a relishing roster of seven different foodie pop-ups throughout the month of August including: 

Alby’s take on a classic hot dog with Big Hot Bangers, deep fried specialists Big Dip, authentic Greek food from Spitaki, fried chicken connoisseurs Wing Theory, Lebanese street food from Lazeez, Vietnamese cuisine from Banh Mi Brothers, as well as frozen cocktails and mimosas from Pulp Friction. Plus, award winning pies from Jarvis Pickle will be available all day and night throughout the Festival for tasty bites in between shows! See below for full line-up and dates. 

As one of the Fringe’s original, and pinkest, venues, Gilded Balloon’s brand new Lucky Penny is in addition to bars at two venues Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland. The pop up bar will be operated in partnership with Edinburgh’s Newbarns Brewery, pouring their own easy-drinking pale ales and lagers, Aperol Spritzes and Gin Fizzes, as well as Kegronis from other local favourite Electric Spirit, meaning Negronis on tap all summer long! 

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s so exciting to reveal our incredible line-up of vendors who will be popping up at Lucky Penny and bringing some of Edinburgh’s very best food to Fringe.

“From fresh hot sandwiches from Alby’s to authentic Greek food from Spitaki, Pulp Friction’s frozen cocktails and even Negronis on tap, Lucky Penny will be the spot to chill out and grab a bite of some of the city’s most delicious food before taking in lots of Fringe shows!

“We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors to Lucky Penny and welcoming Fringe fans, performers and the Fringe community and industry to the brand new space for some ‘Hiya Pals’ pints in the sun, fresh out of the tap from our pals at Newbarns.”

Emma McIntosh, Director of Newbarns Brewery said: “As a local Leith brewery, working with a renowned local Edinburgh Fringe venue such as Gilded Balloon made perfect sense.

“We’ve created our bespoke ‘Hiya Pals’ IPA in collaboration with Gilded Balloon, available exclusively throughout the Festival in our brand new perfectly pink cans. We hope Newbarns fans will pop along to the Lucky Penny to sip on some freshly brewed pints this August!” 

LUCKY PENNY – AUGUST TAKEOVERS

Spitaki, 1-6pm 

Thursday 1st

Sunday 4th

Thursday 15th

Lazeez, 1-6pm

Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd 

Pulp Friction, 7-10pm

Saturday 3rd 

Wednesday 14th

Thursday 22nd

Saturday 24th 

Wing Theory, 1-6pm

Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th August

Big Dip, 1-6pm

Saturday 17th August – Sunday 18th August

Banh Mi Brothers, 1-6pm 

Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th August 

Alby’s, 1-6pm

Sunday 25th August

Jarvis Pickle Pies

Daily 

Walk-ins only, no bookings. Open to the general public from 12pm – 6pm,  artist and VIP bar only from 7pm. 

Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.

Big name stars from Michelle Brasier and Jack Docherty will take to the stage alongside comedy’s very best newcomers from Joshua Bethania to Kathleen Hughes, as well as an expertly-curated programme of theatre such as Chemo Savvy, a tribute to the late Andy Gray, The Steamie, Pop Off, Michelangelo and much more. 

Fringe By The Sea: Score a Hat-trick in North Berwick next Saturday!

MUST-SEE THREE: Ray Mears, Tinderbox Orchestra, Yoko Pwno

With our big top headliner Del Amitri SOLD OUT (sob, sob) many weeks ago, it’s just as well we have oodles of other fab musical extravaganzas on next Saturday 3rd August…

In the Lodge Tent, you’ll find Yoko Pwno deliver their brilliant mash-up of original folk and electronic beats – a sound to behold.  

Earlier in the day the Tinderbox Orchestra will have the big top bouncing with a live musical experience that’s like no other.  “This is an orchestra Jim, but not as we know it…”

And if you’re after something more sedate or tips on how to survive on the wild side, Ray Mears is your man. What he doesn’t know about living in the great outdoors probably isn’t worth knowing.   

Of course, there’s plenty more comedy, kids shows and outright creative brilliance on show next Saturday, so take your pick and make a great big day out to the seaside complete. 

Don’t leave it too late, or you might just miss out like many a Del Amitri fan…

Further Education funding: Have your say in public consultation

A consultation on simplifying funding for universities, colleges, apprenticeships and student support is open for views.

The proposals presented in the consultation will help make the system easier for learners to navigate.

Have your say:

http://ow.ly/wWbu50SoZpf

Indo-Scottish links take flight

DIRECT FLIGHT ADVOCACY GROUP CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

A ground-breaking initiative to foster stronger economic, cultural, and educational ties between Scotland and India is set to take flight (writes AIKYA NAIK).

The Direct Flight Advocacy Group, comprising high-profile representatives from major IT companies, tourism operators, educational institutions, and aviation authorities, is launching a campaign to establish direct flight routes between Scotland and India.

The official launch event, featuring the unveiling of a dedicated website and survey, took place on July 24 at the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh.

The current absence of direct flight routes between any Scottish city and India represents a significant missed opportunity for enhancing connectivity and collaboration. Establishing direct flights will provide convenience and unlock substantial benefits for both nations.

Event Highlights

The event was held at the Consulate General of India, Edinburgh, where distinguished guests and stakeholders gathered to discuss the importance of this initiative and the positive impact it promises.

The evening featured speeches from key advocates and stakeholders, including:

Consul General of India said: “The Consul General of India is proud to support this initiative. Direct flights between Scotland and India will significantly enhance our cultural and economic exchanges, bringing our communities closer together.

“We see immense potential for growth in tourism, trade, and educational collaboration with the establishment of these direct routes.”

Christopher Tibbett, Aviation Director at Glasgow Airport, said: “We are very keen for a flight to India.

“It is the highest-demand country without a flight to Scotland, and we are determined to make it happen.”

Gary Cox, Director for Aviation, Scottish Government, said: “India is a real priority market for us.

“We are working with airlines to incentivise them to come to Scotland. A new direct route can stimulate extra demand, and we are committed to securing a daily route.”

VisitScotland’s Denise Hill, said: “We’ve seen a huge growth in tourism post-COVID, particularly from high-spending international visitors.

“We are very keen to see direct flights from India, which would bring longer-staying and higher-spending visitors, further boosting our tourism industry.”

Lynsey Burns, Airline Relationship Manager at Edinburgh Airport, said: “The prospect of a direct flight route to India is so exciting and achievable.

“We have substantial data proving the demand, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.”

Confidential Insights

Confidential research by Glasgow & Edinburgh Airport suggests that a direct flight route presents a substantial opportunity for aviation growth.

Delhi, due to its strategic location, can serve as a key connecting hub for destinations like Australia, Singapore, and Thailand, saving significant fuel and operational costs.

Furthermore, there is a considerable freight potential, estimated at over £300 million per year, enhancing trade between Scotland and India.

Call for Support

The advocacy group is calling on all stakeholders, including airlines, government officials, business leaders, and the general public, to support this initiative.

The campaign website and survey aim to gather valuable insights and demonstrate the commercial viability of the route.

Next Steps

Following the launch in Edinburgh, the advocacy group plans to host a follow-up event in Glasgow in early September to present the survey results and further engage with stakeholders.

This transparent approach ensures that both cities receive equal opportunities and benefits from the initiative.

About the Direct Flight Advocacy Group

The Direct Flight Advocacy Group is a coalition of representatives from major IT companies, tourism operators, educational institutions, and aviation authorities, dedicated to establishing direct flight routes between Scotland and India.

The group aims to unlock significant economic, cultural, and educational benefits through enhanced connectivity.

Advocacy group members

Puneet Dwivedi MBE(Founding Member), Chetan Sharma(Founding Member), Gopalan Rajagopalan(Founding Member), Alok Singh(Support Member), Sujeet Singh(Support Member), Deepak Yadav(Support Member), Deepak Verma(Finance and Audit), Vishwanathan Panyam(Support Member), Priyaa(Advocacy Group Secretariat).

URGENT: Have you seen Wilma?

*** WILMA HAS BEEN FOUND ****

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace Wilma Cameron who has been reported missing from Armadale.

The vulnerable 79-year-old was seen in Armadale around 8.30am this morning – Sunday, 28 July, 2024.

Wilma is believed to have travelled to Edinburgh and may have been in the Waterloo Place area around 10.20am. She has connections to Aberdeen and may be trying to travel to there.

Wilma is described as 5 ft 5, of slim build with short, white hair. When last seen she was wearing a cream puffer jacket, white and grey checked trousers and carrying a green handbag.

Inspector Andy Meikle from Livingston Police Station said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Wilma’s welfare and it is important that we trace her.

“She has links to Aberdeen and may be using public transport to travel.

“We would urge anyone who thinks they may have seen her to please let us know.”

Anyone who has any information regarding Wilma’s whereabouts can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number PS-20240724-1268.

Third drug-checking licence application submitted

Glasgow joins Dundee and Aberdeen in £1 million pilot scheme

A licence application has been submitted to the UK Government Home Office for a drug-checking pilot to be established in Glasgow.

The Glasgow health and social care partnership service would be based at a hub on the same site as the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility which is scheduled to open later this year.

The Glasgow drug-checking service would allow dependent drug users to submit a drug sample which will then be tested to identify the substance. HSCP staff at the site will then be able to provide specific health and harm-reduction information directly to people who have come in.

It follows applications from organisations in Aberdeen and Dundee for similar facilities earlier this year. Scottish Government funding of £1 million has been committed to establish the three sites.

Speaking during a visit to the site of the Glasgow hub, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Glasgow’s licence application is a welcome milestone.

“Drug-checking facilities would enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends – which is particularly important given the presence of highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. These increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, and are being found in a range of substances.

“We’re taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot in Glasgow, supported by £2.3 million in ringfenced funding.

“I was pleased to see the progress that has been made and I’m grateful to everyone involved for their hard work. This facility is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that they work.”

City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services Councillor Allan Casey said: “Glasgow’s plans to open Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility are progressing well and the submission of a Home Office licence application to operate a drug-checking service is another step towards providing comprehensive harm-reduction measures at our Hunter Street site.

“Being able to test drug samples on site will give staff the opportunity to engage with service users about what they’re using and provide harm-reduction advice and support. 

“Engagement with local businesses, residents and community groups regarding the opening of our safer drug consumption facility is still ongoing. We recently completed a successful recruitment campaign, supported by volunteers with lived experience, and staff will be coming into post in the coming weeks, where they will undertake induction and training plans.”