The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 85 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

theSpaceUK announces first shows on sale for 2026 Festival Fringe

theSpaceUK has announced the first wave of shows on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, offering an early snapshot of a programme rooted in bold new writing, distinctive solo performance and genre-spanning cabaret and musicals.

Elsa Jean McTaggart marks 15 years of touring with #SHORN, a music-led theatre piece that combines original songs and spoken reflections, performed with long-time collaborator Gary Lister. Triple Lutz Productions’ Dear Michelle Kwan is a darkly comic coming-of-age story set inside a hyper-competitive figure skating rink, where teenage rituals, obsession, and girlhood collide.

Solo storytelling features prominently. In A Cat in a Box, Tom Nemec delivers an autobiographical play exploring love, trauma and recovery within a dysfunctional family, while Raising Cain Productions’ award-winning thriller The Night Ali Died reconstructs a single catastrophic evening through multiple perspectives.

Julie Flower returns following a five-star Fringe run with Grandma’s Shop, a multi-character solo show blending family history, subculture and community, set in a Sheffield second-hand clothes shop in the late 1980s.

Dark ensemble work is represented by Minotaur Theatre Company’s And The Little One Said, a late-90s-set black comedy in which a summer holiday unravels into violence and moral collapse. Political satire arrives in January 6th The Musical, where two aspiring performers attempt to sing and dance their way out of alleged involvement in the US Capitol insurrection.

From Italy, Action Theatre presents Democrazy, a physical-theatre, mask-led examination of populism and dictatorship, dedicated to Alexei Navalny.

The first on-sale announcement also includes cabaret and musical theatre. Canada’s The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue, winners of Best Large Group at the 2024 Burlesque Hall of Fame Awards, celebrate 20 years with a body-positive variety spectacular. Vocal trio The Sundaes return with Diva Las Vegas, a short-run cabaret celebrating iconic divas, while Thank You for the Muesli offers an ABBA-inspired musical comedy with pun-heavy exuberance.

Musical theatre highlights include Music & Murder By…, a darkly comic new musical set at a writers’ retreat that turns fatal, and Spraywatch: A Beautiful Rescue, an unauthorised 90s-inspired seaside musical comedy from Low Fat Productions.

I Made You a Mixtape by Response Theatre Company is a movement-led dance theatre piece set at a 1990s dorm party, using popular music to explore friendship, identity and memory, with each performance shaped live in response to sound.

Drylaw Telford Community Council meets on Monday

“Is Community Council only for older people?”

Absolutely NOT! We need voices from ALL ages and backgrounds:

Parents (school safety, play areas, youth services)

Young professionals (transport, local businesses)

Older residents (accessibility, community safety)

Students (affordable housing, local amenities)

New residents (welcome to our community!)

Different perspectives = better decisions for EVERYONE

Join us Monday, 23rd February, 6:30 PM – Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

EVOC Consultation: Edinburgh’s Community Plan 2018-2028 Refresh

Edinburgh has changed dramatically since the current community plan (LOIP) was last revised. We need people working in the third sector to share their insights at an in-person event:

Thursday 26th February, 9.30am – 12.30pm

at Norton Park Business and Conference Centre

AGENDA:

09:30am – 10:00am

Registration, breakout group signup and refreshments

10:00 am – 10:15am

Overview of the refresh of the Community Plan (2018-2028)

10:15 am – 12:15 pm

Facilitated Round Table Discussions

12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Summary and close

Our communities need change!

Leith Chooses 2026 sees ten new community projects get the go-ahead

Community projects have been given the green light after another successful public vote at the annual Leith Chooses event.

Thanks to the decisions of people in the Leith (ward 13) and Leith Walk (ward 12) areas of the city, the following organisations have received Community Grant Funding to progress projects that seek to improve wellbeing in Leith:

Dr Bell’s Family Centre – ‘Wellbeing in Leith’
Milan Senior Welfare Organisation – ‘Leith Connections’
Leith Community Growers – ‘Dùthchas – Growing an Orchard for the People’
Edinburgh Community Food – ‘Tasty Tales of Leith’
Water of Leith Conservation Trust – ‘Coalie Coalition Resources’
Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council – ‘Efficient and Healthy Cooking’
Pilmeny Development Project – ‘Wellbeing in Leith: Supporting Older People Out of Isolation’
Living Memory Association – ‘The Wee Hub’
Mustard Seed Edinburgh – ‘Roots and Routes: Conversations on Easter Road’
Kin Collective Family Wellbeing – ‘Kin Begins: Community Wellbeing Pregnancy Support’

From a community orchard to activity programmes tackling social isolation, this year will see the start of a variety of exciting new experiences in the area.

A full description of each project can be found on the Leith Chooses website.

PIC: Tim Duffin

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “It’s great to see so many fantastic local projects benefitting through the Leith Chooses scheme. I look forward to seeing the difference this investment will make over the coming months.

“Participatory budgeting gives residents a genuine voice and real influence over how public funds are allocated, and it has been delivering meaningful results in Leith for more than a decade.

“I’m delighted that nearly £2million of income generated from the visitor levy is now going to use participatory budgeting to support activity that makes a difference for communities right across Edinburgh.”

Steering Group Chair Councillor Susan Rae said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in another successful Leith Chooses. I’m really looking forward to seeing these new projects develop.

“There’s a big push for Participatory Budgeting across the city of Edinburgh, and I’m just delighted to see it continue in Leith, well over a decade since it was first conceived.”

Steering group volunteer member and Harbour Homes’ Placemaking & Employability Officer Rachel Hutton said: “I was truly impressed and inspired to be part of my first Leith Chooses event.

“The passion of local people and the commitment shown by fund applicants are remarkable — qualities that would make anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Leith proud. This is what community involvement looks like in action.”

Steering Group Member Councillor Jack Caldwell said: “Once again, hundreds of people turned out to support wellbeing in Leith.

“Community Grant Funding continues to be vitally important for residents of all ages, and it’s great to see so many people across our neighbourhoods share so much enthusiasm for community wellbeing, and we’ll no doubt see some great projects take shape.”

Knitted Bible Exhibition at Blackhall St Columba’s next month

We are excited to bring this exhibition to Scotland for only the 2nd time in its history. Please look at the notice to see when it is available to see and come along with some friends.

We hope to see you here.

Please share this post!

Edinburgh’s month-long celebration of food & drink returns this March

A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals, special menus and curated experiences from some of the capital’s best bars and restaurants.

Following a standout 2025 campaign, Eat Out Edinburgh 2026 will once again run for the entire month, bringing family, friends and colleagues together to support the city centre’s hospitality scene. More than 50 venues are expected to take part this year, building on last year’s momentum.

Founded in 2022 by Essential Edinburgh, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), the campaign encourages people to explore new cuisines while taking advantage of discounts and limited-time offers.

In 2025, the initiative delivered tangible results for participating businesses, with bookings up by 31% for the month of March, a 33% increase in sales, and 75% of diners going on to shop elsewhere in the BID after their meal.

Once again, Eat Out Edinburgh will showcase a diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and bars across Princes Street to George Street, St Andrew Square and St James Quarter. Popular city favourites like Dishoom, Hawksmoor, Contini, SUSHISAMBA and more will return alongside a strong line-up of new additions for 2026.

Restaurants joining for the first time include Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral, ASSAGGINI, The Garden at The Kimpton, The Caley Bar, Miele, and Wahaca, adding even more variety to this year’s campaign.

A full list of participating venues and offers will be available soon on the Eat Out Edinburgh website, featuring exclusive menus, events and deals.

Diners are encouraged to sign up for updates and browse the latest offers at www.eatoutedinburgh.com.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Last year’s campaign really demonstrated the power of Eat Out Edinburgh, not just in driving bookings but in encouraging people to spend more time in the city centre.

“Seeing a 31% increase in bookings shows the real impact this initiative has on our hospitality businesses at a time when restaurants need the most support.

“With an exciting mix of returning favourites and new openings joining the campaign this year, we’re confident 2026 will offer something for everyone – from impromptu lunches to celebratory dinners – giving locals, workers and visitors even more reasons to explore all the experiences our city centre offers, and support our hospitality sector.”

For more information, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit:

www.eatoutedinburgh.com

Puberty blockers trial paused over concerns from medicines watchdog

PATHWAYS clinical trial paused following new MHRA advice

The MHRA have raised new concerns around the PATHWAYS trial looking into the prescription of puberty blockers among young people with gender incongruence.

The preliminary work in establishing the PATHWAYS clinical trial into the prescription of puberty blockers for children and young people with gender incongruence has been paused, following new concerns raised by the medicines regulator, the MHRA.

Discussions between the MHRA and the trial sponsor, King’s College London, will begin next week to address the new concerns. In the meantime, the trial will not start to recruit until issues raised by MHRA have been resolved between the regulator and the trial clinicians.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We have always been clear about the red lines regarding this trial – ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people involved and always being led by the clinical evidence.

“The MHRA has now raised new concerns – directly related to the wellbeing of children and young people – and scientific dialogue will now follow with the trial sponsor.

“As the evidence is now being interrogated by clinicians, preparations for the trial have been paused while the MHRA and clinical leaders work through these concerns.

“This trial will only be allowed to go ahead if the expert scientific and clinical evidence and advice conclude it is both safe and necessary.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people have always been the driving consideration in every decision we have made regarding this trial and always will be.”

An MHRA spokesperson commented: “With all complex clinical trials, MHRA’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of the trial participants.

“It is part of the usual process that clinical trials are kept continuously under review and for us to have active scientific dialogue with the trial sponsors.

“The safety and wellbeing of the participants to be recruited into the PATHWAYS clinical trial is paramount, particularly in view of the age of the children and young people who may be involved.

“For this reason, the MHRA is applying the highest scrutiny and taking a cautious and measured approach. We have raised some concerns related to the wellbeing of participants and scientific dialogue will now follow with the trial sponsor.

“We rely on the best scientific evidence to ensure all trials are as safe as possible for those participating.”

The MHRA has written to King’s College London. A copy of the letter is available here Sponsor letter (PDF, 1.23 MB, 4 pages)

An Evening with Gregor Fisher

21st MARCH at EDINBURGH EICC

Scottish acting legend Gregor Fisher invites audiences to an intimate evening of memories, laughter and the kind of behind-the-scenes tales you won’t find on IMDb.

Joined on stage by long-time friend and director Nigel West, Fisher promises “an evening of reminiscences, stories and things you’ve never heard before” with a wink, a grin and maybe a few surprises he probably shouldn’t tell.

From Rab C. Nesbitt to Para Handy, from Mr Squeers to Love Actually, Fisher’s career has spanned decades, genres and wigs. Expect reflections on the highs, the lows and the “probably best forgotten” moments of a life spent in the wonderfully unpredictable world of show business.

“We’ll be talking about everything from adoption to acting, from The Baldy Man to Mr Bumble, from cocaine to Christmas movies (the cocaine’s a lie, by the way, but I’m trying to sell tickets),” says Fisher.

“It’s not a grand performance, more of a friendly chat. There’ll be stories, laughs and maybe a few moments that make you think, ‘I did not know that about him.’”

Far from a formal retrospective, this is Fisher at his best: candid, sharp and effortlessly funny. A night where the stories come with a pint’s warmth, the humour lands close to home and the man himself reminds us why he remains one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring screen personalities.

Celebrated for his versatility and comic talent, Fisher has built a career that balances heart and humour with ease. His credits include the iconic Rab C. Nesbitt, Michael Radford’s Merchant of Venice, 1984 (1984), Naked Video (1986), The Railway Children (2000), Love Actually (2003), Oliver Twist (2007) and The Cockfields (2019). Known for his distinctive wit and grounded performances, he continues to bring warmth and humanity to every role.

Most recently, he completed filming the second series of BBC One’s Only Child, following rave reviews for his performance in the first.

Relaxed, honest and a bit daft at times, the evening promises laughter, nostalgia and a genuine peek behind the curtain of a life in this mad old business.

What the press have said about Gregor Fisher:

“Fisher’s a great storyteller” The Scotsman

“This is a man who could make reciting the alphabet uproarious” The Guardian

“Irresistibly funny” The Herald

TOUR LISTINGS:

13 March 2026 Lanark: Memorial Hall

15 March 2026 Dunfermline: Alhambra

21 March 2026 Edinburgh: EICC

27 March 2026 Greenock: Beacon Arts Centre

28 March 2026 Perth: Concert Hall

29 March 2026 Aberdeen: Music Hall

12 April 2026 Birmingham: Glee

13 April 2026 Bury St Edmunds: Apex

15 April 2026 Leeds: City Varieties Music Hall

17 April 2026 Milton Keynes: The Stables

22 April 2026 Glasgow: Pavilion Theatre

23 April 2026 Glasgow: Pavilion Theatre

With Further Dates To Be Announced

Full listings info: www.fieryentertainment.com

History-making referee Hollie Davidson partners with five star recovery partner

RECOVERY and resilience are in focus in Edinburgh as one of Scotland’s most pioneering rugby referees begins a new personal collaboration with one of the city’s leading spas.

The new partnership will see Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa collaborate with Hollie Davidson, the trailblazing female Scottish official who continues to break new ground in global rugby. The collaboration will support her recovery both on and off the pitch.

Hollie Davidson, the trailblazing Scottish official who continues to break new ground in the global game, is working with Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa as part of her wider focus on wellbeing alongside the physical and mental demands of elite officiating.

In February 2026, Hollie made history as the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match, taking charge of Ireland v Italy. The year before, she officiated a men’s All Blacks Test- another landmark moment in her career and in the evolution of professional rugby.

A former scrum-half, Hollie moved into officiating after her playing career and has since established herself as one of the most respected officials in the professional game, recognised for her fitness, authority and calm decision-making under intense global scrutiny.

For Hollie, prioritising recovery and balance away from match days is essential to sustaining performance at the highest level.

“Elite officiating demands the same physical conditioning and mental sharpness as playing at the top level,” she said. “You’re constantly moving, constantly analysing, and expected to make split-second decisions in front of millions. Taking time to reset and look after yourself away from the pitch is an important part of that.”

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, which celebrated 40 years in the capital in 2025, is home to the award-winning One Spa, widely recognised as one of Scotland’s leading urban wellness destinations, offering state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, thermal experiences and tailored treatments designed to support both relaxation and performance recovery.

The collaboration reflects the hotel’s commitment to wellness and personalised guest experiences, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers seeking both luxury and restoration in the heart of Edinburgh.

Fiona Young, Spa Director at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “Hollie represents dedication, resilience and professionalism at the highest level of sport. The physical demands placed on international referees are immense, and recovery is not optional, it is integral to maintaining peak condition.

She continued: “At One Spa, our 19m heated indoor infinity edge pool, rooftop hydropool and thermal suite are designed to improve circulation, ease muscular tension and support overall wellbeing. Partnering with Hollie allows us to demonstrate how those facilities can play a meaningful role in elite athletic preparation.”

That sustained pressure makes structured recovery essential, from muscular rehabilitation to mental reset, aligning closely with the spa’s holistic approach to wellbeing.

Copyright Matthew Shaw All rights reserved and all moral rights asserted. See licence supplied with this image for full terms & conditions. Copy available at: www.matthewshaw.co.uk/copyright.html Not for use by architects, interior designers or other hotel suppliers without permission from Matthew Shaw

Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa blends contemporary Scottish style with five-star hospitality, offering luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and modern conference facilities alongside its flagship wellness offering.

To find more information, please follow: https://www.onespa.com/

Campaign launched to tackle risk of heart attacks and strokes

People in Edinburgh are being urged to prioritise their heart health by getting a free blood pressure test when shopping.

Tesco have partnered with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to encourage people in Edinburgh to take a moment for their wellbeing this Heart Month by visiting a Tesco pharmacy for a quick and friendly blood pressure check.

Latest information from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities estimates that 62,900 in Edinburgh are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.*

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. However, because high blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, the only way to know is to get tested. When identified early, high blood pressure can be effectively managed, helping to protect long‑term health.

Tom Lye, Category Director for Health & Wellness at Tesco, said:“We want looking after your health to feel as simple as going into Tesco to do a shop. Our pharmacy teams are here to offer a quick, friendly blood pressure check – no fuss, no appointment needed. A few minutes in store can help to give peace of mind or get you support early if it’s needed.”

Tesco pharmacy teams offer the free walk-in and pre-booked 10‑minute blood pressure check, carried out in private consultation rooms. They will explain the results clearly and, if a raised reading is detected, guide customers towards the appropriate next steps or support. All Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy staff undergo specialist Let’s Talk training to help them speak to the public with sensitivity about heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

The latest campaign, which has launched during Heart Month, builds on the partnership between Tesco and the British Heart Foundation, encouraging the public to fit a blood pressure check into their everyday routine.

As well as the free in store checks, Tesco Magazine and the Tesco Real Food website are featuring heart healthy recipes including dishes with low salt and low saturated fat to help customers cook confidently at home.

The wider Tesco Health Charity Partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK was launched in 2018 and is built on the simple belief that Every Little Help can make a big difference. Until 1 March, customers can also choose to round up their shop to the nearest £1, to raise money for the Health Charity Partnership.

Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, said: “High blood pressure affects roughly one in three adults, yet many people remain unaware they have it because it usually presents no obvious signs. When it goes undetected, it can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is why it’s so important for as many people as possible to get their blood pressure checked.

“Although high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if ignored, the positive news is that it can be managed. Small lifestyle changes like being more active and reducing foods high in fat, salt and sugar can have a real impact – medication is also available when needed.

“Getting your blood pressure checked at a community location like your local Tesco is quick, straightforward and could be one of the most vital steps you take to protect your heart and overall health. Know your numbers this Heart Month.”

A free blood pressure test at your nearest Tesco pharmacy takes about 10 minutes, and Tesco colleagues will guide you through what the numbers mean.