The festival has teamed up with R2 and Lauriston Farm to bring you food demonstrations and free HOT tatties n toppings and Leek & Tattie Soup.
Many organisations in North Edinburgh have planted potatoes at Lauriston Farm over the last month or two. These tatties wont be ready for our festival but we have been extremely lucky to have received a very kind donation of tatties from Potato House/Skea Organics and Denhead Farm.
At the festival we will have 5-6 food demonstrations from cooks in our local community showcasing diverse cultural recipes using the humble potato as the main ingredient.
MasterChef Sarah Rankin Cooks, will be putting our cooks through their paces pre festival so that they are ready to take on the day at the festival.
Scran Academy will be providing hot baked potatoes from Denhead Farm with toppings courtesy of Asda and Empty Kitchens Full Hearts SCIO will be handing out free Leek and Potato soup using the potatoes from The Potato House.
Potato House is the baby potato of Skea Organics, and grew out of a need to service smaller orders for gardeners, allotment growers, market gardeners and independent gardening and hardware stores.
They also supply eating potatoes to shops, box schemes and restaurants as well as to the general public. The Potato House website is dedicated to the gardeners and small passionate growers who are looking for high-quality seed potatoes with unique taste and specific characteristics.
So many thanks to Potato House, Denhead Farm, Sarah Rankin for the potatoes.
Recipes from the cooks will also be available to view on The Love of Potatoes website too. The Love Potatoes website is dedicated to chefs and passionate home cooks looking for fantastic potato recipes using high-quality potatoes.
Post festival, the cooks will host lunch clubs showcasing their recipes again in the lead up to the Harvest Festival at Lauriston Farm in September.
On the day, we are looking to hand out over 1500 tattie dishes!
A team of nurses from NHS Lothian has been praised for the exceptional care and support provided to Scottish Rugby international, Emma Wassell, during her health challenges earlier this season.
In recognition of the high-class care Emma received, five nurses from the cardiothoracic ward at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were invited to deliver the match ball at Scotland’s victorious Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.
Speaking of their experience, Eilidh Wynne, Senior Charge Nurse said: “It was such an honour for us to be asked to present the match ball – we got a big cheer from the crowd and felt like superstars. We were pitch side for the national anthem and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It really was such a special moment and it’s one we’ll remember forever.
“The whole team in ward 102 works incredibly hard and this is a reminder that we should all feel immensely proud of the work we’re doing day in day out.
“It’s always nice to see patients getting back to their norm and it was fantastic to see Emma looking so well – that’s really what makes the job worthwhile.”
The team presented the match ball and were treated to hospitality at the event at Hive Stadium Edinburgh, which drew over 6000 spectators (the second largest crowd in the team’s history).
Emma Wassell, who is on the road to recovery after emergency surgery to remove a chest tumour, said:“It was really special to have some of the nurses that looked after me at our last home game of the Guinness Six Nations. A real full circle moment where they could get recognised for what they do when they are a big part of the reason that I can get back to what I do.
“I have nothing but gratitude for the care I received by all NHS staff while going through some personally tough circumstances – they really are there for you morning, noon and night. Whether it’s providing your medication, taking your blood samples, bringing you a coffee or simply allowing a constant stream of rugby players in to sit by my bedside!
“They made my time in hospital a whole lot easier and I am so glad we could give them some recognition, in what turned out to be a very special game!
“I have spoken a lot about my rugby family and one of the first nurses to introduce themselves to me was Kirsty Stewart – who was none other than one of my teammates, Alex’s mum.
“This was a huge level of comfort for me, and even though rugby wasn’t my main priority when I was in hospital, it was so nice to have someone that could truly understand how I was feeling around missing it.”
This summer, the Museum of Edinburgh presents two inspiring exhibitions celebrating the powerful relationship between wellbeing, nature, and place, each told through unique creative lenses:
Nature Through Nurture: Wellbeing and the Natural World in Children’s Books
Thu 1 May to Sun 7 Sep 2025
Developed in partnership between the Museum of Childhood and Scotland’s Early Literature for Children Initiative (SELCIE) at the University of Edinburgh, Nature Through Nurture delves into the enduring presence of the natural world in children’s literature over the past 150 years.
Flowers, trees, animals, insects and birds feature heavily in children’s books, set in both the real world and imaginary worlds. Children’s books from the last 150 years will be on display with beautiful illustrations, poetry and information about how to find green spaces throughout Edinburgh.
The positive influences of nature on mental health and wellbeing will be examined alongside a programme of public events for children and families.
Dr Sarah Dunnigan, Senior Lecturer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of SELCIE said:“The partnership between SELCIE and the Museum of Childhood for the Nurture through Nature exhibition beautifully highlights how children’s books can connect young readers to the natural world.
“This collaboration brings together literature, history, and nature in a way that we hope will inspire visitors to explore Edinburgh’s green spaces and reflect on the links between nature and well-being.
“The project has also made accessible many previously uncatalogued books from the Museum of Childhood collection, with several being displayed publicly for the first time. This collection is of great significance, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.
Wellbeing in the City: Feel-Good Places in and Around Edinburgh
Thu 10 Apr to Sun 31 Aug 2025
Created by participants of photography and creative writing courses run by Access to Industry, this exhibition offers personal and heartfelt reflections on the places in Edinburgh that inspire calm, joy, and connection.
Each member of the photography course has chosen a place in and around Edinburgh that makes them feel good. The group visited every place nominated to take photos and have selected their favourites to present in the exhibition.
The creative writing group have produced short pieces of writing about places or activities in Edinburgh that make them feel well.
Helen Murray, Encompass Caseworker from Access to Industry said: “Access to Industry are delighted to have been able to work with Museums and Galleries Edinburgh on the joint project, Wellbeing in the City – feel good places in and around Edinburgh.
“We support clients with complex barriers to employment, many of whom have suffered trauma, isolation and marginalisation. This project has been run with our wellbeing through photography group, PAGE, and our Creative Writing group.
“It has enabled participants to enjoy improved wellbeing on trips they have chosen and reflect on what makes them feel well. We are now extremely pleased to be able to share these places and that sense of wellness with local residents and visitors from far and wide.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “These exhibitions beautifully highlight how nature and place shape our sense of wellbeing from childhood through adulthood.
“By showcasing stories, creativity, and lived experience, this summer the Museum of Edinburgh invites us all to reconnect with the natural world and discover the restorative spaces that exist all around us.”
Scottish music sensations Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx will be singing for the nation’s mental health at a special charity gig for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).
The unforgettable and intimate night of live music will be held at the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Friday 6 June, with just 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs at this exclusive event.
Tickets are available through a text to win prize draw, powered by the Fonix platform (www.fonix.com), giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets by texting GIG to 84903.
You will be charged your standard network rate charge and a voluntary £3 donation to SAMH – You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm on 11/05/2025.
The event signals the start of SAMH’s new programme of special events, The Garden Sessions: an exclusive fundraising initiative that joins the magic of live music with support for vital mental health services.
Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanties, and chart-topping band Saint Phnx, will headline the first SAMH Garden Session, with more exclusive shows planned later in the year.
Nathan Evans said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be part of the very first SAMH Garden Session. Playing an intimate show like this, in such a stunning setting, and for a cause as important as mental health, makes it really special for us.
“We can’t wait to be part of something so positive and memorable — it’s going to be an incredible night.”
Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create lasting memories.
“Connecting with other people and being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and this special event will be an uplifting experience.
“With The Garden Sessions, we want to offer something truly unique that not only celebrates live music and gives fans the opportunity to see top artists up close, but also raises vital funds for mental health at a time when support is so desperately needed.”
SAMH recently announced plans to open The Nook, Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs and proceeds from this event will help to support their establishment.
Funding will support new Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights project and participation programme, aimed at neurodivergent young people aged 8-24
Mindroom, a leading charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity, has been awarded £96,279 in funding from Young Start.
Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, awards dormant bank account funding to projects that help young people reach their full potential. The grant will support a new rights and participation project designed to ensure neurodivergent young people are heard, included, and have access to opportunities which drive positive youth-led change.
Over the next three years, the programme will support as many as 100 young people and 10 volunteers, going a long way to ensure those who are part of the project are actively involved in shaping their own futures.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, commented: “We are incredibly grateful for this vital opportunity to support the work we do and to enable us to further empower young neurodivergent people across Scotland.
“By creating spaces where they can lead, share their experiences, and advocate for their futures, this project will be a significant step towards building a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity and the unique contributions these young people can make.”
The project, named Youth-Led Change for Neurodivergent Rights, will utilise a co-production model to create youth-led awareness campaigns and neuro-affirming resources by and for neurodivergent young people.
It will also provide opportunities for participants to build self-confidence, gain new skills, and develop peer networks within their communities.
Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair said: “We are delighted to announce our latest Young Start funding, which allows us to support so many fantastic organisations, who are providing a safe and welcoming environment where the door is always open for young people to go and learn new skills and hone their talents.
“Through our Young Start grants, we want to continue to support more projects which work so hard to encourage and develop the potential of young Scots.”
The funded project is set to create long-term impact by promoting better physical, mental, and emotional well-being among young neurodivergent people – as well as offering new skills and opportunities – and will ultimately provide participants with the tools they need to advocate for their rights and make a meaningful impact in their local communities.
For more information about Mindroom please visit the official website:
In an open letter to veterans, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
To our veterans, As we approach the VE Day anniversary, I want to salute your ongoing dedication to keeping our country safe.
This week, we celebrate the greatest victory our armed forces ever secured. And like so many families across the country, my relatives served and fought in the Second World War. Therefore, it is the highest honour of my role to meet veterans of that conflict. I think of people like Stanley Fisher and Mervyn Kersch, two Jewish veterans of the Normandy landings, who went on to become eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Bergen Belsen concentration camp in the early days of its liberation by British forces.
Their stories – and countless others we will hear this week – are a reminder that our victory was not just for Britain. It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.
Yet as the nation falls silent on Thursday, I know that my mind will also turn to those who carry the torch of their legacy in our armed forces today – people like you. As time marches on, we all have a responsibility to renew the bonds of our history so that future generations inherit our national story as their own.
But alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together. So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example. It is not just that you keep us all safe.
It is also that you represent the best of who we are. A living link of service that unites the values we must stand for in the present, with the stories we must pass down from our past.
Furthermore, I know that this is not without sacrifice. I will always remember the conversation I had with a sub-mariner in Faslane, who brought home exactly what over 200 days a year underwater means for the simple things most families take for granted. Missing birthdays, weddings, anniversaries.
Not being there in the photographs. From the Carrier Strike Group at sea, to our postings in Estonia, Cyprus and here in the UK, every service man and woman I have met has had a version of this story. And I recognise that this too is a debt that can never fully be repaid.
But this week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know, that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody, would not be possible.
So, wherever you are, wherever you serve, have a wonderful VE Day. And on behalf of a proud and grateful nation: thank you for your service.
Recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise announced today, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK
197 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards
Firms from Stirling to Somerset have their excellence recognised with two businesses receiving awards in two categories
These successful businesses are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of our Plan for Change
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.
This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.
A total of 199 awards have been issued with two companies, Hampshire-based Sonardyne International and Norfolk-based Delta Fire, being recognised for two Awards each.
Overall, 116 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 46 for Innovation, 27 for Sustainable Development and 10 for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
One of eleven Scottish firms to receive the prestigious award is Edinburgh’s Rabbie’s Tours. This award recognises the company’s Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales over the past three years.
From its roots as a one-person operation in 1993, Rabbie’s has grown from strength to strength by offering customers one-of-a-kind experiences, guaranteed departures and access to off the beaten track locations via their small group coach tours (16 passenger group size) across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
This success has been led by CEO Hazel Rickett, who began her career at Rabbie’s as one of the company’s very first driver-guides. Today, she heads up a highly skilled leadership team, including Heather Rennie McGill, Director of Marketing and Sales, who has played a key role in growing the company’s international reach and global strategy.
Hazel Rickett, CEO, credited the success to her team, saying: “I feel incredibly lucky to work with such an amazing team – passionate, driven, and committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences. Honestly, they motivate me every day. We all love travel, we love our country, and we love showing it off.”
“For me, life’s about being happy and making people happy. When I see what our team does to deliver fantastic customer experiences, making customers happy, and I see the growth and development of our team, it’s hugely rewarding. I think having a happy team is the secret to success.”
Over the three-year period recognised by the award, Rabbie’s overseas turnover grew by 3,155%, with export sales increasing from 13% to 80% of total revenue. The most significant international markets, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, now represent nearly three-quarters of the company’s overseas customer base.
Heather Rennie McGill, Director of Marketing and Sales, said: “This award is a testament to what we’ve achieved over the past few years, rebuilding post-COVID. I’ve met so many great people working here – it feels like we’ve all got each other’s back and the customer at heart, which has been hugely important to this success.”
This award comes hot off the back of Rabbie’s being awarded a B Corp Certification late last year, as well as winning the Gold British Travel Award for Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays.
Rabbie’s international trade growth not only boosts the company, but it also brings significant economic benefits to the remote and rural locations explored on the tours.
CEO Hazel Rickett also credits the company’s significant growth over the past three years to its ongoing commitment to reinvesting in the local communities and suppliers that are central to Rabbie’s offering.
Hazel explained: “Being able to operate sustainably is incredibly important. The very thing we are selling, we must sustain.
“It is hugely important to Rabbie’s and me that we do this and can pass it on to future generations.”
Heather Rennie McGill added:“Rabbie’s plays a really important role in the wider tourism economy. We’re able to take visitors from cities like Edinburgh to lesser-known locations, helping to support small businesses.
“This motivates us and gives us a strong sense of responsibility to help rebuild the tourism industry.”
Rabbie’s is deeply committed to sustainability, applying a voluntary self-imposed carbon tax of £10 per tonne and operating under a strong ‘leave no trace’ policy. The team regularly goes above and beyond, picking up litter and ensuring the places they visit are left in a better condition than they were found.
In addition to this, Rabbie’s staff are given paid volunteer days to support local charities. In the past this has ranged from rewilding projects to building pathways on the islands they tour, demonstrating a genuine commitment to preserving the landscapes they share with travellers.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, renamed in 2023 following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, carry forward a tradition of celebrating outstanding British businesses. Now in their 59th year, the Awards remain the UK’s most prestigious business honours, with winners permitted to use the esteemed King’s Awards emblem for the next five years.
By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent.
“I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
Out of the 197 winning businesses 176 (88%) are SMEs, and of those, 27 (14%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.
A Labour government spokesperson said: “Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority.That is why this Government protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases and extended business rates relief in the Budget.
“Since then, we have also launched the new Board of Trade to boost small businesses exports and announced over 200 new Banking Hub locations on top of the existing 100 already open.
“We have also taken action to tackle the scourge of late payments, and most recently, provided a multi-billion-pound increase in government backed financing to help organisations like the British Business Bank provide vital finance for smaller businesses.
“We know that it will only take a 1% increase in SME productivity per year, over the next 5 years, to grow the UK economy by a whopping £94 billion. ”
Graham Brown, Managing Director of Sonardyne, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. Receiving two King’s Awards in 2025 really celebrates Sonardyne’s ongoing performance in International Trade delivered by working sustainably.
It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at Sonardyne in making, selling, and supporting great products operating across our blue planet, whilst all the time caring deeply about how we do business to protect it. I hope we can inspire and help other UK businesses to do the same.
Ian Gardner, Managing Director and Founder of Delta Fire, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive two King’s Awards for Enterprise for both Innovation and Sustainable Development.
“These two highly prestigious awards are a fantastic recognition of the great team work in Delta Fire over the last 35 years from a small workshop unit to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility using net zero energy.
“Innovation and Sustainability has led Delta Fire to exporting fire nozzles all around the world and being used to successfully extinguish the majority of fires in the UK every day.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Other recipients also include:
Level Peaks, a business based in Hereford, and managed by ex-British Military Special Forces Veterans, which supplies innovative defence and security equipment to the UK Government and governments abroad. The company receives The King’s Award for International Trade.
Mixergy, which has received the Innovation award for their intelligent hot water tank which interacts between homes and the grid to maximise efficiency and reduce energy bills. The business is based in Oxford.
The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.
Drop-in public information event at theMurrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May between 4pm and 7pm
SCOTTISH Water will be starting a major project as part of our #drainingtherain Improving Urban Waters programme on Corstorphine Road #Edinburgh next month.
Come along to an information event on 8 May to find out more.
Details below:
Project Overview
We are installing new screens and spill chambers to a storm overflow under Corstorphine Road to help prevent sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith.
Work is due to get underway at the beginning of June 2025 for approximately seven months.
During delivery, Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens.
Community Engagement
We are holding a drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May 2025 between 4pm and 7pm.
Members of the project team will be available to explain more about the work involved and take on board any concerns or questions from the community.
What We Are Doing
New screens and spill chambers are being installed to our storm overflow underneath Corstorphine Road at Ormidale Terrace.
The existing spill pipe and outfall will be retained.
When excess rainwater is discharged, the new screens will ensure any sewer related debris does not end up in the Water of Leith.
Why We Are Doing It
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
First British soldier to set foot on Nazi-occupied soil in the British Isles forged unexpected friendships that have endured for generations.
As Britain prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month, the remarkable story of Sergeant-Major Robert Shaw – the first British serviceman to step onto Nazi-occupied British soil during liberation – is being commemorated by his family in Guernsey this May.
On May 9th, 1945, as the rest of Britain celebrated victory in Europe, Sergeant-Major Shaw from Glasgow and of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) made history when he became the first British soldier to land on Guernsey after nearly five years of German occupation. The Channel Islands hold the distinction of being the only British territory occupied by German forces during World War II.
“My father rode off the landing craft on his motorcycle at L’Ancresse Bay, leading the way for the armoured vehicles that followed,” recalls his son Robert Shaw, who will be attending the 80th anniversary celebrations alongside family members as part of the official cavalcade. “He didn’t encounter any resistance – just jubilant islanders overwhelmed with emotion at finally being free.”
Shaw’s first interaction on liberated soil would lead to an extraordinary decades-long connection. As he rode inland, he encountered a young local boy named John Rault cycling on the right side of the road – a practice adopted during the German occupation.
“My father was concerned the boy would be hit by the convoy of vehicles behind him,” explains Robert. “He stopped and told the boy to ‘cycle on the British side of the road’ – a small moment that symbolised the return to British rule after years of occupation.”
What makes this story remarkable is what happened 47 years later. In 1992, when Sergeant-Major Shaw returned to Guernsey to receive commemorative Liberation medallions alongside other veterans, the local newspaper printed his recollection of this encounter. The story caught the attention of John Rault – now an adult – who immediately recognised himself as the boy in the account.
Rault tracked down Shaw at his hotel, leading to an emotional reunion. The soldier and the boy then rekindled their connection from that historic day and maintained correspondence until Shaw’s death 20 years ago in 2005 at age 89.
“This wasn’t just about military strategy – it was about human connection during a pivotal moment in history,” says Robert Shaw. “My father always said that liberating Guernsey was the proudest moment of his service because he could see the direct impact on people’s lives after years of hardship.”
Born in Springburn, Glasgow in 1915, Sergeant-Major Shaw’s mechanical expertise proved valuable during the post-liberation period. Based at a local establishment known as Ash’s Garage, he worked alongside German troops who remained on the island temporarily after surrender.
He was particularly fascinated by how island vehicles had been converted to charcoal-burning units to overcome the severe petrol shortage during occupation.
“He often spoke about his admiration for the islanders’ ingenuity and resilience,” Robert recalls. “Despite everything they’d endured – food shortages, curfews, and isolation from the mainland – they maintained their spirit and identity.”
The Shaw family continues to honour this legacy by participating in ongoing Guernsey’s liberation celebrations, with this year’s 80th VE Day anniversary holding special significance.
They plan to follow the same route Robert Shaw took in 1945, participating in the official cavalcade that commemorates the path of liberation forces.
POLICE are appealing to the public to help trace Michaela Sharp, 32, who is reported missing from Leith. Michaela was last seen on Saturday 26/04/25 in The Shore area.
She is described as a white female, 5’3 (160 cm) in height, pale complexion, long brown hair, green eyes and of medium build.
Inspector McCulloch said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Michaela’s welfare and our enquiries are ongoing to trace her.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen or has any information on her whereabouts to please contact police as soon as possible.”
If you can assist, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 3085 of 02/05/25.
