The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 95 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Edinburgh-born musician Robbie Greig joins new BBC Gaelic quiz show

An Edinburgh-born musician will soon be appearing on screens across Scotland, as Robbie Greig takes part in BBC ALBA’s brand-new Gaelic quiz show, Mas Fhìor.

Marking BBC ALBA’s first step into high-energy studio gameshows, Mas Fhior (pronounced “masheer”) is a bold, home-grown Gaelic entertainment format produced in partnership with Glasgow-based BEEZR Studios and Screen Scotland.

Launching on BBC ALBA on Tuesday 17 February 2026, Mas Fhìor is a 12-part, fast-paced studio quiz where pairs of Gaelic-speaking contestants from across the UK must decide what’s true, what’s false and, crucially, who they can trust.

Taking its name from the Gaelic slang phrase meaning “as if”, the show tests confidence, credibility and quick thinking as the pressure builds and the truth becomes harder to spot.

Robbie is one of eight new faces who appear across the series as the show’s Pretenders – known in Gaelic as the Mas Fhìoraich – joining the action remotely from home and playing a key role in testing the instincts and judgement of the competing teams. Armed with convincing delivery and quick reactions, the Mas Fhiorach challenge contestants each episode to weigh up credibility as the game unfolds.

Music sits at the heart of Robbie’s life. A multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, banjo, fiddle and sings, he performs full-time across three folk bands while also working regularly as a session musician and teacher. His career has taken him around the world, and his skill as a fiddle player was recognised with the Niel Gow Scottish Fiddle Award.

Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Robbie followed his passion for traditional music to Benbecula at just 16, studying for an HNC in Traditional Music Performance before going on to achieve a first-class honours degree in Applied Music. He has since settled in Glasgow, where he continues to thrive in Scotland’s busy traditional music scene. While rooted in Gaelic and traditional music, his listening tastes are wide-ranging, spanning African music, jazz and country pop.

Robbie Greig said: “Taking part in Mas Fhìor was a brilliant experience and completely different from anything I do day to day. It was really challenging trying to keep my story straight under pressure.

“It’s a fun and entertaining show and perfect for watching along and guessing who’s telling the truth.”

Recorded at Night Sky Studios in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, the series is hosted by popular BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal presenter Niall Iain MacDonald, whose quick-witted, fast-talking style keeps the pace high and the pressure firmly on.

Produced by entertainment powerhouse BEEZR Studios and directed by quiz show veteran John Smith, Mas Fhìor adds to BBC ALBA’s ongoing commitment to original entertainment, while supporting the continued growth of Scotland’s screen sector.

Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at BBC ALBA, said: “Mas Fhìor is an unapologetically entertaining quiz format – perfectly tailored for Gaelic viewers but with a universal appeal.

“Viewers will want to lean in and play along – all the while getting to know the quirky personalities of our regular panel of ‘Pretenders’. The new show really underlines our commitment to delivering original, high-production-value entertainment.

“We’re thrilled that the creative team at BEEZR Studios have developed this unique, home-grown format specially for BBC ALBA and we’re especially grateful for the support of Screen Scotland in its development and production.

“With a cast of amazing Gaels from across the country and a quick-witted, fast-talking host in the shape of Niall Iain, Mas Fhìor promises to be another example of world-class TV and original entertainment from Scotland.”

Alasdair MacCuish, Executive Producer at Beezr Studios:“Mas Fhìor was developed with BBC ALBA’s audience firmly in mind – a fast, fun quiz that rewards personality, quick thinking and a love of language as much as general knowledge.

“Working with BBC ALBA and Screen Scotland, Beezr has created an innovative and bold new format, which takes advantage new technology to bring scale and ambition. As a result, Mas Fhìor feels fresh and contemporary whilst being squarely rooted in communities across Scotland.”

Emily Orr from Screen Scotland said: “It’s fantastic to be able to support the team at BEEZR Studios to showcase their abilities across this new format and we can’t waitfor audiences to enjoy Mas Fhìor.”

Mas Fhìor will broadcast on BBC ALBA from Tuesday 17 February 2026, with new episodes airing weekly.

Marie Curie calls for fundraisers to ‘Go Yellow’ this March

Forth 1 radio presenter, Amber Zoe, donned yellow to mark the 40th anniversary of Scotland’s leading end of life charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal.

The Appeal encourages everyone to wear a daffodil pin and donate to Marie Curie throughout the month of March. The fundraiser raises much needed funds so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare assistants can provide expert end of life support and care in homes and hospices across the country.

Locals are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own ‘Go Yellow’ fundraiser, whether that’s getting together with friends, family and colleagues to bake a yellow treat, wear yellow, or choose their own yellow activity. To make hosting a fundraiser as easy as possible, Marie Curie will provide everything needed – from step-by-step guides to cake flags, recipes, yellow-themed selfie props and more.

Marie Curie is dependent on public donations. Money raised also funds the charity’s free national support line and webchat – available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them.

It offers practical and emotional support on everything from managing symptoms and navigating care to financial information, including how to get help with energy bills, and bereavement support.

Amber, whose gran was cared for by Marie Curie, said: “I have witnessed first-hand the exceptional care and support given to my lovely gran when she was cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow.

“Knowing that she was being so well looked after at the end of her life meant the world to us, and when we were with her, we could simply be there as her family, holding her hand and talking to her.

“Being with her on her final journey enabled us to have those precious moments with her, and that is something that we are all so grateful for.

“This year, Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal reaches its 40^th anniversary, which is such a milestone. If anyone would like to support this year by going yellow – either having a bake sale, wearing something yellow or choosing your own activity – you’re helping make sure people and their loved ones get the care and support they need at end of life.”

Ashley Thomson, Head of Community Fundraising, Marie Curie Scotland, said: “This year is the 40^th anniversary of the Great Daffodil Appeal and we’re hoping to turn the whole of the country yellow to celebrate! We’re looking for people to Go Yellow and help us raise more money than ever for Marie Curie this March,

“To match our famous daffodil, we’d love our fundraisers to host yellow-themed bake sales, get their family and friends to wear yellow, craft yellow-themed items and host yellow-themed quiz nights or paint and sip nights to help raise much needed funds so we can bring vital hospice and end of life care to even more people.

“And if none of these are your thing – why not simply turn your hobby, social or sporting activity into a yellow fundraiser and do your thing this March to raise money for the country’s leading end of life charity.

“By getting involved and going yellow for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, locals will be doing something incredible and helping us to deliver services to those people with any illness they are likely to die from and their loved ones.

“The Great Daffodil Appeal only comes around once a year, so why not get in touch and be part of something that makes a real difference.”

As Marie Curie is the official charity partner of Morrisons, another way that people can get involved is by signing up to collect at the Morrisons store or by getting involved in some in-store fundraising activities from 23rd February until 8th March.

To find out more about how you can help give people the expert care they need this March visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/goyellow

Community Natters at LifeCare

STARTS WEDNESDAY 18th FEBRUARY

Our Community Natters group will be returning as of next week!

These informal discussions around current affairs and community issues will take place every Wednesdays from 10–11.30am in our community café. This will be hosted by our fantastic volunteer Gordon.

Feel free to stay around for our games afternoon afterwards. Every Wednesday afternoons, from 1.45–3pm, Games Afternoon offers a chance to socialise over board games and puzzles, including Scrabble, chess, dominoes, cards and more.

If you have any questions feel free to get in touch. All our community events are free and no booking is required. Just pop along and join in!

For our full list of community events, see our website https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/community-activities/

#freeevent

#community

#communityspace

QMU hosts third Osteoporosis Community Café to address rising demand for support

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is set to host its third Osteoporosis Community Café, reflecting the growing need for supportive spaces where people affected by osteoporosis can connect, share experiences and access reliable information.

Building on the success of previous cafés, the event will offer a warm, inclusive environment for individuals living with osteoporosis – and those who care for them – to discuss challenges, celebrate progress and learn practical ways to live well with the condition.

In the UK, osteoporosis affects over 3 million people, including 250,000 in Scotland, and contributes to approximately 527,000 fractures each year. Although often associated with postmenopausal women (affecting 1 in 2 women over 50), evidence shows that around 1 in 5 men over 50 are also affected. Because the condition can progress silently until a fracture occurs, many people remain undiagnosed until the disease is already advanced.

Osteoporosis gradually weakens bones due to a loss of bone mass, often without symptoms. A minor fall or sudden impact can lead to a significant fracture, commonly in the wrist, hip, or vertebrae. Spinal compression fractures can occur with little or no trauma, causing back pain, loss of height, and changes in posture, including the noticeable stooped or curved back.

The café will bring together individuals from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond, offering light refreshments and the chance to connect with others, as well as members of the research team at QMU. At the meeting in February, participants will have the opportunity to hear a short talk from a pharmacist.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Project team – established in 2011 by a group of nurses at QMU – conducts research, education, and awareness raising activities around osteoporosis.

Victoria Waqa, Nurse Lecturer for the Lydia Osteoporosis Project, is committed to creating opportunities for people living with osteoporosis to come together and engage in supportive conversations.

Victoria explained. “People are often blindsided by an osteoporosis diagnosis and they may not know how to access helpful information, or make the necessary lifestyle choices that can help in the management of the condition.

“People can feel isolated and often very frustrated by the lack of help that may seem to be available, but there is so much that can be done to live well with osteoporosis. It’s vital to foster communities where people can come together, share experiences and empower one another to manage their condition.

“Sadly, despite affecting so many people, osteoporosis is not a priority for health services in the UK or internationally, and we need to work together to change that. There is a lack of public awareness about the condition – how to prevent it and how to manage it after diagnosis.

“The purpose of the Osteoporosis Community Café at QMU is to create a welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and share their experiences, while helping us better understand what matters most to them and what they would like to learn more about. We aim to support people with practical, accessible information to help them live well with osteoporosis. This may include guidance on safe exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, and other aspects of day-to-day management.

“We also look forward to sharing updates from our research and keeping attendees informed about our plans for the Osteoporosis Symposium, a national event, which will be held on 20 May at Queen Margaret University.”

The next café will take place on Wednesday 18^th February from 2pm – 4pm at Queen Margaret University.

To secure a place, email: lydiaosteoporosisproject@qmu.ac.uk and if you are arriving by car, please provide your car registration number when booking. Access to the QMU car park is via the A1.

Please include any dietary or accessibility requirements when booking your place at the café.

See details about travelling to the QMU campus www.qmu.ac.uk/location-and-getting-here/get-to-qmu-general-information

Holyrood committee backs Bill to update Visitor Levy legislation

A Scottish Parliament Committee is supporting the general principles of a new Bill aiming to give councils more flexibility in designing visitor levy schemes.

The Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill updates the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, which granted local councils the discretionary power to introduce charges for overnight visitors, and amends the position in the Act that levies could only be charged as a percentage of accommodation costs. Councils could instead apply a fixed amount per night or per-person-per-night, or set different fixed amounts for different areas, times of year or accommodation types.

In its report, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee supports the ability for councils to choose different models but recognises that the introduction of multiple options has the potential to create a “complicated landscape” across Scotland, and even within individual local authority areas, and describes the monitoring of this as “essential”.

The Committee recommend that the Scottish Government should amend the Bill to clarify whether a chargeable transaction could be subjected to more than one scheme – describing this current uncertainty as “unhelpful”.

While the Government said it developed its estimates of the potential costs for local authorities and businesses in consultation with stakeholders, local authorities and businesses have presented different estimates to the Committee.

Given these discrepancies – and the Bill’s wide discretion leading to varied local approaches – the Committee is seeking a fuller explanation of how stakeholders were engaged, why estimates differ, and what amendments and associated costs the Government is considering ahead of Stage 2.

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Convener, Ariane Burgess MSP, said: “The timetable for this Bill has been challenging but we recognise the Scottish Government’s response to the calls of many stakeholders for flexibility.

“Our report outlines a number of recommendations for the Scottish Government, including an explanation on the discrepancies on the Bill’s costings, clarity over consultation and transition periods for councils who have already adopted visitor levy schemes and what changes it is considering making at Stage 2.”

NSPCC calls for early years support  for children to be election priority

NSPCC Scotland is urging politicians in all parties to help prevent harm to children and prioritise early support for families in future plans and investment decisions, as the charity publishes an overview of early years policies since devolution.

The report calls for a strategic, long‑term commitment to the early years to ensure every child in Scotland has the best possible start in life.

Published on the NSPCC Learning website it provides a descriptive summary of early years policymaking in Scotland over the past 25 years.

The NSPCC believes there are clear opportunities for improvement in current early years policy and is calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise it. This is one of the charity’s five priority areas for child protection that it will be setting out next month in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections.

Early years – the period from pregnancy until a child turns five – is widely recognised as a critical stage in child development during which the foundations of learning, behaviour and lifelong mental and physical health are established.

In 2024, nearly half (45%) of the children on the child protection register in Scotland were under the age of four. This consisted of 93 unborn children and 913 aged newborn to four years old.¹

Despite the youngest children in Scotland being the most vulnerable to harm, the 0-3 age group in particular can often be overlooked. It’s been called the ‘baby blindspot’.

Babies and very young children rely on sensitive and responsive care to grow and thrive. Evidence shows that investing in children’s earliest years not only reduces the need for costly interventions later in life but also helps tackle inequalities and ensures every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In this report, the NSPCC sets out how the Scottish Government’s strongest focus on the early years can be traced back to 2011–12, with multi-agency initiatives that were designed to improve outcomes for children, reduce inequalities for those who were particularly vulnerable, and shift services toward prevention and early intervention.

However, the charity’s analysis reveals that strategic focus on the early years has not been maintained as attention shifted toward tackling the poverty-related attainment gap and addressing the long-term effects of childhood adversity in adulthood.

This has meant that targeted support for families and children, from pre-birth to age five, to prevent problems from developing or getting worse, has inadvertently declined.

The NSPCC’s view is that these days early years policy is too often viewed by the Government as meaning early learning and childcare provision, rather than as a broader agenda, which focuses on supporting families to build nurturing, responsive caregiving relationships.

Rachel Love, NSPCC Scotland Senior Policy Officer and report author, said: “Investing in early childhood provides significant long-term benefits for children, their families, and communities, including improved educational attainment, reduced health inequlaities and economic returns.

“Our analysis shows that prioritisation of early years has been inconsistent, leading to gaps in service planning and delivery; and when it has been a priority, funding and resourcing has not matched ambitions.

“As we approach the Scottish Parliament elections, all political parties have an important opportunity – and responsibility – to place the early years at the heart of future policy and public investment in Scotland.

“The NSPCC wants the new Government to give families the support they need, so every child gets the best possible start – ensuring Scotland keeps The Promise to its youngest children.”

The charity wants the new Government to:

Reestablish early years as a cross-party priority, with a clear focus on parent–infant relationships and holistic family support that prioritises prevention and early help.
Create a dedicated Early Years Strategy, led by a Minister for Early Years, to ensure focused and sustained national leadership.
Strengthen statutory guidance on Children’s Services Planning to reinforce its emphasis on early years prevention and intervention, and introducing long-term, ringfenced funding so local areas can deliver high-quality family and parenting support.
Advance implementation of The Promise and Children’s Rights, making sure the needs and rights of babies and under-fives are central to decisions about policy, legislation and practice.

For the full report visit:

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/2026/over-25-years-of-early-years

The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close partner for new “Above & Below Edinburgh” experience

The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close have announced a new collaborative tour experience, Above & Below, launching this February.

Running from Friday 13 February to Sunday 22 February, Above & Below brings together two independently guided experiences to offer guests a richer understanding of Edinburgh’s layered history, both beneath the Royal Mile and above the Old Town.

The experience begins with a 1-hour guided tour at The Real Mary King’s Close, where guests descend into preserved 17th-century streets and hear the real stories of the people who lived, worked and survived there.

Following a short break, guests then continue their journey above ground on a guided Old Town walking tour led by one of The Lost Close’s expert guides, concluding with time spent exploring The Lost Close itself, a series of hidden underground vaults rediscovered in 2019 located directly opposite The Real Mary King’s Close.

The collaboration builds on the success of the two visitor attractions’ ongoing joint experience, Closes & Coffee, which has been running for more than 7 months and has been warmly received by guests.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering once again with The Lost Close. Supporting small, locally owned businesses is something we genuinely value, and this collaboration is a great example of how working together can create something special for visitors.

“After more than 7 months of successfully running our joint Closes & Coffee experience, we have been really pleased with the outcome, and Above & Below feels like a natural next step in that partnership.”

Katie Scott, Head of Experiences & Events at The Lost Close added: “Working with The Real Mary King’s Close has been a hugely positive experience for us. Closes & Coffee showed just how powerful collaboration can be when two organisations with shared values and a passion for Edinburgh’s history come together.

“Above & Below allows us to build on that success, connecting underground spaces with the streets above and offering guests a more complete and meaningful way to experience the Old Town.”

Priced at £40.00 per person, Above & Below is available for a limited time only during February half-term, with advance booking recommended –

https://thelostclose.com/above-and-below-edinburgh

Local Care Home residents enjoy Pal-entine’s event!

CELEBRATING FUN AND FRIENDSHIP

Residents at Strachan House care home, in Blackhall enjoyed a fun, friendship-filled take on Valentine’s Day, enjoying their very first “Pal-entines” experience. Using a speed friendship format residents met staff, residents and others to chat about their interests in order to gain more insight into likes and dislikes of those living and working in the home.

Honouring friendships and meaningful moments is something Strachan House strive to do and it was beautiful to see everyone connecting on a personal level.

Staff were asked questions about their favourite topics at school, their hobbies and about their children and residents were able to share what they’d like to do more of and met others with similar interests. Plans were made by the amazing activities team to ensure many of the hobbies discussed were added to our activitie’s planner.

Fran Fisher General Manager at Strachan House Care Home said: “What a great day we had. It was so special to bring everyone together from all different units and departments to have a beautiful afternoon of friendship.

“We wanted to move away from the typical valentine’s day celebration focussing more on what love means to us. At Strachan house we’re blessed to have so many wonderful people from different backgrounds and walks of life and it was an amazing way to celebrate everyone together”.

Marion Cooper, a resident at the home was excited to be involved and had her questions to ask pre-prepared, we spoke German, laughed about our poor French speaking abilities and we even had the drinks trolley out free flowing with prosecco.

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.

Strachan House Care home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for up to 83 residents.

Scottish Secretary on Trade & Defence Mission to the Indo-Pacific

Douglas Alexander to visit Australia, New Zealand & Singapore

Trade opportunities and international security will be at the heart of Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander’s programme as he embarks on a week-long visit to the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr Alexander will meet government ministers and business leaders across Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. The visit will also see the Scottish Secretary attend two international performances of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – in Auckland and Brisbane – showcasing one of Scotland’s most important cultural exports.

Strengthening defence partnerships

Australia and New Zealand remain among the UK’s closest defence allies at a time of heightened global instability. Australia is a key part of the AUKUS partnership, and in 2025 we signed a joint treaty with a 50-year commitment to deepening security cooperation in the region. Mr Alexander will hold discussions aimed at identifying further opportunities for collaboration, including in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence manufacturing where Scottish industry has world-leading expertise.

Boosting trade and investment

The Scottish Secretary will meet business leaders to discuss how Scottish companies can expand into new export markets across the region, while making the case for increased inward investment in Scotland. With our free trade agreements and UK membership of the CPTPP, the visit offers an opportunity to capitalise on strengthened trading relationships with all three nations. Boosting trade means well paid jobs and investment at home.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Alexander said: “This visit is about speaking up for Scottish businesses and Scottish exporters. Scotland benefits from the strength, reach and connections that come from being part of the UK. The UK is a strong and committed partner — in security, in trade, and in the shared values that bind us to our friends in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“At a time of significant global uncertainty, it has never been more important to stand shoulder to shoulder with our closest allies, and I look forward to discussing how we can deepen our defence cooperation and work together to keep people safe.

“I will also be banging the drum for Scottish business. From whisky and seafood to financial services and renewable energy technology, Scotland has world-class products and expertise that are in demand across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. This visit is an opportunity to open doors for Scottish exporters, attract the investment that creates economic growth and well paid jobs back at home, and show that Scotland is open for business on the global stage.”

Scotland and New Zealand have deep historical links, and Mr Alexander will be the first Scottish Secretary to visit in recent times.