Edinburgh Blue Balls, known for its cold-water dips and open conversations, launches its first Edinburgh Blue Balls Annual.
The coffee table–style publication is a bold and raw collection of portraits and personal stories told by men, for all to read.
The Annual is free of charge and distributed across independent cafés, bookshops and workplaces. A launch event will take place on 14 November at The Pitt, Granton, where everyone is welcome to see the portraits and meet the men behind the stories featured in the Annual.
Founded in 2021 by photographer Marc Millar, what began as a handful of strangers meeting for cold-water dips at Portobello Beach, has grown into a supportive community. Around 40 men now gather every Sunday and mid-week for dips, to connect, and talk openly about mental health.
Edinburgh Blue Balls exists to keep the conversation around men’s wellbeing alive. No membership, no expectations, just men showing up, sharing, and finding strength in connection.
The launch of the Annual marks the start of a growing body of creative work highlighting the lived experiences of men, from resilience and recovery to laughter and loss.
Featuring stories from men across Scotland and portraits by photographers Marc Millar and Graham Williams, the publication captures the unfiltered reality of men’s mental health.
The Annual also includes contributions from comedian Greg Hemphill and footballer Zander Murray, exploring masculinity, vulnerability, and visibility in sport and society.
Marc Millar, founder of Edinburgh Blue Balls, said:“We spend too much time scrolling past things that deserve to stop us in our tracks.
“I wanted people to sit with these stories, to hold them, feel them, and connect. It’s not about likes or followers; it’s about being human, together.
“Everyday pressures continue to impact men’s mental health and wellbeing, something I’ve seen first-hand, and the stigma and shame that still exists.
“The stories in the Annual are honest, sometimes heavy, but full of hope. They show that even in the darkest moments, when men connect, talk, and support each other, things start to change.”
The Annual was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and will be launched on the 14 November at The Pitt Market, Granton.
TEN YEARS OF UNITING COMMUNITES AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
Join us in celebrating a decade of light, culture, and community as Edinburgh Diwali marks its 10th Anniversary on Sunday 2nd November 2025.
This year’s landmark event promises a spectacular celebration featuring a vibrant parade through Edinburgh’s New Town, music, dance and cultural performances, the return of public fireworks displays to Princes Street Gardens at the Ross Bandstand, and much more.
Since 2015, Edinburgh Diwali has showcased the spirit of the Indian festival of lights and Scotland’s rich multicultural tapestry by bringing together communities to celebrate diversity. Started as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, Edinburgh Diwali has gone on to become one of the UK’s most prominent public Diwali celebrations, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Edinburgh’s city centre.
Last year’s celebrations lit up the city with incredible energy, featuring unforgettable performances covering classical to contemporary from across cultures from more than 200 performers, notably Scottish Regiment Band, the electrifying Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, dynamic dance troupes Bollyfeatand Dance Ihayami, and a headline performance from the sensational Kaykay & Co., the London based British Asian fusion band. This year’s 10th anniversary celebration promises to be even bigger, with details of the full programme to be revealed nearer the date.
This special milestone edition of Edinburgh Diwali will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 2nd November 2025. The event is free to attend and open to all, encouraging people from across Edinburgh and the surrounding area to participate in this family-friendly festival of light.
For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit:
The countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar – the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.
Now in its second year in the Capital, the awards will culminate in the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, taking over The Biscuit Factory on Monday 22nd September 2025. Promising an end-of-summer blowout like no other, the Ball will bring together Edinburgh’s bar community for an unforgettable night of cocktails, music, food, and celebration.
This year, more than 150 bars, bartenders, and hospitality stars have made the longlist across 11 categories, following an overwhelming public response to nominations. From iconic cocktail institutions and legendary pubs to fresh talent shaking up the city, the longlist is a true showcase of the people and places that make Edinburgh one of the world’s leading drinking destinations.
And now, it’s time to vote. The longlist will be narrowed down to five finalists per category, with results decided by a 50/50 public and trade vote. The final winners will be revealed live at the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball.
Every vote counts – nominations close on 31st August, so get voting for your favourite before it’s too late.
Speaking about the longlist, David Smillie, co-founder and organiser of the Bar Awards and Bartender’s Ball, said: “Edinburgh is home to some of the best bars and bartenders in the world, and this year’s Edinburgh Bar Awards longlist proves it.
“This city’s talent, creativity and community spirit is unmatched, and the Bartenders’ Ball is our chance to celebrate that together in style. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Biscuit Factory this September for what promises to be the ultimate industry party.”
Tickets for the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, priced at just £35, are on sale now.
The event includes complimentary drinks, food, entertainment, and a night of industry celebration.
2025 Categories & Longlist (alphabetical order within each category)
Best Bar 4042 • Bittersweet • Bramble • Chancho • Dragonfly • Hey Palu • Lucky Liquor • Old Pal • Panda & Sons • The Bonnington • The Cocktail Geeks • The Powder Room • The Raging Bull • The Volley Leith • Uno Mas
Best Pub Athletic Arms (Diggers) • Bennets of Morningside • The Black Cat • The Bonnington • The Finch • The Golden Rule • The Hanging Bat • Joker & The Thief • Kay’s Bar • Malt & Hops • The Mother Superior • Nauticus • The Oxford Bar • St Vincent Bar • Teuchters (Landing & West End)
Best Restaurant Bar The Alchemist • Bittersweet • Bonnie & Wild • Copper Blossom • The Devil’s Advocate • Hawksmoor • Leith Depot • Little Capo • Lucky Yu • Old Pal • Paradise Palms • Smith & Gertrude • Tipo • The Bonnington • Voyage of Buck
Best Bar Team Bramble • The Bonnington • The Cocktail Geeks • The Mother Superior • Hey Palu • Lucky Liquor • Nauticus • Nightcap • Old Pal • Panda & Sons • The Powder Room • The Raging Bull • The Three Sisters • Voodoo Rooms • West Port Oracle
Best Late Night Venue 4042 • Banshee Labyrinth • Liquid Rooms • The Jazz Bar • The Mother Superior • Nightcap • NQ64 • Paradise Palms • The Raging Bull • Sneaky Pete’s • Stramash • The Street • Tonic • Uno Mas • The Voodoo Rooms
Unsung Hero Adam Fraser Gray (Herman) • Anthony Crowther • Ben Leslie • Cam Chittleborough • Cullen Hutchison • Dom Cummings • Fiona Hamilton • Gavin Whyte • Jane Ross • Kaelum-Ian Mullen • Kristaps Baranovs • Logan Pope • Mon Nelson • Sam Baxendale • Sian Buchan
Rising Star Cal Lister • Cameron Finlay • Emily Weston • Flora Luckman • Freja Kemp • Jack Smith • Ketan Mackenzie • Levi Reed • Logan Pope • Noah French • Pierre Martin • Saul Lavelle • Walt Webster-Curran
Best Shake Alessia Impedovo • Ben Jones • Cameron Chittleborough • Connor Bleakley • Fowwaz Ansari • Jake Harris • Jay Braby • Kielan Davidson • Logan Pope • Pierre Martin • Sam Baxendale • Sam Milne • Saul Lavelle • Stuart McBain • Toby Peters
Best Cocktail Baltic Bru • Bramble • Coco Colada • Feta Mezcal Negroni • Indominous • Make Love Not Warcraft • Paper Dragon • The Perfect Pear • Port Hayward • Porridge Colada • Spicy Peach Margarita • Spring Fizz • Stinger • Sweet Manhattan • Yuzu Margarita
Social Star Ben Greig • Camille Le Courtois • Carrie Smith • Chloe Archibald-Ansari • Chloe Yeung • Gracie Goggins • Groundskeeper (Murray Tait) • Kaelum Mullen • Lara Sinclair • Millie Harley • Rachel Dixon • Ross Lawrie • Ryan Snedden • Tasha Corfield • Cal Lister
Far Side of the Bar Adam Murphy • Ashton Williamson • Connie Macdonald • Damian Koval • Dan Bartley • Dana Crombie • Ellie Raeside • Josh Knox • Kaitlin Wilkes • Mike McGinty • Niamh Savage • Ross Lawrie • Ruth Mason • Ryan Snedden • Stevie Aitken
The Edinburgh Bar Awards take place at The Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball at The Biscuit Factory on Monday, 22nd September 2025. Tickets include complimentary drinks, food, and entertainment, and cost £35.
Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!
Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September!
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Dalry Swim Centre, is marking a remarkable milestone – 130 years of serving the city – with a day of celebration on Monday, 14th July.
“Dalry has been at the heart of the community for decades,” said Wendy Avinou, Manager at Dalry Swim Centre. “We’re so lucky to have this gem of a building still in use today. Generations have learnt to swim here – grandparents, parents, and now their children. It’s a living legacy.”
To mark the occasion, staff will be donning Victorian swimwear in a light-hearted video to be shared on social media ahead of the big day. The team is also inviting past and present swimmers to stop by and share their memories.
John Duke, a regular swimmer at Dalry remembers: “I’ve been swimming at Dalry since the early ’90s and used to come after work at Oven Fresh, and even after moving house twice, I kept coming back. I brought my grandkids here three times a week, and I’ve been part of the over-60s sessions every Monday and Wednesday.
“Dalry’s always had a personal feel. The staff know me, they know my medical needs – I have diabetes, and they’ve always looked out for me. After my first shoulder operation, I used the pool for rehab – though I could only last five minutes in the sauna before the metal in my arm started heating up.
“Some of my favourite memories are the Christmas parties for the over-60s. They’d bring out a giant inflatable dog that took up half the pool, and we’d have a laugh before heading upstairs for sandwiches and a wee drink. Billy Reid, the supervisor, even dressed up as Santa! It’s not just the pool – it’s the staff and other customers that make Dalry special.”
Grove Swimming Club, founded in 1901 and still training at Dalry, will showcase a nostalgic display of historic photos, medals, and trophies. They are due to celebrate their 125th anniversary next year.
One former member fondly recalls:“I was a member of Grove back in the 1950s. I went to Balgreen School, and we were taken to ‘the baths’ – I loved Dalry.
“After swimming, we’d grab a wee ‘shivery bite’ from the shop down the road before catching the bus home. Those were the days.”
And another member, Christine Baker, who is still involved with Grove Swimming Club said: “Dalry was a huge part of my childhood—from baths in the upper gallery to learning to swim with my dad.
“I joined Grove Swimming Club in the ’60s and I’m still involved today. So many happy memories.”
Children from Dalry Primary School have contributed artwork celebrating the centre’s history, which will be proudly displayed in the foyer.
Adding historical depth to the celebrations, Jackie Sangster from Historic Environment Scotland will deliver a talk on the legacy of Edinburgh’s Victorian swimming baths.
Many of the city’s contemporary swimming pools were part of a scheme to build public baths to promote cleanliness and hygiene among the working classes, who did not have routine access to such facilities. To attend, please contact Martin Bews, Operations Manager: martinbews@edinburghleisure.co.uk to register your interest and confirm timings.
Dalry Swim Centre, with its elegant 7-bay Italianate façade and sunlit 25-yard pool, has been a community cornerstone since 1895. In 2010, it was saved from closure thanks to a passionate local campaign backed by 3,500 petitioners, MSP Sarah Boyack, and Councillor Donald Wilson. A major refurbishment in 2018–2019 modernised the facility while preserving its historic charm.
Dalry is one of five stunning Victorian pools operated by Edinburgh Leisure, alongside Warrender, Leith Victoria, Glenogle, and Portobello. These venues blend timeless architecture with modern amenities—including upgraded changing rooms, energy-efficient systems, and warm, welcoming spaces.
Part of Edinburgh 900 Celebrations
Dalry’s anniversary is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s “City of Leisure” theme for Edinburgh 900.
Visit Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions, all under one roof at St James Quarter on Leith Street (next to Mor Bakery) on until 15 July, 10:00 – 16:00, to explore:
Great Lengths – the story of Edinburgh’s Victorian pools
Your Health is for Life – 25 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh Leisure
Edinburgh Leisure staff will be on hand to discuss membership options, fundraising, and volunteering.
As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across Edinburgh, Edinburgh Leisure helps people enjoy healthier, happier, and more active lives.
Their facilities and programmes serve community members of all ages and abilities. As a charitable trust, every penny they receive goes back into supporting the health and wellbeing of Edinburgh residents.
Serving personnel, veterans and their supporters will parade through St Andrew Square in Edinburgh this weekend at a special event being held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
The celebrations will start from 10am on Saturday, June 28, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 10 vintage vehicles from the Scottish Military Vehicle Group.
From there they will follow the route along George Street, reassembling in St Andrew Square where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, followed a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.
Highlights will include The Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland; The Royal British Legion Scotland and Association’s Standards and Veterans; live performances from Stuart McLean, Richard Kerr, Niamh Corkey, Fraser Mclean and Maria Townsley. The event will be hosted by BFBS broadcaster Mark McKenzie.
There will also be static displays of vintage military vehicles throughout the day and members of the public will be able to see some of the kit and equipment used by our Armed Forces over the years.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “Armed Forces Day on Saturday follows on from Monday’s event (June 23) when the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, and raised above Edinburgh’s City Chambers with pride to honour military personnel past, present and future.
“We hope you can come along and help us celebrate the Armed Forces community in our capital city in style, whilst also learning about the valuable work of charities Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”
Meanwhile, Poppyscotland, in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations over the course of the weekend.
Volunteers are required to help at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations during timed slots on either June 28 or June 29.
If you would be interested in volunteering on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, please sign up today:
For the opening weekend of the International Festival, Scottish national treasure Dougie MacLean headlines free event The Big Singalong with iconic song Caledonia, joined by a range of community choirs led by choir director Stephen Deazle
Famed Scottish folk musician Donald Shaw leads The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance inspired by the Gaelic ceilidh tradition
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb lead improvisational music sessions alongside up-and-coming young musicians in The Hub
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme to lead performances this August that celebrate the joy of music-making.
Highlights include Scottish music icon Dougie MacLean headlining free event The Big Singalong, celebrated folk musician Donald Shaw leading The Ceilidh Sessions with traditional Gaelic music and dance, and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb leading improvisational sessions featuring emerging young talent.
In a free, outdoor event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most beloved musical figures, Dougie MacLean will lead The Big Singalongon Sunday 3 August.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Princes Street Gardens, the Perthshire-born singer-songwriter and composer behind the iconic anthem Caledonia will start a mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh’s Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at www.eif.co.uk.
The joy of music making continues the next day with The Ceilidh Sessions, also in Princes Street Gardens. Scottish tradition meets Baroque flair, as Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band.
Alongside beloved ceilidh tunes like the “The Gay Gordons” and “Strip the Willow”, Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Both events are presented with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Jazz takes the spotlight at The Hub on the Royal Mile, with acclaimed pianist and composer Joe Webb leading the Up Late Jazz Jam on Friday August 15th.
Originally from Wales and now one of the most exciting forces on the UK jazz scene, Webb brings his distinctive energy and improvisational flair, honed through his work with Kansas Smitty’s and as part of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, with whom he made his Festival debut last year.
The late-night session sees seasoned professionals and fresh talent share the stage for an electrifying night of improvisation and raw creativity in action.
Renowned violinist and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti leads a cohort of the world’s most promising young musicians in Rising Stars: Classical Jam. This spontaneous, informal concert brings emerging and professional musicians together for a dynamic, performance where audiences choose the repertoire. This event is inspired by the behind-the-scenes energy of rehearsal rooms and post-concert jams that classical musicians usually enjoy off stage.
For the third year running, the International Festival’s Rising Stars programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for professional development and performance opportunities.
This year’s performances include the first cohort of vocalists in Rising Stars of Voice on 19 August, Rising Stars of Woodwind with clarinettist Mark Simpson on 8 August, and a return from the original 2023 cohort of Rising Stars in Benedetti and Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin with NFM Leopoldinum on 11 August.
To read more about the Rising Stars selected to perform at this year’s International Festival, see here.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said:“At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience.
“From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean’s iconic anthem ‘Caledonia’ at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance.
“We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.”
Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: “Caledonia has become more than just a song—it’s a reflection of Scotland’s spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far.
“Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. It’s a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger.
“When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that’s what Scotland is all about.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland’s signature events, and we’re proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival’s opening weekend.
“These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy.”
“Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring.
“Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland’s global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.”
Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at www.eif.co.uk.
HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Care Home, in Leith’s Albert Street, is delighted to announce its ‘Good’ rating after a recent inspection from the Care Inspectorate (CI), Scotland’s independent regulator of social care.
This outstanding achievement underscores the home’s unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care to its residents. Following a comprehensive inspection, Victoria Manor received a ‘Good’ rating across all key areas, with exceptional scores of 5 (Very Good) in Leadership and Management, Staffing, and specific aspects of resident well-being and involvement.
The CI praised the home’s positive leadership from Home Manager Julie McNaughton and Deputy Manager Natasha Thomas, who have helped foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents. This has led to excellent care outcomes at the home which provides nursing and nursing dementia care services.
The report highlighted the team’s transparent complaint reviews, embedded skilled-level dementia training, and a holistic approach to end-of-life care, which families described as “very positive”. Inspectors commended the kind and dedicated staff, with comments reflecting their pride in working at Victoria Manor and their collaborative spirit, described by social workers as a “dream to work with”.
The home’s beautifully landscaped gardens, accessible facilities, and vibrant activity programmes were also recognised as key strengths to create a warm and engaging environment.
Julie McNaughton, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Home Manager, said: “We’reincredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the hard work and passion of our team at Victoria Manor. I would like to thank the whole team for their commitment, and I want to congratulate them on a positive report.
“Our focus remains on creating a nurturing environment where every resident feels valued and supported. This rating is a testament to our mission.”
Natasha Thomas, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Deputy Manager, added: “We’re dedicated to achieving our aim of being the care provider of choice for those looking for the very best care.
“The culture is changing at Victoria Manor for the better as our colleagues feel valued and supported.”
Festivities have been in full swing at Strachan House Care Home, as one of its residents celebrates his 97th birthday in style.
Reg Lacon was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as he was piped in to celebrate his birthday. A buffet and beverages were available to all celebrating with Reg at Strachan House, and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chefs Ross and Paul.
Reg, looked the part as he dressed to impress, proudly wearing his Northern Lighthouse Board uniform. Reg, served with The NLB for many years. He had an adventurous career, with great memories. Staying in service as long as he could before retiring, Reg moved into Strachan house Care Home in August 2024, where he is enjoying a new chapter of his life, making new memories with friends.
The birthday boy said: ‘I have had a truly wonderful day, it’s been wonderful to see everyone and to have such a great piper was exceptional!’
Fran Fisher, General Manager of Barchester Strachan House, added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating Reg’s birthday. He is such a popular resident, who always has an interesting tale to tell about his travels and his career with the Lighthouse board.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides Residential, Nursing and Dementia care for short and long term stays.
