IRON LADIES is a new documentary about the inspirational women who were the backbone of the 84/85 Miners’ Strike, as told by them.
From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle trying to save their communities. The film features Carol Ross from Cowdenbeath and Linda Erskine from Lochgelly, and they will both be appearing at the Edinburgh screening for a Q&A.
Shut Out The Light Filmsis thrilled to announce that their upcoming documentary Iron Ladies will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th October.
The inspiring story of working-class women who, during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state.
From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike. With many still active today, their actions reshaped the landscape of political activism for working-class women.
Directed by Daniel Draper(Nature of the Beast), Iron Ladies is a celebration of the iron willed women who maintained the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike as they fought for the future of their communities.
Iron Ladies shines a spotlight on the previously overlooked narratives of women, who still fight for their communities today. Heather Wood, Lorraine Stansbie, Rose Hunter, Kate Alvey, Betty Cook, and Aggie Currie are amongst the 20 unsung working-class heroes to share their stories.
Speaking on the film being released in UK and Irish cinemas producer Christie Allanson said “Working-class narratives by working-class filmmakers are a rarity.
“The communal viewing of this film on the big screen is important to spark those conversations about the political landscape past and present.
“The funding, the approach to filmmaking and the contributors all have one thing in common – passion. As the producer, I feel inspired and empowered by these women, and I hope audiences will feel that way too.”
Iron Ladies will be in UK and Irish Cinemas from 10th October
Edinburgh screening with Q & A is on Friday 21st November at 6.15pm
Co-op Corner Café will open at Coffee Saints, 2a Little King St, Edinburgh EH1 3AR on Thursday 16th October 09.30 – 17.00
New YouGov research for the Co-op reveals:
76% of people in Scotland say that their local high street has declined over the last few years
4 in 5 believe their community “would lose part of its identity” without local shops
Co-op is bringing its special blend of co-operation and community to Edinburgh on Thursday 16th October with the pop up of the Co-op Corner Café.
Hosted at Coffee Saints on Little King Street, the event invites members and the wider public to discover how co-operation can help revitalise local high streets and strengthen community spirit.
Part of Co-op’s On Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign, the event will be packed with fun and engaging activities, designed to spark conversations about the benefits of co-operatives and the role of local businesses in creating thriving neighbourhoods and helping the people that live there thrive too.
Open to both members and non-members, there will be the opportunity to understand more about the wide-ranging social, economic and ownership benefits of membership and how it shapes the future of the Co-op.
Guests can enjoy free Fairtrade tea and coffee, sample and feedback on new food innovations and even enter to win tickets to a hamper.
The event will also spotlight local and community-owned businesses including Scotmid Co-op, West Granton Housing Co-op and West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust, showing how businesses built on shared values can deliver positive change.
Co-op’s own team members will be in attendance, including Jess Clarke, Democratic Services & Engagement Manager. Jess said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting our members and the wider community in Edinburgh.
“Being at the heart of local life is a real privilege and we want to show how co-operation can help address some of the challenges facing high streets today. It’s sure to be a fun and thought-provoking day – and a great chance for members to tell us how we can do even more to support Edinburgh’s communities.”
On Your Corner, In Your Corner is part of Co-op’s Social Value Strategy – a commitment led by 6.9 million active member-owners to stand firm on climate, opportunity and community.
Since 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has shared over £480,000 with 216 community projects across the City of Edinburgh, supporting people to connect, access opportunities and thrive together.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.
Co-op is on track to its ambition of growing to eight million members by 2030.
Further information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available at coop.co.uk/membership
For more information about the pop-up cafés and to find local events, visit coopmemberevents.uk
With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.
A recent survey by the National Galleries of Scotland found that 84% of total visitors to the galleries felt their visit had a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Co-director of Lothians Speak Their Name, Sue Henderson, says she has seen and experienced first-hand the positive impact art can have on mental health.
The group, which was originally set up to create a quilt in memory of people who have died by suicide in Edinburgh and the Lothians, have been regularly visiting exhibitions and displays at the National Galleries of Scotland ever since.
Having visited for almost a year, Sue shares how it has been an incredibly valuable experience for helping the group to navigate their loss.
Sue said: “We have loved coming to the galleries so much, for some it has been powerfully beneficial.
“The tours, led by Duncan Robertson at the National Galleries of Scotland, are brilliant, for that short time it allows people to just disconnect from all the pain of their grief. It gives a moment of distraction.
“There are people in our group who never came to the gallery before, they didn’t think it was for them, but to see the impact it has on them is just incredible. Whether listening to the amazing stories of the art or just getting lost for a moment, it really can have healing powers.
“Seeing the effect it has on members of the group is so striking. One woman who lost her son to suicide, got completely lost in the art and it gave her a moment of relief from the day to day pain.
“I had never seen it be so demonstrable before, the power of art and how it can offer a distraction from the worst imaginable grief. People in the group have shared how the art can take them out of themselves and what a beautiful distraction it is.”
Art plays a significant role in enhancing mental health by providing therapeutic benefits, fostering emotional expression, and promoting overall well-being. It has been proven that art can evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia or even sadness, which can be therapeutic for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
Over the past 20 years research on the impact of the arts on health has been growing and in 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report called ‘What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?’.
The report looked at over 3000 studies from around the world which concluded that the arts play a major role in preventing and managing health. It identified the contribution that the arts may have in promoting good health and health equity, preventing illness, and treating acute and chronic conditions across the life-course.
This has launched further studies by WHO and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in 2023 on the health benefits of the arts. As well as the Lancet Global Series Photo Essay which findings re-iterate the crucial importance of creativity within the sphere of health, and the evidence-based health benefits catalysed by imagination.
Research by the John Hopkins University School of Medicine even found that spending just 30 minutes in an art gallery once a month could extend your life expectancy by 10 years.
Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement at National Galleries of Scotlandsaid: ‘We are fortunate that we get to see the positive effect that art can have on people every single day in the gallery.
“But we know, and research shows, that art can do more than just put a smile on our faces, it can have real lasting impact on overall mental and physical health.
“We regularly welcome groups supporting people living with dementia, addiction recovery groups, health and wellbeing groups, mental health communities and so much more.
“It is important that art is considered holistically as a tool that can be used for early intervention and social prescribing in health, education and social care sectors.
“The power of art is truly incredible, and we are so delighted to have groups like Lothians Speak Their Name feel that in our galleries.’
Sue shared how the group have benefited from using art as a tool to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences. Brought together to make the memorial quilt, 49 people have made squares in memory of their loved ones, which hold the stories of their loves and lives.
As well as creating this beautiful memorial, it has brought people together as a community, where they’ve found support and friendship.
Sue added: “Our group was born out of the idea of making a quilt which remembers those we loved. Each square would represent someone in a positive way who was loved and lost, whether it included the things they loved or a fond memory of them.
“Some people in the group had never done anything like this but everyone felt how therapeutic it was to focus on something positive about their loved ones lives.
“There is something about being involved in a group activity together, whether creating the quilt or visiting the galleries. In the group everyone has experience of loss but that wasn’t the always the focus when we got together, the focus was also on creativity.
“There was never any pressure to talk about our losses. But what we found was that when everyone was distracted making their squares or looking at the art, conversations happened a lot more easily because the art was offering something else to focus on at the time.
“Often memories come with nothing but pain, but using art and creativity allowed everyone to remember the things they loved about the person, or to remember the good times.
“There are of course people who would come along, and they would never talk about their loss and that was okay too, because they still got to be in a room of people who understood what they were going through and that was support enough. They could come along and just immerse themselves in the task of creating the square.
“It was after we started making the squares that we reached out the galleries, and they offered us tours of exhibitions and displays. This just opened a whole new level of what we were doing. Some members of the group got really immersed in the visits and seeing the art offered inspiration.
“People have re-discovered their creative side and found a way to express themselves.
“Whether seeing or doing art I do believe it has a healing power. The fact we get to see the positive effect it can have on people is what I love most about this, it is an absolute privilege. So, I do really believe that art can be empowering for people dealing with mental health.”
The completed quilt has been touring around various locations in hope is that the individuals and lives it remembers will inspire viewers to start conversations about mental health and suicide and to reach out if they themselves are struggling.
It is currently one of 11 quilts on display at an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament in London.
If interested in getting involved in creating a square, please contact:
As well as running regular tours for groups such as Lothians Speak Their Name, National Galleries of Scotland also warmly invites community groups, care homes and charities to book free visits to the galleries at a time that suits them.
Activities include guided tours of the collection and exhibitions, online art discussions, dementia-friendly sessions with specific themes, and bespoke tours tailored to the needs of each group
Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed significant UK-wide investment in community renewable energy projects, which will deliver tangible benefits for local communities in Scotland.
The Great British Energy initiative is backing a total of £4 million into the UK’s community energy sector, supporting 48 community energy projects across Scotland, including two major developments in Edinburgh North and Leith.
Granton Project CIC – Harnessing solar power for community growth, receiving £70,043.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op (Phase 3) – Developing local solar capacity, awarded £484,500.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“These investments demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy and to supporting communities across the country. I am pleased that two of these are in my constituency in Edinburgh North and Leith, which is becoming a true renewables hub.
“The projects will not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities with long-term benefits. Initiatives like these are helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.”
The Great British Energy investment is part of a wider effort to drive community energy generation growth across Scotland and the UK, ensuring that local areas can take an active role in the renewable energy transition.
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has announced tickets are now on sale for listeners and fans to join the star-studded ceremony this autumn.
Taking place at The Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, the awards show will feature performances from top names in music and entertainment, whilst honouring and celebrating community heroes.
Tickets now on sale from £28.60 via forth1.com and The Usher Hall Box Office
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
One of the biggest nights in Edinburgh’s music calendar, The Forth Awards honours local heroes and organisations going over and above for their community, as well as a top-secret line-up of celebrities from across music and entertainment.
Previous winners and performances include Lewis Capaldi, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald, Erasure and Simple Minds, with the line-up kept secret until the day itself.
Hosted by Boogie and Arlene from Forth 1’s breakfast show, the afternoon show is the perfect start to winter festivities, with fans, listeners and guests packing out the Capital’s Usher Hall to enjoy music, comedy and musical theatre performances.
Plus, the awards panel reviews hundreds of listener nominations for categories that recognise those who go the extra mile in communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award.
Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager from Hits Radio Scotland said, “We are so proud that The Forth Awards at The Usher Hall is back again and we can’t wait to reveal a stunning line up and, of course, some wonderful winners.
“Tickets are selling fast as always so if people want to come and join in the fun, they should act now.
“It’s always a spectacular afternoon filled with fun and laughter, and amazing celebrations of outstanding achievement from Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
The Forth Awards 2025 Categories
The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris
The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire
The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room
Edinburgh-based business owner, Sophie – who runs Premier Broadway alongside her parents – tells her story of success in the local community
Sophie features in a six-part photography and mini docu-series that follows the stories of local corner shop bosses from across Great Britain
The series spotlights local Bosses as you’ve never seen them before – as research shows over a third of Brits consider the corner shop an essential part of their daily life
Shot by award-winning director Ross Bolidai, and photographer Serena Brown, the series celebrates corner shop bosses in a new light
Launching the series to celebrate 125 years in Great Britain, Coca-Cola is also giving back to local communities – with each boss from the series nominating a local cause to receive a five-figure donation
An Edinburgh retailer has been chosen as one of the stars of a major new campaign by Coca-Cola, spotlighting the invaluable role that corner shops – and the real people behind the counter – play in their local communities.
Sophie Williams, who runs Premier Broadway in Edinburgh alongside her parents, is one of six business owners from across the country that will feature in the campaign, including a new portrait and docu-series shot by multi-award-winning director Ross Bolidai and National Portrait Gallery photographer Serena Brown.
The short film reveals Sophie’s multigenerational story of family, community, and resilience. Sophie’s parents – Dennis and Linda – built their shop through decades of change, serving their neighbours with trust and consistency for 41 years.
Now, Sophie – a former theatre professional – is stepping into the spotlight, bringing new energy, social media flair, and fresh ideas to a business that raised her.
As well as being the subject of her own micro-documentary, Sophie’s face will be proudly on display on Out of Home advertisement spots across Edinburgh, signifying the importance of corner shops and their owners to their local communities, as Coca-Cola celebrates 125 years of its products being sold in Great Britain, hand-in-hand with local retailers.
It comes as corner shops play an increasingly important role in daily life despite the struggles of the high street, with over a third (34%) of people across Great Britain saying their corner shop is an essential resource in their everyday life, according to research by Coca-Cola.
Almost a quarter (23%) of Brits said they depend on corner shops more than any other retailer, and despite only recently being recognised as ‘key workers’, corner shop owners have been embedded at the heart of British communities for over a century.
Made in Edinburgh: Sophie’s Story
Founded by Dennis and his parents in 1983, the Williams’ corner shop has been at the heart of their Edinburgh community. Having originally met at the cash and carry Dennis and Linda built something far more meaningful than just a business, testament to the relentless dedication to the people of Edinburgh.
Now their daughter Sophie, an experienced theatrical performer, is bringing fresh energy to the store – from viral TikTok videos to online delivery apps for a new generation of customers.
Although the Williams’ business has grown immensely over its 41 years – what hasn’t changed is their passion, customer service, and unrelenting work ethic.
With Sophie at the helm, she is driven to continue the family legacy – and to show how heritage and innovation can thrive side by side.
Sophie’s role as a Coca-Cola Boss and the content series
Sophie and her family have been immortalised by talented Gen Z photographer Serena Brown, known for her work on bringing the stories of real people to the front of her camera lens. Brown produced a gallery of photos celebrating the commitment, heritage, know-how and personalities behind Britain’s corner shop counters.
Meanwhile, director Ross Bolidai produced the moving mini-documentaries pulling the curtain back on the people we see every day, but perhaps don’t know much about.
Sophie Williams, running Premier Broadway, Edinburgh alongside her parents, said:“For 41 years, Premier Broadway has been more than a store; it’s been a cornerstone of our family and community.
“Our passion goes beyond transaction, embodying a belief that the shop does not just belong to us – but to everyone it serves.
“As we join Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, we are reminded of the dedication my parents have shown since 1983, and the legacy we continue to build in Edinburgh.
“Their expertise, combined with my fresh perspective, social media presence, and innovative ideas, ensures our commitment to keeping the store vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President and General Manager of Great Britain & Ireland at Coca-Cola said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 125 years since Coca-Cola was first served in Great Britain, and with 97% of our products sold here manufactured and bottled here, we’re invested in local communities.
“‘The Bosses’ series is an ode to that, celebrating the businessmen and women ushering in a new era for the vastly underestimated corner shop.
“We’ll continue to champion and mentor community retailers far into the future, and hope they continue to find a sense of camaraderie through our network.”
With a legacy spanning 125 years in Great Britain, The Coca-Cola Company is committed to supporting local communities – with each boss from the series nominating a local cause to receive a five-figure donation.
For more information or to view the content, please visit:
TOGETHER WE REPAIR: EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
I met a nice couple after our Citizen Group’s performances at the Book Festival on Monday. Time was really tight at the end of the evening – we must have been among the last to leave the Edinburgh Futures Institute – and I’m sorry we didn’t have longer to discuss the event, but thanks for being so kind about it!
As I explained the other night, we had to pare our contributions right back to three minute slots due to time constraints. I think my original draft was over six minutes, but with careful editing (i.e. removing large chunks of swearie words!) I got it down to the required length.
So as promised, here is my Stories and Scran contribution How May I Help You? I am really chuffed that you enjoyed the piece so much and I do hope you’ll enjoy reading it again.
Stories and Scran is a real community event and I know my fellow Citizen writers get just as much pleasure from participating at the event as I do – there’s always a very warm and welcoming atmosphere and audiences are invariably supportive. It’s that enthusiasm that makes Stories and Scran so special.
It was nice to meet you, and who knows – maybe we’ll do it all over again next year!
HOW MANY I HELP YOU?
I was sitting in a queue of morning rush hour traffic when I was startled by a loud blast on a horn. I thought the traffic had moved again while I had been daydreaming, but no: the driver alongside me was pointing down to the back of my car.
Confused, I wound down my window. “Your back tyre is flat”, he called across.
Fortunately there is a big AutoCare Centre just along the road and I was able to trundle along there. The tyre was completely flat now and the wheel made a horrible squealing noise as it rumbled along.
I parked and approached the Reception Desk. John was in charge. I know this because he wore a big badge with his name on it – and he also answered the phone many times while I waited to be seen.
“Good morning AutoCare Centre, John speaking, how may I help you? Ah yes, Mr Wilson. The Zafira, wasn’t it? Let me check …”
I don’t know what John checked. He didn’t move, or even look at a screen. He stood, eyes closed, in a trance-like state for ages … maybe he was psychic?
“Mr Wilson? Sorry about that, sir. Yes, the lads are on it now. Can you give us a call back around lunchtime? … I do realise that, sir, but we have been very busy this morning … yes, I’ll call you back with an update. Of course … Yes, you have a nice day now …
Maybe I imagined it, but I’m sure he muttered: “Phone you back? Aye,right!”
Barely had John put the phone down than it was ringing again. “Good morning, Autocare Centre, John speaking how may … ah hello, Mrs Hill I was just going to call you. Great minds think alike, eh?
“Some bad news, I’m afraid – we are still waiting for parts … yes, six weeks IS a long time but we have to get the parts sent over from France you see … I do understand, Mrs Hill, but between Covid and Brexit … yes, yes, I can only apologise. You know what the French are like … I will chase them up again the second I put the phone down. I’ll call you right back … ‘
He put the phone down, gave a mighty sigh and raised his eyes. “Be with you in a second, sir,” he told me. “Help yourself to a complimentary tea or coff …”
The phone rang again. “Good morning Autocare Centre, John … och it’s just you, Benny!. How you doin’, my man? Are yous busy down there – we’re rushed off our feet here …’
I did fancy a coffee but a lengthy queue was building up behind me and I didn’t want to lose my place.
After quite a while, one customer had had enough. “This is bloody ridiculous!” he said in a very loud voice.
I heard it, the whole queue heard it, the tyre fitters in the workshop heard it – but John was oblivious. His conversation went on and on …
Finally, he glanced up … “Sorry, Benny, I’ll have to love you and leave you … we’re stowed oot the door here!”
I WAS NEXT!
“Sorry about your wait, sir, we’ve been UNBELIEVABLY busy this morning. Now, what can I do for you? What appears to be the problem?
Now, I would have thought that the problem would have been fairly obvious to John, but I pointed to my shredded tyre.
“Ah yes, we’ll take a look at that for you. The lads are busy just now but have a seat and we’ll get it up on a ramp as soon as we can. Help yourself to a coff …
The telephone rang again.
“Good morning, AutoCare Centre, J …Nearly afternoon? What a quick morning it’s been! Ah yes, Mrs Hill! Ye’ll no’ believe this – I was just going to call you …
