Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.
Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.
The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires.
The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh.
Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:“The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners.
“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.
“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.
“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar.
“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”
Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration
Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.
The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.
Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.
“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”
Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.
“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”
The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.
As Edinburgh Zoo celebrates 110 years, recently retired keeper Karen Stiven shares her favourite memories and encourages the public to add their own stories to the archive
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting members of the public to share their memories of Edinburgh Zoo as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, helping to preserve the stories that have made the zoo a cherished part of Scottish life since it first opened in 1913.
Among them is Karen Stiven, who has recently retired after 45 years at RZSS. Joining the zoo in 1981, Karen dedicated her career to caring for a number of animals from birds to hoofstock and became one of the zoo’s longest-serving keepers.
Now retired from her role as Experienced Keeper, Karen has witnessed decades of change at Edinburgh Zoo. One of her fondest memories is hand-rearing a young hippo, Cleo, a challenge that involved sleepless nights and round the clock care. Seeing the calf grow and thrive made all the hard work worthwhile and remains one of Karen’s most treasured memories.
Karen believes preserving the zoo’s history is just as important as creating new memories for future generations. She said: “Having these archives is a huge achievement.
“They allow people to look back and see where everything started, how much has changed and how far we’ve come.
“The stories are incredibly important and I hope people continue adding their own memories so future generations can do the same for many years to come.”
The appeal comes as RZSS continues to uncover and preserve stories from across its history. While archive collections contain official records and photographs, the charity says some of the most valuable insights come from the personal memories of people who have visited, worked at or supported Edinburgh Zoo over the years.
David Field, CEO of RZSS, said: “Karen’s story is a wonderful example of the memories that make Edinburgh Zoo so special. After 45 years of dedication, she has been part of countless moments that have shaped the zoo’s history.
“Karen’s story is just one of thousands and for 110 years, Edinburgh Zoo has played a part in the lives of people across Scotland and beyond.
“We know there are an abundance of family photographs, favourite animal encounters, school trip memories and personal stories waiting to be shared, and we would love to hear them. Every memory helps us build a clearer picture of our past and preserve it for future generations.”
Members of the public can share photographs, souvenirs and other memorabilia with the team as part of Memories Week running from 13 – 21 June, helping ensure the next chapter of Edinburgh Zoo’s story is recorded alongside the first 110 years.
A special Memories Week exhibition will take visitors through the Zoo’s remarkable past, revealing how generations of memories continue to shape its future
Families, visitors and supporters are invited to celebrate generations of memories as the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo opens the doors to its past this June. The rare archive material, much of it unseen for over 100 years, goes on public display during a special Memories Week from 13 – 21 June 2026.
The week-long celebration will shine a spotlight on the wildlife conservation charity and the generations of people who have grown up visiting Edinburgh Zoo, from first family days out and school trips to encountering some of its most loved animals.
Highlights include children’s letters addressed to “Mr Zoo Man”, photographs and memorabilia from community events such as a 1927 carnival, and early records from the Zoo’s opening on 22 July 1913, when visitors reportedly left with mud on their finest shoes due to ongoing construction.
The exhibition also reveals how founder Thomas Haining Gillespie described creating Edinburgh Zoo as “an obsession”, despite many believing Scotland’s climate made it impossible to house animals from around the world. Determined to create something different from the time, Gillespie championed a revolutionary “open-air zoo” concept, giving animals more natural spaces and room to retreat from public view.
The early meetings did not always run smoothly. At RZSS’s first annual meeting in July 1909, attendance was reportedly so low that organisers had to call in a passerby from the street to make up the numbers needed to pass motions. Despite this, the focus of these early gatherings remained the creation of a new zoological garden in Scotland.
David Field, CEO of RZSS said; “Edinburgh Zoo holds a special place in the hearts of so many people. Memories Week is a chance to celebrate those connections and the role the Zoo has played across generations.
“We want people to come along, reminisce, share their stories, bring in their keepsakes and be part of preserving this incredible history for the future.
“Some parts of the archive reflect a very different time and understanding of animal care and conservation than we have today.
“We would not attempt to defend everything from the past, but it is important to acknowledge how much has changed over more than a century and how those lessons have helped shape the conservation and welfare values we continue to build on today.”
Items from the University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections will be displayed as part of “Memories Week”, offering a rare insight into over a century of Edinburgh Zoo’s history
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting the public to step back in time this summer as it unveils a newly digitised and documented archive.
Created in partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections, the exciting findings reveal the rich history behind one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.
A curated selection of materials from the archive will go on display at Edinburgh Zoo from 13th –21st June 2026 as part of “Memories Week”, hosted at Lemur Lodge. The exhibition will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore never-before-seen photos, video and documents that trace the Zoo’s journey across changing generations.
The collection dates back to the founding of RZSS in 1909 and explores the early vision of Thomas Haining Gillespie, whose ambition was to create a place where nature is protected, valued and loved. Through photographs, letters, maps and original papers, the archive captures the wildlife conservation charity origins, the opening of Edinburgh Zoo on 22 July 1913, and defining moments from more than 110 years ago.
As part of the exclusive week, Edinburgh Zoo is encouraging visitors and long-time supporters to visit the dedicated exhibition and share their memories. By bringing their treasured keepsakes with them there will be an opportunity to dive deeper into their personal stories and hear from staff about the history of the souvenirs.
David Field, CEO of RZSS said: “By sharing these archives wider, we are not only preserving the rich legacy of Edinburgh Zoo but inviting people to become part of it, learn more about how it all began and leave inspired about its exciting future.
“Visitors have grown up with Edinburgh Zoo as part of their lives, and we want to capture their memories and personal connections. Memories Week is all about celebrating Edinburgh Zoo’s vast history while also helping to safeguard its future, saving wildlife and connecting people with nature.”
Daryl Green, Associate Director, Heritage Collections (Research & Curatorial) and Co-Director of the Centre for Research Collections at the University of Edinburgh added; “There has been a deep and enduring connection between the University and Edinburgh Zoo, spanning many decades.
“We are so happy to work closely with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to provide long-term access to the Zoo’s history, preserving the memories of the visitors, the staff and – most importantly – the animals who have shaped the last century.”
Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training is celebrating after being selected by Tesco customers to receive a £1,500 donation.
Shoppers at Tesco Extra Corstorphine voted for local community causes using Tesco’s famous blue voting tokens, with three groups receiving cash grants as part of the supermarket’s Stronger Starts campaign.
Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training was one of three local charities that customers voted for, receiving £1,500 as part of the scheme after receiving the most votes.
The winning charity is comprised entirely of volunteers, who are trained in first aid techniques and provide medical cover for events in Edinburgh and beyond, as well as first aid training to businesses and community groups.
The funds will allow the group to purchase essential first aid equipment so they can continue first aid training and help to keep people safe.
Dominic Burns, Chair at Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this funding as part of the Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, and would like to thank our local community for their votes.
“Corstorphine First Aid is a community focused charity and this money will be used to support our activity in teaching and providing life saving first aid skills to people across Edinburgh.”
The other groups to receive grant funding from the store’s Stronger Starts blue token votes include The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland [RZSS] and Corstorphine Primary School, as well as Fox Covert Primary School.
The funding will support RZSS and Corstorphine Primary school in their joint initiative, which sees representatives from Edinburgh Zoo get the pupils involved with nature and animals through educational demonstrations within the school.
The grant awarded to Fox Covert Primary School, will support the school’s breakfast club, ensuring that all pupils can have a healthy snack and a good start to their day.
Stronger Starts helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.
Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “Our Tesco team would like to thank all of our customers for their help in supporting these three fantastic causes through our Stronger Starts campaign.
“Every vote helps us to provide funding to groups making a difference in our community.”
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “We are incredibly proud to award Stronger Starts grants to over one hundred schools and local projects, supporting the vital work they do for our children and communities.
“Since we launched our grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.”
With a food and beverage plan built around conservation, community, and engagement, early priorities to be delivered by the team will focus on improving quality and consistency across the site, refreshing menus with seasonal produce in collaboration with local suppliers, and embedding a service culture that mirrors the zoo’s educational and conservation values.
Adding to the list of iconic Sodexo Live! client partners across Scotland, including V&A Dundee, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Signet Library and Hampden Park, this collaboration will celebrate and strengthen the zoo’s unique identity, making food and drink an integral part of its story.
Claire Morris, CEO of Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, said:“Edinburgh Zoo is a world-class visitor attraction, and this partnership gives us the unique opportunity to really transform the catering offering to reflect RZSS’s vision.
“By positioning Edinburgh Zoo as a place of global exploration and education – a living classroom for all – we want to create a sense of culinary adventure and discovery through exciting, diverse global flavours aligned to the animals’ natural habitats.
“We want our food to be more than just a service – we want it to add joy and make visitors’ zoo experience even more immersive and meaningful.”
Ben Supple, RZSS Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We want to provide visitors to Edinburgh Zoo with the very best experience as this will encourage more people to learn about and protect our natural world.
“Catering is an essential part of that and we are looking forward to working in partnership with the Sodexo Live! and Heritage Portfolio team to develop an exceptional offer which celebrates local, high quality and sustainable produce.”
The collaboration represents a truly local partnership, combining extensive Scottish hospitality knowledge with RZSS’s mission to ‘protect, value and love nature.’ Inspired by the zoo’s animals and their habitats, a ‘Feeding Natural Curiosity’ philosophy will be implemented, guiding menu development, emphasising global flavours, from-scratch cooking, zero-waste initiatives, and community partnerships.
Sodexo Live! supports some of the UK’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events, plus conference centres and airport lounges, by delivering world class hospitality and food services. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.
Globally, partners include The Scottish Open, Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, and exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
A life-saving conference, climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, and a trailblazing up-and-comer have been crowned Scotland’s best at the country’s top tourism and events industry awards.
Attractions, events and individuals from the city received awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow last night (20 November).
After triumphing at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards last month, finalists competed against their peers for a coveted national trophy and earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.
Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
National winners from across the Capital are:
The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024at EICC which won Best Business Event.
The conference welcomed over 1,600 delegates from across the globe in November 2024. It brought world leaders in science and healthcare to Scotland, the event advanced research, innovation, and collaboration in tackling HPV and related cancers.
By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates in schools and communities, its impact extended far beyond the conference centre. Leaving a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses, save lives, and inspire future progress.
Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive, EICC, said:“Winning the Best Business Event Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a tremendous honour.
“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor.
“By increasing HPV awareness and vaccination uptake, its legacy reaches into communities across the globe, a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses and save lives.
“This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.”
Edinburgh Zoo, who took home the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.
Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:“Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife.
“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”
Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV. The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.
As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools’ programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.
Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours – based in Edinburgh.
Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.
He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.
Hugh said: “As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said:“Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.
“The strong showing from Edinburgh is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the city’s tourism sector.
“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include Central and East, the West of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.
This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
