FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 9am – 12pm
We are delighted to announce that Nadia, a qualified nutrionalist, will be here on Friday 11th September running an efficient, Healthy and Sustainable Cooking Class.
Learn how to:
Cook healthy, balanced meals
Eat well on a budget
Reduce food waste
Cook efficiently and sustainably
Limited spaces available book your place today!
Residents and staff at one of Edinburgh’s leading care homes enjoyed a colourful celebration of Indian culture as part of its annual summer fête.
Cramond Residence, located on Cramond Road in the north-west Edinburgh, brought residents, staff and loved ones together for an Indian-themed celebration, complete with traditional food, music, dancing and dress.
The event saw members of the care home’s Indian team take centre stage, sharing elements of their culture with residents by preparing a selection of traditional dishes and performing songs and dances in the gardens while dressed in traditional clothing.
Residents were encouraged to get involved throughout the day, with many joining staff on the dance floor and embracing the music and celebrations.
The summer fête formed part of Cramond Residence’s wider commitment to creating an inclusive community where the cultures, backgrounds and traditions of both residents and team members are recognised and celebrated.
With people from a range of backgrounds making up the team at Cramond Residence, the event also offered an opportunity for staff to share an important part of their identity with the people they care for every day.
The celebration reflects the home’s belief that providing exceptional care extends beyond meeting residents’ physical needs. Creating a genuine sense of belonging, where people feel respected and connected to the community around them is considered equally important.
Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence, said: “Our summer fête is always a wonderful occasion for residents and the team, but this year was particularly special.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and cultures within our team and giving them the opportunity to share their traditions with our residents was particularly valuable.
“A care home should feel like a community, and an important part of creating that is making sure everyone feels welcome, regardless of where they come from. Celebrating the culture represented within our team helps us learn from one another, while also showing families that their traditions and identities will always be respected here.”
Cramond Residence provides luxury care in a peaceful setting on the outskirts of Edinburgh, offering residents beautifully designed accommodation alongside a range of facilities and services tailored to support physical, emotional and social wellbeing. The residence is committed to delivering exceptional care while creating opportunities for residents to remain active, engaged and connected.
For more information about Cramond Residence, please visit:
From part-time store roles to senior leadership, four Scotmid colleagues are marking career milestones that together span more than 110 years.
Their journeys highlight how one of Scotland’s leading convenience retailers continues to grow talent from within, creating long-term career paths across stores, operations, HR and learning and development.
Today, each continues to support colleagues, strengthen the business and help shape the next stage of Scotmid’s growth.
For Lynne MacGillivray, the journey started in March 1991 in what was then known as a ‘shelf filler’ role at Scotmid’s South Queensferry store while she was still at school.
More than 35 years later, Lynne is now a senior member of Scotmid’s HR team, having spent the past two decades supporting and developing colleagues across the business.
Lynne said: “I never expected to stay as long as I have, but Scotmid’s variety of opportunities and strong community values made it somewhere I wanted to build my career.
“Seeing colleagues build confidence, progress and achieve their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Kevin Lowe joined Scotmid in April 2001 as a Regional Business Manager.
Over the last 25 years, he has supported significant change across the business, including major acquisitions, business transformation projects and the growth of Scotmid’s store estate.
Reflecting on his time with Scotmid, Kevin said: “When I first started, we had around 50 stores, four Regional Business Managers and the bones of an expansion plan.
“Today, we have more than 180 stores and a custom-built Head Office. It has been a fantastic growth journey, both personally and professionally, to be part of.”
Following Scotmid’s acquisition of Morning Noon & Night in 2004, Jane Burns joined Airdrie’s Scotmid store as an experienced manager. Since then, she has progressed through compliance, training and learning and development roles and is now a Lead Learning & Development Consultant, helping colleagues build successful careers of their own.
Jane said: “I quickly saw that Scotmid genuinely puts people first. The care, compassion and empathy shown during the transition made a lasting impression.
“What has kept me here is our people. I feel fortunate to support colleagues as they grow, progress and build careers of their own.”
While studying Business and Information Management at university, Lynne Hedger joined Scotmid 25 years ago as a Customer Service Assistant. What began as a part-time job developed into a career spanning store management, change management and major business projects. Today, Lynne is Head of Central Operations and a member of Scotmid’s Retail Leadership Team.
Reflecting on her Scotmid journey, she said: “I did not expect to stay after completing my degree, but I quickly got the retail bug.
“The people, progression opportunities and support within the Society have shaped my career, with numerous mentors guiding and encouraging me along the way.”
Margaret Anne Clark, Chief Operating Officer – Services at Scotmid, said: “All four of these incredible colleagues have each made an outstanding contribution and commitment to Scotmid over many years.
“They have helped serve customers, support colleagues and guide the business through periods of growth and change. Their stories demonstrate the opportunities that exist within Scotmid and the difference people can make when they build a career with us.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate their milestones.”
Together, their stories reflect Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to developing colleagues, recognising loyalty and creating careers that grow with the business.
CAKE lovers in Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh, can enjoy a free sweet treat on Saturday 22nd August, as Cake Box opens its brand-new store.
The new bakery will be serving up Cake Box’s signature fresh cream, 100 percent egg-free cakes – from celebration centrepieces to everyday indulgences – all handmade and beautifully finished in store.
To mark the official launch, Cake Box Davidson’s Mains will be giving away 100 free slices to the first 100 customers and 100 free cupcakes for children (available while stocks last). There will also be free sampling for the duration of the launch, also while stocks last.
Sukh Chamdal, founder and chief executive officer at Cake Box, said: “We are excited to grow the Cake Box family in Edinburgh with our new Davidson’s Mains store.
“We have always strived to make special moments between family and friends that bit sweeter, and we are thrilled to welcome the Davidson’s Mains community with free treats, family fun and, of course, our delicious range of egg-free, handmade cakes.”
Event details
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Time: From 11am
Address: 54A Main Street, Davidsons Mains Edinburgh, EH4 5AA
Giveaway: 100 free slices to the first 100 customers (available while the stock lasts) and 100 free cupcakes for children, with free samples available all day
Families in Scotland can now apply to get their hands on Aldi’s brand-new Superfam Pass, which offers one lucky household a full year of free groceries
Aldi is launching a Superfam Pass to give one lucky household a full year of free groceries.
Britain’s biggest discounter is on the lookout for a household of devoted Aldi shoppers, offering them the chance to have a year’s shopping covered.
The winning household will receive Aldi’s exclusive Superfam Pass, which offers £800 worth of free shopping every month across the year – totalling £9,600 – with the lucky winner able to shop everything from weekly essentials and fresh favourites to those iconic middle-aisle finds.
The Superfam Pass holders will also receive a whole host of Specialbuys tailored to their household, from toys and activities to homeware and garden equipment worth £400 as part of the prize, helping to keep the whole household stocked up throughout the year.
How to apply
Aldi is calling on households in Scotland to explain why they would make a brilliant first-ever Aldi Superfam. Whether you’re a busy household that plans every meal around the weekly Aldi shop or you’ve turned the middle aisle into a weekend tradition, Britain’s biggest discounter wants to hear your story.
To enter, email ALDISuperfam@aldi.co.uk with your family or household members’ names, ages, location and why they deserve to be named Aldi’s Superfam.
Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “The weekly shop is a big part of the household budget, so imagine being able to take it off your list of expenses for an entire year.
“That’s what we want to give one household with our first-ever Superfam Pass – £800 to spend at Aldi every month for 12 months, plus a few Specialbuy surprises along the way.
“At a time when households are looking for every opportunity to make their budgets stretch further, we hope taking care of the weekly shop will make a real difference to our winners.”
The deadline for entries is Monday 21st September at 11:59pm and the winning household will be contacted by Monday 5th October 2026.
Terms and conditions apply.
For full T&Cs, visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/aldi-terms-and-conditions-superfam-pass-competition/
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Edinburgh’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality heroes are celebrating after a host of the capital’s best businesses and individuals were named finalists in the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2026.
Now in its 31st year, the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are Scotland’s longest running celebration of pubs, bars, restaurants and the people who make them great. The awards have become one of the biggest nights on the licensed trade calendar, recognising the businesses, teams and individuals who go above and beyond across Scotland.
This year, the awards are taking a walk on the wild side, with a spectacular Glam Rock theme set to bring some serious rock ‘n’ roll glamour to the celebrations on Tuesday 1 September.
Edinburgh is strongly represented among this year’s finalists, with local pubs, bars, restaurants, hospitality teams and individuals making their mark across a wide range of categories.
Among the capital’s finalists are The Bowlers Rest, Black Ivy, Bittersweet Leith, Barry Fish, The Dome, Boston Bar New Town, Boston Bar Old Town, Nectar, Seamus’s Pub, Bonnie & Wild, Teuchters Landing, The Pear Tree and The Tynecastle Arms, alongside a host of talented Edinburgh hospitality professionals.
The city’s individual talent is also making its mark, with Cullen Hutchison of The Mother Superior and Chris Sloan of The Black Bull shortlisted for the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, while Daniel Cutting of Brewhemia and Mirin McLintock of Why Not are both in contention for HOSPO Manager of the Year.
Edinburgh’s cocktail and restaurant scene is also well represented, with Bittersweet Leith competing for the Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year title, while Barry Fish and The Dome are finalists for Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year.
There is plenty of recognition for the capital’s pub scene too, with Edinburgh venues competing across categories including Community Pub of the Year, DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area, New Bar of the Year and Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.
Publisher, Susan Young, said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong showing from Edinburgh’s hospitality businesses and individuals this year.
“What I love about these nominations is the sheer variety. We have brilliant bar teams, cocktail destinations, late night venues, community pubs, restaurants, emerging talent and established Edinburgh favourites. It really demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant the city’s hospitality scene is.
“The people working in hospitality are the real stars of these awards, and it is wonderful to see so many from Edinburgh getting the recognition they deserve.”
More than 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather on 1 September for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, with the industry embracing this year’s Glam Rock theme and finding out who will take home Scotland’s highest hospitality honours.
Here’s the full roll call of Edinburgh contenders vying for glory:
Community Pub of the Year
The Bowlers Rest
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
Cullen Hutchison – The Mother Superior
Chris Sloan – The Black Bull
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
Black Ivy
Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year
Bittersweet Leith
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Daniel Cutting – Brewhemia
Mirin McLintock – Why Not
Jamesons Best Irish Bar 2026
Boston Bar New Town
Seamus’s Pub
Jump Ship Brewing Best Lo and No Destination
Bonnie & Wild
Teuchters Landing
Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area
Black Ivy
The Pear Tree
Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year
Barry Fish
The Dome
New Bar of the Year
Boston Bar Old Town
Nectar
Schweppes Mixologist of the Year
Cairo McKeown- Badger & Co
Michael Maclean – The Dome
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
The Tynecastle Arms
Follow us online:
https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/
Edinburgh University Students’ Association will host a line-up of incredible food vendors across central venues this August in collaboration with Gilded Balloon and Pleasance Theatre Trust.
With a strong focus on supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of Scotland’s local food scene and suppliers, festival-goers will be spoilt for choice at the city’s most iconic Fringe venues.
Pleasance Courtyard
Smash & Stack, Total Meltdown, Pizza Geeks, Happy Dumplings, Mint, Mimi’s Bakehouse, Backstage Bar & Bistro
The Pleasance Courtyard, an original Fringe venue since the event’s first year – 1947, is one of the most popular social areas for performers and punters alike. Come rain or shine, the Courtyard offers that beer garden buzz, with plenty of covered seating.
Smash & Stack, Edinburgh’s gourmet burger stall, are cooking up a range of dishes, from its ‘Moving Mountains’ vegan burger to its beef truffle and parmesan burger. Find Smash & Stack in the Front Courtyard.
For pure indulgence, head to local legends Total Meltdown to try their grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with cheddar and delicious fillings, including kimchi, nduja and pastrami. Vegans will be spoilt for choice too, with seven options available on the menu.
Cheese enthusiasts can also get their fix at Pizza Geeks who have been serving Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas with a slice of geek in Edinburgh since 2016.
Happy Dumplings are on a mission to bring their famous family recipes from restaurants in China to Scotland. Packed with explosive flavour, dumpling options include prawn, pork, beef or chicken.
Mint will be serving up their signature wraps, perfectly balancing texture and taste through their unique combination of smoked paprika, fresh tzatziki and tangy pickled cabbage. Their famous Za’atar chicken or falafel and humous wraps are on the menu.
And for a sweet treat, Mimi’s Bakehouse – one of Edinburgh’s best-loved bakeries – are back with their award-winning cakes, scones and coffee, alongside hot filled rolls.
Drink amongst the stars at our various bars:
• Arthur’s Bar – a relaxed bar area tucked away behind the Pleasance Courtyard looking out to Arthur’s Seat.
• Cragg’s Bar – located under the famous yellow stretch tent – the perfect spot for a drink and a bite.
• Cabaret Bar – combining a bar and performance space inside the main Pleasance building, the Cabaret Bar has previously attracted the likes comedians such as Frank Skinner, Rich Hall and Jenny Éclair. The bar is operated by Backstage Bar and Bistro serving teas, coffee and hearty food.
Teviot
The Loft Bar, Union Social, Gallery Cafe, Union Social Garden, Relics Coffee Co.
Teviot is back on the Fringe scene, following its extensive refurbishment. Crowned ‘Best Night Out’ at the 2026 Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, Teviot is the world’s oldest purpose-built students’ union and has an array of dining spaces for visitors to refuel in between Fringe shows.
Inside Teviot you’ll find the spacious Union Social serving local craft beer by the award winning Stewart Brewing. On sunny days, head to the Loft Bar’s roof terrace to escape from the bustling crowds.
Outside, Union Social Garden is your classic beer garden, with beach hut booths and picnic benches. Alongside the bar, Relics Coffee Co. will pop up at Union Social Garden, offering speciality brews and espresso martinis for a day-to-night caffeine hit.
On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll be able to pair your beverage of choice along with live music as DJ sets take over Union Social Garden – there’s no need to purchase a ticket, just rock up and enjoy!
Charles Street Lane
Mac Love, Greek Street Food, Churros Truck
Outside Teviot is Charles Street Lane. This Fringe hotspot is where to find an array of street food staples, including Mac Love with their popular mac ‘n’ cheese, Greek Street Food offering chicken and halloumi gyros, and Churros Truck for Spanish fried doughnuts with a range of dipping sauces.
Pleasance Dome & Plaza
The Dome Bar, Box Bar, Bar & Kitchen, Chicken & Fries
The Dome Bar is the main bar in the Pleasance Dome, offering a wide selection of draught, bottles, spirits and hot food. Situated in the lower Dome is the Box Bar complete with
decked seating, giving the perfect summer festival feeling. If you fancy a bite, you can also find the Bar & Kitchen serving up tasty hot dogs, sides and drinks – perfect for a proper pit stop between shows.
Outside the Pleasance Dome on Pleasance Plaza (named as one of the Fringe’s top places to be) you can find Chicken & Fries with a delicious selection of chicken options.
Drinks across venues
A broad selection of drinks is available across the venues — Madri, Coors, Alpacalypse Session IPA, Staropramen, Aspall Cyder, Caffrey’s Black Stout and Blue Moon to name a few. In addition, you will find Alcohol 0% options, Rekorderlig Ciders, NICE Wine, Whitley Neill Gin, Fever-Tree soft drinks and much more.
We also have some “Grab and Go” canned items that will ensure you can quickly get served, even while you wait in your queue for the show, so refreshments are never far away.
Partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have officially opened the doors to Chez Bernard, a new neighbourhood French wine bar and bistro located on the waterfront of The Shore in Leith.
As the first French wine bar in the area, it is set to become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, whether for a long lunch or evening drink.
Chez Bernard is more than just a name to Jonathan and Isla. The new bar is a tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard, and to the simple moments that shaped his lifelong love for food, wine, and the table.
Jonathan spent many summers near the Atlantic coast of France, which is where his appreciation for a traditional ‘long lunch’ began. While these long French lunches are a huge inspiration behind the venue, the space is also a vibrant wine bar, making Chez Bernard the ideal place to visit in the evening for a bottle of wine, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie, or simply a relaxed glass at the bar.
Opening Chez Bernard is the couple’s way of keeping Jonathan’s grandfather’s memory alive. In a fitting tribute, the perfect waterfront space for their vision became available just off ‘Bernard Street’, a clear sign to Jonathan and Isla that they had found their home.
Drawing on 15 years of combined experience in hospitality between them, Jonathan and Isla who are engaged, are bringing that expert knowledge and passion for wine to Leith with Chez Bernard. The pair have curated an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the bistro’s authentic French and seafood offerings.
The menu at Chez Bernard caters to all occasions, offering great options whether diners are looking for a solo bite or food to share. Guests can expect classic French sharing plates, including a selection of artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie.
The bar also boasts an array of seafood dishes, featuring a salmon platter, dressed crab, and fresh oysters, alongside an assortment of hot dishes and additional sharing plates.
Co-owner Jonathan Heredia, said: “Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.
“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began. When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like absolute fate for both of us.
“This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore. We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine, and spend time around the table with the people you love.”
Chez Bernard promises an inviting, relaxed atmosphere perfect for afternoon grazing, evening drinks, or celebratory dinners with loved ones.
For more information, to view the menus, and to book a table, please visit:
Menu for Friday 14th of August 
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root veg medley soup
Crispy chicken
BBQ-style beans
Halloumi pastries
Lemon cheesecake with blueberry compote
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
St Columba’s Iona Cafe is changing its opening hours at the weekends!
Starting from Satuday 15th August, the Iona Cafe will be open 10- 4 on both Saturday & Sunday.
As always, there will be a range of delicious food and beverages available, as well as the gift shop, which is always full of wonderful accessories and homewares just waiting to be discovered!
