Festival of Fermentation at Lauriston Agroecology Farm

FREE PICKLE PARTY!

Join us for the Festival of Fermentation & Pickle Party at the farm …

Saturday 28 March 1:30 – 3:30pm

Book your free ticket on Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtcdc2

For thousands of years, people around the world have used fermentation and pickling to make and preserve food, handing the knowledge down through generations.

Whether you are a total beginner, or already surrounded by bubbling jars, come along to this celebration of human x microbe collaboration.

Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op, Grass Roots Remedies and Rhyze Mushrooms are hosting a fermentation and pickling Tasting Fair, tours and workshops, and opening our brand new food processing space.

The food processing space, and this opening event, is kindly funded by Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network Greenlight seedgrant fund.

Thank you to ECCAN and to everyone who voted for us to receive this grant.

The funding means we can make this event free – but spaces are limited, please book a ticket to attend.

Rhyze Mushrooms

@Grass Roots Remedies Co-op

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

#Agroecology

#biodiversity

#FoodSovereignty

King’s Trust ‘Enterprise for All’ event at Fruitmarket

TUESDAY 3rd MARCH from 12 – 3.30pm

@KingsTrust are hosting an event for 18-30 year olds that are interested in starting their own business speakers, discussions on the issues/obstacles, networking and refreshments

The Fruitmarket

3rd March 12pm – 3.30pm

RSVP : enterprisescotland@kingstrust.org.uk

Tattie Day at Lauriston Farm

SUNDAY 1st MARCH 11am – 1pm

Ever wanted to grow your own potatoes?

Come along to Tattie Day to get low-cost seed tatties, plus growing tips, and share soup & bread and other seeds for free…

Sunday 1 March 11am -1pm

Drop in to the Welcome portacabin in farmyard

We will have low-cost sets of seed tatties available for you to buy to get planting, as well as people on hand to advise you on your tattie growing.

Please bring your own bags if possible

Access Notes

There is one step up into the portacabin. It is a rough compacted stone path from the Toby Carvery car park. The cabin is set on rough grass, just off this path. This will be an informal and chatty gathering, in a relatively small space.

Assistance dogs welcome of course.

There is a spacious, level access, single cubicle, gender neutral toilet in the Community Allotments that participants can use. This is on rough grassy ground, no steps.

There is no on-farm parking, but we can make arrangements for disabled people who need to drive in for access reasons.

Please email us if you have any access requests or questions.

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

#GrowYourOwn

#Agroecology

#SeedShare

Free event to offer legal and property advice for families navigating dementia

Supportive evening session to help families plan with confidence

WHEN a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the emotional impact is often compounded by urgent and unfamiliar decisions about care, legal authority and financial planning.

As part of Dementia Awareness Month, a free public information evening in central Edinburgh will offer families the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals, offering expert insights into Powers of Attorney, property, guardianship and the wider support available.

The event, titled Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia: A Practical Guide to Power of Attorney & Property, will take place on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the ESPC Property Lounge on George Street, Edinburgh.

Hosted by legal and property specialists Ralph Sayer, the event is being delivered in partnership with The Dementia Trust and supported by ESPC, which is providing the venue as part of its commitment to supporting public education and community wellbeing.

The free session will run from 5.30pm until 8pm, with short presentations from guest speakers between 6:00pm and 6:45pm, followed by an informal Q&A and the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with experts.

Attendees will hear from Kimberley Mackay, Partner and Head of Private Client at Ralph Sayer, who will speak about the importance of putting a Power of Attorney in place.

Kimberley explains: “We encourage everyone to consider making a power of attorney whilst they are fit and able. However, a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that is no longer possible to do so. Taking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is a good idea to understand the options.”

“We want people to leave this session feeling better informed and more in control when supporting someone through a dementia diagnosis.”

The panel will also feature Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, who will explain the role of property in funding care and how to navigate property transactions when acting under a Power of Attorney or guardianship

Tzana added: “Property is often a person’s most significant asset but selling it on their behalf can bring both legal complexities and emotional strain. We’ll be sharing practical advice for families facing those decisions and advise what steps they can take to prepare in advance.”

The event will also include perspectives from The Dementia Trust, which works directly with families, carers and individuals living with dementia to offer guidance and emotional support.

Professor June Andrews, a leading dementia expert, and Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland and respected authority on capacity and decision-making, are expected to join the panel to bring vital insight from their combined decades of frontline experience.

Sonia Mangan, Interim Lead Officer from the Dementia Trust said: “This event reflects the kind of practical, empathetic support that makes a real difference to people navigating life after a diagnosis. Dementia can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone.

“We know how uncertain and isolating a diagnosis can feel, especially when it comes to legal and financial decisions. That’s why we’ve launched our Planning Ahead campaign and why we’re calling February 2026 Power of Attorney Month. Our message is simple: put Power of Attorney in place early.

“The average age of people in Scotland making a Power of Attorney is 79 – and too often we see people waiting until it’s too late.”

In addition, Dianne Millen, Director of specialist incapacity law firm Datrys Legal, and an accredited specialist in incapacity and mental disability law, will demystify the guardianship process, helping attendees understand how the court procedure works when a Powers of Attorney is not already in place.

Dianne said “Going to court is an intimidating prospect for most people and can feel overwhelming when you are also caring for a loved one with dementia.

“Understanding the process can make you feel more in control.”

Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, added: “As an organisation made up of Solicitor Estate Agents with huge amount of legal and property expertise, ESPC has long supported opportunities for our firms to help the public make informed decisions.

“Our Property Lounge isn’t just a shopfront, but also a space for education, connection and community. We’re proud to host events like this that support people through difficult times with clear, trusted advice. Many families don’t realise the vital role property can play in funding care or planning for later life, so this kind of event offers an important way to begin those conversations.”

Spaces at the event are free but strictly limited to 30 attendees, with advance registration required. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance when registering, helping to tailor the session to the most pressing concerns.

The event is open to anyone supporting a loved one with dementia, considering legal planning for later life or simply seeking clarity on where to begin.

To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-loved-ones-with-dementia-power-of-attorney-and-property-tickets-1982000361435?aff=oddtdtcreator&msockid=1d1fe889bdee66af33defe9fbcc9671e

Charity to host FREE event for people with neuromuscular conditions

Muscular Dystrophy UK is inviting people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition, their families and carers to join a free in-person event open to everyone. Attendees will hear from and meet a range of people, including Paralympian Stephen McGuire, who lives with muscular dystrophy.

The Information Day takes place on Saturday 28 March 2026 and is organised by the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

The event will feature a full programme of talks and discussions on managing fatigue, mental health and wellbeing, inclusive education, and disability sport, along with networking opportunities. You’ll hear from leading voices in research and healthcare as well as people with lived experience, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore the support available through Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support and Outreach at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We’re delighted to host the Information Day and look forward to welcoming people from across the whole of the Scotland.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community to access expert information and support, learn more about our services, and, importantly, connect with others living with muscle wasting or weakening conditions.

“It’s a chance to share tips, advice, and build lasting relationships with peers, ensuring that no one faces their journey alone.”

The event will run 10am – 5pm, at Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk FK2 9AD.

Spaces are limited, so sign up today: musculardystrophyuk.org/Scotland

Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there is a Changing Places facility onsite available. A special thanks to Euan’s Guide, the Teapot Trust, In Control Scotland and Scottish Disability Sport for supporting the day.

The Information Day is part of a series of events happening across the UK including York (28 Feb 2026) and Birmingham (14 March 2026). With dates for Northern Ireland and Wales to be announced.

Contact Muscular Dystrophy UK with any Information Days enquiries on  

infoday@musculardystrophyuk.org. 

Discover other events happening in your area at musculardystrophyuk.org/events

For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit: musculardystrophyuk.org 

or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).

Photo credit @ Muscular Dystrophy UK / Jonathan Ryder

Burns Supper at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

 Burns Night Supper – Monday 26th January 6 – 7.30pm

Join us at the centre for a free Burns Night celebration with good food, poetry, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

A lovely evening to enjoy together and celebrate Scotland’s national poet.

 Booking required – limited places available, please get in touch to secure your space.

PEP Christmas Party: You’re Invited!

We’re excited to invite you to the PEPs Christmas Party!

📍 Queensberry Bowling Club

📅 Thurs 18 Dec 2025 | ⏰ 1–3.30pm

Free entry, meal, entertainment & gift included!

Transport available on request.

Get in touch to book your place-

☎️ 0131 315 4466 | 💌 hello@pepscot.org

Tomorrow: LifeCare Christmas Fair

Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!

Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.

Utilita Energy Hub in Leith transforms into free Santa’s grotto

A Leith shop will be transformed into a magical Santa’s grotto this week – providing gifts to local children for free

  • Who: Santa Claus
  • What: A free event to meet Santa, take photos, and receive a small gift if on the nice list
  • Where: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
  • When: Friday, 5 December 2025, from 11:30am to 3:00pm
  • Cost: Free, but please bring a food donation for a local food bank 

Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming its Leith shop into a sparkling Christmas grotto on Friday, 5 December between 11:30am and 3pm.

The free event at the Utilita Energy Hub in Newkirgate aims to deliver relief to families facing a tough winter ahead, providing free presents to children as many families struggle with the cost of living crisis. Guests attending the festive day out are asked to bring one food item that will be donated to a local foodbank.

Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub this Friday, 5 December. Excited youngsters will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.

“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa, as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”

Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.

Utilita began a roll out of Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to their customer service, opening their Edinburgh branch in 2020. The hub has helped thousands of locals better control their energy usage as well as supporting various community initiatives.

The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free, warm and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.