Following a special meeting of Council Leaders yesterday to discuss Local Government Pay, COSLA has made a ‘significantly improved’ formal offer to the trade unions.
Scotland’s council leaders welcomed that Scottish Government had provided funding to take a pay offer beyond the 3.2% previously offered by COSLA, recognising the financial position facing councils while also providing firm assurances around any recurring additional funding.
This additional funding means that the revised offer is better than the offer made to Local Government workers in the rest of the UK.
If the offer is accepted everyone will receive at least 3.6% and for the first pay point on our pay scales, there will be an increase of £1292 (or 5.63%), The overall offer value is 4.27%.
In making this improved offer, COSLA is requesting that strike action is suspended while it is considered by the unions, who have been made aware of Leaders’ concerns that the additional funding may be at risk if strikes go ahead.
COSLA’s Resources Spokespeople Cllr Katie Hagmann said:“Having worked hard over the last week with Scottish Government to increase and guarantee additional funding, Leaders are now in a position to make this improved offer to our trade unions.
“This offer reflects what trade unions have asked for and we hope that they will now be prepared to call off the strikes while they put that offer to their members.”
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, renowned for its vibrant theatre and comedy performances, is expanding its traditional repertoire to include sustainable home and community living, with the popular Green Home Festival making a welcome return.
Now in its third year, the Green Home Festival will take centre stage at Charlotte Square Gardens from 12 to 16 August. At its newly designed venue, the festival will feature a variety of shows, including workshops, panel discussions and live demonstrations, all aimed at encouraging sustainable living practices.
This year’s programme of free-to-attend shows includes:
Accessing and maximising funding options: Learn how to access all the available funding to help in your home transformations.
Demystifying the retrofit journey: A step-by-step guide to retrofitting your home.
Passivhaus for self-builders: Explore energy-efficient building strategies for self-build projects.
Smart home heating technologies: Discover cutting-edge solutions for heating your home efficiently.
Debunking myths about heat pumps in older homes: Clearing up common misconceptions and outlining benefits of installing a heat pump in pre-1919 homes.
Sustainable materials in construction: From low-carbon bricks to innovative seaweed-based paints and more.
Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Buildersand lead organiser, commented, “The Green Home Festival’s ever-growing popularity reflects the increasing demand for sustainable living solutions. We aim to educate, inform, and inspire action towards greener practices crucial for our future.
“Leveraging the popularity of the globally renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe allows us to effectively communicate the essential changes and diverse options available to everyone for a low carbon transition.”
Targeting a wide audience from homeowners and community groups to international visitors, the festival shows that small changes can have a big environmental impact. Featuring a lineup of expert speakers and practical demonstrations, such as a full-size heat pump, the Green Home Festival is essential for anyone interested in making a sustainable difference.
Admission to all events at the Green Home Festival is free.
For more information and to book your tickets, please visit
Festivalgoers will be treated to the perfect blend of performances and given the chance to co-create their own bottle design using the power of AI
Johnnie Walker Princes Street The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience* on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh, is hosting a series of events from local performers as part of its Edinburgh Festival Fringe sponsorship which is now in its third year.
Kicking off the programme of Fringe events, which will be held in the venue’s Label Studio, will be a host of incredible talent from Be United.
The group will energise audiences with electrifying performances from disco, soul, jazz and hip-hop as part of ‘This Is Your Fringe’(2nd & 3rd August), developed to showcase phenomenal Black talent within the Scottish creative sectors, inviting them to change the game at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The four artists, including singer Eyve, who performs a unique blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and music which reflects her African roots are set to bring a celebration of community and exceptional music.
Additionally, throughout the festival (13-14, 16-17, 24-25th August), audiences can enjoy shows from a quartet of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s very own Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, and friends, who will be taking centre stage with ‘She Burns’.
The group who met while working in the venue will perform renditions of Burns poems interspersed with their own stories in a music and comedy cabaret style show, through a modern lens.
‘She Burns’ group members and current Experience Ambassadors, Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, can also be spotted leading Johnnie Walker Prices Street’s signature ‘Journey of Flavour’.
What’s more, those visiting the venue from across the world will, for the first time at the venue, have the chance to enjoy this multi-sensory tour in Mandarin, Spanish, French and soon German, using special translation headsets.
Nicola said: “For us, performing She Burns in the place we met is an exciting full-circle moment. It will be brilliant to perform in this iconic building in the centre of Edinburgh during The Fringe.
“The team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street has always been behind us, nurturing our talents and continually championing the thriving arts and culture scene Scotland.”
Be United’s Creative Director, Collin Hills, said:“It’s fantastic to see a venue like Johnnie Walker Princes Street collaborating with smaller artists, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents in the centre of Edinburgh throughout the festival.
“Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s ambitions to champion the arts align perfectly with our own. ‘This is Your Fringe’ is a great fit to help open up the art and culture scene throughout The Fringe to both those who have never ventured into the festival, as well as for Fringe veterans.”
Those looking to add a truly exclusive experience to their Fringe itineraries can now book the Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith: Blue Label Bottle Design & Tasting Experience. Here, guests can co-create their very own unique bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label by harnessing cutting-edge, purpose-built AI-technology.
The bottle design element can be complimented at no extra charge by a bookable expert-led tasting of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as well as a guided tasting of the incredibly special limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Elusive Umami’, in the rooftop Explorers’ Bothy bar.
Groove Down: An Edinburgh-based disco-soul band, formed in 2022, Groove Down blends progressive soul, disco, house, and funk to create a fresh, multicultural sound that is uniquely their own.
Cling: Known for his infectious Afrobeats, Cling is poised to light up the stage with an energetic performance that will set the tone for the festival.
August 3rd
Eyve: Bringing a passionate blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and African roots, Eyve’s music reflects her life experiences and commitment to social and political issues, gender equality, and inclusivity.
JEmmanuel: Making a significant impact since 2023, JEmmanuel will deliver a mesmerizing performance of Retro-Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Funk, continuing to captivate audiences across Edinburgh.
If you are a fan of Alan Partridge – or, rather, if you are a fan of his long-suffering and put-upon assistant Lynn Benfield, do we have a job for you!
This weekend, on Sunday 4th of August, at 12pm, playwright Laura Horton is calling out for people to be part of a mass group photoshoot of Lynns on the Royal Mile.
At 12pm (lunchtime), join Laura Horton, author of new Fringe play ‘Lynn Faces’, and wear a mask of Lynn’s iconic “fed-up face”, for a photo op.
Up to 300 Lynns will smile (or rather grimace) for the camera, and the mass Lynn-army will then become a flashmob who will collectively stride the streets for a short lap chanting “Liberate Lynn.”
Anyone willing to don the face of the iconic Lynn Benfield is asked to meet Laura outside St Giles Cathedral at 12pm on Sunday 4th. On the right of the entrance to the Cathedral (as you face it from the Royal Mile). For the specific location, you can find it at this google maps link.
Lynn Faces will be performed at Summerhall, in the main hall from 1-26th August.
Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.
Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.
Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with
As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.
Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.
Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie discusses the launch of #OpSummerCity and how the public can help us keep them safe over the coming month.
— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) August 2, 2024
Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout.
“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.
“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”
Ian Murray thanks the hard work of people behind the scenes who make the festivals a success
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week.
The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended.
There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.
The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival through its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year.
The UK Government is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year.
Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said: “For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.
“It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360m and supporting around 7000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.
“They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”
Comedy troupe Biscuit Barrel kicked off their Edinburgh food bank fundraiser with a twist this week when members donned biscuit costumes and packed emergency food parcels at the Edinburgh Food Project warehouse.
Their Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Not Another 69-Sketch Show’ runs from 31 July – 26 August at the Gilded Balloon, and will help to support seven local food banks.
Audiences can contribute to the Edinburgh Food Project thanks to post-performance bucket collections and make a real difference to those struggling to afford the essentials.
Do you often find yourself reading the graffiti on bathroom walls?
Do you smile at the witty bon mots that adorn the stalls of the public toilets?
Well now is your chance to become part of an artistic project by comedian and songwriter Caitlin Cook!
Comedy infiltrates every corner of the city during the Fringe Festival – and bathroom walls are no exception!
Caitlin’s show The Writing on the Stall explores the humour, beauty and human nature behind the often ignored scrawls of strangers on the inside of the cubicle.
The Writing on the Stall sold out its 2023 Off-Broadway debut and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick – the accompanying studio album has over 25M+ streams.
The Writing on the Stall is coming to the Edinburgh Festival in August and Caitlin is calling on anyone with a keen eye for comedy, pathos, or witticisms to snap the best, funniest and most thought-provoking restroom scriptures they can find in public bathrooms across Edinburgh.
Those who think they’ve snapped a winning image should email the submissions to Caitlin at thewritingonthestallshow@gmail.com, or DM her at @TheCaitlinCook on instagram.
The best of the images will then be brought to life as Caitlin creates an original song exclusively using the images collated from the bathrooms of Edinburgh, and records and releases it on social media ahead of the show.
Those who contribute images which are chosen to be used in the song will also be offered free tickets to Caitlin’s show.
The Writing on the Stall will be on at Pleasance Dome, August 14th – 25th at 21:50
OVER 130 SHOWS WILL OFFER £6 TICKETS TO RESIDENTS ACROSS EDINBURGH, FIFE AND MORE
Edinburgh Fringe’s iconic pink venue Gilded Balloon has launched a brand new Postcode Pals scheme, offering local residents thousands of discounted tickets for some of the Festival’s biggest and best shows.
Over 130 shows will offer £6 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk with huge names like Jack Docherty, Michelle Brasier, Cameron Young, and classic Fringe shows like Late’n’Live and more on offer.
Whether planning a family day out, on the lookout for comedy’s rising stars, thrilling theatre or preparing for some showstopping magic, Gilded Balloon’s Postcode Pals will ensure local residents can experience the very best of the Fringe at shows from 31st July – 4th August.
Thousands of tickets across Gilded Balloon’s varied programme of comedy, theatre, magic, kids, musicals and more will be discounted for a limited time only. Locals have from now until 30th July to claim their Postcode Pals tickets, with a limited number of tickets available for each performance and subject to availability.
The brand new scheme will invite residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk to see some of the Fringe’s top shows in the very first few days of the world’s biggest arts festival.
Ts&Cs: £6 tickets (plus handling fees) for cards registered to addresses from EH, KY and FK postcodes via Gilded Balloon website only. Offer available to purchase from 15th July – 6pm 30th July. Discounted tickets for participating shows from 31st July – 4th August, subject to availability. Max 2 per show, max 6 per transaction. Log in and use PALS24 at checkout to unlock discount.
For the ultimate family day out, locals can enjoy an explosive all-ages comedy masterclass from Japan’s best silent comedian Ketch Sketch, a show jam packed with clowning, juggling and hilarious audience interaction. Or, take the kids to Funny Bones – a clowning show with heart that tells the tale of a stubborn soul refusing to cooperate with his broken body. Expect large-scale puppetry, high-energy physical comedy and lots of laughs!
There’s even shows for the littlest members of the family including Baby Shark and Tails of the Seven Seas, Lost in the Woods and more.
As the Fringe’s original home of comedy, Gilded Balloon is the place to see rising stars including debuts from Joshua Bethania, Kyle Dolan and Kathleen Hughes, Scot Squad regular Elaine Malcolmson, a mixed bill from Sophie Garrad and Leigh Douglas, and of course, The Chief himself Jack Docherty. Enjoy the Fringe’s original late night show Late’n’Live showcasing a mixed bill featuring the very best of the Festival where anything can happen, or check out comedy stars of the future at Best of So You Think You’re Funny?
Postcode Pals can bag discounted tickets for some of the UK’s top magicians including the award winning magician meets scientist Kevin Quantum, Scottish star Cameron Young or Danish magician Martin Brock. Enjoy thrilling theatre including an ode to female friendship in Knives and Forks, or join Pals for an adventure-comedy play embarking on a camping trip in the west of Scotland.
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said:, “It’s great to finally launch Postcode Pals and release thousands of discounted tickets for some of our very best shows to residents from the Festival’s surrounding areas.
“With the world’s largest arts festival on our doorstep and so many talented artists, comedians, actors, magicians and more ready to entertain us, Postcode Pals is a fantastic chance to secure discounted tickets for some of the Fringe’s most in-demand shows.
“We guarantee there’s something for every member of the family across both of our venues so don’t miss out!”
Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.
Big name stars from Paul Black, Michelle Brasier and Jack Docherty will take to the stage alongside comedy’s very best newcomers from Nate Kitch to Stephanie Bradshaw, as well as an expertly-curated programme of theatre such as Chemo Savvy, a tribute to the late Andy Gray, The Steamie, Pop Off, Michelangelo and much more.
Our Cathedral Choir is back this Sunday for the 
All are welcome to experience the beauty of St Mary’s and its musicians all year, for free.
Festival Services with the Choir start this Sun 11th Aug; Choral Evensong is at 3.30pm, while the Cathedral Eucharist is at 10.30am.
The Cathedral Choir also has a concert on Fri 23 Aug at 6pm: 
