One of Scotland’s most treasured cultural icons, Eddi Reader, is taking her unmatched musical magic to stages across the country for a ‘perfect’ spring tour this April.
Eddi will be hitting the road once again to play venues across her much-loved home nation, visiting Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 19 April 2026.
For well over four decades, Eddi Reader has had the ability to silence a room with a single note, harnessing insightful storytelling and raw emotion.
Edinburgh audiences can expect to hear show-stopping material from her vast back catalogue, from soul-stirring pop to traditional Scottish ballads, and experience Eddi’s unique charm and on-stage chatter.
Glasgow-born Eddi first captivated the world as the frontwoman of Fairground Attraction in the late 80s, storming the charts with the debut album First of a Million Kisses, and the iconic single Perfect, which topped charts in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The track, which earned Eddi a Brit Award, remains a timeless pop anthem.
The years that followed brought 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, including a stunning interpretation of the songs of Robert Burns. Her four-decade long career has seen her hone an effortless musicianship that moves effortlessly between pop, folk, jazz and traditional works and influences.
Her contribution to Scottish culture has been recognised through the award of an MBE and five honorary degrees. In 2022 Eddi celebrated 40 years in music and this latest run of Scottish appearances will follow on from a huge Irish tour.
Eddi Reader said:“Each time I return to perform on stages at home, it feels like an important moment of connection – that sparkle from being in front of Scottish audiences never dulls!
“Queen’s Hall has a little piece of my heart and I can’t wait to be back in Edinburgh sharing songs and stories with you all this April.”
Eddi will be joined on the road by Hawick-based artist and folk musician Miwa Nagato-Apthorp.
Eddi Reader plays Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 19 April 2026 as part of her spring Scottish tour. For tickets visit https://eddireader.co.uk/gigs.
Mission of Innocents has opened a new Creative Arts Centre at Ocean Terminal in Leith, offering a safe, welcoming space where resettled children and families can come together, express themselves and begin to thrive through creativity.
The centre will be home to Mission of Innocents’ programmes using art, music, movement and storytelling to help children and families who have lived through war, displacement and crisis feel safe again, build confidence and reconnect with childhood.
Last night’s opening was marked by a special event attended by Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, alongside members of the High Constables of Leith and the Consular Corps. The evening included the unveiling of a commemorative installation and a performance by children supported by Mission of Innocents.
Mission of Innocents was founded in 2022 by Joyce Landry, whose company, Landry & Kling, managed two ships brought to Scotland to accommodate Ukrainian families fleeing conflict. Witnessing first-hand the profound impact that war and resettlement were having on children far from home, Joyce was moved to act.
What began as a small, urgent response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has since grown into a mission supporting children and families from many different cultures and backgrounds affected by conflict, climate disasters and political crises, including families from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Sudan.
The new centre gives the charity a permanent base in Scotland, allowing it to support more children over a longer period of time, with free classes and programmes running throughout the week.
Among the young people supported by Mission of Innocents is Dmytro Miskova, who arrived in Scotland after fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Dmytro’s first home in Scotland was onboard the MS Victoria, docked in Govan, where hundreds of Ukrainian families were temporarily housed. Arriving frightened and unsure of what the future would hold, he struggled with the uncertainty of starting again in a new country.
It was through a poetry performance organised for families onboard that Dmytro first connected with Mission of Innocents. The experience became a turning point, helping him rediscover confidence and a sense of identity beyond his circumstances.
Now living in Coatbridge and attending secondary school, Dmytro is thriving and hopes to pursue a career in aircraft engineering. His journey reflects the wider impact of Mission of Innocents’ work, creating safe spaces where children who have experienced resettlement can rebuild confidence, form friendships and begin to look forward again.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said: “Mission of Innocents started because I saw children who had lost their sense of safety, routine and joy. They had been through things no child should experience, and there was very little support focused on how they were feeling.
“Through simple creative activities, we began to see changes, children opening up, making friends, laughing and smiling again.
“What began with Ukrainian families has grown to support children from many different backgrounds, all carrying their own stories. This centre gives us a place where children and families can feel safe, be themselves and begin to thrive, and that means everything to us.”
Nataliia Pidruchna, Director of Children’s Programmes at Mission of Innocents, said: “Creative arts give children a way to express feelings they don’t yet have words for. Through art, music and movement, we see confidence grow, friendships form and smiles return.
“I’ve worked with children in Ukraine and here in Scotland for years, and I’ve never seen anything break down barriers in the way creativity does. One little girl I worked with barely spoke at all, she had become completely silent. Over time, through dance and movement, she slowly began to find her voice again.
“It’s for children like her that we do this work. This centre will be a place where children feel welcome, supported and free to be themselves, and where families who’ve been through incredibly hard times can begin to thrive together.”
Since 2022, Mission of Innocents programmes have reached over 800 resettled children, providing vital support across Scotland and beyond, with clear improvements seen in confidence, wellbeing and social connection.
***CASE STUDIES***
For many children, the journey with Mission of Innocents began onboard the MS Victoria and the MS Ambition, and continues today on land in Edinburgh and across Scotland – a journey from fear and upheaval to belonging, rebuilt through creativity.
These are children who fled war, left behind homes, loved ones and familiar routines, arrived in a new country without the language, and began again in temporary accommodation. Through art, music, movement and performance, they have found ways to process trauma, rediscover their voices and rebuild confidence.
The stories below show how young people have moved from receiving support to leading, performing and contributing – strengthening wellbeing, restoring cultural identity and forming lasting community connections:
Dmytro Miskova
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, millions of families fled their homes almost overnight. One of them was Dmytro Miskova, then just a schoolboy whose world revolved around theatre rehearsals, poetry clubs and years of dedicated taekwondo training.
Within weeks, everything he knew had gone. Forced to leave his home, his friends and the life he’d built, Dmytro arrived in Scotland not knowing what would happen next. He spoke some English, but he didn’t know a single person. He was scared but he was also quietly determined to make the most of this unexpected new chapter.
His first home in Scotland wasn’t a house or a flat, it was the MS Ambition I, the large cruise ship docked in Govan, Glasgow, which temporarily housed hundreds of Ukrainian families arriving in the UK. It was there, surrounded by other resettled families all trying to adjust to a new reality, that Dmytro first came across Mission of Innocents.
At the time, Dmytro was just 10-years old. He arrived in Scotland with his mum, Mariia, leaving behind a family in Ukraine.
Life on the ship was safe, but it was uncertain and everyone was adjusting. Everyone was waiting to find out what came next. Not long after arriving, Dmytro signed up to take part in a poetry performance organised for families onboard. He has been engaged with poetry since around the age of six or seven, reciting and performing in Ukraine, and has continued to develop this talent and interest in Scotland. Standing up in front of a room full of strangers in a new country, speaking in a different language, felt completely different to Dmytro. He was nervous, but he did it anyway.
That moment, on a ship docked in Leith, far from home, changed everything. Through Mission of Innocents, Dmytro began getting involved in theatre sessions, creative workshops and volunteering opportunities. It wasn’t just about keeping busy for him, it was about rebuilding confidence, feeling seen and being known for his talent and not just his circumstances.
Slowly, he found his feet, like many other children on the ship. He made friends with other young people he had first met on the ship – friendships that have lasted well beyond those early days, and he embraced life in Scotland.
Now 14 years-old, and living in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Dmytro is in his third year at Coatbridge High School. He’s settled, focused and ambitious for his future.
His dream is to become an aircraft engineer, inspired by a lifelong fascination with aviation and how planes work. He is determined to build a future here, not just for himself, but to give back to the country that gave him safety when he needed it most.
From a frightened young person arriving in an unfamiliar country to a confident young man with big plans for the future, Dmytro’s story shows what can happen when resettled children are given the right support, creative outlets and belief.
Mariana Aleksandrova
Mariana was 13-years-old when she joined Mission of Innocents onboard the ship, having taken on caring responsibilities for her younger sister during a period of upheaval.
When invited to join the Harmony Choir, she said simply, “I love to sing.”
She is now a soloist and event host at major performances, a powerful example of how creativity can help a young person rediscover confidence and identity.
Nadiia
Arriving in Scotland at 17-years-old with a strong musical background, Nadiia’s artistic journey was disrupted by displacement.
Through fundraising support, Mission of Innocents helped secure her traditional Ukrainian instrument, the Tsymbaly, enabling her to perform again.
She now contributes live music to community and cultural events, restoring both her artistic identity and cultural continuity.
Platon
Platon joined the programme aged seven while living onboard the accommodation ship. Initially a participant in arts sessions, he began proposing ideas and, with staff support, leading short creative workshops himself.
Today, he mentors peers in craft activities, demonstrating early leadership, creative confidence and a progression from participant to co-creator.
Diana
Diana, a trained ballroom dancer, joined the programme in 2023 and established new dance and cheerleading groups for teenage girls, later expanding sessions to younger children and mothers. Her work has strengthened peer networks, supported wellbeing and created sustainable, community-led activity beyond the initial resettlement phase.
Daniil Yudin
Daniil, a talented young performer with an operatic voice, has returned to the stage and resumed playing piano through Mission of Innocents, continuing to build his musical future in a new country.
Lena and Vika Chernovy
Twin sisters Lena and Vika were 10-years-old when they joined the programme after arriving in Edinburgh. They discovered a passion for dance through groups including Flowers of Ukraine and MyWay. Today, they perform at a high level and hope to pursue dance professionally.
Kateryna
Kateryna was five-years-old when her family relocated to Edinburgh. Now nine-years-old, she is active in the Harmony Choir, dance groups and creative workshops. Her mother says she has grown into a confident child with strong friendships and a renewed sense of joy.
To learn more about Mission of Innocents, please visit:
Performances at Greyfriars Kirk (17 Feb 2026) and New Church (18 Feb 2026)
The world’s first and only Piano Orchestra — an extraordinary ensemble made entirely of pianos performing full orchestral scores — is set to bring its groundbreaking sound to Edinburgh this February.
Led by directors Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Senior Piano Orchestra (ages 11–17) will perform two special concerts as part of their 2026 tour:
• Greyfriars Kirk — Tuesday 17 February 2026 • Edinburgh New Town Church, Edinburgh — Wednesday 18 February 2026
Formed in 2023, the Piano Orchestra has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to ensemble playing, showcasing the versatility and power of the piano in a way audiences have never experienced before.
Each performance features multiple pianos working together to recreate the full colour, texture, and dynamism of a traditional orchestra — from sweeping string passages to bold brass fanfares — all produced through the artistry of young pianists.
The ensemble has already enjoyed significant success, including a 2024 tour to Paris with a major performance at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, as well as appearances at venues across South Wales. Their Edinburgh tour marks the next exciting step in their musical journey.
Audiences can expect a rich and varied programme spanning classical favourites, cinematic scores, and contemporary pieces — all brought to life through the unique sound world of the Piano Orchestra.
Tickets and further information will be available through venue box offices and the Piano Orchestra’s official channels.
PIANO ORCHSTRA SOUTH WALES
Piano Orchestra Biography
Formed in 2023 under the direction of Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Piano Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the world: an orchestra made entirely of pianos, performing full orchestral scores with breathtaking richness and power.
The orchestra is home to two ensembles — a Senior Orchestra (ages 11–17) and a Junior Orchestra (ages 8–11) — who rehearse weekly and perform a wide range of repertoire including classical masterpieces, film scores, and popular music.
In 2024, the Piano Orchestra toured Paris, performing at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, and has since appeared at numerous venues across South Wales. They are now delighted to bring their unique sound and energy to Edinburgh as part of their latest performance tour.
From legendary rock bands to modern global sensations, music fans are invited to experience an electrifying line-up of artists on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre this February.
Kicking things off today (5 February) is the latest screening from the Silents Synced series, which pairs classic silent movies with epic rock music to bring audiences a unique big screen experience.
In R.E.M. x Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr., albums like Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi merge with iconic physical comedy, transporting viewers into Keaton’s dreamlike journey as a cinema projectionist-turned-detective who is framed for stealing his girlfriend’s father’s pocket watch.
Also arriving in February is the explosive live show, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience. Arriving Friday 6 February, this epic concert film captures sold-out performances and behind-the-scenes moments from global K-Pop phenomenon Stray Kids, including intimate interviews with the group.
From 21 February, Australian genre-bending trio Chase Atlantic brings their Lost in Heaven era to the big screen with Chase Atlantic: Lost in Heaven.
The immersive concert film captures the band’s electrifying final night at London’s iconic O2 Arena. With breathtaking set moments and sweeping crowd-pulsing anthems, fans can relive the intensity and atmosphere of one of Chase Atlantic’s biggest shows yet on the big screen.
Rounding out the programme is acclaimed 2022 Elvis biopic, Baz Lurhman’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is heading to screens from 27 February.
Blending electrifying restored concert footage from Elvis’s legendary 1970s Las Vegas residency with rare, never-before-seen clips and rediscovered audio of Presley recounting his own story, the immersive concert documentary gives fans the unique chance to relive the King of Rock’s charisma and musical mastery.
General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, Robert Smith said: “Music has an incredible power to bring people together, and these screenings give fans the chance to experience their favourite artists in a completely immersive way.
“Whether it’s the scale of a live performance, the intimacy of an artist’s story, or the shared atmosphere of watching with fellow fans, the big screen elevates music into something truly special. We’re excited to be showcasing such a diverse and iconic line-up at Vue.”
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of our Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland’s young string players.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, each year a group of RCS string students are selected to take part in a week-long side-by-side project with Scottish Ensemble musicians.
The week sees mentorship meet music-making in its most dynamic form, with the group working on a broad range of string repertoire, extended playing techniques, programme curation and how to communicate with audiences.
This year the development week will culminate in Musical Encounters, an electrifying collaborative performance that sees the young RCS players bring fresh energy to the stage alongside Scottish Ensemble, for afternoon concerts in Glasgow (RCS, 16 January) and Edinburgh’s Queens Hall (17 January).
Following the project two young musicians will be selected to be Scottish Ensemble’s Young Artists for 2026. They will benefit from a year-long programme of paid opportunities and development experiences designed to broaden their skills as professional musicians.
This will include joining the Ensemble for tours and performances as well as Music for Wellbeing workshops in schools and at Scotland’s Maggie’s Centres, alongside office days with the management team to gain insights into programming, fundraising, and marketing.
James Hardie, Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “At Scottish Ensemble, we are always looking to the future of our artform, and nurturing the next generation of musicians is central to that mission.
“Our annual Young Artists week at the RCS is a highlight of the year, giving us the chance to work with a new cohort of passionate, energetic young string players.”
The performance was the culmination of a three-month residency with RSNO’s world-class musicians who worked alongside the school’s Instrumental Music Service to inspire young brass musicians.
Twenty pupils from the Council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) Senior Brass Ensemble, made up of young people from across Edinburgh secondary schools, put on a festive performance with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) Brass Quintet at Haymarket train station, on Friday 12 December.
The performance was the culmination of a three-month residency which involved RSNO’s world-class musicians working alongside the school’s IMS teaching team to coach, encourage and develop skills in young brass instrumentalists from secondary schools across the city.
Over the course of the residency, the young people worked alongside members of the RSNO to rehearse for two performances – the first was at the Usher Hall on 3 December 2025 where the brass ensemble performed Tielman Susato’s Renaissance Dances. The second at Haymarket station, brought the residency to a close, while entertaining the general public with a selection of Christmas carols and festive tunes.
Musicians in the IMS Senior Brass Ensemble, and those who took part in the residency, included pupils from Drummond High School, Tynecastle High School, Trinity Academy, Boroughmuir High School, Balerno High School, James Gillespie’s High School, Leith Academy, Queensferry High School, St Augustine’s RC High School, Broughton High School, Firrhill High School and Craigmount High School.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: We are committed to not only making music tuition accessible to a large number of learners in our schools, but also in nurturing and developing musical talent.
“Our residency with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is a great example of how we are doing this, bringing together world class musicians to join our instrumental music service team to inspire our talented young brass players.
“It is thanks to our team of dedicated instrumental teachers that children and young people have opportunities like this to perform and showcase their talents in such public forums.
“I am sure that that the skills they have learned and the experiences they have had will stay with them for years to come, paving the way for future success. A sincere well done and thank you to all involved, including our Instrumental Music Service Team, teachers, families, the RSNO – and of course to our talented young musicians.”
Andrew Stevenson, RSNO Director of Engagement, said: “I am so pleased that we’re able to work so closely with the Council’s Instrumental Music Service. The IMS provide such invaluable teaching and support to young people across Scotland and it’s a real privilege to help bolster them in any way we can.
“Rounding out our residency with this free, public performance is a fantastic way to show off how brilliant these young people are and how important music education is, something we feel very passionately about at the RSNO.
“I’d also like to extend a big thanks to ScotRail, our principal travel partner, for their continued support.”
Carter, an S1 pupil at Balerno High School who took part in the Royal Scottish National Orchestra residency, said: “I found the RSNO Brass side by side project inspirational and AMAZING, thank you for letting me be part of this wonderful experience.
Real life stories of how personalised music supports wellbeing
Playlist for Life’s work on helping build playlisting communities
How community organisations are harnessing the power of personalised music to support people affected by dementia
How health and social care professionals are using personalised playlists in dementia care
