Join us for under 5s story time this Friday at 11:00 am, to listen to lots of stories about ice-cream!
We’ll read some stories, do a simple craft and colouring. 
Come along to have some fun!
See you then!!
A new National Performing Company will be set up to champion Scotland’s traditional music sector.
A public consultation has now been launched seeking views on how such a flagship organisation will raise the profile of Scottish folk music around the world.
Early feedback is being sought from the traditional music community and wider audiences to understand priorities for future support of the sector and what a national performing company might look like.
First Minister John Swinney held a reception for the trad music sector at Bute House this week and attended the Sound of Scotland folk music showcase at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall.
The Scottish Government has also launched an online survey to gather views and Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan will chair a roundtable with leaders in trad music.
A National Performing Company for traditional music will be the sixth to be formed in Scotland, joining the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
The First Minister said: “Traditional Scottish music has a unique, rich sound reflecting our history and regional diversity. It connects our past to our present and is loved across Scotland and around the world.
“That is why I pledged that in the first 100 days of this government we would make progress on forming a National Performing Company to protect the legacy of trad music and help it to thrive. Giving it the same platform to other performing arts will support established and emerging talents to grow.
“If you are a local performer, group or organisation from anywhere in Scotland, please let us know how this can work best for you, representing and supporting traditional music.”
According to a VisitScotland survey in 2024, almost four in five Scots (79%) said Scottish traditional music gave them a sense of cultural connection, while 88% believed it is important that it is preserved for future generations. Music businesses in Scotland reported a turnover of £27.4 million in 2023.
The consultation on a National Performing Company for Traditional Music is available to complete online.
Before the Atlantic wakes up and attention turns once again to the giant winter swells of Nazaré, Scottish big-wave surfer Ben Larg and British big-wave pioneer Andrew “Cotty” Cotton enjoyed some very different waves on Saturday at Red Bull Sessions at Lost Shore Surf Resort.
The big-wave teammates, who finished third together at the 2025 Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, were reunited in Scotland for Red Bull Sessions, giving participants the chance to share the line-up with Larg and Cotton.
Across six 30-minute surf sessions, surfers shared Lost Shore’s waves with the pros, picking up advice, watching different approaches to the same sections and pushing their own surfing.
Larg, who is an ambassador for Lost Shore, grew up surfing on the Isle of Tiree before progressing to some of the biggest waves in the world. The event offered the chance to surf at home in Scotland and give something back to the community before the European big-wave season begins again.
Ben Larg said: “It was such a good atmosphere. Cotty and I are normally together when there are some pretty serious waves around, so it was nice to have a session where the focus was just on having fun, sharing waves and helping people push their surfing.
“When the Atlantic really gets going everything becomes a lot more serious for us, so this was a great way to get in the water together before that starts. To be able to do it here in Scotland and see everyone feeding off each other made it even better. There’s so much passion for surfing in Scotland. Hopefully nights like this get more people excited about surfing and show what’s possible.”
In February 2025, Larg received a late call-up to make his Nazaré Big Wave Challenge debut alongside Cotton, one of the UK’s most experienced big-wave surfers and a long-time mentor to the young Scot.
Larg announced himself on the international big-wave stage with a third-place finish in the men’s individual standings, while he and Cotton also secured third place in the team competition. The pair have continued to surf and train together, with Larg spending much of the winter chasing Atlantic swells and developing his big-wave surfing. At Lost Shore, however, the emphasis was firmly on fun and progression.
Andrew “Cotty” Cotton said: “There’s always that point towards the end of summer when you start thinking about what the Atlantic is going to do and what the season ahead might bring. Before all of that kicks off, this was just a really fun way to get in the water with Ben and lots of other surfers.
“What I love about Lost Shore is the amount of surfing you can get done. You know the waves are coming, so you can try something, make an adjustment and go again. For anyone who wants to progress, that repetition is so valuable.
“Ben and I have shared some pretty intense experiences in the water. He’s still incredibly young and has so much ahead of him. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does when the big-wave season gets going again.”
Away from the surf sessions, the event also featured breathwork, mindfulness and mobility, before an expression session gave surfers the chance to turn up the performance and put what they had learned into practice. The evening finished with a BBQ and afterparty, bringing the surf community together out of the water as well as in it.
Red Bull Sessions is the latest event to bring some of the biggest names in surfing to Lost Shore since the inland surf destination opened outside Edinburgh in 2024.
Lee Wood, Managing Director of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This is exactly the kind of event we want to see at Lost Shore. You’ve got Ben and Cotty, two surfers who are comfortable taking on some of the biggest waves in the world, sharing the same line-up with people who simply want to progress and get more out of their surfing.
“One of the great things about having consistent waves is that you can try something, learn from it and go again. When you combine that with having surfers of Ben and Cotty’s experience in the water, it creates a pretty special environment for progression.
“Scotland already has an incredible surf culture and our ambition has never been to replace what happens in the ocean, it’s to add to it. We want Lost Shore to be a place where the surf community comes together, where people can progress and where some of the best surfers in the world want to come and surf. Red Bull Sessions captured that perfectly.”
Scotland’s national campaign for aspiring business owners, Scottish Start-up Month, returns this September after its first year of running coincided with 1,922 new businesses launching* between September and November, 201 more than the same period the previous year.
Led by Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, Scottish Start-Up Month aims to inspire more people to explore self-employment and starting a business, whilst encouraging Scotland’s business community to pledge support and share advice with the next generation of business owners.
For those looking to take the first step, Business Gateway’s ‘Business Support Tool’ tool is the place to begin. By answering a few quick questions, users can assess how ready they are to start a business and access a start-up toolkit filled with resources, advice, webinars and support tailored to their idea.
The tool’s impact was clear during last year’s campaign. Completions rose 18% in September, with 1,092 people using it to test their business idea, up from 924 the year before. Business Gateway also received 2,750 enquiries during the month, an increase of more than 7% on the previous September.
Alongside the online tools, local business advisers are on hand to offer free one-to-one support in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas. These advisers can help refine business ideas, develop plans, identify customers and access the support needed to launch and grow a successful business.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Chair of the Business Gateway Board and COSLA Economy and Environment Spokesperson said: “Business Gateway supports business owners year-round, but we felt it was important to create a milestone within the year to focus attention on those that might be out there considering an idea but just need to take the first step.
“Last year’s campaign showed the appetite is there when we demonstrate what support is available, with over 2,700 enquiries around Scotland.
“Whether you’re ready to launch or simply curious about self-employment, our advisers can help to make the first – often daunting – move. And if you already run a business, I’d encourage you to make a pledge this September and share what you’ve learned with the next generation of Scotland’s business owners.”
The campaign is backed by leading voices from across Scotland’s business community. Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Stephen Flynn said: “It is vital that we encourage more people to consider starting and growing their own business – it’s important for economic growth, and for helping people realise their full potential.
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with Business Gateway and a range of partners across the business community to make sure there is a growing network of support at every stage of the start-up journey.
“My plea to anyone who thinks they have even the tiniest seed of an idea for a business is to take the opportunity of Scottish Start-up Month to find out more and take the next step.”
Stuart Common, Managing Director of Mackie’s of Scotland, added: “We’re proud to support Scottish Start Up Month and the ambition behind it to encourage more people to turn good ideas into growing businesses.
“Mackie’s has always believed in the value of building for the long term, investing in Scotland and being prepared to innovate, and we know how important that same ambition is for the next generation of businesses.
“Scotland has no shortage of people with great ideas, but making the leap from an idea to a sustainable business takes confidence, support and the right connections.
“Scottish Start Up Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate those taking that first step and to create an environment where more home-grown businesses can start, grow and ultimately become employers and success stories in their own right.”
Scottish Start-Up Month runs throughout September, with a programme of free resources, expert guidance and inspiring real-life business stories designed to help take anyone take their first step.
For more information on what support is available, or to sign up as a Scottish Start-up Month pledger, visit: https://www.bgateway.com/
*New businesses supported by Business Gateway.
Princes Street is set to fully reopen on Saturday (29 August), following a major fire at the former Debenham’s building last month.
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are working to resume services, with pedestrian access restored between Castle and Frederick Street for the first time since 9 July.
Subject to successful testing overnight on Friday, trams will run to their full route from the Airport to Newhaven and all city centre bus diversions will end.
Passengers are being encouraged to continue planning ahead and checking for the latest travel updates and information on the Council’s website. Operators will publish updated timetabling information ahead of the weekend.
The three eastbound bus stops between Castle Street and Frederick Street will remain closed, with westbound bus stops unaffected.
Remedial work on the site will continue, which requires the pavement on the north side of Princes Street to remain closed. One lane of the eastbound carriageway will be used as a temporary pedestrian walkway.
Significant work has been carried out over the past seven weeks to make the building safe, including:
The closure has had a significant effect on the city, particularly on businesses on the northern section of the tram route, including Newhaven, Leith and The Shore. Ongoing work to support these businesses includes:
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The reopening of Princes Street is a significant step in the city’s recovery from, what was, a devastating fire – and I’m sure it will come as a great relief to many.
“This has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for the city, not least given the timing, and I’m pleased that we can now turn our attention to getting Edinburgh back to normal as well as helping those businesses most affected to get back on their feet.
“A great deal of effort has gone on behind the scenes to make this possible – and my thanks go to our council teams and engineers who have carried out painstaking work to make the building secure as quickly and safely as possible.
“I also want to thank Lothian Buses, and their drivers, for keeping the city moving and our residents and visitors for their patience.
“I think it’s fair to say that this period has further underlined the critical importance and popularity of our tram network, not just to the north of the city but to the whole of Edinburgh.
With that in mind, I’m pleased that our business support campaign ‘More by the Shore’ is taking shape – and will soon be encouraging more residents and visitors to explore Leith, the Shore and Newhaven, and visit the fantastic local businesses there. This activity is planned to run well beyond the reopening of Princes Street, over the festive period and into the new year.”
Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams said: “We welcome the news that Princes Street is due to reopen on Saturday 29 August.
“Our teams are now focused on reinstating bus and tram services along one of the city’s most important transport corridors and we encourage customers to check the latest service updates and allow extra time for travel.
“I would like to thank our customers for their patience, understanding and support throughout this period of continued disruption. We are also grateful to our colleagues, whose professionalism, flexibility and commitment continued to keep Edinburgh moving during a particularly challenging time.
“Finally, we would like to acknowledge the close collaboration of our partners, including the emergency services, the City of Edinburgh Council and other agencies involved in responding to this incident.
“Their collective efforts have helped ensure services can begin to return safely and efficiently for the benefit of Edinburgh’s residents, visitors and businesses.”
The latest updates, information and advice will continue to be posted on the Council’s dedicated webpage.
Sir Chris Hoy joined ScottishPower employees in Glasgow to share expert cycling tips ahead of this year’s Tour de 4, as the leading renewable energy company confirmed its support for the unique fundraising event for a second consecutive year.
The six-time Olympic champion met a group of colleagues taking part in the challenge at Bellahouston Park, where he led a relaxed training ride and advice session designed to help riders prepare for the event taking place in Glasgow on Sunday, 6 September.
The gathering brought together employees with a range of cycling abilities and personal motivations for taking part in Tour de 4, reflecting the event’s core aim of building a community around those living with and affected by cancer.
Founded by Sir Chris, Tour de 4 challenges perceptions around living with stage 4 cancer while raising vital funds for cancer charities across the UK. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than £3 million, with Sir Chris hoping to inspire even more people to take part in 2026.
Sir Chris Hoy said: “It was brilliant to get out on the bike with some of the ScottishPower team today and hear their stories ahead of Tour de 4.
“What makes this event so special is that everybody has their own reason for taking part. Some are riding for loved ones, some for friends, some because they’ve been affected by cancer themselves, but together they become part of something much bigger.
“Last year’s event was incredible. We saw so many people come together and raised more than £3 million, creating an amazing atmosphere and a genuine sense of community.
“This year, we want to build on that and encourage even more people to get involved. Tour de 4 is about bringing people together. Everyone who takes part has their own reason for being there, but together we create a community that can make a real difference.
“I’m delighted that the ScottishPower team will once again be joining us on the start line.”
Andrew Ward, CEO ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Tour de 4 for a second year and continue our support for Sir Chris and his inspiring vision.
“Tour de 4 is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together behind a common cause. Whether riding, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, our teams are proud to play their part and help support the fight against cancer.”
ScottishPower’s support for Tour de 4 reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. Separate from Tour de 4, ScottishPower has partnered with Cancer Research UK since 2012.
Together with its customers and employees, the company has raised over £45 million for the charity, helping to fund life-saving research for more than a decade.
Communities hit hardest by wildfires, flooding and drought will have a stronger voice in shaping Scotland’s climate resilience with the establishment of the third Just Transition Commission.
The Commission brings together 15 experts in public health, economics and community engagement to advise Ministers and ensure resilience measures reach those who need them most. It will engage directly with workers, rural communities and vulnerable groups to shape costed recommendations for government.
Running until 2031, the Commission will focus on adaptation, reflecting the increasing toll extreme weather is taking on people’s daily lives, while working to ensure the costs and benefits of adaptation measures are shared fairly.
The Commission will also support a just transition to net zero. It will advise on the impact of decarbonisation on jobs and industry, including in Scotland’s offshore energy sector, and work with businesses, unions and communities to help shape a fairer, greener economy.
Minister for Business Tom Arthur said: “The invaluable advice that previous commissions have provided have helped shape policy on areas including on Grangemouth and informed the creation of just transition indicators within Scotland’s Climate Change Plan.
“Communities hit hardest by climate change are often the ones least equipped to deal with its effects. This Commission will make sure that the people facing the greatest risks are at the heart of how we build resilience.
“Solutions to adapting to and tackling climate change must be proportionate, appropriate and effective as we work together across all sectors of society to build a greener and fairer economy.”
Co-chair Professor Dave Reay said: “Climate change is the biggest risk multiplier for inequality this century.
“Our role as a Commission is to show how, with a bold and innovative approach, we can still succeed in reducing our emissions and adapting to climate impacts in a way that builds a Scotland that is truly resilient in terms of our society, our economy, and the infrastructure we all rely on.”
Co-chair Satwat Rehman said: “Since 2019 the Just Transition Commission has worked hard to put a strong focus on how different communities are experiencing Scotland’s climate transition, and how we can do better.
“We need to address existing inequalities and proactively tackle the risk of new forms of injustice being created as our climate and our economy are reshaped.
“We will build on those insights and keep pushing our government to act with the urgency this moment requires.”
Community organisations, charities, social enterprises and local residents are being invited to help shape the future of the Norton Park Conference Centre as part of a new study exploring how a bespoke heritage space could better serve Edinburgh’s third sector as well as the local communities round Easter Road.
Norton Park has commissioned a comprehensive options appraisal to identify new and enhanced uses for its Conference Centre, with the ambition of creating greater social impact, stronger community benefit and improved long-term sustainability.
The study will explore how the building could support voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, local residents and purpose-driven businesses, while respecting the heritage character of the building.
The project is being led by Community Enterprise and Fraser/Livingstone Architects. A central part of the project is understanding what Edinburgh’s third sector actually needs. The team is keen to hear from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, networks and public sector partners about the challenges they face, the facilities they currently use, the gaps in provision across the city and the opportunities they would like to see developed.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting the voluntary and community sector in Edinburgh.
“We know there is potential for the Conference Centre to play a much bigger role in supporting organisations and communities across the city. This project is an opportunity to think creatively about the future and ensure that the building responds to real needs.
“We are keen to hear from as many organisations as possible so that any future plans are rooted in evidence, demand and community benefit.”
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s leading third-sector hub, providing affordable, high-quality workspace and a supportive community for charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The study will examine a range of possibilities, including workspace, meeting facilities, training and event space, partnership working opportunities and other community-focused uses. The findings will help Norton Park identify a preferred option and develop a longer-term vision for the building’s future.
Robin Livingstone, Director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects: “Sitting next to Easter Road stadium in Leith, Norton Park has a legacy in building repair, having rescued a Victorian school building from disrepair.
“This feasibility commission is an opportunity to build on that heritage by transforming the Conference Centre, housed in a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church.
“We will open the building to the community, unlock underused spaces, and improve energy efficiency by enhancing the building fabric to reduce carbon emissions. Creating a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Park’s charitable purpose.”
Douglas Westwater, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise, added: “Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant third sectors in Scotland, but organisations are facing significant pressures around costs, sustainability and access to suitable space.
“We want to hear directly from the sector about what would make the biggest difference. Whether you are a small community group looking for meeting space, a charity seeking collaborative opportunities, or a social enterprise with ideas for the future, we would love to have a conversation.”
Get Involved
Organisations and individuals with an interest in the space are encouraged to get in touch and share their views.
To discuss your organisation’s needs, opportunities for collaboration, or wider priorities for Edinburgh’s third sector, please contact Douglas Westwater at Community Enterprise, email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk
For a one-week, special engagement, the award-winning, off-Broadway, country rock musical, OIL & WHISKEY, will make its way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ahead of a 3-week Off West End London run.
OIL & WHISKEY will perform at The Nightclub at The Street as part of PBH’s Free Fringe, Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 August.
‘The Last Five Years’ meets Nashville Honky Tonk; Oil & Whiskey is a dramedy about two ex-lovers who meet for a drink and relive their entire relationship over a couple of rounds of whiskey.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and by the end you will remember why: you don’t text your ex. At the forefront of the recent Americana resurgence in Edinburgh and NYC, this toe-stomping musical written in Nashville, Tennessee, will immerse audiences in an authentic country rock cabaret concert akin to an evening at the Grand Ole Opry.
Oil & Whiskey is the debut musical for producer, musician, and songwriter Kit Nolan. The Nashville based multi-instrumentalist who has toured the world performing for millions as the Music Director for Lindsey Stirling, and as a session musician for Robbie Williams and One Direction.
He is joined by award-winning playwright and storyteller Dax Wiley. Wiley has written and produced musicals across the U.S.A. such as New York’s first immersive musical, The Limbo Lounge, and Good Fishermen Know A Lot About Sex, a powerful drama performed on theatre row in Los Angeles about the dangers of opioid abuse in America.
First debuted at the New York City Fringe Festival 2025 where it won the SOLD-OUT Award, Oil & Whiskey has big plans for 2026; beginning in June as one of two shows performing in New Musical Theater Nashville’s First Stage Showcase, and touring to popular Honky Tonk and off-Broadway venues in NYC, including iconic venues such as The Bitter End; home to where artists like Bob Dylan got their start in Greenwich Village, NYC.
Oil & Whiskey comes to the Edinburgh Fringe for a one-week special engagement, Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 August, 19:45 at The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street.
Oil & Whiskey
Kit Nolan | Dax Wiley | Alexa Karas | AK INK
19:45 23 – 30 Aug | The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street
‘THIS IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR’
The Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million conditional support towards the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow, supporting its reopening to the public.
This is an essential part of efforts to reopen one of the city’s most recognisable, cherished and free-to-access attractions. The People’s Palace has long made culture and heritage available to all, which is why the Scottish Government has prioritised this support during the first 100 days of the new Government.
This investment is in addition to £19.55 million of funding contributions from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to date, with further funding opportunities continuing to be explored to ensure the full refurbishment of the site.
The refurbishment is also expected to support jobs and footfall in Glasgow’s East End, helping local businesses and strengthening the wider visitor economy. It will safeguard historic collections and artefacts that tell the story of Glasgow’s working people and help protect the Winter Gardens attached to the venue as a green space for community use.
Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “”I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million in conditional support to the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and secure its reopening to the public.
“This is about far more than bricks and mortar. The People’s Palace has welcomed generations of Glaswegians as well as visitors from further afield, and this investment will ensure they can continue to enjoy it for decades to come.
“It will also protect historic collections which tell the story of Glasgow’s working people, safeguard the much-loved Winter Gardens as a space for the whole community, and support jobs and footfall in the city’s East End.
“This conditional support reflects an exceptional cross-sector partnership and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, funders and cultural organisations work together around a shared vision.
“The People’s Palace is a cherished part of Glasgow’s story and Scotland’s cultural heritage. This investment demonstrates our support for preserving that legacy, and I look forward to seeing the refurbishment plans move forward.”
Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie said: “The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation.
“It’s a complex and ambitious project that has been co-created with the people of Glasgow and will secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most treasured and nationally important cultural spaces.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this welcome investment, which is a significant vote of confidence in our plans and brings us an important step closer to creating an inclusive, accessible and world-class social history museum and visitor destination in the city’s East End.
“Glasgow has a strong track record of delivering major cultural and heritage developments, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and wider partners to deliver a revitalised People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
“When complete, the project will reflect the aspirations of local communities, provide new opportunities for learning, participation and employment, support tourism, and boost our economy.
“Above all, it will ensure these remarkable buildings, which hold a unique place in Glasgow’s history, can continue to play an important role in the life of Glaswegians for generations to come.”
