Capital city of Scotland, a historic hub in the southeast
Russell Howard and his wife Cerys have established the Felix Foundation after the death of their son, Felix, to support families facing miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or neonatal death. A fundraising Stand-Up Gala at the O2 is planned for February 2027 with a star-studded lineup
San Francisco Ballet’s Pandora piece uses AI-inspired visuals and a live orchestra to map Pandora’s box into a modern tech myth. Dancers form a vast, disciplined swarm, while digital backdrops pulse with lava-like imagery. The result is a sensory rush with an unsettled final note.
The First Minister has unveiled a programme to cut Scotland’s 14 health boards to two, merge environmental bodies, and push for regional public service delivery. He says reforms will be guided by local delivery while maintaining safety and service standards.
The Scotsman reports that Erskine Stewart Melville schools have merged into a single institution for ages 3–18, consolidating the Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College, and ESMS Junior School. The move brings substantial investment in facilities and a shared curriculum, with new wellbeing, gym, and science spaces. The change follows financial pressures in the independent sector.
Edinburgh and Newcastle battle in a lively pre-season friendly, with lots of young players on show. Newcastle prevail 28-26, while Glasgow’s youngsters feature for Warriors in a separate warm-up. Edinburgh experiment with new coaches and a faster defensive line, but Ulster’s win boosts their confidence ahead of URC.
A victim has travelled to Reading Crown Court to witness the sentencing of Ethical Forestry directors after they admitted fraud. The case centers on the misappropriation of funds from thousands of investors for personal gain, while victims hope for accountability and closure.
The government has ordered 658 employers to repay about £4 million to more than 27,000 workers after robust enforcement of the minimum wage rules. Officials say 7 million pounds in penalties have been issued and a list of named firms will be published regularly to ensure accountability.
A digest of recent entertainment news across film, music and exhibitions, highlighting fresh releases, new performances and upcoming events.
Fires at waste facilities linked to lithium‑ion batteries have escalated, provoking safety concerns and costing up to £1bn a year. Data show 1,518 battery-related fires in the year to March 2026, with batteries blamed for most incidents at recycling centres and bin lorries. Experts call for safer disposal and new policies as incidents rise across major cities.
The Scottish government has not funded the implementation of a standalone sexual offences court and related measures, despite reforms to end the not proven verdict. Crown Office warns Holyrood that resources are not in place as rape and sexual violence statistics rise, with ongoing calls for timely delivery of promised protections.
Edinburgh’s new five-percent visitor levy has prompted a review of how charges are calculated. The Scottish Tourism Alliance warns that percentage-based calculations are driving up administration costs, urging fixed-fee models to curb bills for guests and protect the tourism sector. Other regions are considering similar levies, with debates over rates and how revenue funds local services.
Two Scotsman articles chronicle Edinburgh’s art festival scene and a Sounds of Pandora-inspired ballet score, highlighting immersive performances, cross-arts collaboration, and the evolving Edinburgh fringe landscape.
A roundup of UK travel features highlights scenic routes, coastlines and towns from multiple outlets, focusing on accessible nature, iconic landscapes and local culture. The pieces span Gleneagles in Scotland, Lake District gems, Edinburgh’s outdoor scene, and Shetland’s northern beauty.
Families in the UK have reworked childcare this summer by sharing duties among households, turning a potential dead zone into a live, communal approach. Parents report calmer weeks, kids bonding through unstructured play, and a model that could reshape working-family balance.
Rockstar has released a 26–30 minute "extended look" of Grand Theft Auto VI on Netflix and then on YouTube, after a wave of unauthorised leaks. Netflix and Twitch have reported heavy traffic and brief outages. Preorders have exceeded $260m, investors have pushed Take-Two shares higher, and debate is returning to digital-only distribution and leak-driven spoilers ahead of the Nov. 19 launch.
The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear is returning after a hiatus following Freddie Flintoff’s crash. Ed Havard says the show is coming back and details on hosts will be announced soon. Previous presenters and safety concerns are revisited as the channel readies a new run.
The blaze at the former Debenhams building has led to seven weeks of disruption in Edinburgh. Princes Street has reopened to pedestrians and traffic as bus and tram services resume along the corridor. Officials say the work to secure the site is complete and the city is focusing on recovery and support for affected businesses.
Two chocolate-makers partner with film festivals to create tasting boxes that accompany screenings, blending sweets with storytelling. The approach began as a pandemic hobby and has grown into a recurring event at HippFest, with planned retrospectives and new pairings.
Two separate Scottish criminal cases have moved through courts this week. A Peterhead mother has appealed a homicide conviction after a fatal 2023 incident involving a hairdryer on her infant; in Dunbartonshire, a 1996 murder conviction review has progressed with a late-life development in the tied cases.
A Fisherman’s Blues Revue brings together Mike Scott and guests like Steve Earle, reviving the Waterboys’ rootsy legacy. The show is expansive and energetic, though some moments strain in a venue that overreaches the material.
Edinburgh’s festival ecosystem is under renewed pressure as councils consider diverting visitor levy funds to support arts events. The Guardian reports a move to relocate the Edinburgh TV Festival abroad has intensified debate over access and funding. The Scotsman details proposals to ringfence tourism tax revenue to bolster cultural institutions, while council discussions probe the sustainability of Edinburgh’s world-class festival status.
A slate of Edinburgh fringe reviews from The Guardian and The Scotsman highlights a blend of inventive theatre and stand-up, from clowning with political edge to dog-centric humor and workplace parodies. Reviews praise daring concepts, energetic performances, and social commentary, while noting uneven pacing in some pieces.
In Bebe Cave’s multi-character Swoon, the muse is examined across history—from Lizzie Siddal to Bertrude—showing how women’s voices have been silenced by the male gaze. Cave delivers rapid character shifts, sharp satire, and a critique of artistic misogyny, making a bold statement about recognition and representation in the arts.
A Court of Session has ruled the family must leave the future Art Works site in Granton immediately. The decision supports the Scottish government’s plan to recover the land for a £100m development to house Scotland’s national collection, but raises concerns about the travellers’ rights and living conditions ahead of the 2030 opening.
Foreign diplomats faced last‑minute changes to VIP invitations at President Trump’s IndyCar event, with some accredited guests redirected from VIP status to general admission in a sharp turn that underlines the administration’s evolving approach to traditional diplomacy.
Charli XCX has moved from Brat to a high-concept, glitchy era during her Reading/Leeds performances, backed by a live band and dramatic visuals. Her festival shows balance new material with fan favourites, signaling a shift in her artistic direction that dominates the weekend’s conversation.
Fire crews remain at a Glasgow city-centre blaze after responding to an incident on Sauchiehall Street early today. Nine appliances, a height appliance and three specialist resources have been mobilised; there are no reported casualties and road closures remain in place as emergency services work.
Frasers has built its Hugo Boss holding to about 47.9% and says it aims to exceed 50% of shares and voting rights. The move follows Harvey Nichols acquisition and a failed bid to take Hugo Boss private. The group says there is no certainty it will achieve the majority and it is reviewing support for Hugo Boss chair Stephan Sturm.
A collage of Fringe reviews from The Guardian, The Scotsman and others highlights fresh stand-up and theatre, with praise for vulnerability, witty critique and strong stagecraft across Edinburgh venues. The works range from intimate autobiographical pieces to boundary-pushing comedies.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
Government sources say Jackdaw and Rosebank will likely receive environmental approvals soon, with Energy Secretary Fahnbulleh expected to announce decisions in coming weeks. Campaigners warn these projects clash with climate goals, while industry argues they secure energy security and thousands of jobs.