A historic port suburb of Edinburgh, at the Water of Leith’s mouth
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe production of Mayflies, staged by Grid Iron at Brown’s of Leith, has opened a nuanced, site-specific take on Andrew O’Hagan’s novel. The play follows two friends’ teenage road trip and their later confrontation with terminal illness, using 1980s Manchester and Thatcher-era Leith as backdrop. Performances fuse live theatre with striking visuals and a powerful soundscape.
The Scotsman reports on a series of property firms relocating and expanding their offices in Scotland, highlighting Northwood Edinburgh’s move to Leith, Brown & Co’s relocation to Heartlands, Prime Property Auctions’ new HQ in Glasgow, and related developments in West Lothian and surrounding areas.
Scotland fans have arrived in Boston for the World Cup, joining tens of thousands in celebrations and travel logistics. Reports describe adherence to fan zones, ticket availability shifts, and travel challenges, including visa/ESTA issues affecting some supporters as prices fluctuate and crowds navigate the pre-tournament atmosphere.
A 36-year-old man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder and related offences, aggravated by terrorism, after a series of anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh. Five people were injured and counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation. The suspect has appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was remanded for further examination.
Five men were injured in a series of Friday evening attacks in Edinburgh, targeting Muslims and people of colour. A 38-year-old white Scottish man has been charged. First Minister John Swinney has expressed solidarity with affected communities as counter-terrorism police assess the incidents; authorities say there is no wider threat.
A series of property and lifestyle features show a UK focus on intimate, well-designed spaces—from snugs in homes to boutique hotels and curated retreats. The Independent discusses snug design; Scotland’s Cromlix unveils a woodland spa and fine dining expansion; Edinburgh’s Leith market offers a traditional-meets-modern flat; Guardian covers new homes in Lincolnshire, Cheshire and Kent.
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the winner receiving £3 million to host a year‑long cultural programme in 2028; runners‑up receive £250,000 each. The shortlist includes Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham. The decision will be made by an independent panel early next year.
A blaze at the former Debenhams on Princes Street has shut trams from Leith to Newhaven. Edinburgh Council is exploring a four-tram shuttle to re-open a link between Picardy Place and Newhaven, with overnight movements and enhanced security. Officials warn the disruption will extend into August and impact Festival travel.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has moved its operations into a permanent space on Infirmary Street, transforming Fringe Central into a year‑round hub for artists, welfare support, rehearsal spaces and industry services. The project, funded by the UK Government and partners, is designed to support a thriving, inclusive fringe ecosystem alongside the city’s galleries and venues.
The Guardian’s Grace Dent reviews Lennox in Manchester, a new Six by Nico concept focused on dry-aged meat and playful tasting menus, with ambitions to expand across the UK. The piece contrasts Lennox with the brand’s earlier formats and outlines the dining experience and menu highlights.