Five things you need to know today
Big Wheel idea may be a non-starter
It seems that the idea for expanding the timeline for the Big Wheel went public before the producers UniqueAssembly had even had time to discuss the proposal properly with the council. The Edinburgh Reporter understands that it is unlikely to happen as the plan may be unviable – both for the council and UniqueAssembly.
The idea has received much criticism in the past few days, but it appears that this may be premature as the idea may already be dead in the water.
Edinburgh International Festival 2025
The full programme for the Edinburgh International Festival is now announced on the theme The Truth We Seek.
Part of the programme is personal to Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti who studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School
Read more about what will be on in August here.
Edinburgh 900 at Leith Walk Police Box
On Wednesday 19 March from 10am until 2pm everyone is invited to visit the police box museum at Croall Place on Leith Walk with Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders Police Historical Society.
Step back in time – into a policebox, speak to a retired officer and handle equipment from a bygone age of policing. This family event is part of Edinburgh900 celebrations. Free, drop in, all ages welcome.
Eric Trump visits First Minister
Eric Trump (41) Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation, and son of the US President, paid a visit to First Minister, John Swinney, at Bute House
First Minister John Swinney welcomed Mr Trump with Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President of Trump International, to his official residence of Bute Houseon Thursday afternoon to discuss investment in Scotland.
Following the meeting, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister welcomed Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation, to Bute House to discuss the contribution Trump International provides to Scotland’s economy.
“The First Minister regularly meets with business people regarding investment in Scotland.
“The meeting with Mr Trump provided an opportunity to discuss Scotland’s investment potential and the First Minister was pleased to hear about the company’s continued commitment to Scotland, in particular Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire.”
The First Minister’s decision to meet with Eric Trump is a bad call that sends a terrible message, says Scottish Green Co-leader Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater’s comments come as the Scottish Government confirmed the two men were meeting to discuss business.
Ms Slater said: “This meeting is totally inappropriate. It is a bad call that sends a terrible message. When it comes to the Trumps, the line between business and politics has always been blurred.
“Eric Trump is not a normal businessman. He is a right-wing extremist that has peddled misinformation and conspiracy theories. He is a figurehead for an administration that is wrecking our planet while cozying up to Vladimir Putin and showing total contempt for human rights and democracy.
“Communities across Scotland have fought against Donald Trump and his destructive business practices for decades. The Scottish Greens will always support those communities and our natural environment.”
Maggie’s abseil
Maggie’s Edinburgh invite their supporters to abseil off Scotland’s first vertical distillery, and become one of the first to descend 100ft off the Port of Leith Distillery on Sunday 11 May. Funds raised will support people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Enjoy the views of Edinburgh’s skyline and The Royal Yacht Britannia while helping Maggie’s Edinburgh.
Samantha Lea, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to offer this fantastic new opportunity for Maggie’s supporters, a truly unique experience to descend the 100ft drop off Scotland’s first vertical distillery and take in the views. We invite people to sign up to help raise funds to support people with cancer and their friends and family”
The abseil is on Sunday 11 May. It is £30 to register, and Maggie’s ask participants to raise a minimum of £250 per person. Anyone over the age of 11 and who weigh less than 120kg may register online – https://bit.ly/4hamI3W..
Maggie’s Edinburgh is based in the grounds of the Western General Hospital. The centre is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone can drop in for free cancer support and information. Get in touch on 0131 537 3131 or edinburgh@maggies.org
