Well done to all exam students in Edinburgh – now for the results

The results of Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) exams will be announced today in Scotland for the 147,000 pupils who sat their Higher, National and Advanced exams. And well done just for sitting the exams. The results are sometimes disappointing on an individual basis, but it is never the end of the story – read the advice here.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will open their Results Helpline at 8am on Tuesday morning. The SDS Results Helpline will be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice, and guidance. 

The 2025 SDS Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and will be open: 

  • Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August – 8am to 8pm
  • Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August – 9am to 5pm

The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer guidance on colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.   

Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey.  

“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.”

In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you by visiting the Contact Us page on the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.

NSPCC Scotland and Childline advice

Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline in Scotland, said: “Exam results day can be an overwhelming time for young people across Scotland, and it’s natural to feel pressure or uncertainty about what comes next.  

“At Childline, we want to reassure young people that their value isn’t defined by grades. There are many different routes to success and not getting the results you hoped for doesn’t close the door on your future. 

“Childline is here for any young person who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to, our counsellors are available 24/7 by phone or online chat to listen and support you.” 

Tips for parents   

  1.  Listen without judgment: Listen to your child, give them support and avoid criticism. Encourage your child to talk openly about how they’re feeling and to share any worries or concerns. 
  2. Be reassuring about the future: It’s important they know you’ll support and help them whatever their results. Let them know that failing is not the end of the world. 
  3. Help them see alternative options: Talk with them about their ‘plan B’ if the ‘worst case’ did happen. This can help it feel more manageable. 
  4. Manage your own expectations: Many children who contact Childline feel that most pressure at exam time comes from their family. Keep perspective and avoid adding to their stress. 
  5. Focus on their effort and progress: Acknowledge successes, reassure disappointments and celebrate the hard work they’ve put in, regardless of the outcome 

  

Tips for children and young people   

  1.  Remember results don’t define you: Your worth extends far beyond exam grades. There are always options whatever you achieve, and one set of results doesn’t determine your entire future. 
  2. Avoid comparing yourself to others: Focus on your own journey and achievements rather than comparing your results to friends or peers on social media. 
  3. Talk to someone you trust: Share your feelings with family, friends, teachers, or contact Childline. Write down your worries – then tear up the paper or share them with a trusted adult  
  4. Focus on what you can control: If results aren’t what you hoped, research alternative pathways, clearing options, or retake opportunities rather than dwelling on what’s already done. 
  5. Look after your wellbeing: Make a list of the things that bring you joy and find time to do them. Eat well, get enough sleep, and do activities that help you relax. 

What we have seen

The Big Singalong on Sunday afternoon in Princes Street Gardens was just a fabulous community event opening the Edinburgh International Festival. The weather was very kind, but there is something hugely uplifting about being in that particular space with hundreds of people singing or dancing.

The best part was that Dougie MacLean who wrote Caledonia was there to lead the choirs including The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Network Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir and the audience in a singalong.

This is absolutely what the Ross Bandstand should be used for – all year round and on a free to access basis for community and school groups.

Anybody up for sponsoring that? Or have we now gone too far down the route of limiting the number of events which take place in the gardens to even think about it?

Dougie MacLean led the Big Singalong

We have published more photos from the Big Singalong on Facebook here.

In the consultation which the Council ran last year they stated that the maximum number of major events using the Ross Bandstand and the gardens is four – which includes the Christmas and Hogmanay events, and an annual event to open or close the Edinburgh International Festival – and the council proposed a two day event in May, a summer festival for up to eight weeks and a two day event in September. All major events would be permitted for a period of up to 15 days but otherwise the gardens would be fully open to the public.

The council also consulted on the oddly named Waverley Valley Strategy which ended in February 2025. There is no funding for such a strategy and the council has yet to advance this strategy in any way as far as we can find out.

Today’s top tip

After the storm it will be good to get out and about again – so our top tip today is to go and explore the Physic Garden next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, located just outside the monarch’s official residence in Scotland, is a free-to-visit garden that can be enjoyed year-round by everyone. The Palace’s Abbey Strand Learning Centre is just next to it and is used for educational sessions for children and adults. There are events taking place later in the year – and watch out for special episodes of The Beechgrove Garden filmed in Edinburgh which are available on BBC iPlayer.
Floral Wreaths Workshop

3 September 2025, 09:30–12:00

After a tour of the Physic Garden, Lottie Longman will teach participants how to create beautiful wreaths of freshly picked flowers, which can be dried naturally at home.


Plants, Painting and Potions Schools Session

Available for schools to book in termtime, 1 hour

In this outdoor learning session, pupils will learn how the canons of Holyrood Abbey lived 900 years ago, growing flowers, herbs and vegetables to eat and concoct natural remedies. Children will learn how to use quills and gather flowers, leaves and twigs to make and record their own remedy. 

Holyrood’s Herbal Hospital Schools Session

Available for schools to book in termtime, 2 hours

School groups will learn how Holyrood Abbey’s medieval canons grew medicinal plants to help and heal their local community, before hearing the story of the two 17th-century Scottish doctors who created the Physic Garden and making their own traditional remedy. The visit includes access to the Physic Garden, the Palace of Holyroodhouse Gardens, Holyrood Abbey, and the Abbey Strand Learning Centre.

Learning Resources

Free learning resources including worksheets and scavenger hunt trails are available to download for all schools and visitors to the garden.

What is on this week

If you have already managed to get a ticket to go and see the new Andy Goldsworthy exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, then the next step might be to go and see the artist’s other work at Jupiter Artland.

Learn more about it in this film https://vimeo.com/1064371000?fl=pl&fe=vl:

Edinburgh news

This week at the City Chambers, councillors are easing themselves back into meetings slowly.

Monday, 4th August, 2025

Tuesday, 5th August, 2025

Wednesday, 6th August, 2025

Thursday, 7th August, 2025

Friday, 8th August, 2025

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