Early bird tickets for The Seagull
Previews for The Seagull with Caroline Quentin at The Royal Lyceum Theatre are going on sale this morning at 10am. Secure a seat from £18 to experience the “bold new production”. The play runs from 9 to 13 October at Traverse.
Riding of the Marches
On Sunday more than 250 horses will be ridden up The Royal Mile on the way to the Mercat Cross in the annual reenactment of the customary Riding of the Marches.
The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge has been taking riding lessons in anticipation of the day and admitted to feeling a “bit tender” in the last couple of weeks. He and the Lord Provost Consort have taken part on horseback in the last couple of years.
The ancient custom of Riding the Marches began in the 16th century when the boundaries or burgh marches were checked against attack by invaders. The modern day equivalent takes horses and riders over a 26 mile route. The event also offers a rare opportunity to see the ceremonial Blue Blanket, the original of which was the battle flag of the Edinburgh Trades at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
Members of the High Constables and also councillors who are Baillies will take part in the procession up the Royal Mile.
The route – the ride starts from ‘The Caravan Park’ 642 Old Dalkeith Rd, EH16 4SL within Drum Estate. Please note: only equine vehicles may park within ‘The Caravan Park’.
– 9.30am sharp, ride starts
– Drum Estate Canters can be viewed from Gilmerton Road near Bernard Hunter’s yard 0930-0950hrs
– 10.00am Ride proceeds North on Lasswade Road
– 10.20am -10. 25am Ride proceeds along Captains Road – good opportunity to view full cavalcade
– Ride enters Mortonhall Estate at 1100hrs and exits at 11.25am Canters can be viewed from the cottages at Broomhills Road
– Final Drum Estate Canters can be viewed 12.00–12.15pm within the Estate
– Lunch stop takes place at ‘The Caravan Park’ between 12.15pm -13.35 after which the ride exits the Drum onto Old Dalkeith Road
– If you wish to see the ride on the Royal Mile, you should make your way there around this stage
– 12.30pm Entertainment begins on the Royal Mile
– 14.30 Ride enters Craigmillar Castle Park. This section takes place from 1432-1440hrs and is an excellent viewing point. Please note: vehicles cannot stop on Craigmillar Castle Road
– 14.30 The Edinburgh 900 People’s Procession leaves Queens Drive, Holyrood Park and walks up the Royal Mile
– 15.00 The People’s Procession arrives in the Royal Mile event arena and disbands in West Parliament Square
– 15.05 Ride approaches Duddingston at Old Church Lane
– 15.15 George Watsons Pipe Band forms-up at Broad Pavement Carpark and awaits cavalcade
– 15.40 Ride falls in behind George Watson’s
– Cavalcade up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross takes place between 15.45-15.55.
– 15.56 Cavalcade halts at the Mercat Cross. Captain and Lass take part in the return of the flag ceremony before the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, riders and spectators. This will take around 20 minutes before the ride moves off and the event concludes.
Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal
The committee met on Friday to approve their annual report for 2024/25. In the report the joint committee say that their work on the £1.5 billion programme has added £3 billion to the Scottish and UK economy, created or supported 22,000 job opportunities and supported 900 small businesses. In addition the report mentions support for more than 550 apprentices and interns, and £11 million of additional funding brought in through the Integrated Regional Employability and Skills programme.
The major milestones achieved include the topping out of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub at Queen Margaret University, the official opening of the Edinburgh Futures Institute and the launch of the South East Regional Delivery Alliance Knowledge Hub.
However what the City Region Deal has not yet delivered on is the reimagining of the Sheriffhall Roundabout. Councillors have been told that while Fiona Hyslop the transport Minister understood it is a priority scheme for partners in the City Region Deal and that the Scottish Government is committed to it, there is still no decision. There are 1200 pieces of evidence to be examined in the public enquiry, and Transport Scotland CEO Alison Irving had confirmed to councils there were suggence resources working on that.
But Cllr Norman Hampshire leader of East Lothian council asked about the escalating costs. In the original deal the cost was estimated at £120 million and that may have risen to as much as £300 million.
Aldi support local people in need
Aldi stores in Edinburgh and the Lothians have donated more than 43,000 meals to families in need throughout the recent summer holidays.
All Edinburgh and Lothian stores aided local charities and foodbanks during the period of increased demand by redistributing surplus food through community giving platform Neighbourly.
The UK’s fourth largest supermarket has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 and has already donated more than 8.8 million meals so far this year to those in need nationwide.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: We are proud to continue supporting incredible causes across the country this summer, helping to provide fresh, wholesome food to those who need it most.
“School holidays can be a challenging time for many families, and this summer we’re continuing our efforts to provide support where we can through our partnership with Neighbourly.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “Summer holidays represent one of the busiest times of the year for charities and food banks, and this year was no different.
“Aldi’s generous donations played a key role in helping support families, and our partnership continues to make a meaningful difference to those who need it most.”
Shoppers can also donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Britain’s fourth largest supermarket also works with Company Shop, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.
Charity funding available
Scottish Building Society Foundation has opened its next funding round aimed at helping Scottish charities.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to help Edinburgh charities deliver life-changing work in their local communities.
Since launching in 2023, Scottish Building Society Foundation has awarded more than £150,000 to over 45 charities. Following the last round of funding, charities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberfeldy, Stirling, the Scottish Borders and Clackmannanshire all received grants.
Among these were Very Inclusive Play Club, Forth Canoe Club, Ochil Trail Association, Bridgeton Community Learning Campus, The Birks Cinema Trust, Works+, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club and Duntocher Village Hall.
Applications are now open until Monday 29 September, welcoming bids from charities working across a broad range of initiatives from improving community facilities and services, to tackling poverty, supporting older people, funding local events and providing youth education, training and opportunities for vulnerable people.
Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society, said: “As a mutual organisation run by our members, for our members, we understand how vital local communities are and we’re here to support them.
“Since it began, the Scottish Building Society Foundation has helped a wide range of causes that make a real difference every day.
“With the sixth round of funding now open, we’d encourage any organisation looking to have a positive impact in their local area to apply.”
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society to mark the organisation’s 175th anniversary, with an initial £175,000 earmarked for local charities and good causes across Scotland.
Launched in partnership with Foundation Scotland, the Scottish Building Society Foundation aims to establish a best-in-class benchmark supporting community-based charities and groups.
To apply for funding, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation
