Charging for events in the Pentland Hills Regional Park
The Council is proposing charging a fee to anyone who wants to use the Pentland Hills for an event in the same way as it charges anyone using other parks and green spaces in the city.
The Pentland Hills are used by many people for hill running, mass sponsored walks, orienteering and weddings, and there has been an informal structure in place for charging anyone organising events, but the council now wishes to formalise the charging structure.
There will be a consultation with landowners and managers in the Pentlands to determine what that payment model will be when it involves events on private land, as the council does not own all of the park.
Likely charges might be around £230 for a wedding without a marquee, £140 for vehicle access and 10% of the entry fees paid for a commercial event such as a sponsored walk or cycle.
Council officers recommend collecting any charges through the MyParkScotland website. It is hoped that the income could be used for a full ranger service to be established.
First Minister is in Zambia
First Minister John Swinney began his visit to Zambia on Wednesday with engagements which included:
- Visiting the Blantyre-Blantyre Lusaka Laboratory, which is part of the University of Zambia. This new laboratory, which was supported £1 million in Scottish Government funding, provides a platform for Zambia, Malawi and Scotland to collaborate on research into non-communicable diseases.
- Holding a bilateral meeting with the President of Zambia HE President Hakainde Hichilema, during which the First Minister will raise gender equality, global health, inclusive education and further strengthening the relationship between Scotland and Zambia.
- Visiting University Teaching Hospital with charity KidsOR, who are providing life-saving surgical care to children in Zambia and across the world. He will see the positive impact of previous Scottish Government funding for this work.
He also met with the British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebecca Terzeon, and joined a working dinner hosted by Ms Terzeon.
Scotland’s Asian Restaurant Awards 2025
Several of our Asian restaurants in Edinburgh won awards at the ceremony held in Glasgow on Monday evening.
Read more about the winners here.
The Old Edinburgh Club
The Old Edinburgh Club has been relating the story of how it came into existence to the Tales of one city blog which is run by Edinburgh Libraries. The club began in 1908 and its own history is fascinating. It was originally set up to publish historical information and anyone who reads our newspaper will know they provide us with a detailed look at each month in history.
Don’t lose your head!
From seasoned scare-lovers to mini monster hunters, the Halloween Hunt promises spook-tacular fun for all ages. Lovable mascot Dizzy has donned five eerie new disguises, transforming into Halloween favourites like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, and a Werewolf. Guests are challenged to track down every creepy costume hidden across the attraction’s six floors. Those who complete the trail will be rewarded with a sweet treat – if they survive the surprises along the way!
The venue itself has embraced the eerie with haunting projections, spooky sound effects, and ghoulish decorations lurking around every corner. Visitors can test their nerves in the freakishly realistic Severed Head illusion, conjure creepy compositions with OptiMusic, and see who’s hiding in the shadows on the Colour Shadow Wall.
Adding to the chills, Camera Obscura’s resident ghoulish Guides are once again bringing the city’s ghost stories and supernatural legends to life during the ever-popular Camera Obscura show, perfect for those brave enough to look into Edinburgh’s haunted history.
General Manager Andrew Johnson shared “We love bringing a playful twist to Halloween. Camera Obscura is already filled with strange and wonderful sights, and our seasonal surprises just turn that up a notch. With our history dating back over 170 years, it’s the perfect setting for a spooky adventure, full of tricks, treats, and unforgettable illusions.”
Early risers can take advantage of the early ghoul getter discount, offering 20% off admission for visits at 8am, 8.15am, 8.30am or 8.45am from 18 October to 2 November, when booked online in advance.
Visitors are encouraged to come in costume, get stuck into the spooky spirit, and enjoy one of Edinburgh’s most bewitching attractions – just be careful not to lose your head along the way.
