Sheriffhall update
In the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal signed several years ago between all the local authorities in the are, and The Scottish and The UK Governments, there is provision for a new arrangement on the road at Sheriffhall roundabout.
The price put against the project was £120 million. It is still up to the Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to decide if that rearrangement of the road is to take place or not following a public local inquiry in 2023. Ms Hyslop is resigning as an MSP at the Scottish Parliamentary election in May so the decision ought to be made before then.
A report included in the papers for today’s meeting of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee states: “In the Scottish Parliament on 10 June 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport re-stated the Scottish Government’s commitment to the A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout Project and recognised the importance of the Proposed Scheme for regional partners.
“A meeting between Transport Scotland’s Chief Executive and the City Region Deal Joint Committee has been scheduled for 10 December 2025.”
The Transport Secretary explained to The Scottish Parliament in June this year that there were more than 1200 pieces of evidence lodged for the public local inquiry, and it would take some time to sift through. Ms Hyslop also said: “The Scottish Government continues to support the promotion of the grade separation of the Sheriffhall roundabout…”
Watch this space –
Hidden Door Festival 2026
Hidden Door Festival will return from 3 to 7 June 2026.
The news follows confirmation on Thursday of vital support from Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Fund, a major funding commitment that secures the future of the festival through to 2027, enabling our volunteer-run charity to embark on ambitious planning for 2026.
A spokesperson said: “Following the success of transforming The Paper Factory earlier this year, we’re ready to begin the search for the next wave of talent to join the 2026 programme. The festival, known for showcasing and supporting new and emerging artists, is immediately opening its doors for applications from visual artists keen to present work as part of the 2026 programme.”
Hidden Door’s Director, Hazel Johnson, said: “This support from the Creative Scotland Multi-Year Fund is truly transformative for Hidden Door. As a volunteer-run organisation, securing funding for 2026 and 2027 gives us the stability and freedom to be more ambitious than ever, allowing us to focus entirely on finding and championing incredible emerging Scottish talent.
“We are so excited to immediately open our visual art open call and to welcome the innovative ideas that will define our next chapter. We look forward to working with artists to turn another forgotten space into a vibrant cultural hub.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas – at Ross Bandstand this weekend
Edinburgh Sings – 6 December, 2pm until 5pm:Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and performance choirs. Audiences can expect performances of their favourite carols and Christmas classics at the Ross Bandstand, with plenty of opportunity to join in!
Santa Run and Santa Paws – 7 December, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am – starts 11am):
Edinburgh’s Christmas is delighted to welcome the beloved When You Wish Upon a Star Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk, celebrating 21 years this winter. The event sees Santas, Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit in West Princes Street Gardens to fundraise money for a very deserving cause. When You Wish Upon a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here.
If you are worried about your furry friends feeling left behind, worry no more: Santa Paws is here. A Santa Run but for animals, Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best festive outfits and make a run for it. With photo opportunities, activities throughout the afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens is paw-sitively the place to be this festive season!
The attempt takes place at Santa Paws event on Sunday, 7 December at 12pm in West Princes Street Gardens as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas free community events this year
The photo features Fi Stoddart (Edinburgh’s Christmas team) and the following dogs:
Frankie Stoddart Rodriguez, age 4, cavapoo
Eloise Smith (otherwise known as Ellie), 4 cocker spaniel
Max Chipperfield, age 2, miniature schnauzer
Bernie Stevens, age 3, King Charles cavalier
Photo Ian Georgeson
Edinburgh Police Choir
The choir will perform at St Giles’ next Wednesday to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities which helps families stay close to their children in hospital this Christmas.
At Pianodrome Bruntsfield on Sunday
Kids Balkanarama takes place on Sunday at 2.30. Live music by colourful London-based Balamuc band, shimmery belly dancers, circus performers, Glitter Fairies and an arty crafty corner.
Tickets for this and a variety of other events at the latest Pianodrome venue are on sale here.
Don’t know what a Pianodrome is? It is an amphitheatre made of old disused pianos where the centre is then used as a concert space – and it was invented here in Edinburgh.
