Latest news with #EdinburghCentral
STV News
a day ago
- Politics
- STV News
Long-serving MSP Sarah Boyack prepares to stand down
Long-serving MSP Sarah Boyack has announced she will step down from Holyrood at the election next May. Ms Boyack said it has been 'the honour of my life' to serve as an MSP, but will not stand again in 2026. She was elected in the first Scottish Parliament election in 1999 and was MSP for Edinburgh Central until 2011. Ms Boyack was MSP for the Lothian region from 2011 to 2016 and then left parliament after failing to be re-elected, but returned in 2019. The MSP, who was transport minister in Donald Dewar's first cabinet, announced her intentions in the Edinburgh Evening News on Monday. She said: 'It has been the honour of my life to serve as an MSP in the Scottish Parliament. 'I am proud of what I have achieved, both in my time in government and in my local campaigns for issues that matter to my constituents. 'It is great to see progress being made on issues such as a new Eye Pavilion for Edinburgh, funding for the King's Theatre and the Filmhouse, but not least on my Member's Bill to ensure a more sustainable future for all of Scotland. 'I will also continue to support causes close to my heart from Edinburgh's housing crisis to the battle to ensure we remain one of the cultural capitals of the world. 'Although I am not standing again, I will work tirelessly in the election to achieve a Scottish Labour victory in 2026. 'I have loved my time representing this amazing community and I hope to see Anas Sarwar as First Minister champion these causes and more to achieve a more prosperous, sustainable and just Scotland.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Meadows Festival at 50
Festival-goers basked in the sun at the Meadows Festival 2024 This weekend the Meadows Festival marks its 50th anniversary - a milestone for one of Edinburgh's longest-running community festivals. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... First held in 1974, the event remains entirely volunteer-run and continues to offer free entry, welcoming thousands to the city's historic parkland each year. This year's programme includes two live music stages featuring a wide range of local acts, a community zone showcasing Edinburgh-based charities and groups, and over 100 market stalls selling crafts, food and vintage goods. A popular dog show returns on Sunday, along with a funfair and children's entertainment across both days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The festival aims to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. There are dedicated quiet spaces, baby changing areas and fully accessible toilets. In recent years organisers have also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, providing water refill stations and encouraging low-waste practices. Events like the Meadows Festival play an important role in the civic life of Edinburgh. They offer a platform for local performers, artists, traders, and campaigners, and bring residents together in a shared space at the heart of the city. As MSP for Edinburgh Central, I commend the volunteers and organisers who have sustained the festival over five decades. Their work has created a valuable cultural institution rooted in community participation. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, I encourage everyone to visit the Meadows this weekend and take part in a proud Edinburgh tradition.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The festival capital of the world
Edinburgh's renowned festivals are already off to a flying start in 2025, with the city once again proving why it is the cultural capital of the world. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As MSP for Edinburgh Central and Cabinet Secretary for Culture, I'm proud to see our festivals thrive and to support the extraordinary creativity they bring to our streets, stages, schools and all other venues. This year's Edinburgh Science Festival has already completed another successful run, with engaging and thought-provoking events drawing audiences of all ages. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highlights included 'Our Connected World,' which explored how digital technology is shaping our future, and the always-popular 'Blood Bar,' where budding scientists got hands-on experience learning about human biology. The festival season continues with the Edinburgh International Children's Festival, where I was honoured to speak at the opening. As a parent of two young children, I'm particularly looking forward to taking them along to experience the joy, wonder and imagination that these shows inspire. Looking ahead, hundreds of performances are already listed across Edinburgh's summer festivals—from the Fringe and International Festival to the Book and Art Festivals. Whether you're a long-time local or a first-time visitor, I encourage everyone to browse what's on offer and experience something new. These festivals are more than a source of entertainment—they're a vital part of our city's identity and economy. I look forward to working with everyone involved to ensure their continued success for years to come. Edinburgh truly comes alive in festival season, and 2025 is already shaping up to be exceptional.
