Five things to know this weekend
The death of the former First Minister is marked in Edinburgh. Elsewhere - a little bear, some films, Summerhall and the continuing protest about the closed doors at the People's Story.
Alex Salmond 1954-2024
The news of the sudden death of former First Minister, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond, has caused many in Scotland - and across the world - to offer their tributes and reflections.
Flags at The Scottish Parliament are flying at half mast out of respect to someone who - no matter whether you agreed with his views or not - was a political giant.
Presiding Officer of The Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone, announced that the flags were being lowered at the parliament building as a mark of respect to former First Minister, Alex Salmond, who died suddenly on Saturday.
Ms Johnstone said: “On behalf of The Scottish Parliament, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”
Paddington Bear
Edinburgh is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will include statues of the marmalade sandwich eating character appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.
People gathered over the weekend in St Andrew Square Garden to meet the newest resident: a meticulously crafted and painted statue sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.
The film Paddington in Peru opens on 8 November.
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh is part of Paddington Visits and encourage fans of all ages to head into the city centre and visit their favourite bear, share his bench for a little while and grab a special selfie in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden – marmalade sandwiches are optional!”
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival
The Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF) welcomes film fans from all over Scotland to its 11th edition. The festival offers a packed programme of cinema screenings, guest appearances and cultural events, featuring a total of 15 films, including seven debut features from Spain and Latin America and offering a snapshot of the best brand-new Spanish-language cinema for 2024. All the new features are Scottish premieres, with most having their only screening in the UK during the festival.
The festival runs until 26 October and the full programme is here or click on the image below.
Summerhall
The future of the Edinburgh Short Film Festival has been thrown into doubt by the goings on with HMRC at Summerhall. The organisers are waiting to hear the outcome of Robert McDowell's negotiations with HMRC over alleged unpaid corporation tax. A spokeseperson for Summerhall Management Limited, the company at the centre of the tax row, said: "Some events will be cancelled, and the team are working on a case by case basis with those affected behind the scenes. Our website will be kept as up to date as possible to keep customers informed and we thank everyone for bearing with us as we work under these prescribed conditions."
The poetry festival Push The Boat Out is also conducting a watching brief on what happens at the arts venue - which was marketed for sale with a closing date for offers in September, but there has been no news of a successful bidder. The festival is supposed to take place next month, but PTBO say they are unable to sell tickets through Summerhall - leading to speculation that the venue’s bank accounts have been seized in connection with the alleged debt.
The People's Story
The council voted last week to close the museum, but the Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson - who is the constituency MSP for the Royal Mile where the museum is situated - has criticised the move by the council.
The museum was closed prior to the meeting of the council. Activist, Jim Slaven, who delivered a stinging deputation at the Culture and Communities meeting is keeping his Twitter timeline up to date with those who support his calls for the museum to be reopened.
Now Foysol Choudhury raised the matter in The Scottish Parliament - watch the exchange here.