Five things you need to know today
The Forth Bridge celebrating ten years as a World Heritage site, Boyack stepping down amid some lovely comments, and The Royal Highland Show signs new deal
The Royal Highland Show signs new deal
This is show week in Scotland with many farmers and people involved in food and drink production from farming to consumers getting ready to attend The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston.
Some 200,000 visitors are expected to go to the Highland Show over the four days from Thursday.
The Royal Bank has confirmed its support for the event by entering into an extension of its corporate partnership for a further period of three years.
The annual event is regarded as one of Europe's best agribusiness showcases and also raises funds for the charity RHASS (the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland).
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of RHASS, said: “We are delighted that as we gear up to host our 203rd Show our partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland continues. With the bank being the biggest lender to the agricultural sector in Scotland, we couldn’t ask for a sponsor more aligned with our ambitions, as we continue to support the advancement of agriculture and help to educate and connect people across the sector.
“The Royal Highland Show is at the heart of Scotland’s rural calendar, bringing together the very best in agricultural competitions, food producers, farmers, families and visitors from across the country and beyond. With over 4,000 livestock, hundreds of trade exhibitors, and a huge variety of entertainment and music it’s a fantastic day out and if you haven’t been before, I can promise that there is something for everyone.”
Tickets to the Show are available to purchase here.
Sarah Boyack MSP to step down at election
Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack who was first elected to The Scottish Parliament in 1999 has announced she will step down at the next election.
Ms Boyack has campaigned on many issues, from bus passes to trying to rid the city of "party flats". In recent weeks she managed to persuade the First Minister to give her an assurance that The Scottish Government will look at the relatively small amount of cash needed to ensure that Filmhouse will be able to complete all four cinemas before opening at the end of the month.
Sarah said: "It has been the honour of my life to serve my community in the Scottish Parliament, but I’ve decided not to stand in next year’s election.
"I am proud of what I achieved both in government & as a local MSP, from introducing free bus passes for the over 60s andnational parks, to pushing the successful campaign to secure a new eye hospital for Edinburgh.
"I am excited to campaign for Scottish Labour in the 2026 election and I will continue to support action to tackle our housing & climate emergencies after my time in Holyrood is done.
"It’s been a privilege to serve the people of Lothian."
Scotland 2050
This conference takes place in Edinburgh today.
The First Minister will address the delegates setting out what independence could mean for Scotland.
The vision of the conference is this: "Scotland 2050 aims to foster an ambitious and forward-thinking atmosphere, allowing participants to dream big and set out challenging and credible paths towards the future of Scotland.
"By bringing together leading thinkers from civil society, industry, academia, and policy, Scotland 2050 will provide a space for creative and informed debate on the big ideas of today and the road to tomorrow."
The Big Noise
Ian Murray the Secretary of State for Scotland visited the Big Noise in Wester Hailes to see and hear for himself the results of a social change programme established three years ago. The programme is based on orchestral music and learning to help children in deprived areas gain confidence and skills.
Celebrating ten years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In association with Edinburgh World Heritage, there will be a presentation celebrating the Forth Bridge's 10th anniversary of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The keynote speaker is Dr Miles Oglethorpe who will give a talk entitled "Celebrating Industrial World Heritage" covering how the Forth Bridge World Heritage nomination came about, and where it fits into the wider context of the representation of Industrial Heritage on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In addition, there will be an introduction by the Forth Bridges Forum, closing remarks from Network Rail about future plans for the bridge and an opportunity for questions.
Advance booking is essential. This free event will be viewable online for those unable to attend in person. This will be via Teams and a link will be sent out soon after bookings are received.
Date: Thursday 3 July 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Transport Scotland Contact & Education Centre, Ferrymuir Gait, South Queensferry, EH30 9SF.
There is also a public exhibition running 3 - 5 July 10am - 4pm, in the same venue and this will be open from 5.30pm on 3rd July for those attending the talk in person.
