Five things you need to know today
Ships and bikes, tamarins and joining in at community events
S/S Hestmanden visiting Edinburgh
THe Norwegian War Sailor Museum is coming to Edinburgh. Sailing as a Norwegian memorial for the War Sailors effort during the Second World War the veteran vessel is now restored as a museum. Members of the public will be invited on board to experience war sailor history in an authentic environment.
It will be berthed next to Britannia and will be open on 26, 27,28 and 29 May from 11am to 5pm.
Corstorphine/Gyle Community Council
The community council will meet on Wednesday 28 May at 6pm at Drumbrae Library Hub. The meeting is open to all residents whether they wish to raise a concern, hear about what is happening in the area, or get involved in the community.
For more information email corstorphinegyleccsecretary@gmail.com
Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme
A new electric bike hire scheme has been given the green light and now the procurement process will begin between two companies - Lime and Dott.
Councillors unanimously supported the scheme at Thursday's Transport and Environment Committee and propose to have hire bikes on the city streets by August.
Edinburgh's first scheme collapsed almost four years ago due to vandalism, with private operator Serco being unwilling to continue running it.
But the new plans will allow the city to hold misplaced hire bikes for ‘ransom’ until the private operator pays up.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said he would “not apologise” for putting officers under pressure to set up the scheme quickly.
After comments from the Conservative group, the scheme will gain an element where the city can collect misplaced hire bikes, and hold on to them until the private scheme operator pays a fine.
Leith Festival 2025
Save the date - 2025 Gala day will be on 14 June on Leith Links
Leith Festival week 2025 starts on 14 June and ends on 22 June
Two endangered tamarins born at Edinburgh Zoo
Two critically endangered cotton-top tamarins have been born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to mum Elf and dad Zecca on Tuesday 20 May. Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity have named the tiny newborn monkeys Sol and Salento.
Lorna Hughes, primate team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said “It is incredibly exciting to welcome another pair of cotton-top tamarin twins, Sol and Salento. Unfortunately, the species is one of the most endangered primates in the world due to extensive habitat loss, so this year’s new additions are really special.
“Both Elf and Zecca will take turns caring for the youngsters, carrying them on their back for the first few months of their lives before they become more independent at around five months old.”
Weighing just 40g at birth and measuring 10cm from their heads to the tips of their tails, cotton-top tamarins are some of the smallest primates at the zoo. Their name comes from the tuft of white fur that runs from their forehead to their shoulders. Sadly, their distinctive appearance has led to a major population decline as they are targeted by the illegal wildlife trade.
Visitors can book zoo tickets to see the newborn twins online in advance and save at edinburghzoo.org.uk/tickets
