House concert
Carlos Quilici, master of the bandoneon, will be playing this evening at a House Concert at 42 Royal Park Terrace.
Mine hosts Douglas and Jane-Anne said: “Carlos Quilici is a bandoneonist, arranger, composer, director, and teacher in the field of tango, from Rosario, Argentina.
“Always with the bandoneon and tango as his flag, Carlos approaches a repertoire of his own and traditional works with authenticity and singularity. In more than 30 years of professional activity, he has made countless performances in theatres, halls, festivals, clubs, milongas, as well as on radio and television in Argentina.
“Carlos has been entertaining us every July for about a decade now and it is always a night we look forward to immensely. We hope you can join us.”
Click here to book (password is 42music42).
The musician is also playing at Stockbridge Parish Church7b Saxe Coburg Street EH3 5BN on Friday evening. Tickets here
LNER She’s Electric
As rock band Oasis make their long-awaited return to the stage, LNER has revealed further details for its special Oasis-themed service, which will mark the band’s first show in London later this month. The Gallagher brothers and their band are touring for the first time in well over a decade with concerts in Edinburgh this August.
The 09.00 Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross train on Friday 25 July will feature a special Oasis-themed design on the cab of its named “LNER She’s Electric” service.
The train will call at several stations on its way to the capital, with fans travelling from Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Newark Northgate and Peterborough also able to join in the fun. There will also be Oasis-themed activities onboard for customers wishing to roll with it.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “Our Masterplan is for our customers to feel like a Rock’n’Roll Star, and they certainly will on the She’s Electric service. The train has already proved incredibly popular, and for those who managed to get a ticket onboard, we’re promising even more surprises on the day as we head to London faster than a cannonball!”
09:00 Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross – All calling points:
09:00 Edinburgh, 10:24 Newcastle, 10:38 Durham, 10:58 Darlington, 11:09 Northallerton, 11:30 York, 11:54 Doncaster. 12:17, Newark Northgate, 12:45 Peterborough, 13:38 London King’s Cross
The Grand joins Marriott International
The Edinburgh Grand has reopened as Scotland’s first Luxury Collection Hotel and the fourth in the UK, part of Marriott International. Set in a restored neo-classical former bank on St Andrew Square, this is spacious, residential-style living with five-star service, offering a fresh take on luxury in the heart of the capital.
Originally built in 1942 as the headquarters of The Royal Bank of Scotland, the building retains its sweeping staircases, towering sash windows and period flourishes, but has now been refreshed with warm, contemporary interiors inspired by Scottish textures and materials. Each of the upgraded 50 one, two and three bedroom rooms and suites has a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and dining spaces, and thoughtful in-room details designed for longer stays and special occasions.
The reopening marks the completion of the first phase of improvements in the hotel, with 33 upgraded rooms now complete. Guests will also find a newly equipped gym, refreshed front foyer, and refurbished Executive Lounge and retail space. The remaining room and suite upgrades and a reimagined spa will be upgraded later this year.
Guests can expect The Edinburgh Grand’s signature welcome as part of The Luxury Collection, beginning with uniformed doormen and a series of thoughtful local features, including artisan welcome treats, a bespoke city guide, whisky nightcaps, and bedtime storybooks with tartan pyjamas for younger guests.
Larger suites offer in-room omelette service for a relaxed start to the day, while a 24-hour concierge team is available to craft tailored itineraries and insider experiences across the city. Four-legged travellers are also catered for, with a dedicated pet welcome pack featuring a blanket, towel, water bowl, treats, and a personalised Edinburgh Grand dog tag to take home.
The hotel’s dining offering is distinctive. The Register Club, the hotel’s lounge, is where guests can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails in a stylish, heritage-inspired setting.
Lady Libertine spans two floors, serving coffee, pastries, cocktails and live music into the evening, while Hawksmoor Edinburgh offers award-winning steak and seafood in a relaxed but elegant space.
Hidden below the building, The Vault offers whisky tastings and seasonal pop-ups in the former bank vaults.
Located just moments from Waverley Station and a stroll from Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, The Edinburgh Grand is ideally placed for city breaks, family holidays and longer stays.
The Edinburgh Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel, has now reopened. Prices start from £280 per night. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/edilg-the-edinburgh-grand-a-luxury-collection-hotel-edinburgh/overview/
Float to Live
The single piece of advice which the RNLI is urging the public to remember when out and about near water is to share and practise this – If you find yourself struggling in water, Float to Live.
Glasgow local, Gordon MacDonald, was rescued from the water by Campbeltown RNLI in August 2022. He was on holiday in Kintyre and paddling at Westport Beach with family when they experienced what was described as a ‘freak wave’ that brought everyone off their feet.
Gordon was being pulled further away from the shore and in desperate need of assistance. Thankfully, volunteer crew members, Gregory, Michael and William, responded and found Gordon in the water.
Gordon said: “When I was floating, I was thinking I’m not going to make it. Thoughts like that are going through your head and you’re thinking, what have I done here and how has this happened? And then to be given that back, because at that point, it appeared it was being taken away from me, and to be able to live life again – that is quite priceless.
“I owe my life to the volunteer crew members and the RNLI. Without them I wouldn’t be here.”
By floating, Gordon was able to give himself more time and wait for assistance from RNLI volunteer crews.
Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead from the RNLI in Scotland, said: “Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about. We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.
“RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives at the coast each year but, sadly, in 2024, 33 people accidentally lost their lives in Scotland’s waters. We’re urging people to remember, practise and share the float technique to help save more lives.”
Botanic Lates
This summer, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is hosting two of its Botanics Late events.
The Garden will once again open its doors for “enchantment and delight” amongst the trees on Friday 15 August. This year’s activities feature an assortment of live musicians, pop-up vendors, and after-hours access to the main exhibit Linder: Danger Came Smiling.
Visitors are invited to embrace the magic of the landscape at dusk. As the sun sets, the Garden comes alive, bustling with music, dancing, and an exquisite selection of food and drink.
Award-winning Glaswegian sound-artist, DJ, music producer, and live performer Auntie Flo returns following his innovative sound installation for Inverleith House’s 2024 exhibition, Fungi Forms. Fusing electronic music with world influences, Auntie Flo crafts soundscapes made for engaging with the Garden’s vast greenery.
Linder: Danger Came Smiling showcases half a century of transcendent artwork from feminist-icon Linder Sterling at Inverleith House. Guests will have an opportunity to wander through Linder’s first retrospective in a domestic setting, exploring her visions across mediums while surrounded by the very nature that inspires it. From floral motifs and the language of plants to society’s response to the naked body, Linder’s art provokes questions on traditional ideas about gender and sexuality, personal identity, and social mobility.
Edinburgh-based Shunpike Social Club brings Cumbia, Brazilian, and Cuban music alive with big street band flair. From brass and reeds to an expansive rhythm section, Shunpike Social Club know just the groove to bring people together for dancing under the oak trees. Guests will also have an opportunity to listen to the joyful sound of the Garden’s very own Botanics Choir.
Pop up vendors offer a selection of stone-baked pizzas, nachos, and vegan street food to keep guests fuelled. As well as Scottish beers and ciders, summer cocktails, and wine so that the magic feels like it’ll never end.
