Calum Beattie at Edinburgh Castle
Castle Concerts, presented by Seat Unique, has announced that Scottish singer – song writer Callum Beattie will be the second headliner for its 2026 concert series with Callum playing at the venue on Friday 10 July. He is known for his heartfelt lyrics, energetic performances, and blend of indie rock and pop influences.
A local lad he brought his Musselburgh childhood to life in the short film accompanying his current single Two Pretenders and rebuilt his old bedroom for the shoot.
Callum said: “This is a dream come true. More really because it’s a dream I didn’t really dare to have.
“Being a wee boy and then growing up trying to make my way in music, just find a way to make a living from it, of course I’d have these silly ideas of maybe being a star one day.
“To play the Castle though was barely something that even in those daydreams didn’t seem possible. Being able to afford a ticket to see somebody play it was a stretch.
“So this is wild. The whole journey with Dave and I seems to lead up to moments like this, from the new record and how it all came together to the Hydro and now to this, Edinburgh Castle.
“I don’t know what I have done to deserve all this and all the love from fans, but I love it and I can’t thank you all enough.
“See you at the Castle! It doesn’t seem real to say that even now.”
Tickets for the concert go on sale on Friday 17th October at 9am from Ticketmaster.co.uk
Planning news
This week’s planning applications are a bit thin on the ground but we published the complete list with several applications to note.
All aboard with Michael Pedersen and Hollie McNish
Michael Pedersen invites everyone to join him on board the former Northern Lighthouse vessel turned hotel Fingal on 8 November.
The Edinburgh Makar has just written a novel titled Muckle Flugga (Life on a remote island is turned upside down by a stranger’s arrival, testing bonds of family and tradition and leaving a young dreamer’s future hanging in the balance)and the vessel was used to transport the lighthouse keepers around Scotland to service the Stevenson family lighthouses including the island he named the book after.
In November Hollie McNish and Michael will be reading together on board as a pre-festival event for Push the Boat Out. They will be seated in the Grand Ballroom where the cocktail bar sits on the mezzanine level for the select number who can obtain tickets for the show.
Invitation to Padel
The new canopied £850,000 Padel courts at Sighthill will be officially opened later this month with a community party.
There will be free intro to Padel sessions for anyone who wants to come along, a social tournament and a Beat the Pro challenge with prizes to be won, food and drink and a DJ.
Powerleague runs the Edinburgh Sighthill Club with 5-a-side and 7-a-side pitches already in use by hundreds of people every week. Now there are four Padel courts for players to enjoy using the top of the range Babolat equipment. These are designed for year round play with hour long and 90 minute sessions for beginners and experienced players with lessons and social events.
John Gillespie, CEO of Powerleague, said: “Powerleague Edinburgh Sighthill is already a vibrant centre for small-sided football, and we’re excited to expand our offer with the introduction of Padel. It’s quickly becoming a go-to activity for staying active and social, as it’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and ultimately, a lot of fun.
“Earlier this year, we launched Padel at our Portobello club, and the response has been phenomenal. It’s attracted people of all abilities, from seasoned players to complete beginners, and we’re looking forward to making the sport even more accessible across the city.”
Shhhh – Christmas is coming…
The capital’s most stylish Christmas celebration will be back bigger and brighter than ever this year with parades and hands-on festive fun.
St James Quarter will sparkle once again with a showstopping Christmas Programme from a spectacular light switch-on with starry performances, family-friendly experiences, and festive magic on every level.
The St James Quarter Christmas Parade returns again this year – bigger, brighter, and more spectacular than ever. The Galleria will come alive on 8 November from 4pm, with a joyous celebration of colour, music, dance, and performance, featuring wandering musicians, graceful ballerinas, energetic street-style dancers and, of course, a very stylish Santa making his entrance in true St James Quarter STYLE.
