Edinburgh’s Rose Street has welcomed a bold new addition with the opening of Manahatta, a swanky bar and restaurant that aims to bring a taste of New York City’s nightlife to the heart of the Scottish capital.

Located in the bustling city centre, Manahatta offers a glamorous escape with its stylish décor, elaborate cocktail menu, and vibrant atmosphere. But while it’s generating a buzz among the city’s younger crowd, this high-energy hotspot may not be to everyone’s taste—especially for those looking for a more traditional or laid-back dining experience.

Design and Atmosphere

Stepping into Manahatta, visitors are immediately drawn into a space that oozes contemporary urban glamour. The venue is fitted out with plush seating, marble-topped tables, and mood lighting that bathes the room in a chic, modern glow. Large windows overlook Rose Street, while sleek accents and metallic finishes add a sophisticated yet edgy feel to the interior. The design pays clear homage to New York’s upscale bar scene, with plenty of Instagram-worthy nooks and vibrant neon signs that offer the perfect backdrop for a night out.

However, the volume levels reflect its Big Apple inspiration—Manhatta is loud and unapologetically lively, making it ideal for the “see and be seen” crowd rather than those hoping for an intimate meal. The ambience is fast-paced and social, designed for mingling and celebrations rather than quiet conversation, making it a hit for larger groups and younger patrons looking to kick off the night with style.

Menu and drinks offering

The food menu offers a contemporary selection of American-inspired dishes with a mix of crowd-pleasers and trendy bites. Expect items like loaded fries, crispy calamari, and an array of gourmet burgers alongside more refined options like steak and seafood platters. The menu aims to balance indulgence with style, catering to those who want elevated comfort food with a twist.

Drinks are undeniably a key feature of Manahatta. The cocktail menu is extensive, featuring a range of expertly crafted drinks inspired by classic New York City flavours and nightlife. Signature cocktails with a twist, including versions of martinis, old fashioneds, and spritzes, are designed to stand out, boasting vibrant colours and creative garnishes that make them ideal for social media snaps. Additionally, the bar offers a range of premium wines, craft beers, and champagne for those looking to celebrate in style.

Who will love it (and who may not)

Manahatta seems tailored to the city’s younger crowds, where those dressed to impress, will feel right at home amid the bustling energy and carefully curated atmosphere. With a high-decibel soundtrack and a packed dance floor after hours, it’s a venue for partygoers and social butterflies. However, for those who prefer a dining experience where conversation flows without shouting or who favour traditional, more intimate settings, Manahatta’s loud and vibrant vibe may not hit the mark.

In essence, Manahatta brings a slice of upscale New York nightlife to Edinburgh’s Rose Street, blending striking design and an energetic atmosphere with an enticing menu and drinks list. For those in search of a party-ready, social dining venue, it’s set to be the latest place to be. But if a quiet meal with conversation is what you’re after, this new hotspot may not be your ideal destination.

Vietnamese street food restaurant, Pho, has opened its second location in Edinburgh’s city centre, bringing its menu of healthy, delicious Vietnamese dishes to Lothian Road.

Pho is the healthy Vietnamese street food restaurant group started by husband and wife team Stephen and Juliette Wall. They opened their first little Pho in London after quitting their jobs, travelling around the world and being inspired by the incredible street food in Vietnam – primarily the country’s national dish, pho.

Pho is the soul of Vietnam, an aromatic, nutritious and delicious rice noodle soup served with a side plate of fresh herbs to add as you please. Pho is brimming with lean meats and fresh ingredients – in fact it’s the perfect comfort food, hangover cure or pick-me-up. The menu draws on the rich flavours and history of Vietnamese cuisine, with every dish made fresh each day. You’ll find amazing sharing starters, spicy salads, wok-fried noodles, fragrant curries, Vietnamese beers, a fab wine list, fresh juices and cocktails made with premium spirits – like their signature Phojito or their twist on an espresso martini made with Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk. Pho’s menu is also great for those who can’t eat gluten (majority of it is certified GF by Coeliac UK), dairy, or meat. Everything is made fresh in-house every day.

The restaurant is Pho’s third site in Scotland, following the success of the first Scottish venue at Edinburgh’s St. James Quarter, and the central Glasgow location on Renfield Street that opened earlier this year to great excitement in the city.

Set in the former Wildwood venue, Pho’s new Edinburgh restaurant, will accommodate 100 covers with an extensive menu featuring street food classics like crispy spring rolls, fresh summer rolls, spicy curries and wok-fried noodles, alongside a variety of pho – like classic beef brisket noodle soup in 12-hour bone broth, deliciously healthy ‘supergreen’ soup or a hot and spicy prawn noodle soup.

As the national dish of Vietnam, pho is known for its perfect balance of twelve-hour broths, lean meats and fresh herbs and spices that make it the perfect day-after saviour, cosy comfort food and wholesome pick me up.

Letter from Nick Carter of Guide Dog Stamps.

Dear Madam,

I am appealing for used postage stamps which help me raise funds which I then donate to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Recycling used postage stamps is such an easy way to raise money for the charity and I am always in need of all types of postage stamps, including  British, Foreign and Christmas stamps.

If you are able to help, I would be grateful if you could cut the stamps from their envelopes (leaving approx 1cm margin around the stamp) and send them to the address below.     

• Guide Dog Stamps 
• PO Box 91
• Virginia Water
• Surrey
• England
• GU25 9AR

If you would like to contact me my email address is stamps4gdftb@live.co.uk

More information about sending stamps to Guide Dogs for the Blind here.

Young Dunfermline star shines at Pettycur’s Got Talent.

Local talent took centre stage at the second annual Pettycur’s Got Talent competition, when 14-year-old Gregor Scott from Dunfermline claimed the top prize with his musical theatre performance. The event, held at Pettycur Holiday Park, showcased twelve acts ranging from opera to Highland dancing.

Gregor, who began singing during lockdown for fun and who now trains with Glasgow Philharmonia’s Movies to Musicals, impressed judges sufficiently to win a 50″ TV. This win marks a step up from his second-place finish last year. The talented teenager, who attends Dunfermline High School, is already making waves in the local theatre scene with upcoming roles in Les Miserables, Legally Blonde, and Chicago. He will perform at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow in spring 2025.

Opera singer, Anna Anandarajah, secured second place, bringing her classical training to the competition while pursuing healthcare studies in Scotland. She said: “the stage has always been my refuge, a place where I can immerse myself in emotion and artistry. Now, as I pursue my studies in healthcare here in Scotland, I find myself on a remarkable journey that blends my passion for music with a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.”

The Sarah Hendry School of Dance took third place with a spectacular Highland Dance performance featuring the sword dance. The school, which runs classes in Benarty and Glenrothes, has previously claimed Scottish, national, European, and world titles.

The event drew an audience of around 300 people and raised £1,200 for charity. The proceeds will be split between the park’s three adopted charities: the RNLI, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the Wolf-Hirschhorn Trust.

“Pettycur’s Got Talent was another fantastic event that everyone who took part in very much enjoyed,” said General Manager Janet Murray. She noted that the fundraising efforts have already reached the halfway mark toward their £2,500 goal to name a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy, with more events planned, including a Christmas Market on 2 November. The park management is considering launching a social media or local school competition to help choose the puppy’s name.

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will present her first budget on Wednesday, and many details have already been leaked.

Ms Reeves said at last week’s meeting of the International Monetary Fund that there will be more money – as much as £50 billion – for investment in infrastructure projects after an overhaul of fiscal rules.

The chancellor also said that she will not use all the extra funds in this, the government’s first budget.

Ian Murray said the Chancellor’s statement on Wednesday will confirm no return to the austerity policies of the Conservative governments. He said that any additional funding for public services in Scotland must reach the frontline – not be lost. He repeated Dame Jackie Baillie’s claim that the SNP have wasted £5 billion over the past 17 years, including an alleged repayment of £450 million to the EU. But The Scottish Government’s information body, SPICE, queried this sum (which requires match funding from the government. In addition The Deputy First Minister said in parliament: ““The programme is not yet complete. By the end of the programme, most of the funding will be spent. The claims that other parts of the United Kingdom will achieve specific levels of spend are also wrong, because their schemes have not closed either. We do not expect Scotland to be markedly different from the level that was achieved in previous schemes.”

Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: “This budget will herald an era of growth for Scotland, after years of damaging austerity from the Tories, made even worse for Scottish public services by the incompetent SNP.

“No one should be in any doubt about the scale of the challenge the Labour government inherited when it comes to the public finances – the Tories left us a £22 billion black hole, emptying the reserves meant for disasters and emergencies three times over by July. Eighteen months on from crashing the economy they were ready to do it all over again.

“While Labour cleans up fourteen years of Tory mess, the SNP created a mess of their own making, having wasted £5 billion over their years in office due to their own buy now, pay later policies. For three consecutive years services have endured emergency in-year cuts from the chaotic SNP.

“Labour will end this short term, populist politics and fix the foundations for the long term. There will be no return to austerity.

“The SNP must ensure any additional funding for public services reaches the front line, bringing down waiting lists in the NHS and raising attainment in our schools – it can’t be used to plug the gaps. Scots rightly expect results.”

Mev Brown, an independent candidate in the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election, has accused The Scottish Government of creating a crisis in Scottish policing while the opposition parties look on.

He claims that damning official figures shows that the average Scottish police officer puts just one individual behind bars every 8 months.

Mr Brown said: “When I talk to serving and retired police officers off the record, they describe themselves as uniformed “tax collectors”, “out of hours social workers”, “taxi drivers”, uniformed “baby sitters”, “ambulance drivers” and uniformed “paper pushers”.

“What I’m told is often hard to believe. On one occasion, an exasperated police officer said they had spent the whole of their last shift looking for minors who were not where they were meant to be.

“On another, an officer told me he issued an on the spot fine to one member of the public who dismissed it as: “an expensive night out”.

“Earlier this year, Jo Farrell, Police Scotland’s chief constable, went on the record about how her force is “overwhelmed” by the “appalling” demands placed on it by other agencies. She has called on other agencies to “step up” and allow the officers to focus on core policing.

“Police officers often tell me: “I joined to put bad people behind bars” but, from what I’m hearing, is law enforcement even a top 5 priority?

“When I tell residents this, there is a range of reactions, anger, apathy, exasperation. But not shock. Most people know public services in Scotland are in crisis, schools, getting a GP appointment, NHS waiting lists, the list goes on.

“My concern is, what is Edinburgh’s social work department doing to ease the strain, if anything? And what of Edinburgh council’s police/community committee?

“Of course, the same question could be asked of the other 31 council committees around Scotland.”

Mr Brown is one of twelve candidates in the by-election being held in the ward on 14 November.

D&G Autocare, the expanding automotive group with 18 garages in Scotland and England, is celebrating the growing success of its apprenticeship programme, which now supports 35 young people starting their careers in the industry.

The scheme, launched in 2020, offers a comprehensive four-year training course that combines practical workplace experience with college education. In a distinctive approach, the company ensures at least two apprentices are placed at each location, creating a supportive peer-learning environment.

Pete Wood, Operations Director for D&G Autocare, said: “The plan was always to aim for at least two apprentices across each garage.

“We have found that this provides additional support to each young person. We’re giving our apprentices the best possible opportunity to study and learn their craft in a supportive environment.” The company has also appointed a full-time Apprenticeship Liaison Manager to provide dedicated support and serve as a single point of contact for all apprentices.

The growth of the programme reflects D&G Autocare’s commitment to developing new talent in the automotive sector. The company, which recently expanded into England with a new garage in Carlisle, Cumbria, provides a wide range of services including MOTs, tyre fitting, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance.

Young people interested in joining the scheme can apply now to the next intake in summer 2025. Applications are being accepted through the company’s online recruitment page at dandgautocare.co.uk/recruitment.

The award-winning garage group’s locations span from East Kilbride, Airdrie, and Rutherglen in the west, through Stirling, Perth, and Tayside, to Edinburgh and the Lothians, serving both private customers and fleet vehicles.

Are you having a clear out before Christmas and looking to earn a little extra cash?

Local charity, LifeCare will be hosting its first community jumble sale on Sunday 10 November at their community hub on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge.

There are still a few spaces left.  

Tables cost £20 each.

Telephone 0131 343 0940 or email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk to book your spot.

On Friday night at the Usher Hall, Music Director Thomas Søndergård conducted the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in three pieces.

The first half consisted of Joseph Haydn’s Symphony Number 82 (The Bear) and Chevalier de Saint- Georges Overture to L’amant anonyme. These are both delightful, easy-listening pieces and were performed with the usual fabulous competence and flair. I definitely entered the interval with a wide smile on my face.

The second half was an outstanding performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto Number 5 (Emperor) by pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja. She last performed with the (then) SNO in 1983!

Her rendition of this wonderful work was magical. Watching her fingers glide over that splendid Steinway keyboard was mesmerising. She seemed to become one with the instrument, where it became difficult to discern where her fingers ended and the ivories began. Wow. My grin was twice as wide and the ovation lasted many minutes.

You can watch the RSNO online – further details here.

UPDATE 27 OCTOBER – Police Scotland report that Selim El-Syed has now been traced safe and well.

Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 58-year-old man reported missing from the Leith area of Edinburgh.

Selim El-Syed was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, 23 October, 2024, in East Hermitage Place and concerns are growing for his welfare.

He is described as around 5ft 4ins, of medium build with short black hair. He may be wearing a yellow jacket and green trousers.

Selim has a bus pass and is known to travel around Edinburgh and further afield by bus.

Inspector Scott Currie said: “We need to make sure Selim is safe and well and we are asking anyone who has seen him or knows where he might be to get in touch.

“If you are out and about please keep an eye out for him and call us if you see him.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1133 of Saturday, 26 October, 2024.

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was injured following a disturbance in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh on Friday, 25 October, 2024. 

Around 10.50pm, officers were called to Rannoch Road where a 23-year-old man was found injured. 

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is being treated for a laceration. 

Enquiries are also ongoing to trace a second man who may have received a minor injury during this disturbance. 

Detective Sergeant Jen Hughes said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and trace everyone involved. 

“If you were in the Rannoch Road area around the time of the incident on Friday night and you haven’t yet spoken to police, I urge you to contact us. 

“I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage or if you have any personal footage that may assist our investigation to please come forward.” 

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 4488 of 25 October. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained. 

Detectives are appealing for information following a robbery at a petrol station at Ferrymuir Gait in South Queensferry. 

Around 2.15pm on Friday, 25 October, 2024, a man was seen the outside station. 

A short time later he entered the premises, presented a bladed article and demanded money. He left with a small sum of cash. 

The male staff member was unhurt and did not require medical treatment. 

The suspect is described as being between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins and of medium build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat with a grey trim, a grey snood which covered his mouth and nose.  

He was also wearing a brown coat with a fur trim collar and cuffs, blue jeans and white trainers. He wore blue gloves with writing on the rear of the left hand, was carrying a black backpack and he spoke with a local accent. 

Detective Sergeant Martin Smith said: “The staff member was understandably shocked at what happened, but thankfully uninjured. 

“Reviewing CCTV is key part of this enquiry and officers are extensively working through all available footage.  

If you have local CCTV or were in the area and have dash-cam footage, please get in touch as you may have captured something that can assist our investigation. 

“Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2072 of 25 October, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.” 

In the heart of Scotland’s ancient forests, a unique winter experience is drawing visitors from far and wide.

Cairngorm Bothies, an award-winning self-catering business, has launched a series of “Star Bathing Parties” that promises to captivate anyone with a passion for astronomy, or simply a love of natural beauty.

Darkness Descends, Magic Unfolds

As part of Visit Aberdeenshire’s Northern Nights campaign, these stargazing events take full advantage of the region’s claim to fame: the darkest skies in Western Europe. On select Friday evenings throughout the winter, guests gather in the Blelack Woods near Aboyne, far from the light pollution of cities, to witness a celestial spectacle that few get to experience in today’s illuminated world.

Dr. Gordon Drummond, owner of Cairngorm Bothies, explains the appeal: “Given our remote location far away from city lights and pollution, the Northern Nights campaign is an ideal fit for us. We preserve the beauty of the Cairngorms, safeguarding the skies that make this region so special, and providing a serene escape where you can reconnect with and marvel at the wonders of nature.”

More Than Just Stargazing

But these aren’t your average stargazing sessions. Cairngorm Bothies has thought of everything to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. Guests are provided with warm blankets, rustic log seating, and red LED head torches to minimize light interference. Hot drinks and stovies (a traditional Scottish dish) from the soon-to-open Airdale Bistro Bar in Logie Coldstone keep participants warm and satisfied.

For those looking to add a little extra warmth to their evening, Lost Loch Spirits, a local artisan distiller, offers tastings of their “quirky, invigorating, and imaginative” range of gins, whiskies, and rums.

A Galactic Education

Don’t worry if you can’t tell Orion from Ursa Major – the knowledgeable staff at Cairngorm Bothies are on hand to guide you through the night sky. They’ll help you use your smartphone to identify constellations and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights or the majestic sweep of the Milky Way.

Booking Your Celestial Adventure

Star Bathing Parties run twice a month until March, coinciding with specific astronomical events and full moons. Tickets are priced at £45 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Interested stargazers can book their spots through the Cairngorm Bothies website.

As Dr. Drummond puts it, “The convivial and cosy atmosphere, as you nestle under a blanket gazing up at the inky sky illuminated by stars, together with first-class food & drink, will surely dictate that a very special and memorable experience is had by all those attending.”

So, if you’re looking for a truly out-of-this-world winter getaway, set your sights on the Cairngorms. With its commitment to sustainable tourism and its unparalleled access to nature’s grandest light show, Cairngorm Bothies offers a stellar experience that’s sure to leave you starry-eyed.

Cairngorm Bothies has created a special link on its website Dark Skies in Aberdeenshire: Stargazing around the Cairngorms (cairngormbothies.co.uk), where tickets for the parties, open to all Bothy guests, and the local community, alike, can be purchased – Star Bathing Party with Cairngorm Excursions at Cairngorm Bothies event tickets from TicketSource. Prices are £45 per person, with children under 12 free. Guests are asked to assemble at Cairngorm Bothies at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. 

Cold Town House in Grassmarket is to host a new autumn beer festival in the city’s Grassmarket on Saturday 9 November to help celebrate Scotland’s independent craft beer scene.

The bar hopes to welcome hundreds of craft beer fans in the heart of the capital from 12pm to 6pm.

This Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival will offer a more autumnal and intimate experience, with nine Scottish craft breweries showcasing their finest seasonal and often darker brews, including Edinburgh’s Campervan, Closet Brewing and Vault City.

From further afield, craft beer fans can also get a taste for Glasgow’s Up Front Brewing and Dookit Brewing, Dundee’s 71 Brewing, Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer and Linlithgow’s Strangers Brewing. 

Cold Town Beer and Fierce Beer will also premier their new collaborative brew, Smoked Session Stout. This beer has an ABV of 4.8%, and the creators say this will be “the perfect tipple for the darker and colder winter months”.

Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to get a close-up view of Cold Town’s microbrewery and meet head brewer, Hayley Ransome between 12pm and 2pm. 

There will be some cosy, autumnal acoustic sets by local musicians, including Jodie Differ from 1.30pm to 3pm and Darren McElver from 4pm to 5.30pm.

Street food favourites and Cold Town’s famous Neapolitan pizzas will also be on sale.

Hayley Ransome, Head Brewer at Cold Town Brewery, said: “After the smashing success of our first event earlier this year, the Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival is back for round two! This time, we’re bringing you a more intimate experience, with local breweries showcasing the finest of their seasonal brews, whilst accompanied by some cosy, autumnal acoustic sets by local musicians.

“Since opening our doors in 2019, Cold Town House has quickly made its name as the home of Cold Town Beer, as well as one of Scotland’s most popular craft beer bars and live entertainment venues. We’re really proud to have our very own taproom and iconic roof terrace with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.”

Hayley added: “At our inaugural festival in May, we saw around 250 craft beer lovers descend on Cold Town House to experience some of the best brews being produced by Scotland’s craft beer industry right now. 

“The Grassmarket is the original home of craft brewing in Edinburgh, dating back to the 18^th century, so we’re determined to celebrate that heritage, as well as introducing some fresh and innovative creations for today’s craft beer drinker.”

Calum Bell from Campervan brewery said:  “The Campervan Brewery crew are really excited to be joining a brilliant group of independent brewers from up and down the country at the Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival. Boutique events like this are the lifeblood of the industry and give us all a chance to showcase our freshest releases and chat all things beer to our supporters and passionate beer fans. Having the festival in the heart of Edinburgh is fantastic – so see you all there!”

Lucy Stevens from Closet brewery said: “As a tiny local brewery, Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival is the exact sort of event we love, showcasing some of the most exciting breweries about at the moment. Cold Town has created the perfect opportunity for breweries like us to share their beers with a brand new audience and we can’t wait to bring a few fan favourites to the table.”

Tickets prices for this autumn’s Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival can be purchased for £10 per person and include entry to the event, a commemorative glass and a half pint token. For more information and to buy tickets, go to https://grassmarketbeerfest.com

Cold Town House 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU https://coldtownhouse.co.uk

A grant of £7,000 from the Morrisons Foundation has been made to The Dove Centre, a social activity centre for older people in Edinburgh.

The funding from the charitable arm of the supermarket has covered the costs of two years’ worth of exercise classes at The Dove Centre, offering gentle fitness sessions to help the physical and mental wellbeing of its older members.

Caroline McKinna, Manager at The Dove Centre said: “We are delighted to have been given a grant from the Morrisons Foundation for a gentle exercise class.

“Our service users benefit enormously from our gentle exercises which target not only physical wellbeing but also mental and cognitive functions. They chat, laugh and move!”

The Dove Centre is dedicated to providing a safe, friendly environment for older people to remain as independent as they can be.  The charity runs a varied weekly programme of classes and activities which is designed to help keep both bodies and minds active as well as serving delicious and nutritious three course meals which are made fresh on the premises each day. 

Knowing that their older members may have difficulties getting to the centre, the charity also offers an accessible door-to-door transport service within their catchment area, ensuring as many people as possible can benefit from the facilities at the Dove Centre.

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said: “Being able to support the vital work of The Dove Centre is a real honour for the Morrisons Foundation.  It’s great that they will be able to continue to provide wellbeing activities for the next couple of years, making a difference to the lives of older members of the community.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives.  Since launching, more than £44 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

This is an invitation to a dinner at Prestonfield House to raise funds to preserve the archive of Richard Demarco who has for so long been an inspiration in Edinburgh. Richard has attended every Edinburgh Festival since 1947, and his papers and collectibles, including artworks, are extensive.

Currently the archive is in storage at Summerhall, but the property is up for sale with an uncertain future. It is now more urgent than ever that the papers – some of which have already been damaged by leaks are moved to a safer place.

Dear Friends of Richard Demarco,

We are thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our very special fundraising dinner at Prestonfield House Edinburgh on Friday 15th November 2024.

This event is crucial as we work to relocate the Richard Demarco Archive and Art Collection, which is currently housed at Robert McDowell’s Summerhall Arts Centre.

In Richard’s 95th year, we want this evening to celebrate his friendships, both old and new. Our dear friend James Thomson has generously offered the beautiful Stables venue, which can accommodate 400 guests. Your support will help us secure a new home for this invaluable archive, recognized by institutions worldwide for its academic significance.

In addition to a delightful dinner, we will host an auction featuring donated artworks, including prints of Richard’s watercolour of Prestonfield House.

Please Click Here to purchase tickets online which are £100 per person and £1,000 for a table of 10

We will be thrilled to have you join us! Please feel free to invite your friends and family, tables can seat up to 12 guests. The evening starts at 6.45pm with carriages at 1am

Tickets include:

• A glass of fizz on arrival
• Sumptuous 3 course Gala Dinner menu
• Wines specially selected by Prestonfield to accompany the meal

Your presence will mean so much to Richard and to all of us involved in this endeavour.

We look forward to an unforgettable evening together.

Terry Ann Newman

Martin Boyle is confident that Hibs can turn around a poor run of form with a positive result in tomorrow’s Edinburgh Derby. 

Both teams go into the game after slow starts domestically and they occupy the bottom two places in the table. 

Despite that, Boyle is remaining calm and insists the squad is full of confidence ahead of Sunday. 

“We need to stick together whether we are winning or losing, unfortunately, we’re down there at the moment but if we stick together, I have the belief that we can turn this around. 

“Football is mad, especially in this league and it can turn on its head very quickly – if you can get a little run together you can be straight back up that table. 

“We have put in the hard yards this week, and hopefully we can get a positive result to get the fans back onside. We need to show them how much this Club means to us, and there is no better game to do it than in the Edinburgh Derby. It is a massive game for us.’’ 

Should he feature, Boyle will be playing in his 19th Edinburgh Derby; a fixture that means so much to the 31-year-old and one he holds many special memories of. 

“I enjoy the build-up, the atmosphere – the passion from everyone is incredible. The first 10 minutes are frantic, and these are the games you want to be playing in. 

“If you can’t get excited for the Derby then what is the point. There are a lot of boys who haven’t played in the fixture before, but I am sure when they walk out onto the pitch those adrenalin levels will rise and they will quickly realise what a magic game it is.” 

Allanwater Homes are hosting a family fun event on Saturday 2 November at their Oaktree Gardens development when they hope buyers may be tempted to “treat” themselves to a new home.

With a mix of three and four-bedroom, energy-efficient new homes on offer, the developer says that homebuyers can get more for their money.

There is a range of helpful deals and price reductions on certain house types in its latest phase of homes, and the housebuilder has opened a new Sidlaw three bedroom detached showhome at the popular location. 

The new Sidlaw showhome (£254,995) is open for viewing Thursday to Monday 11am to 5.30pm. it is proving popular with young families, featuring dual aspect windows in the lounge, and a separate kitchen/dining area. 

Another three bedroom detached villa, the Cheviot, which includes a garage, is now available for £249,995. 

Those in the market for a larger four-bedroom detached villa can opt for the Fintry, now available for £279,995. A spacious home, complete with an open plan designer kitchen by Moores, the Fintry has an attractive dining area, plus a family space. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom has an en-suite and built-in wardrobe, whilst the second bedroom also has a built-in wardrobe. 

Development Sales Manager, Lynn McNair said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young families to take advantage of a range of offers now available at Oaktree Gardens.

“The development has been a real success to date and a thriving community now exists here – meaning that buyers can make the most of a brand new home, whilst enjoying the benefits of an established neighbourhood.

“It’s no secret that the mortgage market has presented some challenges for buyers over the last year and so we hope this will make it a little easier for those looking to make a move into a new home.

“Rather than giving out incentives, we prefer to look at the very best pricing, ensuring that LBTT is at an affordable rate for them too when they buy.”

Buyers at Oaktree Gardens can also take advantage of Allanwater’s enhanced as standard specification across the whole development, which includes a huge raft of money saving features. Many of the homes benefit from integrated appliances in the fully fitted Moores kitchens, not only a standard oven, hob & hood, but also integrated white goods, fridge freezer, washer dryer and dishwasher, as design dictates. 

For additional customer peace of mind, each Allanwater Home has a full two years of aftercare, plus a ten-year Premier warranty, with the first two years covered by Allanwater Homes. 

Constructed with the very latest materials and techniques, and with PV Solar Panels as standard, the properties at Oaktree Gardens offer buyers significant savings on running costs. Phase Nine is being beautifully landscaped by Allanwater Homes to offer families plenty of green space, together with easy access to numerous local amenities. 

Lynn said: “21^st Century contemporary living is here to be enjoyed at Oaktree Gardens. Our thoughtfully designed properties offer plenty of space for home working, plus informal and formal dining – ideal for busy family life. 

“We would encourage those interested in buying a new home to come along and check out our new Sidlaw showhome. They can have a look around the development, have a chat with our sales team and find out what options are available to them.” 

Situated off Dunlin Drive in Alloa, Oaktree Gardens offers a very central location within minutes of the town centre.  Just 8 miles east of Stirling with excellent links to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, the development is ideal for commuters. 

To find out more about Phase Nine of Oaktree Gardens, Alloa, and the new Sidlaw showhome, call Lynn on 07710304482, Thursday to Monday 11am to 5.30pm.  www.allanwater.co.uk 

A village on the outskirts of Edinburgh is to get a new direct bus service to the city centre to serve its growing population.

Lothian Buses’ announcement of the X19 comes following long-standing pleas for better public transport links for Kirkliston.

From the start of December the service will run seven days a week between Winchburgh and Regent Road, via Kirkliston, Newbridge and Maybury.

The new Lothian Country route will “help support growth in the region” and provide “greater journey opportunities” for residents in West Lothian and west Edinburgh, the publicly-owned bus firm said.

Welcoming the news,  local councillor Kevin Lang said many in the village “felt treated as second class citizens” as Lothian offered city centre links from communities located just outside the city such as Dalkeith and Penicuik.

Also relieved to learn passengers using the new service will pay the same £2 fare as people in other parts of the capital, he added: “This is something which had been a real concern in the past.” Passengers travelling between Edinburgh and Winchburgh will be charged an extra pound however.

Edinburgh Bus Users Group (EBUG) said with the volume of housebuilding around west Edinburgh the X19 would become “critical in the near future”.

An existing route between Falkirk and Edinburgh, via Kirkliston, is serviced by private operator Midland Bluebird. However, the addition of Lothian’s service is expected to make bus travel a more viable option for residents of West Edinburgh.

Lothian Buses said: “With new developments in Winchburgh and increasing customer demand in Kirkliston due to significant growth in recent years, a new express service X19 will be introduced to provide direct links to the city 7 days a week.”

“A new night bus service will also be introduced between Edinburgh, Kirkliston and Winchburgh, operating seven days a week.”

Lib Dem councillor Lang, representing the Almond ward, said: “It is wonderful news that Lothian Buses is establishing a direct bus link between Kirkliston and Edinburgh. It comes after years of hard work and local campaigning from people in the community who rightly believed they should get a service like this from the council owned bus company. Many felt treated as second class citizens when Lothian was already offering city centre links from places like Musselburgh, Dalkeith and Penicuik, but not here in Kirkliston.

“It’s even better to hear that passengers using the new service will pay the same price for fares as people in other parts of Edinburgh.  This is something which had been a real concern in the past so I’m really pleased and grateful to Lothian for making sure people in Kirkliston are being treated fairly.

“Improving public transport across rural west Edinburgh has been a huge focus for me and others in the community over recent years.  It’s wonderful to see the pressure paying off.”

An EBUG spokesperson said:”It’s great that Kirkliston and other communities are getting an express bus service with reasonable fares.

“Given the volume of housebuilding around west Edinburgh, services like this will become critical in the near future. It means good bus infrastructure such as all-day bus lanes becomes urgent, so express services don’t get snarled up in general traffic.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Police have made a further five arrests following disorder following the Hibs v Motherwell game on Saturday, 5 October, 2024.

Officers said that incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area of Edinburgh after the conclusion of the game.

Five men aged, 32, 21, 20, 19 and 18 have been arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “These arrests show that disorder is not acceptable. We want to create a safe environment for people before, during and after football matches. We will continue to work closely with both clubs and football authorities.

“The men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and are expected to appear at Court at a later date. Football banning orders will be sought, preventing them from attending any regulated football matches in Scotland.

“Further enquiries are ongoing.”

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime offences committed whilst he was in prison.

Christopher Smith was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston yesterday, Thursday, 24 October, 2024 after pleading guilty to organising the supply of controlled drugs.

Smith’s offences occured at HMP Edinburgh and at addresses across Edinburgh, Inverness and Nairn between March 2018 and November 2019.

He will now spend seven years and five months in prison.

He was also issued with a Serious Crime Prevention Order, which will last for three years, to help prevent him returning to crime when he is released from jail.

Detective Inspector Angus Morrison said: “This conviction and sentencing highlights our ongoing commitment to disrupting the illegal and harmful supply of illegal drugs in our communities.

“I hope it sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.

“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities. Such operations underline our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this issue and make our communities safer.

“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we would continue to urge anyone with knowledge or concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Stories of healing and repair transform the gallery in a new exhibition which opens on Saturday.

Talbot Rice Gallery presents the first UK solo exhibitions by contemporary artists Gabrielle Goliath and Guadalupe Maravilla. 

Goliath’s Personal Accounts and Piedras de Fuego (Fire Stones) by Maravilla, open to the public on Saturday 26 October 2024, and run until Saturday 15 February 2025. Both exhibitions draw inspiration from stories of healing, celebrating the personal endurance that enables individuals to survive, and also thrive, following experiences of trauma.  

South African artist Gabrielle Goliath describes Personal Accounts as a trans-national, decolonial, black feminist project, exploring the many ways people experience and survive patriarchal violence around the world. The exhibition comprises a series of immersive video and soundscapes, charting the lived experience of collaborating survivors.   

Guadalupe Maravilla’s Piedras de Fuego (Fire Stones) looks to the artist’s past. It retraces the journey he took as an eight-year-old undocumented and unaccompanied migrant, fleeing civil war from his home in El Salvador to travel to the USA, together with teachings from healers around the world, his sculptures, paintings and murals instruments of healing.

https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/exhibition/gabrielle-goliath-personal-accounts

https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/exhibition/guadalupe-maravilla-piedras-de-fuego-fire-stones

The Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee met on Thursday to decide the fate of the measures which form part of Corstorphine Connections – and decided to halt the bus gate but retain some of the other measures.

A full report on the meeting is here.

Corstorphine Connections is the council’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) project to create “a safer and more comfortable environment for residents walking, cycling, wheeling and spending time in the local streets and outdoor spaces of Corstorphine”.

There are many component parts to it, and there have been many column inches writing about the various arguments for and against. Low Traffic Corstorphine have been firmly behind the proposals and have issued a response to Thursday’s decision to halt the use of the bus gate on Manse Road.

The bus gate has earned £482,772,74 for the council in the form of fines, but has also cost around £300,000 to repair the criminal damage when the camera pole was cut down, and also when the cables to the camera were cut.

RESPONSE BY LOW TRAFFIC CORSTORPHINE

“Whilst the loss of the Bus Gate on Manse Road is disappointing, given it is a key part of the original goal of reducing rat running intrusive travel through the core part of Corstorphine’s oldest village, and roads which also flank a main local Primary school, the Corstorphine LTN has always been a much bigger project than just one bus gate, and, as such has many other important parts. 

“The media focus on the need for safety and active travel improvements this project has brought, both directly and indirectly, to the Corstorphine community over the last fouryears is unprecedented, and has, one way or another, brought wider attention to the issues here than we’ve had the opportunity to air properly in many decades.

“Whilst it is true the Manse Road Bus Gate has been the most contentious part of the project, there have been many other important and more widely accepted improvements introduced, for example:

• Wider pavements often with bollarded protection and improved crossings on main routes and around the Primary Schools,
• Traffic calming measures to slow traffic in residential streets where many children and parents/carers travel frequently by foot or cycle/wheel.
• Very welcome place-making projects which have improved the local environment with the involvement of the local primary schools, for pedestrians and community spaces, making many areas which were previously hostile to active travellers far more fun, relaxing and safe.
• Measures to reduce intrusive rat running through the Featherhall estate have made this space quieter for residents there, and the general acceptance over time of the ‘pocket park’ at Featherhall Crescent Sth/Nth which provides a much needed spot to stop and sit while walking from one part to another.
• Improvements around the Carricknowe Primary as part of the School Streets programme
• improvements to the shopping space at Carricknowe including a much more convenient direct route to Union Park and safer widened pavements and crossings there too for shoppers & visitors. 

“The loss of the bus gate element will most certainly lead to an increase in intrusive rat running traffic to Manse Road, which, prior to Covid, reached levels of 4000+ vehicles a day – through an unsuitable old village road with narrow pavements – a road even vocal opposers of the project have highlighted as unsafe for pedestrians.  This is not a line of messaging that rings consistent with a safety conscious council whilst elsewhere in the city pushing hard on street safety and reduction of driven miles targets they aim to fulfill by 2030. 

“Most critically, there is no evidence this will make any reduction in peripheral traffic on LTN boundary roads, because the increases reported there over the trial period were by no means fully attributable to the LTN interventions.

“Additionally there appears to be no sense within CEC of the effects on Corstorphine of the inevitable increases in local traffic as a result of the massive developments on our western doorstep which will undeniably increase the levels of traffic locally – if they’ve not already.

“Displacing traffic from boundary routes more capable of dealing with the extra traffic, back to local narrow village routes around residential and school streets is not progress and not the answer for any local community. And it’s certainly not progress for the residents of Manse Road – who will once again be beset by several thousands of vehicles passing or sitting outside their homes every day on a road which has very little space between road and front door, unlike, say, Station Road for example.

“And yet, all is not lost. Other elements within the project have helped to make it safer and more pleasant to travel around by foot and wheel, and the community does indeed, according to local surveys, feel safer to travel more actively. Environmental improvement of the community spaces within the LTN project area has, in our view, made the place more pleasant to live and work in.

“As such we are happy to see the vast majority of the LTN elements retained and we look forward to them being made permanent and in keeping the local Corstorphine environment.

“Low Traffic Corstorphine will continue to encourage and support all efforts to achieve a safer and more sustainably accessible Corstorphine for all who live and work in this local community.”

A new mental health programme which offers a helping hand to people in emotional crisis has won three-year funding in West Lothian.  

The local health and social care partnership agreed a £2.4m contract after a pilot project was set up in March this year. The Distress Brief Intervention programme aims to provide help to those people in acute distress within 24 hours of first contact. 

In a year which saw the number of probable suicides rise across Scotland the initiative is seen as crucial in helping people who feel they have nowhere to turn. 

The number of probable suicides in West Lothian in 2023 was 24, compared to 18 in 2022 and 30 in 2021. 

This increase was reflected of Scotland’s figures which saw an increase from 762 in 2022 to 792 in 2023.  

Health and social care professionals have been working on programmes, which look at suicide risk factors, including poverty and addictions, as well as the help available for those who are in severe emotional distress but who have not been diagnosed with mental illness.   

A report to the recent meeting of the local Integration Joint Board said: “There has long been a gap in our provision for people who do not have a mental illness but present in a distressed state to unscheduled care services such as the Acute Care and Support Team (ACAST) at St John’s Hospital.” 

It added: “Implementing a Distress Brief Intervention Service (DBI) to meet this gap has been an aspiration for some time, with DBI providing an assertive offer of help to those people in acute distress, with an offer of contact within 24 hours.”  

The contract will provide staff for a Community Link Worker and Well-being Practitioner Service. This forms part of the larger West Lothian Community Well-being Hubs Service that is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team including NHS colleagues from Occupational Therapy, Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHN), and Psychology, and is a response to the increased mental health workload of GPs in the locality.   

The report added that link workers will offer front line training to NHS24, Casualty department staff, Police Scotland, Primary Care and Scottish Ambulance Service which involves: “a compassionate response, signposting and offer of referral, seamlessly with confidence and clarity to a DBI Level 2 service.”  

DBI Level 2 is provided by commissioned and trained third sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours of referral and provide compassionate community-based problem-solving support, wellness and distress management planning, supported connections and signposting for a period of up to 14 days.  

In a report to the council’s Health and Social Work Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel this month, Mike Reid General Manager, HSCP Mental Health and Addictions said: “We know from the evaluation of the initial DBI pilots that one in 10 people reported that they may have attempted suicide or continued with suicidal thoughts if DBI had not been offered to them.”  

 The introduction of the DBI programme is part of a broader strategy- the West Lothian Suicide Prevention Programme – which is being developed for 2025-28.  

This plan will build on work already under way in local communities and has objectives including workforce training; support for people affected or bereaved by suicide; prevention responses and maintaining links with national and local programmes.  

The programme also hopes to build better partnerships and relationships with charities, healthcare workers, police and emergency services. 

Recent workshops have included one in July on preventing suicide in public locations which was attended by representatives from Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, Ambulance Services, Adult Protection, Mental Health Services, Third Sector, British Transport Police, Network Rail, and council services covering roads and transportation and parks and open spaces. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

A major new exhibition opens today of some of Scotland’s textile treasures, some of which the public have not had the opportunity to see before.

Partnering with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) the textiles are presented as significant works of art.

The works show 200 years of Scottish domestic interiors looking at embroidery from the NTS collection. Some of the pieces have been restored during the last two years after a research and conservation programme.

There are dozens of pieces of rich embroidery from 1720 to 1920 such as fire screens and tablecloths with drawings to tell their stories.

King George III was monarch during a period of changing styles in architecture and interiors. The expansion of global trade through the East India Company saw design ideas exchanged around the world, whilst the Glasgow School of Art bolstered the position of embroidery as a serious subject of study in the 19th century. Organised thematically, the breadth of artists and works included in ‘Stitched’ will chart these trends and influences through embroidery, situating the works on display in wider design histories. 

The exhibition will open with an examination of the ubiquity of embroidery in Scottish design over these two centuries, exploring how varied the medium was and the range of items that were embroidered, from decorative pieces to domestic furnishings. A primarily amateur pursuit, embroidery crossed the boundaries of socioeconomic status, relatively unrestricted by levels of training, or the availability of materials.

Many of the artists in the exhibition would have been taught by family members, copying originals or creating samplers. Copied from an Italian original, a gold thread work-table cover from Haddo House, c.1890, on display for the first time, was sewn by Mrs Sandison, a self-taught embroiderer and the daughter of an Aberdeenshire crofter. 

The works on display have been selected from key National Trust for Scotland properties including Newhailes House, Drum Castle, House of Dun, The Weaver’s Cottage and the Hill House. Following the exhibition, many of the works included will go on public display in their respective properties for the first time. In the context of Dovecot’s long history of both embroidery and tapestry, and its collaboration with acclaimed artists, the exhibition will encourage a long overdue re-evaluation of this collection as works of art.

Emma Inglis, the National Trust for Scotland’s Regional Curator (South & West) and the creator of this exhibition, said: “The textiles in the exhibition highlight the vibrant trends, influences and personal choices that helped shape the look of the domestic interior in Scotland through 200 years. The makers have been chosen for their high levels of skill and artistry, many of them previously underrepresented in public histories of Scottish needlecraft and interiors.

“The National Trust for Scotland’s mission is to conserve and share Scotland’s rich heritage. By creating this exhibition at Dovecot, we are able to showcase some of the magnificent works within our collection and the care that has gone into conserving them so they can continue to inspire future generations. We’re grateful to the private lenders and different properties who have contributed objects to the exhibition, and to our charity’s members and supporters who make our work possible.”

Dovecot Studios Director, Celia Joicey said: “It is a privilege to have the National Trust for Scotland’s extraordinary collection of domestic textiles shown together for the first time in Edinburgh. They provide an inspiring context in which to see Dovecot’s 21st-century artistic tapestries and rugs being made.”

Victory in the Edinburgh Derby can kick-start Hibs season believes head coach David Gray. 

The first Edinburgh Derby of the season takes place this Sunday (27 October) with both teams joint bottom of the league, but Gray insists victory in this fixture can go a long way in turning the season around. 

“What lies ahead for us is a fantastic opportunity,” Gray told Hibs TV. 

“There is a real sense of frustration and anger surrounding recent results, but there is a togetherness and belief that we can turn it around. 

“We have to stick together during this time, making sure we work harder than we have ever worked before and seeing the opportunity this weekend; and how quickly our season can turn around if we get three points on Sunday.” 

This will be Gray’s first Edinburgh Derby as Head Coach, but he is no stranger to the fixture, having featured 10 times during his playing days. 

“The players have got an opportunity to try and get in the team for what I believe is the greatest fixture as a Hibs player. 

“What better way to kickstart your season than with a home game in front of a sold-out crowd against your local rivals. It is a challenge that they should all look forward to and embrace. 

“I was very fortunate to play in this fixture a few times. These are the games that you look forward to as a player, and the ones you miss being a part of when you aren’t on the pitch. Derby week is the week that I always miss playing. 

“The players need to understand the magnitude of this fixture and realise how good these games can be. Right from the first minute, the crowd will be right behind us and they can really drive us forward. 

“When the game starts, one thing you can’t do is get caught up in the emotion of it all. You need to be calm amongst the chaos, and the minimum requirement is 100% effort from absolutely everybody involved.” 

An East Lothian distillery faced the ‘vexing’ question of whether yoga is a sport as it faced demand for classes at its visitors centre.

Glenkinchie Distillery wanted to introduce the activity at the centre and outdoors but after discussions with East Lothian’s licensing officers could not  decide if it was a sporting or spiritual activity and in the end applied for a change to their licence to allow it.

And a meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board this week heard that after deciding to change its licence it looked at other events it could hold submitting a wide range of future activities from Pilates to ceilidhs and events offering refreshment stops to bigger cycling and running events.

The board heard the change in events planned for the visitors centre which has operated at the distillery for nearly 20 years were all inspired by the plan to start a yoga class.

A spokesman for the distillery said: “The catalyst for this was quite simply yoga. The centre said there was a demand for indoor classes and outdoors weather permitting and the landscaped gardens are a great venue for that.

“This got us thinking about what other changes we could bring in and I had a conversation with licensing officers around whether yoga was a sport, which is a permitted event, and this got us into a very vexed question about if it was a sport or a spiritual activity or both.

“Where we got to was that it was better to come to the board and include it as a specific activity rather than sport and that is what got us started on a variation application.”

A report to the board from its licensing standards officer said the new licence would include allowing dancing facilities and charity events, talks, lectures and demonstrations along with ‘holistic wellbeing activities including yoga and Pilates” as well as ceilidhs and being either start, finish or stopping points for races.

A single objection was lodged over the changes from a local resident who said: “I take particular exception to the proposal to become involved with cycling and running events as not only will they have large numbers of people and vehicles on site but these will also cause congestion and dangerous driving conditions in the surrounding areas.”

The board’s licensing standards officer said she had not received any complaints about the premises which was well run.

Board convenor Lachlan Bruce said: “I am happy with this application. In terms of whether yoga is a sport I will leave that to others.”

The board approved the variations to the licence unanimously.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

This is the most up to date list of roadworks, road closure and events leading to road closures or diversions for traffic in Edinburgh for the next week or so.

If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel or otherwise you can check on the Scottish Roadworks register which is a comprehensive list of places to avoid.

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

Any new works or events are marked in blue and include the SGN works at Craiglockhart which have already begun. Read the full list below – which is arranged according to council Ward.

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The coolest new bar in town, the Ice Bar will have tables, chairs and glasses sculpted entirely from ice.

Edinburgh’s Christmas have announced today that the unique pop-up bar experience created in partnership with Hamiltons Ice Sculptors and supporting partners Essential Edinburgh, will be ready to welcome patrons on George Street. The environment will be kept to a chilly -8°C. Visitors can stay cosy the whole time with warming jackets and gloves which will be provided on arrival to top up what they are already wearing.

Inside the Polar Ice Bar, guests will enjoy delicious festive alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, served in an individual pre-carved ice glass, with your first drink included in entry ticket.

Visitors can also take in the bar’s beautiful, engraved ice walls and sculptures featuring winter forests and wildlife, providing the perfect insta-moment for friends and family with group bookings available.

Brand new for Edinburgh’s Christmas in 2024, the Polar Ice Bar is the perfect spot for a cool drink or two with friends, or a cool start to your Christmas party night-out! Warm-up afterwards in George Street’s Coorie Inn, a brand-new Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction hosting a programme of live music, events, and festive workshops, soon to be announced. There are also an incredible array of surrounding bars and restaurants to create the perfect festive night out.

Hamiltons Ice Sculptors’ expert artists will hand carve everything in the bar with sculptures made from crystal clear ice using recycled rainwater.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Polar Ice Bar is open to over 18s and bookable for 30-minute sessions on edinburgh-christmas.com

Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We are thrilled to present the Polar Ice Bar, a brand-new attraction for Edinburgh’s Christmas and the city that is guaranteed to get visitors in the festive spirit. Wrap-up warm and come join us for the coolest cocktail in town.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “The Polar Ice Bar will be a great new attraction for George Street. As a brand new concept for the city centre it will draw people in to experience something completely different, and then move on to enjoy a drink in our established ‘warm’ bars and restaurants.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. For further information and to buy tickets, please go to edinburgh-christmas.com

Scottish Water is advising road users and residents in Haymarket, Edinburgh of roadworks to enable emergency repairs to a collapsed sewer.

From Friday 25 October, a stretch of Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound (cycle lane will be closed eastbound and westbound) from Coates Gardens up to a point just past Rosebery Crescent.

Cyclists and motorists are advised to follow local diversions. Measures will be put in place to enable safe pedestrian access.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We’ve had to extend the scope of ongoing emergency sewer repair works in Rosebery Crescent which means these roadworks are now required on a short stretch of Haymarket Terrace.

“We appreciate it is going to be inconvenient for people living in and travelling through the area, but this really is the only way we can carry out the repair works safely.

“We will work with affected businesses and residents to help minimise the impact of the emergency works. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to complete these emergency repairs as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Tram operations will be unaffected and businesses in the area are open as normal.

Scottish Water is liaising closely with Edinburgh City Council’s events planning team in relation to upcoming international rugby games being held at Murrayfield Stadium. Working with partners, the publicly-owned utility say they will work to determine how best to ensure the safety of pedestrians expected to use this area at peak times on match days, while ensuring work continues and repairs can be completed as soon as possible.